JP4954825B2 - Dust collector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dust catcher catching dust by supplying water, which can catch submicron fine dust, and postprocesses supplied water without causing burden on a user to increase. <P>SOLUTION: The vacuum cleaner 100 has a body portion 5, a distribution channel to make air containing dust flow into the body portion 5 from outside, a brush motor portion 530 arranged in the body portion 5 so as to be connected to the distribution channel and causing suction air in the distribution channel, and a cyclone dust catching portion 550 arranged in the distribution channel and separating dust from the suction air generated by the brush motor portion 530 and catching the dust, and a moist supply portion 560 supplying water particles of 50 &mu;m in average particle size in the distribution channel upstream of the position where the cyclone dust catching portion 550 is arranged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a dust collector, and more particularly to a dust collector that collects dust by supplying water so as to be applied to, for example, a wet vacuum cleaner.

  Conventionally, the vacuum cleaner is classified into a dry type vacuum cleaner and a wet type vacuum cleaner, and in the cyclone type vacuum cleaner, there are a dry type cyclone vacuum cleaner and a wet type cyclone vacuum cleaner.

  In a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, the intake air containing dust is sent in the circumferential tangential direction of the cylindrical cyclone dust collecting chamber, and the centrifugal force separates the air that is gas and the dust that is solid. Remove.

For example, a wet cyclone vacuum cleaner described in Japanese Patent No. 3158044 (Patent Document 1) includes an atomizing unit that atomizes water by ultrasonic vibration means, and atomized by the atomizing unit. Water is introduced into the intake pipe side of the cyclone dust collection chamber by the suction force of the suction motor. Since it is configured in this way, atomized water is supplied so as to descend spirally from above the cyclone dust collection chamber, so that the air containing the dust and the atomized water are mixed, and the atomized water is adsorbed to the dust. However, it is described in the above publication that dust agglomeration can be enhanced and fine dust can be efficiently collected.
Japanese Patent No. 3158044

  In recent years, interest in submicron-sized fine dust such as asbestos has increased, and there is a demand for collecting fine dust. With such a background, it is expected that submicron-sized fine dust will be collected by a vacuum cleaner.

  In the conventional wet cyclone vacuum cleaner, submicron-sized particles are mainly collected by a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particle Air Filter). In order to collect fine dust of submicron size using another filter such as a HEPA filter, the eyes of the filter must be made fine. However, if the filter is made finer, the power consumption increases as the pressure loss increases in the intake air, and the maintenance burden on the user such as cleaning the HEPA filter increases. There is a problem that the efficiency of the suction force is deteriorated.

  Moreover, in the conventional wet cyclone vacuum cleaner, water is atomized by the ultrasonic vibration means. In the atomization of water by ultrasonic vibration means, the particle diameter of the atomized water varies in the range of 5 μm to 70 μm, so that submicron-sized fine dust of the level currently required is aggregated and collected. Is difficult.

  Furthermore, in the atomization of water using the ultrasonic vibration means in the conventional wet cyclone vacuum cleaner, the particle diameter of the atomized water varies in the range of 5 μm to 70 μm. However, it is adsorbed on the inner wall of the cyclone dust collecting chamber, and moisture remains in the cyclone dust collecting chamber. For this reason, there are problems such as the propagation of fungi, generation of mold, and off-flavor in the cyclone dust collection chamber. In order to deal with this problem, the user must remove moisture remaining in the cyclone dust chamber after cleaning. In addition, it is difficult for the user to know from the outside whether the water remains in the cyclone dust collection chamber or whether the dust is still wet. For this reason, there are problems such as growth of fungi, generation of mold, generation of a strange odor, an increase in burden on the user by cleaning the cyclone dust collection chamber more than necessary, and an increase in maintenance time.

  In order to solve this problem, a measure of drying using a heating method such as electronic heating can be considered.

  However, since this measure uses a heating means such as electronic heating, the power consumption increases, leading to a burden on the user such as an increase in electricity bills, and further to deterioration of the global environment.

  In addition, in the conventional vacuum cleaner, the air containing dust sucked by the suction blower passes through the rotating part and the brush part of the motor to cool the motor, and discharges the heat to the outside of the cleaner main body. It is configured as follows. For this reason, when heating by electronic heating or the like as described above, since the heated airflow passes through the motor portion, the motor is not sufficiently cooled, and the suction work rate is reduced due to the reduction in motor performance. As a result, there are problems such as a reduction in cleaning efficiency, a burden on the user such as an increase in electricity bills, and a reduction in motor life.

  In addition, in the conventional wet cyclone vacuum cleaner, in order to supply a water | moisture content, it must always be stored in the water supply tank as a water | moisture-content supply part. For this reason, if the water in the water supply tank is not used up after cleaning, excess water causes the growth of fungi, the generation of mold, and the generation of a strange odor. Thereby, it takes time and effort to put water into the water supply tank every time cleaning is performed and to discard the water after cleaning, which increases the burden on the user. Also, since cleaning is performed with more water than necessary in the water supply tank, the weight of the vacuum cleaner body becomes heavy, and it becomes difficult for the user to handle when cleaning. The burden of. Furthermore, there is a problem that water that has not been used for cleaning is wasted, leading to an increase in water bills and eventually to deterioration of the global environment.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to collect sub-micron-sized fine dust in a dust collector that collects dust by supplying water, and does not increase the burden on the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dust collector capable of easily performing aftertreatment of water.

A dust collecting device according to the present invention is disposed in a main body, a flow passage for allowing dust-containing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the main body, and connected to the flow passage. Than the position where the cyclone dust collecting part is arranged in the flow path, the cyclone dust collecting part separating and collecting the dust from the intake air generated by the blower, and the water being atomized A water particle supply unit that supplies water particles having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less is provided in the upstream flow passage to increase the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles .

  In this way, by supplying water particles having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less to the flow path upstream from the position where the dust collecting portion is disposed, fine particles having an outer diameter of at least 0.5 μm or more and 1.0 μm or less. It is possible to collect not only dust consisting of but also dust consisting of fine particles having an outer diameter of 0.5 μm or less. Further, since the supplied water is composed of water particles having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less, the water supplied during operation is easily removed by evaporation or drying, so that the post-treatment of water can be performed more easily.

Dust collector of the present invention further includes a dust amount detection section for detecting the amount of dusts, dust amount detection section, based on the amount of detected dust, water particles supply unit amount of water to be supplied It is preferable to determine.

  In this way, the dust amount detection unit determines the amount of water supplied by the water particle supply unit based on the detected amount of dust, so that the water particle supply unit supplies water according to the amount of dust. Therefore, it is not necessary to store more water than necessary in the water particle supply unit. Thereby, water can be removed from the dust in a shorter period by evaporation or drying, so that the water can be post-treated more easily. In addition, the weight of the dust collector main body does not increase due to water storage.For example, when the dust collector of the present invention is applied to an electric vacuum cleaner, the operability such as difficulty in handling when cleaning is performed. Since it does not deteriorate, the burden on the user is reduced. In addition, since unnecessary water is not left in the water particle supply unit, water is not wasted, the economic burden on the user due to the increase in water bills is reduced, and the global environment is prevented from deteriorating. it can.

  The dust collector of the present invention further includes a dry state detection unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the position where the dust collection unit is disposed, and that detects the dry state by detecting the amount of moisture contained in the airflow, It is preferable that the supply of water particles by the water particle supply unit is stopped after the particle supply unit supplies water particles until the dry state detection unit detects the dry state.

  By comprising in this way, it can prevent that a water | moisture content remains in a dust collection part. For this reason, it is possible to dry the dust and the passage such as the flow path through which the dust passes and the inner wall of the dust collecting part, so that the growth of fungi, the generation of mold, the generation of a strange odor, etc. in the dust collecting part can be prevented. Can do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a dust collector that collects dust by supplying water, submicron-sized fine dust can be collected and without increasing the burden on the user. The post-treatment of the supplied water can be easily performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vacuum cleaner as an example of the dust collector of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the suction port 1 of the vacuum cleaner 100 sucks dust on the floor surface F together with intake air. One end of a straight cylindrical suction pipe 2 is connected to the outlet side of the suction port 1. The other end of the suction pipe 2 is connected to one end of a connection pipe 3 having a handle and slightly bent in the middle. One end of a bendable suction hose 4 is connected to the other end of the connection pipe 3. Furthermore, the main body 5 of the vacuum cleaner 100 is connected to the other end of the suction hose 4.

  The main body 5 includes a casing 510 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and a wheel 520 that is rotatably provided on a side surface of the casing 510 and supports the casing 510 movably on the floor surface F. In 510, a dust collector, a suction fan, an electric dust collector, a cord reel, a control circuit for controlling energization of the suction fan, and the like, which will be described later, are housed.

  In addition, in FIG. 1, the flow of the airflow containing dust is shown by the arrow. The airflow flowing in from the suction port 1 as indicated by the arrow P flows through the suction pipe 2 in the order of the connection pipe 3 and the suction hose 4 as indicated by the arrow Q, and then the main body portion as indicated by the arrow R. As shown by arrow S, the air is exhausted to the outside of the main body 5 after being sucked into the interior 5 to remove dust and cooling the motor. The suction port 1, the suction pipe 2, the connection pipe 3, and the suction hose 4 constitute a part of a flow path for allowing air containing dust to flow from the outside to the inside of the main body 5.

  As the dust collection unit, a dust bag method and a cyclone method are known.

  In a vacuum cleaner equipped with a cyclone dust collecting part as a dust collecting part, the dust is separated and collected by centrifugal separation by the cyclone dust collecting part in the vacuum cleaner body, and the dust is collected and cleaned. Exhaust outside the machine. Further, since the dust collection efficiency of the cyclone dust collecting portion is reduced in principle for dust having an outer diameter of less than several μm, fine dust is discharged without being collected. Therefore, a high-performance dust collection filter for preventing dust from entering a brush motor, which is an example of a suction blower, is disposed upstream of the brush motor.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the main body when the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1 is a cyclonic vacuum cleaner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the cyclone type vacuum cleaner, in the housing 510, a brush motor unit 530 that is an example of a suction blower, a HEPA filter 540 disposed on the upstream side of the brush motor unit 530, and A cyclone dust collecting unit 550, which is an example of a dust collecting unit, is disposed. The brush motor unit 530 is connected so as to communicate with the suction hose 4 constituting a part of the flow path, and is disposed in the housing 510 to generate intake air in the flow path through the suction hose 4. The cyclone dust collecting unit 550 is disposed in the flow path, and separates and collects dust from the intake air generated by the brush motor unit 530.

  The cyclone dust collecting unit 550 is connected to the accumulation chamber 551, the inlet cylinder 552 disposed on the upstream side of the accumulation chamber 551, the outer cylinder 553 disposed on the downstream side of the accumulation chamber 551, and the downstream side of the outer cylinder 553. The connecting cylinder 554 is configured. A suction hose 4 constituting a part of the flow path as a suction path is connected to an inlet tube 552. The space inside the outer cylinder 553 and the accumulation chamber 551 is formed to communicate with each other. The connecting cylinder 554 that constitutes a part of the flow path is connected to the brush motor unit 530 via the HEPA filter 540.

  The intake air including the dust that has flowed into the cyclone dust collecting portion 550 flows into the accumulation chamber 551 from the inlet tube 552. The intake air flowing into the accumulation chamber 551 becomes a swirling airflow because the accumulation chamber 551 has a cylindrical shape, and forms a forced vortex region near the central axis and a quasi-free vortex region on the outer periphery thereof, while its path structure and gravity. Will flow downward. At this time, since the centrifugal force acts on the dust, for example, dust having an outer diameter of 3 μm or more is pressed against the inner wall of the accumulation chamber 551 to be separated from the intake air, and collected in the accumulation chamber 551 along the descending airflow. Thereafter, the air flow turns upward and flows into the HEPA filter 540 through the outer cylinder 553 and the connecting cylinder 554.

  The cyclone dust collection unit 550 has a high collection efficiency for dust of several μm or more, but is not very effective for collecting dust of a size smaller than this. Therefore, fine dust that cannot be collected by the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is collected by the HEPA filter 540.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the water particle supply unit communicates with the flow path upstream of the position where the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is disposed, and in this example, communicates with the inlet cylinder 552. A moisture supply unit 560 is arranged. The moisture supply unit 560 adds moisture to the dust collected in the cyclone dust collection unit 550. The water supply unit 560 supplies water particles having an average particle diameter of 50 μm or less in a water mist form. In the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inventors have intensively studied that the water particles having such a limited particle diameter are added to the dust by the moisture supply unit 560, and the results of the following experiments are as follows. It is made based on the knowledge by.

  FIG. 10 shows an experimental result that is the basis of the configuration of the dust collector of the present invention. In the case where the same amount of water is supplied from the water supply unit 560 in the main body of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. The average particle diameter [μm] of water and the fineness of the outer diameter ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 μm, 0.2 to 0.3 μm, 0.3 to 0.5 μm, and 0.5 to 1.0 μm, respectively. It is a figure which shows the relationship with the ratio by which the dust particle | grains are collected by the cyclone dust collection part 550. FIG. The horizontal axis is a logarithmic representation of the average particle diameter of the water particles to be supplied, and the vertical axis is the dimensionless collection rate of dust in the cyclone dust collection section 550. The measurement for obtaining this experimental result is based on the performance measuring method for household vacuum cleaners defined in JIS C 9802. As a particle counter for measuring the number of fine dust particles, model number KC-18 manufactured by RION, which can measure the number of particles having an outer diameter of 0.1 μm or more, was used.

  From the experimental results shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that when the same amount of water is supplied, the cyclone collection rate tends to increase as the average particle size of the water decreases. The collection rate of submicron-size dust tends to increase remarkably as the average particle diameter of the supplied water decreases.

  When the average particle diameter of the supplied water is 50 to 10 μm, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles of 0.5 μm or more is particularly improved, and the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles is greatly increased.

  When the average particle size of the supplied water is 10 μm or less, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles of 0.5 μm or less, which is very difficult to collect, as well as fine particles of 0.5 μm or more is remarkably improved. The cyclone collection rate of submicron particles is significantly increased.

  The above experimental results are estimated as follows.

  The closer the average particle diameter of the water to be supplied is to sub-micron size dust, the closer the mass of water particles is to dust, and the closer the centrifugal force acting on the water particles is to dust. For this reason, in the cyclone dust collecting section 550, the trajectory through which the supplied water passes and the trajectory through which the dust passes become closer, and the probability of contact with the dust increases, so that the effect of agglomeration due to moisture increases, and the cyclone collection rate increases. improves.

  In addition, the smaller the average particle size of the supplied water, the higher the ratio of the surface area of the water to the amount of water, and the higher the probability of contact between the dust and the water surface. The rate is improved.

  Furthermore, since the ratio of surface molecules / atoms to internal molecules / atoms increases as the particle size of powders and fine particles becomes smaller, the influence of surface energy on wetting / adsorption / aggregation increases. For this reason, it is considered that the smaller the particle size of the supplied water, the greater the influence of surface energy, the higher the effect of wetting, adsorbing and agglomerating with submicron-sized dust, and the improvement of the cyclone collection rate.

  Furthermore, aggregation of fine dust is promoted by a liquid crosslinking force due to the added water. Fine dust originally has the property of easily agglomerating due to intermolecular force, van der Waals force, etc., and once agglomerated with the help of moisture, it is considered that the moisture will not disperse even if dried. .

  In addition, although the above experimental results are the results when using a cyclone type vacuum cleaner, the centrifugal force is not used, for example, even when using a dust bag type direct dust collecting type vacuum cleaner, It is considered that the same result as above can be obtained.

  Based on the above experimental result, each embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which is an example of the dust collector of this invention is described.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, the water supplied from the water supply unit 560 in the main body of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 2 is water atomized to an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less.

  As a method for spraying water having an average particle diameter of 10 μm or less, for example, atomization ability (spraying) such as centrifugal humidification, blower two-fluid nozzle method, compressed air general-purpose two-fluid method, compressed air dry fog two-fluid method, etc. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt the commercially available water spray apparatus whose quantity is about 2000 milliliters / hour. For example, water is atomized to an average particle size of 10 μm or less by spraying water pressurized with compressed air with a compressed air pressure of about 0.3 MPa into the air through a small hole in the nozzle using a compressed air general-purpose two-fluid system. To do.

  According to the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1 which is an example of the dust collector of the present invention, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles is significantly increased. The cyclone collection rate of submicron particles of 0.5 μm or less, which is very difficult to collect as well as fine particles of 0.5 μm or more, is remarkably improved. As a result, the discharge amount of a wide range of sub-micron particles (particularly finer sub-micron particles) that are said to have an adverse effect on the human body can be significantly suppressed, and a healthier cyclone vacuum cleaner can be obtained.

  In addition, since submicron particles can be collected in the cyclone dust collecting section, the burden on the HEPA filter is reduced, there is no increase in power consumption accompanying an increase in pressure loss, and the frequency of cleaning the HEPA filter is reduced. The burden on the user can be reduced, and the maintenance efficiency can be increased.

  Furthermore, since the supplied water has an average particle size of 10 μm or less, the water supplied during operation is easily evaporated and easily dried. For this reason, the cyclonic vacuum cleaner which is easy to evaporate and is easy to dry is obtained.

  Furthermore, since moisture in the dust is removed by drying to some extent during a certain period of operation, moisture hardly remains in the cyclone dust collection unit, causing bacterial growth, mold generation, and offensive odor in the cyclone dust collection unit. A wet-type cyclone vacuum cleaner that is unlikely to cause problems such as the occurrence of water is obtained. In addition, since moisture in the dust is removed by drying to some extent during operation for a certain period of time, it is difficult for moisture to remain in the cyclone dust collection part, so maintenance that removes moisture after cleaning can be reduced. A cyclone vacuum cleaner is obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the structure of the main body of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 2, the supplied water is atomized to an average particle size of 10 μm or less and a maximum particle size of 50 μm or less, so-called dry fog. Supply the size of water.

  As a method for spraying water having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and a maximum particle size of 50 μm or less, for example, the atomization capability (spray amount) of a two-fluid system for compressed air dry fog is about 2000 ml / hour. A commercially available water spray device may be employed. For example, in a two-fluid system for compressed air dry fog, water that is pressurized with compressed air having an air pressure of about 0.3 MPa is sprayed into the air from a small hole in the nozzle, so that the water has an average particle size of 10 μm or less. And atomized to a maximum particle size of 50 μm or less. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this case, by supplying water atomized to an average particle size of 10 μm or less and a maximum particle size of 50 μm or less, the water particles do not get wet in the path through which dust passes, such as the inner wall of the cyclone dust collection unit 550.

  Here, “wetting” means the spread of the liquid in contact with the solid surface. In the “wetting” process, the surface of the solid comes into contact with the liquid and creates a solid-liquid interface, so various factors such as contact area and adhesion energy, surface / interface free energy and contact angle are related to “wetting”. Come. In the case of water, if the elastic modulus is constant, the smaller the particle diameter, the smaller the contact area and adhesion energy, and the less likely it is to get wet.

  In the case of water in the dry fog region, since the particle size of water is very small, the contact area and the adhesion energy are very small, and the water particles do not adhere to the solid surface, so that the solid surface is not wetted. For this reason, the water particles do not get wet in the path through which dust passes, such as the inner wall of the cyclone dust collecting portion 550.

  However, in powder and fine particles, the smaller the particle size, the greater the ratio of surface molecules / atoms to internal molecules / atoms, so that the influence of surface energy on wetting / adsorption / aggregation increases. For this reason, in the case of contact between water in the dry fog region and dust particles in the submicron region, the influence of the surface energy is more dominant than the contact area, adhesion energy, surface / interface free energy, contact angle, etc.・ Adsorption and aggregation occur.

  According to the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, since water particles do not wet the path through which dust passes, such as the inner wall of the cyclone dust collecting unit 550, moisture can be efficiently added only to the dust, The aggregation effect is further increased as compared with the first embodiment, and the collection efficiency of the submicron-sized particles is further increased.

  Further, since the inside of the path through which the dust passes, such as the inner wall of the cyclone dust collecting portion, is not wetted by the supplied water, there is no problem of dust adhering to the wall surface or the like and becoming a slurry. Therefore, a very clean wet cyclone vacuum cleaner is obtained.

  Furthermore, since the inside of the path | route where dust passes, such as the inner wall of a cyclone dust collection part, does not get wet with the supplied water | moisture content, the water | moisture content for agglomerating dust can be supplied without waste. For this reason, the amount of supplied water can be saved. Thereby, the wet cyclone vacuum cleaner which can save the time required for maintenance, such as reducing the frequency | count of replacement | exchange of water etc., is obtained.

  Furthermore, since the inside of the path through which the dust passes, such as the inner wall of the cyclone dust collecting unit 550, does not get wet by the supplied moisture, the moisture of the dust is more likely to dry within a certain period of operation, and the cyclone dust collecting unit A wet cyclone vacuum cleaner is obtained in which moisture is less likely to remain in the 550, and problems such as the growth of bacteria, generation of mold, and the generation of a strange odor in the cyclone dust collecting unit 550 are less likely to occur.

(Embodiment 3)
In Embodiment 3 of this invention, the water of the average particle diameter of 50 micrometers or less is supplied from the water | moisture-content supply part 560 in the main-body part 5 of the vacuum cleaner shown by FIG.

  As a method for spraying water having an average particle size of 50 μm or less, for example, atomization ability (spraying) such as centrifugal humidification, blower two-fluid nozzle method, compressed air general-purpose two-fluid method, compressed air dry fog two-fluid method, etc. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt the commercially available spraying apparatus whose quantity is about 2000 milliliters / hour. For example, water is atomized to an average particle diameter of 50 μm or less by spraying water pressurized with compressed air with an air pressure of about 0.3 MPa into the air through a small hole in the nozzle using a compressed air general-purpose two-fluid system. To do. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this case, since the average particle diameter of the water to be atomized is larger than that of the first embodiment, the spray device has a simple configuration and is inexpensive.

  According to the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles is increased, and in particular, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles of 0.5 μm or more is improved.

  In addition, an effect close to that of the first embodiment can be obtained with an inexpensive and easy-to-implement configuration. In the cyclone collection rate of sub-micron particles having an outer diameter of 0.5 μm or more, substantially the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, moisture is added to the dust collected by the cyclone dust collection unit 550 by the moisture supply unit 560. A dust amount detection unit 570 is disposed in a cyclone dust collection unit 550 as a dust collection unit, and detects the amount of dust. The amount of water added to the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is the amount of water calculated from the amount of dust estimated by the dust amount detection unit 570. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The dust amount detector 570 detects the volume of dust collected in the cyclone dust collector 550 and estimates the amount of dust from the volume of dust. Specifically, as an example, the height of dust accumulated from the bottom surface of the dust cup in the cyclone dust collecting unit 550 is detected by a sensor including an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving unit, and the detected dust height The amount of dust (weight) is calculated based on the volume of the dust cup.

  The water content is calculated based on the following experimental results.

When 1 milliliter of water is added per 1 g of dust, air having a flow rate of 1.5 m ³ / min is allowed to flow through the dust collecting part for 7 minutes, that is, sufficiently dried with 10.5 m ³ air (drying rate [ %] = (Weight of dust before adding water) / (weight of dust after adding water) = 90 [%]. Based on this result, the amount of moisture that can be sufficiently dried is calculated with respect to the amount of dust calculated above.

  Thus, the amount of moisture calculated from the amount of dust can be dried for a certain period of time (within 7 minutes, which is the duration of use of the vacuum cleaner per cleaning) by the airflow flowing through the vacuum cleaner. This is the optimum amount of moisture that can be aggregated with moisture.

  According to this embodiment, since the moisture supplied from the moisture supply unit 560 is the optimum amount of moisture according to the amount of dust, the dust can be dried in a shorter drying period.

  In addition, since the water supplied from the water supply unit 560 is an optimal amount of water according to the amount of dust, it is not necessary to store more than necessary water. For this reason, the weight of the vacuum cleaner main body does not increase, and when performing cleaning, there is no deterioration in operability such as difficulty in handling, and a wet cyclone vacuum cleaner with less burden on the user can be obtained. .

  Furthermore, since the water supplied from the water supply unit 560 is an optimal amount of water according to the amount of dust, it is not always necessary to store water in the water supply unit 560 that supplies water. For this reason, a large amount of water does not remain in the water supply unit 560, and waste of water can be prevented, thereby preventing a user's economic burden due to an increase in water bills, and thus deterioration of the global environment.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the dust amount detection unit 570 is disposed in the suction path, which is a flow path upstream of the cyclone dust collection unit 550 as a dust collection unit, in this example, the suction hose 4. Yes. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The dust amount detection unit 570 includes, for example, an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving unit, and detects dust contained in the airflow passing through the suction path upstream of the cyclone dust collection unit 550. By integrating the output of dust detection for each sampling time, the amount of sucked dust is estimated. The amount of water added to the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is the amount of water calculated from the amount of dust estimated by the dust amount detection unit 570. The calculation method of the amount of dust and the amount of moisture is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  In addition, the dust amount detection unit 570 described above is not limited to the configuration including the infrared light emitting element and the light receiving unit, and may be configured using, for example, an infrared laser.

  According to this embodiment, the amount of sucked dust can be estimated by detecting dust contained in the airflow passing through the suction path. The same effect as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the dust amount detection unit 570 is not arranged in the cyclone dust collection unit 550, the airflow flows more complicated than in the case of the fourth embodiment in which the dust detection unit 570 is arranged in the cyclone dust collection unit 550. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform accuracy reduction due to dust clogging in the dust amount detection unit 570, increase in the error of the estimated dust amount, maintenance when the dust is clogged, and the like.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the dry state detection unit 580 is arranged on the downstream side of the position where the cyclone dust collection unit 550 as the dust collection unit is arranged, and detects the amount of water contained in the airflow. By doing so, the dry state is detected. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, the moisture supplied from the moisture supply unit 560 does not need to be calculated based on the amount of dust, so that the dust amount detection unit is unnecessary.

  The dry state detection unit 580 is configured using, for example, a humidity sensor, and detects the dry state by comparing the external humidity and the humidity of the airflow downstream of the cyclone dust collection unit 550. Then, after the water supply unit 560 supplies water to the dust accumulated in the cyclone dust collection unit 550, the water supply by the water supply unit 560 is stopped until the dry state detection unit 580 detects the dry state.

  Accordingly, moisture does not remain in the cyclone dust collecting unit 550, and dust and a path through which dust such as the cyclone dust collecting unit 550 passes can be dried. Also, the drying time can be controlled by the output of the dry state detection unit 580.

  In addition, the dry state detection part 580 is not limited to the structure using a humidity sensor, You may be comprised with thermistor and the other apparatus which can detect the moisture content in an airflow.

  The dry state detection unit 580 is not limited to the case of being arranged as in the present embodiment, and may be arranged upstream of the motor as long as it is downstream of the cyclone dust collection unit 550.

  According to this embodiment, since the inside of the path through which the dust and the dust such as the cyclone dust collector 550 pass can be surely dried, no moisture remains in the cyclone dust collector 550, and the cyclone dust collector 550 A wet-type cyclone vacuum cleaner that does not cause problems such as the growth of fungi, the generation of mold, and the generation of off-flavors can be obtained.

  Moreover, since water does not remain in the cyclone dust collecting part 550 after cleaning, a cyclone vacuum cleaner that does not require maintenance for removing moisture after cleaning can be obtained.

  In addition, the humidity sensor that constitutes the dry state detection unit is cheaper than the infrared light emitting device that constitutes the dust amount detection unit, and the dust amount detection unit is not necessary in this embodiment, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. be able to.

  Furthermore, since the drying time can be controlled by the output of the dry state detection unit, the drying after the moisture supply can be performed more efficiently and more accurately.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the dust amount detection unit 570 is disposed in the cyclone dust collection unit 550, and the dry state detection unit 580 is disposed downstream of the position where the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is disposed. To do. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The function of the dust amount detection unit 570 is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment, and the function of the dry state detection unit 580 is the same as that described in the sixth embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, the supplied water is supplied to the cyclone dust collecting unit 550 with the optimum water amount calculated from the dust amount, and the dry state detecting unit 580 detects the dry state of the airflow after supplying the water. Therefore, drying after supplying water can be performed more efficiently and more accurately. That is, the effect achieved in Embodiment 6 can be achieved more effectively.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the dust amount detection unit 570 is disposed in the flow path upstream of the position where the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is disposed, and the dry state detection unit 580 is disposed where the cyclone dust collection unit 550 is disposed. It arrange | positions rather than downstream. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The function of the dust amount detection unit 570 is the same as that described in the fourth embodiment, and the function of the dry state detection unit 580 is the same as that described in the sixth embodiment.

  According to this embodiment, the optimum moisture amount calculated from the dust amount is supplied to the cyclone dust collection unit 550, and the drying state of the airflow can be detected after the moisture supply by the drying state detection unit 580. In particular, it is possible to perform drying after supplying moisture with higher accuracy.

  Further, when the dust detection unit 570 is arranged in the cyclone dust collection unit 550 as in the case of the seventh embodiment, since the airflow is flowing in a complicated manner, the accuracy decreases due to dust clogging in the dust amount detection unit 570 or the like. In addition, although it is necessary to perform an error increase of the estimated dust amount, maintenance when the dust is clogged, etc., according to the eighth embodiment, these problems can be solved, and the drying effect is more effective than the seventh embodiment. It can be further increased.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the cyclone dust collecting unit 550, a dust collecting unit 590 including a HEPA filter 591 is disposed on the downstream side of the motor. Moreover, the dry state detection part 580 is arrange | positioned downstream from the position where the cyclone dust collection part 550 is arrange | positioned. Other configurations are the same as those of the eighth embodiment.

  In this embodiment, since the dust collection part 590 is in the downstream of a motor, it is dried with the airflow warmed with the heat of the motor. The dry state detection unit 580 also detects the dry state of the air flowing through the cyclone dust collection unit 550.

  According to this embodiment, since the drying is performed by the air current warmed by the heat of the motor, the efficiency of drying is dramatically increased.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a moisture supply unit applied to the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner as one embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the moisture supply unit 560 includes a moisture condensation unit 561, a moisture flow passage 562 through which moisture obtained by the moisture condensation unit 561 circulates, a moisture measurement unit 563 that measures moisture, and a moisture supply pipe. 565, a valve 564 disposed inside the moisture supply pipe 565, and an atomizing unit 566 that atomizes moisture.

  The moisture dew condensation unit 561 cools the air by using electronic cooling, for example, a Peltier element or the like, condenses moisture in the air, and acquires moisture. The moisture obtained by the moisture dew condensation unit 561 is measured by the moisture metering unit 563, and when the valve 564 is opened, the amount of moisture supplied is controlled and the moisture is supplied to the atomizing unit 566. The atomizing portion 566 is connected so as to communicate with the inlet tube 552 as shown in FIG.

  For example, the moisture measuring unit 563 detects the height of water using a sensor including an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving unit, and calculates the water volume.

  The valve 564 is configured to be opened when the moisture amount calculated by the moisture metering unit 563 reaches the optimum moisture amount calculated in the fourth embodiment.

  In addition, as a means for supplying water, the intake pressure of the motor may be used, or, for example, using a device for supplying a small amount of water configured by a micropump or the like in the fourth embodiment. You may supply the calculated optimal moisture content.

  By using the water supply unit 560 configured as described above, the water supplied to the cyclone dust collecting unit can be obtained without supplying water.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to always store water in the moisture supply section that supplies moisture, a large amount of water does not remain in the moisture supply section, and wet processing that does not cause bacterial growth, generation of mold, and generation of off-flavors A cyclone vacuum cleaner is obtained.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to always store water in the water supply part that supplies water, there is no need to attach a water storage part, so the weight of the vacuum cleaner body does not increase, and it is handled when cleaning. Thus, a wet-type cyclonic vacuum cleaner that does not deteriorate the operability such as being difficult to remove and has a low burden on the user can be obtained. Moreover, manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, since there is no need for the user to supply water, a time-saving wet-type cyclonic vacuum cleaner can be obtained in which water is put into the moisture supply unit every time cleaning is performed and the water is discarded after cleaning. Since there is no need to supply water, it is possible to prevent the user from burdening the economy due to an increase in water bills, and thus the deterioration of the global environment, without wasting water.

(Embodiment 11)
Embodiment 11 demonstrates the effect when the structure of this invention is applied to an air cleaner as an example of a dust collector.

  By supplying water atomized to a maximum particle size of 50 μm or less and an average particle size of 10 μm or less, the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles that cannot be completely collected even in a high-performance dust collection filter is remarkably increased. In particular, the collection rate of submicron particles in the region of 0.5 μm or less which is very difficult to collect is remarkably improved. As a result, submicron particles, which are said to have an adverse effect on the human body, can be largely collected, and a healthier air cleaner can be obtained.

  Aggregation of fine dust is promoted by the liquid crosslinking force caused by the added water. Fine dust originally has the property of easily agglomerating due to intermolecular force, van der Waals force, etc., and once agglomerated by the assistance of moisture, it is considered that the moisture does not disperse even if dried. Thereby, an air cleaner having a high collection rate of fine dust that cannot be completely collected even by a high-performance dust collection filter can be obtained.

  In addition, the above-described effect can suppress re-scattering that occurs when dust collected in the dust collection unit is removed.

  In the case of dust having a relatively low specific gravity such as cotton dust, compression is promoted by the addition of moisture, so that more cotton dust can be collected in the dust collecting portion. It is considered that the cotton dust once compressed with the help of moisture retains the compressed state to some extent even when the moisture is dried. Thereby, the air cleaner which can collect many dusts by a dust collection part is obtained.

  As in the embodiment of the vacuum cleaner described above, the supplied moisture is removed by drying within a certain time by setting the supplied moisture to the optimum moisture amount calculated from the dust amount. Thus, an air purifier can be obtained in which moisture does not remain in the dust collecting section and does not cause problems such as the growth of fungi, the generation of mold, and the generation of off-flavors.

  In addition, by making the supplied moisture the optimum moisture amount calculated from the amount of dust, the supplied moisture is dried by the airflow flowing in the air purifier within a certain time, so a heating method such as electronic heating is used. do not need. For this reason, there is no increase in power consumption, and it is possible to obtain an economical and environmentally friendly air purifier that does not cause a burden on the user such as an increase in electricity bills, and thus does not deteriorate the global environment.

  Furthermore, since the supplied moisture is dried by the airflow flowing in the air purifier within a certain time, a heating method such as electronic heating is not required, and thus a problem that has occurred when heating is performed by electronic heating or the like. Is resolved. That is, as the problem that the motor is not sufficiently cooled because the heated airflow passes through the motor portion, the cleaning efficiency is reduced due to the reduction of the suction work rate due to the reduction of the motor performance, and the electricity cost is thereby reduced. It is possible to obtain an air cleaner that does not cause problems such as a burden on the user such as an increase and a reduction in motor life.

  In the above embodiment, the vacuum cleaner and the air cleaner have been described as examples to which the dust collector of the present invention is applied, but at least a dust collector that separates dust from the intake air using a blower is provided. If so, the dust collector of the present invention can be applied to various devices. Moreover, the dust collector of this invention can be applied not only to a cyclone type vacuum cleaner but also to a dust bag type vacuum cleaner, and can achieve the same effects as the above-described effects.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a vacuum cleaner as an example of the dust collector of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part in case the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1 is a cyclone type vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the main-body part of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the water | moisture-content supply part applied to the main-body part of a vacuum cleaner as one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the average particle diameter of the supplied water | moisture content, and the ratio by which the fine dust particle | grains are collected in a cyclone dust collection part as an experimental result used as the foundation of the structure of the dust collector of this invention. .

Explanation of symbols

  100: Vacuum cleaner, 4: Suction hose, 5: Main body part, 510: Housing, 530: Brush motor part, 550: Cyclone dust collecting part, 560: Water supply part, 561: Water condensation part, 570: Dust amount Detection unit, 580: Drying state detection unit.

Claims (3)

The body,
A flow path for allowing air containing dust to flow from the outside to the inside of the main body;
A blower disposed in the main body so as to be connected to the flow passage, and generating intake air in the flow passage;
A cyclone dust collecting part that is arranged in the flow passage and separates and collects dust from intake air generated by the blower;
In order to increase the cyclone collection rate of submicron particles , water particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less are formed in the water passage in the upstream side of the position where the cyclone dust collecting portion is arranged. A dust collector comprising a water particle supply unit for supplying. It further includes a dust amount detection unit for detecting the amount of dust,
The dust collection device according to claim 1, wherein the dust amount detection unit determines an amount of water supplied by the water particle supply unit based on the detected amount of dust. It further includes a dry state detection unit that is disposed downstream of the position where the dust collection unit is disposed and detects the dry state by detecting the amount of moisture contained in the airflow,
After the water particle feeding section is supplied with water particles, until the dryness detecting unit detects the dry state to stop the supply of the water particles by the water particle supply section, to claim 1 or claim 2 The dust collector described.

Images