JP5108972B2 - Cyclone dust collector, vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cyclone dust collecting device for centrifugally separating dust by swirling sucked air in a dust collecting container, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the cyclone dust collecting device, and more particularly to filtering air after dust has been centrifuged. The present invention relates to a technique for removing dust from a filter.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called cyclonic vacuum cleaner having a cyclone dust collecting device that centrifuges dust by swirling sucked air in a dust collecting container is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, the cyclone dust collector is provided with a filter for further filtering the air after the dust is centrifuged. As a result, fine dust that has not been centrifuged is collected by the filter.
By the way, in the said vacuum cleaner, the suction | inhalation air volume falls by the clogging of the said filter. Therefore, in order to maintain a high dust collecting power, it is necessary to remove the filter to prevent clogging.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a filter is rotated by air swirling in a dust collecting container, and a dust hitting member is brought into contact with the filter during the rotation. Thus, the dust is removed from the filter when the air is swirling in the dust collecting container.

JP 2004-249068 A

  However, in the configuration using the air swirling of the dust collecting container, the rotational force of the filter is weak. For this reason, there is a possibility that lint, hair, or the like is entangled between the filter and the dust hitting member and the filter does not rotate. In this case, the filter is not dust-removed and a high dust absorption force cannot be maintained.

  Moreover, in the said structure, rotation of a filter is restricted at the time of execution of dust collection operation | movement. However, when the dust collecting operation is being performed, an air flow downstream occurs with respect to the filter. Therefore, even if the dust hitting member is brought into contact with the filter during the dust collecting operation, there is a problem that the dust attached to the filter is difficult to remove.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to reliably and effectively remove the dust from the filter for further filtering the air after the dust is centrifuged in the dust collecting container. Another object is to provide a cyclone dust collecting device that can be used in a vacuum and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the same.

  An electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a cyclone dust collecting device that centrifugally separates dust from the sucked air by swirling, and the cyclone dust collecting device contains a dust collecting container that contains the centrifugally separated dust. And an inner cylinder disposed in the dust container and having an exhaust port for discharging air after the dust is separated in the dust container, and disposed above the inner cylinder and exhausted from the inner cylinder An upper filtering member that filters air and an upper housing that covers an upper portion of the upper filtering member are provided.

  Then, the air after the dust is separated in the dust collecting container passes upward through the inner cylinder and the upper filtering member, and is exhausted through the upper housing.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a cyclone dust collector is comprised so that attachment or detachment is integrally possible from a cleaner body.

  The cyclone dust collecting device preferably further includes a dust removing member that applies vibration to the upper filtering member and drops dust attached to the upper filtering member to the inner cylinder side by the applied vibration.

  The end of the inner cylinder opposite to the upper filtration member is open, and the dust centrifuged in the dust collection container and the dust dropped from the upper filtration member are accommodated in the bottom of the dust collection container. Is preferred.

  The cyclone dust collecting device further includes a dust receiving portion that is disposed above the inner cylinder and receives dust dropped from the upper filtering member, and the dust receiving portion is an opening that slides the dust falling from the upper filtering member into the inner cylinder. And an inclined surface that expands upward from the opening.

  According to the present invention, the dust removing member is rotated by the dust removing member rotation driving means, and the upper filtering member is intermittently vibrated to thereby remove dust from the upper filtering member. At this time, intermittent vibration applied from the dust removing member to the upper filtering member is transmitted to the inner cylinder connected to the dust removing member so as to be integrally rotatable. Therefore, dust removal of the inner cylinder filtering member of the inner cylinder can be performed simultaneously.

  Furthermore, the cyclone dust collecting apparatus according to the present invention rotates the dust removing member by the dust removing member rotation driving means such as a motor, and does not utilize the swirling of the air in the dust collecting container. Therefore, it is possible to remove the dust from the upper filtering member and the inner cylinder filtering member in a state where the dust collecting operation by the electric vacuum cleaner on which the cyclone dust collecting device is mounted is not performed. Thus, in the cyclone dust collector, automatic dust removal of the upper filtration member and the inner cylinder filtration member can be performed reliably and effectively, and a high dust absorption force can be maintained for a long time.

The external view of the vacuum cleaner X which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the internal structure of the cyclone dust collector Y which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the internal structure of the cyclone dust collector Y which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the dust rotation part 123 provided in the cyclone dust collector Y which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the upper filter unit 13 provided in the cyclone dust collector Y which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the two contact parts 132a in the filter dust removal member 132. FIG. The figure for demonstrating the infrared sensor 20 provided in the vacuum cleaner X which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the procedure of the dust collection operation | movement control process performed in the vacuum cleaner X which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Side sectional drawing of the cyclone dust collector Y1 which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. CC sectional view taken on the line in FIG. The sectional side view which shows the modification of cyclone dust collector Y1 which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. EE arrow sectional drawing in FIG. The sectional side view of the cyclone dust collector Y2 which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 13. The sectional side view which shows the modification of cyclone dust collector Y2 which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. The figure which looked at the dust rotation part 123 in FIG. 15 from the side surface.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a vacuum cleaner X according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views for explaining an internal structure of a cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a dust rotating unit 123 provided in the cyclone dust collector Y according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram of the cyclone dust collector Y according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the two contact portions 132a in the filter dust removing member 132, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the vacuum cleaner X according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure of the dust collection operation control process executed in the electric vacuum cleaner X according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the schematic configuration of the electric vacuum cleaner X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vacuum cleaner X is schematically configured to include a vacuum cleaner main body 1, an intake port 2, a connection pipe 3, a connection hose 4, an operation handle 5 and the like. The vacuum cleaner main body 1 incorporates an electric blower V, a cyclone dust collecting device Y, a control device Z, etc. (not shown). The cyclone dust collector Y will be described in detail later.

  The electric blower V has a blower fan for performing intake air and a blower drive motor that rotationally drives the blower fan. The control device Z includes control devices such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls the electric vacuum cleaner X in an integrated manner. Specifically, in the control device Z, the CPU executes various processes according to a control program stored in the ROM.

  The operation handle 5 is provided with an operation switch (not shown) for allowing the user to operate the vacuum cleaner X and to select an operation mode. A display unit (not shown) such as an LED for displaying the current state of the electric vacuum cleaner X is also provided in the vicinity of the operation switch.

  The cleaner body 1 is connected to the intake port 2 via the connection hose 4 connected to the front end of the cleaner body 1 and the connection pipe 3 connected to the connection hose 4. ing.

  In the electric vacuum cleaner X, the electric blower V (not shown) built in the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is operated, whereby intake from the intake port 2 is performed. Then, the air sucked from the intake port portion 2 flows into the cyclone dust collector Y through the connection pipe 3 and the connection hose 4. In the cyclone dust collector Y, dust is centrifuged from the sucked air. The air after the dust is separated by the cyclone dust collector Y is exhausted from an exhaust port (not shown) provided at the rear end of the cleaner body 1.

Hereinafter, the cyclone dust collector Y will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y includes a casing 10, a dust collecting container 11, an inner cylinder 12, an upper filter unit 13, a dust receiving portion 14, a dust removal drive mechanism 15, and the like. It is configured.

  In the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y, the dust collecting container 11, the inner cylinder 12, the upper filter unit 13, and the dust receiving portion 14 are arranged coaxially with a central axis P as a center. The cyclone dust collector Y is configured to be detachable from the cleaner body 1.

  The dust collecting container 11 is a cylindrical container for storing dust separated from the sucked air. The dust container 11 is configured to be detachable from the casing 10 of the cyclone dust collector Y. After the user removes the cyclone dust collector Y from the cleaner body 1, the user removes the dust collector 11 from the cyclone dust collector Y and discards the dust in the dust collector 11. An annular seal member 161 is provided between the casing 10 of the cyclone dust collector Y and the dust container 11. The seal member 161 prevents air leakage between the housing 10 and the dust collecting container 11.

  Further, a fitting portion 11 a that fits into a bottom cylinder 123 c described later provided in the inner cylinder 12 is provided at the bottom of the dust collecting container 11. An annular seal member 11b for filling a gap between the inner cylinder 12 and the bottom cylinder 123c is provided on the outer periphery of the fitting part 11a. The seal member 11b prevents air leakage between the bottom cylinder 123c and the dust collecting container 11.

  Further, the dust collecting container 11 is provided with a connecting portion 111 to which the connecting hose 4 (see FIG. 1) is connected. Air sucked from the intake port 2 through the connection pipe 3 and the connection hose 4 flows into the dust collecting container 11 from the connection unit 111.

  Here, the air inlet (not shown) of the connecting portion 111 to the dust collecting container 11 is formed so that the air from the connection hose 4 swirls in the dust collecting container 11. Specifically, the air inlet (not shown) is formed such that the outlet on the dust collecting container 11 side faces the circumferential direction of the dust collecting container 11. Therefore, in the dust collecting container 11, the dust contained in the air is separated (centrifugated) by centrifugal force by swirling the sucked air. The dust centrifuged in the dust collection container 11 is stored in the bottom of the dust collection container 11 (dust D1 in FIGS. 2 and 3).

  On the other hand, the air after the dust is separated is exhausted from the dust collection container 11 to the outside through an exhaust port (not shown) provided in the cleaner body 1 along the exhaust path 112. Here, on the exhaust path 112 from the dust collecting container 11 to the exhaust port (not shown), the inner cylinder 12, the dust receiving portion 14, and the upper filter unit 13 are arranged in this order.

  The inner cylinder 12 is a cylindrical member disposed in the dust collecting container 11. Here, the inner cylinder 12 is rotatably supported by the dust receiver 14. Specifically, the inner cylinder 12 is rotatable by an annular recess 12a provided at the upper end of the inner cylinder 12 being supported by an annular support part 14c provided at the lower end of the dust receiving part 14. It is suspended in a state. Here, the dust receiver 14 is an example of a rotation support means. In addition, the structure which supports the said inner cylinder 12 rotatably is not restricted to this. For example, it is conceivable as an example to support the upper and lower ends of the inner cylinder 12.

  Furthermore, a plurality of connecting portions 12b that engage with engaging portions 134c provided on an inclined dust removing member 134, which will be described later, are provided at the upper end of the inner cylinder 12. The connecting portion 12b is a rib provided so as to protrude upward at the opening edge of the upper end of the inner cylinder 12. The inner cylinder 12 is connected to the inclined dust removing member 134 so as to be integrally rotatable by the engagement of the connecting portion 12b and the engaging portion 134c. As a result, the inner cylinder 12 rotates in conjunction with the inclined dust removing member 134. The connection structure of the inner cylinder 12 and the inclined dust removing member 134 is not limited to this. For example, the structure connected so that integral rotation is possible by fitting the fitting part provided in each of the said inner cylinder 12 and the said inclination dust removal member 134 is considered.

  Further, an inner cylinder exhaust port 121 for exhausting the air after the dust is separated in the dust collecting container 11 toward the upper filter unit 13 is formed in the upper part of the inner cylinder 12. The inner cylinder exhaust port 121 is provided with a cylindrical inner cylinder filter 122 (an example of an inner cylinder filtering member) that covers the entire inner cylinder exhaust port 121. The inner cylinder filter 122 filters air passing through the inner cylinder exhaust port 121.

  For example, the inner cylinder filter 122 is a mesh air filter or the like. The inner cylinder filter 122 may be provided either inside or outside the inner cylinder exhaust port 121. Further, a configuration in which a mesh-like hole is formed in the inner cylinder 12 instead of the exhaust port 121 and the inner cylinder filter 122 is also conceivable. In that case, the mesh holes function as the inner cylinder exhaust port 121 and the inner cylinder filter 122.

  On the other hand, a dust rotating portion 123 for rotating the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is provided at the lower portion of the inner cylinder 12.

  Here, the dust rotating unit 123 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIGS. 2 and 3. 4A is a perspective view of the dust rotating unit 123, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the dust rotating portion 123 is provided with a rotating blade 123 a, a dust compressing portion 123 b, a bottom cylinder 123 c, and a partition plate 123 d.

  The bottom cylinder 123 c is a hollow cylinder fitted to the fitting portion 11 a provided at the bottom of the dust collecting container 11. As described above, the seal member 11b (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is interposed between the bottom cylinder 123c and the fitting portion 11a.

  The bottom cylinder 123c is provided with four rotary blades 123a protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the bottom cylinder 123c. Each of the rotating blades 123a comes into contact with dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated as will be described later. As a result, the dust in the dust collection container 11 rotates and moves in the dust collection container 11.

  Further, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated, the rotary blade 123 a rotates while compressing dust with the dust collecting container 11. In the cyclone dust collector Y, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated, the dust compressing unit 123b also compresses dust with the dust collecting container 11. Thereby, the dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 is condensed. According to such a configuration, the amount of dust that can be accumulated in the dust container 11 can be increased. Therefore, for example, the dust container 11 can be downsized.

  The partition plate 123d vertically partitions the hollow portions of the inner cylinder 12 and the bottom cylinder 123c. However, the partition plate 123d is provided with an opening 123e and a slope 123f. Accordingly, the hollow portions of the inner cylinder 12 and the bottom cylinder 123c communicate with each other through the opening 123e.

  The slope 123f is an inclined surface formed so as to be gradually inclined downward in the same direction as the air swirling direction in the dust collecting container 11. The opening 123e is formed at the lower end of the slope 123f.

  With such a configuration, when air is swirled in the dust collecting container 11 and air swirl is similarly generated in the inner cylinder 12, dust on the partition plate 123d (dust D5 in FIGS. 2 and 3) It slides down into the bottom cylinder 123c along the slope 123f (dust D6 in FIGS. 2 and 3). As a result, the dust that has fallen to the lower part of the inner cylinder 12 is prevented from rising upward again.

  On the other hand, the air after being filtered by the inner cylinder filter 122 of the inner cylinder 12 is guided to the upper filter unit 13 through the inner cylinder 12.

Here, the upper filter unit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 in addition to FIGS. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the upper filter unit 13 as viewed from above, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the upper filter unit 13 as viewed from below.
The upper filter unit 13 includes a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) 131, a filter dust removing member 132, an inclined dust removing member 134, and the like.

  The HEPA filter 131 is a kind of air filter that further filters the air exhausted from the inner cylinder 12 and flowing on the exhaust path 112. Here, the HEPA filter 131 is an example of an upper filtration member. The HEPA filter 131 is composed of a set of a plurality of filters arranged and fixed in an annular shape around the central axis P. Each of the plurality of filters is fixed to a framework as shown in FIG. 5B, for example. Further, the plurality of filters included in the HEPA filter 131 are arranged in a pleat shape in which unevenness is repeated in a substantially horizontal direction. Thereby, the filter area in the HEPA filter 131 is sufficiently secured. An annular seal member 162 is provided between the lower end of the HEPA filter 131 and the housing 10. Thereby, air leakage between the HEPA filter 131 and the housing 10 is prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a hollow portion 131 a into which a connecting portion 133 provided in a filter dust removing member 132 described later is fitted is formed in the center of the HEPA filter 131. The hollow portion 131a is provided with a support portion 131b that rotatably supports the connecting portion 133.

  As described above, in the cyclone dust collector Y, the dust collecting power is enhanced by filtering the air in two stages of the inner cylinder filter 122 and the HEPA filter 131.

  However, if dust accumulates on the HEPA filter 131 and becomes clogged, the air passage resistance increases. Therefore, there is a possibility that the load of the electric blower V (not shown) becomes large and the dust absorption force is reduced. Therefore, the upper filter unit 13 is provided with the filter dust removing member 132 for removing dust adhering to the HEPA filter 131.

  The filter dust removing member 132 is rotatably supported by the support portion 131 a provided at the center of the HEPA filter 131. Specifically, the filter dust removing member 132 is provided with a connecting member 133 that is rotatably supported by the support portion 131a.

  In addition, the inclined dust removing member 134 is screwed into the connecting portion 133 with a screw 133b in a screw hole 133a provided in the connecting portion 133. Accordingly, the filter dust removing member 132 and the inclined dust removing member 134 are connected so as to be integrally rotatable. An annular seal member 163 that fills the gap is provided between the inclined dust removing member 134 and the HEPA filter 131. Accordingly, air leakage between the inclined dust removing member 134 and the HEPA filter 131 is prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the filter dust removing member 132 includes two contact portions 132a disposed at predetermined intervals along the HEPA filter 131 so as to contact the upper end portion of the HEPA filter 131. have. The contact portion 132a is a leaf spring-like elastic member. The contact portion 132a is not limited to a leaf spring-like elastic member. The contact portion 132a may be one or more.

  The filter dust removing member 132 is formed with a gear 132b on the outer periphery thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gear 132 b is meshed with a gear 15 a provided in the dust removal drive mechanism 15 provided in the cyclone dust collector Y.

  Here, the dust removal drive mechanism 15 is connected to a speed reducer connected to a drive motor (not shown) provided on the cleaner body 1 side (hereinafter referred to as “dust removal drive motor”) and to the speed reducer. A gear 15a is provided. In the dust removal drive mechanism 15, the rotational force of the dust removal drive motor is transmitted to the gear 15a via the speed reducer. The rotational force of the gear 15a of the dust removal drive mechanism 15 is transmitted to the gear 132b. Thereby, the filter dust removing member 132 is rotated. Here, the dust removal drive motor and the dust removal drive mechanism 15 are examples of dust removal member rotation drive means.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the filter dust removal member 132 is rotated by the dust removal drive motor will be described as an example, but the filter dust removal member 132 is manually rotated instead of the dust removal drive motor. Providing a mechanism that can be considered is another possible embodiment.

  When the filter dust removing member 132 is rotated, each of the two contact portions 132a provided in the filter dust removing member 132 intermittently collides with the HEPA filter 131 formed in a pleat shape to give vibration. Accordingly, the dust adhering to the HEPA filter 131 is knocked down by the vibration applied from the filter dust removing member 132. Note that the timing at which the dust removal drive motor (not shown) is operated is preferably, for example, before or after the start of the dust collection operation in the electric vacuum cleaner X. Thereby, the dust removal of the HEPA filter 131 can be effectively performed in a state where there is no downstream airflow in the HEPA filter 131 due to the intake air by the electric blower V.

  Here, the example of arrangement | positioning of the two contact parts 132a in the said filter dust removal member 132 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the upper filter unit 13 as viewed from above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the two contact portions 132a of the filter dust removing member 132 are arranged so as to contact the HEPA filter 131 at the same timing. In such a configuration, the two contact portions 132a collide with the HEPA filter 131 at the same time.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 6B, the two contact portions 132a of the filter dust removing member 132 are arranged so as to contact the HEPA filter 131 at different timings. In such a configuration, the number of vibrations applied to the HEPA filter 131 can be doubled as compared to the case where they are simultaneously contacted as shown in FIG. Thereby, the high dust removal effect of the HEPA filter 131 can be obtained. In addition, the instantaneous maximum torque required to rotate the filter dust removing member 132 can be reduced, and a small motor can be adopted as the dust removal driving motor (not shown).
In addition, when it has many contact parts 132a, you may comprise so that the contact part 132a which contacts at the same timing and the contact part 132a which contacts at different timings may be mixed.

By the way, the dust (dust D2 in FIGS. 2 and 3) removed from the HEPA filter 131 by the filter dust removing member 132 falls and is received by the dust receiving portion 14 provided below the HEPA filter 131 ( Dust D3 in FIGS.
The dust receiving portion 14 is disposed between the filter dust removing member 132 and the inner cylinder 12, and has a mortar-like member having an inclined surface 14b that expands upward from an opening 14a provided at the center thereof. It is. The opening 14a is connected to the inside of the inner cylinder 12 disposed below the opening 14a.

  As described above, the dust receiving portion 14 supports the inner cylinder 12 in a rotatable manner. Specifically, an annular support portion 14c fitted to an annular recess 12a provided at the upper end of the inner cylinder 12 is provided at the lower end of the edge portion of the opening 14a of the dust receiving portion 14. Thereby, the inner cylinder 12 is suspended in a rotatable state by the dust receiver 14.

Dust (dust D3 in FIGS. 2 and 3) dropped from the HEPA filter 131 to the dust receiving portion 14 slides into the inner cylinder 12 from the inclined surface 14b through the opening 14a. However, if the dust adhering to the inclined surface 14b remains without sliding down, when the electric blower V (not shown) is operated, the dust on the inclined surface portion 14b is again sucked by the intake air. It will adhere to 131.
Therefore, the cyclone dust collector Y includes the inclined dust removing member 134 (an example of a dust removing member) in order to more reliably guide dust attached to the inclined surface 14b of the dust receiving portion 14 into the inner cylinder 12. Is provided.

  Here, the inclined dust removing member 134 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 (b).

  The inclined dust removing member 134 is provided with two dust removing blades 134b each having a brush 134a at the tip. Each of the brushes 134a is in contact with the inclined surface 14b of the dust receiving portion 14 (see FIG. 3).

Further, as described above, the inclined dust removing member 134 is connected to the filter dust removing member 132 so as to be integrally rotatable. Therefore, when the filter dust removing member 132 is rotated, the inclined dust removing member 134 is also rotated simultaneously with the rotation.
When the inclined dust removing member 134 is rotated, each brush 134a of the dust removing blade 134b rotates while being in contact with the inclined surface 14b. Thereby, the dust adhering to the inclined surface 14b can be removed by each brush 134a and guided into the inner cylinder 12.

However, dust that has fallen into the inner cylinder 12 from the inclined surface 14b may adhere to the inner surface of the inner cylinder filter 122 (dust D4 in FIGS. 2 and 3).
If suction is performed by the electric blower V (not shown) while dust is attached to the inner surface of the inner cylinder filter 121, the dust will adhere to the HEPA filter 131 again. Therefore, the cyclone dust collector Y further adopts a configuration for removing dust adhering to the inner cylinder filter 121.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5B, an engaging portion 134c that engages with the connecting portion 12b provided in the inner cylinder 12 is provided at the lower end of the dust removing blade 134b. It has been. As described above, the inclined dust removing member 134 and the inner cylinder 12 are connected so as to be integrally rotatable by the engagement of the connecting portion 12b and the engaging portion 134c. Therefore, when the filter dust removal member 132 is rotated by the dust removal drive motor (not shown) and the inclined dust removal member 134 is rotated, the inner cylinder 12 is also rotated simultaneously. That is, the inner cylinder 12 is connected to the filter dust removing member 132 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  In the cyclone dust collector Y configured as described above, vibrations generated when the contact portions 132a of the filter dust removal member 132 intermittently collide with the HEPA filter 131 are transmitted through the inclined dust removal member 134. It is also transmitted to the inner cylinder 12. Therefore, the dust (dust D4 in FIGS. 2 and 3) adhering to the inner cylinder filter 122 of the inner cylinder 12 can be peeled off and dropped onto the partition plate 123d by the intermittent vibration (FIG. 2). 3 dust D5). At the same time, removal of dust attached to the outer surface of the inner cylinder filter 122 is also expected.

  Thereafter, the dust falling on the partition plate 123d slides down the slope 123f by the swirling of the air when the electric blower V (not shown) is operated, as described above. Accumulated at the bottom. This prevents dust in the inner cylinder 12 from adhering to the HEPA filter 131 again. In particular, since the slope 123f is formed in the same direction as the swirling direction of the air generated in the inner cylinder 12, the dust below the partition plate 123d does not blow up through the slope 123f.

By the way, in the vacuum cleaner X, when the dust in the dust collecting container 11 of the cyclone dust collecting device Y is saturated, the dust absorption power is reduced. Therefore, even a conventional vacuum cleaner employs a configuration in which the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is detected by an optical sensor or the like to notify the user that the dust reaches the preset upper limit position.
Hereinafter, a configuration for detecting the amount of dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 in the electric vacuum cleaner X will be described. Here, FIG. 7A is a schematic view of the cyclone dust collector Y of the vacuum cleaner main body 1 viewed from the side, and FIG. 7B is a view taken along the line BB in FIG. 7A. It is sectional drawing.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), an infrared sensor having a light emitting element 21 and a light receiving element 22 disposed opposite to each other with the dust collecting container 11 in between the casing 1a of the cleaner body 1. 20 is provided.

  The infrared sensor 20 is fixed to the housing 1 a of the cleaner body 1 so as to be located at a preset upper limit position H of the dust collecting container 11. This upper limit position H is a position set in advance to detect that the dust collecting container 11 is full of dust (saturated state).

  The light emitting element 21 radiates infrared light (hereinafter simply referred to as “light”) to the upper limit position H of the dust collecting container 11 from the outside. On the other hand, the light receiving element 22 receives light emitted from the light emitting element 21 and transmitted through the dust collecting container 11. An optical sensor using visible light may be used instead of the infrared sensor 20 using infrared light.

The light receiving element 22 includes a light-frequency converter that converts the intensity of received light into a digital signal having a frequency corresponding to the intensity (hereinafter referred to as “frequency signal”) and outputs the digital signal. For example, the light-frequency converter converts the light intensity into a frequency signal of 0 to 1000 kHz and outputs it. Specifically, as a light receiving element having the light-frequency converter, a product (model number TSL245R) manufactured by TAOS (Texas Advanced Optical Solutions Inc.) is known.
In this light-frequency converter, the frequency value corresponding to the light intensity changes linearly. For example, the higher the intensity of light received by the light receiving element 22, the higher the frequency of the output frequency signal.

  As described above, since the vacuum cleaner X uses the light receiving element 22 having the light-frequency converter, the intensity of the light transmitted through the dust collecting container 11 is detected with higher resolution than the conventional optical sensor. It is possible.

The frequency signal output from the light-frequency converter (not shown) of the light receiving element 22 is input to the control device Z (not shown) provided in the cleaner body 1.
The controller Z determines whether the amount of dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H based on the frequency of the frequency signal input from the infrared sensor 20. Execute the process.

  Specifically, the control device Z determines whether or not the frequency of the frequency signal input from the infrared sensor 20 is equal to or lower than a preset dust detection frequency F1. Here, an example of a method for setting the dust detection frequency F1 will be described.

  First, in the manufacturing process of the vacuum cleaner X and the like, the control device Z corresponds to the intensity of light detected by the infrared sensor 20 when the dust collection container 11 in which dust is not collected is targeted. The frequency of the frequency signal to be set is set as the initial frequency F0. At this time, when the initial frequency F0 is not within a predetermined range, the control device Z can detect a product failure (assembly failure, circuit failure, connection failure, etc.) as an error. It is.

  Here, it is assumed that the frequency of the frequency signal output from the infrared sensor 20 when there is dust at the upper limit position H has been experimentally obtained in advance as about 7% of the initial frequency F0. . Therefore, the control device Z sets a value of 10% of the initial frequency F0 slightly larger than the value measured in advance as the dust detection frequency F1. For example, when the initial frequency F0 is 20 kHz, the dust detection frequency F1 is set to 2 kHz. This 10% value is only an example. The initial frequency F0, the dust detection frequency F1, and the like are stored in the RAM or ROM.

  Thus, it is desirable that the dust detection frequency F1 in the electric vacuum cleaner X is set according to the initial frequency F0 detected by the electric vacuum cleaner X. Accordingly, it is possible to set the appropriate dust detection frequency F1 for each vacuum cleaner X in consideration of the difference in light transmission characteristics of the dust collection containers 11 mounted on each of the vacuum cleaners X. . Such setting is not limited to the processing by the control device Z, and the electric vacuum cleaner X is equipped with storage means in which the initial frequency F0 and the dust detection frequency F1 obtained by a prior experiment are stored. It may be realized.

  In the electric vacuum cleaner X, in the dust collection operation control process (the flowchart of FIG. 8) executed by the controller Z, the dust collection container based on the dust detection frequency F1 after the dust collection operation is finished. The amount of dust in 11 is detected.

  At this time, when it is determined whether or not the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H based on only the intensity of light transmitted through a part of the dust collecting container 11 as in the conventional device, FIG. When the dust D11 is concentrated and accumulated as shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, it cannot be detected that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H at an appropriate time. However, according to the dust collection operation control process described later that is executed by the electric vacuum cleaner X, such a problem is solved.

  Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the dust collection operation control process executed by the control device Z in the electric vacuum cleaner X will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, S1, S2,... Represent processing procedure (step) numbers.

(Steps S1 and S2)
First, in step S1, the control device Z determines whether or not the start of the dust collecting operation of the electric vacuum cleaner X is requested. Specifically, the control device Z determines whether or not a user operation for starting the dust collecting operation has been performed. For example, it is determined whether or not a start button (not shown) provided on the operation handle 5 is pressed.

  Here, if it is determined by the control device Z that the start of the dust collecting operation is requested (Yes side of S1), the process proceeds to step S2 and the dust collecting operation is started. In the dust collection operation, the electric blower V (not shown) is operated to intake air from the intake port 1. Note that while the control device Z determines that the start of the dust collection operation is not requested, the process waits in step S1 (No side of S1).

(Steps S3 to S4)
Next, in step S3, the control device Z determines whether or not the end of the dust collection operation of the electric vacuum cleaner X has been requested. Specifically, the control device Z determines whether or not a user operation for ending the dust collection operation has been performed. For example, it is determined whether or not a stop button (not shown) provided on the operation handle 5 (for example, also used as the start button) is pressed.
Here, if it is determined by the control device Z that the end of the dust collecting operation is requested (Yes side of S3), the process proceeds to step S4, and the dust collecting operation is ended. Specifically, the dust collecting operation is terminated by stopping the electric blower V (not shown). Note that while the control device Z determines that the end of the dust collection operation is not requested, the process stands by in step S3, and the dust collection operation is continued (No side of S3).

  When the dust collection operation is completed, in the subsequent steps S5 to S16, the dust accumulated in the dust collection container 11 reaches the upper limit position H based on the detection result by the infrared sensor 20 by the control device Z. A process for detecting whether or not the image is detected is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the processing in steps S5 to S16 described later is described as an example after the dust collection operation is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be considered as another embodiment that the detection process is performed before the dust collection operation is started or during the dust collection operation. Further, the dust amount detection process may be executed both before and after the dust collection operation. If it is detected that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H during the dust collecting operation or before the dust collecting operation is started, the dust collecting operation is stopped. It is preferable to reduce the motor speed of the electric blower V (not shown).

  Further, when the vacuum cleaner X is on standby, it may be executed in response to a requested operation performed by a user on an operation switch (not shown) of the operation handle 5 or the like. At this time, it may be considered that the dust collection operation control process is executed over a longer time (for example, about 8 seconds) than when it is automatically performed. In this case, since the dust removal drive motor (not shown) is operated for a long time, the HEPA filter 131 and the inner cylinder filter 122 can be sufficiently removed. Further, the detection accuracy of the dust amount in the dust collecting container 11 is also increased.

(Steps S5 to S6)
In step S5, the control device Z starts measuring the detection time t1. This detection time t1 indicates the duration of the detection operation of the infrared sensor 20 started in step S6 below. The processes after step S6 are executed until the detection time t1 reaches a preset detection end time t2 (No in S12).

  And the said control apparatus Z starts the process for performing the detection by the said infrared sensor 20 every 0.2 second (step S6). Specifically, the control device Z intermittently emits light from the light emitting element 21 every 0.2 seconds, and acquires the frequency signal from the light receiving element 22. Hereinafter, the frequency of the frequency signal acquired here is referred to as an actually measured frequency F2.

(Steps S7, S71)
Next, the control device Z determines whether or not the dust collecting container 11 is attached to the electric vacuum cleaner X based on the measured frequency F2 (step S7).

Specifically, the control device Z detects that the dust collecting container 11 is removed on the condition that the measured frequency F2 is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit frequency F3. The upper limit frequency F3 is set to, for example, a frequency twice the initial frequency F0. The upper limit frequency F3 is not limited to twice the initial frequency F0. Of course, the upper limit frequency F3 may be an arbitrary value unrelated to the initial frequency F0.
When the control device Z determines that the measured frequency F2 is less than the upper limit frequency F3 and the dust collecting container 11 is mounted (No side of S7), the process proceeds to step S8. Let

  On the other hand, when the control device Z determines that the measured frequency F2 is equal to or higher than the upper limit frequency F3 and the dust collecting container 11 is removed (Yes side of S7), the process proceeds to step S71. Let In step S71, the control device Z notifies the user of an error that the dust collecting container 11 is not attached. If the dust removal drive motor (not shown) is already operated in step S8 described later, the dust removal drive motor is stopped by the control device Z in step S71.

(Step S8)
Next, the control device Z starts the operation of the dust removal drive motor by controlling the dust removal drive motor (not shown) (step S8). Here, the control device Z when executing the process for rotating the filter dust removing member 132 is an example of the rotation control means. When the dust removal drive motor is already operating, the operation of the dust removal drive motor is continued (second and subsequent processing).

  When the dust removal drive motor is actuated in step S8 and rotation of the filter dust removal member 132 is started, the inner cylinder 12 connected to the filter dust removal member 132 through the inclined dust removal member 134 so as to be integrally rotatable. Starts rotating. Accordingly, the rotary blade 123a provided on the inner cylinder 12 also rotates.

  As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R1, the dusts D11a to D11d accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 are pressed against the rotary blades 123a. Then, it rotates and moves in the direction of the arrow R1.

  Therefore, in the vacuum cleaner X, the detection by the infrared sensor 20 is performed intermittently every 0.2 seconds while the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is rotating. That is, the entire dust collected over the entire circumference of the dust collecting container 11 is a detection target of the infrared sensor 20. The detection by the infrared sensor 20 is not limited to intermittent detection, and may be continuous.

  As described above, when the filter dust removal member 132 is rotated by the dust removal drive motor, intermittent vibration is applied to the HEPA filter 131 and the inner cylinder filter 122.

  Thereby, the dust adhering to the HEPA filter 131 by the dust collecting operation performed by the electric vacuum cleaner X is removed. In addition, dust that has dropped from the HEPA filter 131 and adhered to the inner cylinder filter 122 is also removed by intermittent vibration caused by the collision of the filter dust removing member 132 with the HEPA filter 131.

  Thus, in the vacuum cleaner X, the operation for removing dust from the HEPA filter 131 and the inner cylinder filter 122 and the operation for detecting the amount of dust in the dust collecting container 11 are performed simultaneously. . Further, the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is simultaneously compressed by the rotary blade 123a and the dust compression unit 123b.

(Steps S9 to S10)
Next, the control device Z determines whether or not the measured frequency F2 is equal to or lower than the dust detection frequency F1 (step S9). Here, when it is determined that the measured frequency F2 is equal to or lower than the dust detection frequency F1 (Yes in S9), the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the control device Z determines that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H, and counts up the number N of dust detections. Thereafter, the control device Z advances the process to step S11.

  Here, the dust detection count N is a numerical value whose initial value starts from zero. The dust detection frequency N indicates the number of times that the measured frequency F2 corresponding to the intensity of light intermittently detected by the infrared sensor 20 is detected to be equal to or less than the dust detection frequency F1. That is, the number N of dust detection indicates the number of times it is detected that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H. The dust detection count N is stored in a RAM or the like of the control device Z.

  On the other hand, when the control device Z determines that the measured frequency F2 is greater than the dust detection frequency F1 (No side of S9), the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has not reached the upper limit position H. Is determined, and the process proceeds to step S11.

(Steps S11 to S13)
In step S11, the control device Z counts up the total number of detections M. Here, the total number of detections M is a numerical value whose initial value starts from 1, and indicates the number of detections by the infrared sensor 20. The total number of detections M is stored in the RAM of the control device Z.

  Thereafter, in step S12, the control device Z determines whether or not the detection time t1 has reached a preset detection end time t2. Here, the detection end time t2 is preferably equal to or longer than the time required for the dust in the dust collection container 11 to make at least one round of the dust collection container. Thereby, the detection result by the infrared sensor 20 can be obtained with the dust accumulated on the entire circumference of the dust collecting container 11 as a detection target.

  Specifically, in the electric vacuum cleaner X, it is assumed that the detection end time t2 is set to 4 seconds. In the present embodiment, detection by the infrared sensor 20 is executed every 0.2 seconds (step S6).

  Therefore, the control device Z acquires the measured frequency F2 for 20 times in 4 seconds until the detection end time t2. Then, in the control device Z, the number N of dust detections in which the actual measurement frequency F2 for 20 times is equal to or less than the dust detection frequency F1 is counted (step S10).

  If the control device Z determines in step S12 that the detection time t1 has reached the detection end time t2, the process proceeds to step S13. If the control device Z determines that the detection time t1 has not reached the detection end time t2, the process returns to step 6.

  In step S13, the control device Z stops the dust removal drive motor (not shown). Thereafter, the control device Z was accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 in steps S14 to S15 based on the statistics of the light intensity detected by the infrared sensor 20 during the steps S6 to S12. It is detected whether or not dust has reached the upper limit position H.

(Steps S14 to S16)
First, the control device Z, as a statistic of the intensity of light detected by the infrared sensor 20, is a ratio (hereinafter referred to as “hereinafter,“ the dust sensor reaches the upper limit position H by the infrared sensor 20 for 4 seconds). (Referred to as “detection ratio”) (step S14). Specifically, the control device Z calculates the ratio of the dust detection frequency N in the total detection frequency M (detection ratio = (dust detection frequency N) / (total detection frequency M)).

  In the following step 15, the control device Z determines whether or not the detection ratio is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit ratio K. For example, the upper limit ratio K is set to 90%. In this case, assuming that the total number M of detections is 20, when the number N of dust detections is 18 or more, the control device Z causes the dust collected in the dust collecting container 11 to be the upper limit. It is determined that the position H has been reached.

  In addition, although the said detection ratio is mentioned here as an example of the statistics of the intensity | strength of the light detected by the said infrared sensor 20 when the dust in the said dust collection container 11 is rotating, other than the said, Various statistics such as an average value and a variance value of the detection frequency F3 can be adopted. Further, when the detection by the infrared sensor 20 is continuously performed, the determination is made according to whether or not the time when the actually measured frequency F2 is equal to or lower than the dust detection frequency F1 is equal to or longer than a preset upper limit time. It is also conceivable as another embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has reached the upper limit position H (Yes in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control device Z executes a process for notifying the user that the dust in the dust collection container 11 should be discarded, and the dust collection operation control process is terminated. For example, notification to the user is performed by turning on an LED provided on the operation handle 5, a message from a speaker (not shown), or sounding a buzzer.

  When it is determined in step S15 that the dust in the dust collecting container 11 has not reached the upper limit position H (No in step S15), the dust collection operation control process is terminated as it is. For example, this is a case where only a part of the dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 reaches H at the upper limit position.

  As described above, in the vacuum cleaner X, the light intensity is intermittently detected by the infrared sensor 20 every 0.2 seconds while the dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 is rotated. . The ratio of the detected light intensity exceeding a predetermined intensity is used as an index for determining whether or not the dust amount in the dust collecting container 11 is saturated. That is, the vacuum cleaner X comprehensively determines the amount of dust accumulated in the entire dust collecting container 11. Therefore, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 7A, even when the dust D11 is concentrated on the dust collecting container 11, appropriate detection can be performed in consideration thereof. is there.

  Further, in the dust collection container 11, the rotating blade 123 a provided in the inner cylinder 12 rotates while contacting the dust, so that the dust in the dust collection container 11 is leveled and the dust is compressed. It can be expected to be condensed.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the inner cylinder 12 is connected to the filter dust removing member 132 so as to be integrally rotatable is described. However, in the configuration in which the HEPA filter 131 is rotatably provided, the inner cylinder 12 may be coupled to the HEPA filter 131 so as to be integrally rotatable. Also in this case, the vibration of intermittent collision of the HEPA filter 131 and the filter dust removing member 132 can be transmitted to the inner cylinder filter 122 of the inner cylinder 12.

  However, in this case, since the seal member 162 provided around the HEPA filter 131 has a large rotational resistance, from the viewpoint of the rotational torque required for the dust removal drive motor, the filter as described above. A configuration in which the dust removing member 132 is rotated is desirable. In the configuration in which the filter dust removing member 132 is rotated, the seal member 163 becomes rotational resistance, but the diameter of the seal member 163 is smaller than that of the seal member 162. Accordingly, the rotational torque required for the dust removal drive motor is reduced.

  By the way, if the vacuum cleaner X is used, the dust collecting container 11 may be scratched or soiled. In this case, the light transmittance of the dust collecting container 11 is lowered. Therefore, the intensity of light detected by the light receiving element 22 of the infrared sensor 20 is reduced compared to the initial level.

Thereafter, when scratches and dirt on the dust collecting container 11 are further deteriorated, even if the dust does not reach the upper limit position H, the measured frequency F2 becomes equal to or lower than the dust detection frequency F1, and dust is detected at the upper limit position H. If it has reached, there is a risk of false detection.
Therefore, it is desirable that the vacuum cleaner X has a configuration in which the dust detection frequency F1 can be changed. For example, the structure which can change the said dust detection frequency F1 manually by operation of the setting switch not shown provided in the said vacuum cleaner X can be considered. In practice, the control device Z updates the dust detection frequency F1 based on the content input to the setting switch. The setting switch preferably requires special operation by a service person or the like. For example, a predetermined password or a physical setting key may be required. According to such a configuration, the dust detection frequency F1 is prevented from being erroneously changed by the user.

In the vacuum cleaner X, when the dust collecting container 11 in which dust is not accumulated is targeted for detection, the dust detection frequency F1 is set according to the frequency of the frequency signal output from the light receiving element 22. It is possible to change. Hereinafter, a processing example by the control device Z in the case of making such a change will be described.
In this case, the control device Z first notifies the user to attach the dust collecting container 11 to the cleaner main body 1 in a state where dust is not accumulated. As a result, the user discards the dust in the dust collection container 11 and sets the dust collection container 11 in the cleaner body 1.

  When it is detected that the dust collecting container 11 is set and a predetermined confirmation operation is performed by the user, the control device Z performs light intensity detection by the infrared sensor 20. Thereby, in the said control apparatus Z, the light transmission characteristic of the said current dust collecting container 11 in which dust is not integrated | stacked is acquirable.

  Thereafter, the control device Z changes the dust detection frequency F1 according to the acquired current light transmission characteristics of the dust collecting container 11. For example, 10% of the frequency of the frequency signal input from the infrared sensor 20 may be set as the new dust detection frequency F1.

  Thus, according to the configuration in which the dust detection frequency F1 can be changed, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection when the dust collection container 11 is scratched or soiled and the light transmittance is changed. Moreover, the infrared sensor 20 outputs the light intensity at a frequency, and detects the light intensity with a higher resolution than the conventional optical sensor. Therefore, in the vacuum cleaner X, the dust detection frequency F1 can be set to an optimum value in fine units.

  By the way, as described above, the vacuum cleaner X uses the infrared sensor 20 having the light-frequency converter, and can detect light intensity with high resolution. Therefore, it is conceivable to determine the state of the dust collecting container 11 according to the frequency of the frequency signal output from the infrared sensor 20.

  For example, when the initial frequency F0 of the dust collecting container 11 is 20 kHz, a state where cloudiness is generated due to scratches caused by sand rubbing, etc., less than 20 kHz, 10 kHz or more, a state where dirt is attached, less than 10 kHz, 7 kHz or more, It is conceivable that the corresponding relationship is set in advance, assuming that the contamination is extremely severe below 4 kHz or more. In addition, what is necessary is just to set these setting frequencies based on the experiment result conducted beforehand. Further, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other states of the dust collecting container 11 that can be determined by a change in the intensity of light detected by the infrared sensor 20 can be set.

  And the said control apparatus Z judges the state of the said dust collection container 11 from said correspondence according to the frequency of the frequency signal input from the said infrared sensor 20. FIG. The determination result by the control device Z is notified to the user, for example.

  Here, as described above, in the electric vacuum cleaner X, the dust detection frequency F1 for detecting that the dust has reached the upper limit position H of the dust collecting container 11 is set to about 2 kHz. Therefore, the fact that the dust collecting container 11 is in any of the above states can be detected separately from the fact that dust has reached the upper limit position H. In the conventional optical sensor, since the resolution of the light intensity is low, the state of the dust collecting container 11 cannot be subdivided and determined.

  In the embodiment, since the rotary blade 123a and the dust compressing portion 123b are provided in the inner cylinder 12, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated, dust accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 is collected. It has been described that the amount of dust that is compressed and can be accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 can be increased.

Hereinafter, in the second embodiment and the third embodiment described later, a configuration that can more effectively compress the dust in the dust collecting container 11 will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to the cyclone dust collector Y demonstrated in the said embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
If attention is paid only to compressing the dust in the dust collecting container 11, the inner cylinder 12 is not capable of integrally rotating the filter dust removing member 132, the inclined dust removing member 134 and the like. The structure which can rotate only 12 manually may be sufficient.

9 is a side sectional view of the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a modified example of the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y1. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of convex portions 201 are provided on the side surface of the dust collecting container 11 provided in the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y <b> 1 according to the second embodiment. For example, the convex portion 201 is formed on the side surface of the dust collection container 11 when the dust collection container 11 is molded with resin.

  Thereby, in the cyclone dust collector Y1, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated, the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is rotated and moved by the rotary blade 123a. It is sandwiched between the parts 201 and compressed. Further, since the dust itself is rotated and stirred on the spot between the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 201, a gap between the dust is filled.

  Thus, in the cyclone dust collector Y1, the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is collected and reduced by the dust compression and stirring by the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 201. Accordingly, the amount of dust that can be accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 can be increased. For example, when the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is cotton dust, the cotton dust is compressed to about 30% by the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 201.

  By the way, when a large lump of dust is stored in the dust collecting container 11, for example, when the dust is sandwiched between the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 201, the inner cylinder 12 is rotated greatly. There is a risk of load acting.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the cyclone dust collector Y1, it is desirable to provide a soft member 202 such as rubber or sponge at the side end of the rotary blade 123a. Thereby, even if a large lump of dust exists in the dust collecting container 11, the rotating blade 123a rotates while the soft member 202 at the side end thereof is deformed flexibly. Therefore, the inner cylinder 12 can be smoothly rotated without applying a large rotational load to the inner cylinder 12.

  13 is a side sectional view of the cyclone dust collector Y2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a modification of the cyclone dust collector Y2. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing an example, and is a view of the dust rotating portion 123 in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of convex portions 203 projecting upward are provided at the bottom of the dust collecting container 11 provided in the cyclone dust collecting apparatus Y <b> 2 according to the third embodiment. For example, the convex portion 203 is formed at the bottom of the dust collection container 11 when the dust collection container 11 is molded with resin.

  Thereby, in the cyclone dust collector Y2, when the inner cylinder 12 is rotated, the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is rotated and moved by the rotary blade 123a. It is sandwiched between the parts 203 and compressed. Further, since the dust itself is rotated and stirred on the spot between the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 203, a gap between the dust is filled.

  As described above, in the cyclone dust collector Y2, the dust in the dust collecting container 11 is collected and reduced by the compression and stirring of the dust by the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 203. Accordingly, as in the second embodiment, the amount of dust that can be accumulated in the dust collecting container 11 can be increased.

  Further, as described above, when a large lump of dust or the like is stored in the dust collecting container 11, the inner cylinder is disposed when the dust is sandwiched between the rotary blade 123a and the convex portion 203. There is a possibility that 12 large rotational loads may act.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the cyclone dust collector Y2, it is desirable to provide a soft member 204 such as rubber or sponge at the lower end of the rotary blade 123a. Thereby, even if a large lump of dust exists in the dust collecting container 11, the rotating blade 123a rotates while the soft member 204 at the lower end thereof is flexibly deformed. Therefore, the inner cylinder 12 can be smoothly rotated without applying a large rotational load to the inner cylinder 12.

  Further, a configuration combining the configurations of the second embodiment and the third embodiment is also conceivable as another embodiment. For example, the structure which has all the said convex part 201, the said soft member 202, the said convex part 203, and the said soft member 204 can be considered.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a so-called cyclonic type electric vacuum cleaner provided with a cyclone dust collecting device that centrifugally separates dust by swirling sucked air in a dust collecting container.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vacuum cleaner main body part 2 Intake port part 3 Connection pipe 4 Connection hose 5 Operation handle X Vacuum cleaner Y, Y1, Y2 Cyclone dust collector 10 Housing | casing 11 Dust collection container 11a Fitting part 11b Seal member 12 Inner cylinder 12a Recessed part 12b Connecting part 121 Inner cylinder exhaust port 122 Inner cylinder filter 123 Dust rotating part 123a Rotary blade 123b Dust compressing part 123c Bottom cylinder 123d Partition plate 123e Opening 123f Dust slope 13 Upper filter unit 131 HEPA filter 131a Hollow part 131b Support part 132 Filter dust removal Member 132a Contact part 132b Gear 133 Connecting part 134 Inclined dust removing member 134a Brush 134b Dust removing blade 134c Engaging part 14 Dust receiving part 14a Opening 14b Inclined surface 14c Supporting part 15 Dust removal drive mechanism 161-163 Seal member 20 Infrared sensor 21 Light emitting element 22 Light receiving element 201, 203 Protruding part 202, 204 Soft member

Claims (2)

In a vacuum cleaner provided with a cyclone dust collecting device for centrifugally separating dust from the air by swirling the sucked air,
The cyclone dust collector includes a dust collecting container for storing the centrifuged dust,
An inner cylinder disposed in the dust collection container and having an exhaust port for discharging air after the dust is separated in the dust collection container;
An upper filtration member that is disposed above the inner cylinder and filters air exhausted from the inner cylinder;
An upper housing covering the upper part of the upper filtration member,
The air after the dust is separated in the dust collecting container passes through the inner cylinder and the upper filtration member, and is exhausted through the upper housing.
The inner cylinder has an open end opposite to the upper filtration member , and the open end extends to the bottom surface of the dust collecting container,
The vacuum cleaner, wherein the dust centrifuged in the dust collecting container and the dust dropped from the upper filtering member are accommodated in a bottom portion of the dust collecting container. The cyclone dust collector is
The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the electric vacuum cleaner is configured to be detachable as a unit from the main body of the vacuum cleaner.