JP6670602B2 - Electric cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments according to the present invention relate to an electric cleaning device.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electric cleaning device that sucks and accumulates dust collected by a cleaning tool such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool.

  A conventional vacuum cleaner includes a plurality of shafts that hang down from an upper portion of a suction port and are arranged in a comb shape in order to remove dust such as hair entangled with a cleaning tool. Dust entangled with the cleaning tool is combed off by a comb-shaped shaft. A gap is provided between the lower end of the comb, that is, the lower end of the shaft and the installation surface of the electric cleaning device, for inserting the cleaning tool into the comb.

JP 2012-245318 A

  Conventional electric vacuum cleaners separate dust from air, for example, with a paper pack, and accumulate the separated dust.

  By the way, the paper pack is provided with a circular inlet smaller than the inlet, while the inlet of the electric vacuum cleaner has a corresponding opening width in order to efficiently remove dust from a wide cleaning tool. Is preferred. That is, the electric vacuum cleaner sucks air from the wide suction port and flows the air into the inlet of the paper pack smaller than the suction port.

  This dimensional difference between the inlet and the inlet of the paper pack causes non-uniformity in the negative pressure acting on the inlet. For example, when the inlet of the paper pack is located on the center line of the suction port, the suction negative pressure acts largely at the center of the suction port, and the suction negative pressure decreases at the left and right ends of the suction port. I do. That is, in the electric cleaning device, the suction negative pressure becomes uneven in the width direction of the suction port.

  The non-uniform suction negative pressure at the suction port or the partial reduction of the suction negative pressure at the suction port weakens the power of removing dust adhering to the cleaning tool.

  Therefore, the present invention proposes an electric cleaning device in which the suction force acts substantially uniformly over the opening width of the suction port and can efficiently remove dust from the cleaning tool.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main body case having a suction port having a width along an installation surface and a height in a normal direction of the installation surface, and inside the main body case. An air passage provided having an inflow side end connected to the suction port, and an outflow side end narrower than the suction port, and fluidly connected to the suction port via the air path. A dust collection container, an electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the suction port via the dust collection container and the air path, and a dividing wall that divides the air path in a width direction , wherein the suction port includes: The main body case is linearly opened in a plan view, and there are a plurality of the dividing walls, and a plurality of the air paths extend radially and linearly from the outflow end of the air path toward the suction port. Divided into divided air passages, and at the outflow end of the air passage, Wind passage sectional area of Warifuro is greater than the wind passage sectional area of the central side of the divided air passage, substantially to equalize the negative pressure in the outer vicinity of the suction port.

The perspective view showing the appearance of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view showing the bottom of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view showing the station unit of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which expands and shows the suction chamber of the station unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a plane sectional view showing a suction room of a station unit concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing of the 2nd centrifugal separation part of the 2nd dust collection container of the electric cleaning device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between an autonomous cleaning unit and a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between an autonomous cleaning unit and a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  An embodiment of an electric cleaning device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components have the same reference characters allotted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes dust collected by a cleaning tool such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Alternatively, the dust adhering to a cleaning tool itself such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool can be directly absorbed by the station unit 5.

  Further, the electric cleaning device 1 autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust on the surface to be cleaned, an autonomous cleaning unit 2, a station unit 5 having the charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, It has. The electric cleaning device 1 collects dust by moving the autonomous cleaning unit 2 autonomously over the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room, and thereafter returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. The dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is transferred to the station unit 5 and collected.

  The position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is a return position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that returns to the station unit 5. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the return position when charging is necessary or when cleaning of the living room is completed. The position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 depends on the relative position between the autonomously moving autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the station unit 5 that can be installed at any location. Is determined by the positional relationship.

  Also, an arrow A in FIG. 1 indicates a forward direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and an arrow B indicates a retreat direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The width direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.

  The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward and separates from the station unit 5, travels autonomously in the living room, and retreats and connects to the station unit 5 when returning to the station unit 5.

  First, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner, which autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned and collects dust. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 includes a hollow first main body case 11, a first dust container 12 detachably provided at a rear portion of the first main body case 11, and a first collection case accommodated in the first main body case 11. A first electric blower 13 connected to the dust container 12, a moving unit 15 for moving the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned, a driving unit 16 for driving the moving unit 15; A robot controller 17 for autonomously moving the first main body case 11 on the cleaning surface and a secondary battery 18 as a power supply are provided.

  The station unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary position on the surface to be cleaned. That is, the cleaning surface of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is also the installation surface of the station unit 5. The station unit 5 includes a pedestal 19 on which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 rides toward a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust collection unit 21 provided integrally with the pedestal 19, and an autonomous cleaning. In a positional relationship (return position) where the unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust transfer pipe 22 airtightly connected to the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and a dust transfer pipe 22 inside the dust transfer pipe 22. And a power cord 25 for guiding power from a commercial AC power supply.

  The dust collection unit 21 is provided with a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the first dust collection container 12 through the dust transfer pipe 22. A second dust collecting container 28 for storing dust to be discarded, and a second electric blower 29 housed in the second main body case 27 and connected to the second dust collecting container 28 are provided.

  The second dust container 28 is connected to the second suction port 26 in addition to the dust transfer pipe 22. The station unit 5 applies a suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 to the second suction port 26 via the second dust collection container 28, so that a mop, a broom, a floor cleaning tool, etc. The station unit 5 directly absorbs dust collected by the cleaning tool or dust adhering to the cleaning tool itself such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool.

  Next, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a center brush for driving the center brush 31. A drive unit 32, a pair of left and right side brushes 33 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, and a pair of left and right side brush drive units 35 for driving each of the side brushes 33.

  The disk-shaped first main body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and can easily turn the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.

  The first suction port 36 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, about two thirds of the diameter dimension. The first suction port 36 is fluidly connected to the first electric blower 13 via the first dust container 12.

  Further, the first main body case 11 has a dust container opening 37 on the bottom surface 11a. The dust container port 37 is disposed at a portion behind the first suction port 36 and covering a lower part of the first dust container 12. The dust container port 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to partially expose the first dust container 12 mounted on the first main body case 11.

  The first dust container 12 accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port 36 by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13. A filter that filters and collects dust from air and a separation device that separates and accumulates dust from air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) or straight-line separation are applied to the first dust collection container 12. . The first dust container 12 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear of the first main body case 11. The first dust container 12 is detachably provided on the first main body case 11 and accumulates dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The first main body case 11 is attached to the first main body case 11. The container 39 includes a connecting portion 39 exposed from the container opening 37, a disposal port 41 provided on the connecting portion 39 to discard dust in the container body 38, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41.

  The moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 45 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, and a turning wheel 46 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11.

  The pair of drive wheels 45 protrude from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and ground on the surface to be cleaned while the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned. Further, the pair of drive wheels 45 are disposed substantially at the center in the front-rear direction of the first main body case 11, and are moved to the left and right sides of the first main body case 11, avoiding the front of the first suction port 36. Are located. The rotation axes of the pair of drive wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending along the width direction of the first main body case 11. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. .

  The turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can turn freely. The first main body case 11 is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction and at the front.

  The drive unit 16 is a pair of electric motors connected to each of the pair of drive wheels 45. The drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently of each other.

  The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the center brush driving unit 32, the driving unit 16, and the side brush driving unit 35.

  The secondary battery 18 supplies power to the first electric blower 13, the drive unit 32 for the center brush, the drive unit 16, the drive unit 35 for the side brush, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is arranged, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 disposed on the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting the charging terminal 47 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.

  The center brush 31 is provided in the first suction port 36. The center brush 31 is an axial brush rotatable around a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first main body case 11. The center brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft (not shown) and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending in the radial direction of the shaft and spirally arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. . The center brush 31 projects below the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11 from the first suction port 36, and contacts the brush with the surface to be cleaned while the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

  The center brush driving unit 32 is housed in the first main body case 11.

  The pair of side brushes 33 are auxiliary cleaning bodies, and are disposed on the left and right sides of the front of the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11, avoiding the front of the center brush 31. The pair of side brushes 33 collect dust on the surface to be cleaned near the wall that the center brush 31 does not reach and guide the dust to the first suction port 36. Each side brush 33 includes a brush base 48 having a rotation center slightly inclined forward with respect to a perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, and, for example, three linear cleaning bodies 49 radially protruding radially of the brush base 48. , Is provided.

  The left and right brush bases 48 are located forward of the first suction port 36 and the left and right driving wheels 45 and rearward of the turning wheel 46, and are arranged closer to the left and right sides of the first suction port 36. Have been. The rotation center lines of the respective brush bases 48 are slightly inclined forward with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the linear cleaning body 49 turns along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The linear cleaning body 49 that rotates forward from the brush base 48 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned toward the distal end, and the linear cleaning body 49 that rotates backward from the brush base 48 is closer to the cleaning surface from the distal end. I will leave.

  The plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48, for example, at equal intervals in three directions. The side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48. Each linear cleaning body 49 has a plurality of brush bristles as a cleaning member on the distal end side. Further, the brush bristles revolve along a trajectory extending outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first main body case 11.

  Each side brush drive unit 35 includes a rotation shaft (not shown) that protrudes downward and is connected to the brush base 48 of the side brush 33. Each side brush driving unit 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to collect dust on the surface to be cleaned into the first suction port 36.

  Next, the station unit 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a station unit of the electric cleaning device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the pedestal 19 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment extends to the front side of the station unit 5 and expands in a rectangular shape. The pedestal 19 includes a high floor section 51 connected to the bottom of the dust collection section 21 and a low floor section 52 projecting from the high floor section 51. The low floor portion 52 and the high floor portion 51 extend in a band shape in the width direction of the station unit 5. The entrance of the charging electrode 3 and the dust transfer pipe 22 is disposed on the high floor portion 51.

  The autonomous cleaning unit 2 rides the pair of drive wheels 45 on the low floor 52 and reaches the return position with the first dust container 12 disposed above the high floor 51.

  The pedestal 19 includes an uneven running surface 53 that reduces the ground area of each of the pair of drive wheels 45 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves toward a position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. I have. The running surface 53 is a plurality of linear irregularities, a lattice irregularity, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the pedestal 19.

  The dust collection unit 21 is provided with a second main body case 27 having a second suction port 26 for sucking other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the first dust collection container 12 through the dust transfer pipe 22. A second dust container 28 for separating and accumulating the discarded dust, a second electric blower 29 housed in the second body case 27 and connected to the second dust container 28, And a power cord 25 that guides electric power to the electric blower 29 and the charging electrode 3.

  The second main body case 27 is a box having an appropriate shape that is disposed at the rear of the station unit 5 and extends above the pedestal 19 and can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. And a wall surface 27a having a height. The wall surface 27a corresponds to a right side surface of the second main body case 27. The second main body case 27 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.

  The second main body case 27 is short in the depth direction (the direction in which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 advances when returning home) and is long in the width direction. In the second main body case 27, the second dust container 28 is arranged in one half in the width direction, specifically, the right half, and the second dust container 28 is arranged in the other half, specifically, the left half in the width direction. Two electric blowers 29 are housed.

  The front wall of the second main body case 27 has an arc-shaped concave portion 56 corresponding to the rear end of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 extends from the raised floor portion 51 of the pedestal 19 to the recessed portion 56. The recessed portion 56 is provided with a return confirmation detector 57 for detecting whether or not the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.

  The return confirmation detecting unit 57 is a so-called objective sensor that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light. The return check detection unit 57 includes a first sensor unit 58 that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust collection unit 21, and an autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the height direction of the second main body case 27. And a second sensor section 59 for detecting the relative distance of

  The second suction port 26 sucks in dust collected by means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaner, or dust adhering to a mop, a broom, and the floor cleaner itself. Applied to the application. The second suction port 26 is provided below the right wall surface of the second main body case 27 as a wall surface 27a having a height with respect to the installation surface. The second suction port 26 has an appropriate width along the installation surface and an appropriate height in the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.

  The pair of charging electrodes 3 are arranged with the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 interposed therebetween. In addition, each charging electrode 3 is disposed in front of the left and right edges of the recess 56.

  Inside the second main body case 27, in addition to the dust transfer pipe 22, a suction air passage 61 that fluidly connects the second suction port 26 and the second dust collection container 28, and a second dust collection container 28 A downstream air passage pipe 62 that fluidly connects the two electric blowers 29 is provided.

  Both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 are connected to the suction side (upstream of the air flow) of the second dust collection container 28. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on both the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61 via the second dust collection container 28. Therefore, the station unit 5 establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 when transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2, while the suction air passage 61 and the second While the fluid connection with the dust container 28 is cut off, and the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 22 and the second dust collection container 28 is cut off when applying a negative pressure to the second suction port 26, , An air passage switching mechanism 63 for establishing a fluid connection between the suction air passage 61 and the second dust collection container 28.

  The dust transfer pipe 22 is a relay air path that detachably connects the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the second dust collection container 28. The dust transfer tube 22 is disposed in contact with the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 and discarded. It is connected to the mouth 41.

  The lever 23 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 22 has a hook 65 extending upward and in front of the dust collection unit 21.

  The suction air passage 61 is provided in the second main body case 27. The suction air passage 61 rises to fluidly connect the suction chamber 66 and the second dust collection container 28 via the air passage switching mechanism 63 and a suction chamber 66 as an air passage connected to the second suction port 26. And an air duct 67.

  The suction chamber 66 is disposed below the second dust container 28 and extends across right below the second dust container 28. The suction chamber 66 has an inflow-side end 66a connected to the second suction port 26 and an outflow-side end 66b connected to the rising air path pipe 67. The suction chamber 66 fluidly connects the second suction port 26 and the second dust collection container 28 via a rising air path pipe 67.

  The air passage height of the suction chamber 66 is lower at the inflow end 66a than at the outflow end 66b. Specifically, the station unit 5 includes a rib 68 that makes the opening height of the second suction port 26 lower than the height of the suction chamber 66. In the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment, the height of the suction chamber 66 is discontinuously changed at the second suction port 26 by the rib 68, but the top surface inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the suction chamber 66, The height of the air path in the suction chamber 66 may be changed continuously or discontinuously by a top surface approaching in a stepped manner, a curved top surface, or the like.

  In addition, the station unit 5 includes an inclined surface 69 which is continuously provided at the bottom of the second suction port 26 and descends toward the installation surface. The inclined surface 69 plays a role of smoothly introducing the dust on the surface to be cleaned (installation surface) into the second suction port 26, and may protrude outside the second suction port 26, or may be protruded from the second suction port 26. May have reached inside.

  The depth of the air passage (length of the air passage) of the suction chamber 66, that is, the distance between the outflow end 66b and the inflow end 66a is longer than the diameter D of the second dust container 28.

  The rising air path pipe 67 is connected to the outflow end 66 b of the suction chamber 66, and rises upward along the second dust container 28. The rising air path pipe 67 has a lower end 67 a connected to the outflow side end 66 b of the suction chamber 66, and an upper end 67 b connected to the air path switching mechanism 63.

  The second dust container 28 is detachably mounted on the right side of the dust collection unit 21 and is exposed. The second dust container 28 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer pipe 22 and fluidly connected to the second suction port 26. The second dust container 28 is fluidly connected to the second suction port 26 via the air path switching mechanism 63, the rising air path pipe 67, and the suction chamber 66 in this order. The second dust container 28 is arranged above the suction chamber 66.

  The second electric blower 29 sucks the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 via the downstream air path pipe 62 and the second dust collection container 28 to apply a negative pressure. The suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 29 acts on the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 by the air path switching mechanism 63.

  FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the second suction port of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 in addition to FIG. 5, the wall surface 27 a of the second main body case 27 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment has a substantially planar first wall surface 78 and a first wall surface 78. Has a deformed second wall surface 79. The second suction port 26 includes a first opening 81 provided on the first wall surface 78 and a second opening 82 provided on the second wall surface 79.

  Here, the “irregular shape” refers to a shape that is continuous with the first wall surface 78 and excludes the same plane. For example, a plane that forms an angle larger than zero with respect to the first wall surface 78, the first wall surface 78 And a curved surface continuous from the first wall surface 78 and a discontinuous curved surface.

  Specifically, the second wall surface 79 has an arcuate outer shape in plan view (FIG. 6). The second wall surface 79 may have a stepped outer shape in plan view (FIG. 7). The second wall surface 79 may have a planar outer shape that forms an angle with the first wall surface 78 in plan view (FIG. 8).

  Further, the wall surface 27a may include a boundary wall 83 that separates the first opening 81 and the second opening 82 (FIG. 9). In this case, the station unit 5 may include an on-off valve 85 that opens the second opening 82 by negative pressure when the first opening 81 is closed (FIG. 9). The on-off valve 85 closes the second opening 82 by an elastic body (not shown) such as a spring when the air flow through the first opening 81 is smooth, and efficiently sucks negative pressure into the first opening 81. On the other hand, when the negative pressure in the suction chamber 66 becomes higher than a predetermined threshold because the first opening 81 is closed or the like, the second opening 82 is opened against the elastic body, and the suction chamber is opened. Air is allowed to flow into 66. The on-off valve 85 itself may be deformed using an elastic body such as rubber.

  The second suction port 26 is used to clean dust collected by means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, a floor cleaner, or a mop, a broom, a floor cleaner, or the like. Since the dust adhering to the tool itself is directly sucked, if the cleaning tool is larger than the width dimension of the second suction port 26, the cleaning tool will be sucked by negative pressure, and the second suction port 26 will be closed. There is a fear. When the second suction port 26 is closed, the airflow (swirl flow) in the second dust container 28 is weakened or disappears, and the dust separating performance of the second dust container 28 is reduced. Further, if the second suction port 26 is closed, the second electric blower 29 may fall into an overload state due to idling, which is not preferable. Therefore, the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment avoids blocking the second suction port 26 by the suction tool by providing the second opening 82 on the second wall surface 79 different in shape from the first wall surface 78, The separation performance of the secondary dust container 28 is ensured, and the soundness of the second electric blower 29 is ensured.

  In addition, when the electric cleaning device 1 includes the on-off valve 85, the second opening 82 is closed by the on-off valve 85 when the air circulation in the first opening 81 is secured, and the suction negative pressure is reduced. By concentrating on the first opening 81, the performance of removing dust from the cleaning tool can be enhanced.

  The suction chamber 66 has an inflow side end 66a connected to the second suction port 26, and an outflow side end 66b narrower than the second suction port 26. The suction chamber 66 is a funnel-shaped or fan-shaped air passage having a wide inflow-side end 66a and a narrow narrow-outflow end 66b.

  The outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66 is biased to one side (here, the back surface 5a side of the station unit 5) from the center of the second suction port 26 in the width direction of the second suction port 26. In particular, the outflow end 66b of the suction chamber 66 according to the present embodiment is located on one side (the back surface 5a of the station unit 5 in this case) with respect to the center C1 of the second suction port 26 in the width direction of the second suction port 26. Side).

  The outflow-side end 66b and the inflow-side end 66a of the suction chamber 66 are disposed with the second dust container 28 therebetween in plan view.

  Further, the station unit 5 includes a dividing wall 75 that divides the suction chamber 66 in the width direction (a direction intersecting a line connecting the inflow-side end 66a and the outflow-side end 66b).

  The dividing wall 75 is bridged above and below the suction chamber 66 and linearly extends from the inflow side end 66a to the outflow side end 66b. The dividing wall 75 may reach from the inflow side end 66a of the suction chamber 66 to the outflow side end 66b, or may be separated from the respective ends 66a, 66b. That is, the dividing wall 75 may be interrupted halfway from the inflow side end 66a to the outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66, and may not reach the outflow side end 66b. Further, the dividing wall 75 may reach the outflow side end 66b at a distance from the inflow side end 66a of the suction chamber 66. Further, the dividing wall 75 may be separated from any of the inflow side end 66a and the outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66, and may be arranged at an intermediate portion in the suction chamber 66.

  There are a plurality of, for example, two divided walls 75, and the inside of the suction chamber 66 is divided into a plurality of, for example, three divided air passages 77a, 77b, 77c. These divided air passages 77a, 77b, 77c are arranged in the width direction of the suction chamber 66. The divided air path 77a is near the back side of the station unit 5, and the divided air path 77c is near the front side of the station unit 5, that is, the pedestal 19 to which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns and is connected. The divided air passage 77b is sandwiched between the divided air passages 77a and 77c, and is divided on both sides by a divided wall 75.

  When the distance between the outflow side end 66b of the adjacent divided walls 75, 75, or the distance between the outflow side end 66b of the divided wall 75 and the edge (side wall) of the suction chamber 66, or when the number of the divided wall 75 is singular, The distance between the outflow side end 66b of the dividing wall 75 and the edge (side wall) of the suction chamber 66 is smaller than the width of the outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66. The “distance between the outflow side end 66b of the divided wall 75 and the edge (side wall) of the suction chamber 66” is the shortest distance between the outflow side end 66b of the divided wall 75 and the edge (side wall) of the suction chamber 66. It is.

  The dividing wall 75 equalizes the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26. Specifically, in the dividing wall 75, the pressure loss in the central divided air passage 77b is set higher than the pressure loss in the end divided air passages 77a and 77c.

  Since the electric cleaning device 1 has the outflow side end 66b narrower than the second suction port 26, the central portion (area A) of the second suction port 26 in front of the outflow side end 66b is closer to the center. However, the suction negative pressure is more apt to act than the other portion (region B deviated from the front of the outflow side end 66b). In other words, in the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the suction negative pressure easily acts on the central portion (area A) of the second suction port 26, and the suction negative pressure acts on the end side (area B) of the second suction port 26. Hateful. Therefore, the electric cleaning device 1 sets the pressure loss of the center-side divided air passage 77b higher than the pressure loss of the end-side divided air passages 77a and 77c, so that the central portion of the second suction port 26 ( The suction negative pressure acting on the region A) is suppressed, and the suction negative pressure acting on the end side (region B) of the second suction port 26 is strengthened to substantially reduce the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26. Equalize.

  Further, there are a plurality of divided walls 75, and at the outflow end 66b of the suction chamber 66, the cross-sectional areas AaOut and AcOut of the divided air passages 77a and 77c on the end side are different from those of the divided air passage 77b on the central side. The area is set to be larger than AbOut.

  The electric cleaning device 1 sets the air passage cross-sectional areas AaOut and AcOut of the end divided air passages 77a and 77c to be larger than the air passage cross-sectional area AbOut of the center divided air passage 77b, thereby providing the second suction port. The negative suction pressure acting on the central portion (region A) of the second suction port 26 is suppressed, and the negative suction pressure acting on the end portion side (region B) of the second suction port 26 is increased to reduce the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26. The pressure is substantially equalized.

  Although the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment divides the suction chamber 66 into three divided air paths 77a, 77b, and 77c, the suction chamber 66 is divided into four or more divided air paths (not shown). In the case of splitting, the cross-sectional area of the endmost divided air passage is set such that the cross-sectional area of the airflow in the central divided air passage is within a range where the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26 is substantially equalized. It is not always necessary to set it larger than the road cross-sectional area. The electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment has a wind that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air passage in the center-side divided air passage within a range that does not affect the substantial equalization of the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26. This does not exclude the provision of a divided air passage having a road cross-sectional area at the end of the suction chamber 66.

  The plurality of divided air passages 77a, 77b, 77c divided by the dividing wall 75 have an air passage sectional area ratio (air passage sectional area AaOut: air passage sectional area AbOut: air passage sectional area AcOut) at the outflow end 66b. The air path cross-sectional area ratio (air path cross-sectional area AaIn: air path cross-sectional area AbIn: air path cross-sectional area AcIn) at the inflow-side end 66a is set to be substantially the same.

  The electric cleaning device 1 sets the shape of the divided air passages 77a, 77b, 77c by setting the air passage cross-sectional area ratio of the outflow end 66b and the air passage cross-sectional area ratio of the inflow end 66a to be substantially the same. In a simplified manner, the suction chamber 66 can be divided by the linear dividing wall 75, and the prediction accuracy of analysis and the like is improved.

  Next, another example of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the electric cleaning apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C described in each example, the same components as those of the electric cleaning apparatus 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electric cleaning device 1A according to the present embodiment includes a suction chamber 66A.

  The dividing wall 75A of the suction chamber 66A is separated from the first opening 81 by a gap 86 communicating with the second opening 82, and the suction side of the first opening 81 (that is, the outflow end 66b). Extending towards.

  When the suction tool is attached to the first opening 81 by the gap 86 between the front edge of the divided wall 75 </ b> A and the first opening 81 communicating with the second opening 82. Then, air is circulated from the second opening 82 to the gap 86 (flow indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 10), and the negative pressure acting between the first opening 81 and the suction tool is reduced. The cleaning tool that has adhered to the opening 81 can be easily removed.

  FIG. 11 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the electric cleaning device 1B according to the present embodiment includes a suction chamber 66B.

  At the outflow end 66b of the suction chamber 66B, the cross-sectional area AcOut of the divided air passage 77c at the other end is set to be larger than the cross-sectional area AaOut of the divided air passage 77a at one end. . In other words, there is a relationship of (air passage cross-sectional area AcOut) of the divided air passage 77c> (air passage cross-sectional area AaOut)> (air passage cross-sectional area AbOut).

  In the electric cleaning device 1B, the outflow-side end 66b of the suction chamber 66 is located on one side (here, the back surface 5a of the station unit 5) from the center of the second suction port 26 in the width direction of the second suction port 26. Due to the deviation, the length of the divided air passage 77c on the other end side is longer than those of the other divided air passages 77a and 77b. Therefore, the electric cleaning device 1B sets the air passage cross-sectional area AcOut of the other end divided air passage 77c to be larger than the air passage cross-sectional area AaOut of the one end divided air passage 77a, thereby dividing the divided air passage 77c. Is made stronger than the negative pressure acting on the divided air passage 77a, and the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26 is substantially equalized.

  FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view showing another example of the suction chamber of the station unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the electric cleaning device 1C according to the present embodiment includes a suction chamber 66C.

  In the suction chamber 66C, the divided wall 75b that divides the divided air passage 77c at the other end is closer to the outflow-side end 66b of the suction chamber 66 than the divided wall 75a that divides the divided air passage 77a at one end. Extends to. In this case, the divided air passage 77c reaches closer to the outflow side end 66b than the divided air passage 77a, and is more susceptible to the negative pressure.

  In these electric vacuum cleaners 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the relationship between the arrangement of the divided air passages 77a, 77b, 77c and the divided walls 75a, 75b is such that the outflow end portion is positioned with respect to the center of the second suction port 26. 66b is determined in the width direction of the second suction port 26. In other words, if the outflow side end 66b is offset toward the other side (here, the front side of the station unit 5) from the center of the second suction port 26 in the width direction of the second suction port 26, the division is performed. The relationship of the arrangement of the air paths 77a, 77b, 77c and the dividing walls 75a, 75b is reversed.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second centrifugal separator of the second dust container of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In addition to FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 13, the second dust container 28 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a centrifuge for centrifuging dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 from air. A separation unit 91 is provided. The centrifugal separator 91 is a multi-stage type, and a first centrifugal separator 92 for centrifugally separating dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 22 or the second suction port 26 from air, and a dust passing through the first centrifugal separator 92 from air. A second centrifugal separator 93 for separation.

  The first centrifugal separator 92 centrifuges coarse dust from the air guided to the second dust container 28. The second centrifugal separator 93 centrifuges fine dust from air passing through the first centrifugal separator 92. Note that coarse dust is mainly fibrous dust such as lint and cotton dust and large dust such as sand particles, and fine dust is particulate or powdery dust having small mass.

  In addition, the second dust container 28 includes an exhaust air passage 95 that sends air passing through the second centrifugal separator 93 to the second electric blower 29, and a top cover 96 that covers the exhaust air passage 95.

  The first centrifugal separator 92 is arranged on one side of the second dust container 28, specifically, on the lower half side. The second centrifugal separation unit 93, the second separation unit upper cover 97, the exhaust air passage 95, and the top cover 96 are arranged on the other side of the second dust collection container 28, specifically, on the upper half side. The first centrifugal separator 92 and the second centrifugal separator 93 are adjacent to each other in the height direction of the cylindrical second dust container 28 and are stacked.

  The first centrifugal separation unit 92, the second separation unit upper cover 97, and the top cover 96 cooperate to adjust the appearance of the second dust container 28 into a substantially cylindrical shape.

  The first centrifugal separator 92 separates dust from dust-containing air by a centrifugal separation method (cyclone method). The first centrifugal separator 92 includes a cup-shaped dust container 102 as an outer shell of the first centrifugal separation chamber 101, a cylindrical first filter unit 103 arranged in the dust container 102, and a dust container And a dust capturing cup 105 that is disposed in the inside 102 and is connected to the first filter unit 103.

  The dust collecting container 102 is the outer shell of the lower half of the second dust collecting container 28, and also serves as the outer shell of the first centrifugal separation chamber 101 and the dust collecting chamber 107. An intake port 108 is provided on a side wall of the dust collection container 102. The intake port 108 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer pipe 22 and the suction air passage 61.

  The dust collecting container 102 has a large-diameter portion 111 disposed at the open end, an inclined portion 112 connected to the large-diameter portion 111 and narrowed to a small diameter, and an approximately uniform connected to the inclined portion 112. A small-diameter portion 113 reaching the bottom wall with a diameter dimension.

  The connecting portion between the large-diameter portion 111 and the small-diameter portion 113, that is, the inclined portion 112 has an inclined surface that narrows from the large-diameter portion 111 to the small-diameter portion 113 inside the dust container 102.

  The small diameter portion 113 is connected to the bottom wall of the dust container 102.

  The first filter unit 103 is housed in the dust container 102 and is disposed substantially concentrically. An annular space separating the first filter unit 103 and the dust collection container 102 is used for rotating the dust-containing air flowing into the first centrifugal separation unit 92 from the intake port 108 of the dust collection container 102 to centrifuge coarse dust. It is a centrifugal separation chamber 101.

  The first filter unit 103 is fixed to the second centrifugal separation unit 93, protrudes into the dust collection container 102, and extends toward the bottom wall of the dust collection container 102. The first filter unit 103 fluidly connects and relays the first centrifugal separation chamber 101 and the second centrifuge unit 93. The first filter unit 103 includes a frame 117 having a plurality of bones spaced apart from each other and arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a first mesh filter 118 surrounding the frame 117 in a cylindrical shape. The openings between the bones of the frame 117 allow air to flow out of the first centrifugal separation chamber 101 to the second centrifugal separator 93. The side surface of the first filter unit 103, specifically, the first mesh filter 118 faces the air inlet 108.

  The first mesh filter 118 is used during a period in which the swirling flow in the first centrifugal separation chamber 101 is not sufficiently developed, such as immediately after the start of the second electric blower 29 or a transient stop, and even after the swirling flow has developed, This prevents coarse dust from flowing from the first centrifugal separator 92 to the second centrifuge 93.

  The first filter unit 103 does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 118 to the extent that coarse dust can be prevented from flowing downstream. For example, when the frame 117 of the first filter unit 103 has a fine lattice shape enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust, or has a hole small enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust. Does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 118.

  The dust capturing cup 105 is provided at an end of the first filter unit 103 near the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 102, that is, at a protruding end or a lower end. The bottomed cylindrical dust capturing cup 105 has a bottom wall connected to the first filter unit 103 and a side wall extending toward the bottom wall of the dust container 102. That is, the dust capturing cup 105 is open toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 102. The side wall of the dust capturing cup 105 faces the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 102 with a gap therebetween. The dust capturing cup 105 has a larger diameter than the first filter unit 103, and has an opening 121 in a bottom wall connected to the first filter unit 103.

  A space separating the dust capturing cup 105 and the dust collecting container 102 is a dust collecting chamber 107 for accumulating the dust separated by the first centrifugal separator 92. The air in the dust collecting chamber 107 returns to the first centrifugal separation chamber 101 through the opening 121.

  The opening 121 is provided with a second mesh filter 122. The second mesh filter 122 may be so coarse that coarse (fibrous, such as lint and cotton dust) flowing into the dust collecting chamber 107 does not return to the first centrifugal separation chamber 101.

  When the dust collecting container 102 is removed from the second dust collecting container 28, the first filter unit 103 and the dust capturing cup 105 come out of the dust collecting container 102 along with the second centrifugal separating unit 93.

  The second centrifuge 93 separates fine dust from the dust-containing air passing through the first centrifuge 92. The second centrifugal separation unit 93 includes a relay air passage 123 that guides the air that has passed through the first centrifugal separation chamber 101, a second centrifugal separation chamber 125 that separates fine dust from air flowing from the relay air passage 123, and fine dust. And an exhaust air passage 95 that guides air flowing out of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 after being decomposed to the second electric blower 29.

  The second centrifugal separator 93 is detachably connected to the dust container 102 to close the open end 102a of the dust container 102. In addition, the second centrifugal separator 93 supports the first filter 103 and the dust capturing cup 105 on the center line C of the dust container 102.

  The upper cover 97 of the second separation unit corresponding to the outer shell of the second centrifugal separation unit 93 has a cylindrical shape. A plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 125 are annularly arranged inside the second upper cover 97. Further, an annular relay air passage 123 is arranged inside the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 125 arranged in an annular shape. Further, an exhaust air passage 95 is disposed inside the annular relay air passage 123 on an extension of the center line C of the dust collection container 102 or at the center of the cylindrical second centrifugal separator 93. . In other words, the second centrifugal separation unit 93 includes, in order from the second separation unit upper cover 97 side, a second centrifugal separation chamber 125 that is annularly arranged, an annular relay air passage 123, and an exhaust air passage 95. It is a heavy structure.

  The relay air passage 123 guides the air (dust-containing air) flowing from the first filter unit 103 in a direction away from the dust container 102 and guides the air to the second centrifugal separation chamber 125.

  There are a plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 125, which are arranged in a substantially annular shape along the inner circumference of the cylindrical second separating portion upper cover 97 or surrounding the relay air passage 123. Each of the second centrifugal separation chambers 125 includes a cylindrical wall 126 for generating a swirling flow and a frustoconical wall 127 for generating a spiral flow.

  The cylindrical wall 126 and the truncated conical wall 127 have substantially collinear centerlines. This center line, that is, the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 is arranged parallel to the center line C of the cylindrical second dust container 28. In addition, the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 may be radially inclined so as to gather on the first centrifugal separator 92 side and draw a conical surface that expands in the second centrifugal separator 93. In addition, when the entire second centrifuge chamber 125 is viewed, the center lines of the cylindrical wall 126 and the truncated conical wall 127 are arranged in a circle around the center line C of the second dust container 28.

  Further, the truncated cone-shaped wall 127 has a large-diameter upper base and a lower base smaller in diameter than the upper base. The upper bottom of the frustoconical wall 127 is located farther from the first centrifugal separator 92, and the lower bottom is located closer to the first centrifuge 92. The cylindrical wall 126 has substantially the same diameter as the upper base of the frustoconical wall 127 and is connected to the upper base of the frustoconical wall 127.

  The cylindrical wall 126 is arranged on a side farther from the first centrifugal separator 92 than the truncated cone wall 127. A dust-containing air inlet 128 is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical wall 126. The introduction port 128 is located on the side surface of the cylindrical wall 126 and on the center side of the second dust container 28, and is connected to the relay air passage 123.

  Further, the cylindrical wall 126 has a bottom plate at a position farthest from the first centrifugal separator 92. The bottom plate of the frusto-conical wall 127 is provided with a tubular inner cylinder 139 extending along the center line in the cylindrical wall 126. The inside of the inner cylinder 139 is an exhaust port 131 for exhausting clean air separated from the dust-containing air in the second centrifugal separation chamber 125. The exhaust port 131 is connected to the exhaust air passage 95. The outside of the inner cylinder 139 faces the introduction port 128. The annular space separating the inner cylinder 139 and the cylindrical wall 126 swirls the flow of the dust-containing air flowing from the inlet 128.

  Further, the portion of the cylindrical wall 126 closest to the first centrifugal separator 92 is open, and is connected to the opening at the upper bottom of the frustoconical wall 127.

  The diameter of the truncated conical wall 127 is reduced as it approaches the first centrifugal separator 92. The upper bottom of the frusto-conical wall 127 has an opening connected to the inside of the cylindrical wall 126, and guides the swirling flow generated between the cylindrical wall 126 and the inner cylinder 139 to enter the inside of the frusto-conical wall 127. Create a spiral flow. The lower bottom of the truncated cone-shaped wall 127 has a waste port 132 connected to the inside of the dust container 102.

  The second centrifugal separation chamber 125 introduces dust-containing air from the inlet 128. The dust-containing air flowing from the inlet 128 into the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 swirls along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 126 and further generates a spiral spiral flow along the inner surface of the frustoconical wall 127 toward the waste port 132. To separate fine dust from the air. The separated fine dust is discharged from the waste port 132 to the dust collection container 102 side. The clean air from which the dust has been separated flows on the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125, that is, the center lines of the cylindrical wall 126 and the truncated conical wall 127, passes through the inner cylinder 139, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 131. It flows out to the air passage 95.

  A dust capturing umbrella 135 is provided at the end of the waste port 132 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125. The dust capturing umbrella 135 is provided at the base of the first filter unit 103 as a partition for dividing the first centrifugal unit 92 and the second centrifugal unit 93. The outer diameter of the dust catching umbrella 135 is smaller than the second centrifugal separator 93 and larger than the first filter unit 103. The dust catching umbrella 135 has one surface 135a that guides fine dust discharged from the waste port 132 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 to the dust collection container 102, and the other surface 135b that spreads into the dust collection container 102 and is inclined. And

  Further, the dust capturing umbrella 135 abuts on the inclined portion 112 of the dust collecting container 102 to close the dust collecting container 102. The large-diameter portion 111, the inclined portion 112, and the dust catching umbrella 135 of the dust collecting container 102 partition a fine dust collecting chamber 136 that accumulates dust discharged from the second centrifugal separation chamber 125. The fine dust collection chamber 136 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the large-diameter portion 111, the inclined surface of the inclined portion 112, and one surface 135a of the dust capturing umbrella 135, so that the distance from the second centrifugal separation chamber 125 increases, This is a substantially wedge-shaped space that becomes narrower as the distance from the waste port 132 of the centrifugal separation chamber 125 increases.

  The other surface 135b of the dust catching umbrella 135 has a larger diameter than the first filter portion 103 and the dust catching cup 105, and is enlarged toward the first filter portion 103 and the dust catching cup 105.

  The exhaust air passage 95 extends toward the center of the second centrifugal separation unit 93 while reducing the diameter from the outermost peripheral portion connected to the exhaust port 131 so as to cover the second centrifugal separation chamber 125. On the center line C of the relay air path 123. The exhaust air passage 95 extends from a portion surrounded by the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 125 in a direction intersecting an extension of the center line C of the dust container 102 (the center line of the second dust container 28). It bends and reaches the second exhaust port 137 provided on the side wall of the second centrifugal separator 93. The exhaust air passage 95 is provided with a concave portion 138 that is a portion farthest from the first centrifugal separator 92 and that is recessed toward the first centrifugal separator 92 in a portion adjacent to the top cover 96. The exhaust air passage 95 is once directed to the first centrifugal separator 92 by the concave portion 138 while collecting the air flowing out from the exhaust port 131 of the second centrifuge chamber 125 toward the center of the second dust container 28. Then, the flow direction is changed to a substantially right angle, and the air is exhausted to the second exhaust port 137. The second exhaust port 137 is connected to the downstream air duct 62.

  The exhaust air path 95 is provided with a filter 139 of a filtration system such as a HEPA filter or a pleated filter.

  When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the home position of the station unit 5, the charging terminal 47 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5. At this time, the dust transfer pipe 22 of the station unit 5 is connected to the connecting portion 39 of the first dust container 12. After that, the station unit 5 drives the second electric blower 29 to suck air and move dust from the first dust container 12 to the second dust container 28. The second dust collection container 28 separates coarse dust from the air in the first centrifugal separator 92 and accumulates the dust in the dust collection chamber 107. Further, the second dust container 28 separates fine dust from the air that has passed through the first centrifugal separator 92 in the second centrifugal separator 93 and accumulates the fine dust in the fine dust collector chamber 136.

  In addition, the station unit 5 can provide a direct command, a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool to the second suction port 26 regardless of whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has returned to the return position or not. The second electric blower 29 is operated by the function of a sensor (not shown) which detects that the air blower has been brought close. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 29 acts on the second suction port 26 of the station unit 5 via the second dust collection container 28, and sucks dust from the second suction port 26. Dust sucked from the second suction port 26 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as dust collected by a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaner, or a mop, a broom, and the floor cleaner itself. Dust.

  FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are longitudinal sectional views showing a connection portion of the autonomous cleaning unit and the station unit of the electric cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 show how the autonomous cleaning unit 2 approaches a position where it is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, that is, a return position. When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is separated from the station unit 5, the order is reversed from FIG. 15 to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first dust container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 according to the present embodiment is detachably provided on the first main body case 11 and is collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2. A container body 38 that accumulates dust, a connecting portion 39 that is exposed from the dust container port 37 when attached to the first main body case 11, and a disposal port that is provided in the connecting portion 39 and that discards dust in the container body 38. 41, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41.

  The connecting portion 39 is formed integrally with the container body 38. The connecting portion 39 projects in a rounded rectangular shape corresponding to the dust container opening 37. When the first dust container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11, the connecting portion 39 fits into the dust container port 37. The connecting portion 39 has a flush outer peripheral portion on the outer surface of the first main body case 11, and has a concave portion on the peripheral edge of the disposal port 41. A disposal port 41 is disposed at the center of the recess. A disposal lid 42 is disposed in the recess.

  The connecting portion 39 may be arranged at a position facing the dust container opening 37 when the first dust container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11. In this case, the connecting portion 39 is disposed inside the first main body case 11 and at a place where the connecting portion 39 can be seen through the dust container port 37. The dust transfer tube 22 preferably has a protruding length that allows the dust transfer tube 22 to reach the connecting portion 39 through the dust container opening 37.

  The disposal port 41 is opened downward of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the first dust container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11.

  The disposal port 41 is disposed closer to the station unit 5 than the center of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. That is, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 retreats and approaches the station unit 5 and the pair of drive wheels 45 ride on the pedestal 19 of the station unit 5, the disposal port 41 approaches the dust collection unit 21 of the station unit 5.

  The disposal lid 42 is exposed to the exterior of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and is flush with the outer surface of the first main body case 11. The disposal lid 42 has a lever receiver 141 for hooking the lever 23 of the station unit 5. Note that the disposal lid 42 may be disposed at a position facing the dust container opening 37 in a state where the disposal lid 42 is attached to the first main body case 11 similarly to the connection portion 39. In this case, the disposal lid 42 is disposed inside the first main body case 11 and in a place that can be seen through the dust container port 37.

  On the other hand, the lever 23 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment is attached to the disposal lid 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the way to the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 reaches the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (return position), the waste cover 42 is opened to fluidly connect the waste port 41 and the dust transfer pipe 22 (FIG. 15). ).

  The waste cover 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the lever 23 of the station unit 5 swing around a rotation center line C3 intersecting in a direction toward a position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. I do. The rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 and the rotation center line C3 of the lever 23 are orthogonal to the direction toward the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Is desirable.

  The rotation center line C <b> 3 of the lever 23 is set such that the autonomous cleaning unit 2 of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 22 in the direction toward the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is arranged at the edge that reaches first, that is, at the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer pipe 22.

  The rotation center line C3 of the lever 23 is movably supported in a direction toward a position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. In other words, the hook 65 moves the rotation center line C3 of the lever 23 in a direction toward a position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (return position). The lever can be hooked on the lever receiver 141 without being affected by the variation in the positional accuracy in the return control.

  Further, the rotation center line C3 of the lever 23 is positioned at the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (return position). 2 is covered by a shaft cover 142 provided at the edge that reaches first, that is, the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer pipe 22.

  The rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is disposed on the far side of the disposal lid 42 in a direction toward a position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is disposed farther than the lever receiver 141 in a direction toward a position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Furthermore, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 contacts or separates from the disposal port 41 of the disposal lid 42 in a direction toward the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is located farther than the lid body 143.

  Due to the arrangement of the rotation center line C3 of the lever 23 and the rotation center line C4 of the waste cover 42, the waste cover 42 guides dust from the container body 38 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the dust transfer pipe 22 when opened by the lever 23. (FIG. 15).

  The disposal lid 42 receives the spring force of the coil spring 145 in the closing direction. The waste lid 42 is opened when the propulsive force toward the position (return position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 exceeds the spring force of the coil spring 145. When the disposal lid 42 is opened by the lever 23, the coil spring 145 is crushed and stores energy. On the other hand, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 separates from the station unit 5 and the lever 23 comes out of the lever receiver 141, energy is released. Then, the disposal lid 42 is closed.

  The lever 23 receives a spring force of a coil spring (not shown) in a direction in which the lever 23 stands (FIG. 14). The lever 23 is depressed when the propulsive force toward the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (return position) exceeds the spring force of the coil spring. When the waste lid 42 is opened by the lever 23, the coil spring is crushed and stores energy. On the other hand, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 separates from the station unit 5 and the lever 23 comes out of the lever receiver 141, the energy is released. To raise the lever 23.

  The electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment configured as described above include the dividing wall 75 that divides the air path in the width direction, so that the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26 is reduced. The pressure unevenness can be reduced, and the dust swept and collected by the cleaning tool and the dust adhering to the cleaning tool can be efficiently sucked over the entire opening width of the second suction port 26.

  In addition, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment include a plurality of divided walls 75, and sweep the air with a cleaning tool by equalizing the negative pressure near the outside of the second suction port 26. The collected dust and dust adhering to the cleaning tool can be more efficiently and reliably sucked over the entire opening width of the second suction port 26.

  Further, in the electric vacuum cleaners 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment, the suction chamber 66 is divided by the plurality of divided walls 75, and the pressure loss of the divided air passages 77a, 77c on the end side is more central than the pressure loss. By increasing the pressure loss in the divided air passage 77b, dust collected by the cleaning tool and dust adhering to the cleaning tool can be more efficiently and reliably removed over the entire opening width of the second suction port 26. You can inhale.

  Furthermore, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment are configured such that, at the outflow-side end 66b of the suction chamber 66, the cross-sectional area AaOut, AcOut of the divided air passages 77a, 77c on the end side. By setting the cross-sectional area AbOut of the central side divided air path 77b to be larger than AbOut, the dust swept and collected by the cleaning tool and the dust adhering to the cleaning tool over the entire opening width of the second suction port 26 are increased. Efficient and reliable suction is possible.

  In addition, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment are configured such that the cross-sectional area ratios of the air passages at the outlet end 66b of the plurality of divided air passages 77a, 77b, and 77c and the wind at the inlet end 66a. Since the cross-sectional area ratio is set to be substantially the same, the shapes of the divided air passages 77a, 77b, and 77c are simplified, and the suction chamber 66 can be divided by the linear dividing wall 75, and the prediction accuracy of analysis and the like is improved. Can be increased.

  Furthermore, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment allow the outflow-side end 66b of the suction chamber 66 to be deviated to any one side of the center of the second suction port 26 to thereby perform suction. The degree of freedom in the arrangement of the air path from the chamber 66 to the second dust container 28 can be increased.

  Furthermore, in the electric cleaning device 1B according to the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area AcOut of the divided air passage 77c on the other end side is set to be larger than the cross-sectional area AaOut of the divided air passage 77a on the one end side. Thus, even in the suction chamber 66 in which the outflow side end 66b is biased to one side from the center of the second suction port 26, it is more efficient over the entire opening width of the second suction port 26, and The suction negative pressure can be reliably applied.

  In addition, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment set the air path height of the inflow side end 66a lower than the outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66, so that the outflow side It is possible to suppress a decrease in suction negative pressure in the second suction port 26 which is wider than the end 66b. In addition, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C pass through the second suction port 26 by setting the air path height of the inflow side end 66a lower than the outflow side end 66b of the suction chamber 66. It is possible to prevent dust of a small size from being clogged in the suction chamber 66 and maintain the suction performance.

  Furthermore, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment have a simple configuration by including the rib 68 that makes the opening height of the second suction port 26 lower than the height of the suction chamber 66. It is possible to suppress a decrease in suction negative pressure in the second suction port 26 which is wider than the outflow side end 66b. In addition, the electric vacuum cleaners 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are provided with the ribs 68 that make the opening height of the second suction port 26 lower than the height of the suction chamber 66, so that the size that passes through the second suction port 26 can be increased. The dust can be prevented from being clogged in the suction chamber 66, and the suction performance can be maintained.

  Furthermore, the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment have the opening width corresponding to the cleaning tool below the second dust container 28 by including the rising air path pipe 67. The second suction port 26 can be secured.

  Furthermore, since the electric cleaning devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment can be applied to the station unit 5 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, when it is desired to locally clean a part of the living room, For example, when cleaning dust such as confectionery scraps that children have spilled, the living room is locally cleaned with a means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaning tool, The dust can be swept and collected in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes, and can be immediately sucked and accumulated from the second suction port 26. On the other hand, when the living room is absent in units of time, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously. By cleaning the entire living room and transferring the dust packed by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5, it is possible to save the trouble of dumping garbage for a long period of time.

  Therefore, according to the electric cleaning apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the present embodiment, the suction force acts substantially uniformly over the opening width of the second suction port 26, and the dust of the cleaning tool is efficiently removed. Can be removed.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric cleaning device, 2 ... Autonomous cleaning unit, 3 ... Charge electrode, 5 ... Station unit, 5a ... Back surface, 11 ... First body case, 11a ... Bottom surface, 12 ... First dust container, 13 ... First Electric blower, 15 moving section, 16 driving section, 17 robot control section, 18 secondary battery, 19 pedestal, 21 dust collecting section, 22 dust transfer pipe, 23 lever, 25 power cord, 26 second suction port, 27 second body case, 27a wall surface, 28 second dust collection container, 29 second electric blower, 31 center brush, 32 drive unit for center brush, 33 side brush , 35: drive unit for side brush, 36: first suction port, 37: dust container port, 38: container body, 39: connecting part, 41: waste port, 42: waste cover, 45: drive wheel, 46: turning Wheel, 47: Charging terminal, 48: Brush base 49, a linear cleaning body, 51, a high floor portion, 52, a low floor portion, 53, a running surface, 56, a concave portion, 57, a return confirmation detecting portion, 58, a first sensor portion, 59, a second sensor portion. , 61: suction air path, 62: downstream air path pipe, 63: air path switching mechanism, 65: hook, 66, 66A, 66B, 66C: suction chamber, 66a: inflow side end, 66b: outflow side end, 67 ... rising air duct pipe, 67a ... lower end part, 67b ... upper end part, 68 ... rib, 69 ... inclined surface, 75, 75A, 75a, 75b ... dividing wall, 77a, 75b, 77c ... dividing air path, 78 ... No. One wall surface, 79 ... second wall surface, 81 ... first opening, 82 ... second opening, 83 ... boundary wall, 85 ... on-off valve, 86 ... gap, 91 ... centrifugal separator, 92 ... first centrifugal separator , 93: second centrifugal separator, 95: exhaust air passage, 96: top cover, 97: cover on the second separator , 101: first centrifugal separation chamber, 102: dust collecting container, 102a: open end, 103: first filter section, 105: dust collecting cup, 107: dust collecting chamber, 108: suction port, 111: large diameter section, 112: inclined portion, 113: small diameter portion, 117: frame, 118: first mesh filter, 121: opening, 122: second mesh filter, 123: relay air passage, 125: second centrifugal separation chamber, 126: cylinder Shaped wall, 127: frustoconical wall, 128: introduction port, 139: inner cylinder, 131: exhaust port, 132: disposal port, 135: dust collecting umbrella, 135a: one surface, 135b: other surface, 136 ... Fine dust collection chamber, 137 second exhaust port, 138 recess, 139 filter, 141 lever receiver, 142 shaft cover, 143 lid body, 145 coil spring.

Claims (9)

A main body case having a suction port having a width along an installation surface and a height in a normal direction of the installation surface,
An air passage provided in the main body case and having an inflow-side end connected to the suction port, and an outflow-side end having a width smaller than that of the suction port;
A dust container fluidly connected to the suction port through the air path,
An electric blower for applying a negative pressure to the suction port via the dust container and the air path,
A dividing wall that divides the air path in the width direction ,
The suction port opens linearly in a plan view of the main body case,
There are a plurality of the dividing walls, radially and straightly extending from the outflow end of the air path toward the suction port, and divides the air path into a plurality of divided air paths,
At the outflow end of the air passage, the air passage cross-sectional area of the divided air passage on the end side is larger than the air passage cross-sectional area of the divided air passage on the center side, and the negative pressure near the outside of the suction port is reduced. Electric cleaning device that substantially equalizes . The electric cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the dividing walls are provided, and a pressure loss of a central divided air passage is higher than a pressure loss of an end divided air passage. A plurality of split air passage being divided by the dividing wall, according to claim 1 or 2 and Kazerodan area ratio is substantially the same in the inlet side end portions and Kazerodan area ratio in the outlet side end portions Electric cleaning equipment. Outlet side end portion of the air passage, the electric vacuum device according to any one of claims 1-3 which is offset to either side of the center of the suction port in the width direction of the suction port. The said divided wall is multiple, The air-path cross-sectional area of the split air path of the other end side is larger than the air-path cross-sectional area of the split air path of one end side in the outflow side end part of the said air path. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of 1 to 4 . The electric cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the air path has a lower air path height at the inflow side end than at the outflow side end. An inclined surface that is continuous with the bottom surface of the suction port and that is lowered toward the installation surface;
The electric cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising: a rib configured to make an opening height of the suction port lower than a height of the air path. The dust collection container is disposed above the air passage,
The outflow-side end and the inflow-side end of the air passage are arranged with the dust container interposed therebetween in plan view,
8. The airflow path according to claim 1, further comprising a rising air path pipe connected to an outflow side end of the air path, rising upward along the dust collection container, and fluidly connecting the air path and the dust collection container. 9 . The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims. An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves and collects dust;
The electric cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising: a relay air path that detachably connects the autonomous cleaning unit and the dust container.

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