RU2401047C2 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: engines and pumps.

SUBSTANCE: proposed vacuum cleaner comprises electrically driven blower to generate suction force and dust separator consisting of casing top part and casing central part. Casing top part has suction opening for dusty air to be sucked there through by aforesaid electrically driven blower and swirled. Casing central part incorporates hollow cylinder of the first dust filter and has chamber formed on said first dust filter outer surface. Dust collector communicates with dust separator and is arranged at vacuum cleaner bottom to accumulate dust separated by dust separator. Vacuum cleaner has main and auxiliary ducts. Sucked and swirled air is forced down in first filter hollow cylinder and through the first dust filter to reach electrically driven blower via space formed on first filter outer surface. Air sucked from suction opening enters aforesaid space through first dust filter hollow cylinder and dust collector. Note here that dust collector and said space are intercommunicated. Proposed design allows a continuous swirling of airflow in the casing to remove dust in the filter even it gets stuck to it.

EFFECT: provision of sucking airflow.

8 cl, 50 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that uses a reusable dust collecting case.

State of the art

A conventional vacuum cleaner creates a swirling air stream in its dust collecting case to separate dust from the suction air stream under the action of centrifugal force, thereby accumulating dust in the dust collecting case. This is disclosed in patent document 1 *. However, this conventional design cannot completely separate the dust due to the restriction that the suction power must be kept high so that the dust accumulated in the dust collecting case acts like a filter, and thus the fine dust adheres to the accumulated coarse dust, thus resisting air flow. As a result, the suction power decreases in a short time. In order to create a vortex air flow, it is necessary that the suction air channel is strongly bent, and, in addition, a vortex air stream is created during the intake of air, so that the pressure loss increases in the intake air channel, from suction to exhaust. As a result, the suction power is reduced. * Patent Document 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-342492.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves these problems, and its purpose is to create a vacuum cleaner that absorbs dust with a suction power maintained at a high level, and the suction force of which is practically not reduced during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention contains the following elements to solve these problems:

electric blower;

a dust separator for capturing air inwardly sucked in by an electric blower and containing dust located upstream of the blower; and

a dust collecting device for collecting dust separated in the dust separation device,

wherein the dust separation device comprises an air channel for swirling air flow, which directs the air exiting the suction port and containing dust, and the dust separation device also comprises a dust filter that forms at least part of the air channel, and this dust filter is surrounded the space in which the suction force of the electric blower acts.

The indicated construction of the present invention provides for the creation of a vortex air flow in the dust separation device when the air containing dust passes into the dust separation device. Dust including the vortex component also swirls in the hollow cylinder of the dust separator, so that coarse dust, such as fluff and hair, swirls and falls in the hollow cylinder and passes into the dust collector.

The swirling air stream removes dust adhering to the inner wall of the hollow cylinder in the dust filter, so that dust does not accumulate in the filter, and thus the air permeability of the filter can be maintained. Sucked dust accumulates in the dust collector, and a suction air passage passing from the suction port to the electric blower is provided around the dust filter. As a result, this design does not cause a decrease in air volume, but perfectly retains air volume, so that the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention can be a product that does not need maintenance for a long period of time.

An air duct passing from the suction port to the electric blower can separate dust from the duct without repeating sharp bends, expansions, or contraction of the air flow, so that the suction power can be kept high for a long period of time. Thus, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention can operate without maintenance for a long period of time, while it maintains the suction power at a high level, and its suction power is practically not reduced, despite the fact that it sucks the dust.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a complete view of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a structure of a main part of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional front view of the dust collecting case of the vacuum cleaner shown in Fig. 1.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the dust collecting case shown in FIG. 3A.

Fig. 3C is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 3B.

Fig. 3D is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 3B.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a second dust filter of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 5A is a top sectional view showing the air flow direction near the suction port of the dust collecting case of the vacuum cleaner shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5B is a top sectional view showing the air flow direction near the dust filter of the dust collecting case.

Fig. 5C is a vertical sectional view showing an air flow passing in a vertical direction in a dust collecting case.

6 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of collected house dust and changes in the intake air stream; the ratio is measured both in the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1 and in another vacuum cleaner for comparison purposes.

7 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of another vacuum cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of a dust collecting case of another vacuum cleaner in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 8B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 8A.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional front view of a dust collecting case of another vacuum cleaner in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 9B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 9A.

10 is a sectional view of a main part of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

11A is a cross-sectional front view of the dust collecting case of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 10.

11B is a cross-sectional side view of the dust collecting case shown in FIG. 10.

11C is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 11B.

11D is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a top sectional view showing the air flow direction near the suction port of the dust collecting case of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 10.

12B is a top sectional view showing an air flow direction near a dust filter of a dust collecting case.

Fig. 12C is a vertical sectional view showing an air flow flowing in a vertical direction in a dust collecting case.

13 is a graph showing a relationship between the amount of house dust collected and changes in the intake air stream; the ratio is measured both in the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 10 and in another vacuum cleaner for comparison purposes.

14 is a sectional view showing a structure of a main part of a drive gear of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of house dust collected and changes in the suction air flow of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG.

Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional side view of a dust collecting case in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 16A.

17 is a sectional view of a main part of a first dust removing means of a vacuum cleaner during operation.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of another vacuum cleaner in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

19A is a cross-sectional side view of a dust collecting case in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 19A.

20 is a sectional view of the main part during operation, showing the action of the second dust removing means of the vacuum cleaner.

21 is a graph showing a relationship between the amount of house dust collected and changes in the suction air flow of the vacuum cleaner; the ratio is measured both in the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the fifth embodiment, and in the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the second embodiment for the purpose of comparison.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

23 is a sectional view of the main part during operation, showing the action of the third dust removing means of the vacuum cleaner.

24 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case including third dust removal means of another vacuum cleaner in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

25 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

26 is a sectional view of the main part during operation, showing the action of the fourth dust removing means of the vacuum cleaner.

Fig. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of house dust collected and changes in the suction air flow of the vacuum cleaner; the ratio is measured both in the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the seventh embodiment and in the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the second embodiment for the purpose of comparison.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

29A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which dust accumulates in a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with an eighth embodiment.

29B is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the door of the dust collecting case is open for discharging accumulated dust.

30 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31A is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which dust accumulates in the dust collecting case of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 31B is a side sectional view showing a state in which the door of the dust collecting case is open for discharging accumulated dust.

32A is a cross-sectional side view of a dust collecting case in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 32B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 32A.

33 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a tenth embodiment.

Description of Reference Positions

1 - cleaning device

5 - dust collecting case

6 - suction hole

21 - electric blower

22a - the upper part of the dust collecting housing

22b - the middle part of the dust collecting case

23 - dust separation device

24 - dust collecting device

27 - dust filter

27a - the first dust filter

27b second dust filter

28 - third dust filter

29a - the first air channel (main air channel)

29b - second air channel (auxiliary air channel)

31 - door

33 - space

41 - pleated filter

42 - recess

43 - sealed part

51 - fine dust

52 - coarse dust

161 - the first means for removing dust

191 - second dust remover

221 third dust remover

251 - cylindrical basket (fourth means for removing dust)

324 - fourth dust filter

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A vacuum cleaner according to the present invention contains the following elements:

electric blower;

a dust separator for supplying air drawn in by an electric blower and containing dust located upstream of the blower; and

a dust collecting device for collecting dust separated in the dust separation device,

wherein the dust separating device comprises an air channel for the vortex air stream, which directs the air leaving the suction port and containing dust in the form of a vortex air stream, and the dust separation device also comprises a dust filter that forms at least part of the air channel, and the dust filter is surrounded by a space in which the suction force of the electric blower acts.

The structure according to the present invention provides for the creation of a vortex air flow in the dust separation device when the air containing dust passes into the dust separation device. Dust including the vortex component also swirls in the hollow cylinder of the dust separator, so that coarse dust, such as fluff and hair, swirls and falls in the hollow cylinder and passes into the dust collector.

The swirling air stream removes dust adhering to the inner wall of the hollow cylinder in the dust filter, so that dust does not accumulate in the filter, and thus the air permeability of the filter can be maintained. Sucked dust accumulates in the dust collector, and a suction channel passing from the suction port to the blower is provided around the dust filter. As a result, this design does not cause a decrease in air volume, but perfectly retains it, so that the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention may not need maintenance for a long period of time.

The air duct passing from the suction port to the blower can separate dust from the air duct without repeating sharp bends, expansions, or contraction of the air flow, so that the suction power can be kept high for a long period of time. The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, therefore, can operate without maintenance for a long period of time, while it maintains a suction power at a high level, and its suction power is practically not reduced, despite the fact that it absorbs dust.

In the present invention, dust filters are arranged along the entire air channel of the vortex air stream. This design makes it possible to provide a suction channel extending from the suction port to the blower along the entire dust filter, so that the air volume is no longer reduced, and the vacuum cleaner can perfectly maintain the air volume and does not require maintenance for a long period of time.

In the present invention, the dust collecting device is placed under the dust filter, so that coarse dust, such as fluff and hair, swirls in the hollow cylinder of the dust filter and is lowered more efficiently into the dust collecting device.

In the present invention, the air channel of the vortex air stream has a substantially cylindrical shape and the suction port is tangential to this air channel. This design allows tangential air to pass into the dust separator so that a more powerful vortex airflow can form in the dust separator.

In the present invention, the main air passage is formed in a space formed along the outer circumference of the dust filters, so that the suction force of the blower can act on the outer circumference. This design makes it possible to provide a more efficient suction channel passing from the suction port to the blower along the dust filters, so that the air flow is no longer reduced, and the vacuum cleaner can perfectly maintain the air volume and does not require maintenance for a long period of time.

The present invention provides a dust collecting device with an auxiliary air channel in which the suction force of the blower is applied. This design provides suction of coarse dust, which swirls and falls in the hollow cylinder of the dust filter and passes into the dust collecting device, into the auxiliary air channel, so that coarse dust is captured and accumulated more efficiently in the dust collecting device. In addition, this design can prevent dust from adhering to the dust filter as a result of dust rising during operation, so that this design prevents air volume reduction. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is obtained that perfectly supports the volume of air.

In the present invention, an auxiliary air passage extending from the dust collector and communicating with the outside of the dust filter passes through the dust filter. This design allows the suction of coarse dust, which swirls and falls in the hollow cylinder of the dust filter and passes into the dust collector, into the auxiliary air channel, and filtering by means of a dust filter, so that coarse dust can be trapped in the dust collector more efficiently before accumulation in dust collecting device. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can maintain its volume of air and may not need maintenance for a long period of time.

In the present invention, the vacuum cleaner is provided with a third dust filter in the auxiliary air duct. This design provides suction of coarse dust, which swirls and falls in the hollow cylinder in the dust filter and passes into the dust collector towards the third dust filter, which filters out coarse dust. Thus, dust is collected in the dust collector more efficiently before being accumulated in the dust collector. The fine dust passing through the third filter is also filtered by the filter, so that the fine dust can be removed from the air duct when passing to the blower.

This design provides a more efficient separation of coarse dust from fine dust, and coarse dust can be directly captured and accumulated in the dust collector. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can more effectively maintain its volume of air and may not need maintenance for a long period of time.

The dust filter of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention is formed of at least a first dust filter for collecting coarse dust on the upstream side of the intake air stream and a second dust filter located on the outer circumference of the first dust filter and on the downstream side , to collect fine dust. This design collects coarse dust, such as fluff, hair, and food chips, using the first dust filter located on the upstream side and collects fine dust, such as grains of sand, using a second dust filter located on the side downstream. Fluff that is capable of clogging the air duct can thus be caught on the upstream side and swirl in the dust collector. Thus, a decrease in suction power can be prevented more efficiently.

In the present invention, the dust collecting device is configured with an auxiliary air passage in which the suction force of the blower is applied. This design allows the suction of coarse dust that enters the dust collector using an auxiliary air channel and filtering with a dust filter so that coarse dust can be captured and accumulated more efficiently in the dust collector. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can maintain air volume and does not require maintenance for a long period of time. In addition, this design can prevent dust from adhering to the dust filter as a result of dust rising during operation, so that this design prevents air volume reduction. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is obtained that perfectly supports the volume of air.

In the present invention, the vacuum cleaner is made with a main air channel passing from the air channel of the vortex air flow to the outer circumference of the dust separator through the first and second dust filters, and an auxiliary air channel passing from the dust collector to the outer circumference of the dust separator through the third and second filters for dust. This design provides swirling of coarse dust, such as fluff and hair, and lowering in a hollow cylinder in the first dust filter before passing into the dust collector, and then sucks coarse dust from the dust collector towards a third filter that filters out coarse dust. Thus, coarse dust is captured and accumulated more efficiently in a dust collecting device. Fine dust passing through the third filter passes into the second filter at its lower end and is filtered by the second filter, and also passes through the air channel and is removed when passing to the blower.

This design provides a more efficient separation of coarse dust from fine dust, and coarse dust can be captured and accumulated in the dust collector. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can more effectively maintain the volume of air and does not require maintenance for a long period of time.

In the present invention, the vacuum cleaner is provided with a third dust filter for collecting coarse dust. This design provides suction of coarse dust passing into the dust collector towards the second filter through the third filter; however, the third filter blocks coarse dust, such as fluff and hair, so that coarse dust is separated from the fine dust. Thus, coarse dust, such as fluff and hair blocking the air duct, can be more effectively captured in the dust collector, so that a reduction in air volume can be more effectively prevented.

The present invention provides a first dust filter made of a material comprising at least one of the following: metal with perforated holes, a metal mesh and a polymer mesh. This design prevents dust from tangling oriented fibers such as fluff with the first filter, since the first filter does not have sharp protrusions and depressions on the surface, so that its surface is smoother than the surface of the dust filter, and provides continuous swirling of dust with oriented fibers, which is easily captured and accumulated in a dust collecting device.

The present invention provides a second dust filter having a cylindrical shape obtained by twisting the corrugated element. The use of a corrugated element allows to increase the filter area, so that the air permeability resistance can be reduced, and the suction power can be maintained at a high level for a long period of time.

The present invention provides a second dust filter formed from a corrugated element, the inner wall of which has a U-shape, rounded and forming cavities on the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape of the second filter. Rounded cavities prevent fine dust from sticking to and accumulating on the second dust filter. Fine dust adhering to the filter can be easily removed, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with a dust filter configured to rotate. This design prevents the dust from sticking unevenly to the filter, so that the dust can evenly stick to the filter. As a result, a reduction in air volume due to clogging of the filter can be effectively prevented.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with first and second dust filters, at least one of which is rotatable. This design prevents dust from sticking unevenly to the first or second filter, so that the dust can evenly adhere to the filters. As a result, a reduction in air volume due to clogging of one of the filters can be effectively prevented.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with first and second dust filters, both of which are rotatable together. This design prevents dust from sticking unevenly to the first and second filters, so that the dust can evenly adhere to the filters. As a result, a reduction in air volume due to clogged filters can be effectively prevented by a simple design.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with means for removing dust adhered to the dust filter. This design allows the removal of fine dust such as grains of sand adhering to the filter, so that clogging of the filter can be more effectively prevented, and a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

The present invention provides a means for removing dust, made with the possibility of contacting with a rotating filter for dust. This design allows you to remove dust adhering to the inner wall of the dust filter along the entire circumference. This remover can be rotated manually using a simple design, or the remover includes a rotary drive means and control means for rotating the dust remover in synchronization with the blower. As a result, the breathability of the dust filter can be maintained more efficiently, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

The present invention provides at least one of a first or second rotating dust filter with a dust remover in contact with it to vibrate a filter in contact with a dust remover, so that dust adhering to the filter can be removed. This design allows you to remove dust adhering to the inner wall of the first or second dust filter, more efficiently. As a result, a reduction in air volume can be more effectively prevented.

The present invention provides at least one of a first or second rotating dust filter with a dust remover in contact with it, for scraping or erasing dust adhering to the dust filter. This design allows you to remove dust adhering to the inner wall of the first or second dust filter, more efficiently, which is the fluff or hair tangled on the filter or causing clogging.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with dust removing means that is arranged to move along the dust filter while it is in contact with the filter, thereby causing the filter to vibrate to remove dust, or to scrape off or wipe off dust adhering to the filter. This design makes it easy to remove dust adhering to the inner wall of the filter along the entire circumference. This device can be manually rotated using a simple design, or the removal means includes a rotary drive means and a control means for rotating the dust removing means in synchronization with the blower. As a result, the breathability of the dust filter can be maintained more efficiently, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

The third dust filter according to the present invention has a shape similar to a truncated cone, i.e. the lower diameter is larger than the upper diameter, and both the upper and lower ends are open. This design allows fine dust removed from the third dust filter to fall into the dust collector below the third filter along an inclined surface formed from tire lines. The re-sticking of fine dust to the third filter can be prevented, so that a reduction in air volume can be more effectively prevented.

The dust filter according to the present invention has a shape similar to a truncated cone, i.e. the lower diameter is larger than the upper diameter. This design allows you to suck in more dust than the volume of the dust collector. If more dust is sucked in than the volume of the dust collector and the dust is clogged in the hollow cylinder in the dust filter, then the dust can easily be removed from the filter, since the lower part is larger than the upper part. Thus, a vacuum cleaner is obtained from which dust is easily and conveniently thrown away.

In the present invention, a third dust filter is provided with an aperture, and a dust remover is arranged near the aperture. A dust collecting chamber in communication with this opening is located in the dust collecting device. Dust removed with a dust remover passes through this hole and accumulates in this chamber. This design can prevent dust from adhering to the dust filter as a result of dust rising during operation, so that this design can further prevent air volume reduction. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is obtained that effectively maintains a volume of air.

In the present invention, air outlet openings are provided on the side wall of the dust collecting chamber for communication with the dust collecting apparatus, and a fourth dust filter is located on the air outlet openings. This design provides an air passage from the dust collecting device to the outer circumference of the dust filter through the fourth filter and the dust collecting chamber, so that the intake air amount is difficult to reduce even when dust is sucked by the vacuum cleaner, and the suction power can be kept high for a long period of time. .

In the present invention, dust is discharged by opening the bottom of the dust collector. This design allows fine dust and coarse dust accumulated in the dust collector to fall due to gravity, so that dust can be easily discharged from the dust collector. Thus, a vacuum cleaner is obtained from which dust is easily and conveniently thrown away.

In the present invention, at least one of the dust collecting device or the dust collecting device is formed at least partially from a transparent material. This design allows the user to see a swirl of dust or the amount of dust collected, so that users can determine the time of dust emission from the dust collector or more quickly detect a violation in the dust collector.

In the present invention, the dust filter is at least partially formed from a transparent material. This design allows users to see the dust content, so that users can easily detect an item other than dust.

The construction of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is described in more detail below. The vacuum cleaner contains the following items:

a suction device for sucking dust on the floor;

an electric blower for suction of air transported from the suction device and containing dust;

cleaning device containing the blower;

a dust separator for capturing air inside, sucked in by the blower and containing dust, and separating dust from the air; and

a dust collector for collecting dust separated from the air.

The dust separator comprises a suction port for trapping air from the suction device and containing dust, an air passage for passing dust containing air in the form of a vortex air stream, and a dust filter for separating dust from the air and forming at least a portion of the air channel. The main air passage closes the outer circumference of the dust filter and connects to the suction side of the blower, so that the suction force of the blower can act on the outer circumference of the dust filter.

To create a vortex air flow, the following construction is required: the air channel for the vortex air flow has a substantially cylindrical shape, more preferably, it forms a cylinder, and a suction port is formed so that a vortex air flow is formed along the inner wall of the air channel, and the air the flow swirls in a direction along the circumference. More specifically, the suction direction of the suction opening intersects with the axial direction of the cylinder at right angles, so that it can extend in the direction along the circumference of the inner wall, and the suction direction extends along the tangent of the cylinder. The substantially cylindrical shape includes a cross-sectional view of an oval or polygon, such as an octagon. Any shape is allowed if it allows the formation of a vortex air flow in the direction along the circumference of the inner wall of the air channel.

In order to create a vortex air flow in the air channel, a negative pressure is usually required, created by the suction force of the blower acting on the inside of the air channel. To this end, the first end containing the suction opening of the air channel is closed by the upper surface of the dust collecting device, and its second end is hermetically connected to the dust collecting device, so that the suction force of the blower acts on the dust filter formed in the air channel.

More preferably, the auxiliary air channel is located in the connecting part between the air channel and the dust collecting device or directly in the dust collecting device, so that the suction force of the blower acts on the auxiliary air channel. This design makes it possible to obtain not only the suction force acting on the dust filter, but also the suction force acting approximately near the dust collecting device, so that the dust passing through the dust filter moves more easily into the dust collecting device.

The first end of the auxiliary air channel is connected to a part of the dust collecting device, and its second end is connected to the suction side of the blower or to a part of the already formed main air channel. This design provides a similar advantage to what has been previously described. Preferably, a third dust filter is attached to the first end of the auxiliary air duct to prevent dust accumulated in the dust collecting device from passing into the blower. It is preferable to install a third dust collecting device that is not ready for clogging, especially when the suction force of the blower acts on the dust collecting device through an auxiliary air channel.

Therefore, a third dust filter is used to collect coarse dust, so that it is difficult to clog and can be used for a long period of time. The use of a third filter to collect coarse dust possibly contributes to the passage of fine dust into the auxiliary air channel. If fine dust passes directly into the blower, the life of the blower is reduced. When the third filter is used to collect coarse dust, the fine dust filter should be placed upstream of the suction side of the blower.

If the dust filter located in the main air channel is used to collect fine dust, then the auxiliary air channel can be connected to the main air channel located upstream of the fine dust filter. This connection method allows the collection of fine dust on the fine dust filter from the secondary air channel, and this method can also eliminate the fine dust filter used exclusively in the secondary air channel, so that the maintenance of the fine dust filter can be improved.

The specified vacuum cleaner provides a self-cleaning effect of the dust filter in the dust separation device due to the swirling air flow; however, since the dust filter sucks from its outer circumference, it is impossible to exclude 100% dust clogging. Thus, a means has been prepared for removing dust stuck in the filter. This means for removing dust is activated, for example, at the beginning or end of the vacuum cleaner, to remove dust stuck in the filter. This operation allows you to use the vacuum cleaner for a long period of time without reducing the suction power and suction power.

Preferably, the operating time of the dust removing means is set in accordance with the design of the dust separator, the type of dust filters used after examining how much the dust filter is clogged during actual cleaning operations. More specifically, the dust removing means is activated for a predetermined time when the vacuum cleaner starts to work, or when the vacuum cleaner finishes working, or is activated for a predetermined time both at the beginning and at the end of the operation of the vacuum cleaner. It is preferable to use an electric motor to drive the means for removing dust at a specified time.

For example, on-off control of an electric motor can be easily performed using a microprocessor, and this regulation can be easily incorporated into a control program (carried out mainly by a microprocessor) with a vacuum cleaner as part of sequential actions. The use of a cord winder for a cord integrated in a vacuum cleaner to control the dust removing means is different from using an electric motor as described above. More specifically, the user pulls the cord wound around the winder to start cleaning, then the wound portion of the mechanism cord is untwisted by the pulling force. If this rotational force is transmitted to the dust removing means, then it works when the vacuum cleaner starts to work. Typically, the winding device includes a built-in spring that twists when the winding device rotates while the cord is pulled. At the end of cleaning, the button (usually the push button is located on the part of the cleaning device) is pressed to wind the cord onto the device and then the twisted spring rotates the winding part in the direction of winding. If this rotational force is transferred to the dust remover, it can work at the end of the cleaning.

As described above, the method of operation of the means for removing dust, respectively, can be selected; however, the operation of the dust removing means at least every time that cleaning starts and ends, eliminates clogging in the dust filter when the vacuum cleaner starts to work. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can maintain and operate the initial suction power and suction power when it is running. The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention has a structure in which the suction force acts on the outer circumference of the dust filter, i.e. a self-cleaning action can prevent clogging of the dust filter, and in addition, the dust removal means is used in the design, so that clogging does not occur for a long period of time, and this design makes it possible not to carry out maintenance of the vacuum cleaner for a long time. The operating time of the dust remover can be shortened since this design is resistant to clogging. In the case of activating the means for removing dust using an electric motor, this design does not take time for the user to start cleaning or returning devices and parts to their original places, so that the user can simply use the vacuum cleaner efficiently.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Embodiment 1

1 and 2 show a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 1 comprises an electric blower 21, and both wheels 3 and rollers 4 are mounted on the outside of the cleaning device 1 for free movement on the floor. The dust collecting case 5 is connected to the cleaning device 1 with the possibility of removal on the side upstream of the electric blower 21 through the breathable partition 26. The dust collecting case 5 captures the air inside, sucked by the electric blower 21 and containing dust.

The dust collecting case 5 is formed by mounting a plurality of hollow cylinders on top of each other having different diameters. In this first embodiment, three cylinders are mounted on top in this sequence: the upper part 22a of the housing 5, the middle part 22b of the housing 5 and the dust collecting device 24. The upper part 22a and the middle part 22b of the housing 5 function as a dust separator 23. The upper part 22a includes a suction port 6, which traps air inward containing dust along a tangent.

The dust collecting case 5 communicates from the suction opening 6 with the dust collecting device 24 in the lower part in which dust is accumulated, and the air passage passing from the suction opening 6 to the electric blower 21 communicates with the baffle 26 of the cleaning device 1 at the opening 25 located on the dust separation device 23 in the dust collecting case 5. A cylindrical dust filter 27 is located in the dust separation device 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, the suction port 6 is connected to the suction sleeve 7 and the extension tube 8 in this sequence, and the suction device 9 is attached to the end of the extension tube 8. The electric drive blower 21 will suck dust from the floor.

The cylindrical dust filter 27 is formed of two layers, namely, a cylindrical first dust filter 27a located on the upstream side and forming a coarse dust filter, and a cylindrical second dust filter 27b located on the downstream side of the first filter 27a for dust on the outer circumference and forming a filter for fine dust. The air inlets of the first dust filter 27a and the second dust filter 27b are located in the middle of the main air passage 29a, i.e. the first air channel through which the suction hole 6 communicates with the electric blower 21.

The main air passage 29a extending from the suction port 6 to the electric blower 21 is located along the entire circumference of the air space expanding from the inner side of the first dust filter 27a to the outer circumference of the second dust filter 27b.

The dust collecting case 5 and the cylindrical dust filter 27 are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. As shown in FIG. 3A, the housing 5 is formed by mounting three vertical and hollow cylinders on top of each other. The suction hole 6 is located, as shown in FIG. 3C, in a position offset from the center so that the air flow passes tangentially into it in a sectional view of the circle of the upper part 22a of the housing 5. In this first embodiment, the dust collecting housing 5 has a shape similar to a hollow cylinder; however, the cross section of the cylinder is not necessarily exactly round, and it may be an oval or a polygon, such as an octagon or a decagon. Any shape may be allowed if it swirls the airflow that is tangential to the suction port 6 along the inner wall of the housing 5. The cylindrical dust filter 27 is also not necessarily exactly round, and it may be an oval or polygon, such as an octagon or decagon. Any shape may be allowed if it provides for the formation of a vortex airflow formed along the inner wall of the housing 5, also in the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter 27a.

Thus, the channel that forms the vortex air stream generated along the inner wall of the upper part and also forms the vortex air stream created in the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter 27a is called the air channel for the vortex air stream.

The suction hole 6 is located in the upper part 22a of the housing 5, so that a swirling air flow can be created along the direction to the dust collecting housing 24, more specifically, the lower end of the suction hole 6 is located above the upper end of the hole 25 formed in the dust separation device 23. This design allows rotation air passing into the suction port 6 tangentially to the upper part 22a, towards the dust collector 24, i.e. downward due to the suction force acting in the aperture 25. Lowering and swirling the vortex airflow involves coarse dust 52, such as fluff and hair, while swirling and lowering it into the dust collector 24 because coarse dust 52 experiences wind pressure from the swirling airflow.

The dust collecting case 5 comprises a dust collecting device 24 for collecting dust in its lower part, and the lower surface of the housing 5 functions as a door 31, so that the door 31 is opened by a hinge 32 for discharging dust accumulated in the dust collecting device 24.

The dust collecting case 5 is made of polyacrylate in the first embodiment, and at least a part of the housing 5 is preferably made of a transparent material, so that the amount of dust can be easily seen with the eyes. The transparent material is preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polypropylene or polyacrylate, as they are easy to obtain and are excellently processed.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a space 33 is formed on the inner wall between the suction hole 6 and the dust collecting device 24 around the entire outer circumference between the housing 5 and the cylindrical dust filter 27, so that the inside of the housing 5 communicates with the suction hole 6 of the electric blower 21 through this space 33.

The inner wall of the upper part 22a of the housing 5 and the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a generally form a single wall, in other words, nothing protrudes on the inner wall of the housing 5. The first dust filter 27a is one of the elements of the cylindrical dust filter 27 and is located inside filter 27. As shown in FIG. 3D, the cylindrical dust filter 27 is rounded in the cylindrical body 5, so that the filter 27 forms a cylindrical shape. The first dust filter 27a, i.e. the coarse dust filter, located on the upstream side of the intake air stream, filters out coarser dust, such as fluff and hair, from the intake air stream. The second dust filter 27b, i.e. The fine dust filter, located on the downstream side of the suction air stream, filters out finer dust (small particles), such as grains of sand, pollen and scattered seeds, from the air stream.

As described above, the use of multilayer cylindrical dust filters in accordance with the dimensions of the dust particles to be filtered will reduce the clogging frequency of the dust filter, so that the efficiency of maintaining the air volume can be improved. The multilayer structure can be replaced by a single layer structure.

The first dust filter 27a is preferably made of a metal mesh, metal with perforated holes or a polymer mesh having a slightly larger hole diameter so that fine dust, such as grains of sand, can pass through it. In this first embodiment, a metal mesh is used comprising air vents having a diameter of 250 μm, so that the sharp protrusions on the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a can be minimized.

The second dust filter 27b may be made of non-woven material, cellulose, fiberglass or a high-performance dry air filter. The nonwoven material is corrugated and then formed into a cylindrical shape, since this material can effectively filter out smaller particles. A filter made in this way can reduce exhaust resistance, while it maintains dust removal efficiency. A porous element made of polytetrafluoroethylene is effective in removing dust, it is preferably coated on the surface of the filter to which dust adheres, since using this filter as a second dust filter 27b can reduce filter clogging.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part on an enlarged scale of the second dust filter 27b shown in FIG. 3D. In this first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3D and 4, a plate filter is used made of a polytetrafluoroethylene film containing air vents of about 0.5 μm in diameter and reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate to increase stiffness. This plate filter is pleated to form a pleated filter 41, and both ends are joined together to form a cylindrical shape.

On the circumference of the pleated filter 41, depressions 42 are formed on the inner wall of the pleated element, which are located on the upstream side of the intake air stream, and depressions 42 are U-shaped with a radius R of rounded off equal to 2-5 mm. Some of the pleated filter 41, located closer to the first filter 27a for dust, does not contain cavities 42.

The outer part of the pleated filter 41, i.e. the second dust filter 27b is sealed with resin or sealant at the upper and lower ends within a few millimeters to form a sealed portion 43, which blocks the air permeability of both the top and bottom.

The operation of the described vacuum cleaner in accordance with the first embodiment is shown below with reference to figa-5C. When the electric blower 21 is turned on, a suction air stream is created, and air containing dust on the floor is sucked into the dust collecting case 5 through the suction device 9, the extension tube 8 and the suction sleeve 7. Since the suction hole 6 of the housing 5 is located offset from the center in the direction tangent to the cross section of the cylinder, then the air flow passing into the suction hole 6, as shown in FIG. 5A, passes into the housing 5 tangentially to the cross section of the cylindrical housing 5 and then changes into a swirling air stream.

The swirling air flow formed in the upper part 22a of the housing 5 swirls and falls near the cylindrical dust filter 27. Since the first dust filter 27a located on the upstream side does not have protrusions toward the inside of the dust collecting body 5, nothing prevents the passage of the vortex air flow, so that the air flow still swirls and sequentially passes through the first filter 27a for dust, a second dust filter 27b and a space 33, as shown in FIG. 5B, and is sucked into the electric blower 21.

The dust sucked in together with the suction air stream swirls with the air stream and passes to the cylindrical dust filter 27, and fine dust 51, such as grains of sand, passes through the first dust filter 27a and is filtered by a second dust filter 27b located outside the first filter 27a for dust.

Coarse dust 52, such as fluff having a low specific gravity and subjected to wind pressure, is easily removed from the surface of the first dust filter 27a, and, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, coarse dust 52 is still swirling in the first filter 27a for dust on the hollow cylinder. This process proves that the first dust filter 27a activates a self-cleaning function by using the air flow, so that no clogging occurs, and a decrease in suction force can be prevented.

As the amount of intake dust increases, coarse dust 52, such as fluff, swirls in the first dust filter 27a and is lowered into the dust collector 24. To summarize the above, coarse dust 52, such as fluff, is subjected to wind pressure from the swirling air stream and it then swirls and sinks into the dust collector 24, and fine dust 51, such as grains of sand, passes through the mesh openings of the first dust filter 27a, so that dust does not accumulate in the first dust filter 27a, which, therefore, m May not become clogged and maintain its breathability.

More specifically, the suction dust is directly separated into the fine dust 51 and the coarse dust 52, and the fine dust 51 is filtered out by the second dust filter 27b, and the coarse dust 52 is captured by the dust collecting device 24. The suction channel passing from the suction port 6 to the electric blower 21 is provided along the circumference of the first and second dust filters 27a and 27b, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

In addition, the second dust filter 27b comprises depressions 42 on its corrugated portion located on the upstream side of the intake air stream, and each of depressions 42 is U-shaped with a radius of curvature of 2R-5R. This rounded cavity prevents fine dust 51 from adhering to and accumulating on the second dust filter 27b. Even if fine dust 51 accumulates, this design makes it easy to remove fine dust 51, so that a reduction in air volume due to clogging of the filter can be prevented.

Although the amount of dust accumulated in the dust collecting case 5 is increasing, the door 31 is unobstructed to open the dust discharge, since there are no protrusions inside the housing 6, which can thus be very easily handled.

The efficiency of maintaining the volume of air is evaluated in a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the first embodiment. Household dust is separated into fluff and fine dust by using a strainer, and 4 g of fluff and 3 g of fine dust are mixed together, so that a total of 7 g is absorbed during operation to assess changes in air volume. Figure 6 shows the result of the evaluation. A commercial cyclone vacuum cleaner was also evaluated for comparison.

As shown in FIG. 6, the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment maintains the air volume at a high level from the moment it is turned on, and it maintains over 90% of the initial air volume after 80 g of dust is sucked; however, the cyclone vacuum cleaner shows a low air volume at the beginning and reduces the air volume at high speed, then it only maintains no more than 80% of the initial air volume after 60 g of dust is sucked. In addition, the suction power of two vacuum cleaners is measured, and the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment shows a suction power of 100 V more than a cyclone vacuum cleaner.

Evaluation proves that the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the first embodiment maintains the suction power at a high level and prevents the reduction of the suction force while it sucks the dust.

In the first embodiment, the second dust filter 27b is located along the entire outer circumference of the first dust filter 27a; however, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, the second dust filter 27b is not necessarily placed along the entire circumference, and it may simply be located on the suction side of the blower. This simple design provides an advantage similar to that described above.

As shown in FIG. 9A by dashed lines and FIG. 9B, the cylindrical dust filter 27 is recessed and a transparent and arcuate material is inserted into this recess to form a transparent window 91 that allows the user to control the accumulated dust vertically in cross-sectional view . Thus, the user can easily detect an object mistakenly sucked in with dust.

Embodiment 2

In this second embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first embodiment, and elements similar to those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted here. 10, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D show a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a second embodiment and sectional views of a dust collecting case 5.

As shown in these drawings, the vacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment differs from the vacuum cleaner of the first embodiment by having a third dust filter 28 having a shape similar to a cylinder located under the cylindrical dust filter 27. This third dust filter 28 consists of a coarse dust filter, which is made of a metal mesh, the air exhaust openings of which are 250 μm wide. This design is similar to the first dust filter 27a. The inner end of the third dust filter 28 is in tight contact (without any gaps) with the edge of the first dust filter 27a, and the outer end of the third dust filter 28 is in tight contact with the seal portion 43 and the dust collector 24, so that the third dust filter 28 may cover the sealed portion 43 at the lower end of the outer circumference of the second dust filter 27b.

The third dust filter 28 is located somewhere in the auxiliary air channel 29b, i.e. a second air passage extending from the suction port 6 to the lower end of the second dust filter 27b through the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter 27a, the dust collector 24 and this third dust filter 28. Thus, the first dust filter 27a, the second dust filter 27b and the third dust filter 28 are located in the main air passage 29a, through which the suction port 6 communicates with the electric blower 21 or the auxiliary air channel 29b. The operation of the specified vacuum cleaner is shown below with reference to figa-12C.

After the start of operation of the electric blower 21, a suction air stream is created, and the dust on the floor is sucked into the dust collecting case 5 through the suction device 9, the extension tube 8 and the suction sleeve 7. Since the suction hole 6 of the body 5 is offset from the center towards the tangent on the cross section of the cylinder, as shown in figa, the air flow passing into the suction hole 6 passes into the housing 5 tangentially to the cross section of the cylinder and changes to swirl air shny flow.

The swirling air flow formed in the upper part 22a of the housing 5 swirls and falls near the cylindrical dust filter 27. Since the first dust filter 27a located on the upstream side does not have protrusions toward the inside of the dust collecting body 5, nothing prevents the passage of the vortex air flow, so that the air flow still swirls and sequentially passes through the first filter 27a for dust, a second dust filter 27b and a space 33, as shown in FIG. 12B, and is sucked into the electric blower 21.

The dust sucked in together with the suction air stream swirls with the air stream and passes to the cylindrical dust filter 27, and fine dust 51, such as grains of sand, passes through the first dust filter 27a and is filtered by a second dust filter 27b located outside the first filter 27a for dust.

Coarse dust 52, such as fluff having a small specific gravity and is under pressure from the wind, is easily removed from the surface of the first dust filter 27a, and, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, coarse dust 52 is still swirling in the first filter 27a for dust on a hollow cylinder. This process proves that the first dust filter 27a activates a self-cleaning function by using the air flow, so that no clogging occurs, and a decrease in suction force can be prevented.

As the amount of intake dust increases, coarse dust 52, such as fluff, swirls in the first dust filter 27a and is lowered into the dust collector 24. The coarse dust 52 passing to the dust collector 24 is sucked in to the corrugations 42 of the corrugated part at the end of the second the dust filter 27b through a third dust filter 28 located above the dust collecting device 24, so that coarse dust 52 can be directly captured and accumulated in the dust collecting device 24. In addition, I compress the coarse dust 52 force so that coarse dust volume can be expected to decrease 52.

Without the secondary air channel 29b, almost all of the dust in the dust collector 24 rises in the form of a cloud and re-adheres to the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a when the suction channel is blocked on the upstream side of the dust collecting body 5. The secondary air channel 29b communicates with the main air channel 29a through the dust collector 24, when the suction channel is blocked on the upstream side, and the auxiliary air channel 29b thus becomes a bypass channel, which can pre prevent the rise of dust in the form of a cloud.

In the first dust filter 27a, coarse dust 52, such as fluff, is subjected to wind pressure from the side of the swirling air flow and then swirls and falls, and fine dust 51, such as grains of sand, passes through the mesh openings of the first dust filter 27a, so that dust does not accumulate in the first dust filter 27a, which thus may not become clogged and retain its breathability.

The third dust filter 28 is made of metal mesh and is positioned so that its inner end is in close contact (without any gaps) with the edge of the first dust filter 27a, and its outer end is in tight contact with the sealed portion 43 located on the outer circumference at the lower end of the second dust filter 27b. This design allows fine dust 51, mixed with coarse dust 52 in the dust collector 24, to pass through a third dust filter 28, and then coarse dust 52 is filtered by a second dust filter 27b.

More specifically, the suction dust is directly separated into the fine dust 51 and the coarse dust 52, and the fine dust 51 is filtered off with the second dust filter 27b, and the coarse dust 52 is collected in the dust collector 24. The suction passage extending from the suction port 6 to the electric blower 21 is provided along the circumference of the first and second dust filters 27a and 27b, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

In the second embodiment, evaluation tests were conducted on the effectiveness of maintaining the air volume, as was done in the first embodiment. 13 is a test result that indicates that the second embodiment shows better performance than the first embodiment.

The use of a third dust filter 28 located in the dust collecting case 5, in addition to the design of the first embodiment, provides for efficient collection and accumulation of coarse dust in the dust collecting device 24, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented more efficiently. As a result, an efficient vacuum cleaner is obtained.

In a second embodiment, a second dust filter 27b and a third dust filter 28 are located along the entire circumference of the first dust filter 27a; however, like the first embodiment, they can simply be located on the suction side of a blower (not shown). This simple design provides a similar advantage to that discussed above.

Embodiment 3

In a third embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first and second embodiments, and elements similar to those used in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

On Fig shows a sectional top view of the main part of the cylindrical filter 27 for dust. Other designs remain the same as in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the drive gear 141 is located on the sealing portion 43 at the upper end of the outer circumference of the second dust filter 27b. The second dust filter 27b and the first dust filter 27a are rotated together by this drive gear 141 and another drive gear 142 engaged with the drive gear 141 and an electric motor 143 that drives the drive gear 142.

Both the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b can rotate as described above; however, only the second dust filter 27b can rotate, or the first dust filter 27a is provided with a drive gear 141, and then the first dust filter 27a can be driven alone by the drive gear 142 and an electric motor 143.

The rotation of the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b driven by the electric motor 143 helps to prevent uneven adhesion of dust to the filters in some parts, since the dust tends to adhere to the partition 26, on which the suction force of the blower 21 is more intense. Thus, this design can prevent this problem and ensure uniform adhesion of dust to the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b, so that a reduction in air volume due to clogging of the filter can be prevented more efficiently.

The efficiency of maintaining air volume is evaluated in a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a third embodiment. Household dust is separated into fluff and fine dust by using a strainer, and 4 g of fluff and 3 g of fine dust are mixed together, so that a total of 7 g is absorbed during operation to assess changes in air volume. On Fig shows the result of the assessment, which indicates that the third embodiment is the best in maintaining air volume in comparison with the second embodiment.

This assessment proves that the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the third embodiment maintains the suction power at a high level and prevents the decrease in suction power, while it sucks the dust. In the third embodiment, the second dust filter 27b and the third dust filter 28 are located along the entire circumference of the first dust filter 27a; however, like the previous embodiments, they simply may be located on the suction side of the blower (not shown). This simple design provides a similar advantage to that discussed above.

Embodiment 4

In a fourth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to third embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17 show sectional views of the dust collecting case 5 in accordance with the fourth embodiment and the main parts of the dust collecting case 5. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, the first dust removing means 161 is rigidly mounted in at least one of the upper or lower parts of the dust collecting case 5. As shown in FIG. 17, the first dust removing means 161 has a shape similar to a spatula, both ends of which are pointed and pressed against the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a.

As already described in the third embodiment, the electric motor 143 and the drive gear 142 rotate the drive gear 141 located on the second dust filter 27b, so that the first dust filter 27a and the second dust filter 27b rotate together, then the first means 161 for dust removal slides along the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a, although it is pressed against the inner wall. Thus, the first dust removing means 161 cleans the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a by removing dust, such as lint, adhering to or accumulating on the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a, thereby preserving the breathability of the first dust filter 27a and preventing a decrease in air volume.

The first dust filter 27a is mounted in such a way that it makes one turn in 5 seconds, and the electric motor 143 is activated for 5 seconds by means of a control (not shown) immediately after turning off the electric blower 21, so that both the second and first filters 27a, 27b for dust - rotate together. In this example, only one means 161 for dust removal is used; however, many dust removing agents will provide a greater advantage.

A first spatula-like dust removing means 161 is used in the fourth embodiment; however, the shape may change to a brush-like or rising shape depending on the type of dust to obtain an appropriate effect in accordance with the shape.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16A, the rod-shaped member is mounted vertically in the upper part of the dust collecting case 5 as the first dust removing means 161; however, as shown in FIG. 18, the first dust removing means 161 can be spirally mounted at an angle while it is pressed against the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a. This design increases the shear effect when the first dust filter 27a is rotated, so that tangled hair or fluff moves during the brushing operation, and a better cleaning effect can be expected.

Embodiment 5

In a fifth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to fourth embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a fifth embodiment. On figa shows a view in vertical section of a vacuum cleaner. In FIG. 19A, the second dust removing means 191 is located near the outside of the second dust filter 27b. On Fig shows the main part on an enlarged scale of the second means 191 for removing dust, which contains a spring formed by folding a metal foil. The spring acts as a mallet 201.

The drive gear 141 is connected to the second dust filter 27b, and the first dust filter 27a is moved together with the second dust filter 27b. The drive gear 141 is driven by an electric motor 143 and the drive gear 142, thereby driving the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b.

As shown in FIGS. 19B and 20, rotation of the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b will cause the beater 201 to strike the second dust filter 27b from the outside, thereby dropping dust adhering to the inside of the pleated filter 41 or accumulated on which is U-shaped to a second dust filter 27b, so that the second dust filter 27b can be cleaned. Continuous rotation of the filters 27a and 27b will clear the entire circumference of the filter 27b.

In this embodiment, the second dust filter 27b is mounted so that it rotates one time for 5 seconds, and the electric motor 143 is activated for 5 seconds by means of control (not shown) immediately after turning off the electric blower 21, so that the second and the first dust filters 27b, 27a rotate together. After stopping the electric blower 21, the second dust filter 27b can thus be cleaned for 5 seconds, thereby discharging dust adhering to the entire circumference of the second dust filter 27b.

The same evaluation test as in the first embodiment was performed to determine the air volume maintenance efficiency, and the result is shown in FIG. 21, which indicates that the fifth embodiment is more efficient than the second embodiment.

As described above, rotation of the first and second dust filters 27a, 27b causes the second dust removing means 191 to remove dust adhering to the second dust filter 27b for cleaning purposes. As a result, air volume reduction can be prevented more efficiently.

A mallet 201 formed by folding a metal foil is used as the second dust removing means 191 in the fifth embodiment; however, the mallet 201 may be a plate element or an elastic element such as an elastic band.

Option exercise 6

In a sixth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to fifth embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case 5 of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a sixth embodiment. 22, the third dust removing means 221 is fixedly mounted in the upper part 22a of the housing 5, and the upper part 22a rotates together with the middle part 22b, while they maintain breathability between them.

The third dust removing means 221 has a shape similar to a spatula, both ends of which are pointed, which is pressed against the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a, as shown in FIG. 23.

Rotation of the upper portion 22a will cause the third dust removing means 221 to slide along the inner wall of the first dust filter 27a, although the third dust removing means 221 is pressed against the inner wall, thereby cleaning the inner wall of the filter 27a. Thus, dust such as fluff tangled and adhered to the inner wall of the first filter 27a can be removed. This design allows the air permeability of the filter 27a to be maintained and to prevent a decrease in air volume. In this example, only the third dust remover 221 is used; however, a plurality of third dust removal means 221 will provide a greater advantage.

A third dust removing means 221 having a shape similar to a spatula is used in the sixth embodiment; however, the shape can be changed to a brush-like or rising shape depending on the type of dust to obtain the corresponding effect in accordance with the shape.

Third dust removing means 221 is mounted vertically; however, as shown in FIG. 24, it can be mounted in a spiral at an angle. This design increases the shearing effect when the third dust removing means 221 is rotated, so that tangled hair or fluff moves during the brushing operation, and a better cleaning effect can be expected.

The third dust removing means 221 attached to the upper part 22a of the housing 5 can rotate manually in each direction, and this method makes the structure simple, or it can rotate using a drive or control means (none of which are shown) in this way that it rotates synchronously in accordance with the determination of the time when the electric blower 21 is turned on or off.

Embodiment 7

In a seventh embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to sixth embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

25 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case 5 of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a seventh embodiment. On Fig shows a view in cross section of the main part of the fourth means for removing dust (cylindrical basket 251) of the vacuum cleaner. On Fig shows that the fourth means for removing dust, i.e. a cylindrical drum 251 is located in a space 33 outside the second dust filter 27b. A cylindrical drum 251 is formed by connecting the upper and lower circular gears 252 together using a plurality of connectors 253, and a beater 254 is attached to the connectors 253. The beater 254 is formed by folding a metal foil, as shown in FIG. 26.

The circular gears 252 rotate by means of a drive gear 256 provided with an electric motor 255, thereby rotating the cylindrical drum 251. Thus, the beater 254 vibrates or bumps the outer wall of the second dust filter 27b. The rotation of the cylindrical drum 251 operating as the fourth dust removing means causes the beater 254 to vibrate or hit the outer wall of the second dust filter 27b, thereby dropping fine dust 51 adhering to or accumulated on the second dust filter 27b in the corrugated part, especially in the depressions 42. Thus, the second dust filter 27b can be cleaned. Continuous rotation cleans the entire outer wall of the second dust filter 27b.

The cylindrical drum 251 is set so that it rotates one time in 5 seconds, and the electric motor 255 is activated for 5 seconds by means of control (not shown) immediately after turning off the electric blower 21, so that the entire outer wall of the second dust filter 27b can be cleaned.

The same evaluation test, as in other embodiments, was performed to determine the air volume maintenance efficiency, and the result is shown in FIG. 27, which indicates that the seventh embodiment is more effective than the second embodiment.

Rotation of the cylindrical drum 251 operating as the fourth dust removing means allows dust to be adhered to the second dust filter 27b and to prevent a more effective reduction in air volume.

A mallet 254 formed by folding a metal foil is used in the seventh embodiment; however, it may be a plate element or an elastic element such as an elastic band.

The fourth means for removing dust, i.e. a cylindrical drum 251, one rotates by means of a control (not shown) in this example; however, this control means can be used to rotate the third dust removing means 221 shown in the sixth embodiment, or both of these dust removing means can rotate at the same time or with each other.

Option exercise 8

In the eighth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to seventh embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case 5 of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with an eighth embodiment. FIG. 29A is a side cross-sectional view showing dust accumulated in the dust collecting case 5, and FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional side view of the door 31 left open.

As shown in FIG. 28, the third dust filter 28 has a shape similar to a truncated cone, the upper and lower ends of which are open, and the upper end has the same diameter as the diameter of the lower end of the first filter 27a, so that the upper end of the third filter 28 for dust contacts the lower end of the first filter 27a. The lower end of the third dust filter 28 has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower part of the dust collecting device 24, and the lower end is in close contact with the lower part of the dust collecting device 24. The remaining structures remain unchanged from the first embodiment. The third dust filter 28 is made of a metal mesh, the air exhaust openings of which are 250 μm wide.

A structure using a truncated cone shape, both ends of which are open, maintains an air stream similar to the air stream in the first embodiment, and fine dust 51 is filtered off with a second dust filter 27b, and coarse dust 52 is captured and accumulated in the dust collector 24.

Fine dust 51 is removed and discharged from the second dust filter 27b by the fourth dust removing means shown in the seventh embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 29A, such fine dust 51 moves along an inclination formed from truncated cone tire lines, and directly passes to the lower part of the dust collector 24. This design allows the fine dust 51 discharged to the lower part to be placed at a distance from the second filter 27b, so that the suction force is less tvuet discarded at fine dust 51. Thus, this structure can prevent repeated adhesion of fine dust to the filter 51 and 27b prevent the decrease in air volume due to clogging of the filter 27b.

The shape of the truncated cone of the third dust filter 28 causes coarse dust 52 to resist pressing against the third dust filter 28, even if the space in the third dust filter 28 is filled with coarse dust 52, since the lower space is larger than the upper space. As shown in FIG. 29B, when the door 31 is opened by a hinge 32 mounted at the bottom of the dust collector 24, the dust can be unloaded freely and easily by gravity from the third dust filter 28. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is obtained from which it is convenient to throw out dust.

Embodiment 9

In the ninth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to eighth embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a dust collecting case 5 of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a ninth embodiment. FIG. 31A is a side cross-sectional view showing dust accumulated in the dust collecting case 5, and FIG. 31B is a cross-sectional side view of the door 31 left open.

As shown in FIG. 30, in the ninth embodiment, the first dust filter 27a has a shape similar to a truncated cone, the lower end of which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the upper end. The first truncated cone shaped dust filter 27a causes coarse dust 52 to resist pressing against the first dust filter 27a even if more dust is sucked up than the volume of the dust collector, so that the space in the first dust filter 27a is filled with coarse dust 52, since the lower space is larger than the upper space. As shown in FIG. 31B, when the door 31 is opened by a hinge 32 mounted at the bottom of the dust collector 24, the dust can be unloaded freely and easily by gravity from the first dust filter 27a. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is obtained from which it is convenient to throw out dust.

Embodiment 10

In the tenth embodiment, construction and operation are described that differ from the construction and operation of the first to ninth embodiments, and elements similar to those used in previous embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof is omitted here.

On figa, 32B and 33 shows the design of the dust collecting case 5 of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the tenth embodiment. The third dust filter 28 comprises an opening 321 and a dust collecting chamber 322 located under the opening 321 and separated by a baffle in the dust collecting device 24. Dust removed by the second dust removing means 191 accumulates in this baffled chamber 322.

As shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, 33, the dust chamber 322 communicates with an opening 321 formed just below the second dust removal means 191 so that dust falls through the opening 321 and accumulates directly in the dust chamber 322. The shape of the inlet of the dust chamber 322 corresponds to the shape of the hole 321, so that dust falling through the hole 321 can accumulate directly in the chamber 322.

The location of the dust collecting chamber 322 in the dust collecting device 24 allows the user to eject dust from the dust collecting device 24 together with the dust contained in the chamber 322.

The air exhaust openings 323 are provided in the dust collecting chamber 322, and a fourth dust filter 324 is disposed to seal the air exhaust openings 323. The fourth dust filter 324 is made of a metal mesh, the breathable openings of which are 250 μm wide, which is the same as the mesh of the third dust filter 28.

The location of the fourth dust filter 324 in the intake air duct is similar to the location of the third dust filter 28, i.e. the fourth dust filter 324 is located at some point in the auxiliary air channel 29b, i.e. a second air passage extending from the suction port 6 to the lower end of the second dust filter 27b through the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter 27a, the dust collector 24, and the air exhaust openings 323 of the dust collecting chamber 322.

The operation of the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the tenth embodiment is shown below. The fine dust 51 removed by the second dust removing means 191 falls through an opening 321 formed in the third dust filter 28, so that the dust 51 accumulates in the dust collecting chamber 322, which is housed in the dust collecting device 24. This design allows reducing the amount of dust repeatedly rising during the cleaning operation, and to prevent a decrease in the volume of air passing through the first air channel, i.e. the main air channel 29a, and the second first air channel, i.e. auxiliary air channel 29b.

Air exhaust openings 323 are provided in the dust collecting chamber 322, and air exhaust openings 323 are sealed with a fourth dust filter 324 made of metal mesh, thereby providing an auxiliary air passage 29b. When dust is sucked in, as described in the second embodiment, since coarse dust 2 is captured in the dust collecting device 24, an air channel can be provided along the circumference of the first dust filter 27a and the second dust filter 27b, so that a reduction in air volume can be prevented.

The fine dust 51 removed is accumulated in the dust collecting chamber 322 and is separated from the coarse dust 52, so that the fine dust 51 is not again lifted or adhered to the second dust filter 27b. As a result, a decrease in the volume of air passing through the main air channel 29a and the auxiliary air channel 29b can be prevented more efficiently.

Industrial applicability

The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention maintains a suction power at a high level, while its suction power resists reduction, despite the fact that it sucks dust. Thus, a given vacuum cleaner can substantially reduce the burdensome maintenance work, such as cleaning filters, dust emission, so that this vacuum cleaner is suitable for different tasks, such as cleaning home rooms and cleaning production rooms.

Claims (8)

1. A vacuum cleaner containing:
an electric blower (21) to generate suction power;
a dust separation device (23) consisting of an upper part (22a) of the housing (5) and a middle part (22b) of the housing (5), the upper part (22a) having a suction port (6) that draws in air containing dust by electric blower (21) and gives a swirling air stream to the air drawn in from the suction port (6), and the middle part (22b) located in the lower part of the upper part (22a) has a hollow cylinder of the first filter (27a) for dust inside and space (33) formed on the outer circumference of the first dust filter (27a) ;
a dust collecting device (24) in communication with the dust separation device (23) and located in the lower part of the dust separation device (23) for collecting dust separated by the dust separation device (23);
the main air channel (29a), while the air drawn in from the suction port (6) and becomes a swirling air flow in the upper part (22a) is lowered into the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter (27a) and passes through the first filter (27a) for dust reaching the electric blower (21) through the space (33); and
an auxiliary air channel (29b), the air being drawn in from the suction port (6) passing into the space (33) through the hollow cylinder of the first dust filter (27a) and the dust collecting device (24), while the dust collecting device (24) and the space (33) reported. 2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the second dust filter (27b) is located on the downstream side of the first dust filter (27a) for collecting fine dust (51). 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, in which the auxiliary air channel (29b) provides the communication of the dust collecting device (24) with the side upstream of the second filter (27b) for dust. 4. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the third dust filter (28) is located in the auxiliary air channel (29b). 5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, in which the first dust filter (27a) includes at least one of: metal with perforated holes, a metal mesh and a polymer mesh. 6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, in which the second dust filter (27b) has a shape similar to a cylinder formed by folding the corrugated element, and is located on the outer circumference of the first dust filter (27a). 7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, in which the first dust filter (27a) has a shape similar to a truncated cone having a lower diameter larger than the upper diameter. 8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, in which the lower part of the dust collecting device (24) is configured to open for dust discharge.

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