JP7767997B2 - Vacuum Cleaner System - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner system.

Patent Document 1 describes an electric vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1 is attached to a charging stand. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a dust collection device, an extension tube, and a suction tool. Dust sucked in by the suction tool is collected in the dust collection device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-30457

The vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to empty the dust that has accumulated in the dust collector. If the dust collector is made larger, it can hold more dust, but the vacuum cleaner becomes heavier. On the other hand, if the dust collector is made smaller, the dust that can be stored in the dust collector decreases, and the dust must be emptied more frequently. This creates a problem of a heavy burden on the user.

This disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner system that reduces the burden on users.

The vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner having a main body with a dust collection unit, and a collection device having a collection unit. The collection device is capable of collecting dust accumulated in the dust collection unit into the collection unit by disposing the dust collection unit at a specific collection position relative to the collection device. The dust collection unit disposed at the collection position is disposed above the collection unit. Dust accumulated in the dust collection unit moves downward to be collected into the collection unit. The dust collection unit includes a dust collection case in which dust accumulates, and an opening/closing mechanism provided on the dust collection case and capable of being opened when the dust collection unit is disposed at the collection position. When the opening/closing mechanism is opened, the internal space of the dust collection case communicates with the internal space of the collection unit. The opening/closing mechanism opens and closes an exhaust port formed on a side of the dust collection case. The dust collection case has an inclined surface that becomes lower as it approaches the exhaust port.
The vacuum cleaner system according to the present disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner having a main body with a dust collection unit, and a collection device having a collection unit. The collection device is capable of collecting dust accumulated in the dust collection unit by disposing the dust collection unit at a specific collection position relative to the collection device. The main body includes a first electric blower that generates an airflow for sucking in dust by rotating a fan in the forward direction, and a first control unit that controls the first electric blower. The first control unit reverses the rotation of the fan when the dust collection unit is disposed at the collection position.

The vacuum cleaner system disclosed herein comprises an electric vacuum cleaner including a main body having a dust collection unit, a suction tool with a suction port formed therein, and a tube connecting the main body and the suction tool, and a collection device having a collection unit. The collection device is capable of collecting dust accumulated in the dust collection unit via the tube by positioning the tube at a specific collection position relative to the collection device.

The vacuum cleaner system disclosed herein can reduce the burden on users.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vacuum cleaner system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric vacuum cleaner. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of use of the vacuum cleaner. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of use of the vacuum cleaner. FIG. FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the dust collection unit detached from the main body unit. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a dust collection method. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the function of the positional deviation prevention device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a positional deviation prevention device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the internal structure of part E in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the internal structure of part E in FIG. 35. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner system. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of hardware resources of a control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of hardware resources of the control unit.

A detailed description is provided below with reference to the drawings. Duplicate descriptions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Embodiment 1.
1 is a diagram showing an example of a vacuum cleaner system 1 in embodiment 1. The vacuum cleaner system 1 includes an electric vacuum cleaner 2 and a support device 3. The electric vacuum cleaner 2 is supported by the support device 3.

[Vacuum cleaner 2]
The vacuum cleaner 2 sucks in dust along with the air. The vacuum cleaner 2 removes dust from dust-laden air and discharges clean air. In this embodiment, "dust" is a general term for dirt, dust, and other debris. "Dusty air" is air that has dust mixed in. "Clean air" is air from which dust has been removed. Note that it is not possible to remove all dust from dust-laden air. Clean air is an expression used relative to dust-laden air.

The vacuum cleaner 2 shown in this embodiment is a cordless stick-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 2 may also be a corded vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 2 may also be a handheld or canister-type vacuum cleaner. In some examples, the vacuum cleaner 2 may also be a self-propelled robot-type vacuum cleaner.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 2. Figure 3 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner 2. The vacuum cleaner 2 shown in this embodiment comprises a main body 10, a tube 11, and a suction tool 12. The vacuum cleaner 2 can be used as a vacuum cleaner with just the main body 10. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of how the vacuum cleaner 2 can be used. As shown in Figure 4, the vacuum cleaner 2 can be used as a vacuum cleaner with just the main body 10 and tube 11. Figure 5 is a diagram showing another example of how the vacuum cleaner 2 can be used. As shown in Figure 5, the vacuum cleaner 2 can be used as a vacuum cleaner with just the main body 10 and suction tool 12.

As shown in Figure 3, with regard to the electric vacuum cleaner 2, front, back, and up and down are determined based on the orientation of the person using the electric vacuum cleaner 2 to clean.

[Main body 10]
Fig. 6 is a side view showing the main body 10. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the main body 10. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 7. The main body 10 includes a main unit 13 and a dust collection unit 14. The main unit 13 includes a connecting pipe 15, a main body case 16, a handle 17, an electric blower 18, a battery unit 19, and a control unit 20. The connecting pipe 15, the main body case 16, and the handle 17 form the outer shell of the main unit 13. The electric blower 18, the battery unit 19, and the control unit 20 are housed in the main body case 16.

The handle 17 is the part that a user holds with their hand when cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 2. The user grips the handle 17 to move the vacuum cleaner 2 back and forth and left and right. The user can also grip the handle 17 to lift the vacuum cleaner 2. The handle 17 is curved from the top of the main body case 16. The handle 17 includes an operating unit 21. The operating unit 21 includes, for example, a power button and a wind power switch button.

The connecting pipe 15 is a cylindrical member. The connecting pipe 15 extends downward from the main body case 16. The connecting pipe 15 is positioned so that it is aligned with one end of the handle 17. An intake port 15a is formed at the lower end of the connecting pipe 15 for drawing dust-laden air into the main body 10. An air passage 15b is formed in the connecting pipe 15, extending upward from the intake port 15a. A connection port 15c is also formed on the side of the connecting pipe 15. The air passage 15b is a space formed inside the connecting pipe 15, extending from the intake port 15a to the connection port 15c.

The electric blower 18 generates an airflow to suck in dust. A connection port 16a is formed on the downward-facing surface of the main body case 16. An air passage 16b is formed in the main body case 16, extending upward from the connection port 16a. The electric blower 18 is provided in the air passage 16b. An exhaust port 16c is formed on the side of the main body case 16. The air passage 16b is a space formed inside the main body case 16, extending from the connection port 16a to the exhaust port 16c.

The battery unit 19 supplies power to the electrical components provided in the vacuum cleaner 2. For example, the battery unit 19 supplies power to the electric blower 18.

The control unit 20 controls electrical equipment such as the electric blower 18. For example, a signal corresponding to an operation on the operating unit 21 is input to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the electric blower 18 in response to the input signal. The control unit 20 is provided in the air passage 16b.

The dust collection unit 14 is a unit that removes dust from dust-laden air and stores the removed dust. The dust collection unit 14 is supported by the connecting pipe 15 and the main body case 16. The dust collection unit 14 is positioned below the main body case 16. The dust collection unit 14 is positioned in front of the connecting pipe 15. The dust collection unit 14 is detachable from the main body unit 13. Figure 9 shows the dust collection unit 14 detached from the main body unit 13.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the dust collection unit 14. Figure 11 is a side view of the dust collection unit 14. The dust collection unit 14 shown in Figures 10 and 11 has an overall cylindrical shape. The dust collection unit 14 may also have an overall prismatic shape. The dust collection unit 14 may also have an overall prismatic shape with rounded corners.

The dust collection unit 14 includes a dust collection case 22, an inlet/outlet unit 23, a filter 24, and an attachment/detachment lever 25. The dust collection unit 14 also includes a separator (not shown) for separating dust from dust-laden air. The separator may be a cyclone-type separator that separates dust from dust-laden air by swirling the dust-laden air. The separator may also be a filter-type separator. The separator may also be a paper bag-type separator.

The dust collection case 22 is a case for storing dust separated from dust-laden air by the separation device. The underside of the dust collection case 22 forms the underside of the dust collection unit 14. An outlet 22a is formed in the underside of the dust collection case 22. The outlet 22a is an opening for removing dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14, i.e., dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22. The dust collection unit 14 is provided with a lid 26 for opening and closing the outlet 22a. The lid 26 is provided on the dust collection case 22. The lid 26 is an example of an opening and closing mechanism. A valve may be provided in the dust collection unit 14 as the opening and closing mechanism.

The inlet/outlet unit 23 is mounted on the dust collection case 22. The inlet/outlet unit 23 has an inlet 23a for taking in dust-laden air into the dust collection unit 14. The inlet/outlet unit 23 also has a connection port 23c for discharging clean air. The inlet/outlet unit 23 has an air passage 23b that runs from the inlet 23a to the interior of the dust collection case 22 and further from the interior of the dust collection case 22 to the connection port 23c. When the dust collection unit 14 is attached to the main unit 13, the inlet 23a faces the connection port 15c of the connecting pipe 15, and the connection port 23c faces the connection port 16a of the main case 16.

The filter 24 is removably housed in the inlet/outlet unit 23.

The detachment lever 25 is a lever that the user operates when attaching or detaching the dust collection unit 14 to or from the main unit 13. The detachment lever 25 is supported on the inlet/outlet unit 23 so that it can move up and down. An upward force is applied to the detachment lever 25 by a spring 27. The upper end of the detachment lever 25 is positioned so that it protrudes above the upper end of the inlet/outlet unit 23.

When the dust collection unit 14 is attached to the main unit 13, the upper end of the detachable lever 25 is positioned in a recess formed in the downward-facing surface of the main unit 16. When the user moves the detachable lever 25 downward against the force of the spring 27, the detachable lever 25 disengages from the recess. This allows the dust collection unit 14 to be removed from the main unit 13.

In the main body 10 configured in this manner, pressing the power button on the operation unit 21 starts the electric blower 18. For example, the electric blower 18 includes a fan 28. When the power button on the operation unit 21 is pressed, the fan 28 rotates forward. When the electric blower 18 operates in the forward direction, that is, when the fan 28 rotates in the forward direction, an airflow is generated that draws dust into the main body 10.

As a result, dust-laden air enters the connecting pipe 15 from the suction port 15a. The dust-laden air that enters the connecting pipe 15 passes through the air passage 15b and enters the dust collection unit 14 from the connection port 15c and the suction port 23a. The dust-laden air that enters the dust collection unit 14 passes through the air passage 23b and enters the dust collection case 22, where the dust is separated from the dust-laden air by the separator. The clean air from which the dust has been separated enters the main body case 16 from the connection port 23c and the connection port 16a. The clean air that enters the main body case 16 passes through the air passage 16b and is discharged outside the main body 10 from the exhaust port 16c. The dust separated from the dust-laden air is collected in the dust collection case 22.

[Tube body 11]
12 is a perspective view showing the tube body 11. The tube body 11 is a cylindrical member that is linear as a whole. The upper end of the tube body 11 is detachably connected to the connecting tube 15 of the main body 10. The tube body 11 connects the main body 10 and the suction tool 12. The tube body 11 includes a pipe 30, a pipe cover 31, a terminal 32, and a latch 33.

A linear air passage is formed inside the pipe 30, with openings at the upper and lower ends of the pipe 30. When the tube body 11 is connected to the connecting pipe 15, this air passage communicates with air passage 15b. A pipe cover 31 is provided on the pipe 30. The pipe cover 31 covers the rear side of the pipe 30 and is positioned along the length of the pipe 30.

A lead wire (not shown) is arranged between the pipe 30 and the pipe cover 31. A terminal 32 is connected to one end of the lead wire. The terminal 32 is supported by the pipe 30. The terminal 32 is arranged adjacent to the upper end of the pipe 30 and along the upper end of the pipe 30. When the tube body 11 is connected to the connecting tube 15, the terminal 32 comes into contact with a metal member electrically connected to the battery unit 19. A metal member (not shown) is connected to the other end of the lead wire. The metal member is supported by the pipe 30. The metal member is arranged adjacent to the lower end of the pipe 30.

The latch 33 is provided at the upper end of the pipe 30. The latch 33 is a component for maintaining the connection between the tube body 11 and the connecting tube 15. When the upper end of the pipe 30 is inserted into the connecting tube 15, a protrusion on the outer surface of the lower end of the connecting tube 15 engages with the latch 33. This maintains the connection between the tube body 11 and the connecting tube 15. To remove the tube body 11 from the connecting tube 15, the user presses the lower part of the latch 33 with their finger. This disengages the latch 33 from the protrusion on the connecting tube 15. The user can remove the tube body 11 from the connecting tube 15 by pulling the tube 11 out of the connecting tube 15 while pressing the lower part of the latch 33.

[Suction tool 12]
Fig. 13 is a side view showing the suction tool 12. Fig. 14 is a view of the suction tool 12 as seen from below. The suction tool 12 is detachably connected to the lower end of the tubular body 11. The suction tool 12 is also detachably connected to the connecting pipe 15. The suction tool 12 includes a head 40, an articulation mechanism 41, a connecting pipe 42, a terminal 43, and a latch 44.

The connecting pipe 42 is attached to the head 40 via the joint mechanism 41. An air passage is formed inside the connecting pipe 42, opening at the tip of the connecting pipe 42. This air passage leads to the inside of the head 40 via the inside of the joint mechanism 41.

A lead wire (not shown) is arranged along the connecting tube 42 and the joint mechanism 41. A terminal 43 is connected to one end of the lead wire. The terminal 43 is supported by the connecting tube 42. The terminal 43 is arranged adjacent to and along the connecting tube 42. When the suction tool 12 is connected to the tube body 11, the terminal 43 comes into contact with a metal member connected to the lead wire of the tube body 11. When the suction tool 12 is connected to the connecting tube 15, the terminal 43 comes into contact with a metal member electrically connected to the battery unit 19. The other end of the lead wire is connected to an electric motor (not shown) provided in the head 40. This electrically connects the electric motor to the battery unit 19. That is, power from the battery unit 19 is supplied to the electric motor.

The latch 44 is provided on the connecting tube 42. The latch 44 is a component for maintaining the connection between the suction tool 12 and the tube body 11. When the connecting tube 42 is inserted into the lower end of the tube body 11, a protrusion on the outer surface of the lower end of the tube body 11 engages with the latch 44. This maintains the connection between the suction tool 12 and the tube body 11. To remove the connecting tube 42 of the suction tool 12 from the tube body 11, the user presses the latch 44 with their finger. This disengages the latch 44 from the protrusion on the lower end of the tube body 11. The user can remove the suction tool 12 from the tube body 11 by pulling the connecting tube 42 from the lower end of the tube body 11 while still pressing the latch 44.

Note that the latch 44 has a structure similar to that of the latch 33. Therefore, the latch 44 is also used to maintain the connection between the suction tool 12 and the connecting pipe 15.

In addition to the electric motor described above, the head 40 also includes a case 45, a rotating brush 46, a safety switch 47, and a wheel 48. An intake port 45a is formed in the case 45. The intake port 45a is a downward-facing opening formed in the suction tool 12 for sucking in dust. An air passage is formed in the suction tool 12, extending from the intake port 45a to the tip of the connecting tube 42. The rotating brush 46 is provided in this air passage. The rotating brush 46 is driven by the electric motor.

The safety switch 47 is a switch that detects when the suction tool 12 is placed on a surface to be cleaned, such as a floor. The wheel 48 is positioned so that a portion of it protrudes downward from the underside of the case 45. When the suction tool 12 is placed on the floor, the wheel 48 is pressed against the floor, turning on the safety switch 47. The rotating brush 46 rotates when the safety switch 47 is turned on. If the safety switch 47 is turned off, the rotating brush 46 does not rotate.

[Support device 3]
15 is a side view showing the stand device 3. The stand device 3 has a function of supporting the vacuum cleaner 2. The stand device 3 also has a function of charging the vacuum cleaner 2. The stand device 3 also has a function of collecting dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner 2. Although not shown, it is preferable that the stand device 3 is supplied with power from a commercial power source. The stand device 3 shown in this embodiment includes a base 50, a support base 51, and a collection device 52.

[Base 50]
The base 50 is a base portion of the support device 3. The base 50 supports the support table 51 and the collection device 52. When the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported on the support device 3, the suction tool 12 is housed in the base 50.

[Support stand 51]
The support base 51 is provided on the base 50 so as to extend upward in a straight line from the base 50. The support base 51 supports the collection device 52. The support base 51 supports the main body 10 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported on the support device 3.

[Recovery device 52]
The collection device 52 is provided on the base 50 so as to extend upward from the base 50. The collection device 52 is a device for collecting dust accumulated in the vacuum cleaner 2. With regard to the collection device 52, a position at which the vacuum cleaner 2 is placed to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 is set in advance. Hereinafter, this position will also be referred to as the collection position. Figure 15 shows an example in which the dust collection unit 14 must be placed at the collection position to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14. The collection device 52 includes a collection unit 53, an electric blower 54, and a control unit 55.

A space S is formed inside the collection unit 53 to collect collected dust. The space S is larger than the internal space of the dust collection case 22 of the vacuum cleaner 2. Figure 15 shows an example in which a collection position for placing the dust collection unit 14 is set above the collection unit 53. In other words, when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position above the collection unit 53, the collection device 52 can collect dust that has accumulated in the dust collection case 22 into the collection unit 53.

The collection unit 53 is formed with an inlet 53a for taking in dust. The inlet 53a is positioned so as to face the outlet 22a when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the inlet 53a is formed on the top surface of the collection unit 53. The top surface of the collection unit 53 forms the top surface of the collection device 52. The collection unit 53 is provided with a lid 56 for opening and closing the inlet 53a. The lid 56 is an example of an opening and closing mechanism. The collection unit 53 may be provided with a valve as an opening and closing mechanism. The collection unit 53 may further be provided with a detector 57 that detects when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position.

The electric blower 54 generates an airflow for collecting dust from the dust collection unit 14 positioned at the collection position to the collection unit 53. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the electric blower 54 generates a downward airflow inside the collection device 52. The collection device 52 is formed with an air passage 52a extending downward from the intake port 53a. The air passage 52a also includes a space S. The electric blower 54 is provided in the air passage 52a. Clean air from which dust has been removed passes through the portion of the air passage 52a where the electric blower 54 is provided. An exhaust port 52b is formed in a member forming the outer casing of the collection device 52. The air passage 52a is a space formed inside the collection device 52, extending from the intake port 53a to the exhaust port 52b.

The control unit 55 controls the electric blower 54. Figure 15 shows an example in which the control unit 55 is placed in the air duct 52a.

Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dust collection method. Figure 16 shows the vacuum cleaner 2 supported by the support device 3. In the state shown in Figure 16, the main unit 13 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported from below by the support base 51, and the dust collection unit 14 is supported from below by the collection device 52. By supporting the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2 on the support base 51, the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position. Note that the main body 10 can also be supported by the support device 3 alone in a state similar to that shown in Figure 16.

The dust collection unit 14, which is placed in the collection position, is placed on top of the collection unit 53 and is supported by the collection unit 53 from below. The lids 26 and 56 are not shown in Figure 16. The lids 26 and 56 can be opened when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position. The lids 26 and 56 may be opened and closed manually. The lids 26 and 56 may be closed unless an external force is applied, and open when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position. The lids 26 and 56 may be closed unless an external force is applied, and open when an airflow is generated to collect dust in the collection unit 53. When the lids 26 and 56 are open, the interior space of the dust collection case 22 is connected to the interior space of the collection unit 53.

As shown by arrow B in Figure 16, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 moves downward, passing through the outlet 22a and inlet 53a, and is collected in the collection unit 53. As an example, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 falls into the collection unit 53 due to its own weight.

As another example, an electric blower 54 may be used to collect dust in the collection unit 53. That is, the control unit 55 drives the electric blower 54 when the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position. As described above, the electric blower 54 generates an airflow for collecting dust from the dust collection unit 14 positioned in the collection position to the collection unit 53. The airflow generated by the electric blower 54 moves dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 downward and is collected in the collection unit 53. The air that enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14 when the electric blower 54 is operating passes through the air passage 52a and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

As another example, the control unit 55 may control the electric blower 54 based on a detection signal from the detector 57. For example, when the detector 57 detects that the dust collection unit 14 has been placed in the collection position, the control unit 55 operates the electric blower 54 to generate an airflow for collecting dust.

As another example, the control unit 55 may control the electric blower 54 based on a detection signal from a detector provided in the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. For example, the detector may detect that more than a reference amount of dust has accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 and output a detection signal. The reference amount is set in advance. In such a case, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported on the support device 3, the control unit 55 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. When the control unit 55 receives a detection signal from the detector, it operates the electric blower 54 to generate an airflow for collecting dust. In this example, when the detector detects that more than the reference amount of dust has accumulated, if the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position, the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 can be collected in the collection unit 53.

In the example shown in this embodiment, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 of the vacuum cleaner 2 can be collected in the collection unit 53 of the collection device 52. This allows the dust collection unit 14 to be made smaller, and eliminates the need to empty the dust frequently. This reduces the burden on the user.

Other functions and configurations that can be adopted by the vacuum cleaner system 1 are described below. If possible, the vacuum cleaner system 1 may adopt a combination of the functions and configurations described below.

Figure 17 shows another example of the vacuum cleaner system 1. The dust collection unit 14 can be placed in the collection position after being removed from the main unit 13. Figure 17 shows the dust collection unit 14 placed alone on the collection unit 53.

In the example shown in Figure 17, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 moves downward, as shown by arrow B, passing through the outlet 22a and inlet 53a and being collected in the collection unit 53. As an example, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 falls into the collection unit 53 due to its own weight.

An electric blower 54 may be used actively or auxiliary to collect dust. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the support base 51 is equipped with a blocking body 58. The dust collection unit 14 is positioned so that the suction port 23a faces the blocking body 58. The suction port 23a is blocked by the blocking body 58. Therefore, when the electric blower 54 is started, air is drawn into the dust collection unit 14 from the connection port 23c, as shown by arrow C. The air drawn into the dust collection unit 14 from the connection port 23c enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection case 22, via the outlet 22a and the intake port 53a.

Therefore, the airflow generated by the electric blower 54 moves dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 downward and is collected in the collection unit 53. When the electric blower 54 operates, air enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14, passes through the air passage 52a, and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing another example of a vacuum cleaner system 1. The vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 18 differs from the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 17 in that the support device 3 further includes a positional deviation prevention device 59. If the dust collection unit 14 is simply placed on the collection unit 53 by itself, there is a possibility that the dust collection unit 14 may fall off the collection unit 53. The positional deviation prevention device 59 is a device for preventing the dust collection unit 14 from shifting position when placed in the collection position.

The misalignment prevention device 59 is provided on the support base 51. The misalignment prevention device 59 includes a regulating body 61 that rotates around a horizontal axis 60. The regulating body 61 is displaceable between a first position and a second position by rotating around the axis 60. When the regulating body 61 is positioned in the first position, it prevents the dust collection unit 14, which is positioned in the recovery position, from shifting. When the regulating body 61 is positioned in the second position, it is possible to position the dust collection unit 14 in the recovery position or to move the dust collection unit 14 that is positioned in the recovery position. In Figure 18, the regulating body 61 positioned in the first position is shown with a solid line, and the regulating body 61 positioned in the second position is shown with a two-dot chain line.

In the example shown in Figure 18, the regulating body 61 positioned in the first position partially faces the dust collection unit 14 from above. A recess 61a is formed in the regulating body 61 to accommodate the tip of the detachable lever 25 when the regulating body 61 is positioned in the first position. The dust collection unit 14 placed on the recovery unit 53 is restricted from moving in the vertical direction by having the regulating body 61 positioned directly above it. Furthermore, the tip of the detachable lever 25 is accommodated in the recess 61a, so the dust collection unit 14 is restricted from moving in the horizontal direction. This prevents the dust collection unit 14 from shifting position when positioned in the recovery position.

In the example shown in Figure 18, when the regulator 61 is positioned in the first position, it blocks a portion of the connection port 23c. To minimize the obstruction of the flow of air taken into the dust collection unit 14 from the connection port 23c, the portion of the regulator 61 that is positioned directly above the connection port 23c when the regulator 61 is positioned in the first position may be formed in a mesh shape.

Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the function of the misalignment prevention device 59. Figure 19 shows the state in which the regulating body 61 is positioned in the second position. As shown in Figure 19, when the regulating body 61 is positioned in the second position, the regulating body 61 does not interfere with the vacuum cleaner 2 supported by the support device 3. Even when the vacuum cleaner 2 is supported by the support device 3, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 can be collected in the collection unit 53.

Figure 20 shows another example of a displacement prevention device 59. The vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 20 differs from the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 18 in that the orientation of the dust collection unit 14 is reversed front to back. The restricting body 61 is formed with a recess 61b that accommodates the tip of the detachable lever 25 when the unit is placed in the first position. In the example shown in Figure 20, the tip of the detachable lever 25 is accommodated in the recess 61b, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the dust collection unit 14.

In the example shown in Figure 20, when the electric blower 54 is started, air is drawn into the dust collection unit 14 from the connection port 23c and the suction port 23a, as shown by arrows C and D. The air drawn into the dust collection unit 14 enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection case 22 via the exhaust port 22a and the intake port 53a. The airflow generated by the electric blower 54 causes dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 to move downward and be collected in the collection unit 53. The air that enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14 when the electric blower 54 is operating passes through the air passage 52a and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

In the example shown in Figure 20, when collecting dust in the collection unit 53, either the connection port 23c or the suction port 23a may be blocked. For example, when the regulator 61 is positioned in the first position, the entire connection port 23c may be blocked by the regulator 61. An openable opening may be formed in the regulator 61 so that the generation of the airflow indicated by arrow C can be optionally set.

Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams showing other examples of the vacuum cleaner system 1. Figures 21 and 22 show an example in which an outlet 22a for removing dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 is formed on the side of the dust collection case 22. The upper end of the lid 26 is supported on a horizontal shaft and is attached to the dust collection case 22 so as to rotate around that shaft. Figure 21 shows an example in which the outlet 22a is formed in a lower part of the side of the dust collection case 22. Figure 22 shows an example in which the outlet 22a is formed across the top and bottom of the side of the dust collection case 22.

In the example shown in Figures 21 and 22, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 also moves downward, as indicated by arrow B, passing through the discharge port 22a and intake port 53a and being collected in the collection unit 53. An electric blower 54 may be used actively or auxiliary to collect the dust. In the example shown in Figures 21 and 22, the dust collection case 22 may be formed with an inclined surface 22b to guide dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 to the discharge port 22a. The inclined surface 22b is formed so as to become lower as it approaches the discharge port 22a.

In the example shown in Figures 21 and 22, the height of the vacuum cleaner system 1 can be reduced compared to when the exhaust port 22a is formed on the underside of the dust collection case 22. Furthermore, dust is less likely to adhere to the lid 26, allowing for smooth dust collection.

Figure 23 shows another example of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. In Figure 23, the main body 10 is shown schematically for ease of explanation. In the example shown in Figure 23, the main body unit 13 and dust collection unit 14 are integrated. The dust collection unit 14 may be detachable from the main body unit 13.

In the example shown in Figure 23, the entire bottom of the dust collection case 22 is opened, forming the discharge port 22a. The lid 26 is attached to the dust collection case 22 with its end supported on a horizontal axis and rotatable around that axis. The lid 26 is also provided with a lever 26a for opening and closing the lid 26. As an example, the lid 26 is constantly subjected to a force from a spring (not shown) that closes the discharge port 22a. The lid 26 opens when the lever 26a rotates clockwise in Figure 23. When no external force is applied to the lever 26a, the lid 26 is closed.

The collection unit 53 may be provided with a protrusion that pushes up the lever 26a when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position. In this case, the lid 26 opens automatically when the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position.

Figures 24 and 25 show other examples of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. The main body 10 shown in Figure 24 differs from the main body 10 shown in Figure 23 in that the opening and closing direction of the lid 26 is reversed front to back. The main body 10 shown in Figure 25 differs from the main body 10 shown in Figure 23 in that the dust collection unit 14 is provided with multiple lids 26. The opening and closing direction of the lids 26 and the number of lids 26 can be set arbitrarily.

If the dust collection unit 14 is shaped like a rectangular pillar overall, the lid 26 will also be formed in a rectangular shape.

Figure 26 shows another example of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. Figures 23 to 25 show examples in which the dust collection unit 14 has an outward-opening lid 26. As shown in Figure 26, the dust collection unit 14 may also have an inward-opening lid 26. The main body 10 shown in Figure 26 differs from the main body 10 shown in Figure 23 in that the lid 26 is an inward-opening lid.

Figures 27 and 28 are diagrams showing other examples of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. The main body 10 shown in Figure 27 differs from the main body 10 shown in Figure 26 in that the opening and closing direction of the lid 26 is reversed front to back. The main body 10 shown in Figure 28 differs from the main body 10 shown in Figure 26 in that the dust collection unit 14 has multiple lids 26. Even when the dust collection unit 14 has inward-opening lids 26, the opening and closing direction of the lids 26 and the number of lids 26 can be set arbitrarily.

Figures 29 and 30 show another example of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. Figures 29 and 30 show an example in which the dust collection unit 14 of the main body 10 further includes a compression device 29. The compression device 29 is a device for compressing dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22. The dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 is compressed by the compression device 29 and aggregates into clumps within the dust collection case 22. This makes it easy to collect the dust in the collection unit 53.

If the dust collection unit 14 is equipped with a compression device 29, it is preferable that the lid 26 be subjected to force from a spring or the like so that it does not open due to the compression action of the compression device 29.

In the example shown in FIG. 29, the compressor 29 has the function of mechanically compressing dust. The compressor 29 includes a spiral blade member 29a and an electric motor 29b. The blade member 29a compresses dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 by rotating. The blade member 29a is driven by the electric motor 29b. The electric motor 29b is controlled by the control unit 20. The control unit 20 may rotate the blade member 29a when the lid 26 is open.

In the example shown in Figure 30, the compressor 29 has the function of aerodynamically compressing dust. The compressor 29 has a cylindrical member that opens downward. In the example shown in Figure 30, this member collects dust in the center of the dust collection unit 14, where it forms clumps.

Figure 31 shows another example of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. For ease of explanation, Figure 31 shows the main body 10 in a schematic manner. Figure 31 shows an example in which the connecting pipe 15 is located in the center of the main body 10 in a plan view. In the example shown in Figure 31, the main body unit 13 and the dust collection unit 14 are integrated. In addition, the lid 26 and the separation device are integrated.

The connecting pipe 15 is connected to the dust collection case 22. For this reason, the discharge port 22a is formed at an angle on the dust collection case 22 to avoid the connecting pipe 15. The lid 26 is supported at its upper end on a horizontal shaft and is attached to the dust collection case 22 so as to rotate around that shaft. In the example shown in Figure 31, it is also preferable that the dust collection case 22 be formed with an inclined surface 22b to guide dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 to the discharge port 22a.

Figure 32 is a diagram showing another example of the vacuum cleaner system 1. Figure 32 shows an electric vacuum cleaner 2 equipped with the main body 10 shown in Figure 31 supported on a support device 3. In the example shown in Figure 32, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 also moves downward, as shown by arrow B, passing through the outlet 22a and inlet 53a and being collected in the collection unit 53. An electric blower 54 may be used actively or auxiliary to collect the dust.

Figure 33 shows another example of the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. For ease of explanation, Figure 33 shows the main body 10 in a schematic manner. Figure 33 shows an example in which the connecting pipe 15 is located in the center of the main body 10 in a plan view. In the example shown in Figure 33, the main body unit 13 and the dust collection unit 14 are integrated. Furthermore, the dust collection case 22 does not have an exhaust port 22a.

Figure 34 is a diagram showing another example of the vacuum cleaner system 1. Figure 34 shows the main body 10 shown in Figure 33 supported by the support device 3. The tube body 11 and suction tool 12 of the vacuum cleaner 2 are supported by the support device 3 while detached from the main body 10. In the example shown in Figure 34, the main body 10 is supported by the support base 51, so that the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position. The dust collection unit 14 positioned in the collection position is placed above the collection unit 53 and supported by the collection unit 53 from below. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 34, the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position, so that the tip of the connecting pipe 15, i.e., the suction port 15a, faces the intake port 53a.

In the example shown in Figure 34, an electric blower 18 is used to collect dust in the collection unit 53. As described above, when the electric blower 18 rotates forward, an airflow is generated to suck dust into the main body 10. The control unit 20 causes the electric blower 18 to rotate in the reverse direction when the dust collection unit 14 is positioned in the collection position, in order to send the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 to the collection unit 53. In other words, the control unit 20 causes the fan 28 to rotate in the reverse direction.

The airflow generated by the reverse rotation of the electric blower 18 carries dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 through the connecting pipe 15 and into the collection unit 53 via the suction port 15a and intake port 53a. The air that enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14 as the electric blower 18 rotates in the reverse direction passes through the air passage 52a and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

In the example shown in Figure 34, in order to collect dust in the collection unit 53, electric blower 54 may be used without electric blower 18, or both electric blower 18 and electric blower 54 may be used. It should be noted that in each example shown in this embodiment, such as the example shown in Figure 16, in order to collect dust in the collection unit 53, electric blower 18 may be used without electric blower 54, or both electric blower 18 and electric blower 54 may be used.

Figure 35 is a diagram showing another example of a vacuum cleaner system 1. The vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 35 is similar to the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 34 in that, when collecting dust in the collection unit 53, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 is sent to the connecting pipe 15. On the other hand, in the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 35, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 is sent from the connecting pipe 15 to the pipe body 11, and is collected in the collection unit 53 via the pipe body 11.

In the example shown in Figure 35, the support device 3 includes a base 50, a holder 62, and a recovery device 52. The suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50. The base 50 also includes a sealing material 63. When the suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50, the gap between the placement surface and the suction tool 12 is sealed by the sealing material 63. In other words, the gap is closed to prevent air around the suction tool 12 from being sucked in through the suction port 45a.

The holder 62 extends upward from the collection device 52. The holder 62 holds the tube 11 above the collection device 52. In the example shown in Figure 35, the suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50 and the tube 11 is held by the holder 62, thereby supporting the vacuum cleaner 2 on the support device 3. Figure 35 shows an example in which the tube 11 must be placed in the collection position to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14. The suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50 and the tube 11 is held by the holder 62, thereby placing the tube 11 in the collection position.

The collection device 52 is mounted on the base 50. In the example shown in Figure 35, the intake port 53a formed on the collection unit 53 faces sideways. In other words, when the pipe body 11 is positioned in the collection position and the intake port 53a faces a specific part of the pipe body 11, the collection device 52 can collect dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 into the collection unit 53 via the pipe body 11.

Figures 36 and 37 are diagrams showing the internal structure at part E in Figure 35. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the tubular body 11 of the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes an air path switching valve 35. The air path switching valve 35 is a valve for switching the air path formed inside the tubular body 11, i.e., inside the pipe 30, between a first air path and a second air path. The first air path is an air path that runs from the suction port 45a through the suction tool 12, the tubular body 11, and the connecting pipe 15 to the dust collection unit 14. Figure 36 shows an example in which the first air path is formed by the air path switching valve 35.

An exhaust port 30a is formed on the side of the tubular body 11, i.e., the side of the pipe 30. In the state shown in Figure 36, the exhaust port 30a is blocked by the upper part of the air path switching valve 35.

The second air passage is an air passage that runs from the dust collection unit 14 to the collection unit 53 via the connecting pipe 15 and part of the tubular body 11. The second air passage is an air passage that can be formed when the tubular body 11 is positioned in the collection position. Figure 37 shows an example in which the second air passage is formed by the air passage switching valve 35.

When the pipe body 11 is placed in the collection position, the pipe body 11 is positioned relative to the collection unit 53 so that the exhaust port 30a faces the intake port 53a. By rotating the air path switching valve 35 90° clockwise from the position shown in Figure 36, the portion of the air path switching valve 35 that was blocking the exhaust port 30a falls over, and the space inside the pipe body 11 opens up to the space inside the collection unit 53. The air path switching valve 35 also blocks the air path that was formed inside the pipe 30 and extends in a straight line vertically. In other words, the air path switching valve 35 switches from the first air path to the second air path.

The switching of the air path using the air path switching valve 35 may be performed manually. The switching may also be performed by reversing the rotation of the electric blower 18 when the tube body 11 is located in the recovery position. The switching may also be performed by generating an airflow with the electric blower 54 when the tube body 11 is located in the recovery position.

For example, when the tubular body 11 is positioned in the collection position, the electric blower 54 generates an airflow, thereby forming a second air passage. The airflow generated by the electric blower 54 also causes dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 to pass through the connecting pipe 15 and enter the tubular body 11. The dust that has entered the tubular body 11 is collected in the collection unit 53 via the exhaust port 30a and the intake port 53a. The air that enters the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14 due to the operation of the electric blower 54 passes through the air passage 52a and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

Figure 38 is a diagram showing another example of a vacuum cleaner system 1. The vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 38 is similar to the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 35 in that, when collecting dust in the collection unit 53, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 is sent to the connecting pipe 15. On the other hand, in the vacuum cleaner system 1 shown in Figure 38, dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 is sent from the connecting pipe 15 to the suction tool 12, and is collected in the collection unit 53 via the suction tool 12.

In the example shown in Figure 38, similar to the example shown in Figure 35, the support device 3 includes a base 50, a holder 62, and a recovery device 52. The base 50 includes a sealing material 63. When the suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50, the gap between the placement surface and the suction tool 12 is sealed by the sealing material 63.

The holder 62 extends upward from the collection device 52. The holder 62 holds the handle 17 above the collection device 52. The holder 62 also holds the main body case 16. In the example shown in Figure 38, the suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50 and the main body unit 13 is held by the holder 62, thereby supporting the vacuum cleaner 2 on the support device 3. Figure 38 shows an example in which the suction tool 12 must be placed in the collection position to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14. The suction tool 12 is placed on the base 50 and the main body unit 13 is held by the holder 62, thereby placing the suction tool 12 in the collection position.

The collection device 52 is mounted on the base 50. In the example shown in Figure 38, the air passage extending from the collection unit 53 reaches the base 50. That is, the intake port 53a is formed in the base 50. In the example shown in Figure 38, the suction tool 12 is positioned in the collection position so that the suction port 45a faces the intake port 53a from above, allowing the collection device 52 to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection case 22 into the collection unit 53 via the suction tool 12.

In the example shown in Figure 38, to collect dust in the collection unit 53, the electric blower 18 may be operated in reverse, or the electric blower 54 may be operated. For example, the airflow generated by the electric blower 54 causes dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14 to pass through the connecting pipe 15 and enter the suction tool 12. The dust that has entered the suction tool 12 is collected in the collection unit 53 via the suction port 45a and the intake port 53a. The air that has entered the collection unit 53 from the dust collection unit 14 due to the operation of the electric blower 54 passes through the air passage 52a and is discharged from the exhaust port 52b.

Figure 39 shows another example of a vacuum cleaner system 1. Figure 39 shows an example including multiple vacuum cleaners 2 and a support device 3. Each of the multiple vacuum cleaners 2 is supported by the support device 3.

The support device 3 comprises a base 50, a holder 62, and a collection device 52. The suction tool 12 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is placed on the base 50. The collection device 52 is provided to extend upward from the base 50. The holder 62 is provided on the collection device 52. The holder 62 holds the tube 11 of the vacuum cleaner 2. The holder 62 may also hold the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2. Figure 39 shows an example in which the dust collection unit 14 must be placed in the collection position to collect dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14. With the suction tool 12 placed on the base 50 and the tube 11 held by the holder 62, the dust collection unit 14 is placed in the collection position.

The following describes the simplest example in which the vacuum cleaner system 1 includes two vacuum cleaners 2. When it is necessary to individually identify elements related to the vacuum cleaners 2, the reference numeral for the vacuum cleaner 2 located on the left side of Figure 39 will be followed by the letter L, and the reference numeral for the vacuum cleaner 2 located on the right side will be followed by the letter R. For example, the vacuum cleaner 2L includes a main body 10L, a tubular body 11L, and a suction tool 12L. The main body 10L includes a dust collection unit 14L. The dust collection unit 14L includes a dust collection case 22L. The support device 3 includes a holder 62L.

The recovery device 52 includes a recovery unit 53, an electric blower 54, and a control unit 55, as well as:
It is equipped with a detector 64 , a connecting pipe 65 , and a valve 66 .

The detector 64 detects that the vacuum cleaner 2 has been placed in the collection position. In the example shown in FIG. 39, the support device 3 supports two vacuum cleaners 2. Therefore, for the collection device 52, a first collection position for the vacuum cleaner 2L and a second collection position for the vacuum cleaner 2R are set. The detector 64L detects that the dust collection unit 14L of the vacuum cleaner 2L has been placed in the first collection position. The detector 64R detects that the dust collection unit 14R of the vacuum cleaner 2R has been placed in the second collection position.

The connecting pipe 65 connects from below to the dust collection unit 14, which is positioned in the recovery position. An air passage is formed in the connecting pipe 65, extending upward from the space S. For example, a first air passage is formed in the connecting pipe 65L, and a second air passage is formed in the connecting pipe 65R. The first air passage opens at the upper end of the connecting pipe 65L. When the dust collection unit 14L is positioned in the first recovery position, the opening at the upper end of the connecting pipe 65L faces and is connected to the exhaust port 22aL formed in the dust collection case 22L. The second air passage opens at the upper end of the connecting pipe 65R. When the dust collection unit 14R is positioned in the second recovery position, the opening at the upper end of the connecting pipe 65R faces and is connected to the exhaust port 22aR formed in the dust collection case 22R.

The valves 66 open and close the air passages formed in the connecting pipe 65. For example, the valve 66L opens and closes the first air passage. The valve 66R opens and closes the second air passage. The valves 66 are controlled by the control unit 55. As an example, the control unit 55 controls the electric blower 54 and the valves 66 based on the detection results of the detector 64.

In the example shown in FIG. 39 , for example, when the dust collection unit 14L of the vacuum cleaner 2L is placed in the first collection position, the detector 64L detects that the dust collection unit 14L has been placed in the first collection position. Based on the detection result of the detector 64L, the control unit 55 generates an airflow to collect dust from the dust collection unit 14L placed in the first collection position to the collection unit 53. That is, when the detector 64L detects that the dust collection unit 14L has been placed in the first collection position, the control unit 55 opens the valve 66L and drives the electric blower 54. At this time, the control unit 55 keeps the valve 66R closed. This generates an airflow in the first air passage from the dust collection unit 14L toward the collection unit 53. The airflow causes dust accumulated in the dust collection unit 14L to pass through the first flow path and be collected in the collection unit 53.

Similarly, when the dust collection unit 14R of the vacuum cleaner 2R is placed in the second collection position, the detector 64R detects that the dust collection unit 14R has been placed in the second collection position. Based on the detection result of the detector 64R, the control unit 55 generates an airflow to collect dust from the dust collection unit 14R placed in the second collection position to the collection unit 53. That is, when the detector 64R detects that the dust collection unit 14R has been placed in the second collection position, the control unit 55 opens the valve 66R and drives the electric blower 54. At this time, the control unit 55 keeps the valve 66L closed. This generates an airflow in the second air passage from the dust collection unit 14R toward the collection unit 53. The airflow causes dust that has accumulated in the dust collection unit 14R to pass through the second flow path and be collected in the collection unit 53.

Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of hardware resources of the control unit 55. The control unit 55 includes, as hardware resources, a processing circuit 100 including a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processing circuit 100 may include multiple processors 101. The processing circuit 100 may also include multiple memories 102.

In this embodiment, each function of the control unit 55 can be realized by software written as a program, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The program is stored in memory 102. The control unit 55 realizes each of the above-mentioned functions by executing the program stored in memory 102 using the processor 101 (computer).

The processor 101 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 102 may be a semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, or DVD. Usable semiconductor memory includes RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

Figure 41 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware resources of the control unit 55. In the example shown in Figure 41, the control unit 55 includes a processing circuit 100 including a processor 101, memory 102, and dedicated hardware 103. Figure 41 shows an example in which some of the functions of the control unit 55 are realized by the dedicated hardware 103. All of the functions of the control unit 55 may also be realized by the dedicated hardware 103. The dedicated hardware 103 may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these.

The hardware resources of the control unit 20 are similar to those shown in Figure 40 or Figure 41. The control unit 20 has a processing circuit including a processor and memory as its hardware resources. The control unit 20 realizes each of the above-mentioned functions by having the processor execute a program stored in the memory. The control unit 20 may also have a processing circuit including a processor, memory, and dedicated hardware as its hardware resources. Some or all of the functions of the control unit 20 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vacuum cleaner system, 2 electric vacuum cleaner, 3 support device, 10 main body, 11 tube body, 12 suction tool, 13 main body unit, 14 dust collection unit, 15 connecting pipe, 15a suction port, 15b air duct, 15c connection port, 16 main body case, 16a connection port, 16b air duct, 16c exhaust port, 17 handle, 18 electric blower, 19 battery unit, 20 control unit, 21 operation unit, 22 dust collection case, 22a exhaust port, 22b inclined surface, 23 inlet/outlet unit, 23a suction port, 23b air duct, 23c connection port, 24 filter, 25 attachment/detachment lever, 26 lid, 26a lever, 27 spring, 28 Fan, 29 Compressor, 29a Blade member, 29b Motor, 30 Pipe, 30a Discharge port, 31 Pipe cover, 32 Terminal, 33 Latch, 35 Air path switching valve, 40 Head, 41 Joint mechanism, 42 Connecting pipe, 43 Terminal, 44 Latch, 45 Case, 45a Intake port, 46 Rotating brush, 47 Safety switch, 48 Wheel, 50 Base, 51 Support base, 52 Recovery device, 52a Air path, 52b Exhaust port, 53 Recovery unit, 53a Intake port, 54 Electric blower, 55 Control unit, 56 Lid, 57 Detector, 58 Blocking body, 59 Position displacement prevention device, 60 Shaft, 61 Regulating body 61a Recess, 61b Recess, 62 Holder, 63 Sealing material, 64 Detector, 65 Connecting pipe, 66 Valve, 100 Processing circuit, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Dedicated hardware

Claims (16)

a vacuum cleaner having a main body with a dust collection unit;
a recovery device having a recovery unit;
Equipped with
The collection device is capable of collecting dust accumulated in the dust collection unit into the collection unit by disposing the dust collection unit at a specific collection position with respect to the collection device,
The dust collection unit disposed at the recovery position is disposed above the recovery unit,
The dust accumulated in the dust collection unit moves downward and is collected in the collection unit.
The dust collection unit is
A dust collection case that collects dust inside,
an opening/closing mechanism that is provided in the dust collection case and can be opened when the dust collection unit is disposed at the recovery position;
Equipped with
When the opening/closing mechanism is opened, the internal space of the dust collection case communicates with the internal space of the collection unit,
the opening/closing mechanism opens and closes a discharge port formed on a side surface of the dust collection case,
The dust collection case has an inclined surface that becomes lower as it approaches the discharge port . The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1 , wherein the dust collection unit further comprises a compression device for mechanically or aerodynamically compressing the dust accumulated in the dust collection case. The body includes:
a first electric blower that generates an airflow for sucking in dust by rotating a fan in the normal direction;
a first control unit that controls the first electric blower;
Further provided with
The vacuum cleaner system of claim 1 , wherein the first control unit reverses the rotation of the fan when the dust collection unit is in the collection position. The recovery device includes:
a second electric blower that generates an airflow for collecting dust from the dust collection unit disposed at the collection position to the collection unit;
a second control unit that controls the second electric blower;
The vacuum cleaner system of claim 1 further comprising: Further provided is a support base for supporting the main body,
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1 , wherein the dust collection unit is located at the collection position when the main body is supported on the support base. The main body further includes a main body unit to which the dust collection unit is detachable,
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1 , wherein the dust collection unit can be placed at the collection position in a state where the dust collection unit is detached from the main unit. a support base on which the recovery device is provided;
a positional deviation prevention device provided on the support base for preventing the dust collection unit disposed at the recovery position from being displaced;
7. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 6, further comprising: The main body further includes a detector that detects that dust exceeding a reference amount has accumulated in the dust collection unit,
The vacuum cleaner system of claim 1, wherein when the detector detects that dust accumulation exceeds the reference amount, if the dust collection unit is positioned at the collection position, the dust accumulated in the dust collection unit is collected by the collection unit . a vacuum cleaner having a main body with a dust collection unit;
a recovery device having a recovery unit;
Equipped with
The collection device is capable of collecting dust accumulated in the dust collection unit into the collection unit by disposing the dust collection unit at a specific collection position with respect to the collection device,
The body includes:
a first electric blower that generates an airflow for sucking in dust by rotating a fan in the normal direction;
a first control unit that controls the first electric blower;
Equipped with
The first control unit reverses the rotation of the fan when the dust collection unit is located at the collection position . The dust collection unit disposed at the recovery position is disposed above the recovery unit,
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 9 , wherein dust accumulated in the dust collection unit moves downward and is collected in the collection unit. The dust collection unit is
A dust collection case that collects dust inside,
an opening/closing mechanism that is provided in the dust collection case and that can be opened when the dust collection unit is disposed at the recovery position;
Equipped with
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 10, wherein when the opening/closing mechanism is opened, the internal space of the dust collection case communicates with the internal space of the collection unit. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 11 , wherein the opening/closing mechanism opens and closes an outlet formed on a bottom surface of the dust collection case. a main body having a dust collection unit;
a suction tool having a suction port formed therein;
a pipe connecting the main body and the suction tool;
a vacuum cleaner equipped with
a recovery device having a recovery unit;
Equipped with
The collection device is a vacuum cleaner system in which the pipe body is disposed at a specific collection position relative to the collection device, thereby allowing dust accumulated in the dust collection unit to be collected into the collection unit via the pipe body. The vacuum cleaner system described in claim 13, wherein the tubular body is provided with an air path switching valve for switching between a first air path leading from the suction port to the dust collection unit and a second air path leading from the dust collection unit to the collection unit when the tubular body is positioned in the collection position. The main body further includes a first electric blower that generates an airflow for sucking dust through the suction port by rotating a fan in the normal direction,
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 14, wherein the air passage switching valve is switched from the first air passage to the second air passage by the fan rotating in the reverse direction when the pipe is located at the collection position. the collection device further includes a second electric blower that generates an airflow for collecting dust from the dust collection unit to the collection unit,
The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 14, wherein the air passage switching valve is switched from the first air passage to the second air passage by the second electric blower generating an airflow when the pipe body is disposed in the collection position.