WO2017047291A1 - Electric cleaning device - Google Patents

Electric cleaning device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017047291A1
WO2017047291A1 PCT/JP2016/073458 JP2016073458W WO2017047291A1 WO 2017047291 A1 WO2017047291 A1 WO 2017047291A1 JP 2016073458 W JP2016073458 W JP 2016073458W WO 2017047291 A1 WO2017047291 A1 WO 2017047291A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dust
unit
collecting container
autonomous cleaning
cleaning unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/073458
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
佐藤 毅
裕司 大塚
市川 洋光
大下 悟
村田 博光
田中 正俊
幸雄 町田
Original Assignee
東芝ライフスタイル株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2015180758A external-priority patent/JP6904659B2/en
Priority claimed from JP2015181013A external-priority patent/JP2017055834A/en
Application filed by 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 filed Critical 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社
Priority to CN201680051837.6A priority Critical patent/CN108024679A/en
Priority to KR1020187006656A priority patent/KR102058867B1/en
Priority to MYPI2018700997A priority patent/MY190352A/en
Priority to EP16846164.8A priority patent/EP3351158B1/en
Publication of WO2017047291A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017047291A1/en
Priority to US15/921,087 priority patent/US20180199776A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1625Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • A47L9/1633Concentric cyclones
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L7/00Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0047Furniture or stationary devices with suction openings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1625Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1641Multiple arrangement thereof for parallel flow
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1691Mounting or coupling means for cyclonic chamber or dust receptacles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2873Docking units or charging stations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2884Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02Docking stations; Docking operations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/022Recharging of batteries
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/024Emptying dust or waste liquid containers

Definitions

  • Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a vacuum cleaner.
  • a cleaning device including a dust control product such as a dust mop and a dust collector that sucks dust collected by the dust control product into a dust container is known.
  • robot cleaners that autonomously move the surface to be cleaned and collect dust
  • robot cleaners require several tens of minutes to hours of operation time to clean the entire room. For this reason, the robot cleaner has a high convenience in autonomously cleaning the living room when it is away, while it is used for cleaning confectionery scraps spilled by a child, for example, the living room.
  • momentum and convenience are reduced.
  • autonomous vacuum cleaners such as mops, brooms, and floor sweepers, can be used more quickly. it can.
  • an autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust and a station unit that accumulates dust discarded from the autonomous cleaning unit are combined.
  • a vacuum cleaner is known. This type of electric vacuum cleaner fluidly connects the autonomous cleaning unit and the station unit in order to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit.
  • the station unit includes a dust transfer pipe that is fluidly connected to the first dust collection container of the autonomous cleaning unit, and a second dust collection that accumulates dust discarded from the first dust collection container through the dust transfer pipe.
  • a container and a second electric blower that sucks and applies a negative pressure to the dust transfer pipe via the second dust collecting container.
  • the station unit of a conventional electric vacuum cleaner was equipped with a filtration separation type dust collection container (second dust collection container) that employs a filter that filters out and separates dust from the air.
  • second dust collection container employs a filter that filters out and separates dust from the air.
  • the filter-separated dust collecting container when the accumulated amount of dust increases, the filter becomes clogged, the suction negative pressure is weakened, and the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit gradually decreases.
  • the filter-separated dust collecting container sucks in dust, such as a large amount of powder, immediately after discarding the dust, that is, even when the dust has not yet accumulated. If the filtration surface is blocked, dust may not be transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit.
  • autonomous cleaning units it is desirable for autonomous cleaning units to continue to be used in a so-called maintenance-free state for a long period of time, from several days to several weeks, without concern or care. ing. That is, it is desired that the function of transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit is exhibited over a long period of time as much as possible regardless of the nature of the dust.
  • the embodiment has a charging function of an autonomous cleaning unit, and by utilizing a station unit installed in the room, autonomous cleaning by the autonomous cleaning unit and means other than the autonomous cleaning unit, such as a mop, Provided is an electric cleaning device capable of easily disposing of dust collected after a local cleaning is quickly performed using a broom or a floor cleaning tool.
  • the embodiment is An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust;
  • the autonomous cleaning unit is: A first body case having a first inlet, A secondary battery for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging electrode; A first dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the first suction port; An electric blower that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery and applies a negative pressure to the first dust collecting container,
  • the station unit includes a second main body case having a second suction port for sucking in dust other than the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit, I will provide a.
  • the station unit is A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container; A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe; A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
  • the second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer tube from air, a second centrifuge that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge from air. Including a multi-stage centrifugal separator.
  • the longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the connection part of the autonomous type cleaning unit and station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.
  • the longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the connection part of the autonomous type cleaning unit and station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust, and a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • a station unit 5 the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust, and a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 autonomously moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 across the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and thereafter returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is put on standby until the next cleaning.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 includes a first body case 11 having a first suction port 6, a secondary battery 18 provided in the first body case 11, and a dust collecting container that accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port 6. 12 (first dust collecting container), an electric blower 13 that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery 18 to apply a negative pressure to the dust collecting container 12, and the first main body case 11 is movable on the surface to be cleaned.
  • the moving unit 15 supported by the secondary battery 18, the driving unit 16 that is driven by the power supplied from the secondary battery 18 to actuate the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 is controlled so that the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned is autonomous. And a robot control unit 17 to be moved.
  • the first main body case 11 is, for example, a disc-shaped box made of synthetic resin, and can easily turn the surface to be cleaned.
  • a horizontally long first suction port 6 is opened on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11.
  • the first suction port 6 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, a width dimension of about two-thirds of the diameter dimension.
  • the first suction port 6 is fluidly connected to the electric blower 13 through the dust collecting container 12.
  • the dust collecting container 12 is provided in the first main body case 11.
  • the dust collecting container 12 accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port 6 by the suction negative pressure generated by the electric blower 13.
  • the dust collecting container 12 includes a filter for collecting and collecting dust, a separation device that separates air and dust by inertia separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclonic separation) and linear separation, and accumulates dust while allowing air to pass through. Applies.
  • the moving unit 15 supports the first main body case 11 with at least three wheels.
  • the moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11 and a driven wheel (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating a pair of driving wheels in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the pair of driving wheels in opposite directions.
  • the driven wheel is, for example, a turnable caster.
  • the drive unit 16 includes a pair of electric motors that drive each of the pair of drive wheels.
  • the drive unit 16 drives the pair of drive wheels independently.
  • the robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like.
  • the robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the electric blower 13 and the drive unit 16.
  • the robot control unit 17 controls the electric blower 13 to apply a negative pressure to the first suction port 6, and the robot control unit 17 controls the drive unit 16 to autonomously travel the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • the secondary battery 18 is a power source for the electric blower 13, the drive unit 16, and the robot control unit 17.
  • the secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a charging terminal 19 provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11.
  • the secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting the charging terminal 19 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.
  • the second main body case 66 is a box having an appropriate shape that can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room.
  • the second main body case 66 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
  • the second suction port 65 sucks in means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or dust adhering to the mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Applicable for use.
  • the 2nd suction inlet 21 is arrange
  • the suction air passage 140 has a mode (suction air passage 140 a) that directly connects the second suction port 65 and the dust collecting container 12 without going through the first suction port 6, and the first suction port 6 through the first suction port 6. Any of the aspects (suction air path 140b) which connects the two suction inlets 65 and the dust collecting container 12 may be sufficient.
  • the suction air passage 140 (140a, 140b) is provided in the second main body case 66. One end of the suction air passage 140 (140a, 140b) is connected to the second suction port 65.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above has a second suction port 65 of the station unit 5, and thus means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, mop, broom, and floor cleaning. Dust collected by tools, or dust attached to mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools themselves can be sucked in. Such a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery scraps spilled by a child when it is desired to locally clean a part of the living room.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 connects the suction system (the electric blower 13, the dust collecting container 12, and the first suction port 6) of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5.
  • the suction system the electric blower 13, the dust collecting container 12, and the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2
  • the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 By sucking up dust, an immediate dust sucking function can be provided without increasing the number of parts.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the station unit 5A is arranged at an arbitrary place in the living room.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5A and shifts to a standby state or a charged state when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed.
  • the position where the station unit 5A and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 are electrically connected and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be charged is referred to as the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A and the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A to shift to the standby state or the charging state are referred to as homing.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 is provided in the second main body case 66.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 accumulates the dust sucked from the second suction port 65 by the suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69.
  • a filter for collecting and collecting dust, separation of air and dust by inertia separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) and straight traveling separation, and separation that allows air to pass while accumulating dust Equipment etc. are applied.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 does not move together with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 like the dust collecting container 12 and is stored in the stationary station unit 5A, so that the second dust collecting container 68 has a larger capacity than the dust collecting container 12. Is easy.
  • the second electric blower 69 can obtain power directly from the commercial AC power supply E, the second electric blower 69 may have a higher output than the electric blower 13 driven by the secondary battery 18.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1A can be used for direct commands to the station unit 5A regardless of whether or not the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has returned to the home position, and for the mop, broom, and floor for the second suction port 65.
  • the second electric blower 69 is operated by the action of a sensor (not shown) that senses that the cleaner itself has been brought closer.
  • the negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the second suction port 65 through the second dust collecting container 68 and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. Dust sucked from the second suction port 65 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Dust.
  • the other end of the relay air passage 145a is disposed at an appropriate location that is connected to the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
  • the dust collecting container 12 is preferably provided with a lid (not shown) that opens upon returning of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and connects the dust collecting container 12 and the relay air passage 145a.
  • the other end of the relay air passage 145b is disposed at an appropriate location connected to the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
  • the electric cleaning device 1A makes contact with the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5A, and establishes an electrical connection to establish the secondary.
  • the battery 18 is charged.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 ⁇ / b> A passes through the second dust collection container 68 of the station unit 5 ⁇ / b> A via the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 or without the dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Is fluidly connected to the second electric blower 69 of the station unit 5A, and then the second electric blower 69 is operated.
  • the negative pressure acting on the second dust collection container 68 is applied to the second suction port 65 side. It is preferable to provide a switching mechanism 146 that acts or acts on the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment configured as described above has a second suction port 65 of the station unit 5A, so that means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning Dust collected by tools, or dust attached to mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools themselves can be sucked in.
  • a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1A is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery spilled by a child when a part of the room is to be cleaned locally.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1A requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mop
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop
  • dust that can be swept up in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes is immediately sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated. be able to.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1A can provide an immediate dust sucking function by the station unit 5A alone.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1A continues to accumulate a large amount of dust for a longer period by transferring and accumulating dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A. It is possible and the maintenance interval can be extended.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has the charging function of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and uses the station units 5 and 5A installed in the living room. After autonomous cleaning and local cleaning using means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools, quickly dispose of the collected dust. Can do.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust on the surface to be cleaned, and an autonomous cleaning.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 autonomously moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 across the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and thereafter returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5.
  • the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is transferred to the station unit 5 side and collected.
  • the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is the homing position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that returns to the station unit 5.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to this homing position when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed.
  • the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is relative between the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that moves autonomously and the station unit 5 that can be installed at any place. It is determined by various positional relationships.
  • the width direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward and leaves the station unit 5 and travels autonomously in the living room. On the other hand, when returning to the station unit 5, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves backward and connects to the station unit 5.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is housed in the first main body case 11 having a hollow disk shape, the first dust collecting container 12 detachably provided at the rear part of the first main body case 11, and the first main body case 11.
  • the first electric blower 13 connected to the dust collecting container 12, the moving unit 15 for moving the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned, the driving unit 16 for driving the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 are controlled.
  • a robot controller 17 that autonomously moves the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned, and a secondary battery 18 as a power source.
  • the station unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary location on the surface to be cleaned.
  • the station unit 5 includes a pedestal 21 on which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 heads for a position (homing position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust collection unit 22 integrated with the pedestal 21, and an autonomous cleaning.
  • a positional relationship (home position) where the unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust transfer pipe 25 that is airtightly connected to the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the dust transfer pipe 25 And a power cord 29 for guiding power from a commercial AC power source.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 drives the center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and the center brush 31.
  • the disc-shaped first main body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and can easily turn on the surface to be cleaned.
  • a horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.
  • the first suction port 36 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, a width dimension of about two thirds of the diameter dimension.
  • the first suction port 36 is fluidly connected to the first electric blower 13 through the first dust collecting container 12.
  • the first main body case 11 has a dust container port 37 on the bottom surface 11a.
  • the dust container port 37 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and covers the lower part of the first dust container 12.
  • the dust container opening 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to partially expose the first dust collecting container 12 attached to the first main body case 11.
  • the first dust collecting container 12 accumulates the dust sucked from the first suction port 36 by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13.
  • a filter for collecting and collecting dust from the air, a separation device for separating and accumulating dust from the air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclonic separation) and straight separation, and the like are applied to the first dust collecting container 12. .
  • the first dust collecting container 12 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear part of the first main body case 11.
  • the first dust collecting container 12 is detachably provided in the first main body case 11, and the container main body 38 that accumulates dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the dust in the state attached to the first main body case 11.
  • a connection part 39 exposed from the container port 37, a disposal port 41 provided at the connection unit 39 for discarding the dust in the container body 38, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41 are provided.
  • the moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 45 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a turning wheel 46 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11.
  • the pair of drive wheels 45 protrude from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and are grounded to the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned. Further, the pair of drive wheels 45 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the first main body case 11, and approaches the left and right side portions of the first main body case 11 while avoiding the front of the first suction port 36. Has been placed.
  • the rotation shafts of the pair of drive wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending along the width direction of the first main body case 11.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. .
  • the turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can turn freely.
  • the first main body case 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the width direction and at the front portion.
  • the drive unit 16 is a pair of electric motors connected to each of the pair of drive wheels 45.
  • the drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently of each other.
  • the robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like.
  • the robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, and the side brush drive unit 35.
  • the secondary battery 18 is a power source for the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, the side brush drive unit 35, and the robot control unit 17.
  • the secondary battery 18 is disposed, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36.
  • the secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting a charging terminal 47 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.
  • the center brush 31 is provided in the first suction port 36.
  • the center brush 31 is an axial brush that can rotate around a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first main body case 11.
  • the center brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft portion (not shown) and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending in the radial direction of the shaft portion and arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion.
  • the center brush 31 protrudes downward from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11 through the first suction port 36, and makes the brush contact the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned. .
  • the center brush drive unit 32 is accommodated in the first main body case 11.
  • the pair of side brushes 33 are arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the forward direction of the center brush 31, and assist the dust by collecting the dust on the surface to be cleaned near the wall where the center brush 31 does not reach and guiding it to the first inlet 36. It is a cleaning body.
  • Each of the side brushes 33 includes a brush base 48 having a center of rotation that slightly tilts forward with respect to the normal to the surface to be cleaned, and, for example, three linear cleaning bodies 49 that protrude radially in the radial direction of the brush base 48. It is equipped with.
  • the left and right brush bases 48 are disposed in front of the first suction port 36 and the left and right drive wheels 45 and rearward of the swivel wheel 46 and closer to the left and right sides of the first suction port 36.
  • the rotation center line of each brush base 48 is slightly inclined forward with respect to the normal of the surface to be cleaned.
  • the linear cleaning body 49 turns along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The linear cleaning body 49 turning to the front side from the brush base 48 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned toward the tip side, and the linear cleaning body 49 turning to the rear side from the brush base part 48 is from the tip side. It will leave the surface to be cleaned.
  • the plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48, for example, at equal intervals in three directions.
  • the side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48.
  • Each linear cleaning body 49 includes a plurality of brush hairs as cleaning members on the tip side. Further, the brush bristles swirl along a trajectory that extends outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first main body case 11.
  • Each side brush drive unit 35 includes a rotating shaft that protrudes downward and is connected to the brush base 48 of the side brush 33. Each side brush drive unit 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to scrape dust on the surface to be cleaned to the first suction port 36.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the pedestal 21 of the station unit 5 projects to the front side of the station unit 5 and expands in a rectangular shape.
  • the pedestal 21 includes a high floor portion 61 that is connected to the bottom of the dust collection portion 22, and a low floor portion 62 that projects from the high floor portion 61.
  • the low floor portion 62 and the high floor portion 61 extend in a band shape in the width direction of the station unit 5.
  • the charging electrode 3 and the entrance of the dust transfer tube 25 are arranged.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 rides the pair of drive wheels 45 on the low floor 62 and reaches the homing position with the first dust collecting container 12 disposed above the high floor 61.
  • the pedestal 21 includes an uneven running surface 63 that reduces the ground contact area of each of the pair of drive wheels 45 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves to a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Yes.
  • the running surface 63 is a plurality of linear irregularities, lattice-shaped irregularities, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the pedestal 21.
  • the dust collecting unit 22 is provided from the first dust collecting container 12 through the second body case 66 having the second suction port 65 for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the dust transfer pipe 25.
  • the second main body case 66 is a box having an appropriate shape that is disposed at the rear portion of the station unit 5 and extends upward from the base 21 and can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room.
  • a wall surface 66a having a thickness is included.
  • the second main body case 66 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
  • the second main body case 66 is short in the depth direction (the direction in which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 advances when returning home) and long in the width direction.
  • the second main body case 66 has a second dust collecting container 68 disposed in one half in the width direction, specifically the right half, and the second dust collector 68 in the other half in the width direction, specifically the left half.
  • Two electric blowers 69 are accommodated.
  • the front wall of the second main body case 66 includes an arcuate concave portion 71 corresponding to the rear end portion of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 is provided from the high floor portion 61 of the pedestal 21 to the recessed portion 71.
  • the recessed portion 71 is provided with a homing confirmation detector 72 that detects whether or not the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.
  • the homing confirmation detection unit 72 is a so-called objective sensor that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light.
  • the homing confirmation detection unit 72 includes a first sensor unit 73 that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust collection unit 22, and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the height direction of the second main body case 66. And a second sensor unit 75 for detecting the relative distance between the two.
  • the second suction port 65 sucks in means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or dust adhering to the mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Applicable for use.
  • the 2nd suction inlet 65 is provided in the lower part of the right wall surface of the 2nd main body case 66 as the wall surface 66a which has height with respect to an installation surface.
  • the second suction port 65 has an appropriate width along the installation surface and an appropriate height in the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.
  • the pair of charging electrodes 3 are arranged with the entrance of the dust transfer tube 25 interposed therebetween. Each charging electrode 3 is arranged in front of the left and right edges of the recessed portion 71.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 is detachably mounted on the right side of the dust collecting unit 22 and exposed.
  • the second electric blower 69 applies negative suction pressure to the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 via the second dust collecting container 68.
  • a suction air passage 76 that fluidly connects the second suction port 65 and the second dust collection container 68, a second dust collection container 68, and a second dust collection container 68.
  • a downstream air passage 77 that fluidly connects the two electric blowers 69 is provided.
  • Both the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76 are connected to the suction side (upstream side) of the second dust collecting container 68. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69 acts on both the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76 via the second dust collecting container 68. Therefore, the station unit 5 establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust collecting container 68 when transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2, while the suction air passage 76 and the second dust collecting container 68. While the fluid connection with the dust container 68 is cut off, and when the negative pressure is applied to the second suction port 65, the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust collection container 68 is cut off. An air path switching mechanism 78 that establishes fluid connection between the suction air path 76 and the second dust collecting container 68 is provided.
  • the dust transfer pipe 25 is disposed in contact with the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Airtightly connected to the mouth 41.
  • the lever 26 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 includes a hook 79 extending in the front direction and upward of the dust collection unit 22.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second dust collecting container of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second centrifuge portion of the second dust collecting container of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is a first centrifuge that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 from the air.
  • a multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83 including a separation unit 81 and a second centrifugal separation unit 82 that separates dust passing through the first centrifugal separation unit 81 from the air is provided.
  • the first centrifugal separation unit 81 centrifuges coarse dust from the air guided to the second dust collecting container 68.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 centrifuges fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifugal separator 81.
  • coarse dust is dust with a large mass such as fibrous dust such as lint and cotton dust or sand particles
  • fine dust is dust with a small particle mass or powder and low mass.
  • the second dust collecting container 68 includes an exhaust air passage 85 that sends air passing through the second centrifugal separator 82 to the second electric blower 69, and a top cover 86 that covers the exhaust air passage 85.
  • the first centrifuge 81 is arranged on one side of the second dust collecting container 68, specifically on the lower half side.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82, the second separator upper cover 87, the exhaust air passage 85, and the top cover 86 are arranged on the other side of the second dust collecting container 68, specifically, the upper half side.
  • the first centrifuge part 81 and the second centrifuge part 82 are arranged adjacent to each other in the height direction of the cylindrical second dust collecting container 68 and stacked.
  • the first centrifugal separator 81, the second separator upper cover 87, and the top cover 86 cooperate to adjust the appearance of the second dust collecting container 68 into a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the first centrifugal separation unit 81 separates dust from dust-containing air by a centrifugal separation method (cyclone method).
  • the first centrifuge 81 includes a cup-shaped dust collecting container 92 (a cup of the second dust collecting container 68) as an outer shell of the first centrifuge chamber 91, and a cylindrical shape disposed in the dust collecting container 92.
  • a first filter part 93 and a dust capturing cup 95 disposed in the dust collecting container 92 and connected to the first filter part 93 are provided.
  • the dust collecting container 92 is an outer shell of the lower half part of the second dust collecting container 68 and also serves as an outer shell of the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 and the dust collecting chamber 97.
  • An intake port 98 is provided on the side wall of the dust collecting container 92.
  • the air inlet 98 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76.
  • the dust collecting container 92 includes a large-diameter portion 101 disposed at the open end, an inclined portion 102 connected to the large-diameter portion 101 and constricted to a small diameter, and connected to the inclined portion 102 to be substantially uniform. And a small-diameter portion 103 that reaches the bottom wall in a radial dimension.
  • the connecting portion of the large-diameter portion 101 and the small-diameter portion 103, that is, the inclined portion 102 has an inclined surface 105 that narrows from the large-diameter portion 101 toward the small-diameter portion 103 inside the dust collecting container 92.
  • the small diameter portion 103 is connected to the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92.
  • the first filter part 93 is housed in the dust collecting container 92 and is arranged substantially concentrically.
  • An annular space that separates the first filter unit 93 and the dust collecting container 92 is a first unit that centrifuges coarse dust by rotating the dust-containing air flowing into the first centrifugal separating unit 81 from the air inlet 98 of the dust collecting container 92. This is a centrifuge chamber 91.
  • the first filter part 93 is fixed to the second centrifugal separator 82, protrudes into the dust container 92 and extends toward the bottom wall of the dust container 92.
  • the first filter unit 93 relays the first centrifuge chamber 91 and the second centrifuge unit 82 in fluid connection.
  • the first filter unit 93 includes a frame body 107 having a plurality of bones 106 that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a first mesh filter 108 that surrounds the periphery of the frame body 107 in a cylindrical shape.
  • the first opening 109 between the bones 106 of the frame 107 allows air to flow from the first centrifuge chamber 91 to the second centrifuge 82.
  • the side surface of the first filter portion 93, specifically, the first mesh filter 108 faces the air inlet 98.
  • the first mesh filter 108 is in a period in which the swirl flow in the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 is not sufficiently developed, such as immediately after the start of the second electric blower 69 or a stop transition, and after the swirl flow has developed. Coarse dust is prevented from flowing from the first centrifuge 81 to the second centrifuge 82 side.
  • the first filter unit 93 does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 108 to the extent that coarse dust can be prevented from flowing downstream.
  • the frame body 107 of the first filter portion 93 has a lattice shape that is fine enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust or has holes that are small enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust. Does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 108.
  • the dust capturing cup 95 is provided at an end portion of the first filter portion 93 close to the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92, that is, a protruding end portion or a lower end portion.
  • the bottomed cylindrical dust capturing cup 95 has a bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93 and a side wall extending toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92. That is, the dust capturing cup 95 is opened toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92.
  • the side wall of the dust catching cup 95 faces the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 92 with a gap.
  • the dust trapping cup 95 has a larger diameter than the first filter portion 93 and has a second opening 111 on the bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93.
  • a space separating the dust capturing cup 95 and the dust collecting container 92 is a dust collecting chamber 97 for accumulating dust separated by the first centrifugal separator 81.
  • the air in the dust collection chamber 97 returns to the first centrifuge chamber 91 through the second opening 111.
  • a second mesh filter 112 is provided in the second opening 111.
  • the second mesh filter 112 may be coarse so that coarse dust (fibrous such as lint and cotton dust) flowing into the dust collecting chamber 97 does not return to the first centrifugal separation chamber 91.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 separates fine dust from the dust-containing air passing through the first centrifugal separator 81.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 includes a relay air passage 113 that guides air that has passed through the first centrifugal separation chamber 91, a second centrifugal separation chamber 115 that separates fine dust from the air flowing from the relay air passage 113, and fine dust And an exhaust air passage 85 that guides the air flowing out from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 to the second electric blower 69 after being separated.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 is detachably connected to the dust collecting container 92 and closes the open end 92a of the dust collecting container 92.
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 supports the first filter part 93 and the dust capturing cup 95 on the center line C of the dust collecting container 92.
  • the second separation unit upper cover 87 corresponding to the outer shell of the second centrifugal separation unit 82 has a cylindrical shape.
  • a plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115 are arranged in an annular shape inside the second separation unit upper cover 87.
  • An annular relay air passage 113 is disposed inside the plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115 arranged in an annular shape.
  • an exhaust air passage 85 is disposed inside the annular relay air passage 113 on the extended line of the center line C of the dust collecting container 92 or in the center of the cylindrical second centrifuge 82. .
  • the second centrifugal separator 82 In other words, in the second centrifugal separator 82, the second centrifugal chamber 115, the annular relay air passage 113, and the exhaust air passage 85 that are annularly arranged are arranged in order from the second separator upper cover 87 side. It is a heavy structure.
  • the relay air passage 113 guides the air (dust-containing air) flowing in from the first filter portion 93 in a direction away from the dust collecting container 92 and guides it to the second centrifugal separation chamber 115.
  • Each of the second centrifuge chambers 115 includes a cylindrical wall 116 that generates a swirl flow and a frustoconical wall 117 that generates a spiral flow.
  • the cylindrical wall 116 and the frustoconical wall 117 have centerlines that are substantially aligned on the same line.
  • This center line that is, the center line of the second centrifuge chamber 115 is arranged in parallel to the center line C of the cylindrical second dust collecting container 68.
  • the center line of the second centrifuge chamber 115 may be inclined radially so as to draw a conical surface that gathers on the first centrifuge part 81 side and expands at the second centrifuge part 82.
  • the center lines of the cylindrical wall 116 and the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 are arranged in a circle around the center line C of the second dust collecting container 68.
  • the frustoconical wall 117 has an upper base having a large diameter and a lower base having a smaller diameter than the upper base.
  • the upper base of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 is disposed on the side far from the first centrifugal separator 81, and the lower base is disposed on the side near the first centrifugal separator 81.
  • the cylindrical wall 116 has substantially the same diameter as the upper base of the frustoconical wall 117 and is connected to the upper base of the frustoconical wall 117.
  • the cylindrical wall 116 is disposed on the side farther from the first centrifuge 81 than the truncated cone wall 117.
  • a dust-containing air inlet 118 is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical wall 116.
  • the introduction port 118 is a side surface of the cylindrical wall 116 and is disposed on the center side of the second dust collecting container 68 and is connected to the relay air passage 113.
  • the cylindrical wall 116 has a bottom plate at a portion farthest from the first centrifugal separation portion 81.
  • the bottom plate of the frustoconical wall 117 is provided with a tubular inner cylinder 119 extending along the center line in the cylindrical wall 116.
  • Inside the inner cylinder 119 is an exhaust port 121 that exhausts clean air separated from the dust-containing air in the second centrifuge chamber 115.
  • the exhaust port 121 is connected to the exhaust air passage 85.
  • the outside of the inner cylinder 119 faces the introduction port 118.
  • the annular space that separates the inner cylinder 119 and the cylindrical wall 116 swirls the flow of dust-containing air that flows from the inlet 118.
  • a dust trap umbrella 125 is provided at the tip of the disposal port 122 of the second centrifuge chamber 115.
  • the dust trap umbrella 125 is provided at the base of the first filter portion 93 so as to serve as a partition wall that partitions the first centrifugal separation portion 81 and the second centrifugal separation portion 82.
  • the outer diameter of the dust trap umbrella 125 is smaller than that of the second centrifugal separator 82 and larger than that of the first filter portion 93.
  • the dust trap umbrella 125 has one surface 125a that guides fine dust discharged from the disposal port 122 of the second centrifuge chamber 115 to the dust collection container 92 and the other surface 125b that extends and inclines toward the dust collection container 92. And having.
  • the station unit 5 can be used for direct commands, mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools for the second suction port 65 regardless of whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has returned to the home position or not.
  • the second electric blower 69 is operated by the function of a sensor (not shown) that senses that it is approaching itself.
  • the negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 through the second dust collecting container 68 and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. Dust sucked from the second suction port 65 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Dust.
  • the disposal port 41 is opened downward of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a state where the first dust collecting container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11.
  • the disposal lid 42 is exposed to the external appearance of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and is flush with the outer surface of the first main body case 11.
  • the waste lid 42 includes a lever receiver 131 that hooks the lever 26 of the station unit 5.
  • the disposal lid 42 may also be disposed at a location facing the dust container port 37 in a state of being attached to the first main body case 11 like the connecting portion 39. In this case, the disposal lid 42 is disposed inside the first main body case 11 and in a place where it can be seen from the dust container port 37.
  • the waste cover 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the lever 26 of the station unit 5 swing around a rotation center line C3 that intersects in a direction toward the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.
  • the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 and the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 are orthogonal to the direction toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is desirable.
  • the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 indicates that the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25 is in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is arranged at the edge that reaches first, that is, at the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.
  • the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 is supported so as to be movable in a direction toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. That is, the hook 79 moves the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 in a direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.
  • the lever receiver 131 can be hooked without being affected by variations in position accuracy in homing control.
  • the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 is an autonomous cleaning unit of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. 2 is covered by a shaft cover 132 provided at the edge where it first reaches, that is, the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.
  • the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is arranged on the far side of the disposal lid 42 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is disposed farther than the lever receiver 131 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is in contact with or away from the disposal port 41 of the disposal lid 42 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.
  • the lid body 133 is arranged on the far side.
  • the disposal lid 42 receives the spring force of the coil spring 135 in the closing direction.
  • the disposal lid 42 is opened when the propulsive force toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 exceeds the spring force of the coil spring 135.
  • the waste lid 42 is opened by the lever 26, the coil spring 135 is crushed and accumulates energy, while when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is detached from the station unit 5 and the lever 26 comes out of the lever receiver 131, the energy is released. Then, the waste lid 42 is closed.
  • the lever 26 receives a spring force of a coil spring (not shown) in a direction to stand (FIG. 8).
  • the lever 26 is pushed down when the propulsive force toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 exceeds the spring force of the coil spring.
  • the coil spring is crushed and accumulates energy.
  • the autonomous cleaning unit 2 leaves the station unit 5 and the lever 26 comes out of the lever receiver 131, the coil spring releases energy. To raise the lever 26.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 configured as described above includes a first centrifuge 81 that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 25 from air, and air that passes dust passing through the first centrifuge 81. And a second centrifuge unit 83 including a second centrifuge unit 82 that separates from the first and second centrifuge units 82, so that the separation performance is maintained with little deterioration even when the amount of accumulated dust increases, and the suction negative pressure is reduced. It is maintained and the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be maintained.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 includes the multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83, so that even if a large amount of powder is sucked at once, the suction performance is maintained without being suddenly lost, and dust is transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
  • Ability can be maintained.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 has the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 so that it can be collected by means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaning tool. Dust or dust adhering to mops, brooms, or the floor cleaning tool itself can be sucked in.
  • a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery scraps spilled by a child when it is desired to locally clean a part of the living room.
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop
  • the electric vacuum cleaner 1 requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop
  • dust that can be swept up in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes is immediately sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated. be able to.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 accumulates the dust sucked from the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 in the multistage centrifugal separator 83, so that the suction force of the second suction port 65 is maintained.
  • Cheap the suction force of the second suction port 65 is maintained.
  • the second suction port 65 is set when the object to be cleaned of the second suction port 65 is a cleaning tool that sweeps up dust with a suitable width dimension, such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool. Even if the size of the is wide along the installation surface and set to a suitable height, the suction negative pressure does not decrease over the long term, and a cleaning tool such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool is used. It is possible to surely suck up the dust collected.
  • the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 is maintained over a long period of time, and dust is transferred even if a large amount of powder is sucked at once. Easy to maintain function.
  • the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit is maintained over a long period of time, and the function of transferring dust even when a large amount of powder is sucked at once is easy to maintain.
  • a device can be provided.
  • preferable embodiment of this invention has the following characteristics.
  • the station unit includes a suction air passage that connects the second suction port and the first suction port or the first dust collecting container when the autonomous cleaning unit returns to the station unit.
  • Electric vacuum cleaner
  • the station unit is A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the second suction port; A vacuum cleaner according to 1 or 2, comprising a second electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the second dust collecting container.
  • the station unit is A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container; A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe; A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
  • the second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge unit that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe from air, a second centrifuge unit that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge unit from air, 5.
  • the station unit is The electric vacuum cleaner of Claim 6 provided with the 2nd main body case which has a 2nd inlet port which sucks in the dust different from the dust which the said autonomous cleaning unit collects.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

This electric cleaning device is provided with an autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves over a surface to be cleaned and collects dust, and a station unit having a charging electrode for the autonomous cleaning unit. The autonomous cleaning unit is provided with: a first body case that has a first suction port; a secondary battery for storing electrical power supplied from the charging electrode; a first dust collection container for storing dust suctioned in from the first suction port; and an electric blower that is driven with the electrical power supplied from the secondary battery to impart negative pressure in the first dust collection container. The station unit is provided with a second body case which has a second suction port for suctioning in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit.

Description

電気掃除装置Electric vacuum cleaner 関連出願の引用Citation of related application
 本出願は、2015年9月14日に出願した日本国特許出願第2015-180758号及び2015年9月14日に出願した日本国特許出願第2015-181013号による優先権の利益に基礎をおき、かつ、その利益を求めており、その内容全体が引用によりここに包含される。 This application is based on the benefit of priority by Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-180758 filed on September 14, 2015 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-181010 filed on September 14, 2015. And seeking its benefits, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
 本発明に係る実施形態は、電気掃除装置に関する。 Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a vacuum cleaner.
 ダストモップなどのダストコントロール製品と、ダストコントロール製品により掻き集められた塵を集塵容器に吸引する集塵装置と、を備える掃除装置が知られている。 2. Description of the Related Art A cleaning device including a dust control product such as a dust mop and a dust collector that sucks dust collected by the dust control product into a dust container is known.
 また、近年、自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型の電気掃除機、いわゆるロボットクリーナが知られている。ロボットクリーナは、居室全体を掃除するため、数十分から時間単位の運転時間を要する。このため、ロボットクリーナは、留守中の居室を自律的に掃除させることに高い利便性を有している一方で、例えば子供が食べこぼした菓子の屑を掃除するような用途の場合、つまり居室の一部を即座に掃除するような用途では勢い、利便性が低下してしまう。子供が食べこぼした菓子の屑を掃除するような用途では、自律型の電気掃除機以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で塵埃を掃き集める手段の方が、迅速に対応できる。 In recent years, autonomous vacuum cleaners that autonomously move the surface to be cleaned and collect dust, so-called robot cleaners, are known. Robot cleaners require several tens of minutes to hours of operation time to clean the entire room. For this reason, the robot cleaner has a high convenience in autonomously cleaning the living room when it is away, while it is used for cleaning confectionery scraps spilled by a child, for example, the living room. In applications where a part of the screen is immediately cleaned, momentum and convenience are reduced. For applications that clean up confectionery scraps that children have spilled, means other than autonomous vacuum cleaners, such as mops, brooms, and floor sweepers, can be used more quickly. it can.
 しかしながら、自律型掃除ユニット以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で塵埃を掃き集める手段の方が、迅速に対応できる場合であっても、掃き集めた後の塵埃の処分には、ちりとりを必要とするような別途の手間が掛かってしまうという側面もある。 However, even if a means other than the autonomous cleaning unit, such as a mop, broom, or floor sweeper, can quickly handle dust, it can be used to dispose of dust after sweeping. However, there is also an aspect that it takes extra effort that requires dust removal.
 また、自律型の電気掃除装置として、自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニットと、自律型掃除ユニットから廃棄される塵埃を蓄積するステーションユニットと、を組み合わせた電気掃除装置が知られている。この種の電気掃除装置は、自律型掃除ユニットからステーションユニットへ塵埃を移送するために、自律型掃除ユニットとステーションユニットとを流体的に接続する。ステーションユニットは、自律型掃除ユニットの第一集塵容器に連結されて流体的に接続される塵埃移送管と、塵埃移送管を通じて第一集塵容器から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、第二集塵容器を介して塵埃移送管に吸い込み負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備えている。 Moreover, as an autonomous electric cleaning device, an autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust and a station unit that accumulates dust discarded from the autonomous cleaning unit are combined. A vacuum cleaner is known. This type of electric vacuum cleaner fluidly connects the autonomous cleaning unit and the station unit in order to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit. The station unit includes a dust transfer pipe that is fluidly connected to the first dust collection container of the autonomous cleaning unit, and a second dust collection that accumulates dust discarded from the first dust collection container through the dust transfer pipe. A container and a second electric blower that sucks and applies a negative pressure to the dust transfer pipe via the second dust collecting container.
 従来の電気掃除装置のステーションユニットは、空気から塵埃を濾し取って分離するフィルタを採用した濾過分離式の集塵容器(第二集塵容器)を備えていた。濾過分離式の集塵容器は、塵埃の蓄積量が増加するとフィルタが目詰まって吸込負圧が弱まり、自律型掃除ユニットから塵埃を移送する能力が徐々に低下してしまう。また、濾過分離式の集塵容器は、塵埃を廃棄した直後、つまり未だ塵埃を蓄積していない時期であっても、フィルタの濾過面を一気に塞ぐような塵埃、例えば多量の粉体を吸い込んで濾過面の目が塞がれると、自律型掃除ユニットから塵埃を移送することができなくなる場合がある。その一方で、自律型掃除ユニットには、数日から数週間程度の長期に亘って、気に掛けたり、手入れをしたりすることなく、いわゆるメンテナンスフリーな状態で使用し続けられることが望まれている。つまり、自律型掃除ユニットからステーションユニットへ塵埃を移送する機能は、塵埃の性質によらず、極力長期間に亘って発揮されることが望まれる。 The station unit of a conventional electric vacuum cleaner was equipped with a filtration separation type dust collection container (second dust collection container) that employs a filter that filters out and separates dust from the air. In the filter-separated dust collecting container, when the accumulated amount of dust increases, the filter becomes clogged, the suction negative pressure is weakened, and the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit gradually decreases. In addition, the filter-separated dust collecting container sucks in dust, such as a large amount of powder, immediately after discarding the dust, that is, even when the dust has not yet accumulated. If the filtration surface is blocked, dust may not be transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit. On the other hand, it is desirable for autonomous cleaning units to continue to be used in a so-called maintenance-free state for a long period of time, from several days to several weeks, without concern or care. ing. That is, it is desired that the function of transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit is exhibited over a long period of time as much as possible regardless of the nature of the dust.
特開2003-210361号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-210361 米国特許出願公開第2012/0011677号明細書US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0011677
 実施形態は、自律型掃除ユニットの充電機能を備え、居室内に据え置かれるステーションユニットを活用することで、自律型掃除ユニットによる自律的な掃除と、自律型掃除ユニット以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具を用いて局所的な掃除を迅速に行った後に、掃き集めた塵埃を容易に処分可能な電気掃除装置を提供する。 The embodiment has a charging function of an autonomous cleaning unit, and by utilizing a station unit installed in the room, autonomous cleaning by the autonomous cleaning unit and means other than the autonomous cleaning unit, such as a mop, Provided is an electric cleaning device capable of easily disposing of dust collected after a local cleaning is quickly performed using a broom or a floor cleaning tool.
 実施形態は、
 自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニットと、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットの充電電極を有するステーションユニットと、
を備え、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットは、
 第一吸込口を有する第一本体ケースと、
 前記充電電極から供給される電力を蓄積する二次電池と、
 前記第一吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第一集塵容器と、
 前記二次電池から供給される電力で駆動して前記第一集塵容器に負圧を作用させる電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口を有する第二本体ケースを備える電気掃除装置、
を提供する。
The embodiment is
An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust;
A station unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous cleaning unit;
With
The autonomous cleaning unit is:
A first body case having a first inlet,
A secondary battery for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging electrode;
A first dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the first suction port;
An electric blower that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery and applies a negative pressure to the first dust collecting container,
The station unit includes a second main body case having a second suction port for sucking in dust other than the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit,
I will provide a.
 また、所望により、
 前記ステーションユニットは、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットに連結されて前記第一集塵容器に流体的に接続される塵埃移送管と、
 前記塵埃移送管を通じて前記第一集塵容器から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
 前記第二集塵容器を介して前記塵埃移送管に吸い込み負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記第二集塵容器は、前記塵埃移送管から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部と、前記第一遠心分離部を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部を備える。
If desired,
The station unit is
A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container;
A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe;
A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
The second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer tube from air, a second centrifuge that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge from air. Including a multi-stage centrifugal separator.
本発明の第1実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のブロック図。The block diagram of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第2実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のブロック図。The block diagram of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の外観を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の自律型掃除ユニットの底面を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the bottom face of the autonomous cleaning unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のステーションユニットを示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the station unit of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の第二集塵容器の断面図。Sectional drawing of the 2nd dust container of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の第二集塵容器の第二遠心分離部の断面図。Sectional drawing of the 2nd centrifugation part of the 2nd dust container of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の自律型掃除ユニットおよびステーションユニットの連結部分を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the connection part of the autonomous type cleaning unit and station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の自律型掃除ユニットおよびステーションユニットの連結部分を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the connection part of the autonomous type cleaning unit and station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.
 以下、本発明に係る電気掃除装置の実施の形態について、図面を参照して説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
 [第1の実施形態]
 本発明に係る電気掃除装置の第1実施形態について図1を参照して説明する。
[First Embodiment]
1st Embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this invention is described with reference to FIG.
 図1は、本発明の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のブロック図である。 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
 図1に示すように、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニット2と、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電電極3を有するステーションユニット5と、を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust, and a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. A station unit 5.
 電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2を居室内の被掃除面の全域に渡って自律で移動させて塵埃を捕集し、この後、自律型掃除ユニット2をステーションユニット5へ帰巣させて自律型掃除ユニット2を次回の掃除まで待機させる。 The electric vacuum cleaner 1 autonomously moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 across the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and thereafter returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is put on standby until the next cleaning.
 なお、ステーションユニット5は、居室内の任意の場所に配置される。自律型掃除ユニット2は、充電が必要な場合や、居室の掃除を終えた場合には、ステーションユニット5へ戻って、待機状態あるいは充電状態に移行する。ステーションユニット5と自律型掃除ユニット2とが電気的に接続されて、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電可能な状態になる位置を自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣位置という。また、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5へ戻ること、および自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5へ戻って、待機状態あるいは充電状態に移行することを帰巣という。 In addition, the station unit 5 is arranged at an arbitrary place in the living room. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5 and shifts to a standby state or a charged state when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed. The position where the station unit 5 and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 are electrically connected and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be charged is referred to as the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. In addition, the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 and the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 and shifting to the standby state or the charging state are referred to as homing.
 ここで先ず、自律型掃除ユニット2はいわゆるロボットクリーナである。自律型掃除ユニット2は、第一吸込口6を有する第一本体ケース11と、第一本体ケース11に設けられる二次電池18と、第一吸込口6から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する集塵容器12(第一集塵容器)と、二次電池18から供給される電力で駆動して集塵容器12に負圧を作用させる電動送風機13と、被掃除面に第一本体ケース11を移動自在に支える移動部15と、二次電池18から供給される電力で駆動して移動部15を作動させる駆動部16と、駆動部16を制御して被掃除面の第一本体ケース11を自律的に移動させるロボット制御部17と、を備えている。 Here, first, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 includes a first body case 11 having a first suction port 6, a secondary battery 18 provided in the first body case 11, and a dust collecting container that accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port 6. 12 (first dust collecting container), an electric blower 13 that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery 18 to apply a negative pressure to the dust collecting container 12, and the first main body case 11 is movable on the surface to be cleaned. The moving unit 15 supported by the secondary battery 18, the driving unit 16 that is driven by the power supplied from the secondary battery 18 to actuate the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 is controlled so that the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned is autonomous. And a robot control unit 17 to be moved.
 第一本体ケース11は、例えば合成樹脂製の円盤形状の箱体であって、被掃除面を容易に旋回できる。第一本体ケース11の底面には、横長の第一吸込口6が開口されている。 The first main body case 11 is, for example, a disc-shaped box made of synthetic resin, and can easily turn the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 6 is opened on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11.
 第一吸込口6は、第一本体ケース11の幅寸法、つまり直径寸法の3分の2程度の幅寸法を有している。第一吸込口6は、集塵容器12を経て電動送風機13に流体的に接続されている。 The first suction port 6 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, a width dimension of about two-thirds of the diameter dimension. The first suction port 6 is fluidly connected to the electric blower 13 through the dust collecting container 12.
 集塵容器12は、第一本体ケース11に設けられている。集塵容器12は、電動送風機13が発生させる吸込負圧によって第一吸込口6から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する。集塵容器12には、塵埃を濾過捕集するフィルタ、遠心分離(サイクロン分離)や直進分離などの慣性分離によって空気と塵埃とを分離し、塵埃を蓄積する一方で空気を通過させる分離装置などが適用される。 The dust collecting container 12 is provided in the first main body case 11. The dust collecting container 12 accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port 6 by the suction negative pressure generated by the electric blower 13. The dust collecting container 12 includes a filter for collecting and collecting dust, a separation device that separates air and dust by inertia separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclonic separation) and linear separation, and accumulates dust while allowing air to pass through. Applies.
 移動部15は、少なくとも3つの車輪で第一本体ケース11を支えている。移動部15は、第一本体ケース11の底面に設けられる左右一対の駆動輪(図示省略)と、第一本体ケース11の底面に設けられる従動輪(図示省略)と、を含んでいる。 The moving unit 15 supports the first main body case 11 with at least three wheels. The moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11 and a driven wheel (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11.
 自律型掃除ユニット2は、一対の駆動輪を互いに同一方向に回転させることによって前進または後退し、一対の駆動輪を互いに反対方向に回転させることによって右回りまたは左回りに旋回する。従動輪は、例えば旋回自在なキャスターである。 The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating a pair of driving wheels in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the pair of driving wheels in opposite directions. The driven wheel is, for example, a turnable caster.
 駆動部16は、一対の駆動輪のそれぞれを駆動する一対の電動機を含んでいる。駆動部16は、一対の駆動輪をそれぞれ独立に駆動させる。 The drive unit 16 includes a pair of electric motors that drive each of the pair of drive wheels. The drive unit 16 drives the pair of drive wheels independently.
 ロボット制御部17は、マイクロプロセッサ(図示省略)、およびマイクロプロセッサが実行する各種演算プログラム、パラメータなどを記憶する記憶装置(図示省略)を備えている。ロボット制御部17は、電動送風機13、および駆動部16に電気的に接続されている。ロボット制御部17は、電動送風機13を制御して第一吸込口6に負圧を作用させる、また、ロボット制御部17は、駆動部16を制御して自律型掃除ユニット2を自律的に走行させる。 The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the electric blower 13 and the drive unit 16. The robot control unit 17 controls the electric blower 13 to apply a negative pressure to the first suction port 6, and the robot control unit 17 controls the drive unit 16 to autonomously travel the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Let
 二次電池18は、電動送風機13、駆動部16、およびロボット制御部17の電源である。二次電池18は、第一本体ケース11の底面に設けられる充電端子19に電気的に接続されている。二次電池18は、充電端子19がステーションユニット5の充電電極3に接続されることによって充電される。 The secondary battery 18 is a power source for the electric blower 13, the drive unit 16, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a charging terminal 19 provided on the bottom surface of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting the charging terminal 19 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.
 ステーションユニット5は、居室の被掃除面の任意の場所に設置されている。ステーションユニット5は、自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口65を有する第二本体ケース66と、充電電極3と、商用交流電源Eから充電電極3へ電力を導く電源コード29と、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5に帰巣した場合には、第二吸込口65と第一吸込口6とを繋げる吸込風路140と、を備えている。 The station unit 5 is installed at any location on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. The station unit 5 includes a second body case 66 having a second suction port 65 for sucking in dust other than the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, the charging electrode 3, and the charging electrode 3 from the commercial AC power source E. And a suction air passage 140 that connects the second suction port 65 and the first suction port 6 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5.
 第二本体ケース66は、居室の被掃除面に置くことができる適宜の形状の箱体である。第二本体ケース66は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣しても干渉しない適宜の形状を有している。 The second main body case 66 is a box having an appropriate shape that can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. The second main body case 66 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
 第二吸込口65は、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃を吸い込む用途に適用される。このため、第二吸込口21は、第二本体ケース66の下部に配置され、例えば被掃除面に沿う適宜の幅と、被掃除面の垂線に沿う適宜の高さを有している。 The second suction port 65 sucks in means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or dust adhering to the mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Applicable for use. For this reason, the 2nd suction inlet 21 is arrange | positioned in the lower part of the 2nd main body case 66, for example, has the appropriate width along a to-be-cleaned surface, and the appropriate height in alignment with the perpendicular of a to-be-cleaned surface.
 吸込風路140は、第一吸込口6を介することなく第二吸込口65と集塵容器12とを直接的に接続する態様(吸込風路140a)、および第一吸込口6を介して第二吸込口65と集塵容器12とを接続する態様(吸込風路140b)のいずれであっても良い。 The suction air passage 140 has a mode (suction air passage 140 a) that directly connects the second suction port 65 and the dust collecting container 12 without going through the first suction port 6, and the first suction port 6 through the first suction port 6. Any of the aspects (suction air path 140b) which connects the two suction inlets 65 and the dust collecting container 12 may be sufficient.
 吸込風路140(140a、140b)は、第二本体ケース66に設けられている。吸込風路140(140a、140b)の一方の端部は、第二吸込口65に接続されている。 The suction air passage 140 (140a, 140b) is provided in the second main body case 66. One end of the suction air passage 140 (140a, 140b) is connected to the second suction port 65.
 吸込風路140aの他方の端部は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣すると自律型掃除ユニット2の集塵容器12に繋がる適宜の場所に配置されている。集塵容器12には、自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣にともなって開き、集塵容器12と吸込風路140aとを繋げる蓋(図示省略)を設けることが好ましい。 The other end of the suction air passage 140a is arranged at an appropriate location that is connected to the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns. The dust collecting container 12 is preferably provided with a lid (not shown) that opens upon returning of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and connects the dust collecting container 12 and the suction air passage 140a.
 吸込風路140aの他方の端部は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣すると自律型掃除ユニット2の第一吸込口6に繋がる適宜の場所に配置されている。 The other end portion of the suction air passage 140a is disposed at an appropriate place connected to the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
 充電電極3は、第二本体ケース66に設けられている。充電電極3は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣すると自律型掃除ユニット2の充電端子19に接触して電気的な接続を確立できる適宜の場所に配置されている。 The charging electrode 3 is provided in the second main body case 66. The charging electrode 3 is disposed at an appropriate location where the electrical connection can be established by contacting the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
 電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣位置へ帰巣すると、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電端子19とステーションユニット5の充電電極3とを接触させ、電気的な接続を確立させて二次電池18を充電する。このとき、電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2の第一吸込口6を介して、または介さずに集塵容器12を経てステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65を自律型掃除ユニット2の電動送風機13に流体的に接続する。 When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the homing position, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 makes contact with the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5, and establishes an electrical connection to establish the secondary. The battery 18 is charged. At this time, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 passes the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 via the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 or without passing through the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. It is fluidly connected to the electric blower 13.
 そして、電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2への直接的な指令や、第二吸込口65にモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体を近づけたことを感知するセンサ(図示省略)の働きによって自律型掃除ユニット2の電動送風機13を運転する。電動送風機13の運転によって生じる負圧は、集塵容器12、第一吸込口6、および吸込風路125を経てステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65に作用して、第二吸込口65から塵埃を吸い込む。第二吸込口65から吸い込まれる塵埃は、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃である。 Then, the vacuum cleaner 1 is a sensor (not shown) that senses that a direct command to the autonomous cleaning unit 2, a mop, a broom, or the floor cleaning tool itself is brought close to the second suction port 65. The electric blower 13 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated by the function of. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the electric blower 13 acts on the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 through the dust collecting container 12, the first suction port 6, and the suction air passage 125, and dust is generated from the second suction port 65. Inhale. Dust sucked from the second suction port 65 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Dust.
 このように構成される本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、ステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65を有することによって、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃を吸い込むことができる。電気掃除装置1のこのような塵埃の吸い取り機能は、居室の一部を局所的に掃除したい場合、例えば子供が食べこぼした菓子の屑のような塵埃を清掃することに適している。つまり、電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2を自律的に運転して居室全体を掃除する場合には数十分から時間単位を要する一方で、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で居室内を局所的に掃除する場合には、数十秒から数分単位で塵埃を掃き集められる塵埃を、第二吸込口65から即座に吸い取って蓄積することができる。 The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above has a second suction port 65 of the station unit 5, and thus means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, mop, broom, and floor cleaning. Dust collected by tools, or dust attached to mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools themselves can be sucked in. Such a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery scraps spilled by a child when it is desired to locally clean a part of the living room. In other words, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop In addition, when a room is locally cleaned with a broom or a floor cleaning tool, dust that can be swept up in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes is immediately sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated. be able to.
 また、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2の吸込系統(電動送風機13、集塵容器12、および第一吸込口6)をステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65に繋げて塵埃を吸い取ることで、部品点数を増やすことなく、即座な塵埃吸い取り機能を提供することができる。 In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to this embodiment connects the suction system (the electric blower 13, the dust collecting container 12, and the first suction port 6) of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5. By sucking up dust, an immediate dust sucking function can be provided without increasing the number of parts.
 [第2の実施形態]
 本発明に係る電気掃除装置の第2実施形態について図2を参照して説明する。
[Second Embodiment]
2nd Embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this invention is described with reference to FIG.
 図2は、本発明の第2実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のブロック図である。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
 なお、本実施形態において、第1実施形態の電気掃除装置1と共通する構成には同一の符号を付し、重複する説明は省略する。 In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure which is common in the vacuum cleaner 1 of 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
 図2に示すように、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1Aは、自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニット2と、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電電極3を有するステーションユニット5Aと、を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 2, an electric vacuum cleaner 1 </ b> A according to this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust, and a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Station unit 5A.
 電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2を居室内の被掃除面の全域に渡って自律で移動させて塵埃を捕集し、この後、自律型掃除ユニット2をステーションユニット5Aへ帰巣させて自律型掃除ユニット2を次回の掃除まで待機させる。 The electric vacuum cleaner 1A moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 autonomously across the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and then returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is put on standby until the next cleaning.
 なお、ステーションユニット5Aは、居室内の任意の場所に配置される。自律型掃除ユニット2は、充電が必要な場合や、居室の掃除を終えた場合には、ステーションユニット5Aへ戻って、待機状態あるいは充電状態に移行する。ステーションユニット5Aと自律型掃除ユニット2とが電気的に接続されて、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電可能な状態になる位置を自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣位置という。また、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5Aへ戻ること、および自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5Aへ戻って、待機状態あるいは充電状態に移行することを帰巣という。 In addition, the station unit 5A is arranged at an arbitrary place in the living room. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5A and shifts to a standby state or a charged state when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed. The position where the station unit 5A and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 are electrically connected and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be charged is referred to as the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. In addition, the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A and the return of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A to shift to the standby state or the charging state are referred to as homing.
 ステーションユニット5Aは、居室の被掃除面の任意の場所に設置されている。ステーションユニット5Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口21を有する第二本体ケース66と、充電電極3と、商用交流電源Eから充電電極3へ電力を導く電源コード29と、第二吸込口65から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器68と、第二集塵容器68に負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機69と、第二電動送風機69を制御して第二吸込口65に負圧を作用させるステーション制御部133と、を備えている。 The station unit 5A is installed at an arbitrary location on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. The station unit 5A includes a second body case 66 having a second suction port 21 for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, the charging electrode 3, and the charging electrode 3 from the commercial AC power source E. A power cord 29 that leads power to the second dust collecting container 68 that accumulates dust sucked from the second suction port 65, a second electric blower 69 that applies a negative pressure to the second dust collecting container 68, and a second A station control unit 133 that controls the electric blower 69 to apply a negative pressure to the second suction port 65.
 第二集塵容器68は、第二本体ケース66に設けられている。第二集塵容器68は、第二電動送風機69が発生させる吸込負圧によって第二吸込口65から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する。第二集塵容器68には、塵埃を濾過捕集するフィルタ、遠心分離(サイクロン分離)や直進分離などの慣性分離によって空気と塵埃とを分離し、塵埃を蓄積する一方で空気を通過させる分離装置などが適用される。第二集塵容器68は、集塵容器12のように自律型掃除ユニット2とともに移動することがなく、据え置きのステーションユニット5Aに納められているので、集塵容器12よりも大容量を確保することが容易である。 The second dust collecting container 68 is provided in the second main body case 66. The second dust collecting container 68 accumulates the dust sucked from the second suction port 65 by the suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69. In the second dust collecting container 68, a filter for collecting and collecting dust, separation of air and dust by inertia separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) and straight traveling separation, and separation that allows air to pass while accumulating dust Equipment etc. are applied. The second dust collecting container 68 does not move together with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 like the dust collecting container 12 and is stored in the stationary station unit 5A, so that the second dust collecting container 68 has a larger capacity than the dust collecting container 12. Is easy.
 第二電動送風機69は、商用交流電源Eから直接的に電力を得ることができるため、二次電池18で駆動される電動送風機13に比べて大出力でもよい。 Since the second electric blower 69 can obtain power directly from the commercial AC power supply E, the second electric blower 69 may have a higher output than the electric blower 13 driven by the secondary battery 18.
 ステーション制御部143は、マイクロプロセッサ(図示省略)、およびマイクロプロセッサが実行する各種演算プログラム、パラメータなどを記憶する記憶装置(図示省略)を備えている。ステーション制御部143は、第二電動送風機69に電気的に接続されている。ステーション制御部143は、第二電動送風機69を制御して第二吸込口65に負圧を作用させる。 The station control unit 143 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The station control unit 143 is electrically connected to the second electric blower 69. The station control unit 143 controls the second electric blower 69 to apply a negative pressure to the second suction port 65.
 電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣位置へ帰巣しているか否かに拘わらず、ステーションユニット5Aへの直接的な指令や、第二吸込口65にモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体を近づけたことを感知するセンサ(図示省略)の働きによって第二電動送風機69を運転する。第二電動送風機69の運転によって生じる負圧は、第二集塵容器68を経て第二吸込口65に作用して、第二吸込口65から塵埃を吸い込む。第二吸込口65から吸い込まれる塵埃は、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃である。 The electric vacuum cleaner 1A can be used for direct commands to the station unit 5A regardless of whether or not the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has returned to the home position, and for the mop, broom, and floor for the second suction port 65. The second electric blower 69 is operated by the action of a sensor (not shown) that senses that the cleaner itself has been brought closer. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the second suction port 65 through the second dust collecting container 68 and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. Dust sucked from the second suction port 65 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Dust.
 また、ステーションユニット5Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5Aに帰巣した場合には、集塵容器12と第二集塵容器68とを繋げる中継風路145を備えている。 In addition, the station unit 5A includes a relay air passage 145 that connects the dust collection container 12 and the second dust collection container 68 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the station unit 5A.
 中継風路145は、第一吸込口6を介することなく集塵容器12と第二集塵容器68とを直接的に接続する態様(中継風路145a)、および第一吸込口6を介して集塵容器12と第二集塵容器68とを接続する態様(中継風路145b)のいずれであっても良い。 The relay air passage 145 connects the dust collecting container 12 and the second dust collecting container 68 directly without going through the first suction port 6 (relay air passage 145a), and through the first suction port 6. Any of the modes (relay wind path 145b) for connecting the dust collecting container 12 and the second dust collecting container 68 may be used.
 中継風路145(145a、145b)は、第二本体ケース66に設けられている。中継風路145(145a、145b)の一方の端部は、第二集塵容器68に接続されている。 The relay air path 145 (145a, 145b) is provided in the second main body case 66. One end of the relay air passage 145 (145a, 145b) is connected to the second dust collecting container 68.
 中継風路145aの他方の端部は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣すると自律型掃除ユニット2の集塵容器12に繋がる適宜の場所に配置されている。集塵容器12には、自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣にともなって開き、集塵容器12と中継風路145aとを繋げる蓋(図示省略)を設けることが好ましい。 The other end of the relay air passage 145a is disposed at an appropriate location that is connected to the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns. The dust collecting container 12 is preferably provided with a lid (not shown) that opens upon returning of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and connects the dust collecting container 12 and the relay air passage 145a.
 中継風路145bの他方の端部は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣すると自律型掃除ユニット2の第一吸込口6に繋がる適宜の場所に配置されている。 The other end of the relay air passage 145b is disposed at an appropriate location connected to the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
 電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣位置へ帰巣すると、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電端子19とステーションユニット5Aの充電電極3とを接触させ、電気的な接続を確立させて二次電池18を充電する。このとき、電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2の第一吸込口6を介して、または介さずにステーションユニット5Aの第二集塵容器68を経て自律型掃除ユニット2の集塵容器12をステーションユニット5Aの第二電動送風機69に流体的に接続し、この後に第二電動送風機69を運転する。第二電動送風機69の運転によって生じる負圧は、第二集塵容器68、および中継風路145(中継風路145aまたは中継風路145b)を経て自律型掃除ユニット2の集塵容器12に作用して、集塵容器12から第二集塵容器68へ塵埃を移送する。 When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the homing position, the electric cleaning device 1A makes contact with the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5A, and establishes an electrical connection to establish the secondary. The battery 18 is charged. At this time, the vacuum cleaner 1 </ b> A passes through the second dust collection container 68 of the station unit 5 </ b> A via the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 or without the dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Is fluidly connected to the second electric blower 69 of the station unit 5A, and then the second electric blower 69 is operated. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 via the second dust collecting container 68 and the relay air path 145 (relay air path 145a or relay air path 145b). Then, the dust is transferred from the dust collecting container 12 to the second dust collecting container 68.
 なお、電気掃除装置1Aに集塵容器12から第二集塵容器68への塵埃の移送機能を付加する場合には、第二集塵容器68に作用する負圧を第二吸込口65側に作用させ、または自律型掃除ユニット2の集塵容器12に作用させる切換機構146を設けることが好ましい。 In addition, when adding the function of transferring dust from the dust collection container 12 to the second dust collection container 68 to the electric vacuum cleaner 1A, the negative pressure acting on the second dust collection container 68 is applied to the second suction port 65 side. It is preferable to provide a switching mechanism 146 that acts or acts on the dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.
 このように構成される本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1Aは、ステーションユニット5Aの第二吸込口65を有することによって、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃を吸い込むことができる。電気掃除装置1Aのこのような塵埃の吸い取り機能は、居室の一部を局所的に掃除したい場合、例えば子供が食べこぼした菓子の屑のような塵埃を清掃することに適している。つまり、電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2を自律的に運転して居室全体を掃除する場合には数十分から時間単位を要する一方で、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で居室内を局所的に掃除する場合には、数十秒から数分単位で塵埃を掃き集められる塵埃を、第二吸込口65から即座に吸い取って蓄積することができる。 The electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment configured as described above has a second suction port 65 of the station unit 5A, so that means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning Dust collected by tools, or dust attached to mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools themselves can be sucked in. Such a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1A is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery spilled by a child when a part of the room is to be cleaned locally. In other words, the electric vacuum cleaner 1A requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mop In addition, when a room is locally cleaned with a broom or a floor cleaning tool, dust that can be swept up in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes is immediately sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated. be able to.
 また、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1Aは、ステーションユニット5A単独で即座な塵埃吸い取り機能を提供することができる。 Moreover, the electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment can provide an immediate dust sucking function by the station unit 5A alone.
 さらに、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1Aは、自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集した塵埃をステーションユニット5Aへ移送して蓄積することで、より長期間に亘って大量の塵埃を蓄積し続けることが可能であり、お手入れの間隔を長期化できる。 Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment continues to accumulate a large amount of dust for a longer period by transferring and accumulating dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5A. It is possible and the maintenance interval can be extended.
 したがって、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1、1Aによれば、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電機能を備え、居室内に据え置かれるステーションユニット5、5Aを活用することで、自律型掃除ユニット2による自律的な掃除と、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具を用いて局所的な掃除を迅速に行った後に、掃き集めた塵埃を容易に処分することができる。 Therefore, according to the vacuum cleaners 1 and 1A according to the present embodiment, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has the charging function of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and uses the station units 5 and 5A installed in the living room. After autonomous cleaning and local cleaning using means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools, quickly dispose of the collected dust. Can do.
 [第3の実施形態]
 次に、本発明に係る電気掃除装置の第3の実施形態について図3から図9を参照して説明する。
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
 図3は、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の外観を示す斜視図である。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
 図3および図4に示すように、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、自律して被掃除面を移動して被掃除面の塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニット2と、自律型掃除ユニット2に対する充電電極3を有するステーションユニット5と、を備えている。電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2を居室内の被掃除面の全域に渡って自律で移動させて塵埃を捕集し、この後、自律型掃除ユニット2をステーションユニット5へ帰巣させて自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集した塵埃をステーションユニット5側へ移送して、収集する。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves a surface to be cleaned and collects dust on the surface to be cleaned, and an autonomous cleaning. A station unit 5 having a charging electrode 3 for the unit 2. The electric vacuum cleaner 1 autonomously moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 across the entire surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust, and thereafter returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5. The dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is transferred to the station unit 5 side and collected.
 なお、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5の充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置とは、ステーションユニット5へ帰巣する自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣位置である。自律型掃除ユニット2は、充電が必要な場合や、居室の掃除を終えた場合には、この帰巣位置へ帰巣する。なお、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5の充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置は、自律移動する自律型掃除ユニット2と任意の場所に設置可能なステーションユニット5との間の相対的な位置関係で決定される。 In addition, the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is the homing position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that returns to the station unit 5. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to this homing position when charging is necessary or cleaning of the living room is completed. In addition, the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5 is relative between the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that moves autonomously and the station unit 5 that can be installed at any place. It is determined by various positional relationships.
 また、図3中の矢印Aは自律型掃除ユニット2の前進方向、矢印Bは自律型掃除ユニット2の後退方向である。自律型掃除ユニット2の幅方向は、矢印Aおよび矢印Bに直交する方向である。 3 is the forward direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the arrow B is the backward direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The width direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.
 自律型掃除ユニット2は、前進してステーションユニット5から離脱し、居室内を自律で走行する一方で、ステーションユニット5へ帰巣する際には後退してステーションユニット5に連結する。 The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward and leaves the station unit 5 and travels autonomously in the living room. On the other hand, when returning to the station unit 5, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves backward and connects to the station unit 5.
 自律型掃除ユニット2は、いわゆるロボットクリーナである。自律型掃除ユニット2は、中空円盤形状の第一本体ケース11と、第一本体ケース11の後部に着脱自在に設けられる第一集塵容器12と、第一本体ケース11内に収容されて第一集塵容器12に接続される第一電動送風機13と、被掃除面の自律型掃除ユニット2を移動させる移動部15と、移動部15を駆動させる駆動部16と、駆動部16を制御して被掃除面の第一本体ケース11を自律的に移動させるロボット制御部17と、電源としての二次電池18と、を備えている。 The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is housed in the first main body case 11 having a hollow disk shape, the first dust collecting container 12 detachably provided at the rear part of the first main body case 11, and the first main body case 11. The first electric blower 13 connected to the dust collecting container 12, the moving unit 15 for moving the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned, the driving unit 16 for driving the moving unit 15, and the driving unit 16 are controlled. A robot controller 17 that autonomously moves the first main body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned, and a secondary battery 18 as a power source.
 ステーションユニット5は、被掃除面の任意の箇所に設置される。ステーションユニット5は、充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう自律型掃除ユニット2が乗り上がる台座21と、台座21に一体化される塵埃回収部22と、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置関係(帰巣位置)において、自律型掃除ユニット2の第一集塵容器12に気密に連結される塵埃移送管25と、塵埃移送管25内から突出するレバー26と、商用交流電源から電力を導く電源コード29と、を備えている。 The station unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary location on the surface to be cleaned. The station unit 5 includes a pedestal 21 on which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 heads for a position (homing position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust collection unit 22 integrated with the pedestal 21, and an autonomous cleaning. In a positional relationship (home position) where the unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, a dust transfer pipe 25 that is airtightly connected to the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the dust transfer pipe 25 And a power cord 29 for guiding power from a commercial AC power source.
 次に、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る自律型掃除ユニット2について詳細に説明する。 Next, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
 図4は、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の自律型掃除ユニットの底面を示す斜視図である。 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the autonomous cleaning unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
 図4に示すように、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1の自律型掃除ユニット2は、第一本体ケース11の底面11aに設けられるセンターブラシ31と、センターブラシ31を駆動させるセンターブラシ用駆動部32と、第一本体ケース11の底面11aに設けられる左右一対のサイドブラシ33と、サイドブラシ33のそれぞれを駆動させる左右一対のサイドブラシ用駆動部35と、を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention drives the center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and the center brush 31. A center brush drive unit 32 for driving, a pair of left and right side brushes 33 provided on the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and a pair of left and right side brush drive units 35 for driving each of the side brushes 33. Yes.
 円盤形状の第一本体ケース11は、例えば合成樹脂製であり、被掃除面を容易に旋回できる。底面11aの後半部の幅方向中央部には、横長の第一吸込口36が設けられている。 The disc-shaped first main body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and can easily turn on the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.
 第一吸込口36は、第一本体ケース11の幅寸法、つまり直径寸法の3分の2程度の幅寸法を有している。第一吸込口36は、第一集塵容器12を経て第一電動送風機13に流体的に接続されている。 The first suction port 36 has a width dimension of the first main body case 11, that is, a width dimension of about two thirds of the diameter dimension. The first suction port 36 is fluidly connected to the first electric blower 13 through the first dust collecting container 12.
 また、第一本体ケース11は、底面11aに塵埃容器口37を有している。塵埃容器口37は、第一吸込口36よりも後方であって第一集塵容器12の下部を覆う部分に配置されている。塵埃容器口37は、角丸矩形状に開口されて、第一本体ケース11に装着された第一集塵容器12を部分的に露出させている。 The first main body case 11 has a dust container port 37 on the bottom surface 11a. The dust container port 37 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and covers the lower part of the first dust container 12. The dust container opening 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to partially expose the first dust collecting container 12 attached to the first main body case 11.
 第一集塵容器12は、第一電動送風機13が発生させる吸込負圧によって第一吸込口36から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する。空気から塵埃を濾過して捕集するフィルタや、遠心分離(サイクロン分離)や直進分離などの慣性分離によって空気から塵埃を分離して蓄積する分離装置などが第一集塵容器12に適用される。第一集塵容器12は、第一吸込口36よりも後方であって第一本体ケース11の後部に配置されている。第一集塵容器12は、第一本体ケース11に着脱自在に設けられて自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集する塵埃を蓄積する容器本体38と、第一本体ケース11に取り付けられた状態において塵埃容器口37から露出する連結部39と、連結部39に設けられて容器本体38内の塵埃を廃棄する廃棄口41と、廃棄口41を開閉する廃棄蓋42と、を備えている。 The first dust collecting container 12 accumulates the dust sucked from the first suction port 36 by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13. A filter for collecting and collecting dust from the air, a separation device for separating and accumulating dust from the air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclonic separation) and straight separation, and the like are applied to the first dust collecting container 12. . The first dust collecting container 12 is disposed behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear part of the first main body case 11. The first dust collecting container 12 is detachably provided in the first main body case 11, and the container main body 38 that accumulates dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and the dust in the state attached to the first main body case 11. A connection part 39 exposed from the container port 37, a disposal port 41 provided at the connection unit 39 for discarding the dust in the container body 38, and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41 are provided.
 移動部15は、第一本体ケース11の底面11aに配置される左右一対の駆動輪45と、第一本体ケース11の底面11aに配置される旋回輪46と、を備えている。 The moving unit 15 includes a pair of left and right drive wheels 45 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11 and a turning wheel 46 disposed on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11.
 一対の駆動輪45は、第一本体ケース11の底面11aから突出しており、自律型掃除ユニット2を被掃除面に置いた状態で被掃除面に接地する。また、一対の駆動輪45は、第一本体ケース11の前後方向において略中央部に配置され、かつ第一吸込口36の前方を避けて第一本体ケース11の左右それぞれの側部に寄せて配置されている。一対の駆動輪45の回動軸は、第一本体ケース11の幅方向に沿って延びる直線上に配置されている。自律型掃除ユニット2は、左右それぞれの駆動輪45を互いに同一方向に回転させることによって前進または後退し、左右それぞれの駆動輪45を互いに反対方向に回転させることによって右回りまたは左回りに旋回する。 The pair of drive wheels 45 protrude from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11, and are grounded to the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned. Further, the pair of drive wheels 45 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the first main body case 11, and approaches the left and right side portions of the first main body case 11 while avoiding the front of the first suction port 36. Has been placed. The rotation shafts of the pair of drive wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending along the width direction of the first main body case 11. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and turns clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. .
 旋回輪46は、旋回自在な従動輪である。第一本体ケース11の幅方向の略中央部、かつ、前部に配置されている。 The turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can turn freely. The first main body case 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the width direction and at the front portion.
 駆動部16は、一対の駆動輪45のそれぞれに接続される一対の電動機である。駆動部16は、左右の駆動輪45をそれぞれ独立に駆動させる。 The drive unit 16 is a pair of electric motors connected to each of the pair of drive wheels 45. The drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently of each other.
 ロボット制御部17は、マイクロプロセッサ(図示省略)、およびマイクロプロセッサが実行する各種演算プログラム、パラメータなどを記憶する記憶装置(図示省略)を備えている。ロボット制御部17は、第一電動送風機13、センターブラシ用駆動部32、駆動部16、およびサイドブラシ用駆動部35に電気的に接続されている。 The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) for storing various arithmetic programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, and the side brush drive unit 35.
 二次電池18は、第一電動送風機13、センターブラシ用駆動部32、駆動部16、サイドブラシ用駆動部35、およびロボット制御部17の電源である。二次電池18は、例えば旋回輪46と第一吸込口36との間に配置されている。二次電池18は、第一本体ケース11の底面11aに配置される一対の充電端子47に電気的に接続されている。二次電池18は、ステーションユニット5の充電電極3に充電端子47が接続されることによって充電される。 The secondary battery 18 is a power source for the first electric blower 13, the center brush drive unit 32, the drive unit 16, the side brush drive unit 35, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is disposed, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first main body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by connecting a charging terminal 47 to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5.
 センターブラシ31は、第一吸込口36に設けられている。センターブラシ31は、第一本体ケース11の幅方向に延びる回転中心線回りに回転可能な軸状のブラシである。センターブラシ31は、例えば長尺な軸部(図示省略)と、軸部の径方向に延び、かつ軸部の長手方向へ螺旋状に並ぶ複数条のブラシ(図示省略)と、を備えている。センターブラシ31は、第一吸込口36から第一本体ケース11の底面11aよりも下方へと突出しており、自律型掃除ユニット2を被掃除面に置いた状態でブラシを被掃除面に接触させる。 The center brush 31 is provided in the first suction port 36. The center brush 31 is an axial brush that can rotate around a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first main body case 11. The center brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft portion (not shown) and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending in the radial direction of the shaft portion and arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. . The center brush 31 protrudes downward from the bottom surface 11a of the first main body case 11 through the first suction port 36, and makes the brush contact the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned. .
 センターブラシ用駆動部32は、第一本体ケース11内に収容されている。 The center brush drive unit 32 is accommodated in the first main body case 11.
 一対のサイドブラシ33は、センターブラシ31の前進方向に対する左右それぞれの側方に配置されて、センターブラシ31が届かない壁際の被掃除面の塵埃を掻き集めて第一吸込口36へ導く補助的な清掃体である。それぞれのサイドブラシ33は、被掃除面の垂線に対してやや前傾する回転中心を有するブラシ基部48と、ブラシ基部48の径方向に向けて放射状に突出する例えば3つの線状清掃体49と、を備えている。 The pair of side brushes 33 are arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the forward direction of the center brush 31, and assist the dust by collecting the dust on the surface to be cleaned near the wall where the center brush 31 does not reach and guiding it to the first inlet 36. It is a cleaning body. Each of the side brushes 33 includes a brush base 48 having a center of rotation that slightly tilts forward with respect to the normal to the surface to be cleaned, and, for example, three linear cleaning bodies 49 that protrude radially in the radial direction of the brush base 48. It is equipped with.
 左右それぞれのブラシ基部48は、第一吸込口36および左右の駆動輪45よりも前方、かつ旋回輪46よりも後方であって、第一吸込口36よりも左右それぞれの側方に寄せて配置されている。また、それぞれのブラシ基部48の回転中心線は、被掃除面の垂線に対してやや前傾されている。このため、線状清掃体49は、被掃除面に対して前傾した面に沿って旋回する。ブラシ基部48よりも前側に旋回してくる線状清掃体49は先端側ほど被掃除面に対して押し付けられ、ブラシ基部48よりも後ろ側に旋回してくる線状清掃体49は先端側ほど被掃除面から離れることになる。 The left and right brush bases 48 are disposed in front of the first suction port 36 and the left and right drive wheels 45 and rearward of the swivel wheel 46 and closer to the left and right sides of the first suction port 36. Has been. Further, the rotation center line of each brush base 48 is slightly inclined forward with respect to the normal of the surface to be cleaned. For this reason, the linear cleaning body 49 turns along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The linear cleaning body 49 turning to the front side from the brush base 48 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned toward the tip side, and the linear cleaning body 49 turning to the rear side from the brush base part 48 is from the tip side. It will leave the surface to be cleaned.
 複数の線状清掃体49は、ブラシ基部48から放射状に、例えば三方向へ等間隔に配置されている。なお、サイドブラシ33は、ブラシ基部48ごとに4つ以上の線状清掃体49を備えていてもよい。それぞれの線状清掃体49は、先端側に清掃部材としての複数のブラシ毛を備えている。さらに、ブラシ毛は、第一本体ケース11の外周縁よりも外側へ拡がる軌跡を描いて旋回する。 The plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48, for example, at equal intervals in three directions. The side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48. Each linear cleaning body 49 includes a plurality of brush hairs as cleaning members on the tip side. Further, the brush bristles swirl along a trajectory that extends outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first main body case 11.
 それぞれのサイドブラシ用駆動部35は、下方に突出してサイドブラシ33のブラシ基部48に接続される回転軸を備えている。それぞれのサイドブラシ用駆動部35は、被掃除面の塵埃を第一吸込口36へと掻き集めるようにサイドブラシ33を回転させる。 Each side brush drive unit 35 includes a rotating shaft that protrudes downward and is connected to the brush base 48 of the side brush 33. Each side brush drive unit 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to scrape dust on the surface to be cleaned to the first suction port 36.
 次に、本発明の第3の実施形態に係るステーションユニット5について詳細に説明する。 Next, the station unit 5 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
 図5は、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置のステーションユニットを示す斜視図である。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
 図5に示すように、本実施形態に係るステーションユニット5の台座21は、ステーションユニット5の前側へ張り出して矩形状に拡がっている。台座21は、塵埃回収部22の底部に連接する高床部61と、高床部61から張り出す低床部62と、を備えている。低床部62および高床部61は、ステーションユニット5の幅方向へ帯状に延びている。高床部61には、充電電極3および塵埃移送管25の入口が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 5, the pedestal 21 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment projects to the front side of the station unit 5 and expands in a rectangular shape. The pedestal 21 includes a high floor portion 61 that is connected to the bottom of the dust collection portion 22, and a low floor portion 62 that projects from the high floor portion 61. The low floor portion 62 and the high floor portion 61 extend in a band shape in the width direction of the station unit 5. In the high floor portion 61, the charging electrode 3 and the entrance of the dust transfer tube 25 are arranged.
 自律型掃除ユニット2は、一対の駆動輪45を低床部62に乗り上げ、第一集塵容器12を高床部61の上方に配置する姿勢で帰巣位置へ到達する。 The autonomous cleaning unit 2 rides the pair of drive wheels 45 on the low floor 62 and reaches the homing position with the first dust collecting container 12 disposed above the high floor 61.
 台座21は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう際に一対の駆動輪45のそれぞれの接地面積を減じる凹凸状の走行面63を備えている。走行面63は、台座21の一部に設けられる複数の線状凹凸、格子状凹凸、または複数の半球状凹凸である。 The pedestal 21 includes an uneven running surface 63 that reduces the ground contact area of each of the pair of drive wheels 45 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves to a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Yes. The running surface 63 is a plurality of linear irregularities, lattice-shaped irregularities, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the pedestal 21.
 塵埃回収部22は、自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口65を有する第二本体ケース66と、塵埃移送管25を通じて第一集塵容器12から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器68と、第二本体ケース66内に収容されて第二集塵容器68に接続される第二電動送風機69と、商用交流電源から第二電動送風機69および充電電極3へ電力を導く電源コード29と、を備えている。 The dust collecting unit 22 is provided from the first dust collecting container 12 through the second body case 66 having the second suction port 65 for sucking in other dust different from the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the dust transfer pipe 25. A second dust collecting container 68 for accumulating the dust to be discarded, a second electric blower 69 accommodated in the second main body case 66 and connected to the second dust collecting container 68, and a second electric blower from a commercial AC power source 69 and a power cord 29 that guides power to the charging electrode 3.
 第二本体ケース66は、ステーションユニット5の後部に配置されて台座21よりも上方へ延び、居室の被掃除面に置くことができる適宜の形状の箱体であって、設置面に対して高さを有する壁面66aを含んでいる。第二本体ケース66は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣しても干渉しない適宜の形状を有している。 The second main body case 66 is a box having an appropriate shape that is disposed at the rear portion of the station unit 5 and extends upward from the base 21 and can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. A wall surface 66a having a thickness is included. The second main body case 66 has an appropriate shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns.
 第二本体ケース66は、奥行き方向(自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣する際に進行する方向)に短く、幅方向に長い。第二本体ケース66は、幅方向における一方の半部、具体的には右側半部に第二集塵容器68を配置し、幅方向における他方の半部、具体的には左側半部に第二電動送風機69を収容している。 The second main body case 66 is short in the depth direction (the direction in which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 advances when returning home) and long in the width direction. The second main body case 66 has a second dust collecting container 68 disposed in one half in the width direction, specifically the right half, and the second dust collector 68 in the other half in the width direction, specifically the left half. Two electric blowers 69 are accommodated.
 第二本体ケース66の正面壁は、自律型掃除ユニット2の後端部に対応する円弧状の凹没部71を備えている。塵埃移送管25の入口は、台座21の高床部61から凹没部71に渡って設けられている。凹没部71には、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ到達したか否かを検知する帰巣確認検知部72が設けられている。 The front wall of the second main body case 66 includes an arcuate concave portion 71 corresponding to the rear end portion of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 is provided from the high floor portion 61 of the pedestal 21 to the recessed portion 71. The recessed portion 71 is provided with a homing confirmation detector 72 that detects whether or not the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.
 帰巣確認検知部72は、可視光や赤外線を利用して自律型掃除ユニット2との相対距離を検知する所謂、対物センサである。帰巣確認検知部72は、塵埃回収部22の正面方向において自律型掃除ユニット2との相対距離を検知する第一センサ部73と、第二本体ケース66の高さ方向において自律型掃除ユニット2との相対距離を検知する第二センサ部75と、を備えている。 The homing confirmation detection unit 72 is a so-called objective sensor that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light. The homing confirmation detection unit 72 includes a first sensor unit 73 that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust collection unit 22, and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the height direction of the second main body case 66. And a second sensor unit 75 for detecting the relative distance between the two.
 第二吸込口65は、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃を吸い込む用途に適用される。第二吸込口65は、設置面に対して高さを有する壁面66aとしての第二本体ケース66の右壁面の下部に設けられている。第二吸込口65は、設置面に沿う適宜の幅と、被掃除面の法線方向の適宜の高さを有している。 The second suction port 65 sucks in means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or dust adhering to the mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Applicable for use. The 2nd suction inlet 65 is provided in the lower part of the right wall surface of the 2nd main body case 66 as the wall surface 66a which has height with respect to an installation surface. The second suction port 65 has an appropriate width along the installation surface and an appropriate height in the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.
 一対の充電電極3は、塵埃移送管25の入口を挟んで配置されている。また、それぞれの充電電極3は、凹没部71の左右の縁の正面に配置されている。 The pair of charging electrodes 3 are arranged with the entrance of the dust transfer tube 25 interposed therebetween. Each charging electrode 3 is arranged in front of the left and right edges of the recessed portion 71.
 第二集塵容器68は、塵埃回収部22の右側に着脱自在に装着されて露出している。 The second dust collecting container 68 is detachably mounted on the right side of the dust collecting unit 22 and exposed.
 第二電動送風機69は、第二集塵容器68を介して塵埃移送管25または第二吸込口65に吸い込み負圧を作用させる。 The second electric blower 69 applies negative suction pressure to the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 via the second dust collecting container 68.
 第二本体ケース66内には、塵埃移送管25の他に、第二吸込口65と第二集塵容器68とを流体的に接続する吸込風路76と、第二集塵容器68と第二電動送風機69とを流体的に接続する下流風路77とが設けられている。 In the second body case 66, in addition to the dust transfer pipe 25, a suction air passage 76 that fluidly connects the second suction port 65 and the second dust collection container 68, a second dust collection container 68, and a second dust collection container 68. A downstream air passage 77 that fluidly connects the two electric blowers 69 is provided.
 塵埃移送管25および吸込風路76は、いずれも第二集塵容器68の吸込側(上流側)に接続されている。つまり、第二電動送風機69が発生させる負圧は、第二集塵容器68を介して塵埃移送管25および吸込風路76のいずれにも作用する。そこで、ステーションユニット5は、自律型掃除ユニット2から塵埃を移送する際に塵埃移送管25と第二集塵容器68との流体的な接続を確立する一方で、吸込風路76と第二集塵容器68との流体的な接続を遮断し、また、第二吸込口65に負圧を作用させる際に塵埃移送管25と第二集塵容器68との流体的な接続を遮断する一方で、吸込風路76と第二集塵容器68との流体的な接続を確立する風路切換機構78を備えている。 Both the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76 are connected to the suction side (upstream side) of the second dust collecting container 68. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69 acts on both the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76 via the second dust collecting container 68. Therefore, the station unit 5 establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust collecting container 68 when transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2, while the suction air passage 76 and the second dust collecting container 68. While the fluid connection with the dust container 68 is cut off, and when the negative pressure is applied to the second suction port 65, the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust collection container 68 is cut off. An air path switching mechanism 78 that establishes fluid connection between the suction air path 76 and the second dust collecting container 68 is provided.
 塵埃移送管25は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)関係において、自律型掃除ユニット2の第一集塵容器12の連結部39に接して廃棄口41に気密に連結される。 The dust transfer pipe 25 is disposed in contact with the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Airtightly connected to the mouth 41.
 塵埃移送管25の入口に配置されるレバー26は、塵埃回収部22の正面方向、かつ上向きに延びるフック79を備えている。 The lever 26 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 includes a hook 79 extending in the front direction and upward of the dust collection unit 22.
 図6は、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の第二集塵容器の断面図である。 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second dust collecting container of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
 図7は、本発明の第3の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の第二集塵容器の第二遠心分離部の断面図である。 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second centrifuge portion of the second dust collecting container of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
 図6および図7に示すように、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1の第二集塵容器68は、塵埃移送管25または第二吸込口65から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部81と、第一遠心分離部81を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部82と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部83を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second dust collecting container 68 of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment is a first centrifuge that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 from the air. A multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83 including a separation unit 81 and a second centrifugal separation unit 82 that separates dust passing through the first centrifugal separation unit 81 from the air is provided.
 第一遠心分離部81は、第二集塵容器68に導かれる空気から粗い塵埃を遠心分離する。第二遠心分離部82は、第一遠心分離部81を通過する空気から細かい塵埃を遠心分離する。なお、粗い塵埃とは、もっぱら糸くずや綿埃などの繊維状の塵埃や砂粒のような質量の大きい塵埃であり、細かい塵埃とは、粒子状または粉末状で質量の小さい塵埃である。 The first centrifugal separation unit 81 centrifuges coarse dust from the air guided to the second dust collecting container 68. The second centrifugal separator 82 centrifuges fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifugal separator 81. Note that coarse dust is dust with a large mass such as fibrous dust such as lint and cotton dust or sand particles, and fine dust is dust with a small particle mass or powder and low mass.
 また、第二集塵容器68は、第二遠心分離部82を通過する空気を第二電動送風機69へ送る排気風路85と、排気風路85を覆う頂部カバー86と、を備えている。 Further, the second dust collecting container 68 includes an exhaust air passage 85 that sends air passing through the second centrifugal separator 82 to the second electric blower 69, and a top cover 86 that covers the exhaust air passage 85.
 第一遠心分離部81は、第二集塵容器68の一方側、具体的には下半側に配置されている。第二遠心分離部82、第二分離部上カバー87、排気風路85および頂部カバー86は、第二集塵容器68の他方側、具体的には上半側に配置されている。第一遠心分離部81と第二遠心分離部82とは、円筒形状の第二集塵容器68の高さ方向に隣接して並び、積み重なっている。 The first centrifuge 81 is arranged on one side of the second dust collecting container 68, specifically on the lower half side. The second centrifugal separator 82, the second separator upper cover 87, the exhaust air passage 85, and the top cover 86 are arranged on the other side of the second dust collecting container 68, specifically, the upper half side. The first centrifuge part 81 and the second centrifuge part 82 are arranged adjacent to each other in the height direction of the cylindrical second dust collecting container 68 and stacked.
 第一遠心分離部81、第二分離部上カバー87および頂部カバー86は、協働して第二集塵容器68の外観を略円筒形状に整えている。 The first centrifugal separator 81, the second separator upper cover 87, and the top cover 86 cooperate to adjust the appearance of the second dust collecting container 68 into a substantially cylindrical shape.
 第一遠心分離部81は、遠心分離方式(サイクロン式)で含塵空気から塵埃を分離する。第一遠心分離部81は、第一遠心分離室91の外殻としてのカップ状の集塵容器92(第二集塵容器68のカップ)と、集塵容器92内に配置される円筒形状の第一フィルタ部93と、集塵容器92内に配置されて第一フィルタ部93に連接される塵埃捕捉カップ95と、を備えている。 The first centrifugal separation unit 81 separates dust from dust-containing air by a centrifugal separation method (cyclone method). The first centrifuge 81 includes a cup-shaped dust collecting container 92 (a cup of the second dust collecting container 68) as an outer shell of the first centrifuge chamber 91, and a cylindrical shape disposed in the dust collecting container 92. A first filter part 93 and a dust capturing cup 95 disposed in the dust collecting container 92 and connected to the first filter part 93 are provided.
 集塵容器92は、第二集塵容器68の下半部の外殻であって、第一遠心分離室91および集塵室97の外殻を兼ねている。集塵容器92の側壁には、吸気口98が設けられている。吸気口98は、塵埃移送管25および吸込風路76に流体的に接続されている。 The dust collecting container 92 is an outer shell of the lower half part of the second dust collecting container 68 and also serves as an outer shell of the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 and the dust collecting chamber 97. An intake port 98 is provided on the side wall of the dust collecting container 92. The air inlet 98 is fluidly connected to the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air passage 76.
 また、集塵容器92は、開放端部に配置されている大径部101と、大径部101に連接して小径に窄まる傾斜部102と、傾斜部102に連接して略一様な径寸法で底壁に達する小径部103と、を備えている。 The dust collecting container 92 includes a large-diameter portion 101 disposed at the open end, an inclined portion 102 connected to the large-diameter portion 101 and constricted to a small diameter, and connected to the inclined portion 102 to be substantially uniform. And a small-diameter portion 103 that reaches the bottom wall in a radial dimension.
 大径部101と小径部103との連接部分、つまり傾斜部102は、集塵容器92の内側に大径部101から小径部103へ向かって窄まる傾斜面105を有している。 The connecting portion of the large-diameter portion 101 and the small-diameter portion 103, that is, the inclined portion 102 has an inclined surface 105 that narrows from the large-diameter portion 101 toward the small-diameter portion 103 inside the dust collecting container 92.
 小径部103は、集塵容器92の底壁に連接している。 The small diameter portion 103 is connected to the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92.
 第一フィルタ部93は、集塵容器92内に納められて略同心に配置されている。第一フィルタ部93と集塵容器92とを隔てる環状の空間は、集塵容器92の吸気口98から第一遠心分離部81に流れ込む含塵空気を旋回させて粗い塵埃を遠心分離する第一遠心分離室91である。 The first filter part 93 is housed in the dust collecting container 92 and is arranged substantially concentrically. An annular space that separates the first filter unit 93 and the dust collecting container 92 is a first unit that centrifuges coarse dust by rotating the dust-containing air flowing into the first centrifugal separating unit 81 from the air inlet 98 of the dust collecting container 92. This is a centrifuge chamber 91.
 第一フィルタ部93は、第二遠心分離部82に固定されて、集塵容器92内部に突出して集塵容器92の底壁へ向かって延びている。第一フィルタ部93は、第一遠心分離室91と第二遠心分離部82とを流体的に接続して中継している。第一フィルタ部93は、互いに離間されて円筒形状に配置される複数の骨106を有する枠体107と、枠体107の周囲を円筒形状に囲む第一メッシュフィルタ108と、を備えている。枠体107の骨106の間の第一開口109は、第一遠心分離室91から第二遠心分離部82へ空気を流出させる。第一フィルタ部93の側面、詳しくは、第一メッシュフィルタ108は、吸気口98を臨んでいる。 The first filter part 93 is fixed to the second centrifugal separator 82, protrudes into the dust container 92 and extends toward the bottom wall of the dust container 92. The first filter unit 93 relays the first centrifuge chamber 91 and the second centrifuge unit 82 in fluid connection. The first filter unit 93 includes a frame body 107 having a plurality of bones 106 that are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a cylindrical shape, and a first mesh filter 108 that surrounds the periphery of the frame body 107 in a cylindrical shape. The first opening 109 between the bones 106 of the frame 107 allows air to flow from the first centrifuge chamber 91 to the second centrifuge 82. The side surface of the first filter portion 93, specifically, the first mesh filter 108 faces the air inlet 98.
 第一メッシュフィルタ108は第二電動送風機69の始動直後や停止過渡など、第一遠心分離室91内の旋回流が十分に発達していない期間において、また旋回流が発達した後も当然に、第一遠心分離部81から第二遠心分離部82側へ粗い塵埃が流れ込むことを防いでいる。 Naturally, the first mesh filter 108 is in a period in which the swirl flow in the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 is not sufficiently developed, such as immediately after the start of the second electric blower 69 or a stop transition, and after the swirl flow has developed. Coarse dust is prevented from flowing from the first centrifuge 81 to the second centrifuge 82 side.
 なお、第一フィルタ部93は、粗い塵埃が下流側へ流れ込むことを阻止できる程度において、必ずしも第一メッシュフィルタ108を必要としない。例えば、第一フィルタ部93の枠体107が、粗い塵埃の通過を阻止できる程度に目の細かい格子状であったり、粗い塵埃の通過を阻止できる程度に小さい孔を有していたりする場合には、必ずしも第一メッシュフィルタ108を必要としない。 The first filter unit 93 does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 108 to the extent that coarse dust can be prevented from flowing downstream. For example, when the frame body 107 of the first filter portion 93 has a lattice shape that is fine enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust or has holes that are small enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust. Does not necessarily require the first mesh filter 108.
 塵埃捕捉カップ95は、第一フィルタ部93のうち集塵容器92の底壁に近い端部、つまり突出端部、または下端部に設けられている。有底円筒形状の塵埃捕捉カップ95は、第一フィルタ部93に連接する底壁と、集塵容器92の底壁に向かって延びる側壁と、を有している。つまり、塵埃捕捉カップ95は、集塵容器92の底壁に向かって開放されている。塵埃捕捉カップ95の側壁は、隙間を隔てて集塵容器92の内周面に対向している。塵埃捕捉カップ95は、第一フィルタ部93よりも大径であり、第一フィルタ部93に連接する底壁に第二開口111を有している。 The dust capturing cup 95 is provided at an end portion of the first filter portion 93 close to the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92, that is, a protruding end portion or a lower end portion. The bottomed cylindrical dust capturing cup 95 has a bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93 and a side wall extending toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92. That is, the dust capturing cup 95 is opened toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92. The side wall of the dust catching cup 95 faces the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 92 with a gap. The dust trapping cup 95 has a larger diameter than the first filter portion 93 and has a second opening 111 on the bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93.
 塵埃捕捉カップ95と集塵容器92とを隔てる空間は、第一遠心分離部81で分離された塵埃を蓄積する集塵室97である。集塵室97内の空気は、第二開口111を通じて第一遠心分離室91へ戻る。 A space separating the dust capturing cup 95 and the dust collecting container 92 is a dust collecting chamber 97 for accumulating dust separated by the first centrifugal separator 81. The air in the dust collection chamber 97 returns to the first centrifuge chamber 91 through the second opening 111.
 第二開口111には、第二メッシュフィルタ112が設けられている。第二メッシュフィルタ112は、集塵室97に流れ込んだ粗い(糸くずや綿埃などの繊維状の)塵埃が第一遠心分離室91へ戻らない程度に目の粗いもので良い。 A second mesh filter 112 is provided in the second opening 111. The second mesh filter 112 may be coarse so that coarse dust (fibrous such as lint and cotton dust) flowing into the dust collecting chamber 97 does not return to the first centrifugal separation chamber 91.
 第二集塵容器68から集塵容器92を取り外すと、第一フィルタ部93および塵埃捕捉カップ95は、第二遠心分離部82に随伴して集塵容器92から抜け出る。 When the dust collecting container 92 is removed from the second dust collecting container 68, the first filter part 93 and the dust catching cup 95 come out of the dust collecting container 92 along with the second centrifugal separating part 82.
 第二遠心分離部82は、第一遠心分離部81を通過する含塵空気から細かい塵埃を分離する。第二遠心分離部82は、第一遠心分離室91を通過した空気を導く中継風路113と、中継風路113から流れ込む空気から細かい塵埃を分離する第二遠心分離室115と、細かい塵埃が分離された後に第二遠心分離室115から流出する空気を第二電動送風機69へ導く排気風路85と、を備えている。 The second centrifugal separator 82 separates fine dust from the dust-containing air passing through the first centrifugal separator 81. The second centrifugal separator 82 includes a relay air passage 113 that guides air that has passed through the first centrifugal separation chamber 91, a second centrifugal separation chamber 115 that separates fine dust from the air flowing from the relay air passage 113, and fine dust And an exhaust air passage 85 that guides the air flowing out from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 to the second electric blower 69 after being separated.
 第二遠心分離部82は、集塵容器92に着脱自在に連結されて集塵容器92の開放端92aを塞いでいる。また、第二遠心分離部82は、第一フィルタ部93および塵埃捕捉カップ95を集塵容器92の中心線C上に支持している。 The second centrifugal separator 82 is detachably connected to the dust collecting container 92 and closes the open end 92a of the dust collecting container 92. In addition, the second centrifugal separator 82 supports the first filter part 93 and the dust capturing cup 95 on the center line C of the dust collecting container 92.
 第二遠心分離部82の外殻に相当する第二分離部上カバー87は円筒形状である。第二分離部上カバー87の内側には、複数の第二遠心分離室115が環状に並べられている。また、環状に並ぶ複数の第二遠心分離室115の内側には、環状の中継風路113が配置されている。さらに、環状の中継風路113の内側であって集塵容器92の中心線Cの延長線上、あるいは円筒形状の第二遠心分離部82の中心部には、排気風路85が配置されている。換言すると、第二遠心分離部82は、第二分離部上カバー87側から順に、環状に配置される第二遠心分離室115、環状の中継風路113および排気風路85が配置される3重構造体である。 The second separation unit upper cover 87 corresponding to the outer shell of the second centrifugal separation unit 82 has a cylindrical shape. A plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115 are arranged in an annular shape inside the second separation unit upper cover 87. An annular relay air passage 113 is disposed inside the plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115 arranged in an annular shape. Further, an exhaust air passage 85 is disposed inside the annular relay air passage 113 on the extended line of the center line C of the dust collecting container 92 or in the center of the cylindrical second centrifuge 82. . In other words, in the second centrifugal separator 82, the second centrifugal chamber 115, the annular relay air passage 113, and the exhaust air passage 85 that are annularly arranged are arranged in order from the second separator upper cover 87 side. It is a heavy structure.
 中継風路113は、第一フィルタ部93から流入する空気(含塵空気)を集塵容器92から遠ざける方向へ導き、第二遠心分離室115へ案内する。 The relay air passage 113 guides the air (dust-containing air) flowing in from the first filter portion 93 in a direction away from the dust collecting container 92 and guides it to the second centrifugal separation chamber 115.
 第二遠心分離室115は複数あり、円筒形状の第二分離部上カバー87の内周に沿って、あるいは中継風路113を囲んで略環状に並んでいる。それぞれの第二遠心分離室115は、旋回流を生じさせる円筒形状壁116と、螺旋流を生じさせる円錐台形状壁117と、を備えている。 There are a plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115 which are arranged in a substantially annular shape along the inner periphery of the cylindrical second separation portion upper cover 87 or surrounding the relay air passage 113. Each of the second centrifuge chambers 115 includes a cylindrical wall 116 that generates a swirl flow and a frustoconical wall 117 that generates a spiral flow.
 円筒形状壁116および円錐台形状壁117は、実質的に同一線上に並ぶ中心線を有している。この中心線、つまり第二遠心分離室115の中心線は、円筒形状の第二集塵容器68の中心線Cに対して平行に配置されている。なお、第二遠心分離室115の中心線は、第一遠心分離部81側で集まり、第二遠心分離部82で拡がる円錐面を描くように、放射状に傾いていても良い。また、複数の第二遠心分離室115全体で見ると、円筒形状壁116および円錐台形状壁117の中心線は、第二集塵容器68の中心線Cの周囲に円形に配置されている。 The cylindrical wall 116 and the frustoconical wall 117 have centerlines that are substantially aligned on the same line. This center line, that is, the center line of the second centrifuge chamber 115 is arranged in parallel to the center line C of the cylindrical second dust collecting container 68. The center line of the second centrifuge chamber 115 may be inclined radially so as to draw a conical surface that gathers on the first centrifuge part 81 side and expands at the second centrifuge part 82. Further, when viewed as a whole of the plurality of second centrifuge chambers 115, the center lines of the cylindrical wall 116 and the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 are arranged in a circle around the center line C of the second dust collecting container 68.
 また、円錐台形状壁117は、大径な上底と、上底よりも小径な下底とを有している。円錐台形状壁117の上底は第一遠心分離部81から遠い側に配置され、下底は第一遠心分離部81に近い側に配置されている。円筒形状壁116は、実質的に円錐台形状壁117の上底と同じ直径を有しており、円錐台形状壁117の上底に連接している。 The frustoconical wall 117 has an upper base having a large diameter and a lower base having a smaller diameter than the upper base. The upper base of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 is disposed on the side far from the first centrifugal separator 81, and the lower base is disposed on the side near the first centrifugal separator 81. The cylindrical wall 116 has substantially the same diameter as the upper base of the frustoconical wall 117 and is connected to the upper base of the frustoconical wall 117.
 円筒形状壁116は、円錐台形状壁117よりも第一遠心分離部81から遠い側に配置されている。円筒形状壁116の側壁には、含塵空気の導入口118が設けられている。導入口118は、円筒形状壁116の側面であって、第二集塵容器68の中心側に配置され、中継風路113に接続されている。 The cylindrical wall 116 is disposed on the side farther from the first centrifuge 81 than the truncated cone wall 117. On the side wall of the cylindrical wall 116, a dust-containing air inlet 118 is provided. The introduction port 118 is a side surface of the cylindrical wall 116 and is disposed on the center side of the second dust collecting container 68 and is connected to the relay air passage 113.
 また、円筒形状壁116は、第一遠心分離部81から最も遠い部位に底板を有している。円錐台形状壁117の底板には、円筒形状壁116内を中心線に沿って延びる管状の内筒119が設けられている。内筒119の内側は、第二遠心分離室115で含塵空気から分離された清浄な空気を排気する排気口121である。排気口121は、排気風路85に接続されている。内筒119の外側は、導入口118を臨んでいる。内筒119と円筒形状壁116とを隔てる環状の空間は、導入口118から流れ込む含塵空気の流れを旋回させる。 Further, the cylindrical wall 116 has a bottom plate at a portion farthest from the first centrifugal separation portion 81. The bottom plate of the frustoconical wall 117 is provided with a tubular inner cylinder 119 extending along the center line in the cylindrical wall 116. Inside the inner cylinder 119 is an exhaust port 121 that exhausts clean air separated from the dust-containing air in the second centrifuge chamber 115. The exhaust port 121 is connected to the exhaust air passage 85. The outside of the inner cylinder 119 faces the introduction port 118. The annular space that separates the inner cylinder 119 and the cylindrical wall 116 swirls the flow of dust-containing air that flows from the inlet 118.
 さらに、円筒形状壁116は、第一遠心分離部81に最も近い部位が開放されていて、円錐台形状壁117の上底の開口に繋がれている。 Furthermore, the cylindrical wall 116 is open at the portion closest to the first centrifugal separation portion 81 and is connected to the opening at the upper bottom of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117.
 円錐台形状壁117は、第一遠心分離部81へ近づくほど縮径されている。円錐台形状壁117の上底は、円筒形状壁116内に繋がる開口を有し、円筒形状壁116と内筒119との間に発生した旋回流を導き入れて、円錐台形状壁117内に螺旋流を生じさせる。円錐台形状壁117の下底は、集塵容器92内に繋がる廃棄口122を有している。 The diameter of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 is reduced as it approaches the first centrifugal separation unit 81. The upper base of the frustoconical wall 117 has an opening connected to the cylindrical wall 116, and a swirl flow generated between the cylindrical wall 116 and the inner cylinder 119 is introduced into the frustoconical wall 117. A spiral flow is generated. The bottom bottom of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 has a disposal port 122 connected to the dust collecting container 92.
 第二遠心分離室115は、導入口118から含塵空気を導入する。導入口118から第二遠心分離室115へ流れ込む含塵空気は、円筒形状壁116の内面に沿って旋回し、さらに円錐台形状壁117の内面に沿って廃棄口122へ向かう渦巻き螺旋流を生じて、空気から細かい塵埃を分離する。分離された細かい塵埃は、廃棄口122から集塵容器92側へ排出される。塵埃が分離された清浄な空気は、第二遠心分離室115の中心線、つまり円筒形状壁116および円錐台形状壁117の中心線上を流動して内筒119内を通って排気口121から排気風路85へ流出する。 The second centrifuge chamber 115 introduces dust-containing air from the inlet 118. The dust-containing air flowing into the second centrifuge chamber 115 from the inlet 118 swirls along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 116 and further generates a spiral spiral flow toward the waste outlet 122 along the inner surface of the frustoconical wall 117. Separating fine dust from the air. The separated fine dust is discharged from the disposal port 122 to the dust collecting container 92 side. The clean air from which the dust has been separated flows on the center line of the second centrifuge chamber 115, that is, the center line of the cylindrical wall 116 and the truncated cone wall 117, passes through the inner cylinder 119, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 121. It flows out to the air passage 85.
 第二遠心分離室115の廃棄口122の先には、塵埃捕捉傘125が設けられている。塵埃捕捉傘125は、第一遠心分離部81と第二遠心分離部82とを区画する隔壁を兼ねて第一フィルタ部93の根元に設けられている。塵埃捕捉傘125の外径は、第二遠心分離部82よりも小さく、かつ第一フィルタ部93よりも大きい。塵埃捕捉傘125は、第二遠心分離室115の廃棄口122から排出される細かい塵埃を集塵容器92へ導く一方の面125aと、集塵容器92内へ向かって広がり傾斜する他方の面125bと、を有する。 A dust trap umbrella 125 is provided at the tip of the disposal port 122 of the second centrifuge chamber 115. The dust trap umbrella 125 is provided at the base of the first filter portion 93 so as to serve as a partition wall that partitions the first centrifugal separation portion 81 and the second centrifugal separation portion 82. The outer diameter of the dust trap umbrella 125 is smaller than that of the second centrifugal separator 82 and larger than that of the first filter portion 93. The dust trap umbrella 125 has one surface 125a that guides fine dust discharged from the disposal port 122 of the second centrifuge chamber 115 to the dust collection container 92 and the other surface 125b that extends and inclines toward the dust collection container 92. And having.
 また、塵埃捕捉傘125は、集塵容器92の傾斜部102に突き当って集塵容器92を塞いでいる。集塵容器92の大径部101、傾斜部102および塵埃捕捉傘125は、第二遠心分離室115から排出される塵埃を蓄積する細塵集塵室126を仕切っている。細塵集塵室126は、大径部101の内面、傾斜部102の傾斜面、および塵埃捕捉傘125の一方の面125aに挟まれて第二遠心分離室115から遠ざかるほど、つまり、第二遠心分離室115の廃棄口122から遠ざかるほど狭くなる略楔形状の空間である。 Further, the dust trap umbrella 125 hits the inclined portion 102 of the dust collection container 92 to block the dust collection container 92. The large-diameter portion 101, the inclined portion 102, and the dust trap umbrella 125 of the dust collection container 92 partition the fine dust collection chamber 126 that accumulates dust discharged from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115. The fine dust collecting chamber 126 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the large-diameter portion 101, the inclined surface of the inclined portion 102, and one surface 125a of the dust trapping umbrella 125, that is, the farther away from the second centrifuge chamber 115, that is, the second This is a substantially wedge-shaped space that becomes narrower as the distance from the disposal port 122 of the centrifuge chamber 115 increases.
 塵埃捕捉傘125の他方の面125bは、第一フィルタ部93および塵埃捕捉カップ95よりも大径であり、かつ第一フィルタ部93および塵埃捕捉カップ95に向かって拡径されている。 The other surface 125 b of the dust trapping umbrella 125 is larger in diameter than the first filter portion 93 and the dust trapping cup 95 and is expanded toward the first filter portion 93 and the dust trapping cup 95.
 排気風路85は、第二遠心分離室115に覆い被さるようにして排気口121に接続される最外周部から縮径しつつ第二遠心分離部82の中心部側へ向かい、集塵容器92の中心線C上で中継風路113の中心部に入り込む。そして、排気風路85は、複数の第二遠心分離室115に囲まれる部分から集塵容器92の中心線Cの延長線(第二集塵容器68の中心線)に対して交差する方向へ折れ曲がり、第二遠心分離部82の側壁に設けられる第二排気口127へ至る。排気風路85は、第一遠心分離部81から最も遠い部分であり、頂部カバー86に隣り合う部分に第一遠心分離部81へ向かって窪む凹部128を備えている。排気風路85は、第二遠心分離室115の排気口121から流出する空気を第二集塵容器68の中心側へ向けて集約しつつ、凹部128によって一旦、第一遠心分離部81へ指向させ、その後に略直角に流れの向きを変えて第二排気口127へ排気する。第二排気口127は、下流風路77に接続されている。 The exhaust air passage 85 covers the second centrifuge chamber 115 so as to reduce the diameter from the outermost peripheral part connected to the exhaust port 121 toward the center of the second centrifuge part 82, and to collect the dust collecting container 92. Enters the center of the relay air passage 113 on the center line C. The exhaust air passage 85 extends in a direction intersecting with an extension line of the center line C of the dust collection container 92 (center line of the second dust collection container 68) from a portion surrounded by the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115. It bends and reaches the second exhaust port 127 provided on the side wall of the second centrifugal separator 82. The exhaust air passage 85 is a portion farthest from the first centrifuge 81 and includes a recess 128 that is recessed toward the first centrifuge 81 at a portion adjacent to the top cover 86. The exhaust air passage 85 is once directed to the first centrifugal separation unit 81 by the recess 128 while concentrating the air flowing out from the exhaust port 121 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 toward the center side of the second dust collecting container 68. After that, the flow direction is changed at a substantially right angle, and the air is exhausted to the second exhaust port 127. The second exhaust port 127 is connected to the downstream air passage 77.
 自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5の帰巣位置へ戻ると、自律型掃除ユニット2の充電端子47は、ステーションユニット5の充電電極3に電気的に接続される。このとき、ステーションユニット5の塵埃移送管25は、第一集塵容器12の連結部39に接続される。この後、ステーションユニット5は、第二電動送風機69を駆動させて空気を吸い込んで、第一集塵容器12から第二集塵容器68へ塵埃を移動させる。第二集塵容器68は、第一遠心分離部81で空気から粗い粗塵を分離して集塵室97に蓄積する。また、第二集塵容器68は、第二遠心分離部82で第一遠心分離部81を通過した空気から細かい塵埃を分離して細塵集塵室126に蓄積する。 When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the home position of the station unit 5, the charging terminal 47 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the station unit 5. At this time, the dust transfer pipe 25 of the station unit 5 is connected to the connecting portion 39 of the first dust collecting container 12. Thereafter, the station unit 5 drives the second electric blower 69 to suck in air and moves the dust from the first dust collecting container 12 to the second dust collecting container 68. The second dust collecting container 68 separates coarse coarse dust from the air by the first centrifugal separator 81 and accumulates it in the dust collecting chamber 97. The second dust collecting container 68 separates fine dust from the air that has passed through the first centrifugal separator 81 by the second centrifugal separator 82 and accumulates it in the fine dust collecting chamber 126.
 また、ステーションユニット5は、自律型掃除ユニット2が帰巣位置に帰巣していても帰巣していなくても、直接的な指令や、第二吸込口65にモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体を近づけたことを感知するセンサ(図示省略)の働きによって第二電動送風機69を運転する。第二電動送風機69の運転によって生じる負圧は、第二集塵容器68を経てステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65に作用して、第二吸込口65から塵埃を吸い込む。第二吸込口65から吸い込まれる塵埃は、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃である。 Further, the station unit 5 can be used for direct commands, mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools for the second suction port 65 regardless of whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has returned to the home position or not. The second electric blower 69 is operated by the function of a sensor (not shown) that senses that it is approaching itself. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 through the second dust collecting container 68 and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. Dust sucked from the second suction port 65 adheres to means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, for example, dust collected by a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool, or mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool itself. Dust.
 図8および図9は、本発明の実施形態に係る電気掃除装置の自律型掃除ユニットおよびステーションユニットの連結部分を示す縦断面図である。 FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are longitudinal sectional views showing a connecting portion of the autonomous cleaning unit and the station unit of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.
 図8および図9は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置、つまり帰巣位置へ近づく様子を示している。また、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5から離れる場合には図9から図8へと逆順の様相になる。 8 and 9 show a state in which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 approaches the position where it is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, that is, the homing position. Further, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves away from the station unit 5, the reverse order of FIG. 9 to FIG. 8 occurs.
 図8および図9、及び図4に示すように、本実施形態に係る自律型掃除ユニット2の第一集塵容器12は、第一本体ケース11に着脱自在に設けられて自律型掃除ユニット2が捕集する塵埃を蓄積する容器本体38と、第一本体ケース11に取り付けられた状態において塵埃容器口37から露出する連結部39と、連結部39に設けられて容器本体38内の塵埃を廃棄する廃棄口41と、廃棄口41を開閉する廃棄蓋42と、を備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 4, the first dust collecting container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 according to the present embodiment is detachably provided on the first main body case 11, and the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The container main body 38 that accumulates the dust collected, the connecting part 39 exposed from the dust container port 37 when attached to the first main body case 11, and the dust in the container main body 38 provided in the connecting part 39 A disposal port 41 for disposal and a disposal lid 42 for opening and closing the disposal port 41 are provided.
 連結部39は、容器本体38に一体成形されている。連結部39は、塵埃容器口37に対応して角丸矩形状に突出している。連結部39は、第一集塵容器12を第一本体ケース11に取り付けられると、塵埃容器口37に嵌合する。連結部39は、第一本体ケース11の外表面に面一な外周縁部を有する一方で、廃棄口41の周縁部に凹没部を有している。この凹没部の中央には、廃棄口41が配置されている。また凹没部には、廃棄蓋42が配置されている。 The connecting portion 39 is integrally formed with the container body 38. The connecting portion 39 protrudes in a rounded rectangular shape corresponding to the dust container opening 37. When the first dust collecting container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11, the connecting portion 39 fits into the dust container opening 37. The connecting portion 39 has an outer peripheral edge that is flush with the outer surface of the first main body case 11, and has a recessed portion at the peripheral edge of the disposal port 41. A disposal port 41 is disposed in the center of the recessed portion. A disposal lid 42 is disposed in the recessed portion.
 なお、連結部39は、第一集塵容器12が第一本体ケース11に取り付けられた状態において塵埃容器口37を臨む箇所に配置されていても良い。この場合、連結部39は、第一本体ケース11の内側であって塵埃容器口37から見通すことができる場所に配置される。塵埃移送管25は、塵埃容器口37を通じて連結部39に到達可能な突出長さを有することが好ましい。 In addition, the connection part 39 may be arrange | positioned in the location which faces the dust container opening | mouth 37 in the state in which the 1st dust container 12 was attached to the 1st main body case 11. FIG. In this case, the connecting portion 39 is disposed inside the first main body case 11 at a place where it can be seen from the dust container port 37. The dust transfer tube 25 preferably has a protruding length that can reach the connecting portion 39 through the dust container port 37.
 廃棄口41は、第一集塵容器12が第一本体ケース11に取り付けられた状態において、自律型掃除ユニット2の下方へ向かって開口されている。 The disposal port 41 is opened downward of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a state where the first dust collecting container 12 is attached to the first main body case 11.
 廃棄口41は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)関係において、自律型掃除ユニット2の中央よりもステーションユニット5に近い側に配置されている。つまり、廃棄口41は、自律型掃除ユニット2が後退してステーションユニット5へ近づき、一対の駆動輪45をステーションユニット5の台座21に乗り上げると、ステーションユニット5の塵埃回収部22に近づく。 The disposal port 41 is disposed closer to the station unit 5 than the center of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in relation to the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. That is, the disposal port 41 approaches the dust collection unit 22 of the station unit 5 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves backward and approaches the station unit 5 and rides the pair of drive wheels 45 on the base 21 of the station unit 5.
 廃棄蓋42は、自律型掃除ユニット2の外観に露出しており、第一本体ケース11の外表面に面一である。廃棄蓋42は、ステーションユニット5のレバー26を引っ掛けるレバー受131を備えている。なお、廃棄蓋42も、連結部39と同様に第一本体ケース11に取り付けられた状態において塵埃容器口37を臨む箇所に配置されていても良い。この場合、廃棄蓋42は、第一本体ケース11の内側であって塵埃容器口37から見通すことができる場所に配置される。 The disposal lid 42 is exposed to the external appearance of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and is flush with the outer surface of the first main body case 11. The waste lid 42 includes a lever receiver 131 that hooks the lever 26 of the station unit 5. The disposal lid 42 may also be disposed at a location facing the dust container port 37 in a state of being attached to the first main body case 11 like the connecting portion 39. In this case, the disposal lid 42 is disposed inside the first main body case 11 and in a place where it can be seen from the dust container port 37.
 他方、本実施形態に係るステーションユニット5のレバー26は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう途中で自律型掃除ユニット2の廃棄蓋42に引っ掛かり、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ到達すると廃棄蓋42を開いて廃棄口41と塵埃移送管25とを流体的に接続させる(図9)。 On the other hand, the lever 26 of the station unit 5 according to the present embodiment is attached to the disposal lid 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the way to the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. When it reaches the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (homing position), the disposal lid 42 is opened to fluidly connect the disposal port 41 and the dust transfer pipe 25 (FIG. 9). ).
 自律型掃除ユニット2の廃棄蓋42およびステーションユニット5のレバー26は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置へ向かう方向に交差する回転中心線C3のまわりに揺動する。なお、廃棄蓋42の回転中心線C4およびレバー26の回転中心線C3は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向に対して直交していることが望ましい。 The waste cover 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the lever 26 of the station unit 5 swing around a rotation center line C3 that intersects in a direction toward the position where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. To do. The rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 and the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 are orthogonal to the direction toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is desirable.
 レバー26の回転中心線C3は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向において塵埃移送管25の開口縁部のうち自律型掃除ユニット2が最初に到達する縁部、つまり塵埃移送管25の開口縁の前端部に配置されている。 The rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 indicates that the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25 is in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. It is arranged at the edge that reaches first, that is, at the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.
 また、レバー26の回転中心線C3は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向に移動自在に支持されている。つまり、フック79は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向にレバー26の回転中心線C3が移動することによって、自律型掃除ユニット2の帰巣制御における位置精度のばらつきに影響されることなく、レバー受131に引っ掛かることができる。 The rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 is supported so as to be movable in a direction toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. That is, the hook 79 moves the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 in a direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. The lever receiver 131 can be hooked without being affected by variations in position accuracy in homing control.
 さらに、レバー26の回転中心線C3は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向において塵埃移送管25の開口縁部のうち自律型掃除ユニット2が最初に到達する縁部、つまり塵埃移送管25の開口縁の前端部に設けられる軸カバー132によって覆われている。 Further, the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 is an autonomous cleaning unit of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. 2 is covered by a shaft cover 132 provided at the edge where it first reaches, that is, the front end of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.
 廃棄蓋42の回転中心線C4は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向において廃棄蓋42の遠方側に配置されている。また、廃棄蓋42の回転中心線C4は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向においてレバー受131よりも遠方側に配置されている。さらに、廃棄蓋42の回転中心線C4は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう方向において廃棄蓋42のうち、廃棄口41に接したり離れたりする蓋本体133よりも遠方側に配置されている。 The rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is arranged on the far side of the disposal lid 42 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is disposed farther than the lever receiver 131 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation center line C4 of the disposal lid 42 is in contact with or away from the disposal port 41 of the disposal lid 42 in the direction toward the position (homing position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. The lid body 133 is arranged on the far side.
 これらレバー26の回転中心線C3および廃棄蓋42の回転中心線C4の配置によって、廃棄蓋42は、レバー26によって開かれると自律型掃除ユニット2の容器本体38から塵埃移送管25へ塵埃を案内する傾斜面になる(図9)。 Due to the arrangement of the rotation center line C3 of the lever 26 and the rotation center line C4 of the waste lid 42, the waste lid 42 guides dust from the container body 38 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the dust transfer tube 25 when opened by the lever 26. (Fig. 9).
 なお、廃棄蓋42は、閉じる方向へコイルバネ135のバネ力を受けている。廃棄蓋42は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう推進力がコイルバネ135のバネ力に勝ることによって開かれる。コイルバネ135は、レバー26によって廃棄蓋42が開かれると、押し潰されてエネルギーを蓄える一方、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5から離脱してレバー受131からレバー26が抜け出すと、エネルギーを解放して廃棄蓋42を閉じる。 Note that the disposal lid 42 receives the spring force of the coil spring 135 in the closing direction. The disposal lid 42 is opened when the propulsive force toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 exceeds the spring force of the coil spring 135. When the waste lid 42 is opened by the lever 26, the coil spring 135 is crushed and accumulates energy, while when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is detached from the station unit 5 and the lever 26 comes out of the lever receiver 131, the energy is released. Then, the waste lid 42 is closed.
 レバー26は、起立する(図8)方向へコイルバネ(図示省略)のバネ力を受けている。レバー26は、自律型掃除ユニット2が充電電極3に電気的に接続される位置(帰巣位置)へ向かう推進力がコイルバネのバネ力に勝ることによって倒し込まれる。コイルバネは、レバー26によって廃棄蓋42が開かれると、押し潰されてエネルギーを蓄える一方、自律型掃除ユニット2がステーションユニット5から離脱してレバー受131からレバー26が抜け出すと、エネルギーを解放してレバー26を起立させる。 The lever 26 receives a spring force of a coil spring (not shown) in a direction to stand (FIG. 8). The lever 26 is pushed down when the propulsive force toward the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 exceeds the spring force of the coil spring. When the waste lid 42 is opened by the lever 26, the coil spring is crushed and accumulates energy. On the other hand, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 leaves the station unit 5 and the lever 26 comes out of the lever receiver 131, the coil spring releases energy. To raise the lever 26.
 このように構成される本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、塵埃移送管25から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部81と、第一遠心分離部81を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部82と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部83を備えることによって、塵埃の蓄積量が増加しても分離性能がほとんど低下せずに維持され、ひいては吸込負圧が維持され、自律型掃除ユニット2から塵埃を移送する能力を保つことができる。また、電気掃除装置1は、多段型の遠心分離部83を備えることによって、仮に多量の粉体を一気に吸い込んでも吸込性能が突如損なわれることなく維持され、自律型掃除ユニット2から塵埃を移送する能力を維持できる。 The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above includes a first centrifuge 81 that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe 25 from air, and air that passes dust passing through the first centrifuge 81. And a second centrifuge unit 83 including a second centrifuge unit 82 that separates from the first and second centrifuge units 82, so that the separation performance is maintained with little deterioration even when the amount of accumulated dust increases, and the suction negative pressure is reduced. It is maintained and the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be maintained. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes the multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83, so that even if a large amount of powder is sucked at once, the suction performance is maintained without being suddenly lost, and dust is transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit 2. Ability can be maintained.
 さらに、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、ステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65を有することによって、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で集められる塵埃、またはモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具自体に付着する塵埃を吸い込むことができる。電気掃除装置1のこのような塵埃の吸い取り機能は、居室の一部を局所的に掃除したい場合、例えば子供が食べこぼした菓子の屑のような塵埃を清掃することに適している。つまり、電気掃除装置1は、自律型掃除ユニット2を自律的に運転して居室全体を掃除する場合には数十分から時間単位を要する一方で、自律型掃除ユニット2以外の手段、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具で居室内を局所的に掃除する場合には、数十秒から数分単位で塵埃を掃き集められる塵埃を、第二吸込口65から即座に吸い取って蓄積することができる。 Furthermore, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment has the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 so that it can be collected by means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2, such as a mop, a broom, or a floor cleaning tool. Dust or dust adhering to mops, brooms, or the floor cleaning tool itself can be sucked in. Such a dust sucking function of the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as confectionery scraps spilled by a child when it is desired to locally clean a part of the living room. In other words, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 requires several tens of minutes to a time unit when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated autonomously to clean the entire room, while means other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop In addition, when a room is locally cleaned with a broom or a floor cleaning tool, dust that can be swept up in units of several tens of seconds to several minutes is immediately sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated. be able to.
 さらにまた、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1は、ステーションユニット5の第二吸込口65から吸い込む塵埃を多段型の遠心分離部83で蓄積するため、第二吸込口65の吸引力を維持しやすい。 Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment accumulates the dust sucked from the second suction port 65 of the station unit 5 in the multistage centrifugal separator 83, so that the suction force of the second suction port 65 is maintained. Cheap.
 このことは、第二吸込口65の掃除対象を、例えばモップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具のように相応の幅寸法で塵埃を掃き集める掃除具に設定する場合において、第二吸込口65の大きさを設置面に沿って幅広く、かつ相応の高さ寸法に設定したとしても、吸込負圧が長期に低下することなく、モップや、ほうきや、フロア用掃除具のような掃除具で掃き集められた塵埃を確実に吸い取ることを可能にする。 This means that the second suction port 65 is set when the object to be cleaned of the second suction port 65 is a cleaning tool that sweeps up dust with a suitable width dimension, such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool. Even if the size of the is wide along the installation surface and set to a suitable height, the suction negative pressure does not decrease over the long term, and a cleaning tool such as a mop, broom, or floor cleaning tool is used. It is possible to surely suck up the dust collected.
 したがって、本実施形態に係る電気掃除装置1によれば、自律型掃除ユニット2からステーションユニット5へ塵埃を移送する能力が長期に亘って維持され、かつ多量の粉体を一気に吸い込んでも塵埃を移送する機能を維持しやすい。 Therefore, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment, the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the station unit 5 is maintained over a long period of time, and dust is transferred even if a large amount of powder is sucked at once. Easy to maintain function.
 第3の実施形態によれば、自律型掃除ユニットからステーションユニットへ塵埃を移送する能力が長期に亘って維持され、かつ多量の粉体を一気に吸い込んでも塵埃を移送する機能を維持しやすい電気掃除装置が提供できる。 According to the third embodiment, the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the station unit is maintained over a long period of time, and the function of transferring dust even when a large amount of powder is sucked at once is easy to maintain. A device can be provided.
 なお、本発明の好ましい実施形態は以下の特徴を有している。 In addition, preferable embodiment of this invention has the following characteristics.
1.
 自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニットと、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットの充電電極を有するステーションユニットと、
を備え、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットは、
 第一吸込口を有する第一本体ケースと、
 前記充電電極から供給される電力を蓄積する二次電池と、
 前記第一吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第一集塵容器と、
 前記二次電池から供給される電力で駆動して前記第一集塵容器に負圧を作用させる電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口を有する第二本体ケースを備える電気掃除装置。
1.
An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust;
A station unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous cleaning unit;
With
The autonomous cleaning unit is:
A first body case having a first inlet,
A secondary battery for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging electrode;
A first dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the first suction port;
An electric blower that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery and applies a negative pressure to the first dust collecting container,
The said station unit is an electric cleaning apparatus provided with the 2nd main body case which has a 2nd inlet port which sucks in the dust different from the dust which the said autonomous cleaning unit collects.
2.
前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが前記ステーションユニットに帰巣した場合には、前記第二吸込口と前記第一吸込口または前記第一集塵容器とを繋げる吸込風路を備える1に記載の電気掃除装置。
2.
The station unit includes a suction air passage that connects the second suction port and the first suction port or the first dust collecting container when the autonomous cleaning unit returns to the station unit. Electric vacuum cleaner.
3.
前記ステーションユニットは、
 前記第二吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
 前記第二集塵容器に負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備える1又は2に記載の電気掃除装置。
3.
The station unit is
A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the second suction port;
A vacuum cleaner according to 1 or 2, comprising a second electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the second dust collecting container.
4.
前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが前記ステーションユニットに帰巣した場合には、前記第一集塵容器と前記第二集塵容器とを繋げる中継風路を備える3に記載の電気掃除装置。
4).
4. The electric vacuum cleaner according to 3, wherein the station unit includes a relay air passage that connects the first dust collecting container and the second dust collecting container when the autonomous cleaning unit returns to the station unit.
5.
 前記ステーションユニットは、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットに連結されて前記第一集塵容器に流体的に接続される塵埃移送管と、
 前記塵埃移送管を通じて前記第一集塵容器から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
 前記第二集塵容器を介して前記塵埃移送管に吸い込み負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記第二集塵容器は、前記塵埃移送管から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部と、前記第一遠心分離部を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部を備える1乃至4の何れかに記載の電気掃除装置
6.
 自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニットと、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットの充電電極を有するステーションユニットと、を備え、
前記自律型掃除ユニットは、
 第一吸込口を有する第一本体ケースと、
 前記充電電極から供給される電力を蓄積する二次電池と、
 前記第一吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第一集塵容器と、
 前記二次電池から供給される電力で駆動して前記第一集塵容器に負圧を作用させる第一電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記ステーションユニットは、
 前記自律型掃除ユニットに連結されて前記第一集塵容器に流体的に接続される塵埃移送管と、
 前記塵埃移送管を通じて前記第一集塵容器から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
 前記第二集塵容器を介して前記塵埃移送管に吸い込み負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備え、
 前記第二集塵容器は、前記塵埃移送管から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部と、前記第一遠心分離部を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部を備える電気掃除装置。
5.
The station unit is
A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container;
A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe;
A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
The second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge unit that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe from air, a second centrifuge unit that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge unit from air, 5. The electric vacuum cleaner according to any one of 1 to 4, further comprising a multistage centrifugal separator including
An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust;
A station unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous cleaning unit,
The autonomous cleaning unit is:
A first body case having a first inlet,
A secondary battery for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging electrode;
A first dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the first suction port;
A first electric blower that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery and applies a negative pressure to the first dust collecting container,
The station unit is
A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container;
A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe;
A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
The second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge unit that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe from air, a second centrifuge unit that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge unit from air, The vacuum cleaner provided with the multistage centrifuge part containing.
7.
 前記ステーションユニットは、
前記自律型掃除ユニットが捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口を有する第二本体ケースを備える6に記載の電気掃除装置。
7).
The station unit is
The electric vacuum cleaner of Claim 6 provided with the 2nd main body case which has a 2nd inlet port which sucks in the dust different from the dust which the said autonomous cleaning unit collects.
 本発明のいくつかの実施形態を説明したが、これらの実施形態は、例として提示したものであり、発明の範囲を限定することは意図していない。これら新規な実施形態は、その他の様々な形態で実施されることが可能であり、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、種々の省略、置き換え、変更を行うことができる。これら実施形態やその変形は、発明の範囲や要旨に含まれるとともに、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等の範囲に含まれる。 Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
1、1A 電気掃除装置
2 自律型掃除ユニット
3 充電電極
5、5A ステーションユニット
6 第一吸込口
11 第一本体ケース
11a 底面
12 第一集塵容器
13 第一電動送風機
15 移動部
16 駆動部
17 ロボット制御部
18 二次電池
21 台座
22 塵埃回収部
25 塵埃移送管
26 レバー
29 電源コード
31 センターブラシ
32 センターブラシ用駆動部
33 サイドブラシ
35 サイドブラシ用駆動部
36 第一吸込口
37 塵埃容器口
38 容器本体
39 連結部
41 廃棄口
42 廃棄蓋
45 駆動輪
46 旋回輪
47 充電端子
48 ブラシ基部
49 線状清掃体
61 高床部
62 低床部
63 走行面
65 第二吸込口
65 第二吸込口
66 第二本体ケース
66a 壁面
68 第二集塵容器
69 第二電動送風機
71 凹没部
72 帰巣確認検知部
73 第一センサ部
75 第二センサ部
76 吸込風路
77 下流風路
78 風路切換機構
79 フック
81 第一遠心分離部
82 第二遠心分離部
83 遠心分離部
85 排気風路
86 頂部カバー
87 第二分離部上カバー
91 第一遠心分離室
92 集塵容器(第二集塵容器のカップ)
92a 開放端
93 第一フィルタ部
95 塵埃捕捉カップ
97 集塵室
98 吸気口
101 大径部
102 傾斜部
103 小径部
105 傾斜面
106 骨
107 枠体
108 第一メッシュフィルタ
109 第一開口
111 第二開口
112 第二メッシュフィルタ
113 中継風路
115 第二遠心分離室
116 円筒形状壁
117 円錐台形状壁
118 導入口
119 内筒
121 排気口
122 廃棄口
125 塵埃捕捉傘
125a 一方の面
125b 他方の面
126 細塵集塵室
127 第二排気口
128 凹部
131 レバー受
132 軸カバー
133 蓋本体
135 コイルバネ
140a、140b 吸込風路
143 ステーション制御部
145a、145b 中継風路
146 切換機構
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A Vacuum cleaner 2 Autonomous cleaning unit 3 Charge electrode 5, 5A Station unit 6 1st inlet 11 1st main body case 11a Bottom surface 12 1st dust container 13 1st electric blower 15 Moving part 16 Drive part 17 Robot Control unit 18 Secondary battery 21 Pedestal 22 Dust collection unit 25 Dust transfer pipe 26 Lever 29 Power cord 31 Center brush 32 Center brush drive unit 33 Side brush 35 Side brush drive unit 36 First suction port 37 Dust container port 38 Container Main body 39 Connecting portion 41 Discarding port 42 Discarding lid 45 Driving wheel 46 Turning wheel 47 Charging terminal 48 Brush base 49 Linear cleaning body 61 High floor portion 62 Low floor portion 63 Running surface 65 Second suction port 65 Second suction port 66 Second Main body case 66a Wall surface 68 Second dust collecting container 69 Second electric blower 71 Recessed portion 72 Returning confirmation detecting portion 73 First sensor Part 75 Second sensor part 76 Suction air path 77 Downstream air path 78 Air path switching mechanism 79 Hook 81 First centrifugal separator 82 Second centrifugal separator 83 Centrifugal separator 85 Exhaust air duct 86 Top cover 87 On the second separator Cover 91 First centrifugal chamber 92 Dust collection container (cup of second dust collection container)
92a Open end 93 First filter portion 95 Dust capturing cup 97 Dust collection chamber 98 Intake port 101 Large diameter portion 102 Inclined portion 103 Small diameter portion 105 Inclined surface 106 Bone 107 Frame body 108 First mesh filter 109 First opening 111 Second opening 112 Second mesh filter 113 Relay air passage 115 Second centrifuge chamber 116 Cylindrical wall 117 Frustum-shaped wall 118 Inlet port 119 Inner cylinder 121 Exhaust port 122 Waste port 125 Dust trap umbrella 125a One surface 125b The other surface 126 Dust collection chamber 127 Second exhaust port 128 Recess 131 Lever receiver 132 Shaft cover 133 Cover body 135 Coil springs 140a and 140b Suction air passage 143 Station control units 145a and 145b Relay air passage 146 Switching mechanism

Claims (5)

  1.  自律して被掃除面を移動して塵埃を捕集する自律型掃除ユニットと、
     前記自律型掃除ユニットの充電電極を有するステーションユニットと、
    を備え、
     前記自律型掃除ユニットは、
     第一吸込口を有する第一本体ケースと、
     前記充電電極から供給される電力を蓄積する二次電池と、
     前記第一吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第一集塵容器と、
     前記二次電池から供給される電力で駆動して前記第一集塵容器に負圧を作用させる電動送風機と、を備え、
     前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが捕集する塵埃とは異なる他の塵埃を吸い込む第二吸込口を有する第二本体ケースを備える電気掃除装置。
    An autonomous cleaning unit that autonomously moves the surface to be cleaned and collects dust;
    A station unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous cleaning unit;
    With
    The autonomous cleaning unit is:
    A first body case having a first inlet,
    A secondary battery for accumulating electric power supplied from the charging electrode;
    A first dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the first suction port;
    An electric blower that is driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery and applies a negative pressure to the first dust collecting container,
    The said station unit is an electric cleaning apparatus provided with the 2nd main body case which has a 2nd inlet port which sucks in the dust different from the dust which the said autonomous cleaning unit collects.
  2. 前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが前記ステーションユニットに帰巣した場合には、前記第二吸込口と前記第一吸込口または前記第一集塵容器とを繋げる吸込風路を備える請求項1に記載の電気掃除装置。 The said station unit is equipped with the suction air path which connects said 2nd suction inlet and said 1st suction inlet or said 1st dust collecting container, when the said autonomous cleaning unit returns to the said station unit. The vacuum cleaner as described in.
  3. 前記ステーションユニットは、
     前記第二吸込口から吸い込まれる塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
     前記第二集塵容器に負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備える請求項1又は2に記載の電気掃除装置。
    The station unit is
    A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust sucked from the second suction port;
    The electric cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second electric blower that applies a negative pressure to the second dust collecting container.
  4. 前記ステーションユニットは、前記自律型掃除ユニットが前記ステーションユニットに帰巣した場合には、前記第一集塵容器と前記第二集塵容器とを繋げる中継風路を備える請求項3に記載の電気掃除装置。 The electric cleaning according to claim 3, wherein the station unit includes a relay air passage that connects the first dust collecting container and the second dust collecting container when the autonomous cleaning unit returns to the station unit. apparatus.
  5.  前記ステーションユニットは、
     前記自律型掃除ユニットに連結されて前記第一集塵容器に流体的に接続される塵埃移送管と、
     前記塵埃移送管を通じて前記第一集塵容器から廃棄される塵埃を蓄積する第二集塵容器と、
     前記第二集塵容器を介して前記塵埃移送管に吸い込み負圧を作用させる第二電動送風機と、を備え、
     前記第二集塵容器は、前記塵埃移送管から流れ込む塵埃を空気から遠心分離する第一遠心分離部と、前記第一遠心分離部を通過する塵埃を空気から分離する第二遠心分離部と、を含む多段型の遠心分離部を備える請求項1乃至4の何れか一項に記載の電気掃除装置。
    The station unit is
    A dust transfer pipe coupled to the autonomous cleaning unit and fluidly connected to the first dust collecting container;
    A second dust collecting container for accumulating dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe;
    A second electric blower that sucks the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collecting container and applies a negative pressure,
    The second dust collecting container includes a first centrifuge unit that centrifuges dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe from air, a second centrifuge unit that separates dust passing through the first centrifuge unit from air, The vacuum cleaner as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 provided with the multistage-type centrifugation part containing this.
PCT/JP2016/073458 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric cleaning device WO2017047291A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201680051837.6A CN108024679A (en) 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric dust cleaner
KR1020187006656A KR102058867B1 (en) 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric cleaning device
MYPI2018700997A MY190352A (en) 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric cleaning apparatus
EP16846164.8A EP3351158B1 (en) 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric cleaning device
US15/921,087 US20180199776A1 (en) 2015-09-14 2018-03-14 Electric cleaning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2015-180758 2015-09-14
JP2015-181013 2015-09-14
JP2015180758A JP6904659B2 (en) 2015-09-14 2015-09-14 Electric cleaning device
JP2015181013A JP2017055834A (en) 2015-09-14 2015-09-14 Vacuum cleaner

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/921,087 Continuation US20180199776A1 (en) 2015-09-14 2018-03-14 Electric cleaning apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017047291A1 true WO2017047291A1 (en) 2017-03-23

Family

ID=58288937

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2016/073458 WO2017047291A1 (en) 2015-09-14 2016-08-09 Electric cleaning device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20180199776A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3351158B1 (en)
KR (1) KR102058867B1 (en)
CN (1) CN108024679A (en)
MY (1) MY190352A (en)
TW (1) TWI631924B (en)
WO (1) WO2017047291A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200405107A1 (en) * 2019-06-25 2020-12-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station, and cleaning system
US11272820B2 (en) * 2016-11-30 2022-03-15 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaner device
US11304576B2 (en) * 2018-12-14 2022-04-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station and cleaning system
US11406236B2 (en) * 2017-06-23 2022-08-09 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaning apparatus
US11452424B2 (en) * 2017-06-22 2022-09-27 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaner apparatus

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11794141B2 (en) * 2021-01-25 2023-10-24 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Multiuse home station
KR102429246B1 (en) * 2018-01-29 2022-08-05 엘지전자 주식회사 Cleaner
KR102070065B1 (en) * 2018-03-14 2020-03-02 엘지전자 주식회사 Cyclone type dust collector and Cleaner having the same
US10595696B2 (en) 2018-05-01 2020-03-24 Sharkninja Operating Llc Docking station for robotic cleaner
KR102137164B1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-07-24 엘지전자 주식회사 Guidance robot
PL3875013T3 (en) * 2018-06-22 2022-08-08 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus and tray
US11191403B2 (en) 2018-07-20 2021-12-07 Sharkninja Operating Llc Robotic cleaner debris removal docking station
EP3870014B1 (en) 2018-10-22 2024-05-01 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Air treatment apparatus
KR102656269B1 (en) 2018-11-13 2024-04-09 삼성전자주식회사 Wireless power transmitting device, electronic device for wirelessly receiving power and operation method thereof
CN109288457A (en) * 2018-11-30 2019-02-01 广州赫伽力智能科技有限公司 A kind of AGV automatic sweeping machine
CN109691934B (en) * 2018-12-26 2024-02-20 广东美的白色家电技术创新中心有限公司 Cyclone separation device and sweeping robot
US11471814B2 (en) * 2019-05-07 2022-10-18 Eyevac, Llc Combination vacuum and air purifier system and method
CN110754991A (en) * 2019-11-05 2020-02-07 深圳市银星智能科技股份有限公司 Cleaning system
US11529034B2 (en) * 2020-07-20 2022-12-20 Omachron lntellectual Property Inca Evacuation station for a mobile floor cleaning robot
CN216569815U (en) * 2020-09-02 2022-05-24 尚科宁家运营有限公司 Docking station for robot cleaner, robot cleaner and system
CN115474875B (en) * 2021-06-16 2024-05-24 苏州瑞久智能科技有限公司 Floor cleaning system

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005110787A (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-28 Duskin Co Ltd Storing stand for cleaning utensil
JP2007181656A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-19 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Cleaner system
US20090049640A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner system having robot cleaner and docking station
JP2012152479A (en) * 2011-01-28 2012-08-16 Hitachi Appliances Inc Vacuum cleaner with storage device, and storage device for vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3986310B2 (en) * 2001-12-19 2007-10-03 シャープ株式会社 Parent-child type vacuum cleaner
JP2003210361A (en) 2002-01-24 2003-07-29 Duskin Co Ltd Cleaner
ES2238196B1 (en) * 2005-03-07 2006-11-16 Electrodomesticos Taurus, S.L. BASE STATION WITH VACUUM ROBOT.
KR20070094288A (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 삼성전자주식회사 Robot cleaner system
JP4916266B2 (en) * 2006-04-10 2012-04-11 トヨタホーム株式会社 Building with dust collector
KR20070104989A (en) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-30 삼성전자주식회사 Robot cleaner system and method to eliminate dust thereof
US8239992B2 (en) * 2007-05-09 2012-08-14 Irobot Corporation Compact autonomous coverage robot
CN201119847Y (en) * 2007-07-23 2008-09-24 泰怡凯电器(苏州)有限公司 Refuse receptacle for automatic cleaner
US20090183333A1 (en) * 2008-01-17 2009-07-23 Sam Tsai Vacuum Dust Collector
KR20100128839A (en) * 2009-05-29 2010-12-08 웅진코웨이주식회사 Robot cleaner external charging apparatus and robot cleaner system having the same
DE102010016263A1 (en) * 2010-03-31 2011-10-06 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Base station for charging sucking-and/or sweeping robot utilized for sucking-and/or brushing dust in floor of home, has docking unit fixed with receiver for forming collector bag of robot, and hose independent of exhaustion of chamber
DE102010017213A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Method for emptying dirt collection container of automatically movable cleaning device, particularly robotic vacuum cleaner, involves carrying out emptying of dirt collection container through suction port
KR101483541B1 (en) 2010-07-15 2015-01-19 삼성전자주식회사 Autonomous cleaning device, maintenance station and cleaning system having them
GB2492744B (en) * 2011-05-11 2014-12-24 Dyson Technology Ltd A multi-cyclonic surface treating appliance
US9192272B2 (en) * 2011-08-01 2015-11-24 Life Labo Corp. Robot cleaner and dust discharge station
GB2503020B (en) * 2012-06-14 2014-07-30 Dyson Technology Ltd A vacuum cleaner sealing arrangement
JP2014046003A (en) * 2012-08-31 2014-03-17 Toshiba Corp Electric vacuum cleaner
CN204115125U (en) * 2014-07-31 2015-01-21 厦门蒙发利科技(集团)股份有限公司 A kind of novel air purification, automatic cleaning all-in-one
DE102014119191A1 (en) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Base station for a vacuum cleaner

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005110787A (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-28 Duskin Co Ltd Storing stand for cleaning utensil
JP2007181656A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-19 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Cleaner system
US20090049640A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-02-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner system having robot cleaner and docking station
JP2012152479A (en) * 2011-01-28 2012-08-16 Hitachi Appliances Inc Vacuum cleaner with storage device, and storage device for vacuum cleaner

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11272820B2 (en) * 2016-11-30 2022-03-15 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaner device
US11452424B2 (en) * 2017-06-22 2022-09-27 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaner apparatus
US11406236B2 (en) * 2017-06-23 2022-08-09 Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation Electric vacuum cleaning apparatus
US11304576B2 (en) * 2018-12-14 2022-04-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station and cleaning system
US20200405107A1 (en) * 2019-06-25 2020-12-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station, and cleaning system
US11517164B2 (en) * 2019-06-25 2022-12-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station, and cleaning system
US20230056726A1 (en) * 2019-06-25 2023-02-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Robot cleaner, station, and cleaning system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN108024679A (en) 2018-05-11
KR20180038514A (en) 2018-04-16
TW201713261A (en) 2017-04-16
TWI631924B (en) 2018-08-11
EP3351158A1 (en) 2018-07-25
MY190352A (en) 2022-04-15
KR102058867B1 (en) 2019-12-24
EP3351158A4 (en) 2019-05-01
US20180199776A1 (en) 2018-07-19
EP3351158B1 (en) 2022-09-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2017047291A1 (en) Electric cleaning device
JP7262718B2 (en) discharge station
JP2017055834A (en) Vacuum cleaner
WO2016002893A1 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner
KR102656583B1 (en) Robot cleaner
JP2017144036A (en) Vacuum cleaner apparatus
JP6548875B2 (en) Dust collector and vacuum cleaner
EP2670287A1 (en) Autonomous vacuum cleaner
JP2012024625A (en) Household robotic vacuum cleaner
AU2003285554A1 (en) Cyclonic separators for suction cleaners
JP6489893B2 (en) Electric vacuum cleaner
JP6722706B2 (en) Separation device
JP6707341B2 (en) Electric cleaning device
JP6670602B2 (en) Electric cleaning equipment
JP6811528B2 (en) Station unit
JP5405351B2 (en) Dust separator and vacuum cleaner
JP2017055835A (en) Vacuum cleaner
JP2014023782A (en) Vacuum cleaner
JP2013034594A (en) Vacuum cleaner
WO2022201586A1 (en) Vacuuming system
JP5405352B2 (en) Dust separator and vacuum cleaner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16846164

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 20187006656

Country of ref document: KR

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2016846164

Country of ref document: EP