CYCLONE SEPARATION APPARATUS AND VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

 A cyclone separation device includes a swirl chamber (29) for swirling a dust-containing air along the sidewall therein to separate dust from the dust-containing air, and a dust collection chamber communicating with the inside of the swirl chamber (29). The dust collection chamber is configured to be able to be in a collection state for collecting the dust separated by the swirl chamber and in a disposal state for disposing of the collected dust. The inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is in a first state when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state, and become in a second state when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state. A property of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the first state to the dust is different from a property of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the second state to the dust.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cyclone separation device and a vacuum cleaner.

[Background Art]

[0002] PTL 1 describes a vacuum cleaner including a cyclone separation device. The cyclone separation device includes a swirl chamber for swirling air containing dust and separating dust from the air, and a dust collection chamber for collecting the dust separated in the swirl chamber.

[Citation List]

[Patent Literature]

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-150145

[Summary]

[Technical Problem]

[0004] In a cyclone separation device, not a small amount of air flows together with dust into the inside of a dust collection chamber, and airflow is thus generated in the dust collection chamber. The airflow may take dust from the dust collection chamber back into the swirl chamber. In order to prevent the dust from being taken back into the swirl chamber, it is preferable that the dust is less likely to leave away from the dust collection chamber.

[0005] In contrast, for disposing of the dust collected in the dust collection chamber to the outside, it is preferable that dust more easily leaves away from the dust collection chamber. Thus, the dust collection chamber is required to have different characteristics between for collecting dust and for disposing dust. With a conventional cyclone separation device, it has not been possible to satisfy both the performance for collecting dust and the performance for disposing of dust.

[0006] The present invention has been completed in order to solve such a problem as described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cyclone separation device which has combined the dust collecting performance and the dust disposing performance, as wells as a vacuum cleaner having the cyclone separation device.

[Solution to Problem]

[0007] A cyclone separation device in according to the present invention includes a swirl chamber for swirling air containing dust along a sidewall therein to separate dust from the air containing dust, and a dust collection chamber communicating with an inside of the swirl chamber. The dust collection chamber is configured to be able to be in a collection state for collecting the dust separated by the swirl chamber and a disposal state for disposing of the collected dust. An inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is in a first state when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state, and become in a second state when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state. A property of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the first state to the dust is different from a property of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the second state to the dust.

[0008] A vacuum cleaner in according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned cyclone separation device, and a blower for generating an airflow in the swirl chamber provided in the cyclone separation device.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0009] A cyclone separation device and a vacuum cleaner including the cyclone separation device in accordance with the present invention can combine the dust collecting performance and the dust disposing performance.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0010] 

[FIG. 1]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 2]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1 indicating a state where a dust collection unit is detached therefrom.

[FIG. 3]
FIG. 3 is a back view showing the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1 indicating a state where the dust collection unit is detached therefrom.

[FIG. 4]
FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section along the A-A axis of FIG. 3.

[FIG. 5]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the dust collection unit of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 6]
FIG. 6 is a front view showing the dust collection unit of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 7]
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the dust collection unit of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 8]
FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section along the B-B axis of FIG. 6.

[FIG. 9]
FIG. 9 is a view showing a cross section along the C-C axis of FIG. 8.

[FIG. 10]
FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross section along the D-D axis of FIG. 8.

[FIG. 11]
FIG. 11 is a view of the vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 1 cut away along the same cross section as the cross section along the A-A axis of FIG. 3.

[FIG. 12]
FIG. 12 is an image view showing a composite material for forming the dust collection unit of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 13]
FIG. 13 is an image view showing one example of a structure of a fiber material of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 14]
FIG. 14 is a view showing how dust is accumulated in Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 15]
FIG. 15 is a view showing a relationship between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust of Embodiment 1 in a collection state.

[FIG. 16]
FIG. 16 is a view showing a relationship between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust when the dust collection chamber of Embodiment 1 become a disposal state.

[FIG. 17]
FIG. 17 shows one of modified examples of Embodiment 1.

[FIG. 18]
FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view showing a dust collection unit of Embodiment 2.

[FIG. 19]
FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view showing the dust collection unit of Embodiment 2.

[Description of Embodiments]

[0011] In the followings, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference sign and numeral in each drawing represent the same portion or a corresponding portion. Further, in the present disclosure, a repeated description will be appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the present disclosure may include any combinations of configurations which can be combined among the configurations described in respective following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 shows a cordless type vertical vacuum cleaner 1 as one example. The cordless type vacuum cleaner 1 includes a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is charged via a charging stand (not shown). The charging stand is connected to an external power source by a power cable. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is mounted on the charging stand, the rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner 1 is electrically connected to the charging stand. As a result, the rechargeable battery is charged.

[0013] Note that the vacuum cleaner 1 is not limited to a cordless type one. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be provided with a power cord for establishing a connection with an external power source.

[0014] The vacuum cleaner 1 includes, for example, a suction port body 2, a suction pipe 3, and a cleaner main body 6. At the lower surface of the suction port body 2, an opening communicating with the outside is formed. Further, the suction port body 2 is provided with a connection part in a cylindrical shape. The connection part is provided at the central part in the longitudinal direction of the suction port body 2. The opening formed at the bottom surface of the suction port body 2 and the connection part communicate with each other via the inside of the suction port body 2.

[0015] The suction pipe 3 is, for example, a member in a linearly extending cylindrical shape. One end part of the suction pipe 3 is connected to the connection part provided at the suction port body 2. The suction port body 2 is detachable with respect to the suction pipe 3. The other end part of the suction pipe 3 is connected to the cleaner main body 6. The suction pipe 3 is detachable with respect to the cleaner main body 6.

[0016] The suction port body 2 and the suction pipe 3 form an air passage for flowing an air containing dust into the cleaner main body 6 from the outside. Note that, in the present disclosure, the cleaning targets of the vacuum cleaner 1 such as trash, dust, dirt, hair, and fiber are generically referred to as "dust". Further, in the present disclosure, the air containing dust is referred to as a "dust-containing air".

[0017] The cleaner main body 6 has a function of separating dust from a dust-containing air. Further, the cleaner main body 6 has a function of collecting the separated matters. The cleaner main body 6 includes, for example, a main body unit 12 and a dust collection unit 13. The dust collection unit 13 is attachable to and detachable from the main body unit 12. The dust collection unit 13 is a device for separating dust from a dust-containing air, and collecting the dust.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 of Embodiment 1 indicating a state where the dust collection unit 13 is detached therefrom. FIG. 3 is a back view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 of Embodiment 1 indicating a state where the dust collection unit 13 is detached therefrom. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section along the A-A axis of FIG. 3.

[0019] The main body unit 12 includes, for example, an intake air passage formation part 16, a grasping part 7, and an housing 14. Further, the main body unit 12 includes, for example, the rechargeable battery, an electric blower 10, and an exhaust air passage formation part 17. The rechargeable battery, the electric blower 10, and the exhaust air passage formation part 17 are housed in the housing 14.

[0020] An intake air passage 19 is formed in the intake air passage formation part 16. The intake air passage 19 is an air passage for guiding the dust-containing air from the suction pipe 3 to the dust collection unit 13. The intake air passage formation part 16 is, for example, a member in a linearly extending cylindrical shape. As described above, one end part of the suction pipe 3 is to be connected to the connection part provided at the suction port body 2. The other end part of the suction pipe 3 is to be connected to one end part of the intake air passage formation part 16. The suction pipe 3 properly connected to the cleaner main body 6 is arranged linearly with respect to the intake air passage formation part 16. Further, a connection port 20 facing sideways is formed at the other end part of the intake air passage formation part 16. The connection port 20 is an opening for connecting the intake air passage 19 and the dust collection unit 13.

[0021] The dust collection unit 13 separates the dust from the dust-containing air which has flowed via the intake air passage 19. The dust collection unit 13 swirls the dust-containing air and separates the dust by a centrifugal force. Namely, the dust collection unit 13 has a cyclone separating function. The dust collection unit 13 of the present embodiment is one example of the cyclone separation device. The dust collection unit 13 collects the separated dust. The dust collection unit 13 temporarily stores the collected dust. A more specific configuration and function of the dust collection unit 13 will be described later.

[0022] The grasping part 7 is the portion grasped by a user of the vacuum cleaner 1. As described above, one end part of the intake air passage formation part 16 is connected to the suction pipe 3. As one example, the grasping part 7 is arranged on the other end part side of the intake air passage formation part 16. Further, the grasping part 7 is provided with an operation switch 8. The operation switch 8 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0023] The housing 14 forms the contour of the essential part of the main body unit 12. The housing 14 is, for example, a resin molded product. As one example, the housing 14 is placed immediately above the dust collection unit 13.

[0024] The exhaust air passage formation part 17 forms an exhaust air passage 21 in the main body unit 12. The exhaust air passage 21 is an air passage for guiding the air from which dust has been removed by the dust collection unit 13 to an exhaust port. A clean air flows into the exhaust air passage 21 from the dust collection unit 13. Note that the exhaust port is not shown. The exhaust air passage formation part 17 forms a connection port 22 at the lower surface of the housing 14. The exhaust air passage 21 and the connection port 22 communicate with each other.

[0025] The electric blower 10 is a device for generating an airflow in the air passage formed in the vacuum cleaner 1. The air passages formed in the vacuum cleaner 1 include, for example, an air passage for flowing a dust-containing air into the cleaner main body 6 from the outside, an intake air passage 19, an air passage formed in the dust collection unit 13, the exhaust air passage 21, and the like. As one example, the electric blower 10 is arranged in the exhaust air passage 21.

[0026] The electric blower 10 performs an operation preset according to the operation on the operation switch 8. The operation of the electric blower 10 generates an airflow in the air passage formed in the vacuum cleaner 1. As a result, dust on a floor is sucked together with air from the opening formed in the lower surface of the suction port body 2. Namely, a dust-containing air is sucked into the suction port body 2. The dust-containing air sucked into the suction port body 2 passes through the suction pipe 3, and is taken into the inside of the cleaner main body 6.

[0027] The dust-containing air taken into the inside of the cleaner main body 6 passes through the intake air passage 19, and is sent from the connection port 20 to the dust collection unit 13. The airflow generated in the dust collection unit 13 will be described in more details later. The air discharged from the dust collection unit 13 passes through the connection port 22, and is sent to the exhaust air passage 21. The air discharged from the dust collection unit 13 passes through the electric blower 10 in the exhaust air passage 21. The air which has passed through the electric blower 10 further transfers through the exhaust air passage 21, and is exhausted from the exhaust port to the outside of the cleaner main body 6. For example the air which has passed through the electric blower 10 is taken back from the exhaust port to the room during cleaning.

[0028] Then, the dust collection unit 13 will be described in more details. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the dust collection unit 13 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the dust collection unit 13 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the dust collection unit 13 of Embodiment 1. In the following description regarding the dust collection unit 13, top and bottom are identified with reference to the orientation on the paper plane in FIG. 6.

[0029] The schematic shape of the whole dust collection unit 13 is a cylindrical column shape. The dust collection unit 13 includes, for example, a filter part case 61, an outflow part case 24, an inflow part case 25, and a dust collection part case 26. The filter part case 61, the outflow part case 24, the inflow part case 25, and the dust collection part case 26 are each, for example, a resin molded product.

[0030] The filter part case 61, the outflow part case 24, the inflow part case 25, and the dust collection part case 26 can be disassembled into the state shown in FIG. 7 by a preset operation. Further, the filter part case 61, the outflow part case 24, the inflow part case 25, and the dust collection part case 26 can be assembled into the state shown in FIG. 5 by a preset operation.

[0031] For example, an unlocking operation is performed on a locking mechanism for fixing the filter part case 61, the outflow part case 24, the inflow part case 25, and the dust collection part case 26. The filter part case 61, the outflow part case 24, the inflow part case 25, and the dust collection part case 26 can be disassembled into the state shown in FIG. 7 by the unlocking operation. Alternatively, only the dust collection part case 26 can be detached from the state shown in FIG. 5. Further, a filter 62 is housed in the filter part case 61. Note that the filter part case 61 and the filter 62 may not be included in the dust collection unit 13. Alternatively, the filter 62 may be provided at a place except for the dust collection unit 13.

[0032] Further, FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section along the B-B axis of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a view showing a cross section along the C-C axis of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a view showing a cross section along the D-D axis of FIG. 8.

[0033] The inflow part case 25 includes, for example, a cylindrical part 33, a conical part 34, a partition wall part 35, an inflow pipe 36, and an outer wall part 38. The cylindrical part 33 is in a hollow cylindrical shape. The cylindrical part 33 is arranged so that the central axis faces in the vertical direction. The conical part 34 is in a hollow conical shape with the tip part cut therefrom. The conical part 34 is arranged so that the central axis faces in the vertical direction. For example, the central axis of the conical part 34 and the central axis of the cylindrical part 33 are aligned in a straight line.

[0034] An upper end part of the conical part 34 is connected to a lower end part of the cylindrical part 33. The conical part 34 decreases in diameter with approach from the upper end part downward. An opening facing downward is formed at a lower end part of the conical part 34. The opening formed at the lower end part of the conical part 34 is referred to as a one-order opening 39 in the present embodiment.

[0035] The space inside the cylindrical part 33 and the space inside the conical part 34 form a continuous space. In the present embodiment, the continuous space and the portion forming the continuous space are referred to as a swirl chamber 29. Namely, in the present embodiment, the dust collection unit 13 includes the swirl chamber 29. The swirl chamber 29 swirls a dust-containing air therein. A central axis of the swirl chamber 29 faces in the vertical direction. A sidewall of the swirl chamber 29 has a circular-shaped cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the swirl chamber 29. The swirl chamber 29 swirls a dust-containing air along the sidewall. The swirl chamber 29 swirls a dust-containing air, and thereby separates the dust from the dust-containing air.

[0036] A zero-order opening 48 is formed at the sidewall of the swirl chamber 29. The zero-order opening 48 is formed, for example, from the lower end part of the cylindrical part 33 to the upper end part of the conical part 34. The zero-order opening 48 is formed at a higher position than that of the one-order opening 39. Namely, the zero-order opening 48 is formed on the upstream side of the one-order opening 39. Further, the zero-order opening 48 is formed at a lower position than that of the outer wall part 38.

[0037] The partition wall part 35 is, for example, in a cylindrical shape. A diameter of the partition wall part 35 is smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical part 33. The conical part 34 and the partition wall part 35 are arranged so that the conical part 34 is inserted from above into the space inside the partition wall part 35. The upper end part of the partition wall part 35 is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the conical part 34. As one example, the central axis of the partition wall part 35 aligns with the central axis of the conical part 34.

[0038] The outer wall part 38 is, for example, in a cylindrical shape. A diameter of the outer wall part 38 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical part 33. The outer wall part 38 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the upper end part of the cylindrical part 33. Further, the outer wall part 38 is provided so as to extend toward above the upper end of the cylindrical part 33. The central axis of the outer wall part 38 and the central axis of the cylindrical part 33 are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. Namely, the central axis of the outer wall part 38 does not align with the central axis of the cylindrical part 33. A member for connecting the outer wall part 38 and the cylindrical part 33 is provided between the outer wall part 38 and the cylindrical part 33. The member fully blocks the part between the outer wall part 38 and the cylindrical part 33.

[0039] The inflow pipe 36 forms an inflow air passage 27. The inflow air passage 27 is an air passage formed in the dust collection unit 13. The inflow air passage 27 is an air passage for guiding the dust-containing air from the intake air passage formation part 16 to the swirl chamber 29. The dust-containing air from the intake air passage 19 passes through the inflow air passage 27, and flows into the swirl chamber 29.

[0040] The inflow pipe 36 is, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape. The inflow air passage 27 is formed inside the inflow pipe 36. One end part of the inflow pipe 36 is connected to the outer wall part 38. One end of the inflow pipe 36 opens at an outer surface of the outer wall part 38. The one end of the inflow pipe 36 forms a unit inflow port 40. The unit inflow port 40 is an opening for taking the dust-containing air into the dust collection unit 13. The other end part of the inflow pipe 36 is connected to the cylindrical part 33. The other end of the inflow pipe 36 opens in the inner surface of the cylindrical part 33. The other end of the inflow pipe 36 forms an inflow port 41. The inflow port 41 is an opening for taking the contained dust which has passed through the inflow air passage 27 into the swirl chamber 29.

[0041] The inflow pipe 36 is connected to a top part of the cylindrical part 33. The inflow port 41 is formed at the top part of the cylindrical part 33. The inflow port 41 is, for example, formed at an uppermost part of the sidewall of the swirl chamber 29. The zero-order opening 48 is formed at a lower position than that of the inflow port 41. Namely, the zero-order opening 48 is formed on the downstream side of the inflow port 41. The inflow pipe 36 is, for example, a member in a straight line shape. The inflow pipe 36 is connected to the cylindrical part 33 so that a dust-containing air traveled from the inflow air passage 27 flows into the swirl chamber 29 from the tangential direction of the swirl chamber 29. The axis of the inflow pipe 36, for example, crosses the central axis of the cylindrical part 33 at a right angle.

[0042] Further, the dust collection part case 26 includes, for example, a bottom part 46 and an outer wall part 47. The overall shape of the bottom part 46 is a circular shape. The outer wall part 47 is, for example, in a cylindrical shape. T A diameter of the outer wall part 47 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical part 33. The outer wall part 47 is provided, for example, so as to stand straight from an edge of the bottom part 46. The bottom part 46 and the outer wall part 47 form a tubular member with the top opening and the bottom closed.

[0043] When the dust collection part case 26 is properly arranged with respect to the inflow part case 25, a partition wall part 35 is arranged inside the outer wall part 47. A lower end part of the partition wall part 35 is in contact with the bottom part 46. A central axis of the partition wall part 35 and a central axis of the outer wall part 47 are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. The central axis of the partition wall part 35 does not align with the central axis of the outer wall part 47. An upper end part of the outer wall part 47 is in contact with a lower end part of the outer wall part 38. The central axis of the outer wall part 47 and the central axis of the outer wall part 38 are arranged in a straight line. When the dust collection part case 26 is properly arranged with respect to the inflow part case 25, in addition to the swirl chamber 29, two other spaces divided by the partition wall part 35 are formed inside the dust collection part case 26.

[0044] Further, the dust collection unit 13 of the present embodiment includes a dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is constituted of a space capable of storing dust, and members forming the space. The dust collection chamber has a function of collecting the dust separated by the swirl chamber 29. The dust collection chamber of the present embodiment includes a zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and a one-order dust collection chamber 31. In the zero-order dust collection chamber 30, trash α is stored. In the one-order dust collection chamber 31, trash β is stored. The trash α is, for example, relatively higher volume dust such as fiber trash and hair. The trash β is, for example, relatively lower volume dust such as sand trash, and fine fiber trash.

[0045] Of the space formed inside the partition wall part 35, the space except for the space formed inside the conical part 34 is the one-order dust collection chamber 31. The one-order dust collection chamber 31 communicates with the swirl chamber 29 via the one-order opening 39. The one-order dust collection chamber 31 is formed so as to cover the lower part of the conical part 34. The one-order dust collection chamber 31 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the lower end part of the conical part 34.

[0046] Of the space formed inside the outer wall part 47, the space except for the swirl chamber 29 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is a continuous space formed between the outer wall part 47 and the partition wall part 35, between the outer wall part 47 and the cylindrical part 33, and between the outer wall part 47 and the conical part 34. The partition wall part 35, the cylindrical part 33, and the conical part 34 form an inner wall of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The outer wall part 47 forms an outer wall of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30.

[0047] The overall shape of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is a cylindrical shape. The upper portion of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is blocked with a member for connecting the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 38. The lower portion of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is blocked by the bottom part 46. The zero-order dust collection chamber 30 surrounds the periphery of the most part of the swirl chamber 29. Further, the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 surrounds the periphery of the one-order dust collection chamber 31. The zero-order dust collection chamber 30 communicates with the swirl chamber 29 via the zero-order opening 48. The zero-order opening 48 is formed at an uppermost part of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is provided so as to extend downward from the zero-order opening 48. Note that the zero-order opening 48 is preferably formed so that the width along the central axis direction of the cylindrical part 33 is smaller than the width along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 33. Namely, the shape of the zero-order opening 48 is preferably a horizontally-long shape.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical part 33 is arranged shiftedly with respect to the outer wall part 47 within the range not being in contact with the outer wall part 47. The central axis of the cylindrical part 33 and the central axis of the outer wall part 47 do not align along the same straight line. The central axis of the cylindrical part 33 is arranged in parallel with the central axis of the outer wall part 47 at a predetermined interval. A portion with a small interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 is referred to as a narrow part 59. The interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 is equal to a distance between the outer surface of the cylindrical part 33 and the inner surface of the outer wall part 47.

[0049] In FIG. 10, the interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 gradually increases with an increase in distance from the narrow part 59. The interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 is largest at a part most distant from the narrow part 59. The inflow pipe 36 is, for example, arranged above a part with the largest interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47.

[0050] The point P shown in FIG. 9 represents the point at which the travel direction of the air flowed from the inflow air passage 27 into the swirl chamber 29 agrees with the tangential direction of the swirl chamber 29. In the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 33, the angle rotated in the direction of swirling of air from the point P about the central axis of the cylindrical part 33 in the swirl chamber 29 is referred to as θ1. The narrow part 59 is preferably arranged at the angle θ1 within the range of 0° to 180°.

[0051] Further, in the cross section orthogonal to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 33, the angle rotated in the direction of swirling of air from the part at which the interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 is narrowest about the central axis of the cylindrical part 33 in the swirl chamber 29 is referred to as θ2. The zero-order opening 48 is preferably arranged at the angle θ2 within the range of 90° to 270°. More preferably, the zero-order opening 48 is formed at a position with the angle θ2 of 180°. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the zero-order opening 48 is formed at a position with the angle θ2 of 180°. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the zero-order opening 48 is arranged at a part at which the interval between the cylindrical part 33 and the outer wall part 47 is largest.

[0052] The outflow part case 24 includes, for example, a lid part 49 and an outflow part 51. The lid part 49 is, for example, in a plate shape. When the outflow part case 24 is properly arranged with respect to the inflow part case 25, the lid part 49 blocks the upper part of the cylindrical part 33. In the present embodiment, an upper wall of the swirl chamber 29 is formed by the lid part 49.

[0053] The lid part 49 and the outer wall part 38 of the inflow part case 25 form a space for housing the filter part case 61. The filter part case 61 is provided in the space inside the outer wall part 38 so as to cover the outflow part case 24 from above. The filter part case 61 is mounted on the outflow part case 24 from above in a close contact manner. A unit outflow port 58 is formed at the upper surface of the filter part case 61. The unit outflow port 58 is an opening for flowing out air from the dust collection unit 13.

[0054] The outflow part 51 is a member for flowing out the air in the swirl chamber 29 to the outside of the swirl chamber 29. The outflow part 51 is provided at the central part of the lid part 49. The outflow part 51 protrudes downwardly from the lid part 49. When the outflow part case 24 is properly arranged with respect to the inflow part case 25, the outflow part 51 protrudes from the upper wall of the swirl chamber 29 to the inside of the swirl chamber 29.

[0055] A portion above the preset position of the outflow part 51 is in a cylindrical shape. A top part of the outflow part 51 opens in a top surface of the lid part 49. A lower portion of the outflow part 51 is in a hollow conical shape decreasing in diameter with approach downward. A lower end of the outflow part 51 is, for example, arranged lower than a lower end of the zero-order opening 48. A central axis of the outflow part 51 agrees with the central axis of the cylindrical part 33.

[0056] A space formed inside the outflow part 51 forms a part of an outflow air passage 32. The outflow air passage 32 is an air passage for flowing out the air in the swirl chamber 29 to the outside of the dust collection unit 13. The part of the outflow air passage 32, the swirl chamber 29, and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 are arranged roughly concentrically.

[0057] An outflow port 54 is formed at the outflow part 51. The outflow port 54 is an opening for flowing out the air in the swirl chamber 29 to the outside of the swirl chamber 29. The air in the swirl chamber 29 is taken into the outflow air passage 32 via the outflow port 54. In the present embodiment, the outflow port 54 is formed of a large number of fine holes. For example, some of the fine holes are formed above a lower end of the inflow port 41. Some of the fine holes are formed at a lower position than the lower end of the zero-order opening 48. Further, the fine holes are not formed at the portion facing the inflow port 41 of the portion in a cylindrical shape of the outflow part 51.

[0058] Further, FIG. 11 is a view of the vacuum cleaner 1 of Embodiment 1 cut away along the same cross section as the A-A axis of FIG. 3. In FIG. 11, the dust collection unit 13 is attached to the main body unit 12. When the dust collection unit 13 is properly attached to the main body unit 12, the upper surface of the filter part case 61 comes in close contact with the lower surface of the housing 14. The unit inflow port 40 is connected to the connection port 20 of the main body unit 12. The unit outflow port 58 is connected to the connection port 22 of the main body unit 12.

[0059] Further, at least a part of the dust collection unit 13 is formed of a composite material 80. The composite material 80 is a material including a plurality of kinds of materials. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the inner wall forming the zero-order dust collection chamber 30, and the inner wall forming the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is formed of the composite material 80. For example, at least a part of the partition wall part 35, the cylindrical part 33, and the conical part 34 is formed of the composite material 80.

[0060] FIG. 12 is an image view showing the composite material 80 forming the dust collection unit 13 of Embodiment 1. As described above, the composite material 80 includes a plurality of kinds of materials. As one example, the composite material 80 includes, as shown in FIG. 12, a fiber material 81, a soft material 82, and a resin material 83. For the fiber material 81, for example, a sheet-shaped weave is used. Note that the fiber materials 81 may be a carbon fiber, a glass fiber, and the like for use in FRP, and the like. Examples of the soft material 82 include silicone rubber. Examples of the resin material include ABS.

[0061] One example of a method for manufacturing the composite material 80 will be briefly described. First, the fiber material 81 is mounted on the surface of the base material of the soft material 82. Then, the liquid soft material 82 before curing is impregnated in the base material with the fiber material 81 mounted thereon for curing. As a result, the fiber material 81 is buried in the vicinity of the surface of the soft material 82. Further, the soft material 82 with the fiber material 81 buried therein is fixed on the resin material 83. This results in a state in which the fiber material 81, the soft material 82, and the resin material 83 are stacked as shown in FIG. 12. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fiber material 81 is located on a reverse side to the resin material 83 across the soft material 82.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fiber material 81 is provided on one side of both sides of the composite material 80. The configuration of the composite material 80 is not limited to the examples mentioned above. For example, both sides of the composite material 80 may be formed of the fiber material 81. Alternatively, the composite material 80 may not include the resin material 83. In other words, the composite material 80 may be formed of the fiber material 81 and the soft material 82. Alternatively, the composite material 80 may not include the soft material 82. In other words, the composite material 80 may be formed of the resin material 83, and the fiber material 81 arranged on the surface of the resin material 83. Alternatively, the composite material 80 may be formed of the resin material 83 located at the central part of the composite material 80, and the soft material 82 and the fiber material 81 interposing both sides of the resin material 83.

[0063] FIG. 13 is an image view showing one example of the structure of the fiber material 81 of Embodiment 1. As described above, for the fiber material 81, for example, a sheet-shaped weave is used. FIG. 13 shows a structure of plain weave of a cloth woven with a weft 85 and a warp 86 alternately passing over each other as one example of the structure of the fiber material 81. The interval between the wefts 85 forming the fiber material 81 and the interval between the warps 86 forming the fiber material 81 are set so as to be smaller than dust. The interval between the wefts 85 and the interval between the warps 86 are, for example, from several hundreds nanometers to several hundreds micrometers.

[0064] The composite material 80 configured as described above is a material which is deformed in surface shape upon receiving an external force. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the shape of the surface of the inner wall forming the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the shape of the surface of the inner wall forming the one-order dust collection chamber 31 are deformed when the dust collection unit 13 receives an external force.

[0065] More specifically, the composite material 80 is deformed in surface shape by compression. For example, when the weft 85 is compressed, the warp 86 is elongated in accordance with the compression of the weft 85. This causes creases in the fiber material 81. Namely, the surface of the composite material 80 becomes uneven. Thus, when the composite material 80 receives an external force, the surface shape thereof is deformed. Further, when the external force imposed on the composite material 80 is eliminated, the surface shape of the composite material 80 returns to the original shape. The composite material 80 of the present embodiment is a material whose surface shape is reversibly deformed.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the dust collection unit 13 is formed of the composite material 80 so that the fiber material 81 is located at the dust-stuck surface. In other words, the dust collection unit 13 is configured so that the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is formed of the fiber material 81. For example, the fiber material 81 is provided at the inner surface of the outer wall part 47; and the outer surface side part of the outer wall part 47 is formed of the resin material 83. Further, for example, the fiber material 81 may be provided on both sides of the outer surface side and the inner surface side for the cylindrical part 33 and the conical part 34. Thus, the portion of the dust collection unit 13 on which dust may be stuck is preferably formed of the composite material 80.

[0067] Then, the function of the dust collection unit 13 will be more specifically described. When the electric blower 10 starts to operate, as described above, a dust-containing air is sucked into the suction port body 2. The dust-containing air sucked into the suction port body 2 passes through the intake air passage 19, and reaches the connection port 20. The dust-containing air which has reached the connection port 20 flows into the inflow air passage 27. The dust-containing air which has flowed into the inflow air passage 27 passes through the inflow air passage 27, and flows from the inflow port 41 into the swirl chamber 29. The dust-containing air which has passed through the inflow air passage 27 flows into the swirl chamber 29 in such a manner as to flow along the inner surface of the cylindrical part 33, namely, the sidewall of the swirl chamber 29. The path for the dust-containing air is indicated with an arrow in a solid line as path f in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11.

[0068] The dust-containing air which has flowed into the swirl chamber 29 swirls along the sidewall forming the swirl chamber 29. In the present embodiment, the dust-containing air forms a swirling airflow in the swirl chamber 29. The swirling airflow in the swirl chamber 29 flows downwardly while forming a forced vortex region in the vicinity of the central axis, and an external free vortex region.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a view showing how dust is stored of Embodiment 1. FIG. 14 corresponds to the cross section along the B-B axis of FIG. 6. FIG. 14 shows the state of the inside of the dust collection unit 13 during cleaning by the vacuum cleaner 1. A centrifugal force acts on the dust included in the swirling airflow in the swirl chamber 29. For example, a relatively higher volume trash α falls while being pressed against the cylindrical part 33 by a centrifugal force. The trash α passes through the zero-order opening 48 upon reaching the height of the zero-order opening 48. Air also passes through the zero-order opening 48 together with the trash α.

[0070] The trash α which has passed through the zero-order opening 48 is sent to the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The air which has passed through the zero-order opening 48 travels in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 while swirling in the same direction as the direction of swirling of the air in the swirl chamber 29. Namely, when the electric blower 10 starts to operate, an airflow is also generated in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The trash α which has entered the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 from the zero-order opening 48falls while moving in the same direction as the direction of swirling of the air in the swirl chamber 29.

[0071] The dust which has not entered the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 from the zero-order opening 48 moves downward while swirling riding the airflow in the swirl chamber 29. For example, the relatively lower volume trash β passes through the one-order opening 39. The trash β which has passed through the one-order opening 39 falls into the one-order dust collection chamber 31, and is collected.

[0072] When the swirling airflow in the swirl chamber 29 reaches the lowermost part of the swirl chamber 29, the travel direction of the swirling airflow is changed into the upward direction. The swirling airflow with the travel direction changed into the upward direction rises along the central axis of the swirl chamber 29. Dust including trash α and trash β has been removed from the air forming the ascending airflow. The clean air from which dust has been removed passes through the outflow port 54, and flows out from the swirl chamber 29. The clean air which has passed through the outflow port 54 passes through the outflow air passage 32 and reaches the unit outflow port 58. Then, the clean air passes through the unit outflow port 58 and the connection port 22 and is sent to the exhaust air passage 21.

[0073] In the manner as described above, the dust collection chamber of the present embodiment collects dust including trash α and trash β. The electric blower 10 operates, so that trash α is stored in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. Further, trash β is stored in the one-order dust collection chamber 31. A user can dispose of the dust stored in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 by detaching the dust collection unit 13 from the main body unit 12, and detaching the dust collection part case 26 from the inflow part case 25.

[0074] As described above, the dust collection chamber can collect the dust separated by the swirl chamber 29. In the present disclosure, a state of the dust collection chamber for collecting dust is referred to as a collection state. Specifically, a state of the dust collection chamber when the dust collection unit 13 is attached to the main body unit 12 corresponds to the collection state. The dust collection chamber can collect dust when it is in the collection state.

[0075] The collected dust can be disposed from the dust collection chamber to the outside as described above. In the present disclosure, a state of the dust collection chamber for disposing of the dust is referred to as a disposal state. Specifically, a state of the dust collection chamber when the dust collection unit 13 has been detached from the main body unit 12 corresponds to the disposal state. Further, a state of the dust collection chamber when the dust collection part case 26 has been detached from the inflow part case 25 also corresponds to the disposal state. The dust collection chamber can dispose of the dust when it is in the disposal state.

[0076] In the dust collection unit 13 configured as described above, the dust collection chamber can be in the collection state and in the disposal state. In other words, the dust collection unit 13 is configured so that the dust collection chamber can be in the collection state and in the disposal state.

[0077] When the state of the dust collection chamber is shifted from the collection state to the disposal state, at least a part of the dust collection unit 13 is applied with a force by a user or the like. As a result, the surface shape of the composite material 80 is deformed. Namely, the state of the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is changed. When the state of the dust collection chamber is shifted to the disposal state, the state of the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber becomes a different state from the state of the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the collection state.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a view showing a relationship between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust of Embodiment 1 in the collection state. FIG. 15 shows one example of a first state. FIG. 16 is a view showing a relationship between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust when the dust collection chamber of Embodiment 1 become in the disposal state. FIG. 16 shows one example of a second state different from the first state. In the present embodiment, when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state, the state of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is changed from the state shown in FIG. 15 into the state shown in FIG. 16.

[0079] As described above, a centrifugal force acts on the dust included in the swirling airflow in the swirl chamber 29. Further, when the electric blower 10 starts operation, an airflow is also generated in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. For this reason, a centrifugal force also acts on the trash α sent from the swirl chamber 29 into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The trash α sent into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 swirls along the surface of the inner wall forming the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. The trash α sent into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 swirls, for example, while coming in contact with the inner surface of the outer wall part 47.

[0080] A frictional force and an electrostatic force act on between the trash α swirling in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the surface of the inner wall forming the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. Further, an air resistance acts on the trash α swirling in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. Further, the trashes α swirling in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 can collide against each other. The speed of the trash α swirling in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is reduced due to the frictional force, the electrostatic force, the air resistance, and collision between the dusts. As a result, some of the trash α sent into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is stuck and remains at the surface of the inner wall forming the zero-order dust collection chamber 30. Others of the trash α sent into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 is stuck and remains, for example, at the inner surface of the outer wall part 47.

[0081] As with the trash α sent into the zero-order dust collection chamber 30, some of the trash β sent into the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is stuck and remains at the surface of the inner wall forming the one-order dust collection chamber 31. Others of the trash β sent into the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is stuck and remains, for example, at the inner surface of the partition wall part 35. Namely, in the present embodiment, some of the dust sent into the dust collection chamber including the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is stuck and remains at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. Further, also after stop of the operation of the electric blower 10, some of the dust sent into the dust collection chamber still remains stuck at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. Namely, dust can be stuck both at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the collection state and at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the disposal state.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 15, in the collection state, the fiber material 81 forming the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is in a smooth condition. Meanwhile, when the dust collection chamber is put in the disposal state, as shown in FIG. 16, unevenness is caused in the fiber material 81 forming the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. The condition of the inner wall surface of the dust chamber differs between in the collection state and in the disposal state. For example, in the collection state, as shown in FIG. 15, the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust is relatively larger. Meanwhile, when the dust collection chamber is shifted into the disposal state, as shown in FIG. 16, the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust becomes relatively smaller.

[0083] When the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust is changed, the frictional force and the electrostatic force acting on between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and the dust are changed. The frictional force and the electrostatic force acting on between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and dust decreases with a decrease in the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and the dust. Namely, the force of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber to adsorb dust decreases with a decrease in the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and the dust. In other words, the force of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber to adsorb dust increases with an increase in the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber and the dust.

[0084] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the collection state and dust is larger than the contact area between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the disposal state and the dust. Namely, the frictional force and the electrostatic force acting on between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the collection state and dust is larger than the frictional force and the electrostatic force acting on between the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber in the disposal state and the dust. In the present embodiment, the dust stuck at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the collection state is less likely to leave away. As a result, for example, when the electric blower 10 operates, the dust stuck at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is prevented from swirling again. In the present embodiment, the dust collected into the dust collection chamber can be prevented from returning to the swirl chamber.

[0085] Further, the dust is prevented from returning to the swirl chamber, so that the dust is also similarly prevented from returning to the main body unit 12. This prevents, for example, narrowing of the air passage in the main body unit 12 due to dust, clogging of the electric blower 10 with dust, and the like. The present embodiment can provide the vacuum cleaner 1 capable of keeping the dust separating performance.

[0086] Further, for example, when dust is accumulated in the filter 62, a reduction of the amount of the air flowing in the dust collection unit 13 is caused. Namely, when dust is accumulated in the filter 62, reduction in the suction power of the vacuum cleaner 1 is caused. In the present embodiment, a larger amount of dust is stuck at the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. Accordingly, the amount of dust to be accumulated in the filter 62 can be made smaller. As a result, the performances of the dust collection unit 13 and the vacuum cleaner 1 are kept. Further, in the present embodiment, a frequency of maintenance of the filter 62 by a user is made lower.

[0087] As described above, when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state, at least a part of the dust collection unit 13 is applied with a force by a user or the like. As a result, the condition of the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber changes from the condition shown in FIG. 15 into the condition shown in FIG. 16. When the dust collection chamber become in disposal state, the contact area between the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber and dust is reduced. Accordingly, the frictional force and the electrostatic force acting on between the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber and dust is reduced. In the present embodiment, when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state, the dust stuck at the surface of the dust collection chamber is separated from the surface of the dust collection chamber. A user can easily dispose of the dust collected in the dust collection chamber by changing the state of the dust collection chamber from the collection state to the disposal state. In the present embodiment, a user is not required to do, for example, sweeping cleaning by brush and wiping cleaning by cloth for disposing of the dust collected in the dust collection chamber.

[0088] In the embodiment, the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is put in the condition shown in FIG. 15 when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state. The inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is put in the condition shown in FIG. 16 when the dust collection chamber is put in the disposal state. The surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber has different properties with respect to dust between in the condition shown in FIG. 15 and in the condition shown in FIG. 16. A dust collection unit 13 having the thus configured dust collection chamber can combine the dust collecting performance and the collected dust disposing performance.

[0089] Further, the dust collection unit 13 detached from the main body unit 12 is attached again, so that the state of the dust collection chamber is returned from the disposal state to the collection state again. After returning to the collection state, the dust collection unit 13 is not applied with a force from a user. Namely, when the state pf the dust collection chamber is returned to the collection state again, the surface condition of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is returned to the condition shown in FIG. 15. Thus, the condition of the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is reversibly changed by forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber with the composite material 80.

[0090] Further, a user may lightly tap the dust collection part case 26, for example, for disposing of the dust in the dust collection part case 26 after detaching the dust collection part case 26 from the inflow part case 25. Namely, a user may apply a force to the dust collection unit 13 not only for putting the dust collection chamber into the disposal state but also for disposing the dust. Alternatively, a user may grip and deform the dust collection part case 26, for example, for disposing the dust in the dust collection part case 26. A user may continue to deform the dust collection part case 26, for example, for disposing of the dust in the dust collection part case 26. In each of the examples, a user can dispose of the dust more easily.

[0091] Alternatively, the dust collection unit 13 may be configured so as to prevent the inner wall of the dust collection chamber from being deformed to a certain degree or higher degree when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state. The dust collection unit 13 may have a member for regulating the deformation of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the collection state. For example, the deformation of the dust collection part case 26 may be regulated by the inflow part case 25. As a result, for example, when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state, even if the dust collection unit 13 receives an external force, the condition of the inner wall the surface of the dust collection chamber is kept at the condition suitable for collecting dust.

[0092] Although the shape of each member was mentioned in the present embodiment, this does not mean a literally perfect shape. For example, a circular member is not required to be a perfect circular member. A cylindrical member is not required to be a perfectly cylindrical member. For example, the surface of the cylindrical member may include unevenness for connection to other members, or the like. Alternatively, a part of the surface of each member may be formed flat for connection to other members, or the like.

[0093] The dust collection unit 13 of one example of a cyclone separation device and the vacuum cleaner 1 including the same are not limited to the embodiment, and may be variously changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Some modified examples will be illustrated hereinafter.

[0094] For example, the vacuum cleaner 1 is not limited to the one of a vertical type. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be the one including a wheel at the main body portion. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be of a canister type. For example, a canister type vacuum cleaner 1 may have a mechanism for oscillating the dust collection part case 26 by winding a power cord. The surface shape of the inner wall of the dust collection part case 26 may be deformed by oscillating the dust collection part case 26 using this mechanism. Thus, for example, the canister type vacuum cleaner 1 may have a mechanism for separating dust from the dust collection part case 26 using winding a power cord.

[0095] Further, the material for forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is not limited to the composite material 80 shown in the embodiment. The materials for forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber may be, for example, materials which are changed in electric characteristics by an external force such as piezoelectric element and conductive polymer. The material for forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber may be a material which is diselectrified when the dust collection chamber is put in the disposal state.

[0096] I In the present example, when the dust collection chamber is put in the disposal state, the electrostatic force acting between the surface of the dust collection chamber and dust decreases. As a result, the same effects as in the foregoing embodiment can be obtained.

[0097] Examples of the material for forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber may include a resin material impregnated with a hydrophilic chemical. The inner wall of the dust collection chamber may be configured so that the hydrophilic chemical oozes upon receiving an external force. In the present example, when the dust collection chamber is put in the disposal state, the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber is covered with the hydrophilic chemical. As a result, a user can effectively clean the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber by washing with water. Further, a user can return the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber into the original condition by wiping with cloth or the like the inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber after washing with water.

[0098] Further, in the embodiment, the composite material 80 forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber may have a light-transmitting property. Namely, the fiber material 81, the soft material 82, and the resin material 83 may have a light-transmitting property. In this case, a user can easily observe the amount of the trash accumulated in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 without detaching and disassembling the dust collection unit 13. When the composite material 80 forming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber has a light-transmitting property, the dust collection unit 13 easy to use for a user and the vacuum cleaner 1 including the same can be provided.

[0099] The number and the arrangement of the swirl chamber 29, the zero-order dust collection chamber 30, the one-order dust collection chamber 31, the inflow pipe 36, and the zero-order opening 48 are not limited to those described in the embodiment. The specification of each member forming the dust collection unit 13 is appropriately set according to, for example, the speed of airflow in the swirl chamber 29, the size, the mass, the dust collecting performance, and the maintenance property of the dust collection unit 13, and the output of the electric blower 10. The optimum specification of each member forming the dust collection unit 13 is preferably selected in accordance with the performances and the like required of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0100] For example, the dust collection chamber included in the dust collection unit 13 may include only one of the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31. The dust collection chamber may store trash α and trash β in the same space.

[0101] Further, FIG. 17 shows one modified example of Embodiment 1. FIG. 17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 17, the dust collection unit 13 may include a release button 91. The release button 91 is provided at the outer surface of the outer wall part 47 of the dust collection part case 26.

[0102] As described above, a user can detach the dust collection part case 26 by performing the unlocking operation on the locking mechanism for fixing the inflow part case 25 and the dust collection part case 26. The locking mechanism is provided, for example, at the top part of the outer wall part 47 of the dust collection part case 26. The release button 91 is for releasing the locking mechanism of the outer wall part 47 while deforming the outer wall part 47. A user can unlock the locking mechanism of the outer wall part 47 while deforming the outer wall part 47 by pressing the release button 91 toward the central side of the dust collection part case 26.

[0103] In modified example shown in FIG. 17, a user can largely deform the dust collection part case 26 for shifting the dust collection chamber into the disposal state by operating the release button 91. As a result, when the dust collection become in the disposal state, the dust such as trash α stuck at the inner surface of the dust collection part case 26 is easily separated from the inner surface of the dust collection part case 26.

[0104] When a user lets go of the release button 91, the condition of the outer wall part 47 returns from the deformed condition to the condition before deformation. The release button 91 in the present modified example is one example of a deforming means for reversibly deforming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. The dust collection unit 13 may include a mechanism of a latch type, a trigger type, or the like as another example of the deforming means for reversibly deforming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. Further, the dust collection unit 13 may further include, for example, a mechanism for holding the release button 91 in the as-held down state. Namely, the dust collection unit 13 may include a mechanism for holding the inner wall of the dust collection chamber in the as-deformed state.

[0105] Further, the dust collection unit 13 may include a mechanism for generating oscillation as a still other example of the deforming means for reversibly deforming the inner wall of the dust collection chamber. The mechanism for generating oscillation is provided, for example, at the filter part case 61. The mechanism for generating oscillation oscillates, for example, the entire dust collection unit 13 or the dust collection part case 26. As a result, the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is oscillated, namely, is deformed. The dust collection unit 13 may be configured so that the condition of the surface of the inner wall of the dust collection chamber is changed by oscillation.

[0106] Further, the cyclone separation device in accordance with the present invention is not limited to the dust collection unit 13, and is also usable for other applications than the vacuum cleaner 1. For example, the cyclone separation device in accordance with the present invention is also applicable to a device for separating a powder and a device for separating a refrigerant, and the like.

Embodiment 2

[0107] Embodiment 2 will be then described. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are each a cross sectional view showing a dust collection unit 13 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 correspond to FIG. 8 in Embodiment 1. Referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, Embodiment 2 will be described mainly regarding the differences from Embodiment 1. The same or similar part as that of Embodiment 1 is predetermined the same reference numerals and signs, and a description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0108] The dust collection unit 13 of the present embodiment includes the dust collection part case 26 as with Embodiment 1. The dust collection part case 26 includes a bottom part 46 and an outer wall part 47. The overall shape of the bottom part 46 is a circular shape. The outer wall part 47 is in a cylindrical shape. Note that the outer wall part 47 is not required to be in a cylindrical shape. The outer wall part 47 may be, for example, in a square tubular shape. Further, the overall shape of the bottom part 46 may be, for example, a polygonal shape.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the bottom part 46 and the outer wall part 47 are formed as separate bodies, respectively. In the present embodiment, the bottom part 46 and the outer wall part 47 are connected to each other via a hinge 104 as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. The bottom part 46 is rotatable with respect to the outer wall part 47 about the hinge 104 as an axis. The bottom part 46 is opened and closed by rotation. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the bottom part 46 is closed. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the bottom part 46 is opened. Opening of the bottom part 46 opens the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 as shown in FIG. 19. A user can discard the dust in the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 to the outside by opening the bottom part 46.

[0110] In the present embodiment, an engaging part 102 is provided at the bottom part 46. An engaging part 103 is provided at the lower part of the outer wall part 47. The engaging part 102 and the engaging part 103 are formed so as to be engaged with each other. Further, a release button 101 is provided at the outer surface of the outer wall part 47. The release button 101 is the same member as the release button 91 in Embodiment 1, and is one example of a deforming means.

[0111] A user can deform the outer wall part 47 by pressing the release button 101. Deformation of the outer wall part 47 causes the engaging part 103 provided at the outer wall part 47 to be detached from the engaging part 102. As a result, the bottom part 46 is rotated about the hinge 104 as the axis. Namely, the bottom part 46 is opened as shown in FIG. 19. In the present embodiment, a user can largely deform the outer wall part 47 simultaneously with opening the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31. For this reason, a user can dispose of the dust with more ease.

[0112] The dust collection unit 13 of the present embodiment may be configured so that other places than the bottom part 46 are opened and closed. For example, a part of the outer wall part 47 may be opened and closed. Further, the mechanism for opening the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 is not limited to the release button 101. The mechanism for opening the zero-order dust collection chamber 30 and the one-order dust collection chamber 31 may be, for example, a mechanism to be pushed from the top of the dust collection part case 26 toward the lower part of the dust collection part case 26.

[Industrial Applicability]

[0113] The cyclone separation device and a vacuum cleaner including the cyclone separation device in accordance with the present invention can be used for, for example, cleaning of the inside of a room.

[Reference Signs List]

[0114] 

1

Vacuum cleaner

2

Suction port body

3

Suction pipe

6

Cleaner main body

7

Grasping part

8

Operation switch

10

Electric blower

12

Main body unit

13

Dust collection unit

14

Housing

16

Intake air passage formation part

17

Exhaust air passage formation part

19

Intake air passage

20

Connection port

21

Exhaust air passage

22

Connection port

24

Outflow part case

25

Inflow part case

26

Dust collection part case

27

Inflow air passage

29

Swirl chamber

30

Zero-order dust collection chamber

31

One-order dust collection chamber

32

Outflow air passage

33

Cylindrical part

34

Conical part

35

Partition wall part

36

Inflow pipe

38

Outer wall part

39

One-order opening

40

Unit inflow port

41

Inflow port

46

Bottom part

47

Outer wall part

48

Zero-order opening

49

Lid part

51

Outflow part

54

Outflow port

58

Unit outflow port

59

Narrow part

61

Filter part case

62

Filter

80

Composite material

81

Fiber material

82

Soft material

83

Resin material

85

Weft

86

Warp

91

Release button

101

Release button

102

Engaging part

103

Engaging part

104

Hinge

Claims

1. A cyclone separation device, comprising:

a swirl chamber for swirling air containing dust along a sidewall therein to separate dust from the air containing dust; and

a dust collection chamber communicating with an inside of the swirl chamber, the dust collection chamber configured to be able to be in a collection state for collecting the dust separated by the swirl chamber and a disposal state for disposing of the collected dust,

an inner wall surface of the dust collection chamber configured to be in a first state when the dust collection chamber is in the collection state and become in a second state when the dust collection chamber become in the disposal state, a property of the inner wall surface in the first state to the dust being different from a property of the inner wall surface in the second state to the dust.

2. The cyclone separation device according to claim 1,
wherein the force of the inner wall surface in the first state to adsorb the dust is larger than the force of the inner wall surface in the second state to adsorb the dust.

3. The cyclone separation device according to claim 2,
wherein when a state of the inner wall surface shifts from the first state to the second state, a frictional force acting on a portion between the inner wall surface and the dust stuck on the inner wall surface decreases.

4. The cyclone separation device according to claim 2,
wherein when a state of the inner wall surface shifts from the first state to the second state, an electrostatic force acting on a portion between the inner wall surface and the dust stuck on the inner wall surface decreases.

5. The cyclone separation device according to claim 2,
wherein when a state of the inner wall surface shifts from the first state to the second state, a contact area between the inner wall surface and the dust stuck on the surface is reduced.

6. The cyclone separation device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
wherein the inner wall of the dust collecting chamber is formed of a material deformable in surface shape upon receiving an external force.

7. The cyclone separation device according to claim 6,
wherein the material includes a soft material and a fiber material buried in the soft material.

8. The cyclone separation device according to claim 6 or 7,
wherein the material has a light-transmitting property.

9. The cyclone separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a deforming means configured to reversibly deform the inner wall of the dust collection chamber.

10. The cyclone separation device according to claim 9,
wherein the deforming means opens the dust collection chamber and disposes of the dust collected in the dust collection chamber.

11. A vacuum cleaner, comprising:

the cyclone separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and

a blower configured to generate an airflow in the swirl chamber provided in the cyclone separation device.

Drawing