Work equipment

Abstract

To improve the usability of the work equipment. [Solution] The dust suction pipe 32 includes an intake port into which air flows, an outlet port 32b into which air flows out to the swirling chamber 31d, an opening 32c provided between the intake port and the outlet port 32b that connects the inside and outside of the dust suction pipe 32, and a lid 50 that can open and close the opening 32c. The swirling chamber 31d is visible from the outside of the dust suction pipe 32 through the opening 32c and the outlet port 32b. As a result, simply by removing the lid 50 from the opening 32c, the dust suction pipe 32 can be cleared of clogging, and the degree of contamination in the swirling chamber 31d can also be checked. Therefore, maintenance work on the cleaner 10 can be easily performed, and the convenience of the cleaner 10 can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine that sucks in dust and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cleaner (working machine) that sucks in air and dust from a dust collection intake by the rotation of a fan motor. The cleaner includes first and second cyclone parts, which swirl the sucked-in air and dust and separate the two by centrifugal force. The separated dust is stored in a dust storage part, and the air is exhausted to the outside from the main body exhaust port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When dust clogs the dust collection intake or the first and second cyclone parts, the centrifugal separation function of air and dust deteriorates, and ultimately the convenience of the working machine deteriorates.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the working machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention comprises a motor, a fan rotated by the motor, a case having a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the fan, and a connecting pipe connected to the case, wherein the connecting pipe has an inlet for air to flow in, an outlet for air to flow out into the swirling chamber, an opening provided between the inlet and the outlet that communicates the inside and outside of the connecting pipe, and a lid that can open and close the opening, and the swirling chamber is visible from the outside of the connecting pipe through the opening and the outlet.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention comprises a motor, a fan rotated by the motor, a case having a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the fan, and a connecting pipe connected to the case, wherein the connecting pipe comprises an inlet for air to flow in, an outlet for air to flow out into the swirling chamber, an opening provided between the inlet and the outlet that communicates the inside and outside of the connecting pipe, and a lid that can open and close the opening, and the case and the connecting pipe are integrally molded products.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises a motor, a fan rotated by the motor, a case having a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the fan, and a connecting pipe connected to the case, wherein the connecting pipe includes a first flow path extending in the axial direction of the swirling chamber and having an inlet into which air flows, a second flow path extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swirling chamber and having an outlet for air to flow out into the swirling chamber, and an on / off valve that opens and closes inside the second flow path to allow the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet and restrict the flow of air from the outlet to the inlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the convenience of the work machine can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the cleaner according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cleaner. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the dust intake pipe with the on / off valve, sealing member, and cover removed. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1, showing the valve in the closed position. [Figure 5] This is a view from arrow B in Figure 3, with the on / off valve in the closed position and the sealing member and cover omitted. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1, showing the valve in the open position. [Figure 7] This is a view from arrow B in Figure 3, with the on / off valve in the open position and the sealing member and cover omitted. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the cleaner according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cleaner. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 8, showing the valve in the closed position. [Figure 11] This is a magnified view of the dust case portion of the cleaner of Embodiment 3, seen from the side. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view showing the dust intake tube with the cover removed. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 11, showing the valve in the closed position. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 11, showing the valve in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view of the cleaner of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cleaner of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the dust suction pipe with the on / off valve, sealing member and cover removed.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 showing the state where the on-off valve is closed. FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 3 as seen in the direction of arrow B with the seal member and the lid omitted in the state where the on-off valve is closed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 showing the state where the on-off valve is open. FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. 3 as seen in the direction of arrow B with the seal member and the lid omitted in the state where the on-off valve is open.

[0014] <Overview of the Cleaner> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cleaner 10 as a working machine is a portable cleaner that can be held by a user with one hand. The cleaner 10 includes a casing 11 that forms its outer shell. The casing 11 has a resin motor case 20 and a resin dust case 30 that is detachably connected to the motor case 20. The motor case 20 is arranged on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the cleaner 10, and the dust case 30 is arranged on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the cleaner 10.

[0015] Here, in the longitudinal direction of the cleaner 10, the side where the dust case 30 is arranged is defined as the "front side", and the side where the motor case 20 is arranged is defined as the "rear side". Also, in the lateral direction of the cleaner 10, the side where the dust storage cylinder 31 is arranged is defined as the "upper side", and the side where the dust suction pipe 32 is arranged is defined as the "lower side". Further, in the left-right direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the cleaner 10, the side to which the discharge port 32b of the dust suction pipe 32 is connected with respect to the swivel chamber 31d is defined as the "left side", and the opposite side (reverse side) is defined as the "right side" (see FIG. 4).

[0016] The cleaner 10 includes a motor unit 40 that is driven by the supply of drive current from the battery pack 13, and dust and air are sucked in from the suction port 32a by the drive of the motor unit 40. The dust sucked in from the suction port 32a is collected inside the dust case 30, and the air sucked in from the suction port 32a is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust hole 15 of the motor case 20.

[0017] Here, the cleaner 10 is a so-called "cyclone-type cleaner," and the dust and air sucked in from the intake port 32a are swirled inside the dust case 30. Subsequently, the centrifugal force generated by the swirling inside the dust case 30 separates the dust and air inside the dust case 30. During the operation of the cleaner 10, the dust is collected near the inner wall of the dust case 30, and the air is drawn into the motor unit 40 via the filter holder 25 located in the center of the dust case 30.

[0018] <Motor Case> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the motor case 20, located at the rear of the cleaner 10, is hollow and made of a resin material such as plastic. Specifically, a motor unit housing section 21 for housing the motor unit 40 is provided at the front of the motor case 20. Here, the motor unit 40 generates an airflow in the longitudinal direction of the cleaner 10, moving from the dust case 30 side (front) to the motor case 20 side (rear).

[0019] Furthermore, a handle 22 is provided on the rear side of the motor unit housing 21, extending in the front-to-back direction and gripped by the user. Inside the handle 22 is an operating part 12 that is pressed by the user, and an LED light 14 that illuminates the area in front of the cleaner 10 when the cleaner 10 is in operation.

[0020] Furthermore, a battery mounting section 23 is provided on the rear side of the motor unit housing section 21, so as to be substantially parallel to the handle 22. A battery pack 13, consisting of a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, is mounted in the battery mounting section 23 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0021] Furthermore, multiple exhaust holes 15 are provided on the rear side of the battery mounting section 23. These exhaust holes 15 connect the inside and outside of the motor case 20. As a result, air drawn into the dust case 30 from the intake port 32a flows through the filter holder 25, motor unit 40, and motor case 20, and is exhausted to the outside of the motor case 20 through the multiple exhaust holes 15.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the motor unit 40 is positioned in front of the handle 22, and the battery pack 13 is positioned behind the handle 22. In other words, the user will grip the cleaner near the relatively heavy motor unit 40 and battery pack 13 (near the center of gravity of the cleaner 10). Therefore, the user can hold the cleaner 10 in a balanced manner, ensuring good operability of the cleaner 10.

[0023] The handle 22 is positioned on the upper side of the cleaner 10, and the battery mounting section 23 is positioned on the lower side of the cleaner 10. The rear of the handle 22 and the rear of the battery mounting section 23 are connected to each other in an integrated manner by making the rear of the handle 22 curved.

[0024] As a result, when the motor case 20 is viewed from the side, it is formed in a roughly elliptical shape, and a space SP is formed inside it in which the user's fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger) can be placed. Therefore, the user can grip the handle 22 and press the operating part 12 with their thumb or the like.

[0025] Furthermore, a motor-side connection terminal MT is provided on the lower side of the battery mounting section 23. When the battery pack 13 is fixed to the battery mounting section 23, the battery-side connection terminal BT provided on the battery pack 13 is electrically connected to this motor-side connection terminal MT. This allows the battery pack 13 to supply drive current to the motor unit 40.

[0026] To remove the battery pack 13 from the battery mounting section 23, press the lock-free switch 13a located on the side of the battery pack 13 and slide the battery pack 13 towards the rear of the cleaner 10.

[0027] <Motor Unit> As shown in Figure 2, the motor unit 40 comprises a motor 41 and a fan 42 rotated by the motor 41. In other words, the motor unit 40 forms a fan motor.

[0028] The motor 41 is a brushless motor, and a control board 43 is provided near the motor 41. The fan 42 is located in front of the motor 41 (towards the dust case 30) and forms a turbo-type centrifugal fan. That is, the fan 42 is rotated by the motor 41, drawing in air from the center of the fan 42 and expelling the drawn-in air radially outward (inside the motor unit housing 21).

[0029] Here, the control board 43 is equipped with drive system electronic components (not shown) such as FETs that switch at high speed. The control board 43 is also electrically connected to a power line PL that supplies drive current to the motor 41 and a signal line SL that supplies operation signals from the operation unit 12 to the control board 43.

[0030] The motor unit 40 is fixed to a stepped cylindrical fixing cylinder 24 which is fixed to the front side of the motor unit housing 21. Specifically, the motor unit 40 is fixed to the axial rear side of the fixing cylinder 24. The axial rear side of a filter holder 25, which extends in the front-rear direction of the cleaner 10, is fixed to the axial front side of the fixing cylinder 24. The filter holder 25 is located inside the dust case 30, and a first filter F1 made of nonwoven fabric or the like is attached to the outer circumference of the filter holder 25. This prevents large dust particles from reaching the inside of the filter holder 25.

[0031] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the cleaner 10, a second filter F2, which is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape with considerable wall thickness, is provided between the filter holder 25 on which the first filter F1 is mounted and the motor unit 40. The second filter F2 is a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) and captures fine dust that could not be captured by the first filter F1. Therefore, clean air purified in two stages by the first and second filters F1 and F2 flows inside the motor unit 40. As a result, the motor unit 40 can maintain its initial performance over a long period of time.

[0032] <Dustbin> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dust case 30, positioned on the front side of the cleaner 10, is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape from a resin material such as plastic. Specifically, the dust case 30 comprises a large-diameter dust containment cylinder 31 positioned on the axis of the motor unit 40, and a dust suction pipe 32 integrally provided to the side (below) of the dust containment cylinder 31, with a smaller diameter than the dust containment cylinder 31. In other words, the dust containment cylinder 31 and the dust suction pipe 32 are integrally molded products.

[0033] <Dust container> The dust collection cylinder 31 comprises a cylindrical body 31a, a case bottom 31b located on the axial front side of the cylindrical body 31a, and a case opening 31c located on the axial rear side of the cylindrical body 31a. In other words, the dust collection cylinder 31 is formed in a substantially cup shape with the front side closed and the rear side open.

[0034] Here, the dust case 30 is fixed to the motor unit housing 21 by abutting its case opening 31c against the front side of the motor unit housing 21 and rotating relative to the motor unit housing 21 in one direction (clockwise). Conversely, the dust case 30 can be removed from the motor unit housing 21 by rotating the case opening 31c relative to the motor unit housing 21 in another direction (counterclockwise). Thus, dust and other debris collected inside the dust case 30 can be discarded.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, with the dust case 30 attached to the motor case 20, a filter holder 25 with the first filter F1 mounted on it is positioned inside the dust collection cylinder 31. By removing the dust case 30 from the motor unit housing 21, the filter holder 25 with the first filter F1 mounted on it is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the first filter F1 can be cleaned or replaced. The filter holder 25 can also be removed, which allows the second filter F2 to be cleaned or replaced as well.

[0036] Inside the dust collection cylinder 31 and around the filter holder 25, a swirling chamber 31d is provided where dust and air sucked in through the dust intake pipe 32 swirls. Specifically, as the fan 42 forming the motor unit 40 rotates, dust and air swirl inside the swirling chamber 31d as shown by the solid arrow AR1 in Figure 6. Here, in Figure 6, the cleaner 10 is viewed from the rear, so the dust and air swirl in a clockwise direction. The dust collection cylinder 31 having the swirling chamber 31d corresponds to the case in the present invention.

[0037] Here, dust and air are introduced into the swirling chamber 31d through the discharge port 32b (see Figures 4 to 7) located on the rear side of the dust intake pipe 32. The dust and air swirling inside the swirling chamber 31d are separated from each other by the centrifugal force associated with the swirling. The dust separated by the swirling is then collected inside the dust collection cylinder 31.

[0038] Meanwhile, the air from which dust has been removed by the swirling motion flows through the central part of the first filter F1 and filter holder 25, as well as through the second filter F2, as shown by the dashed arrow AR2 in Figure 6, and is drawn into the motor unit 40 (see Figure 2). Subsequently, the air discharged from the motor unit 40 flows through the inside of the motor case 20 and is exhausted to the outside of the motor case 20 through multiple exhaust holes 15 (see Figure 2).

[0039] The dust intake pipe 32 is connected to the dust containment cylinder 31 so as to be able to communicate with it, and the air flowing into the swirling chamber 31d flows through its interior, corresponding to the connecting pipe in this invention.

[0040] <Dust intake pipe> Furthermore, the dust suction pipe 32 is provided approximately parallel to the dust containment cylinder 31 and extends in the front-to-back direction of the cleaner 10. Specifically, the length of the dust suction pipe 32 along the front-to-back direction is approximately the same as the length of the dust containment cylinder 31 along the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 2, the dust suction pipe 32 protrudes from the dust containment cylinder 31 to the front of the cleaner 10 by a dimension L.

[0041] A passageway 33 is formed inside the dust intake pipe 32 through which dust and air circulate. The passageway 33 consists of a first passageway 33a extending in the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d (dust containment cylinder 31) and a second passageway 33b extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d (dust containment cylinder 31) (orthogonal direction). In other words, the passageway 33 inside the dust intake pipe 32 is formed in a roughly L-shape. The length of the first passageway 33a is approximately five times the length of the second passageway 33b.

[0042] Furthermore, an intake port 32a for drawing in dust and air is provided on the front side of the dust intake pipe 32. That is, the intake port 32a is positioned in front of the bottom 31b of the dust containment cylinder 31. This allows extension pipes and other accessories (not shown) of the cleaner 10 to be easily attached to and detached from the intake port 32a. The intake port 32a is positioned in front of the first flow path 33a and is the part into which air flows, corresponding to the inlet in this invention.

[0043] Furthermore, a discharge port 32b is provided on the rear side of the dust intake pipe 32 to discharge the dust and air sucked in from the intake port 32a into the swirling chamber 31d. The discharge port 32b connects the second flow path 33b and the swirling chamber 31d and is located near the rear side of the filter holder 25. As a result, the dust and air discharged from the discharge port 32b into the swirling chamber 31d are swirled inside the swirling chamber 31d. The discharge port 32b is located above the second flow path 33b and is the part through which the air flowing in from the intake port 32a flows out into the swirling chamber 31d, corresponding to the outlet in this invention.

[0044] Here, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the upper side of the second channel 33b is connected to the left side of the swirling chamber 31d from the tangential direction of the swirling chamber 31d. As a result, dust and air flowing from the second channel 33b into the swirling chamber 31d can swirl smoothly and efficiently along the inner wall of the swirling chamber 31d. Thus, the centrifugal separation function and suction power of the cleaner 10 are improved.

[0045] Furthermore, an opening 32c is provided at the rear of the dust suction pipe 32, between the suction port 32a and the discharge port 32b, which connects the inside and outside of the dust suction pipe 32. Specifically, the opening 32c is located below the second flow path 33b. That is, the opening 32c is located on one side (below) of the second flow path 33b in the direction of extension, and the discharge port 32b is located on the other side (above) of the second flow path 33b in the direction of extension. In this way, the opening 32c faces the discharge port 32b in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d.

[0046] <On / off valve> As shown in Figures 2 to 7, an on-off valve 34 made of an elastic material such as rubber is provided inside the dust intake pipe 32, i.e., in the flow path 33. In Figures 4 to 7, the on-off valve 34 is shown with shading to make its open and closed states easier to understand.

[0047] The on-off valve 34 is capable of seating onto and off a valve seat 35, which is formed by a step between the first passage 33a and the second passage 33b that form the passage 33. In other words, the valve seat 35 on which the on-off valve 34 can seat onto and off is provided between the first passage 33a and the second passage 33b of the dust intake pipe 32. In this way, the on-off valve 34 opens and closes the passage 33.

[0048] Then, by operating the cleaner 10 and driving the motor unit 40, a negative pressure is created inside the dust collection cylinder 31, causing dust and air to flow from the suction port 32a to the discharge port 32b. As a result, the on-off valve 34 changes from the "closed state (CLOSE)" shown in Figures 4 and 5 to the "open state (OPEN)" shown in Figures 6 and 7. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrow AR1 and dashed arrow AR2 in Figure 6, dust and air flow inside the dust collection cylinder 31, and dust is collected inside the dust collection cylinder 31.

[0049] As shown by the dashed arrow FL in Figure 7, when the on-off valve 34 is in the open state (OPEN), dust and air flowing into the second flow path 33b flow along the surface of the on-off valve 34, which is in the open state, and are guided to the discharge port 32b. Therefore, the dust and air flowing into the second flow path 33b can flow out smoothly into the swirling chamber 31d.

[0050] Thus, the on-off valve 34 is opened by the airflow from the suction port 32a to the discharge port 32b, allowing the airflow from the suction port 32a to the discharge port 32b (see Figures 6 and 7). Conversely, when the motor unit 40 is stopped and the inside of the dust collection cylinder 31 is no longer under negative pressure, the on-off valve 34 is closed by its own elastic force. In other words, the on-off valve 34 restricts the airflow from the discharge port 32b to the suction port 32a (see Figures 4 and 5). This prevents dust and other particles collected inside the dust collection cylinder 31 from flowing back through the flow path 33 and leaking out of the suction port 32a.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the on-off valve 34 is opened and closed near the discharge port 32b and inside the second flow path 33b. In other words, the on-off valve 34 does not protrude into the swirling chamber 31d. As a result, the on-off valve 34 does not obstruct the swirling of dust and air inside the swirling chamber 31d. This means that the centrifugal separation function can be improved and the suction power can be increased.

[0052] Furthermore, when the cleaner 10 is viewed from below, both the discharge port 32b and the on-off valve 34 are easily visible through the opening 32c (see Figures 4 and 6). However, when visually inspecting the discharge port 32b or the on-off valve 34, the cover 50 should be removed first.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the on-off valve 34 comprises a valve body 34a formed in a thin, substantially disc shape, and a fixing part 34b that is inserted into and fixed in a fixing groove 32d (see Figures 5 and 7) provided in the dust intake pipe 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, a central axis CA, which serves as the opening and closing center of the on-off valve 34, is provided between the valve body 34a and the fixing part 34b. In other words, the on-off valve 34, being made of rubber, is elastically deformable around the central axis CA, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the flow path 33.

[0054] Here, the fixing groove 32d of the dust intake pipe 32 extends in the direction of the extension of the second flow channel 33b. This allows the mold that forms the second flow channel 33b and the fixing groove 32d to be formed in the same mold when the dust case 30 is injection molded, and consequently, the mold can be easily removed. In other words, the moldability of the dust case 30 is improved.

[0055] Furthermore, the central axis CA and fixed portion 34b of the on-off valve 34 also extend in the direction of the extension of the second flow path 33b. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the assembly direction of the on-off valve 34 to the dust case 30 and the mounting direction of the lid 50 to the dust case 30 can be made to be in the same direction, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the cleaner 10.

[0056] <Lid> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a cover 50 is attached to the rear side of the dust intake pipe 32. The cover 50 closes the opening 32c that connects the inside and outside of the dust intake pipe 32.

[0057] The lid 50 is capable of opening and closing the opening 32c and includes a lid body 51 that covers the opening 32c. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, a recess 51a is provided on the inside of the lid body 51 that allows the opening and closing of the on-off valve 34. The recess 51a is recessed from the inside of the second flow path 33b to the outside (downward, one side in the direction of extension of the second flow path 33b). In other words, the side (downward) of the valve body 34a is movable into the inside of the recess 51a when the on-off valve 34 is opened and closed. This prevents the rear side of the dust suction pipe 32 from protruding significantly downward, and consequently suppresses the increase in size of the cleaner 10.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, a pair of engaging claws 52 are integrally provided on the outer edge of the lid body 51. These engaging claws 52 are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction and can be fixed to the rear side of the dust intake pipe 32 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, the pair of engaging claws 52 are designed to hook onto a pair of engaging recesses 32e that are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction on the dust intake pipe 32. This allows the lid 50 to be easily attached to and detached from the dust intake pipe 32.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a positioning projection 53 is provided on the inside of the lid body 51. The positioning projection 53 enters the opening 32c and abuts against the inner wall of the second flow path 33b, thereby positioning the lid 50 in the correct position on the dust intake pipe 32. Thus, the lid 50 can be easily positioned relative to the opening 32c and can be easily fixed by snap-fitting.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, a rubber sealing member 54 is attached to the inner and outer edge of the lid body 51. The sealing member 54 is in close contact with the seal mounting end surface 32f that forms the opening 32c of the dust intake pipe 32. As a result, the lid body 51 seals the opening 32c. Therefore, air does not flow into the second flow path 33b from the opening 32c, and consequently, the decrease in suction force at the intake port 32a is suppressed.

[0061] Here, one end (lower side) of a fixing groove 32d into which the fixing portion 34b of the on-off valve 34 is inserted and fixed is open on the seal mounting end face 32f. In other words, the on-off valve 34 fixed in the fixing groove 32d is supported (prevented from coming off) by the cover 50 via the sealing member 54. In other words, the on-off valve 34 can be easily removed simply by removing the cover 50, and consequently, maintenance such as replacing the on-off valve 34 can be easily performed.

[0062] Furthermore, since the on-off valve 34 is held in place by the cooperation of the dust intake pipe 32 and the cover 50, the dust intake pipe 32 and the cover 50 can also be referred to as the on-off valve mounting section, and the on-off valve can be said to be held in place by the on-off valve mounting section defined by the connecting pipe (dust intake pipe 32) and the cover.

[0063] <Cleaner maintenance work> When using the cleaner 10 to suck up relatively large debris and dust, the inside of the dust intake pipe 32, particularly near the second passage 33b, may become clogged. This is because the dust intake pipe 32 is equipped with a first passage 33a extending in the front-to-back direction and a second passage 33b extending in the up-to-down direction, causing the airflow (the path through which the debris passes) to bend at a right angle. As a result, relatively large debris and dust tend to clog the second passage 33b or its vicinity. Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in the suction power of the cleaner 10, it is necessary to periodically clear any blockages caused by debris and dust. In this embodiment, the cleaner 10 can be maintained (cleaned of debris) as follows.

[0064] Specifically, the engagement between the pair of engaging claws 52 provided on the lid 50 and the pair of engaging recesses 32e provided on the dust suction pipe 32 is disengaged. As a result, the lid 50, including the sealing member 54, and the on-off valve 34 can be separated from the dust suction pipe 32, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, debris and dust that have accumulated inside the dust suction pipe 32 and near the second flow path 33b can be discharged to the outside through the opening 32c and removed. Depending on the degree of accumulation of debris and dust, it may not be necessary to remove the on-off valve 34 from the dust suction pipe 32.

[0065] Furthermore, the lid 50, sealing member 54, and on-off valve 34 can be removed from the dust suction pipe 32, and their degree of contamination can be checked. If the lid 50, sealing member 54, and on-off valve 34 are heavily soiled, they can be washed with water. Of course, if the lid 50, sealing member 54, and on-off valve 34 are damaged, they can be replaced with new ones as needed.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, with the lid 50 removed from the dust intake pipe 32, the inside of the swirling chamber 31d can be observed through the opening 32c and discharge port 32b when the second flow path 33b is viewed from its extending direction. In other words, the swirling chamber 31d is visible from outside the dust intake pipe 32 through the opening 32c and discharge port 32b.

[0067] In this way, the degree of contamination in the swivel chamber 31d can be checked simply by removing the lid 50. If contamination inside the swivel chamber 31d is confirmed through the discharge port 32b from the opening 32c, the dust case 30 can be removed from the motor case 20, and any dirt adhering to the inside of the dust case 30 or the first filter F1 can be cleaned off. Therefore, simply by removing the lid 50, it is possible to clear any blockages inside the dust case 30 or check the degree of contamination, making maintenance work easy. Consequently, the convenience of the cleaner 10 is greatly improved.

[0068] Here, with the lid 50 removed from the dust intake pipe 32, when the second flow path 33b is viewed from its extending direction (see visual direction in Figure 4), the opening area S1 of the opening 32c (see cross-hatched area in Figure 4) is larger than the opening area S2 of the discharge port 32b (see cross-hatched area in Figure 4) (S1 > S2). As a result, the user can check the inside of the second flow path 33b and the condition of the on-off valve 34, as well as look inside the swirling chamber 31d, and thus easily grasp the overall degree of contamination of the dust case 30. In other words, simply by removing the lid 50 from the dust intake pipe 32, it becomes possible to quickly determine the need for maintenance work.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, although the shape of the dust case 30 is complex, the opening area S1 of the opening 32c is larger than the opening area S2 of the discharge port 32b, so the mold removal operation used during injection molding can be easily performed without causing undercuts. Therefore, the shape of the dust case 30 is also advantageous in terms of moldability, or in other words, it is a shape that suppresses increases in manufacturing costs.

[0070] As described in detail above, according to Embodiment 1, the dust suction pipe 32 includes an inlet 32a into which air flows, an outlet 32b into which air flows out to the swirling chamber 31d, an opening 32c provided between the inlet 32a and the outlet 32b that connects the inside and outside of the dust suction pipe 32, and a lid 50 that can open and close the opening 32c. The swirling chamber 31d is visible from the outside of the dust suction pipe 32 through the opening 32c and the outlet 32b.

[0071] This allows the dust suction pipe 32 to be cleared of debris clogging simply by removing the lid 50 from the opening 32c, and also allows the degree of contamination in the swirling chamber 31d to be checked. Therefore, maintenance work on the cleaner 10 can be easily performed, and consequently, the convenience of the cleaner 10 can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the opening 32c faces the discharge port 32b in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d.

[0073] This allows the user to easily see (confirm) the inside of the dust suction pipe 32 and the inside of the swirling chamber 31d from the side (bottom) of the cleaner 10. Therefore, the convenience of the cleaner 10 can be further improved.

[0074] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the dust intake pipe 32 has a first flow path 33a extending in the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d and a second flow path 33b extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swirling chamber 31d, the opening 32c is located on one side in the extending direction of the second flow path 33b and the discharge port 32b is located on the other side in the extending direction of the second flow path 33b, and when the second flow path 33b is viewed from its extending direction, the opening area S1 of the opening 32c is larger than the opening area S2 of the discharge port 32b (S1>S2).

[0075] This allows the user to check the condition of the inside of the second flow path 33b and the on / off valve 34, as well as the degree of contamination of the swirling chamber 31d. Furthermore, it makes it possible to easily remove the mold used during injection molding of the dust case 30 without causing undercuts. Thus, in addition to improving the convenience of the cleaner 10, it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs.

[0076] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the dust suction pipe 32 is provided with an on-off valve 34 that allows air to flow from the suction port 32a to the discharge port 32b and restricts air to flow from the discharge port 32b to the suction port 32a, and the on-off valve 34 is opened and closed inside the second flow path 33b.

[0077] This eliminates the need for the on-off valve 34 to protrude into the swirling chamber 31d, and consequently, the on-off valve 34 does not have any adverse effect that would hinder the swirling motion of dust and air inside the swirling chamber 31d. Therefore, it is possible to improve the centrifugal separation function of the cleaner 10, increase the suction power of the cleaner 10, and consequently further improve the convenience of the cleaner 10.

[0078] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the dust containment cylinder 31 and the dust intake pipe 32 are integrally molded products.

[0079] This makes it possible to easily discharge debris and dust that has accumulated on the rear side of the dust intake pipe 32 (near the second flow path 33b) to the outside, while also reducing the number of parts in the cleaner 10. Therefore, in addition to improving the convenience of the cleaner 10, it is possible to suppress the increase in the manufacturing cost of the cleaner 10.

[0080] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the central axis CA, which is the opening and closing center of the on-off valve 34, extends in the direction of the extension of the second flow path 33b.

[0081] As a result, by providing the fixing portion 34b along the central axis CA, the assembly direction of the on / off valve 34 to the dust case 30 and the mounting direction of the lid 50 to the dust case 30 can be made to be in the same direction, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the cleaner 10.

[0082] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, a valve seat 35 is provided between the first flow path 33a and the second flow path 33b of the dust suction pipe 32, on which the on / off valve 34 is seated.

[0083] This allows the flow path 33 inside the dust intake pipe 32 to be opened and closed with greater precision, and regardless of the position of the cleaner 10, it is possible to reliably prevent dust and other debris collected inside the dust collection cylinder 31 from flowing back through the flow path 33 and leaking out from the intake port 32a.

[0084] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0085] Figure 8 is a side view of the cleaner of Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cleaner in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 8, showing the on / off valve in the closed state.

[0086] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the cleaner (working machine) 60 of Embodiment 2 differs from the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1 in that the shape of the casing 61 is different and it is a two-stage cyclone type cleaner.

[0087] Specifically, the casing 61 is formed by connecting the motor case 20, the cylindrical case 62, and the dust case 63 to each other. The motor case 20, the cylindrical case 62, and the dust case 63 are arranged in this order from rear to front in the front-to-back direction of the cleaner 60.

[0088] The cylindrical case 62 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape from a resin material such as plastic, and a first swirling chamber 62a is provided inside the cylindrical case 62, near the center, in which dust and air are swirled. A mesh filter 62b having substantially the same function as the first filter F1 (see Figure 2) of Embodiment 1 is provided in the central part of the first swirling chamber 62a.

[0089] Furthermore, a total of 10 (10 cylinders) second swirling chambers 62c are provided inside the cylindrical case 62 and outside the first swirling chamber 62a. These second swirling chambers 62c are arranged in a line around the first swirling chamber 62a, and inside the second swirling chambers 62c, the dust and air that have swirled inside the first swirling chamber 62a swirl again. In this way, the cleaner 60, which is a two-stage cyclone type cleaner, is designed to centrifuge air containing dust in two stages.

[0090] The rear side of the dust intake pipe 32 is connected to the cylindrical case 62 so as to be able to communicate with each other. As shown in Figure 10, the upper side of the second flow path 33b provided inside the dust intake pipe 32 is connected to the first swirling chamber 62a via a connecting pipe section 62d provided inside the cylindrical case 62. The cylindrical case 62 corresponds to the case in this invention. The first swirling chamber 62a corresponds to the swirling chamber in this invention.

[0091] Here, dust and other particles centrifuged in the first swirling chamber 62a are collected in the main chamber 63a of the dust case 63. In contrast, the air flowing into the first swirling chamber 62a flows through the mesh filter 62b into a total of 10 second swirling chambers 62c. Any fine dust and other particles that were not completely centrifuged in the first swirling chamber 62a are centrifuged again in the second swirling chambers 62c and then collected in the sub-chambers 63b of the dust case 63.

[0092] The purified air that flows into the second swirl chamber 62c then passes through the second filter F2 and is drawn into the motor unit 40. Subsequently, the air discharged from the motor unit 40 passes through the inside of the motor case 20 and is exhausted to the outside of the motor case 20 through multiple exhaust holes 15.

[0093] The cleaner 60 of Embodiment 2, formed as described above, can achieve substantially the same effects and advantages as the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1. In addition, since the cleaner 60 of Embodiment 2 is a two-stage cyclone cleaner, it is possible to obtain a higher dust separation capacity when the motor unit 40 is driven with the same output.

[0094] <Embodiment 3> Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] Figure 11 is a magnified side view of the dust case portion of the cleaner in Embodiment 3. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the dust intake pipe with the cover removed. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 11 showing the valve in the closed position. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 11 showing the valve in the open position.

[0096] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the cleaner (working machine) 70 of Embodiment 3 differs from the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1 in that the lid 71 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and the sealing member 54 (see Figure 3) is omitted. In addition, as the lid 71 is made of rubber, the on / off valve 73 is integrally provided on the lid body 72. Furthermore, in order to prevent the lid 71 from being lost when it is removed from the dust suction pipe 32, a hooking projection 75 is provided on the rear side of the dust suction pipe 32, on which the engaging piece 74 of the lid 71 can be hooked.

[0097] Specifically, the opening / closing valve 73 and the engaging piece 74 are arranged to face each other in the front-to-back direction of the lid body 72. The base portion of the engaging piece 74 is integrally provided with the outer edge of the lid body 72, and the tip portion of the engaging piece 74 is provided with a fitting hole 74a into which a hook projection 75 provided on the dust intake pipe 32 is fitted. As a result, even if the lid 71 is removed from the dust intake pipe 32, the lid 71 will not separate from the dust intake pipe 32, thereby preventing the lid 71 from being lost.

[0098] Here, since the lid body 72 of the lid 71 is made of rubber, the outer edge of the lid body 72 can be in close contact with the seal mounting end surface 32f that forms the opening 32c of the dust intake pipe 32. Therefore, sufficient sealing performance can be ensured, and a sealing member 54 (see Figure 3) as in Embodiment 1 is unnecessary.

[0099] An openable / closable valve 73 is integrally provided on the inside and front side of the lid body 72, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In other words, the lid 71 and the open / close valve 73 are integrally molded parts. As shown by the dashed arrow FL in Figure 14, when the open / close valve 73 is in the open state, dust and air flow along the surface of the open / close valve 73, similar to the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 7), and are guided to the discharge port 32b. Therefore, the dust and air that flow into the second flow path 33b are smoothly discharged into the swirling chamber 31d.

[0100] Furthermore, a central axis CA (see the dashed line in Figure 12) that serves as the opening and closing center of the on-off valve 73 is provided at the connection point between the on-off valve 73 and the lid body 72. Here, the central axis CA of the on-off valve 73 extends in the left-right direction of the cleaner 70. That is, it is offset by 90 degrees from the central axis CA of the on-off valve 34 in Embodiment 1 (see Figures 4 and 6). In this way, since the on-off valve 73 is integrally provided with the lid body 72, a fixing groove (corresponding to the fixing groove 32d in Figures 5 and 7) for fixing the on-off valve 73 is not required on the dust suction pipe 32 side.

[0101] The cleaner 70 of Embodiment 3, formed as described above, can achieve substantially the same effects and advantages as the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1. In addition, in the cleaner 70 of Embodiment 3, the lid 71 and the on-off valve 73 are integrally molded and made of rubber, so the sealing member 54 (see Figure 3) that was required in the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1 can be omitted. Furthermore, the fixing groove (corresponding to the fixing groove 32d in Figures 5 and 7) for fixing the on-off valve 73 to the dust suction pipe 32 can be omitted. Therefore, compared to the cleaner 10 of Embodiment 1, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly process.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the cleaners 10, 60, and 70 described above are shown to be equipped with a motor unit 40 driven by a drive current supplied from a battery pack 13, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a system in which a drive current is supplied to the motor unit from a commercial power supply (AC power supply) via a power cord.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments show a motor unit 40 having a motor 41 consisting of a brushless motor, the present invention is not limited to this, and a brushed motor can also be used as the motor 41.

[0104] Furthermore, the cleaner 60, which is a two-stage cyclone-type cleaner as shown in Embodiment 2, can also be fitted with the lid 71 shown in Embodiment 3.

[0105] Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and installation location of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 10...Cleaner (working equipment), 11...Casing, 12...Operating unit, 13...Battery pack, 13a...Lock-free switch, 14...LED light, 15...Exhaust port, 20...Motor case, 21...Motor unit housing, 22...Handle, 23...Battery mounting section, 24...Fixed cylinder section, 25...Filter holder, 30...Dust case, 31...Dust housing cylinder (case), 31a...Cylindrical body, 31b...Case bottom, 31c...Case opening, 31d...Swivel chamber, 32...Dust suction pipe (connecting pipe), 32a...Suction port (inlet), 32b...Discharge port (outlet), 32c...Opening, 32d...Fixing groove, 32e...Engaging recess, 32f...Seal mounting end face, 33...Flow path, 33a...First flow path, 33b...Second flow path, 34...On / off valve, 34a...Valve body, 34b...Fixing part, 3 5...Valve seat, 40...Motor unit, 41...Motor, 42...Fan, 43...Control board, 50...Lid, 51...Lid body, 51a...Recess, 52...Engaging claw, 53...Positioning projection, 54...Sealing member, 60...Cleaner (working machine), 61...Casing, 62...Cylindrical case (case), 62a...First swivel chamber (swivel chamber), 62b...Mesh filter, 62c...Second swivel chamber, 62d...Connecting pipe section, 63...Dust case, 63a...Main chamber, 63b...Sub chamber, 70...Cleaner (working machine), 71...Lid, 72...Lid body, 73...On / off valve, 74...Engaging piece, 74a...Matching hole, 75...Hook projection, BT...Battery side connection terminal, CA...Central axis, F1...First filter, F2...Second filter, MT...Motor side connection terminal, PL...Power line, SL...Signal line, SP...Space

Claims

1. Motor and, A fan rotated by the aforementioned motor, A case equipped with a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the aforementioned fan, A connecting pipe connected to the aforementioned case, It has, The aforementioned connecting pipe is An inlet through which air flows in, An outlet for releasing air into the swirling chamber, An opening is provided between the inlet and the outlet, which connects the inside and outside of the connecting pipe, A lid that can open and close the aforementioned opening, Equipped with, The swirling chamber is visible from the outside of the connecting pipe through the opening and the outlet. Work equipment.

2. The opening is opposite the outlet in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swivel chamber. The work machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned connecting pipe is A first flow path extending in the axial direction of the swivel chamber, A second flow path extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the aforementioned swivel chamber, It has, The opening is located on one side in the extending direction of the second flow path. The outlet is located on the other side in the direction of extension of the second flow path. When the second flow path is viewed from its extending direction, the opening area of ​​the opening is larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet. The work machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The connecting pipe is provided with an on / off valve that allows air to flow from the inlet to the outlet and restricts air to flow from the outlet to the inlet. The aforementioned on-off valve is opened and closed inside the second flow path. The work machine according to claim 3.

5. The cover has a recess that is recessed toward one side in the direction of extension of the second flow path. The work machine according to claim 4.

6. The lid and the on / off valve are integrally molded parts. The work machine according to claim 4.

7. Motor and, A fan rotated by the aforementioned motor, A case equipped with a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the aforementioned fan, A connecting pipe connected to the aforementioned case, It has, The aforementioned connecting pipe is An inlet through which air flows in, An outlet for releasing air into the swirling chamber, An opening is provided between the inlet and the outlet, which connects the inside and outside of the connecting pipe, A lid that can open and close the aforementioned opening, Equipped with, The case and the connecting pipe are integrally molded parts. Work equipment.

8. Motor and, A fan rotated by the aforementioned motor, A case equipped with a swirling chamber in which air is swirled by the rotation of the aforementioned fan, A connecting pipe connected to the aforementioned case, It has, The aforementioned connecting pipe is A first flow path extending in the axial direction of the swirling chamber and having an inlet into which air flows, A second flow path extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the swirling chamber and has an outlet for discharging air into the swirling chamber, A valve that opens and closes within the second flow path, allowing airflow from the inlet to the outlet and restricting airflow from the outlet to the inlet, Equipped with, Work equipment.

9. The central axis that serves as the opening and closing center of the aforementioned opening and closing valve extends in the direction of extension of the second flow path. The work machine according to claim 8.

10. An opening is provided on one side of the second flow path in the direction of extension, which connects the inside and outside of the connecting pipe. The outlet is provided on the other side of the second flow path in the direction of extension. The aforementioned opening can be opened and closed by a lid. The work machine according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. A valve seat is provided between the first and second flow paths of the connecting pipe, on which the on / off valve is seated. The work machine according to claim 8.

12. The on-off valve is held by the on-off valve mounting portion defined by the connecting pipe and the cover. The work machine according to claim 10.

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