Blower and sprayer attachment

Abstract

The present application provides an improved air blower and a sprayer attachment capable of adding a function other than air blowing. An electric air blower is configured to discharge air from a discharge port. The air blower has a main body configured to be capable of mounting the sprayer attachment. The main body is configured to be capable of being carried integrally with the sprayer attachment in a state where the sprayer attachment is mounted to the main body. The sprayer attachment has a container, a nozzle, and a liquid supply path. The container is configured to be capable of containing a liquid. The liquid supply path is connected to the container and the nozzle. Accordingly, an air blower that is easy to handle even when the sprayer attachment is mounted can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric blower and a sprayer accessory that can be installed on the blower. Background Technology

[0002] A technique is known to add functions other than air supply to a blower by installing any accessory on the blower, which is capable of discharging air from the outlet. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a blower capable of spraying water supplied from a container through a hose (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Existing technical documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2007 / 019604 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When the blower disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents is used for spraying operations, the user needs to carry a container separate from the blower. Therefore, there is room for further improvement of this blower.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide an improved blower capable of being equipped with functions other than air supply. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved accessory that can be installed on the blower.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrically powered blower configured to exhaust air is provided. The blower has a main body configured to accommodate a sprayer attachment. The main body is configured to allow for integral transport of the sprayer attachment when it is mounted on the main body. Furthermore, the sprayer attachment includes a container, a nozzle, and a liquid supply path. The container is configured to contain liquid. The nozzle has a discharge outlet. The liquid supply path connects the container and the nozzle.

[0011] In this type of electrically powered blower, it can be used as a sprayer by installing a sprayer attachment. This improves the convenience of the blower. Furthermore, the main body of the blower, with the sprayer attachment installed, can be transported as a single unit. Therefore, a blower that is easy to handle even when the sprayer attachment is installed can be realized.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sprayer accessory is provided that can be installed on an electrically powered blower configured to exhaust air. The sprayer accessory has a container, a nozzle, and a liquid supply path. The container is configured to contain liquid and can be installed on the main body of the blower. The nozzle has an outlet and is configured to be installed on the main body of the blower. The liquid supply path connects the container and the nozzle.

[0013] In this type of sprayer accessory, the blower can be equipped with the function of a sprayer by being mounted on an electric blower. Furthermore, since both the container and the nozzle can be mounted on the blower, the sprayer accessory can be transported as a single unit with the blower while it is mounted on the blower body. Therefore, a sprayer accessory that is easy to handle even when mounted on a blower can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of an air dust collector with the spray attachment installed.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a left view of an air dust collector with the spray attachment installed.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a left view of an air dust collector.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a right view of an air dust collector.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 VV sectional view.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Sectional view VI-VI.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a side view of the container body.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 IX-IX sectional view.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A sectional view of XX (however, the illustration of the air dust collector is omitted).

[0024] Figure 11 Is with Figure 10 The corresponding diagram shows the state in which the nozzle connection is held by the container's retaining part.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a left view of another air dust collector with the spray attachment installed.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the container support as viewed from the snap-fit ​​side.

[0027] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Sectional view of XIV-XIV.

[0028] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 XV-XV sectional view.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a 3D view of the fixing part of the container support.

[0030] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0031] 1A, 1B: Air dust collector; 10: Main body; 11: Receiving part; 110: Inlet; 12: Nozzle part; 120: Outlet; 121: Nozzle mounting part; 122: Guide recess; 13: Locking mechanism; 131: Sliding sleeve; 133: Force spring; 14: Grip part; 141: Trigger; 15: Controller receiving part; 17: Battery mounting part; 18: Battery; 171: Side wall part; 171L: Left wall part; 171R: Right wall part; 172: Guide rail; 181: Groove; 2 1: Container mounting part; 211: Threaded hole; 213: Locking groove; 21L: Left side mounting part; 21R: Right side mounting part; 23A, 23B: Container support; 24A, 24B: Support body; 241: Base; 242: Base; 243: Through hole; 244: Through hole; 245: Bending part; 246: Part 1; 247: Part 2; 25: Movable part; 251: Bearing retaining part; 252: Cylindrical part; 253: Through hole; 255: Connecting part; 257: Bearing; 2 6: Engaging part; 261: Lower end; 262: Upper end; 27: Fixing part; 271: Base; 272: Through hole; 275: Support shaft; 276: Retaining ring; 28: Screw; 291: Bolt; 292: Nut; 31: Motor; 311: Output shaft; 33: Fan; 37: Controller; 5: Sprayer accessory; 6: Container; 61: Container body; 611: Vent; 613: Holding part; 62: Engaging part; 621: Engaging groove; 623: Protrusion; 69: Cap; 7: Liquid Body supply path; 711: First component; 716: Second component; 72: Middle part; 721: Inner protrusion; 723: Outer protrusion; 73: First hose; 75: Second hose; 77: Nozzle connection; 770: Liquid supply port; 8: Nozzle; 80: Passage; 801: Opening; 802: Opening (outlet); 81: Nozzle body; 811: Holding part; 812: Holding hole; 86: Mounting part; 861: Locking piece; 9: Valve; 91: Actuating part; 93: Knob. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body of the blower may have at least one container mounting portion and one nozzle mounting portion. The at least one container mounting portion may be configured to be a container capable of mounting a sprayer accessory. The nozzle mounting portion may be configured to be a nozzle capable of mounting a sprayer accessory. According to this structure, the container and nozzle of the sprayer accessory can be mounted on the main body of the blower. Therefore, stable mounting of the sprayer accessory relative to the blower can be achieved.

[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, at least one container mounting section may include multiple container mounting sections disposed at different locations on the main body. According to this structure, the user can selectively install a container on an appropriate container mounting section among the multiple container mounting sections, depending on the working environment (e.g., the surrounding space). This improves the operability of the blower when the sprayer accessory is installed.

[0034] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle mounting portion may be arranged along a first axis. The main body may include a grip portion configured for user gripping and extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis. A plurality of container mounting portions may include two container mounting portions disposed on opposite sides of a plane including the first and second axes. The nozzle mounting portion may be configured to selectively mount a nozzle at one of two different nozzle mounting positions circumferentially around the first axis. According to this configuration, the user can selectively mount a container at an appropriate location on one of the two container mounting portions depending on the working environment (e.g., surrounding space). The user can also selectively mount a nozzle at an appropriate location on one of the two nozzle mounting positions depending on the container's mounting position. Accordingly, the operability of the blower with the sprayer attachment installed can be further improved.

[0035] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the blower may further include a motor and a fan, the fan being configured to rotate via the motor to expel air from an outlet of a nozzle mounted on the main body. The main body may include a receiving portion, a grip portion, and a battery mounting portion. The receiving portion may extend along a first axis and is used to receive the motor and fan. The grip portion may be configured for use by a user and protrudes from the receiving portion along a second axis intersecting the first axis. The battery mounting portion may be connected to the protruding end of the grip portion. The battery mounting portion may be configured to accommodate a battery for powering the motor. At least one container mounting portion may be disposed on the side of the battery mounting portion. According to this structure, the container can be positioned in a relatively stable location without obstructing the user.

[0036] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the blower may further include a support frame configured to hold the container in a detachable manner. The support frame may be formed independently of the main body. The support frame may be detachably fixed to at least one container mounting portion. At least one container mounting portion may be configured to detachably support the container via the support frame. According to this structure, a support frame with the desired characteristics (e.g., shape, strength) can be manufactured independently without being constrained by the main body of the blower. Furthermore, in the case where at least one container mounting portion comprises multiple container mounting portions, the support frame may be selectively detachably fixed to one of the multiple container mounting portions.

[0037] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the support may have a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion may be detachably fixed to at least one container mounting portion. The movable portion may be configured to detachably hold the container and be connected to the fixed portion in a movable manner relative to the fixed portion. According to this structure, the orientation (posture) of the container relative to the fixed portion and the blower can be changed. Accordingly, for example, the user can change the orientation of the container relative to the blower according to the working environment (e.g., the orientation of the blower relative to the horizontal direction).

[0038] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the movable part can be rotatably connected to the fixed part. According to this structure, a support can be realized that allows for easy changing of the orientation (posture) of the container relative to the fixed part and the blower.

[0039] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the movable part may be configured to rotate relative to the fixed part according to the weight of the container held by the movable part and the liquid contained in the container. According to this structure, even if the user does not change the orientation of the movable part, the orientation of the movable part and the container relative to the direction of gravity can be maintained by rotating the movable part relative to the fixed part. Therefore, the possibility of liquid spilling from the container can be reduced.

[0040] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the container of the sprayer accessory can be configured to be installed and removed from the main body of the blower without the use of auxiliary tools. According to this configuration, the installation and removal of the sprayer accessory from the blower can be easily performed.

[0041] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the sprayer accessory may further include a valve capable of opening and closing the liquid supply path by manual operation of the user. According to this configuration, by closing the valve when the sprayer accessory is not in use, the possibility of liquid leakage through the liquid supply path can be reduced.

[0042] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, one end of the liquid supply path may have a connecting portion configured to be detachable from the nozzle. According to this structure, since the liquid supply path can be separated from the nozzle, the nozzle can be easily installed on the body of the blower. Furthermore, the storage capacity of the blower and sprayer accessories when not in use is improved.

[0043] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the container may have a retaining portion configured as a connection that retains the liquid supply path in a detachable manner. According to this structure, the storage capacity of the blower and sprayer accessories when not in use can be further improved.

[0044] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the container may have a vent for communicating between the interior and exterior of the container. The retaining portion may be at least a part of the vent in the container and is configured to allow for insertion of a connecting portion. According to this structure, liquid remaining in the liquid supply path can be discharged into the container via the vent.

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0046] <First Implementation>

[0047] First, refer to Figures 1 to 11 The following describes the air dust collector 1A and the sprayer accessory 5 according to the first embodiment. The air dust collector 1A is an example of an electrically powered blower that can blow away dust and the like by compressing and discharging air. The sprayer accessory 5 is an example of an accessory that is additionally installed on the air dust collector 1A, enabling the air dust collector 1A to function as a sprayer.

[0048] First, the structure of the air dust collector 1A will be explained.

[0049] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the outer contour of the air dust collector 1A is formed by the main body 10. The main body 10 is a hollow body, also referred to as a housing. The main body 10 includes a receiving part 11, a nozzle part 12, a gripping part 14, a controller receiving part 15, and a battery mounting part 17.

[0050] A motor 31 and a fan 33 are housed in the housing 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the motor 31 is a brushless DC motor. The fan 33 is a centrifugal fan. The output shaft 311 of the motor 31 and the fan 33 are driven to rotate integrally around axis A1. The housing 11 extends along axis A1. An opening (inlet) 110 for drawing air into the housing 11 is provided at one end in the long axis direction (the direction of extension of axis A1).

[0051] The nozzle portion 12 is generally formed as a funnel shape tapering at the tip, and extends along axis A1 from the other end of the receiving portion 11 in the direction of its long axis. The opening at the tip of the nozzle portion 12 is an outlet 120 for discharging air from the main body 10. The tip portion (protruding end) of the nozzle portion 12 is formed as a cylinder. Various nozzles, including the nozzle 8 of the sprayer accessory 5, can be selectively installed on the tip portion of the nozzle portion 12. Therefore, the tip portion of the nozzle portion 12 will also be referred to below as the nozzle mounting portion 121. The user can use the air dust collector 1A with or without a nozzle installed, depending on the work requirements. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle portion 12 has a locking mechanism 13, which is configured to lock the nozzle relative to the air dust collector 1A in a predetermined installation position. The nozzle is mounted to the nozzle mounting portion 121 by means of the locking mechanism 13.

[0052] The grip portion 14 is an elongated portion configured for use by a user. The grip portion 14 protrudes from the receiving portion 11 in a direction intersecting the axis A1. That is, the long axis of the grip portion 14 extends in a manner that intersects the long axis (axis A1) of the receiving portion 11.

[0053] Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, the extending direction of axis A1 (the direction of the major axis of the housing 11) is defined as the front-rear direction of the air dust collector 1A. In the front-rear direction, the direction from the suction port 110 to the discharge port 120 is defined as forward, and the opposite direction (the direction from the discharge port 120 to the suction port 110) is defined as rearward. The direction orthogonal to axis A1 and roughly corresponding to the extending direction of the grip 14 (the direction of the major axis of the grip 14) is defined as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the direction in which the grip 14 protrudes from the housing 11 (the direction from the housing 11 to the protruding end of the grip 14) is defined as downward, and the opposite direction (the direction from the protruding end of the grip 14 to the housing 11) is defined as upward. The direction orthogonal to both the front-rear and up-down directions is defined as the left-right direction.

[0054] A trigger 141, which can be pressed by the user, is provided at the upper end of the grip 14. Inside the grip 14 is a switch (not shown) that is activated in response to pressing the trigger 141. A controller housing 15 is connected to the lower end of the grip 14. The controller housing 15 is formed in a rectangular box shape. A controller 37 configured to control the drive of the motor 31 is housed in the controller housing 15 (see reference). Figure 5The controller 37 drives the motor 31 when the switch is activated by the user pressing the trigger 141. Air is drawn into the housing 11 from the intake 110 by the rotation of the fan 33, and the compressed air is discharged from the outlet 120. Furthermore, when the nozzle is installed in the air dust collector 1A, compressed air flows into the nozzle from the outlet 120 and is discharged from the nozzle's outlet.

[0055] The battery mounting section 17 is located on the lower side of the controller housing section 15. The battery mounting section 17 forms the lower end of the main body 10. The battery mounting section 17 is configured to accommodate a battery 18 for supplying power to various parts of the air dust collector 1A (motor 31, controller 37, etc.).

[0056] Since the structure of battery 18 and battery mounting part 17 is well known, it will be described simply. Figure 5 As shown, grooves 181 extending generally in the front-rear direction are provided at the upper left and upper right ends of the battery 18. The battery mounting portion 17 includes a pair of left and right sidewall portions 171 (left wall portion 171L and right wall portion 171R) and guide rails 172 respectively provided on the left wall portion 171L and right wall portion 171R. The guide rails 172 protrude inward from the inner surfaces of the left wall portion 171L and right wall portion 171R and extend in a generally front-rear direction. The guide rails 172 can slide and engage with the grooves 181 of the battery 18. In addition, although detailed drawings are omitted, a hook portion movable in the vertical direction is provided at the upper end of the battery 18, and a recess portion for engaging the hook portion is provided on the battery mounting portion 17.

[0057] When installing battery 18, the slot 181 and hook portion of battery 18 engage with the guide rail 172 and recess of battery mounting portion 17, respectively, thereby positioning battery 18 in a predetermined position relative to battery mounting portion 17. Corresponding to the battery 18 being positioned in the predetermined position, the terminals of battery mounting portion 17 are electrically connected to the terminals of battery 18, thereby supplying power to various parts of air dust collector 1A.

[0058] Moreover, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, two container mounting portions 21 are provided on the battery mounting portion 17. Each of the two container mounting portions 21 is configured to mount a container 6 (see reference 5) of the sprayer accessory 5. Figure 1The container mounting section 21 is symmetrically arranged with respect to an imaginary plane P that passes through the center of the air dust collector 1A (main body 10, battery mounting section 17) in the left-right direction and extends in the up-down direction. Plane P can also be referred to as the plane including axis A1 (the major axis of the receiving section 11) and the major axis of the gripping section 14. Hereinafter, when referring to both container mounting sections 21 collectively, or when referring to any container mounting section 21 without distinction, it will simply be called container mounting section 21. On the other hand, when referring to the container mounting section 21 located on the left side of plane P, it is called the left mounting section 21L, and when referring to the container mounting section 21 located on the right side of plane P, it is called the right mounting section 21R.

[0059] In this embodiment, the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A is configured to support (hold) the container 6 in a detachable manner via the container bracket 23A. Therefore, each container mounting portion 21 is configured such that the container bracket 23A can be detachably mounted. More specifically, each container mounting portion 21 has a threaded hole 211 and a locking groove 213 formed in the side wall portion 171 of the battery mounting portion 17. The threaded hole 211 is disposed at the rear of the side wall portion 171. The locking groove 213 is formed above the threaded hole 211 of the side wall portion 171. The locking groove 213 extends in a straight line along a generally front-rear direction (more specifically, slightly upward and backward).

[0060] The user can selectively install the container bracket 23A on one of the two container mounting parts 21, and the container 6 of the sprayer accessory 5 is mounted to the main body 10 via the container bracket 23A. In addition, in this embodiment, most of the main body 10, including the battery mounting part 17, is made of synthetic resin, while the container bracket 23A is made of metal (e.g., iron alloy, aluminum alloy).

[0061] The following describes container support 23A. (For example...) Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the container support 23A includes a support body 24A and a locking part 26.

[0062] The support body 24A is a single (seamless) metal plate-shaped component formed by bending. The support body 24A is configured to hold the container 6 in a detachable manner and includes a base 241 and two bent portions 245.

[0063] The base 241 is a generally rectangular portion of the support body 24A. Furthermore, when the container support 23A is installed on the air dust collector 1A, the long side and short side of the base 241 roughly correspond to the front-back and vertical directions of the air dust collector 1A, respectively. Accordingly, in the following description, the long side, short side, and thickness direction of the base 241 will be referred to as the front-back, vertical, and horizontal directions of the container support 23A, respectively. Two through holes 243 for screws 28 are formed at the lower center of the base 241, separated in the front-back direction.

[0064] Two bends 245 extend from the two ends of the base 241 in the longitudinal direction (long side direction). Each bend 245 has a generally L-shaped cross-section and includes a first portion 246 and a second portion 247. The first portion 246 protrudes from the end of the base 241 at a generally right angle to it. The second portion 247 protrudes from the protruding end of the first portion 246 at a generally parallel position to the base 241. The second portions 247 of each of the two bends 245 extend toward each other in a direction of approach. In the left-right direction, the base 241 and the second portion 247 are separated by a distance D1 (refer to...). Figure 5 A space is formed between the base 241 and the second part 247. A portion of the container 6 (specifically, the engaging part 62) is disposed in this space. Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, the protruding ends of the two second parts 247 are separated, and the two through holes 243 of the base 241 are located between the protruding ends of the second parts 247.

[0065] The engaging portion 26 is a metal plate-shaped component formed independently of the support body 24A. The engaging portion 26 is fixed in a non-separable manner to the second surface of the base 241, opposite to the first surface where the curved portion 245 is disposed (the surface facing the side wall portion 171 when mounted on the body 10). The lower end portion 261 and the upper end portion 262 of the engaging portion 26 protrude away from the base 241 by bending. The length of the lower end portion 261 protruding from the base 241 is greater than the length of the upper end portion 262 protruding from the base 241. The lower end portion 261 is positioned above the through hole 243. Furthermore, the central portion of the lower end portion 261 is configured to mate with the locking groove 213 of the container mounting portion 21 (allowing it to be inserted into the locking groove 213).

[0066] The user can selectively install the container holder 23A with the above structure onto the left mounting portion 21L or the right mounting portion 21R using screws 28. More specifically, the user can insert the center of the lower end portion 261 of the engaging portion 26 of the container holder 23A into the locking groove 213 of the container mounting portion 21 (left mounting portion 21L or right mounting portion 21R). Thus, the container holder 23A is positioned appropriately relative to the container mounting portion 21, with the rear one of the two through holes 243 facing the threaded hole 211 of the container mounting portion 21 in the left-right direction. The user fixes the container holder 23A to the container mounting portion 21 by passing the screw 28 through the through hole 243 and tightening it into the threaded hole 211. In this embodiment, by abutting the upper end portion 262 of the engaging portion 26 against the upper end of the side wall of the controller receiving portion 15, the fixed state of the container holder 23A can be further stabilized.

[0067] In addition, the user can easily remove the container bracket 23A from the container mounting part 21 by removing the screw 28.

[0068] The structure of sprayer accessory 5 will be described below.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sprayer accessory 5 includes a container 6, a nozzle 8, a liquid supply path 7 connecting the container 6 and the nozzle 8, and a valve 9 configured to open and close the liquid supply path 7. These structures will be described in detail below.

[0070] First, the container 6 will be described. The container 6 is a hollow body capable of containing liquids (e.g., water, medicinal solutions (e.g., disinfectants, insecticides, etc.), paint), and is also referred to as a storage tank. In this embodiment, the container 6 has a bottomed cylindrical container body 61 and a lid 69. One end of the bottomed cylindrical container body 61 is open, and the other end is closed. The lid 69 is detachably installed on the container body 61 to seal the opening of the container body 61. Furthermore, in the following description, the bottom side of the container body 61 is defined as the lower side of the container 6, and the open side of the container body 61 is defined as the upper side of the container 6.

[0071] The container body 61 is formed by a bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall protruding from the periphery of the bottom wall, and is capable of containing liquid. Furthermore, the container body 61 is configured to be mounted on the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A (more specifically, the container mounting part 21) via the aforementioned container support 23A. More specifically, a locking part 62 is provided on the container body 61 that can engage with the container support 23A. In this embodiment, the bottom wall, peripheral wall, and locking part 62 are integrally molded from synthetic resin.

[0072] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the engaging portion 62 is a protrusion that extends outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall of the container body 61 toward the outside of the container body 61. When viewed from the side, the engaging portion 62 is generally rectangular and has two side surfaces connected to the outer surface of the peripheral wall and a rectangular protruding end face connecting the two side surfaces.

[0073] Engaging grooves 621 are formed on both sides of the engaging portion 62. The engaging grooves 621 extend upward from the lower end of the engaging portion 62. The upper end of the engaging grooves 621 is located below the upper end of the engaging portion 62. That is, the upper end of the engaging grooves 621 is closed.

[0074] Additionally, three protrusions 623 are provided on the engaging portion 62. Each protrusion 623 protrudes further outward from the protruding end face of the engaging portion 62. The protrusion amount of the three protrusions 623 is approximately the same. Two of the three protrusions 623 are located at approximately the same position in the vertical direction at the upper end of the engaging portion 62, and are positioned separately from each other in the horizontal direction. The remaining protrusion 623 is located at the lower end of the engaging portion 62. This protrusion 623 is positioned differently in the horizontal direction from the other two protrusions 623 (specifically, between the two protrusions 623).

[0075] Users can install the container 6 with the above structure onto the container holder 23A. More specifically, as... Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the user aligns the engaging groove 621 of the container 6 with the second portion 247 of the bend 245 of the container support 23A, and moves the container 6 downward from above the container support 23A. The protruding end of the protrusion 623 of the container 6 slides along the surface of the base 241, and the second portion 247 of the container support 23A slides within the engaging groove 621 of the container 6. In this state, the container 6 moves downward relative to the container support 23A. When the second portion 247 of the container support 23A reaches the upper end of the engaging groove 621 of the container 6, the installation of the container 6 relative to the container support 23A (and consequently relative to the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A) is completed. Alternatively, the user can remove the container 6 from the container support 23A (main body 10) by moving the container 6 upward until the engaging groove 621 disengages from the bend 245.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, the user can easily assemble and disassemble the container 6 relative to the main body 10 without using fasteners or auxiliary tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.).

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the left-right direction, the distance D2 between the engaging groove 621 of the container 6 and the protruding end of the protrusion 623 (refer to...) Figure 7The distance D1 between the base 241 and the second part 247 of the container support 23A is set slightly larger than that between the base 241 and the second part 247 (see reference). Figure 5 Furthermore, the support body 24A is a single metal component, allowing for slight deflection of the bending portion 245. Accordingly, when the container 6 is mounted on the container support 23A as described above, the engaging portion 62 is gently pressed into the container support 23A. Thus, with the protruding ends of the three separately arranged protrusions 623 abutting against the base 241, the container 6 can be stably held by the container support 23A, and consequently by the body 10, without wobbling.

[0078] As explained above, in this embodiment, the container 6 is formed independently of the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A and is held by a container support 23A fixed to the container mounting portion 21. Accordingly, the container support 23A, having the required characteristics (e.g., shape, strength), can be manufactured independently without being constrained by the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A. That is, the container support 23A can be manufactured from a material (in this embodiment, metal) having the strength required for supporting the container 6 when containing liquid, and can be shaped to engage with the container 6. Furthermore, the container support 23A can be detachably fixed to the main body 10 using screws 28, thereby reliably integrating the container support 23A with the main body 10. Thus, by using the container support 23A, ease of manufacture and ensured strength are achieved.

[0079] The following describes nozzle 8. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the nozzle 8 is generally cylindrical and is configured to be mounted on the nozzle mounting portion 121 of the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A. The nozzle 8 of this embodiment includes a nozzle body 81 and a mounting portion 86 connected coaxially. Furthermore, the nozzle body 81 and the mounting portion 86 are integrally formed.

[0080] The nozzle body 81 is an elongated cylindrical body, defining a passage 80 extending along the axis of the nozzle 8 from the opening 801 at the base end to the opening 802 at the top end. The nozzle body 81 is configured such that the diameter of the passage 80 decreases as it moves from the opening 801 toward the opening 802. When the nozzle 8 is mounted on the body 10 (nozzle mounting portion 121), the passage 80 communicates with the outlet 120 of the body 10. Accordingly, compressed air discharged from the outlet 120 of the body 10 is discharged through the passage 80 from the opening 802 of the nozzle 8. In the following description, the opening 802 of the nozzle 8 will also be referred to as the outlet 802.

[0081] Additionally, a retaining portion 811 is provided on the nozzle body 81, which detachably holds the nozzle connection portion 77 of the liquid supply path 7. The retaining portion 811 is a protrusion located adjacent to the outlet 802 and situated on the outer periphery of the nozzle body 81. The retaining portion 811 protrudes forward from the front end of the nozzle body 81. The retaining portion 811 has a retaining hole 812 that extends radially through the retaining portion 811 along the nozzle 8. The retaining hole 812 has a shape that matches a portion of the nozzle connection portion 77 of the liquid supply path 7, described later.

[0082] The mounting portion 86 is connected to the base end of the nozzle body 81 and is configured to be mountable (connected) to the body 10 of the air dust collector 1A. More specifically, the mounting portion 86 can be mounted to the nozzle mounting portion 121 via the locking mechanism 13. Furthermore, the mounting portion 86 and the locking mechanism 13 of this embodiment have substantially the same structure as the nozzle mounting portion and locking mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-128898 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) filed by the applicant of this application. Accordingly, the connection method between the mounting portion 86 and the locking mechanism 13 of the air dust collector 1A will be briefly described in the following description.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, the mounting portion 86 has two locking tabs 861. The two locking tabs 861 are symmetrically arranged across the axis of the nozzle 8 and have the same structure. The locking tabs 861 extend axially and are capable of elastic deformation (flexion) along the radial direction of the nozzle 8. In addition, a claw protruding radially inward toward the nozzle 8 is provided on the top end of the locking tab 861.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, the locking mechanism 13 has a sliding sleeve 131 and a force-applying spring 133. The sliding sleeve 131 is configured to move relative to the nozzle mounting portion 121 in a front-rear direction; the force-applying spring 133 applies a force to the sliding sleeve 131 relative to the nozzle mounting portion 121 in a forward direction. Figure 3 As shown, two guide recesses 122 are provided at the front end of the nozzle mounting portion 121. The two guide recesses 122 are symmetrically arranged across axis A1. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, locking grooves are formed on the rear side (inner side of the sliding sleeve 131) of each of the two guide recesses 122, allowing them to be engaged by the claws of the locking piece 861 of the nozzle 8. The two guide recesses 122 have the same structure, and the two locking grooves also have the same structure.

[0085] The locking mechanism 13 operates in response to a user's operation of moving the nozzle 8 rearward relative to the air dust collector 1A, thereby locking the nozzle 8 in a predetermined mounting position relative to the nozzle mounting portion 121. More specifically, the user moves the nozzle 8 rearward relative to the air dust collector 1A with the tips of the two locking tabs 861 aligned with the two guide recesses 122 and their corresponding locking grooves, respectively. The locking tabs 861 are guided by the guide recesses 122 and move while elastically deforming, thereby moving the sliding sleeve 131 rearward. The locking tabs 861 return to their original position, with their tips engaging in the locking grooves. In response, the sliding sleeve 131 is returned to its initial forward position by the force spring 133, thereby preventing the locking tabs 861 from disengaging from the locking grooves. Thus, the nozzle 8 is locked in the mounting position. Furthermore, "locking" as used herein means preventing the nozzle 8 from moving forward along axis A1.

[0086] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the two locking tabs 861 having the same structure and the two sets of guide recesses 122 and locking grooves having the same structure are symmetrically arranged (i.e., diagonally arranged) with respect to the axis A1. With this structure, two positions 180 degrees apart about the axis A1 are defined as the mounting positions of the nozzle 8 relative to the nozzle mounting portion 121. The first mounting position is when the nozzle 8 retaining portion 811 is positioned to the left of the axis A1 (see reference). Figure 8 The second mounting position is where the nozzle 8 retainer 811 is positioned to the right of axis A1 (illustration omitted). The user can selectively mount the nozzle 8 in either the first or second mounting position.

[0087] Additionally, the locking mechanism 13 releases the nozzle 8 from its lock in response to the user rotating the nozzle 8 in a predetermined direction relative to the air dust collector 1A about axis A1. After rotating the nozzle 8 to the predetermined position, the user can pull it forward from the nozzle mounting part 121, thereby removing the nozzle 8 from the air dust collector 1A.

[0088] The following describes liquid supply path 7. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the liquid supply path 7 connects the container 6 to the nozzle 8. The liquid supply path 7 is configured to direct the liquid contained in the container 6 to the vicinity of the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8. In this embodiment, the liquid supply path 7 is formed by a middle portion 72, a first hose 73, a second hose 75, and a nozzle connection portion 77.

[0089] The intermediate portion 72 is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall of the container body 61 of the container 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate portion 72 is formed by a portion of a first component 711 and a second component 716. Both the first component 711 and the second component 716 are formed of synthetic resin. The first component 711 is inserted into an opening forming the peripheral wall of the container body 61. An elastic component is installed on the outer periphery of the first component 711 to seal the gap between the opening of the container body 61 and the first component 711. The second component 716 is fixed to the first component 711 by screwing. The intermediate portion 72 has an inner protrusion 721 protruding into the interior of the container body 61 and an outer protrusion 723 protruding into the exterior of the container body 61. A passage is formed inside the intermediate portion 72, extending from the tip of the inner protrusion 721 to the tip of the outer protrusion 723.

[0090] Both the first hose 73 and the second hose 75 are flexible hoses. One end of the first hose 73 is connected to the top end (protruding end) of the inner protrusion 721. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the first hose 73 extends to the lower end of the container body 61. The first end of the second hose 75 is connected to the top end (protruding end) of the outer protrusion 723.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, the nozzle connector 77 is a cylindrical component with an internal passage. The first end of the nozzle connector 77 is connected to the second end of the second hose 75. The second end of the nozzle connector 77 is detachably embedded in the retaining portion 811 of the nozzle 8. An elastic component (so-called an O-ring) is installed on the outer periphery of the second end of the nozzle connector 77 to seal the gap between the retaining portion 811 and the nozzle connector 77. Furthermore, the tip of the second end of the nozzle connector 77 (i.e., the end of the liquid supply path 7) protrudes radially inward from the retaining portion 811 to the center of the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8 in front of the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8. That is, when viewed from the front of the nozzle 8, the end of the liquid supply path 7 is located at a position overlapping with the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8. The opening at the tip of the second end of the nozzle connector 77 functions as a liquid supply port 770 for supplying liquid to the airflow discharged from the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, a vent 611 is formed on the container 6, which is adjacent to the liquid supply path 7 (intermediate portion 72) and communicates the interior and exterior of the container body 61. More specifically, the vent 611 is provided in a first component 711 embedded in the container body 61. Furthermore, a portion of the outer surface of the container 6 in the vent 611 has a shape that matches the nozzle connection portion 77. That is, the container 6 (first component 711) has a retaining portion 613 that can be embedded in the nozzle connection portion 77.

[0093] like Figure 11 As shown, when the air dust collector 1A and sprayer accessory 5 are not in use, the user can detach the nozzle connection 77 from the nozzle 8's retaining part 811 and install it in the container 6's retaining part 613. This reduces the likelihood that the liquid supply path 7 (especially the second hose 75) will become an obstruction or snag on something during handling or storage. Furthermore, the retaining part 613 is configured to connect the liquid supply path 7 to the vent 611 when the nozzle connection 77 is inserted into it. Therefore, even if liquid remains in the second hose 75, leakage to the outside of the container 6 can be prevented. Liquid in the second hose 75 can also be recovered into the container 6 through the vent 611.

[0094] The following describes valve 9. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, valve 9 has an actuating part 91 and a knob 93. The actuating part 91 is configured to bisect the passage within the intermediate portion 72 (more specifically, the second component 716) and is rotatably held by the intermediate portion 72 (the second component 716). The knob 93 is connected to one end of the actuating part 91 and is disposed outside the intermediate portion 72. The user can manually operate the knob 93 to bring valve 9 to the closed position. Figure 10 The valve 9 is rotated between the closed position (shown in the diagram) and the open position (not shown). When the valve 9 is in the closed position, the actuating unit 91 closes the passage within the intermediate section 72. When the valve 9 is in the open position, the actuating unit 91 opens the passage within the intermediate section 72. By rotating the valve 9 to the open position only when performing liquid spraying operations, the user can reduce the possibility of unintentional liquid leakage from the liquid supply port 770.

[0095] The operation of the air dust collector 1A when used with the sprayer accessory 5 (i.e., when the air dust collector 1A is used as a sprayer) will be described below.

[0096] The user first determines which mounting part, the left mounting part 21L or the right mounting part 21R, to install the container 6 on. The user chooses the part that will not obstruct the operation, for example, based on the available space (the space around the air dust collector 1A during operation). The user installs the container 6 on either the left mounting part 21L or the right mounting part 21R using the container bracket 23A. Furthermore, the user can remove the container bracket 23A from either the left mounting part 21L or the right mounting part 21R and replace it with the other as needed.

[0097] The user can also position the nozzle 8 in the first mounting position or the second mounting position according to the configuration of the container 6, and install it in the nozzle mounting part 121. When the nozzle connection part 77 of the liquid supply path 7 is held in the holding part 613 of the container 6, the user can remove the nozzle connection part 77 from the holding part 613 and install it in the holding part 811 of the nozzle 8.

[0098] Thus, in the left-right direction, the container 6, the nozzle 8, and the second hose 75 of the liquid supply path 7 are all arranged on the same side relative to the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A.

[0099] As described above, when the sprayer attachment 5 is installed on the air dust collector 1A, the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A and the sprayer attachment 5 can be transported together as a single unit. That is, when the user uses the air dust collector 1A as a sprayer, they can hold only the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A. Thus, in this embodiment, the air dust collector 1A can be easily handled even when the sprayer attachment 5 is installed. In particular, as described above, the container 6 and the nozzle 8 can be selectively installed in one of two installation positions depending on the working space, thus the operability of the air dust collector 1A is excellent when the sprayer attachment 5 is installed.

[0100] When the user holds the grip 14 and presses the trigger 141, the motor 31 is driven, causing the fan 33 to rotate. In response to the rotation of the fan 33, air is drawn into the receiving portion 11 from the intake port 110. The compressed air passing through the fan 33 passes through the outlet 120 and the passage 80 in the nozzle 8, and is discharged from the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8. The tip of the nozzle connection 77 (the end of the liquid supply path 7) is positioned in front of the outlet 802 within the airflow discharged from the outlet 802. The air discharged from the outlet 802 flows at its highest speed near the center (axis A1). Therefore, the pressure drops near the liquid supply port 770, and the liquid in the container 6 is drawn in through the liquid supply path 7 and atomized and blown out.

[0101] <Second Implementation Method>

[0102] Below, refer to Figures 12-16This section describes the air dust collector 1B and the sprayer accessory 5 involved in the second embodiment.

[0103] like Figure 12 As shown, the air dust collector 1B according to the second embodiment has a container support 23B, which is detachably fixed to one of the two container mounting portions 21 of the main body 10. Except for the container support 23B, the air dust collector 1B has a substantially the same structure as the air dust collector 1A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sprayer attachment 5 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for structures substantially the same as those of the air dust collector 1A and sprayer attachment 5 of the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted or simplified; instead, the description focuses primarily on the different structures.

[0104] like Figures 13-16 As shown, the container support 23B has a fixed part 27 and a movable part 25, which is rotatably supported by the fixed part 27 via the fixed part 27.

[0105] The fixing part 27 includes an engaging part 26, a base 271, and a support shaft 275. As described in the first embodiment, the engaging part 26 has a lower end portion 261 and an upper end portion 262. The lower end portion 261 can be inserted into the locking groove 213 of the container mounting part 21; the upper end portion 262 can abut against the side wall of the controller receiving part 15. The base 271 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped part. The engaging part 26 is arranged to intersect with the base 271 at approximately the center and is fixed to the first surface of the base 271 in a non-separable manner. A through hole 272 for a screw 28 is formed in the portion of the base 271 that protrudes below the engaging part 26. The support shaft 275 is formed into a cylindrical shape and is fixed to the upper end of the base 271 in a non-separable manner, protruding from the second surface of the base 271 opposite to the first surface. In addition, similar to the engaging part 26, the base 271 and the support shaft 275 are made of metal (e.g., iron alloy or aluminum alloy).

[0106] The movable part 25 includes a support body 24B, a bearing retainer 251, and a bearing 257. The support body 24B includes a base 242 and a bent part 245. The base 242 is a plate-shaped part with a shape (rectangular) that is substantially the same as the base 241 in the first embodiment, but it does not have a through hole 243 for the screw 28 (see reference). Figure 3Additionally, the base 242 has a through hole 244 formed approximately in the center. Furthermore, the diameter of the through hole 244 is larger than the diameter of the support shaft 275 of the fixing portion 27. The bearing retaining portion 251 includes a cylindrical portion 252 and two connecting portions 255. The cylindrical portion 252 has a circular bottom wall and a cylindrical peripheral wall, the circular bottom wall having a through hole 253; the cylindrical peripheral wall protrudes from the periphery of the bottom wall. The outer ring of the bearing 257 (specifically, a ball bearing) is pressed into the inner side of the peripheral wall. The connecting portions 255 extend from the open end of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 252 in mutually distancing directions.

[0107] Each connecting part 255 is fixed to the bracket body 24B by two bolts 291 and nuts 292, thereby forming an integral part 25, consisting of the bracket body 24B, the bearing retainer 251, and the bearing 257. In addition, the bracket body 24B and the bearing retainer 251 are also made of metal (e.g., iron alloy or aluminum alloy).

[0108] The support shaft 275 of the fixed part 27 is inserted through the through hole 253 in the bottom wall of the cylindrical part 252 and embedded in the inner ring of the bearing 257 inside the cylindrical part 252. The top end of the support shaft 275 is inserted through the through hole 244 in the base 242 of the bracket body 24B. An annular groove is formed at the top end of the support shaft 275. A retaining ring 276 (so-called retaining ring, spring ring) engages in this groove. The retaining ring 276 is used to prevent the movable part 25 from disengaging from the support shaft 275 (fixed part 27).

[0109] With the above structure, the movable part 25 can rotate about the axis A2 of the support shaft 275 relative to the fixed part 27.

[0110] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 27 of the container support 23B is selectively mounted on either the left mounting portion 21L or the right mounting portion 21R. More specifically, compared to the container support 23A of the first embodiment (see...), Figure 5 Similarly, the lower end 261 of the engaging portion 26 is fitted into the locking groove 213 at its center, and the screw 28, which passes through the through hole 272 of the base 271, is fastened to the threaded hole 211. Thus, the fixing portion 27 is fixed to the main body 10. This allows the movable portion 25 to rotate relative to the air dust collector 1B about the axis A2 of the support shaft 275. Furthermore, the axis A2 of the support shaft 275 (i.e., the rotation axis A2 of the movable portion 25) extends approximately in the left-right direction relative to the main body 10.

[0111] The operation of the air dust collector 1B when used with the sprayer attachment 5 (i.e., when the air dust collector 1B is used as a sprayer) is described below.

[0112] The user selectively mounts the container 6 to the left mounting portion 21L or the right mounting portion 21R using the container bracket 23B, mounts the nozzle 8 to the first mounting position or the second mounting position, and connects the nozzle connection portion 77 to the nozzle 8. This is the same as described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, in this embodiment, when the sprayer accessory 5 is mounted on the air dust collector 1A, the main body 10 of the air dust collector 1A can also be transported integrally with the sprayer accessory 5. In addition, in response to the drive of the motor 31, the liquid in the container 6 is drawn in through the liquid supply path 7 and blown out as a mist by the airflow discharged from the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the container support 23B has a fixed part 27 and a movable part 25. The fixed part 27 is fixed to the main body 10 (container mounting part 21) of the air dust collector 1B by screws 28; the movable part 25 is rotatably connected to the fixed part 27. Therefore, the orientation (attitude) of the container 6 relative to the air dust collector 1B can be changed according to the orientation (attitude) of the air dust collector 1B during operation. For example, as... Figure 12 As shown, the user sometimes grips the handle 14, with the tip of the nozzle 8 pointing downwards (or upwards) relative to the horizontal direction (the direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity) (i.e., the air dust collector 1B is configured with axis A1 tilted downwards (or upwards) relative to the horizontal direction). In this case, the rotation axis A2 of the movable part 25 is usually maintained to extend in a generally horizontal direction. Accordingly, the container 6 held by the movable part 25 is maintained in an orientation (posture) where the vertical direction of the container 6 is aligned with the direction of gravity by the weight of the container 6 as a whole (the weight of the container 6 and the liquid), while only the orientation (posture) of the air dust collector 1B is changed.

[0114] Furthermore, in order to maintain the orientation of container 6 relative to the direction of gravity, regardless of the orientation of air dust collector 1B, the rotation axis A2 in the vertical direction of container 6 is configured to be positioned above the center of gravity G of the entire container 6 when it contains the maximum allowable amount of liquid. In this embodiment, the area where the rotation axis A2 of container 6 can be configured is restricted in relation to the configuration of container 6 relative to air dust collector 1B (body 10). Therefore, a metal counterweight 65 is embedded in the bottom of the synthetic resin container body 61. By adding the counterweight 65, the center of gravity G can be set lower than when there is no counterweight 65. Accordingly, even when the configuration of rotation axis A2 is restricted, it is possible to configure rotation axis A2 above the center of gravity G, thereby enabling container 6 and movable part 25 to rotate relative to fixed part 27 and air dust collector 1B using the weight of the entire container 6. Furthermore, the counterweight 65 does not need to be metal, as long as it is made of a material with a higher specific gravity than container body 61. In addition, as long as the rotation axis A2 can be positioned above the center of gravity G, the counterweight 65 can be omitted.

[0115] Thus, according to the container support 23B of this embodiment, only the orientation of the air dust collector 1B can be changed without changing the orientation of the container 6 relative to the horizontal direction and the direction of gravity. This reduces the possibility of liquid overflowing from the container 6. In particular, since the fixed part 27 and the movable part 25 are rotatably connected by a bearing 257, the user can easily and smoothly change the orientation of the container 6 relative to the air dust collector 1B by changing the orientation of the air dust collector 1B relative to the horizontal direction.

[0116] The following illustrates the correspondence between the structures (features) of the above-described embodiments and the structures (features) of the present invention. However, the structures (features) of the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the structure (features) of this application or the present invention.

[0117] Air dust collectors 1A and 1B are examples of "electrically powered blowers". Main body 10 is an example of a "main body". Sprayer accessory 5 is an example of a "sprayer accessory". Container 6 is an example of a "container". Nozzle 8 and outlet 802 (opening 802) are examples of "nozzle" and "outlet", respectively. Liquid supply path 7 is an example of a "liquid supply path". Container mounting part 21 is an example of a "container mounting part". Nozzle mounting part 121 is an example of a "nozzle mounting part". Grip part 14 is an example of a "grip". Motor 31 and fan 33 are examples of "motor" and "fan", respectively. Housing part 11 is an example of a "housing part". Battery mounting part 17 is an example of a "battery mounting part". Container supports 23A and 23B are examples of "supports". The fixed part 27 and movable part 25 of container support 23B are examples of "fixed part" and "movable part", respectively. Valve 9 is an example of a "valve". Nozzle connection 77 is an example of a "connection". Holding part 613 is an example of a "holding part". Vent 611 is an example of a "vent".

[0118] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative, and the electric blower and sprayer accessory involved in the present invention are not limited to the air dust collectors 1A and 1B and sprayer accessory 5 exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, the non-limiting modifications illustrated below can be applied. In addition, at least one of these modifications can be used in combination with at least one of the air dust collectors 1A and 1B, sprayer accessory 5, and the structures (features) described in the claims.

[0119] The structure (shape, constituent elements, and connection method between constituent elements) of the main body 10 of the air dust collectors 1A and 1B is not limited to the example of the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified. For example, the shape or arrangement of the inlet 110 and outlet 120 can be appropriately modified. The grip 14 can extend in a direction orthogonal to the axis A1 or be connected to the rear of the housing 11. The controller housing 15 can be omitted, and the battery mounting part 17 can be connected to the lower end of the grip 14. In this case, the controller 37 can be configured in other locations (e.g., inside the housing 11). In addition, for example, the power source of the air dust collectors 1A and 1B is not limited to the rechargeable battery 18, but can be a disposable battery. A rechargeable battery can also be built into the air dust collectors 1A and 1B. Alternatively, the power source of the air dust collectors 1A and 1B can be an external AC power source.

[0120] The motor 31 can be a brushed motor or an AC motor. There can be multiple fans 33. That is, the air dust collectors 1A and 1B can be configured as multi-stage centrifugal fans. The fans 33 can be fixed to the output shaft 311 of the motor 31 between the stator and the outlet 120, rather than between the stator and the inlet 110. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fans 33 be centrifugal fans (especially backward fans, also known as turbine fans), for example, diagonal flow fans. Alternatively, the air dust collectors 1A and 1B can have a compression mechanism instead of the fans 33, configured to be driven by the motor 31 and use a piston to compress the air.

[0121] Below, non-limiting modifications that can be made to the container mounting section 21 and the container supports 23A and 23B are illustrated.

[0122] The container mounting section 21 of the main body 10 may be a single unit or more than three units. Furthermore, the location of the container mounting section 21 is not limited to the side of the battery mounting section 17; it can be located anywhere on the main body 10. For example, the container mounting section 21 may be located in the receiving section 11.

[0123] Furthermore, the container supports 23A and 23B and the container mounting portion 21 can be fixed in any manner other than the engagement of the lower end 261 of the engaging portion 26 with the locking groove 213 and the fixing achieved by the screws 28. For example, the protrusion provided in the container mounting portion 21 can be fitted into the recess provided in the container supports 23A and 23B, or the guide rail or groove provided in the container mounting portion 21 can be slidably engaged with the groove or guide rail provided in the container supports 23A and 23B. Moreover, locking members can be provided to hold the container supports 23A and 23B in a predetermined position.

[0124] As long as the movable part 25 can move relative to the fixed part 27, the support structure of the fixed part 27 supporting the movable part 25 can be appropriately modified. The movable part 25 can be rotatably supported on the fixed part 27 without the bearing 257. The movable part 25 can move linearly relative to the fixed part 27. In addition, the position of the movable part 25 relative to the fixed part 27 can be selectively changed to any of a number of positions according to the user's manual operation.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the container 6 is mounted to the main body 10 by container supports 23A and 23B that are detachably fixed to the container mounting portion 21. However, the container supports 23A and 23B may be fixed to the main body 10 in a non-detachable manner, forming part of the container mounting portion 21. Alternatively, the container mounting portion 21 may have a pair of guide rails that can slidably engage with a pair of engaging slots 621 of the engaging portion 62 of the container 6. In these variations, the container 6 can be directly mounted to the container mounting portion 21.

[0126] The connection method between the container supports 23A, 23B or the container mounting portion 21 and the container 6 can also be appropriately modified. For example, the container supports 23A, 23B or the container mounting portion 21 may have a recess into which the bottom of the container body 61 can be inserted, or it may have an annular portion disposed around the container body 61 to hold the container body 61. The container 6 can be mounted to the container supports 23A, 23B or the container mounting portion 21 using fasteners such as screws.

[0127] Below are examples of non-limiting modifications that can be made to the sprayer accessory 5.

[0128] As long as the container 6 is constructed in a way that can contain liquid, for example, the shape and size of the container body 61 and the lid 69, as well as the connection method between the container body 61 and the lid 69, can be appropriately changed. In addition, the engaging structure (engaging part 62) that engages with the air dust collectors 1A and 1B can be changed to correspond to changes in the container supports 23A and 23B or the container mounting part 21.

[0129] As long as the nozzle 8 is installed on the main body 10 (nozzle mounting portion 121) of the air dust collector 1A, 1B and can discharge air from the outlet 802, its shape, size, and connection method with the main body 10 can be appropriately modified. For example, it is not necessary for the nozzle 8 to be installed on the main body 10 by the locking mechanism 13. For example, the internal thread formed on the inner circumference of the base end of the nozzle 8 can engage with the external thread formed on the outer circumference of the main body 10 (nozzle mounting portion 121). Alternatively, the nozzle 8 can be installed on the main body 10 using fasteners such as screws.

[0130] As long as the liquid supply path 7 can be positioned near the outlet 802 of the liquid-directing nozzle 8 contained in the container 6, its constituent elements, the connection methods between the constituent elements, and the connection method between the container 6 and the nozzle 8 can be appropriately modified. For example, the liquid supply path 7 can be formed from a single tube (e.g., a flexible hose). For example, the first end of the single tube can be disposed inside the container 6, and the second end can be connected to the nozzle 8. The tube can be detached from at least one of the container 6 and the nozzle 8, or it can be made non-detachable.

[0131] Furthermore, the position of the liquid supply port 770 relative to the nozzle 8 can be varied near the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8. For example, the liquid supply port 770 can be positioned approximately at the same location as the edge of the outlet 802. However, for efficient liquid intake, it is preferable that the end portion of the liquid supply path 7 (the end with the liquid supply port 770) is positioned within the airflow discharged from the outlet 802 when the drive motor 31 is activated. In other words, it is preferable that the end portion of the liquid supply path 7 is located overlapping with the outlet 802 of the nozzle 8 when viewed from the front of the nozzle 8. Moreover, as in the embodiment described above, it is more preferable that the liquid supply port 770 is positioned directly in front of the center of the outlet 802.

[0132] Valve 9 can be located at other points in the liquid supply path 7. Alternatively, valve 9 can be omitted.

[0133] Furthermore, in view of the spirit of the above embodiments and their variations, the present invention is constructed in the following manner. At least one of the following manners can be combined with at least one of the above embodiments and their variations, as well as the invention as described in each claim.

[0134] [Method 1]

[0135] The main body has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is used to draw air into the main body; and the second opening is used to discharge air out of the main body.

[0136] The nozzle mounting portion is disposed around the second opening of the main body.

[0137] The intake port 110 and the exhaust port 120 of the main body 10 are examples of the "first opening" and "second opening" of this method, respectively.

[0138] [Method 2]

[0139] The blower also has a motor and a fan, among which,

[0140] The motor has an output shaft capable of rotating about a first axis;

[0141] The fan is configured to rotate integrally with the output shaft, causing air to be discharged from the outlet of the nozzle mounted on the main body.

[0142] The nozzle mounting portion is arranged along the first axis.

[0143] [Method 3]

[0144] The at least one container mounting part includes multiple container mounting parts.

[0145] The bracket is selectively fixed to one of the plurality of container mounting parts in a detachable manner.

[0146] [Method 4]

[0147] The bracket is made of metal and is fixed to the main body in a detachable manner using screws.

[0148] [Method 5]

[0149] The bracket has a first protrusion or a second recess, wherein the first protrusion engages with a first recess disposed on the main body; and the second recess engages with a second protrusion disposed on the main body.

[0150] The locking groove 213 of the main body 10 is an example of the "first recess" in this method. The lower end 261 of the engaging portion 26 of the container supports 23A and 23B is an example of the "first protrusion".

[0151] [Method 6]

[0152] The nozzle mounting portion is arranged along the first axis.

[0153] The main body includes a grip portion configured for use by a user and extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis.

[0154] The rotation axis of the movable part of the bracket extends in a direction orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis.

[0155] [Method 7]

[0156] The movable part is supported by the fixed part in a rotatable manner by bearings.

[0157] [Method 8]

[0158] The sprayer accessory is configured to, in response to the drive of the blower, draw liquid from the container through the liquid supply path by an airflow discharged from the outlet of the nozzle mounted on the main body.

[0159] [Method 9]

[0160] The end of the liquid supply path is located near the outlet of the nozzle.

[0161] [Method 10]

[0162] The terminal portion of the liquid supply path is configured to be disposed within the airflow discharged from the outlet of the nozzle when the blower is driven.

[0163] [Method 11]

[0164] At least a portion of the liquid supply path is formed by a flexible hose.

[0165] [Method 12]

[0166] The connecting part is fixed to one end of the flexible hose.

[0167] [Method 13]

[0168] The container is configured to snap into the container mounting portion or the bracket in a detachable manner.

[0169] [Method 14]

[0170] The container can slide and engage with the container mounting part or the bracket.

[0171] [Method 15]

[0172] In the vertical direction of the container, the axis of rotation of the movable part of the support is located above the center of gravity of the container containing the liquid when the container is maximally filled with liquid.

[0173] [Method 16]

[0174] A metal counterweight is provided at the bottom of the container.

Claims

1. A blower, which is an electrically powered blower and is configured to exhaust air, characterized in that, It has a main body, a motor and a fan, among which, The main body is configured to accommodate a sprayer accessory having a container, a nozzle, and a liquid supply path, wherein the container is capable of containing liquid; the nozzle has an outlet; and the liquid supply path connects the container and the nozzle and is configured to move the liquid from the container to the nozzle. The fan is rotated by the motor and is configured to discharge air from the outlet of the nozzle when the sprayer accessory is mounted on the main body. The main body has a receiving part, a gripping part, and a battery mounting part, wherein... The receiving part (i) is used to receive the motor and the fan, (ii) extends along the rotation axis of the motor and the fan in the front-rear direction of the blower, and (iii) has a nozzle mounting part at the front end for mounting the nozzle. The grip portion (i) is configured to be held by a user, (ii) protrudes substantially from the receiving portion in a vertical direction orthogonal to the front-back direction, and (iii) has an upper end connected to the receiving portion and a lower end that is a free end separated from the receiving portion in the vertical direction. The battery mounting portion (i) is connected to the lower end of the grip portion as a free end, (ii) is separately disposed from the receiving portion, (iii) is configured to detachably support the battery for supplying power to the motor, and (iv) has at least one container mounting portion capable of mounting the container. The container has (i) a long axis, (ii) a first closed end in the axial direction, and (iii) a second open end in the axial direction. The at least one container mounting portion is configured such that, when the container is mounted on the at least one container mounting portion, the long axis of the container extends substantially along the vertical direction and supports the container in a detachable manner, such that the second open end in the axial direction faces upward in the vertical direction.

2. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one container mounting portion includes a plurality of container mounting portions disposed at different locations in the battery mounting portion.

3. The blower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nozzle mounting portion has a nozzle mounting longitudinal axis. The gripping part has a gripping long axis. The plurality of container mounting portions includes two container mounting portions disposed on opposite sides of a plane comprising the long axis of the nozzle mounting portion and the long axis of the grip portion. The nozzle mounting portion is configured to selectively mount the nozzle at one of two different nozzle mounting positions circumferentially about the long axis of the nozzle mounting portion.

4. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one container mounting portion is disposed on the side of the battery mounting portion.

5. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a support, which (i) is configured to hold the container in a detachable manner, and (ii) the support is a separate component from the main body. The bracket is detachably fixed to the at least one container mounting portion. The at least one container mounting portion is configured to support the container in a detachable manner via the bracket.

6. The blower according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bracket has a fixed part and a movable part, wherein... The fixing part is detachably fixed to the at least one container mounting part; The movable part is configured to hold the container in a detachable manner and is connected to the fixed part in a manner that allows it to move relative to the fixed part.

7. The blower according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movable part is rotatably connected to the fixed part.

8. A sprayer accessory that can be mounted on an electrically powered blower configured to exhaust air, characterized in that, It has a container, a nozzle, and a liquid supply path, wherein, The container is capable of containing liquid and can be installed on the body of the blower; The nozzle has an outlet and can be installed on the main body of the blower; The liquid supply path connects the container and the nozzle. One end of the liquid supply path has a connecting portion, which is configured to be detachable from the nozzle. The container has a retaining part configured to retain the connection of the liquid supply path in a detachable manner.

9. The sprayer accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, The container is configured to be installed and removed from the main body of the blower without the use of auxiliary devices.

10. The sprayer accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sprayer accessory also has a valve that can open or close the liquid supply path by manual operation of the user.

11. The sprayer accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, The container has a vent for communicating between the inside and outside of the container. The retaining portion is a portion defining at least a part of the vent in the container, and is configured such that the connecting portion can be embedded therein.

12. A blower, which is an electrically powered blower and is configured to exhaust air, characterized in that, It has a main body and sprayer accessories, among which, The sprayer accessory is a sprayer accessory as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, which is detachably mounted to the main body.

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