Dust collection attachment for air blower

Abstract

To provide an improvement of an attachment which is attached to an air blower, and can be used for dust collection.SOLUTION: A dust collection attachment is attachable to and detachable from an air blower. The air blower comprises a housing having an intake port and a discharge port, a motor housed in the housing, and a fan which is housed in the housing and is constituted in such a manner that the rotation of the fan by the motor creates an airflow which is sucked into the housing through the intake port, and discharged from the discharge port while passing through the motor. The dust collection attachment comprises an attachment main body. The attachment main body has a first opening, a second opening and a dust housing space formed between the first opening and the second opening. The attachment main body is attached to the housing in such a manner that the second opening and the intake port of the housing of the air blower communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dust collection attachment that is detachable from a blower. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an electric blower capable of blowing away dust and the like by discharging air from a discharge port. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a blower (a so-called air duster) configured to suck in air from an intake port, compress it, and eject the compressed air from a nozzle by a plurality of centrifugal fans rotated by a motor. This blower can also be used as a dust-collecting cleaner by attaching a suction nozzle to the intake port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-117442 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a suction nozzle is attached to the blower of Patent Document 1 and dust collection work is performed, dust may be sucked into the blower body from the suction nozzle, which may cause a malfunction of the motor. Therefore, there is room for improvement in this blower and suction nozzle.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide improvements regarding attachments that can be attached to blowers and used to collect dust. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a dust collection attachment detachable from a blower is provided. The blower includes a housing, a motor, and a fan. The housing has an intake port and an exhaust port. The motor and the fan are accommodated in the housing. The fan is configured to generate a flow of air that is sucked into the housing through the intake port by being rotated by the motor, passes through the motor, and is exhausted from the exhaust port. The dust collection attachment includes an attachment body. The attachment body has a first opening, a second opening, and a dust storage space provided between the first opening and the second opening. The attachment body is configured to be attached to the housing such that the second opening communicates with the intake port of the housing of the blower.

[0007] The dust collection attachment of this embodiment is attached to the housing of the blower so that the second opening communicates with the air intake of the housing. When the fan is rotated by the motor of the blower, air flows in through the first opening of the dust collection attachment, passes through the dust storage space, flows out through the second opening, and is sucked into the housing through the air intake of the blower. Dust and other foreign matter contained in the airflow is stored in the dust storage space between the first and second openings in the dust collection attachment. This reduces the possibility that foreign matter will flow into the blower and adversely affect the motor.

[0008] According to another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a dust collection system including a blower and a dust collection attachment is provided. The blower includes a housing, a motor, and a fan. The housing has an intake port and an exhaust port. The motor is accommodated in the housing. The fan is accommodated in the housing and configured to generate a flow of air that is sucked in through the intake port, passes through the motor, and exhausted from the exhaust port by being rotated by the motor. The dust collection attachment may be any of the dust collection attachments of the above aspects. The attachment body of the dust collection attachment is removably attached to the housing such that the second opening communicates with the intake port of the housing of the blower.

[0009] According to the dust collection system of this aspect, when the fan is rotated by the motor of the blower, foreign matter such as dust is collected in the dust collection space in the dust collection attachment removably attached to the housing before air is sucked into the intake port of the housing, thus reducing the possibility that foreign matter will enter the blower and adversely affect the motor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire dust collection system. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the blower with the intake side cover removed. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dust collection system (however, only the attachment body of the dust collection attachment is shown). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the dust collection attachment may further include a first filter housed in the attachment body between the dust storage space and the second opening. According to this embodiment, the first filter can capture foreign matter such as dust and store it in the dust storage space, thereby more reliably reducing the possibility that foreign matter will flow into the housing of the blower.

[0012] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the first filter may be removable from the attachment body. According to this embodiment, the user can easily remove the first filter from the attachment body and clean it. Also, the first filter can be removed from the attachment body and replaced with a new one. This can suppress a decrease in air blowing efficiency caused by clogging of the first filter.

[0013] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the first filter may be fixed to the attachment body. According to this embodiment, the user can clean the first filter while removing the attachment body from the housing of the blower. This can prevent the first filter from becoming clogged, thereby preventing a decrease in blowing efficiency.

[0014] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the attachment body may include a check valve disposed between the first opening and the dust storage space. According to this embodiment, foreign matter such as dust accumulated in the dust storage space can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the attachment body through the first opening.

[0015] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the attachment body may include an opening that connects the dust storage space to the outside and a lid that can open and close the opening. According to this embodiment, a user can easily discharge foreign matter such as dust that has accumulated in the dust storage space from the attachment body without removing the attachment body from the blower.

[0016] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the dust collection attachment may further include a long tubular member connected to the first opening of the attachment body. At least a portion of the tubular member may be flexible. The tubular member may be realized, for example, as a hose having at least a partial bellows structure. According to this embodiment, the user can relatively freely change the position of the tip of the tubular member regardless of the orientation of the blower and the attachment body. Thus, a dust collection attachment with excellent operability is realized.

[0017] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the first filter may face the air intake of the housing of the blower. According to this embodiment, the air that has passed through the first filter can be efficiently introduced into the housing of the blower.

[0018] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the blower may further include a second filter disposed between the intake port and the motor. The first filter of the dust collection attachment may be a finer filter than the second filter of the blower. According to this embodiment, the balance between the blowing efficiency and the performance of collecting foreign matter such as dust can be appropriately changed between the case where the blower is used as a blower by itself and the case where the blower is used as a dust collector with the dust collection attachment attached.

[0019] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the attachment body may include a cylindrical portion having a first opening at a tip. The cylindrical portion may be configured to extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the motor when the attachment body is attached to the housing of the blower. The housing of the blower and the attachment body may be configured so that the position of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the motor can be changed. According to this embodiment, the user can change the orientation of the attachment body (the arrangement of the cylindrical portion) depending on the work environment, improving operability.

[0020] Hereinafter, a dust collection system 9 according to a representative but non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] First, a schematic configuration of the dust collection system 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the dust collection system 9 includes a blower 1 and a dust collection attachment 6 removably attached to the blower 1. The blower 1 is an electric blower that can be used separately from the dust collection attachment 6, and is capable of blowing away dust and the like by discharging compressed air from an outlet 105. The dust collection attachment 6 is a dust collection attachment that is selectively attached to the blower 1 for use. When the dust collection attachment 6 is attached, the blower 1 can function as a dust collector. In other words, the blower 1 and the dust collection attachment 6 together constitute the dust collection system 9.

[0022] 1 and 2, the blower 1 includes a main body housing 10, and a motor 33 and a fan 35 housed in the main body housing 10. A handle 17 that is held by a user is connected to the main body housing 10.

[0023] In this embodiment, an air intake port 101 for drawing air into the main body housing 10 is provided at one end of the main body housing 10 in the extension direction of the rotation axis A1 of the motor shaft 335 of the motor 33 (hereinafter simply referred to as the rotation axis A1 direction). A discharge port 105 for discharging compressed air is provided at the other end of the main body housing 10 in the rotation axis A1 direction.

[0024] Handle 17 is a portion that is gripped by a user, and protrudes from main body housing 10 in a direction intersecting rotation axis A1. A trigger 181 that can be pressed (pulled) by a user is provided at a base end (end connected to main body housing 10) of handle 17. In addition, a battery 19 that is a power source for blower 1 is removably attached to the end (tip) of handle 17 on the protruding side.

[0025] When blower 1 is used as an air duster (dust blower) that blows compressed air from outlet 105 to an object, intake side cover 16 having a plurality of openings 160 is attached to intake port 101 as shown in Fig. 2. When trigger 181 is pulled by a user, motor 33 is energized to rotate fan 35, and air is sucked into main body housing 10 via intake port 101 (opening 160 of intake side cover 16), and the air compressed by fan 35 is discharged from outlet 105.

[0026] On the other hand, when the blower 1 is used as a dust collector that sucks in and collects foreign matter such as dust (hereinafter simply referred to as dust), a dust collection attachment 6 is attached to the air inlet 101 as shown in Fig. 1. The dust collection attachment 6 includes an attachment body 60 that is detachable from the main body housing 10 of the blower 1, a hose 68 connected to the attachment body 60, and a suction nozzle 69 connected to the tip of the hose 68. When the fan 35 rotates, air containing dust is sucked in through the suction nozzle 69, passes through the hose 68, and reaches the attachment body 60. The dust is separated from the air and is stored in the attachment body 60, and only the air is sucked into the main body housing 10 from the air inlet 101 of the blower 1, compressed, and discharged from the discharge port 105.

[0027] The detailed configuration of the blower 1 will be described below. For ease of explanation, the direction of the rotation axis A1 is defined as the front-rear direction of the blower 1. In the front-rear direction, the direction from the intake port 101 toward the exhaust port 105 is defined as the front direction, and the opposite direction (direction from the exhaust port 105 toward the intake port 101) is defined as the rear direction. A direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis A1 and roughly corresponding to the extending direction of the handle 17 is defined as the up-down direction of the blower 1. In the up-down direction, the direction in which the handle 17 protrudes from the main body housing 10 (direction from the main body housing 10 toward the protruding end of the handle 17) is defined as the downward direction, and the opposite direction (direction from the protruding end of the handle 17 toward the main body housing 10) is defined as the upward direction. A direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction.

[0028] First, the main housing 10 and the elements (mechanisms) arranged inside the main housing 10 will be described.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the front end of the main housing 10 is formed in a tapered funnel shape and is also referred to as the nozzle section 11. The opening at the tip of the nozzle section 11 functions as an outlet port 105 for discharging compressed air from the main housing 10. Although detailed description and illustration are omitted, the nozzle section 11 is configured so that a nozzle separately prepared according to the application can be selectively attached. The portion of the main housing 10 other than the nozzle section 11 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and constitutes the housing section 13 that houses the motor 33 and the fan 35. The opening at the rear end of the housing section 13 functions as an intake port 101 that allows air to flow into the main housing 10. The rear end 15 of the housing section 13 (main housing 10) is configured so that the intake side cover 16 and the dust collection attachment 6 can be selectively attached (connected).

[0030] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the rear end portion 15 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Two engagement grooves 150 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end portion 15. The two engagement grooves 150 are respectively arranged at the left rear end and the right rear end of the rear end portion 15 symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the rear end portion 15 (i.e., facing each other in the diameter direction). The engagement groove 150 is an L-shaped groove and includes a first portion 151 extending forward from the rear end of the rear end portion 15, and a second portion 152 extending circumferentially around the central axis of the rear end portion 15 from the front end of the first portion 151. That is, a wall portion 153 is present on the rear side of the second portion 152. Although details will be described later, the intake side cover 16 or the dust collection attachment 6 is attached to the main body housing 10 by engaging a protrusion (not shown) of the intake side cover 16 or an engagement protrusion 632 (see FIG. 4) of the dust collection attachment 6 with the engagement groove 150.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the motor 33 and the fan 35 are located between the intake port 101 and the exhaust port 105 in the front-rear direction. The motor 33 in this embodiment is a brushless DC motor. The fan 35 is a centrifugal fan, and is fixed to a motor shaft 335 behind a stator 331 of the motor 33. The fan 35 rotates around a rotation axis A1 integrally with the motor shaft 335, and generates a flow of air that is sucked into the main body housing 10 through the intake port 101, passes through the motor 33, and is exhausted from the exhaust port 105. Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, in this embodiment, the motor 33 and the fan 35 are housed in a case to constitute a motor assembly 30.

[0032] Furthermore, two filters 41, 42 are disposed within the rear end portion 15 of the housing portion 13 (behind the fan 35). The filter 41 is disposed behind the filter 42 (on the intake port 101 side). The rear filter 41 is fitted into the rear end portion 15 so as to be easily removable. On the other hand, the front filter 42 is held from the rear end portion 15 so as not to be substantially removable.

[0033] In this embodiment, filters with different mesh sizes are used for the filters 41 and 42. More specifically, the rear filter 41 has finer mesh than the front filter 41 (i.e., it allows smaller dust particles (e.g., particles with smaller diameters) to pass through). In this way, a filter with higher dust capturing performance is used for the filter 41, which can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced even if it becomes clogged with dust, thereby realizing a rational configuration that can capture dust in two stages. The filters 41 and 42 capture dust that has entered with the air from the intake port 101, thereby reducing the possibility that dust will adversely affect the motor 33.

[0034] In this embodiment, a filter formed of an open-cell structure of synthetic resin (specifically, a sponge made of polyurethane resin) is used for each of the filters 41 and 42. However, other types of filters (for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) filter, a powder filter, or a nonwoven fabric filter) may be used.

[0035] The handle 17 and the elements (mechanisms) arranged inside the handle 17 will be described below.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 17 includes a cylindrical grip portion 171 that extends generally in the vertical direction, and a rectangular box-shaped controller housing portion 175 that is connected to the lower end of the grip portion 171.

[0037] The grip portion 171 is a portion that is gripped by the user. The trigger 181 is provided at the front of the upper end portion of the grip portion 171. A switch 182 is housed within the grip portion 171. The switch 182 is normally maintained in an off state, and becomes an on state in response to the trigger 181 being pressed. The switch 182 is electrically connected to the controller 37 via an electric wire (not shown).

[0038] The controller 37 is accommodated in the controller accommodation section 175. The controller 37 is configured to control the driving of the motor 33 in response to a signal output from the switch 182. A battery attachment section 176 is provided at the bottom end of the controller accommodation section 175, to which a rechargeable battery (also called a battery pack) 19 can be detachably attached. The configurations of the battery attachment section 176 and the battery 19 are well known, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The power source of the blower 1 may be a disposable battery or an external AC power source, instead of the battery 19. A rechargeable battery may also be built into the blower 1.

[0039] The detailed configuration of the dust collection attachment 6 will be described below.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the dust collection attachment 6 includes an attachment body 60, a filter 650, a hose 68, and a suction nozzle 69.

[0041] First, a description will be given of the attachment body 60. The attachment body 60 is configured to be connectable (mountable) to the main body housing 10 of the blower 1. The attachment body 60 of this embodiment is a hollow body having a first opening 601 and a second opening 602 (exhaust port).

[0042] More specifically, as shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the attachment body 60 includes a cylindrical intake section 61 having a first opening 601 at one end, a hollow housing section 62 connected to the other end of the intake section 61, and a cylindrical exhaust section 63 protruding from the housing section 62 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the intake section 61 (specifically, in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto) and having a second opening 602 at its tip. With this configuration, the attachment body 60 defines a substantially L-shaped air flow path 600 (see Fig. 7). The first opening 601 of the intake section 61 functions as an intake port that allows air to flow into the attachment body 60 when the attachment body 60 is attached to the blower 1 and used. The second opening 602 of the exhaust section 63 functions as an exhaust port that allows air to be discharged to the outside of the attachment body 60 (into the body housing 10 of the blower 1) when the attachment body 60 is attached to the blower 1 and used.

[0043] The intake section 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The intake section 61 defines a flow path for intake air that leads from a first opening 601 serving as an intake port to the accommodation section 62. The intake section 61 is also configured as a connection section to which a hose 68 can be connected. The hose 68 is removably inserted into the intake section 61 through the first opening 601.

[0044] A portion of the accommodation section 62 adjacent to the exhaust section 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a central axis extending in a direction intersecting (more specifically, substantially perpendicular to) the extending direction of the intake section 61. This cylindrical portion accommodates a filter 650 (filter unit 65). Hereinafter, the cylindrical portion of the accommodation section 62 that accommodates the filter 650 is referred to as a filter accommodation section 621. A portion of the accommodation section 62 other than the filter accommodation section 621 (a portion between the intake section 61 and the filter accommodation section 621 in the air flow direction) functions as a dust accommodation section 623. The dust accommodation section 623 defines a dust accommodation space 624 in which dust is accommodated.

[0045] 7, a check valve (one-way valve) 64 is attached between the first opening 601 (air intake) and the dust accommodation space 624 to prevent the dust accommodated in the dust accommodation space 624 from moving toward the first opening 601. In this embodiment, the check valve 64 is configured to be able to close the flow path 600 in the attachment body 60 at the downstream end (boundary with the accommodation section 62) of the air intake section 61 in the air flow direction.

[0046] The check valve 64 of this embodiment is a flap-type check valve, and is formed of a flexible sheet (for example, a sheet made of rubber or a flexible synthetic resin). The check valve 64 is formed in a generally circular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the downstream end of the intake section 61 (see FIG. 9). The check valve 64 has a protrusion 641 protruding radially outward from a part of its circumference. The protrusion 641 is fixed to the downstream end of the intake section 61 by a screw 642. As shown by a solid line in FIG. 7, the check valve 64 substantially closes the flow path 600 when the blower 1 is not operating. On the other hand, when the motor 33 is driven and the fan 35 generates an air flow that is sucked into the main body housing 10 from the intake port 101, a part of the check valve 64 away from the protrusion 641 is drawn toward the blower 1 side, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 7, and the flow path 600 is opened.

[0047] If air flows in the opposite direction for some reason, or if the first opening 601 is directed toward the ground, a force may act on the check valve 64 in the direction toward the first opening 601. However, the outer edge of the circular portion of the check valve 64 other than the protrusion 641 abuts against the shoulder portion 615 (step portion) between the intake portion 61 and the storage portion 62, thereby maintaining the closed state of the flow path 600. Therefore, the check valve 64 can effectively prevent the dust contained in the dust storage space 624 from leaking to the outside of the attachment body 60 through the first opening 601. The check valve 64 may be a direct acting type instead of a flap type as in this example.

[0048] 7, dust storage unit 623 is provided with opening 625 that connects dust storage space 624 with the outside, and lid 626 that can open and close opening 625. Lid 626 is supported by storage unit 62 so as to be rotatable between a closed position (position shown by solid line) that closes opening 625, and an open position (position shown by dashed dotted line) that opens opening 625. Lid 626 may be configured to slide linearly between the open position and the closed position instead of being rotatable as in this example.

[0049] 6 to 8, exhaust section 63 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Exhaust section 63 defines an exhaust flow path leading from accommodation section 62 to second opening 602 serving as an exhaust port. Exhaust section 63 is configured to be detachable from main body housing 10 of blower 1. In other words, exhaust section 63 is configured as a connecting section (mounting section) that is detachably connected to blower 1.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, two engagement protrusions 632 protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of end 631 of exhaust portion 63 on the second opening 602 (exhaust port) side. The two engagement protrusions 632 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of exhaust portion 63 (i.e., at positions facing each other in the diameter direction). Furthermore, engagement protrusions 632 are configured to be able to engage with engagement groove 150 (see FIG. 3) of main body housing 10 of blower 1. Furthermore, two recesses 633 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of end 631. Cylindrical elastic pin 634 is fitted and held in recess 633. Note that, in this embodiment, elastic pin 634 is made of rubber (rubber pin), but may be made of other elastic material (for example, synthetic resin).

[0051] When attaching the attachment body 60 to the main housing 10 of the blower 1, the user moves the attachment body 60 forward relative to the rear end 15 so that the engagement protrusions 632 of the exhaust portion 63 enter the first portions 151 of the engagement grooves 150 from the rear. The user then rotates the attachment body 60 so that the engagement protrusions 632 move circumferentially within the second portions 152. As a result, a part of the engagement protrusions 632 is disposed on the front side of the wall portion 153. The wall portion 153 abuts against a part of the engagement protrusions 632 from the rear, preventing the attachment body 60 from moving rearward. In addition, the elastic pin 634 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the rear end 15 to generate frictional resistance, thereby restricting the rotation of the attachment body 60 relative to the main housing 10. Therefore, the elastic pin 634 can reduce the possibility that the attachment body 60 will come off the rear end 15. On the other hand, a user can easily remove attachment body 60 from main body housing 10 of blower 1 by moving attachment body 60 relative to rear end portion 15 in the opposite direction to that at the time of attachment.

[0052] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the intake side cover 16 (see FIG. 2), which is used when the blower 1 is used as an air duster, is also provided with two engagement protrusions having the same configuration as the two engagement protrusions 632 of the attachment body 60.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the two engagement grooves 150 of the main body housing 10 of the blower 1 are arranged to face each other in the diametric direction of the cylindrical rear end portion 15 (see FIG. 3). The two engagement protrusions 632 of the attachment body 60 are also arranged to face each other in the diametric direction of the cylindrical exhaust portion 63. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the attachment position of the attachment body 60 relative to the main body housing 10 of the blower 1 can be changed between a first position (position indicated by a solid line) and a second position (position indicated by a dashed line) rotated 180 degrees from the first attachment position. When the attachment body 60 is attached to the main body housing 10 at the first position, the intake portion 61 is arranged to protrude leftward relative to the rotation axis A1 of the motor 33. That is, the hose 68 extends from the left side of the blower 1. On the other hand, when the attachment body 60 is attached to the main body housing 10 at the second position, the intake portion 61 is arranged to protrude rightward relative to the rotation axis A1. That is, the hose 68 extends from the right side of the blower 1 .

[0054] 9, the attachment body 60 of this embodiment is formed by connecting a plurality of members together. Specifically, the attachment body 60 is formed from a first member 71 that constitutes a part of the intake section 61 and the storage section 62, a second member 72 that constitutes another part of the storage section 62, and a third member 73 that constitutes the exhaust section 63. The first member 71, the second member 72, and the third member 73 are all made of synthetic resin.

[0055] The first member 71 and the second member 72 are connected to each other by snap-fitting a plurality of protrusions 711 and a plurality of recesses 721 provided on each member. The first member 71 and the second member 72, which are connected to each other and integrated, form the intake section 61 and the storage section 62. Similarly, the first member 71 and the third member 73 are connected to each other by snap-fitting a protrusion 713 and a recess 733 provided on each member. The second member 72 and the third member 73 are connected to each other by snap-fitting a protrusion 723 and a recess 733 provided on each member.

[0056] In this embodiment, the recess 733 of the third member 73 is provided in a flexible piece 734 having a tab. Therefore, a user can easily separate the third member 73 from the integrated first member 71 and second member 72 when replacing the filter 650. In this manner, in this embodiment, the third member 73, i.e., the exhaust section 63, also functions as a lid (cover) that can be removed from the storage section 62 in which the filter 650 is stored.

[0057] The filter 650 will be described below. The filter 650 is housed in the attachment body 60, and captures dust that has entered the attachment body 60 together with air and separates it from the air. The type of filter 650 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a synthetic resin open-cell structure, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) filter, a powder filter, or a nonwoven fabric filter. In this embodiment, a powder filter having finer mesh than the filters 41 and 42 of the blower 1 is used for the filter 650. This is because, in selecting the filters 41 and 42 of the blower 1, emphasis is placed on the efficiency when the blower 1 is used alone as an air duster (dust blower), whereas in selecting the filter 650 of the dust collection attachment 6, emphasis is placed on more reliably collecting dust.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 7 to 9, in this embodiment, filter 650 is a filter folded in an accordion shape and has a plurality of pleats 651. Filter 650 is housed in attachment body 60 (filter housing portion 621) in a state where it is housed in holder 653. Holder 653 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with one axial end open and the other end closed. A plurality of ventilation holes are formed in the bottom of holder 653. Filter 650 is fitted into holder 653 in a state where it is positioned in the circumferential direction of holder 653 (so that pleats 651 extend in a predetermined direction).

[0059] As shown in Fig. 9, two positioning projections 654 protrude radially outward from the end of the open end side of the holder 653. The two positioning projections 654 are located at positions facing each other in the diameter direction. Similarly to the exhaust unit 63, the holder 653 has two recesses on its outer circumferential surface, into which an elastic pin 655 is fitted. Furthermore, a pressing frame 657 that prevents the filter 650 from coming off the holder 653 is fitted into the holder 653. In this way, the filter 650, the holder 653, and the pressing frame 657 are integrated to form the cylindrical filter unit 65.

[0060] The filter unit 65 is positioned relative to the attachment body 60 and is housed in the attachment body 60. More specifically, the filter unit 65 is fitted into the filter housing portion 621 of the first member 71 and the second member 72 integrated as described above from the bottom side of the holder 653. Two ribs 725 protrude from the open end of the portion of the second member 72 that constitutes the filter housing portion 621. One of the positioning projections 654 of the holder 653 is fitted between the two ribs 725 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the filter housing portion 621. This defines the circumferential position of the filter unit 65 relative to the attachment body 60 and restricts the rotation of the filter unit 65 relative to the attachment body 60 around the central axis. In addition, the elastic pin 655 restricts the rotation of the filter unit 65 relative to the attachment body 60 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the filter housing portion 621 and generating frictional resistance.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the circumferential position of the filter unit 65 with respect to the attachment body 60 is set so that the pleats 651 of the filter 650 extend generally parallel to the extension direction of the intake portion 61.

[0062] Furthermore, as described above, when the third member 73 is connected to the first member 71 and the second member 72, as shown in Fig. 7, the flange portion 731 on the connection side of the third member 73 abuts against the open end of the holder 653. This restricts movement of the filter unit 65 relative to the attachment body 60 in the central axis direction.

[0063] The hose 68 will be described below. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the hose 68 is a long cylindrical member that is partially flexible. The hose 68 is removably connected to the attachment body 60. More specifically, the hose 68 includes a flexible portion 680 having a bellows structure, a cylindrical first connecting portion 681 connected to one end of the flexible portion 680, and a cylindrical second connecting portion 682 connected to the other end of the flexible portion 680.

[0064] The flexible portion 680 of the hose 68 enables the user to easily change the orientation of the tip of the hose 68, and therefore the suction nozzle 69, relative to the attachment body 60. In addition, the bellows structure of the flexible portion 680 can suppress deformation of the cross-sectional shape of the hose 68 even if the hose 68 is bent, thereby reducing the possibility that the air flow inside the hose 68 will be obstructed.

[0065] In order to arrange the suction nozzle 69 at a desired position, it is preferable that the hose 68 is relatively long. For example, if the total length of the hose 68 is 30 centimeters (cm) or more, the user can easily orient the suction port 690 of the suction nozzle 69 and the discharge port 105 of the blower 1 in the same direction. In this case, the user can operate the suction nozzle 69 without difficulty while operating the trigger 181 of the blower 1, improving operability. In addition, if the total length of the hose 68 is about 80 cm, it is preferable that the user can hold the grip part 171 of the blower 1 with one hand and extend the other hand holding the suction nozzle 69 to perform dust collection work. In addition, the length of the first connecting part 681 and the second connecting part 682 of the hose 68 is sufficient if they are each about 10 cm, for example, and the remaining part may be the flexible part 680. In addition, a plurality of types of hoses 68 having different lengths that can be connected to the attachment main body 60 may be prepared.

[0066] The outer diameter of the portion of first connecting part 681 adjacent to flexible part 680 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of air intake part 61 of attachment body 60. Also, first connecting part 681 is configured so that its diameter becomes slightly smaller toward the tip. Thus, the user can detachably connect hose 68 to attachment body 60 by fitting part of first connecting part 681 into air intake part 61. On the other hand, second connecting part 682 has a substantially uniform inner diameter.

[0067] The suction nozzle 69 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the suction nozzle 69 is a cylindrical body. The suction nozzle 69 includes a suction section 691 having a suction port 690 for sucking air, and a cylindrical connecting section 693 connected to the end of the suction section 691 opposite to the suction port 690. The connecting section 693 is a section that is detachably connected to the hose 68. The outer diameter of the portion of the connecting section 693 adjacent to the suction section 691 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second connecting section 682 of the hose 68. The connecting section 693 is configured so that the diameter becomes slightly smaller toward the tip. Therefore, the user can detachably connect the suction nozzle 69 to the hose 68 by fitting a part of the connecting section 693 into the second connecting section 682 of the hose 68. Alternatively, the user can detachably connect the suction nozzle 69 to the attachment body 60 without using the hose 68 by inserting the suction nozzle 69 into the air intake portion 61 of the attachment body 60 .

[0068] The suction nozzle 69 illustrated in this embodiment is a type in which a brush is provided around the suction port 690 of the suction section 691. However, the suction nozzle 69 is not limited to this example, and multiple types can be prepared according to various applications.

[0069] As described above, the dust collection system 9 of this embodiment includes the blower 1 and the dust collection attachment 6 selectively attached to the blower 1. The dust collection attachment 6 is attached to the main body housing 10 so that the second opening 602, which is an exhaust port of the attachment main body 60, communicates with the intake port 101 of the main body housing 10 of the blower 1, and is used. When the fan 35 is rotated by the motor 33 of the blower 1, air flows into the attachment main body 60 from the first opening 601, which is an intake port of the attachment main body 60, via the suction nozzle 69 and the hose 68. The air that has flowed in passes through the dust storage space 624 and is sucked into the main body housing 10 from the second opening 602. Dust contained in the air passing through the attachment main body 60 is stored in the dust storage space 624 defined between the first opening 601 and the second opening 602 in the attachment main body 60. This reduces the possibility that dust will flow into main body housing 10 of blower 1 and adversely affect motor 33.

[0070] In particular, in this embodiment, since the filter 650 is disposed between the dust storage space 624 and the second opening 602, the dust is captured by the filter 650 and accumulates in the dust storage space 624. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce the possibility of the dust flowing into the main body housing 10 of the blower 1. Also, in this embodiment, the filter 650 is disposed such that the folds 651 extend generally parallel to the extension direction of the intake section 61. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of the dust concentrating on a specific fold 651 and causing clogging.

[0071] Furthermore, the user can remove the filter 650 from the attachment body 60. More specifically, the user first removes the dust collection attachment 6 from the blower 1. Furthermore, the user can bend the flexible piece 734 to release the engagement between the projections 713, 723 and the recessed portion 733, and then remove the exhaust portion 63 (third member 73) from the storage portion 62, and then take out the filter unit 65 from the storage portion 62. After removing the filter unit 65, the user can easily discard the dust accumulated in the dust storage space 624. Furthermore, the user can prevent a decrease in the air blowing efficiency caused by clogging of the filter 650 by cleaning or replacing the filter 650.

[0072] Furthermore, the user can open lid 626 of dust storage section 623, and discharge the dust accumulated in dust storage space 624 from dust storage section 623 through opening 625. Therefore, when cleaning or replacement of filter 650 is not required, the user can easily discard the dust without removing attachment body 60 from blower 1.

[0073] The correspondence between each component (feature) of the above embodiment and each component (feature) of the present disclosure or invention is shown below. However, each component of the embodiment is merely an example and does not limit each component of the present disclosure or invention.

[0074] The main body housing 10 of the blower 1 is an example of a "blower housing." The filter 650 of the dust collection attachment 6 is an example of a "first filter of the dust collection attachment." The hose 68 is an example of a "cylindrical member." Each of the filters 41, 42 of the blower 1 is an example of a "second filter of the blower." The intake section 61 is an example of a "cylindrical section of the attachment main body."

[0075] It should be noted that the above embodiment is merely an example, and the dust collection attachment and dust collection system according to the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplified dust collection attachment 6 and dust collection system 9. For example, the following exemplary modifications may be made. Furthermore, at least one of these modifications may be adopted in combination with the dust collection attachment 6, dust collection system 9, and any of the inventions described in the claims, as exemplified in the embodiments.

[0076] For example, the configurations (shape, components, and connection between components) of the main body housing 10 and the handle 17 of the blower 1 are not limited to those illustrated in the above embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, at least one of the shape, size, and position of the intake port 101 and / or the exhaust port 105 may be changed as appropriate. The configuration and / or location of the motor 33 and / or the fan 35 arranged inside the main body housing 10 may also be changed as appropriate. For example, the motor 33 may be a brush motor or an AC motor. The fan 35 may be arranged between the motor 33 and the exhaust port 105. The number of fans 35 may be multiple. For example, multiple fans 35 may be arranged in multiple stages coaxially with the motor. The motor 33 and the fan 35 do not need to be housed in a case to configure the motor assembly 30 as in the above embodiment, and the motor shaft 335 may be rotatably supported by a bearing supported by the main body housing 10.

[0077] The mounting structure (connection structure) of the dust collection attachment 6 (attachment body 60) to the blower 1 is not limited to the structures of the rear end portion 15 of the blower 1 and the exhaust portion 63 of the dust collection attachment 6 in the above embodiment. For example, the main body housing 10 (rear end portion 15) of the blower 1 and the attachment body 60 (exhaust portion 63) may be removably connected by screw engagement or snap fit. Furthermore, the attachment body 60 may be removably connected to the main body housing 10 of the blower 1 by a separate screw.

[0078] The attachment body 60 of the dust collection attachment 6 may be modified as appropriate, so long as it has a first opening 601 (intake port), a second opening 602 (exhaust port), and a dust storage space 624 provided between the first opening 601 and the second opening 602. For example, the attachment body 60 may have a shape different from that of the above embodiment. For example, the attachment body 60 may have a configuration suitable for performing dust collection alone (without the hose 68 and the suction nozzle 69). Specifically, the suction part 61 may have a nozzle shape suitable for suctioning dust and the like, and the first opening 601 may function as a suction port as it is. In addition, the attachment body 60 may be composed of multiple members different from those of the above embodiment, and the material thereof may also be changed as appropriate. The method of connecting the multiple members is not limited to snap-fitting, and any method may be selected.

[0079] The orientation of the pleats 651 of the filter 650 relative to the attachment body 60 and the holding structure of the filter 650 may be appropriately changed. For example, the filter 650 may be fixed to the attachment body 60. Specifically, the holder 653 of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may be integrated with the attachment body 60 and be a part of the attachment body 60. The filter 650 may be fixed to the holder 653 so as to be substantially unremovable from the holder 653. In this modification, the user can clean the filter 650 with the dust collection attachment 6 removed from the blower 1. In addition, the filter 650 of the dust collection attachment 6 is preferably finer than the filters 41 and 42 of the blower 1, but may have substantially the same mesh size as at least one of the filters 41 and 42. In addition, the filters 41 and 42 of the blower 1 may have substantially the same mesh size. At least one of the filters 41 and 42 may be omitted.

[0080] The hose 68 may be modified so that the entire hose 68 has a spiral bellows structure, not just a part of it. In this case, a spiral groove (thread groove) that matches the bellows structure of the hose 68 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the intake part 61 of the attachment body 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the connecting part 693 of the suction nozzle 69, respectively. As a result, the hose 68 and the attachment body 60, and the hose 68 and the suction nozzle 69 are removably connected by thread engagement. The hose 68 may be unremovable from the attachment body 60. Similarly, the suction nozzle 69 may be unremovable from the hose 68.

[0081] Furthermore, in consideration of the spirit of the present invention, the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples, the following aspects are constructed. At least one of the following aspects may be adopted in combination with the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples, and at least one of the inventions described in each claim. [Aspect 1] The attachment body includes a first connecting portion connectable to the housing of the blower. The exhaust section 63 is an example of the "first connecting section" of this embodiment. [Aspect 2] The first coupling portion is configured to be connectable to the housing without the use of a separate tool. [Aspect 3] The attachment body includes a cylindrical intake portion having the first opening, a cylindrical exhaust portion having the second opening, and a storage portion connected to the intake portion and the exhaust portion, The dust containing space is defined within the containing portion. [Aspect 4] The exhaust portion is configured as a first coupling portion that is removably coupled to the housing of the blower. [Aspect 5] The first filter is accommodated in the accommodation portion. [Aspect 6] The exhaust section is removably connected to the housing section. [Aspect 7] The filter is a bellows-shaped filter having a plurality of pleats, The pleats are arranged to be substantially parallel to the extending direction of the tubular portion (or the intake portion). [Aspect 8] The tubular member is removable from the attachment body. [Aspect 9] The dust collection attachment further includes a suction nozzle connected to the tubular member. [Aspect 10] The intake port, the exhaust port, the motor, and the fan of the blower are arranged coaxially. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: blower, 10: main body housing, 101: intake port, 105: exhaust port, 11: nozzle portion, 13: storage portion, 15: rear end portion, 150: engagement groove, 151: first portion, 152: second portion, 153: wall portion, 16: intake side cover, 160: opening, 17: handle, 171: grip portion, 175: controller storage portion, 176: battery mounting portion, 181: trigger, 182: switch, 19: battery, 30: motor assembly, 33: motor, 331: stator, 335: motor shaft, 35: fan, 37: controller, 41: filter, 42: filter, 6: dust collection attachment, 60: attachment body, 600: flow path, 601: first opening, 602: second opening, 61: intake portion, 615: shoulder portion, 62: storage portion, 621: Filter accommodating section, 623: dust accommodating section, 624: dust accommodating space, 625: opening, 626: lid, 63: exhaust section, 631: end, 632: engagement projection, 633: recess, 634: elastic pin, 64: check valve, 641: projection, 642: screw, 65: filter unit, 650: filter, 651: pleat, 653: holder, 654: positioning projection, 655: elastic pin, 657: push frame, 68: hose, 680: flexible part, 681: first connecting part, 682: second connecting part, 69: suction nozzle, 690: suction port, 691: suction part, 693: connecting part, 71: first member, 711: protrusion, 713: protrusion, 72: second member, 721: recess, 723: protrusion, 725: rib, 73: third member, 731: flange part, 733: recess, 734: flexible piece, dust collection system 9

Claims

1. A dust collection attachment detachable from a blower, the dust collection attachment comprising: a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; a motor accommodated in the housing; and a fan accommodated in the housing and configured to be rotated by the motor to generate an air flow that is sucked into the housing through the intake port, passes through the motor, and is exhausted from the exhaust port, The dust collecting device includes an attachment body having a first opening, a second opening, and a dust collection space provided between the first opening and the second opening, The dust collecting attachment is characterized in that the attachment body is configured to be attached to the housing of the blower so that the second opening and the air intake port of the housing are in communication with each other.

2. 2. The dust collection attachment according to claim 1, The dust collecting attachment further includes a first filter housed in the attachment body between the dust collection space and the second opening.

3. 3. The dust collection attachment according to claim 2, A dust collecting attachment, wherein the first filter is detachable from the attachment body.

4. 3. The dust collection attachment according to claim 2, The dust collecting attachment is characterized in that the first filter is fixed to the attachment body.

5. The dust collection attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The dust collecting attachment, wherein the attachment body includes a check valve disposed between the first opening and the dust collection space.

6. The dust collection attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The attachment body is characterized in that it has an opening that connects the dust collection space with the outside, and a lid that can open and close the opening.

7. The dust collection attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The attachment further includes a long cylindrical member connected to the first opening of the attachment body, A dust collection attachment, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical member is flexible.

8. A dust collection system including a blower and a dust collection attachment, The blower is a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port; a motor housed in the housing; a fan accommodated in the housing and configured to be rotated by the motor to generate a flow of air that is drawn into the housing through the intake port, passes through the motor, and is discharged from the outlet port; The dust collection attachment is a dust collection attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment body is removably attached to the housing so that the second opening and the air intake port of the housing of the blower are in communication.

9. 9. The dust collection system of claim 8, The dust collection attachment further includes a first filter housed in the attachment body between the dust collection space and the second opening, The dust collection system, wherein the first filter faces the air intake port of the housing of the blower.

10. 9. The dust collection system of claim 8, The dust collection attachment further includes a first filter accommodated in the attachment body between the dust collection space and the second opening, the blower further includes a second filter disposed between the intake port and the motor; A dust collection system, wherein the first filter of the dust collection attachment has finer mesh than the second filter of the blower.

11. 9. The dust collection system of claim 8, the attachment body includes a tubular portion having the first opening at a tip end, the cylindrical portion is configured to extend in a direction intersecting a rotation shaft of the motor when the attachment body is attached to the housing of the blower, The dust collection system according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the blower and the attachment body are configured so that the position of the cylindrical portion in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis can be changed.

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