Working machine

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient working machine prevented from erroneous attachment or non-attachment of a filter and having high convenience.SOLUTION: A cleaner 1A includes: a body part 2; a dust case forming a dust collection chamber between itself and the body part 2; a filter 4 disposed in the dust collection chamber and attached to the body part 2; and a regulation part 50 regulating attachment of the dust case to the body part 2. The regulation part 50 allows the dust case to be attached to the body part 2 when the filter 4 is disposed in the dust collection chamber, and prevents the dust case from being attached to the body case 2 when the filter 4 is not disposed in the dust collection chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine, and more particularly to a work machine that is suitably used for dust collection work. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of a working machine is a working machine used for dust collection work. Many of such working machines include a fan that is driven to rotate by a motor and a filter that separates dust from the airflow generated by the fan (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-67664 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The filter provided in the work machine is detachable from the main body that houses the motor and the fan, because the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

[0005] However, if the fan is operated when the filter is not properly attached to the main body (mis-attached state) or when the filter is not attached to the main body (not attached state), various problems may occur. For example, dust may get inside the motor, causing the motor to malfunction.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to prevent incorrect or non-attachment of filters and improve the convenience of the work machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A working machine according to one embodiment includes a main body that houses a fan rotated by a motor and has an inlet through which an airflow generated by the fan flows in, a dust collection case that forms a dust collection chamber containing the inlet between the main body and the dust collection case and has an intake port through which the airflow generated by the fan flows in, a filter that is disposed in the dust collection chamber and attached to at least one of the main body and the dust collection case, and a restricting unit that restricts attachment of the dust collection case to the main body. The restricting unit allows the dust collection case to be attached to the main body when the filter is disposed in the dust collection chamber. The restricting unit prevents the dust collection case from being attached to the main body when the filter is not disposed in the dust collection chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a highly convenient work machine is provided in which incorrect attachment or non-attachment of a filter is prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the appearance of a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a structure of a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a structure of a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dust case of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dust case of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the dust case of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner when the dust case shown in FIG. 3 is rotated approximately 120 degrees in the R2 direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a restricting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a restricting state of the restricting portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is another perspective view showing the restricting state of the restricting portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment when the restricting portion is in a restricted state and the case side engaging portion is inserted into the outer engaging groove. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment when a case-side engagement portion inserted into an outer engagement groove abuts against a restricting piece. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment when a case-side engagement portion inserted into an outer engagement groove abuts against a restricting piece. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a non-restricting state of the restricting portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment when the dust case is mistakenly attached to a main body part to which no filter is attached. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the first embodiment when the dust case is mistakenly attached to a main body part to which no filter is attached. [Figure 21] 13 is a perspective view showing a restricting state of a restricting portion included in the cleaner according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a restricting state of a restricting portion included in the cleaner according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a non-restricting state of a restricting portion included in the cleaner according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 25]13 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-restricting state of a restricting portion included in a cleaner according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a restricting state of a restricting portion included in a cleaner according to a third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a non-restricting state of a restricting portion included in a cleaner according to a third embodiment. [Figure 29] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-restricting state of a restricting portion included in a cleaner according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cleaner according to a third embodiment in which a dust case is normally attached to a main body portion. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to the third embodiment when the dust case is mistakenly attached to a main body part to which no filter is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings for describing the embodiment, the same or substantially the same configurations and elements are designated by the same reference numerals. In addition, as a rule, once a configuration or element has been described, it will not be described repeatedly.

[0011] (First embodiment) <Overview of the work equipment> The working machine according to the present embodiment is a portable cleaner suitable for dust collection. Fig. 1 is a side view showing the appearance of a cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment. Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the cleaner 1A according to the present embodiment.

[0012] The cross section shown in Fig. 2 is taken along line AA in Fig. 3. The cross section shown in Fig. 3 is taken along line BB in Fig. 1. The cross section shown in Fig. 4 is taken along line CC in Fig. 3.

[0013] In the following description, the cross section shown in Fig. 2 and cross sections parallel thereto may be referred to as "longitudinal cross sections", the cross section shown in Fig. 3 and cross sections parallel thereto may be referred to as "transverse cross sections", and the cross section shown in Fig. 4 and cross sections parallel thereto may be referred to as "horizontal cross sections".

[0014] The cleaner 1A has a main body 2, a dust collection case 3, and a filter 4. In the following description, the dust collection case 3 may be referred to as a "dust case 3."

[0015] The dust case 3 is detachable from the main body 2. The dust case 3 is attached to and detached from the main body 2 by being rotated relative to the main body 2 about a central axis X (FIG. 2) that extends in the front-rear direction as a rotation axis.

[0016] More specifically, the dust case 3 is attached to the main body 2 by being rotated relative to the main body 2 in the R1 direction (first direction) shown in Fig. 3. The dust case 3 is removed from the main body 2 by being rotated relative to the main body 2 in the R2 direction (second direction opposite to the first direction) shown in Fig. 3.

[0017] The dust case 3 attached to the main body 2 forms a dust collection chamber 5 in front of the main body 2 (between the dust case 3 and the main body 2). Then, the filter 4 previously attached to the main body 2 is disposed in the dust collection chamber 5. From another perspective, the dust case 3 attached to the main body 2 contains and covers the filter 4 previously attached to the main body 2.

[0018] Like the dust case 3, the filter 4 is also detachable from the main body 2. However, the filter 4 is attached to the main body 2 by being rotated relative to the main body 2 in the R2 direction (second direction), and is detached from the main body 2 by being rotated relative to the main body 2 in the R1 direction (first direction).

[0019] That is, the filter 4 is attached to and detached from the main body part 2 by being rotated relative to the main body part 2 in the opposite direction to the dust case 3. The attachment and detachment of the dust case 3 and the filter 4 to and from the main body part 2 will be described later.

[0020] The filter 4 captures dust contained in the air sucked in by the cleaner 1A. The dust captured by the filter 4 is stored in the dust collection chamber 5. The dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 5 can be disposed of by removing the dust case 3 from the main body 2. The filter 4 can also be removed from the main body 2 for cleaning or replacement.

[0021] <Main body> The main body 2 is composed of two housings 11, 12 molded from synthetic resin. The housings 11, 12 are fixed to each other in an abutted state to form the main body 2. More specifically, the abutted housings 11 and 12 are fixed to each other by fixing elements such as screws.

[0022] From another perspective, when the fixing by the fixing element is released, the housing 11 and the housing 12 forming the main body 2 can be separated. In Fig. 2, the housing 11 is separated from the housing 12, and the inside of the main body 2 is exposed.

[0023] The main body 2 is provided with a battery mounting section 14 in which a battery pack 13 is mounted. The battery pack 13 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery). The battery pack 13 and the battery mounting section 14 each have a connection terminal. When the battery pack 13 is mounted in the battery mounting section 14, the connection terminals of the battery pack 13 and the battery mounting section 14 are electrically connected to each other.

[0024] The main body 2 houses a motor 15, a fan 16, a controller 17, etc. The motor 15 includes a motor body including a rotor and a stator, and an output shaft 15a that rotates integrally with the rotor. One end (tip side) of the output shaft 15a protrudes from the motor body and is connected to the fan 16.

[0025] 2 is also the central axis of the output shaft 15a of the motor 15. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the output shaft 15a corresponds to the front-rear direction.

[0026] The fan 16 is a centrifugal fan that is rotationally driven by a motor 15. An inlet 18 that communicates with the fan 16 is provided on the front surface of the main body 2. The inlet 18 is covered by a dust case 3 attached to the main body 2. From another perspective, the dust collection chamber 5 formed by the dust case 3 contains the inlet 18 provided on the front surface of the main body 2.

[0027] When the fan 16 is driven to rotate by the motor 15, an air flow is generated that passes through the dust case 3 and the filter 4 and flows into the inside of the main body 2 from the inlet 18. The air that has flowed into the main body 2 passes through the inside of the main body 2 and is exhausted from a plurality of outlets 19 formed in the main body 2. At this time, at least a part of the air flow passing through the inside of the main body 2 passes around the motor 15 and removes heat from the motor 15. As a result, the motor 15 is cooled.

[0028] The motor 15 is operated based on the operation of an operation unit 7 provided on a grip 6 that is a part of the main body 2. More specifically, when the operation unit 7 is operated by a user, power is supplied from the battery pack 13 to the motor 15 under the control of the controller 17, and the motor 15 is operated.

[0029] <Dust case> Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dust case 3, and Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dust case 3. Also, Fig. 7 is a rear view of the dust case 3. The cross section shown in Fig. 5 is taken along line DD in Fig. 7. The cross section shown in Fig. 6 is taken along line EE in Fig. 7.

[0030] The dust case 3 is made of synthetic resin and has a cylindrical shape as a whole. A cylindrical nozzle portion 22 having an intake port 21 through which the airflow generated by the fan 16 flows is integrally formed at the tip of the dust case 3.

[0031] A pair of case side engaging portions 23a, 23b are provided at the rear end of the dust case 3. More specifically, the pair of case side engaging portions 23a, 23b are integrally formed on the inner surface of the rear end of the dust case 3, protruding radially inward.

[0032] The case side engaging portions 23a, 23b are projections extending in the circumferential direction of the dust case 3, and are disposed at positions 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the dust case 3.

[0033] 2 and 3 again. A main body side first engagement portion 31 is provided around the inlet 18 of the main body portion 2. The main body side first engagement portion 31 is a groove that opens radially outward and surrounds the entire circumference or approximately the entire circumference of the inlet 18.

[0034] A body side second engagement portion 32 (described later) is provided inside the body side first engagement portion 31. More specifically, the body side second engagement portion 32 is provided inside the body side first engagement portion 31 in the radial direction and at a position overlapping with the body side first engagement portion 31 in the front-rear direction. The body side second engagement portion 32 is also common to the body side first engagement portion 31 in that it is a groove provided around the inlet 18.

[0035] Therefore, in the following description, the main body side first engagement portion 31 may be referred to as the "outer engagement groove 31" and the main body side second engagement portion 32 may be referred to as the "inner engagement groove 32".

[0036] When the dust case 3 is properly attached to the main body 2, the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b are disposed at the positions shown in Fig. 3 within the outer engagement groove 31. From another perspective, when the dust case 3 is properly attached to the main body 2, the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b are disposed approximately at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on the face of the clock.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1A when the dust case 3 shown in Fig. 3 is rotated about 120 degrees in the R2 direction. At this time, the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b are located at approximately the 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions on the clock face.

[0038] 3 and 8, the outer engagement groove 31 has, at two circumferential positions, cutout portions 37 through which the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b can pass in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11). Therefore, by rotating the dust case 3 to align the positions of the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b with the positions of the cutout portions 37, the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b can be inserted into or removed from the outer engagement groove 31.

[0039] The two notches 37 shown in Fig. 11 are provided at the same or approximately the same positions as the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the case side engagement parts 23a, 23b shown in Fig. 8 are located beyond (behind) the notches 37.

[0040] 8 is rotated in the R1 direction, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b move in the R1 direction within the outer engagement groove 31. When the rotation angle of the dust case 3 reaches approximately 120 degrees, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b reach the position shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b and the outer engagement groove 31 are normally engaged with each other, and the dust case 3 is normally attached to the main body 2.

[0041] On the other hand, when the dust case 3 shown in Fig. 3 is rotated in the R2 direction, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b move in the R2 direction within the outer engagement groove 31. Then, when the rotation angle of the dust case 3 reaches approximately 120 degrees, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b reach the position shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the positions of the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b and the positions of the two notches 37 match.

[0042] 8 is pulled forward (toward the viewer in the drawing), the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b are pulled out of the outer engagement groove 31 through the respective cutout parts 37. In other words, the engagement between the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b and the outer engagement groove 31 is released, and the dust case 3 is removed from the main body part 2.

[0043] <filter> 9 is a perspective view of the filter 4. The filter 4 has a cylindrical filter body 41 with one open end, and an annular frame 42 provided around the opening of the filter body 41.

[0044] The filter body 41 is made of nonwoven fabric, and the annular frame 42 is made of synthetic resin. A pair of filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b protruding radially outward are integrally formed with the annular frame 42.

[0045] The filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b are projections extending in the circumferential direction of the annular frame 42, and are disposed at positions 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the annular frame 42.

[0046] 2, the filter 4 is placed over a support frame 33 protruding forward from the periphery of the inlet 18 of the main body 2, and attached to the main body 2. In other words, the support frame 33 protruding from the periphery of the inlet 18 of the main body 2 is inserted inside the filter 4. As a result, the inlet 18 is located inside the filter 4 and is covered by the filter 4.

[0047] The support frame 33 is formed in a cage shape using a plurality of elongated plate members, with gaps provided between adjacent plate members (see FIG. 11). The support frame 33 supports the filter 4 from the inside and maintains the shape of the filter body 41.

[0048] As described above, the filter 4 is disposed in the dust collection chamber 5 formed by the dust case 3 attached to the main body 2. From another perspective, the filter 4 is housed in and covered by the dust case 3 attached to the main body 2.

[0049] That is, when the filter 4 is attached to the main body 2, the inlet 18 of the main body 2 is covered by the filter 4. Furthermore, when the dust case 3 is attached to the main body 2 to which the filter 4 is attached, the filter 4 is covered by the dust case 3 and is disposed in the dust collection chamber 5.

[0050] As a result, the airflow that flows into the dust collection chamber 5 from the suction port 21 of the dust case 3 passes through the filter 4 and flows into the inside of the main body 2 from the inlet 18. From another perspective, the filter 4 is disposed on the flow path of the air that flows from the suction port 21 to the inlet 18 via the dust collection chamber 5.

[0051] 3 again. As described above, the inner engagement groove 32 is provided radially inside the outer engagement groove 31. The inner engagement groove 32 is a groove that opens toward the front and surrounds the entire or approximately entire circumference of the inlet 18.

[0052] The inner engagement groove 32 is provided with anti-slip portions 34 at two circumferential positions. The anti-slip portions 34 are disposed at positions 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the inner engagement groove 32. More specifically, the two anti-slip portions 34 are disposed approximately at the 12 o'clock position and the 6 o'clock position on the face of the timepiece.

[0053] A rotation stopper 35 is provided on one side of each of the retaining portions 34. These rotation stoppers 35 are also disposed at positions 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the inner engagement groove 32.

[0054] 2, each of the retaining portions 34 is integrally formed with a screw boss 36 to which a screw that fixes the housings 11, 12 is coupled. In addition, each of the retaining portions 34 protrudes like an eave in front of the inner engagement groove 32 and partially covers the inner engagement groove 32.

[0055] As described above, the outer engagement groove 31 has two cutout portions 37 in the circumferential direction. In other words, in a front view of the main body 2, the outer engagement groove 31 is open at two circumferential positions and closed at the rest. On the other hand, the inner engagement groove 32 is closed at two circumferential positions and open at the rest.

[0056] When the filter 4 is properly attached to the main body 2, the filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b are disposed in the inner engagement groove 32 at the position shown in FIG.

[0057] From another perspective, when the filter 4 is normally attached to the main body 2, the filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b abut against the rotation stopper 35, and further rotation of the filter 4 is restricted.

[0058] At this time, one filter side engagement part 43a is positioned at approximately the 12 o'clock position on the clock face, and the other filter side engagement part 43b is positioned at approximately the 6 o'clock position on the clock face.

[0059] More specifically, the filter side engagement portion 43a enters the rear side of the upper retaining portion 34 and overlaps with the retaining portion 34. Moreover, the filter side engagement portion 43b enters the rear side of the lower retaining portion 34 and overlaps with the retaining portion 34. As a result, movement of the filter 4 in the front-rear direction is restricted.

[0060] 3 is rotated in the R1 direction, the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b move in the R1 direction within the inner engagement groove 32 and come off the retaining part 34. When the filter 4 is subsequently pulled forward (toward the viewer on the page), the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b are pulled out of the inner engagement groove 32. In other words, the engagement between the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b and the inner engagement groove 32 is released, and the filter 4 is removed from the main body 2.

[0061] On the other hand, when the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b are inserted into the inner engagement groove 32 from a place where the retaining part 34 is not provided, and then the filter 4 is rotated in the R2 direction, the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b and the inner engagement groove 32 are again engaged with each other. More specifically, each of the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b enters the back side of the retaining part 34 and overlaps with the retaining part 34. In other words, the filter 4 is attached to the main body 2 again.

[0062] <Regulations Department> The main body 2 is provided with a restricting portion 50 that restricts the attachment of the dust case 3 to the main body 2. Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the restricting portion 50.

[0063] The restricting portion 50 is a resin member including an integrally molded shaft portion 51, a restricting piece 52, and an operating piece 53. The restricting portion 50 switches between a non-restricting state in which the dust case 3 is permitted to be attached to the main body portion 2 and a restricting state in which the dust case 3 is prevented from being attached to the main body portion 2.

[0064] <Restriction status> Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the restricting portion 50 in the restricted state. Fig. 12 is another perspective view showing the restricting portion 50 in the restricted state. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 12.

[0065] 13, the restricting portion 50 is disposed rearward of the upper screw boss 36. More specifically, the shaft portion 51 of the restricting portion 50 is disposed behind the rear wall 31r of the outer engagement groove 31 and the bottom wall 32b of the inner engagement groove 32 and is rotatably held therebetween.

[0066] A coil spring 54 is provided around the shaft portion 51 of the restriction portion 50. In other words, the shaft portion 51 is inserted through the coil spring 54. The coil spring 54 constantly applies torque in the r1 direction to the restriction portion 50. From another perspective, the coil spring 54 constantly biases the restriction portion 50 so that the restriction portion 50 is maintained in the restricted state shown in the figure.

[0067] When the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the restricting piece 52 protrudes into the outer engagement groove 31 through a slit provided in the rear wall 31r of the outer engagement groove 31. More specifically, the restricting piece 52 protrudes into the outer engagement groove 31 from the rear toward the front.

[0068] Furthermore, when the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the operation piece 53 protrudes into the inner engagement groove 32 through a slit provided in the bottom wall 32b of the inner engagement groove 32. More specifically, the operation piece 53 protrudes into the inner engagement groove 32 from the rear toward the front.

[0069] That is, when the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the restricting piece 52 advances onto the movement path of the case side engaging portion 23a, and the operating piece 53 advances onto the movement path of the filter side engaging portion 43a.

[0070] When the restricting portion 50 is in the restricted state, the restricting piece 52 and the operating piece 53 are pressed against the inner surface of the slit by the bias of the coil spring 54. Therefore, the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 13 does not rotate further in the r1 direction. In other words, the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 13 has rotated to the maximum in the r1 direction.

[0071] 14. When the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state and the case side engaging portions 23a, 23b are inserted into the outer engaging groove 31, the restricting piece 52 is present in front of the case side engaging portion 23a in the R1 direction. In other words, the restricting piece 52 is present on the movement path of the case side engaging portion 23a.

[0072] Therefore, when attempting to attach the dust case 3 to the main body 2 in the manner described above, that is, when rotating the dust case 3 shown in Figure 14 in the R1 direction, the case side engagement portion 23a will hit the regulating piece 52, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0073] However, the restricting part 50 has already rotated to the maximum in the r1 direction and cannot rotate any further. From another perspective, the restricting part 50 in the restricted state cannot be rotated by the dust case 3 rotating in the R1 direction relative to the main body part 2. As a result, the rotation of the dust case 3 in the R1 direction is restricted, and the dust case 3 is prevented from being attached to the main body part 2.

[0074] <<Non-regulated state>> Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the restricting portion 50 in the non-restricted state. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 17.

[0075] When the filter 4 is normally attached to the main body 2, the restricting portion 50 is switched from the restricting state to the non-restricting state. As described above, in order to attach the filter 4 to the main body 2, it is necessary to insert the filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b into the inner engagement groove 32, and then rotate the filter 4 in the R2 direction until the filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b abut against the rotation stopper 35.

[0076] Then, the filter side engagement part 43a, which moves in the R2 direction inside the inner engagement groove 32 as the filter 4 rotates, hits the operation piece 53 protruding into the inner engagement groove 32 before reaching the rotation stopper 35. Thereafter, when the filter 4 is further rotated in the R2 direction, that is, when the filter side engagement part 43a is further moved in the R2 direction, the restriction part 50 is rotated in the r2 direction against the bias of the coil spring 54.

[0077] As a result, the restricting piece 52 retracts to the outside of the outer engagement groove 31, and the operating piece 53 retracts to the outside of the inner engagement groove 32. From another perspective, the restricting piece 52 retracts from the movement path of the case side engagement portion 23a, and the operating piece 53 retracts from the movement path of the filter side engagement portion 43a.

[0078] Therefore, unlike when the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the movement of the case side engaging portion 23a inserted into the outer engaging groove 31 in the R1 direction is not restricted, and the rotation of the dust case 3 in the R1 direction is not restricted either. In other words, the attachment of the dust case 3 to the main body portion 2 is permitted.

[0079] Even after the filter side engagement portion 43a moves to a predetermined position in the inner engagement groove 32 (a position where it abuts against the rotation stopper 35), the filter side engagement portion 43a maintains contact with the operation piece 53. From another perspective, the filter side engagement portion 43a that has moved to a predetermined position in the inner engagement groove 32 maintains the restricting portion 50 in the non-restricting state.

[0080] As described above, the cleaner 1A of this embodiment is equipped with a regulating section 50 that switches from a regulated state to a non-regulated state when the filter 4 is attached to the main body section 2, and switches from the non-regulated state to the regulated state when the filter 4 is removed from the main body section 2.

[0081] More specifically, the restricting portion 50 includes a restricting piece 52 that appears and disappears in the outer engagement groove 31 with which the case side engagement portions 23a and 23b engage, and an operating piece 53 that appears and disappears in the inner engagement groove 32. Furthermore, the operating piece 53 can be operated by the filter side engagement portion 43a that moves in the inner engagement groove 32.

[0082] Then, when the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b are normally engaged with the inner engagement groove 32, that is, when the filter side engagement parts 43a, 43b are inserted into the inner engagement groove 32 and move to a predetermined position, the restricting part 50 is switched from the restricting state to the non-restricting state. Specifically, the filter side engagement part 43a moving within the inner engagement groove 32 operates the operating piece 53, causing the restricting part 50 to rotate and the restricting piece 52 to retreat from the movement path of the case side engagement part 23a.

[0083] From another perspective, even if filter 4 is disposed in dust collection chamber 5, if filter 4 is not properly attached to main body portion 2, regulating portion 50 will not switch from the regulating state to the non-regulating state.

[0084] For example, when the filter side engagement portion 43b is engaged with the inner engagement groove 32 but the filter side engagement portion 43a is not engaged with the inner engagement groove 32, the operation piece 53 is not operated. Therefore, the restricting portion 50 is not switched from the restricting state to the non-restricting state.

[0085] Also, when the filter side engagement portions 43a, 43b have not moved to the predetermined positions in the inner engagement groove 32, the operation piece 53 is not operated, or at least is not operated sufficiently, so that the restricting portion 50 is not switched from the restricting state to the non-restricting state.

[0086] That is, in the cleaner 1A of this embodiment, only when the filter 4 is disposed in the dust collection chamber 5 and is normally attached to the main body 2, the dust case 3 is permitted to be attached to the main body 2. In other words, when the filter 4 is not disposed in the dust collection chamber 5 or when the filter 4 is disposed but not normally attached to the main body 2, the dust case 3 is prevented from being attached to the main body 2.

[0087] Therefore, in the cleaner 1A according to this embodiment, the dust case 3 is not attached to the main body 2 with the filter 4 incorrectly attached or not attached at all.

[0088] However, there is a risk that the dust case 3 may be attached to the main body 2 with the filter 4 incorrectly or not attached due to some malfunction. For example, if the regulating part 50 is stuck in a non-regulating state, the dust case 3 may be attached to the main body 2 even if the filter 4 is incorrectly or not attached.

[0089] Furthermore, when the fixing of the restricting portion 50 is released after the dust case 3 is attached to the main body portion 2, the restricting portion 50 is switched to the restricting state by the bias of the coil spring 54.

[0090] FIG. 19 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of cleaner 1A when dust case 3 is mistakenly attached to main body 2 without filter 4, and FIG. 20 is a horizontal cross-sectional view.

[0091] The illustrated restricting piece 52 protrudes into the outer engagement groove 31. In other words, the restricting portion 50 is switched from the non-restricting state to the restricting state for some reason after the dust case 3 is attached to the main body portion 2 to which the filter 4 is not attached.

[0092] However, the restricting portion 50 in the restricting state cannot rotate in the r1 direction, but can rotate in the r2 direction. Therefore, when the illustrated dust case 3 is rotated in the R2 direction, the restricting piece 52 is pushed by the case side engaging portion 23a, and the restricting portion 50 is rotated in the r2 direction. As a result, the restricting portion 50 temporarily switches to the non-restricting state, and the dust case 3 can be removed from the main body portion 2.

[0093] Second embodiment Another example of the embodiment will be described. The working machine according to this embodiment is a portable cleaner 1B having substantially the same structure as the cleaner 1A according to the first embodiment. However, the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1B according to this embodiment has a different operating direction from the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0094] Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a regulating state of the regulating portion 50 included in the cleaner 1B according to the present embodiment. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the regulating state of the regulating portion 50 included in the cleaner 1B. Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 22.

[0095] As shown mainly in FIG. 23, the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1B is a resin member including an axis portion 51, a restricting piece 52, and an operating piece 53, which are integrally molded, like the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1A.

[0096] However, while the shaft portion 51 of the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 13 extends in the up-down direction, the shaft portion 51 of the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 23 extends in the front-rear direction. In other words, the orientation of the shaft portion 51 of the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 23 and the orientation of the shaft portion 51 of the restricting portion 50 shown in Fig. 13 differ by 90 degrees.

[0097] As a result, the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1B rotates in the vertical direction (radial direction). More specifically, the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1B rotates in the directions r3 and r4 shown in Fig. 23. From another perspective, the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1B appears and disappears from the outer engagement groove 31 in a different direction from the restricting portion 50 of the cleaner 1A.

[0098] Incidentally, the coil spring 54 provided around the shaft portion 51 constantly applies torque to the restricting portion 50 in the r3 direction.

[0099] When the restricting portion 50 is in the restricted state, the restricting piece 52 protrudes from bottom to top (from the radially inner side to the radially outer side) into the outer engagement groove 31. When the restricting portion 50 is in the restricted state, the operating piece 53 protrudes from top to bottom (from the radially outer side to the radially inner side) into the inner engagement groove 32.

[0100] 21 and 22, the restricting piece 52 protrudes into the outer engagement groove 31 in a region between one circumferential end and the other circumferential end of the upper cutout portion 37. In other words, when the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the restricting piece 52 stands up at the tip (rear) of the cutout portion 37.

[0101] As a result, the case side engaging portion 23a (not shown) cannot be inserted into the outer engaging groove 31 through the cutout portion 37. In other words, the dust case 3 is prevented from being attached to the main body portion 2.

[0102] Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing a non-restricting state of the restriction portion 50 included in the cleaner 1B according to the present embodiment. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the non-restricting state of the restriction portion 50 included in the cleaner 1B. Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 25.

[0103] 26, the filter side engagement part 43a, which moves in the R2 direction within the inner engagement groove 32 as the filter 4 rotates, hits the operation piece 53 protruding into the inner engagement groove 32. When the filter 4 is then further rotated in the R2 direction, that is, when the filter side engagement part 43a is further moved in the R2 direction, the restricting part 50 is rotated in the r4 direction (FIG. 23) against the bias of the coil spring 54, and the restricting piece 52 falls down.

[0104] The fallen restricting piece 52 is flush or approximately flush with the inner surface of the outer engagement groove 31. From another perspective, the restricting piece 52 forms part of the inner surface of the outer engagement groove 31 when the restricting portion 50 is in the non-restricting state.

[0105] As a result, it becomes possible to insert the case side engaging portion 23a (not shown) into the outer engaging groove 31 through the cutout portion 37. In other words, attachment of the dust case 3 to the main body portion 2 is permitted.

[0106] Third embodiment A further example of the embodiment will be described below. The working machine according to the present embodiment is a portable cleaner 1C having substantially the same structure as the cleaner 1A according to the first embodiment and the cleaner 1B according to the second embodiment.

[0107] However, the filter 4 included in the cleaner 1C according to the present embodiment is a paper bag capable of storing dust. Also, the restricting portion 50 included in the cleaner 1C according to the present embodiment has an operating direction different from any of the restricting portions 50 described so far.

[0108] Fig. 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the restricting state of the restricting portion 50 included in the cleaner 1C according to the present embodiment. Fig. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the restricting state of the restricting portion 50 included in the cleaner 1C. Fig. 29 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the restricting state of the restricting portion 50 included in the cleaner 1C.

[0109] The restricting portion 50 is a resin member having an integrally molded locking portion 55 and a restricting piece 52. The locking portion 55 is provided on one end side of the restricting portion 50, and the restricting piece 52 is provided on the other end side of the restricting portion 50.

[0110] The restricting portion 50 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 56 that passes between the locking portion 55 and the restricting piece 52 in the left-right direction (the direction in which the housings 11 and 12 are butted together). As a result, the restricting portion 50 is rotatable in the r5 and r6 directions shown in FIGS.

[0111] That is, the rotation shaft of the regulating portion 50 of the cleaner 1C according to this embodiment extends in the left-right direction. The rotation shaft of the regulating portion 50 of the cleaner 1A extends in the up-down direction, and the rotation shaft of the regulating portion 50 of the cleaner 1B extends in the front-rear direction.

[0112] The restricting portion 50 is constantly biased in the r5 direction by a biasing member (not shown) (for example, a coil spring or a leaf spring).

[0113] 28, the filter 4 is placed in the dust collection chamber 5 of the dust case 3. When placing the filter 4 in the dust collection chamber 5, the filter 4 is placed between the guide portion 38 and the restriction portion 50 provided in front of the inlet 18 of the main body 2, and the locking portion 55 is hooked onto the flange portion 44 of the filter 4.

[0114] More specifically, the restricting piece 52 shown in Fig. 27 is pushed down against the bias of the biasing member, and the locking portion 55 is pulled up in the direction r6. Next, the filter 4 is placed between the guide portion 38 and the restricting portion 50, and then the restricting piece 52 is released. Then, the restricting portion 50 rotates in the direction r5 due to the bias of the biasing member. As a result, as shown in Fig. 28, the locking portion 55 engages with the flange portion 44, and the filter 4 is normally attached.

[0115] Here, when the locking portion 55 rotating in the r5 direction gets caught on the flange portion 44, the rotation of the restricting portion 50 in the same direction is restricted. In other words, if the filter 4 is properly attached, the restricting portion 50 cannot rotate to the position shown in Fig. 27. As a result, the restricting piece 52 is held in the first position which is lower than when the restricting portion 50 is in the restricted state.

[0116] A protrusion 24 protruding radially inward is integrally formed inside the dust case 3. More specifically, two protrusions 24 are integrally formed around the nozzle portion 22.

[0117] 27, when attempting to attach the dust case 3 to the main body 2 when the regulating part 50 is in the regulating state, the protrusion 24 hits the regulating piece 52 that is held at the second position, which is higher than when in the non-regulating state. The procedure for attaching the dust case 3 to the main body 2 is the same as the procedure described in the first embodiment.

[0118] In other words, when the filter 4 is not properly attached and the restricting portion 50 is in the restricting state, the dust case 3 is prevented from being attached to the main body portion 2.

[0119] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28, when the regulating portion 50 is in the non-regulating state, the regulating piece 52 is held in the first position, so that the protrusion 24 does not collide with the regulating piece 52, and the dust case 3 can be attached to the main body portion 2.

[0120] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 29, the protrusion 24 enters above the regulating piece 52 that has retreated to the first position (radially inward) and overlaps with the regulating piece 52. At the same time, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b (not shown) are inserted into the outer engagement groove 31 (not shown). When the dust case 3 is then rotated in the R1 direction, the case side engagement parts 23a and 23b move to a predetermined position (the same position as the position shown in Fig. 3) within the outer engagement groove 31. As a result, the dust case 3 is normally attached to the main body part 2 as shown in Fig. 30.

[0121] In other words, when the filter 4 is normally attached and therefore the restricting portion 50 is in a non-restricting state, attachment of the dust case 3 to the main body portion 2 is permitted.

[0122] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaner 1C when the dust case 3 is mistakenly attached to the main body 2 without the filter 4 attached.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 31, the side portions 52a, 52b of the regulating piece 52 are chamfered in an arc shape. Therefore, the protrusion 24, which moves in the R2 direction as the dust case 3 rotates in the same direction, can smoothly ride up onto the regulating piece 52. Then, the protrusion 24 that rides up onto the regulating piece 52 moves in the R2 direction while pressing down the regulating piece 52, and passes through the regulating piece 52. In other words, the protrusion 24 passes through the regulating piece 52 while rotating the regulating portion 50 in the r6 direction shown in Fig. 28.

[0124] As a result, the restricting portion 50 is temporarily switched to the non-restricting state, and the dust case 3 can be removed from the main body portion 2.

[0125] It can be understood from the above description that the restricting portion 50 of the present embodiment can also function as a filter holder that fixes the filter 4. It can also be understood that the restricting piece 52 can also function as a knob for operating the filter holder.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment, a filter is attached to a dust case. In another embodiment, a plurality of case side engagement parts are provided on the dust case along the circumferential direction of the dust case. In this embodiment, the same number of restriction parts as the case side engagement parts are provided on the main body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] Reference Signs List 1A, 1B, 1C... cleaner, 2... main body, 3... dust collection case (dust case), 4... filter, 5... dust collection chamber, 6... grip, 7... operation section, 11, 12... housing, 13... battery pack, 14... battery mounting section, 15... motor, 15a... output shaft, 16... fan, 17... controller, 18... inlet, 19... outlet, 21... intake port, 22... nozzle section, 23a, 23b... case side engagement section, 24... protrusion, 31... main body side first engagement section (outer engagement groove), 31 r...rear wall, 32...main body side second engagement portion (inner engagement groove), 32b...bottom wall, 33...support frame, 34...retaining portion, 35...rotation stopper, 36...screw boss, 37...notch portion, 38...guide portion, 41...filter main body, 42...annular frame, 43a, 43b...filter side engagement portion, 44...flange portion, 50...regulating portion, 51...shaft portion, 52...regulating piece, 52a, 52b...side portion, 53...operating piece, 54...coil spring, 55...locking portion, 56...support shaft, X...center shaft

Claims

1. A main body that houses a fan that is rotationally driven by a motor and has an inlet through which an airflow generated by the fan flows in; a dust collection case that defines a dust collection chamber containing the inlet between the main body and the dust collection case and that includes an intake port into which the airflow generated by the fan flows; a filter disposed in the dust collection chamber and attached to at least one of the main body and the dust collection case; a restricting portion that restricts attachment of the dust collection case to the main body portion, the restriction portion allows the dust collection case to be attached to the main body portion when the filter is disposed in the dust collection chamber, The regulating portion prevents the dust collection case from being attached to the main body portion when the filter is not disposed in the dust collection chamber.

2. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating portion allows the dust collection case to be attached to the main body portion when the filter is placed in the dust collection chamber and is normally attached.

3. The dust collection case is provided with a case side engagement portion, the main body portion is provided with a main body side first engagement portion with which the case side engagement portion engages; The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the restriction portion includes a restriction piece that appears and disappears from the main body side first engagement portion.

4. The filter is provided with a filter side engagement portion, the main body portion is provided with a main body side second engagement portion with which the filter side engagement portion engages; The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein the restricting portion allows the dust collection case to be attached to the main body when the filter side engaging portion is engaged with the main body side second engaging portion.

5. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the case side engagement portion engages with the main body side first engagement portion by the dust collection case rotating relative to the main body in a first direction.

6. The work machine according to claim 5 , wherein the filter side engagement portion engages with the main body side second engagement portion by the filter rotating relative to the main body in a second direction.

7. The work machine according to claim 6 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

8. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein when the direction of the output shaft of the motor is defined as a front-rear direction, a position of the first body side engagement portion and a position of the second body side engagement portion overlap in the front-rear direction.

9. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting portion is provided on the main body portion.

10. A plurality of the case side engagement portions are provided on the dust collection case along a circumferential direction of the dust collection case, The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein the body portion is provided with the same number of restricting portions as the case side engaging portions.

11. The dust collection case is attached to the main body by being rotated relative to the main body in a first direction, and is detached from the main body by being rotated relative to the main body in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating portion can be rotated by the dust collection case which rotates relative to the main body portion in the second direction, but is not rotated by the dust collection case which rotates relative to the main body portion in the first direction.

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