Work machine

Abstract

To provide a work machine whose convenience has been improved.SOLUTION: A work machine 1 capable of executing dust collection work including a dust collection operation for collecting dust into a dust collection chamber 32 and a discharge operation for discharging dust from the dust collection chamber 32 includes: a motor 91; a fan 92 for generating an air flow by receiving driving force of the motor 91; a body housing 10 for housing the motor 91 and the fan 92; a cylindrical dust collection case 30 which can be attached to and detached from the body housing 10, in which the dust collection chamber 32 is formed; a filter part 60 attached to the body housing 10 so as to cover a suction port 14 of the body housing 10 in the dust collection chamber 32 for collecting the dust contained in the air flow; and an assist part 40 attached to the filter part 60 for assisting the dust collection work.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaner, which is an example of a work machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-45844 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There has been a demand for improved convenience in the dust collection operation of collecting dust in the dust collection chamber and in the discharge operation of discharging dust from the dust collection chamber.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a work machine with improved convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a work machine. A work machine having a dust collection chamber and capable of performing a dust collection operation including a dust collection operation of collecting dust in the dust collection chamber and a discharge operation of discharging the dust from the dust collection chamber, A drive unit; A fan that receives a driving force of the driving unit to generate an air flow; a housing defining a dust collection chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet for the air flow in the dust collection chamber; a filter portion attached to the housing so as to cover the outlet port in the dust collection chamber and configured to collect dust contained in the airflow; and an auxiliary part attached to the filter part for assisting the dust collection operation.

[0007] The present invention may be expressed as an "electric operating machine" or an "electrical device", and such expressions are also valid as aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a work machine with improved convenience can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A is a plan view of a working machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Diagram 2] (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1(B), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1(A). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the work machine 1 with the dust collection case 30 separated from the main housing 10. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of the main body housing 10 in FIG. 4 with the auxiliary section 40 and the filter section 60 separated therefrom. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view of the auxiliary part 40 and the filter part 60 in an assembled state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the auxiliary part 40 and the filter part 60 in a separated state, in which the filter part 60 is in an exploded state. [Figure 7] 7A is a perspective view of a main part of a working machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a dust collection case removed, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a state in which an auxiliary part 140 is moved forward relative to a filter part 160 from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 10A is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of a work machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a working machine 1A according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a working machine 1B according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment 1) 1 to 6 relate to a work machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The work machine 1 is a cordless, portable, non-cyclone cleaner (dust collection device) that operates on power from a battery pack 19. Figures 1(A) and (B) define the mutually orthogonal front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions of the work machine 1. The left-right directions are defined based on a worker looking forward.

[0011] 1(A) and (B), the housing (outer shell) of the work machine 1 is composed of a main body housing 10 (main body) and a dust collection case 30 (dust case). The main body housing 10 is made up of two separate resin molded bodies, a left one and a right one, which are fixed together and integrated by screws or the like. The dust collection case 30 is, for example, a single resin molded body.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 2(B) and Fig. 3, the dust collection case 30 forms a dust collection chamber 32 inside. The dust collection case 30 has an inlet 31 at the front end. The inlet 31 is a nozzle part having a cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. The inlet 31 may be referred to as a suction port or suction part. The inlet 31 is an inlet through which the airflow generated by the fan 92 flows from the outside into the dust collection chamber 32.

[0013] The dust collection chamber 32 has a cylindrical shape and is connected to the rear of the inlet 31. The sides and upper parts of the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the dust collection chamber 32 are tapered so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the front. The dust collection chamber 32 has a larger diameter than the inlet 31. The dust collection chamber 32 collects (stores) dust that flows in from the inlet 31 together with the air flow.

[0014] The dust-collection case 30 has latch engagement portions 36 at the top and bottom of the rear end. The latch engagement portions 36 are through holes that hook the claw portions of the latch members 21. In the process of sliding the dust-collection case 30 rearward relative to the main housing 10 to the state shown in FIG. 2(B), the claw portions of the latch members 21 hook onto the latch engagement portions 36, and the dust-collection case 30 is locked to the main housing 10.

[0015] The main body housing 10 includes a motor accommodating section 11, a handle section 12, and a battery pack mounting section 13.

[0016] The motor housing 11 has a tubular shape, for example a substantially cylindrical shape, with a central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 2(B), the motor housing 11 houses therein a motor 91 (drive unit) and a fan 92. Here, the motor 91 and the fan 92 are integrated as a fan motor unit 90, but may be separate from each other. The motor 91 is, for example, an inner rotor type brushless motor. The fan 92 is directly connected to the drive shaft of the motor 91 in front of the main body of the motor 91 (a portion of the motor 91 excluding the drive shaft) and rotates together with the motor 91. The fan 92 rotates by receiving the drive force of the motor 91 to generate an air flow.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, the motor housing 11 has an intake port 14 in front of the fan motor unit 90. The intake port 14 is a circular through hole coaxial with the motor 91 and the fan 92, and serves as an inlet for the airflow generated by the fan 92. The front of the intake port 14 is covered by the filter unit 60. The intake port 14 is located at the rear (rear side) of the dust collection chamber 32, and serves as an outlet for the airflow in the dust collection chamber 32. A ring-shaped elastic member 95 shown in FIG. 3 airtightly seals the gap between the front outer surface of the fan motor unit 90 and the front wall inner surface of the motor housing 11 all around the intake port 14. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the motor housing 11 has a plurality of exhaust ports 15 on both the left and right side surfaces. The exhaust ports 15 serve as an outlet for the airflow generated by the fan 92.

[0018] The handle section 12 extends rearward substantially parallel to the front-rear direction from the left-right center of the upper rear end of the motor housing section 11. The battery pack attachment section 13 is connected to the rear end of the handle section 12. A battery pack 19 is detachably attached to the battery pack attachment section 13. The battery pack 19 can be attached to the battery pack attachment section 13 by sliding it obliquely from the upper-rear direction to the lower-front direction. The motor 91 is driven by the power of the battery pack 19 attached to the battery pack attachment section 13.

[0019] The work machine 1 has latch members 21 at the top and bottom of the motor accommodating portion 11. The latch members 21 are members for locking the dust collection case 30 to the main housing 10. The latch members 21 are biased by a spring (not shown) in a direction in which they protrude radially outward from the motor accommodating portion 11. When an operator presses the latch members 21 radially inward from the motor accommodating portion 11, the locking by the latch members 21 is released.

[0020] The work machine 1 has a switch panel 25 on the upper surface of the handle portion 12. The switch panel 25 is provided with a power button 26, an airflow increase button 27, and an airflow decrease button 28. Each time the power button 26 is pressed, the motor 91 is switched between being driven and stopped. When the airflow increase button 27 is pressed, the rotation speed of the motor 91 (the rotation speed of the fan 92) increases. When the airflow decrease button 28 is pressed, the rotation speed of the motor 91 (the rotation speed of the fan 92) decreases. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the motor 91 is started when the airflow increase button 27 or the airflow decrease button 28 is pressed while the motor 91 is stopped, that is, a configuration may be adopted in which the airflow increase button 27 or the airflow decrease button 28 also functions as a start button, and the power button 26 is used as a button for stopping the motor 91 (off button).

[0021] 2(B) and 3, the work machine 1 has a filter unit 60. The filter unit 60 is disposed inside the dust collection chamber 32 so as to be located between the inlet 31 and the intake port 14, and collects dust contained in the air flowing from the inlet 31 to the intake port 14. The filter unit 60 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0022] The filter unit 60 has a filter 61 made of, for example, cloth. The filter 61 is cylindrical (bag-shaped) with a closed front end and an opening at the rear end. The opening at the rear end of the filter 61 is connected (communicates) with the air intake 14 of the dust collection case 30. The filter 61 separates (collects) dust from the air flow passing from the outside to the inside.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 6B, the filter unit 60 has a front holder 62 made of, for example, hard resin. The front holder 62 is, for example, a resin molded body. The front holder 62 supports the filter 61 in a partially cut cylindrical shape with a closed front end and an opening at the rear end, and with a circular cross-sectional shape with a cutout at the lower side when viewed in the front-rear direction. A "partial cylinder" is a tube with a partially cut circular cross-section. Due to the support of the front holder 62, the upper side of the filter 61 has a curved shape with an arc-shaped cross-section when viewed in the front-rear direction, and the lower side of the filter 61 has a flat plate shape.

[0024] The front holder 62 includes a base 63. The base 63 includes a notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a and an inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 63b. The notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a has a circular cross-sectional shape with the lower side cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction. The notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a is parallel to the front-rear direction. The inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 63b is connected to the front of the notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a. The inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 63b has a circular cross-sectional shape with the lower side cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is a cylindrical outer surface portion that is inclined so that it becomes wider overall as it goes forward. A pair of upper and lower snap fits 63c are provided on the notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a. The lower snap fit 63c is shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] The front holder 62 includes a frame portion 64. The frame portion 64 includes a plurality of pillar portions 64a extending forward from the base portion 63 (the front end portion of the inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 63b) and an intermediate connecting portion 64b connecting the intermediate portions of the pillar portions 64a to each other. Here, the seven pillar portions 64a are arranged in a segmented circle shape. Specifically, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the three pillar portions 64a located on the upper side of the seven pillar portions 64a are arranged in a circular arc shape. In addition, the four pillar portions 64a located on the lower side of the seven pillar portions 64a are arranged in a straight line, and the positions of the lower ends of the four pillar portions 64a in the vertical direction are approximately equal.

[0026] The front holder 62 has an auxiliary part mounting part 65. The auxiliary part mounting part 65 detachably mounts the auxiliary part 40 described later. The auxiliary part mounting part 65 is a notched cylindrical part that connects the front ends of the multiple pillar parts 64a. As shown in FIG. 6(B), the auxiliary part mounting part 65 includes a notched cylindrical outer surface part 65b and an inclined cylindrical outer surface part 65c. The inclined cylindrical outer surface part 65c has a circular cross-sectional shape with a notched lower side when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is inclined so as to narrow overall toward the front. The notched cylindrical outer surface part 65b is connected to the front of the inclined cylindrical outer surface part 65c, has a circular cross-sectional shape with a notched lower side when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is parallel to the front-rear direction. A pair of left and right snap fits 65a are provided at the front of the auxiliary part mounting part 65.

[0027] The filter unit 60 has a rear holder 67 made of, for example, hard resin. The rear holder 67 is, for example, a resin molded body. The rear holder 67 is a member for supporting the rear end of the front holder 62 and for holding the rear end of the filter 61 between the rear holder 67 and the base 63 of the front holder 62.

[0028] The outer peripheral surface of the rear holder 67 forms a notched cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. The inner peripheral surface of the rear holder 67 includes a notched cylindrical inner surface portion 73a and an inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b. The notched cylindrical inner surface portion 73a has a circular cross-sectional shape with the lower side cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction. The notched cylindrical inner surface portion 73a is parallel to the front-rear direction. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b is connected to the front of the notched cylindrical inner surface portion 73a. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b has a circular cross-sectional shape with the lower side cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is a cylindrical inner surface portion that is inclined so as to become wider overall as it goes forward.

[0029] By assembling the front holder 62 supporting the filter 61 to the rear holder 67 from the front, the rear end of the filter 61 can be held (clamped) between the outer circumferential surface (notched cylindrical outer surface portion 63a and inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 63b) of the base 63 and the inner circumferential surface (notched cylindrical inner surface portion 73a and inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b) of the rear holder 67. As shown in FIG. 3, the snap fit 63c of the front holder 62 is caught on the rear portion of the rear holder 67, so that the rear holder 67 is locked to the front holder 62.

[0030] The filter unit 60 has a ring-shaped elastic member 75 attached to the rear end of the rear holder 67. The elastic member 75 air-tightly seals the gap between the rear end of the rear holder 67 and the front surface of the main body housing 10 around the entire periphery of the intake port 14.

[0031] When the filter unit 60 is aligned with the front end of the main body housing 10 and rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle as viewed from the front, a pair of rotational fitting protrusions 69 of the rear holder 67 shown in Fig. 5 and a pair of rotational fitting recesses 18 of the main body housing 10 rotate and fit with each other, and the filter unit 60 is attached to the front end of the main body housing 10. In this state, the opening at the rear end of the filter 61 is connected (communicates) with the air intake 14 so that air flows through the filter 61 from the outside to the inside.

[0032] The work machine 1 has an auxiliary part 40. The auxiliary part 40 is disposed inside the dust collection chamber 32. The auxiliary part 40 is a pull-out part (scoop-out part) that moves rearward relative to the dust collection case 30 to pull out (scoop out) dust within the dust collection chamber 32. The auxiliary part 40 extends forward beyond the filter part 60. The front end of the auxiliary part 40 abuts against the periphery of the rear opening of the inlet 31.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6B and other figures, the auxiliary portion 40 has a base portion 41, a pillar portion 42, a connecting portion 43, and a front end annular portion 44 as a frame portion made of, for example, a resin molded body.

[0034] The base 41 is a notched cylindrical portion that covers the auxiliary unit mounting portion 65 of the filter portion 60 and is connected to the auxiliary unit mounting portion 65. The base 41 has a pair of left and right engagement portions 41a that engage with snap fits 65a of the auxiliary unit mounting portion 65. A plurality of through holes 41b are provided in the front surface of the base 41.

[0035] 3, the base 41 has an inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 41c that engages with the inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 65c of the front holder 62. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 41c has a circular cross-sectional shape with the lower side cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is inclined so as to narrow overall toward the front. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 41c abuts (comes in surface contact with) the inclined cylindrical outer surface portion 65c of the front holder 62, sandwiching the filter 61 therebetween.

[0036] By assembling the base 41 from the front to the front holder 62 supporting the filter 61, the front end of the filter 61 can be held (sandwiched) between the inner surface of the base 41 and the outer surface of the auxiliary part mounting part 65 of the front holder 62. The auxiliary part 40 is locked to the auxiliary part mounting part 65 by the snap fit 65a of the auxiliary part mounting part 65 engaging (hooking) with the engagement part 41a of the base 41. In other words, the auxiliary part 40 is attached to the front holder 62 with the filter 61 sandwiched between it and the front holder 62.

[0037] The pillar portion 42 extends rearward from the upper portion of the base portion 41 and reaches within the range in which the rear holder 67 exists in the front-rear direction. The pillar portion 42 has a plate-shaped portion perpendicular to the left-right direction. The pillar portion 42 is an airflow suppressing means (sealing portion) that extends between the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32 and the outer periphery of the filter portion 60 to suppress the swirling flow around the filter portion 60. The upper end of the pillar portion 42 contacts the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32 over the entire front-rear direction. The lower end of the pillar portion 42 contacts the pillar portion 64a with the filter 61 in between, and the portion of the filter 61 exposed in the dust collection chamber 32 between the rear holder 67 and the base portion 41 of the auxiliary portion 40 is sandwiched between the pillar portion 64a of the front holder 62 over the entire front-rear direction. The rear end of the pillar portion 42 is the abutment portion 42a, which abuts against a receiving portion 70 protruding upward from the outer periphery of the rear holder 67. The rear end position of the auxiliary part 40 is determined by the contact between the abutting part 42a and the receiving part 70.

[0038] The connecting portion 43 connects the base 41 and the front-end annular portion 44. The rear end of the connecting portion 43 is connected to the base 41 and the pillar portion 42. The front end of the connecting portion 43 is connected to the front-end annular portion 44. The upper end of the connecting portion 43 contacts the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32 over the entire front-to-rear direction.

[0039] The front annular portion 44 is adjacent to the rear of the rear end of the inlet 31 and is also adjacent to the inner surface of the dust collection chamber 32. A holding portion 45 is provided on the upper portion of the front annular portion 44. The holding portion 45 is located directly above the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32. The holding portion 45 has a cylindrical shape with its central axis parallel to the left-right direction. The holding portion 45 is a portion that holds the mounting portion 52 of the restriction portion 50.

[0040] The auxiliary portion 40 has a restricting portion 50. The restricting portion 50 is made of an elastic body such as rubber. The restricting portion 50 is disposed adjacent to and rear of the rear end portion of the inlet 31. That is, the auxiliary portion 40 has a front end portion in contact with the rear end portion of the inlet 31.

[0041] The restricting portion 50 is a valve for preventing backflow of dust. The restricting portion 50 allows airflow from the outside of the dust collection case 30 to the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) through the inlet 31, and restricts the outflow of dust from the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) to the outside of the dust collection case 30 through the inlet 31.

[0042] The restriction part 50 has a cover part 51 and an attachment part 52. The cover part 51 is a plate-shaped part that abuts against the inlet 31 from the inside (abuts against the rear end part of the inlet 31) so as to close the inlet 31. The attachment part 52 is connected to the upper end part of the cover part 51, and is held inside the holding part 45. The restriction part 50 can be attached to the holding part 45 by fitting the attachment part 52 into the holding part 45 from the left or right.

[0043] The cover portion 51 swings (deforms) about the attachment portion 52 as a fulcrum due to the airflow flowing from the outside of the dust collection case 30 to the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) through the inlet 31, so that the lower side can be separated from the inlet 31. Since the front surface of the cover portion 51 contacts the periphery of the inlet 31, the cover portion 51 does not swing forward (is unable to swing).

[0044] The operation of the work machine 1 will now be described.

[0045] In the dust collection operation for collecting dust in the dust collection chamber 32, the motor 91 is started when the power button 26 is pressed. The fan 92 rotates together with the motor 91, generating an air flow. This air flow enters the dust collection chamber 32 from the inlet 31, passes through the filter 61, is sucked into the fan 92 through the intake port 14, cools the motor 91, and is then exhausted to the outside of the main housing 10 from the exhaust port 15. The dust enters the dust collection chamber 32 from the inlet 31 together with the air flow, but cannot pass through the filter 61, and is captured by the filter 61 and accumulates in the dust collection chamber 32. At this time, the cover portion 51 swings backward with the upper side as a fulcrum, so that the dust is guided diagonally downward and backward in the dust collection chamber 32, and tends to accumulate in the space below the filter 61.

[0046] In discharging (removing) the dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 32, the upper and lower latch members 21 of the main housing 10 are operated to release the latch members 21 from engagement, while the dust collection case 30 is moved relatively forward with respect to the main housing 10. At this time, the auxiliary part 40, particularly the front end annular part 44, comes out relatively rearward from the dust collection case 30 while drawing out (scooping out) the dust in the dust collection chamber 32. This discharging operation is preferably performed with the rear end opening of the dust collection case 30 facing the direction of gravity over a trash can or a trash bag.

[0047] To remove the auxiliary part 40 from the filter part 60, the snap fit 65a of the front holder 62 is pushed inward through the engagement part 41a (through hole) of the base 41 to release the lock provided by the snap fit 65a, while moving the auxiliary part 40 forward relative to the filter part 60.

[0048] To attach the auxiliary part 40 to the filter part 60, the base part 41 is moved relatively backward toward the auxiliary part mounting part 65 of the front holder 62, and the snap fit 65a of the auxiliary part mounting part 65 is engaged (hooked) into the engagement part 41a of the base part 41.

[0049] To attach the dust collection case 30 to the main housing 10, the dust collection case 30 is moved relatively backward toward the front end of the main housing 10, and the latch member 21 on the main housing 10 is engaged (hooked) with the latch engagement portion 36 of the dust collection case 30.

[0050] This embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0051] (1) The work machine 1 includes the auxiliary part 40 attached to the filter part 60. The auxiliary part 40 is a member that moves rearward relative to the dust collection case 30 to draw out (scoop out) dust within the dust collection chamber 32, and assists in the dust collection operation, particularly the discharge operation of discharging dust from the dust collection chamber 32. This improves convenience compared to a case in which the auxiliary part 40 is not provided.

[0052] (2) Since the auxiliary part 40 draws out the dust from the dust collection chamber 32 in the single action of removing the dust collection case 30 from the main housing 10, there is no need to take a separate action to draw out the dust from the dust collection chamber 32 after removing the dust collection case 30 from the main housing 10. In addition, there is no need to place the main housing 10 on the floor or the like in order to draw out the dust from the dust collection chamber 32, thereby improving convenience.

[0053] (3) Since the auxiliary part 40 is attached to the front holder 62 of the filter part 60 attached to the main body housing 10, the complexity and size of the main body housing 10 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the auxiliary part 40 is directly attached to the main body housing 10 in addition to the filter part 60, and the auxiliary part 40 can be formed compactly.

[0054] (4) The auxiliary part 40 is attached to the front holder 62 by sandwiching the filter 61 between the auxiliary part 40 and the front holder 62. Therefore, processing such as drilling holes in the filter 61 for mounting the auxiliary part 40 is not required, and the complexity of the configuration of the filter 61 is suppressed.

[0055] (5) The auxiliary part 40 is attached to the auxiliary part attachment part 65 of the front holder 62, which is the end (front end) opposite the rear end opening of the filter part 60. Therefore, compared to a case in which the auxiliary part 40 is attached to a part other than the front end of the filter part 60, it is possible to prevent the configuration of the filter part 60 from becoming complicated and large, and the auxiliary part 40 can be formed compactly.

[0056] (6) Since the auxiliary part mounting part 65 has a shape thinner than the imaginary outline connecting the outermost parts of the frame part 64, the outer peripheral surface of the base part 41 of the auxiliary part 40 that is placed over the auxiliary part mounting part 65, particularly the side and lower parts, are within the outermost outline of the filter 61 when viewed in the front-rear direction. This reduces the obstruction of airflow caused by the base part 41.

[0057] (7) Since the base 41 of the auxiliary part 40 has the through-holes 41b, the air can pass through the through-holes 41b and the filter 61 and flow into the inside of the filter 61. Therefore, compared to a case where the through-holes 41b are not provided, a decrease in the effective surface area (ventilation area) of the filter 61 is suppressed, and a decrease in the airflow is suppressed.

[0058] (8) The pillars 42 of the auxiliary part 40 extend between the upper inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32 and the upper part of the outer periphery of the filter part 60, suppressing the swirling flow around the filter part 60. This prevents long debris such as hair contained in dust from wrapping (getting entangled) around the outer periphery of the filter part 60. This reduces the effort required to remove hair from around the filter part 60, improving convenience.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) 7(A) and (B) relate to a working machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this working machine, the auxiliary unit 40 and the filter unit 60 of the first embodiment are replaced with an auxiliary unit 140 and a filter unit 160, respectively.

[0060] The filter section 160 is different from the filter section 60 in that a pair of protruding parts 162 are added, and the filter section 160 is the same in other respects. The auxiliary section 140 is different from the auxiliary section 40 in that a rear annular part 146 is provided at the rear end of the column part 42, and the filter section 160 is the same in other respects. The rear annular part 146 surrounds the rear part of the filter section 160. The rear annular part 146 is provided with a plurality of dust removal blades 147 constituting a dust removal mechanism. Each of the plurality of dust removal blades 147 is made of an elastic body such as rubber, is provided so as to extend radially inward from the rear annular part 146, and elastically contacts the outer circumferential surface of the filter 61. As shown in FIG. 7B, in the process of moving the auxiliary section 140 forward relative to the filter section 160 until the rear annular part 146 contacts the protruding parts 162, the dust removal blade 147 rubs the outer circumferential part (outer circumferential surface) of the filter 61, and removes dust attached to the surface of the filter 61. This prevents clogging of the filter 61, improving convenience. Other points of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and similar functions and effects are achieved.

[0061] (Embodiment 3) 8(A) to (D) relate to a work machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this work machine, the auxiliary unit 40 and the filter unit 60 of the first embodiment are replaced with an auxiliary unit 240 and a filter unit 260, respectively.

[0062] The filter section 260 corresponds to the filter section 60 without the auxiliary section mounting section 65. The auxiliary section 240 includes a pressing member 241 and a spring 243. The pressing member 241 is, for example, a resin molded body, and engages with the frame section 264 by sandwiching the filter 261 so as to be able to move a predetermined distance relative to the frame section 264 of the filter section 260 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the pressing member 241 contacts the rear end of the inlet 31 of the dust-collecting case 30. The spring 243 is an elastic body that biases the pressing member 241 forward against the filter section 260, thereby biasing the dust-collecting case 30 in a direction to separate from the main body housing 10. The rear end of the spring 243 contacts the front part of the frame section 264 by sandwiching the filter 261, and the front end of the spring 243 contacts the back surface of the pressing member 241.

[0063] Fig. 8(B) shows a state in which dust collection case 30 is attached to main body housing 10 and spring 243 is fully compressed. When dust collection case 30 and main body housing 10 are released from this state, a forward force is applied to dust collection case 30 via pressing member 241 by the urging force of spring 243 until spring 243 reaches its natural length as shown in Fig. 8(C). After that, when dust collection case 30 is moved further forward as shown in Fig. 8(D), the rear end of inlet 31 moves away from the front end of pressing member 241.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the biasing force of the spring 243 acts as an auxiliary force when moving the dust collection case 30 forward relative to the main body housing 10. Therefore, even if the dust collection case 30 is filled with dust and a certain amount of force is required to remove the dust collection case 30, the force that the user needs to apply to remove the dust collection case 30 can be reduced, improving convenience.

[0065] (Embodiment 4) 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a working machine 1A according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. The working machine 1A is a cordless, portable, non-cyclone cleaner.

[0066] The housing of the work machine 1A is composed of a main body housing 2 (main body) and a dust collection case 3 (dust case). Both the main body housing 2 and the dust collection case 3 are, for example, resin molded bodies. The main body housing 2 has a structure divided into two parts, left and right. The dust collection case 3 is detachably connected and fixed to the front of the main body housing 2 by rotating it relative to the main body housing 2.

[0067] The dust collection case 3 forms a dust collection chamber 3c inside. The dust collection case 3 is cylindrical and becomes thinner toward the front. The dust collection case 3 has an inlet 3a at the front end. An extension tube or flexible hose (not shown) can be attached to the inlet 3a. A filter unit 360 is detachably attached to the main body housing 2 and is located inside the dust collection case 3.

[0068] A dust-removing blade 3b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the dust-collecting case 3, which rubs against the outer peripheral portion of the filter portion 360 when the dust-collecting case 3 is rotated relative to the main housing 2. The dust-removing blade 3b is an elastic body such as rubber.

[0069] A check valve 3d is provided at the inlet of the dust collection chamber 3c. The check valve 3d is an elastic body such as rubber, and can rotate backward with its upper end as a fulcrum. The check valve 3d allows air and dust to enter the dust collection chamber 3c through the inlet 3a, while preventing dust from flowing back from the dust collection chamber 3c through the inlet 3a.

[0070] The main body housing 2 has a storage section 2a, a handle section 2b, and a battery pack mounting section 2c. The storage section 2a is the front section of the main body housing 2, and stores and holds a motor 6 as a drive section and a fan 9 (dust collection fan).

[0071] An air intake 2d is provided at the front of the housing 2a. The air intake 2d is a circular through-hole coaxial with the inlet 3a and the motor 6, and communicates with the space (dust collection chamber 3c) inside the dust collection case 3. The front of the air intake 2d is covered by a filter unit 360. The air intake 2d is an outlet for the air flow in the dust collection chamber 3c.

[0072] The handle portion 2b extends rearward from the upper end of the storage portion 2a. A user grips the handle portion 2b to handle the work machine 1A. An operation panel (switch portion) 5 is provided on the upper surface of the handle portion 2b. Various switches provided on the operation panel 5 can be used to start and stop the work machine 1A and to change the airflow volume of the work machine 1A.

[0073] The battery pack attachment section 2c is a lower rear section of the main housing 2, and is adapted to detachably attach a battery pack 4 that serves as a power source for the work machine 1A. An exhaust port 2e is provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the rear section of the main housing 2.

[0074] The motor 6 is configured as a unit including a motor case and a bearing. The motor 6 may be a brushless motor or a brushed motor. The motor 6 is operated by power supplied from the battery pack 4. A fan 9 is attached to the rotating shaft 6a of the motor 6.

[0075] The fan 9 rotates integrally with the rotary shaft 6a around the rotary shaft 6a by the driving force of the motor 6 to generate an air flow. The fan 9 is a centrifugal fan.

[0076] The filter section 360 includes a filter 361 and a filter holder 364. The filter 361 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical bag having an opening that communicates with the air intake 2d of the main body housing 2 at its rear end.

[0077] The work machine 1A has an auxiliary part 340. The auxiliary part 340 is a box-shaped or cylindrical metal mesh that opens forward, and is disposed between the inlet 31 and the filter part 360. Specifically, the auxiliary part 340 is engaged with the filter part 360 by a claw part 343 of the auxiliary part 340 pinching the filter 361 and hooking onto the front end part of the filter holder 364. The auxiliary part 340 has a generally closed back surface and a large number of through holes 341 on the side parts.

[0078] According to this embodiment, since the auxiliary part 340 is provided between the inlet 31 and the filter part 360, even if high-temperature metal pieces generated when cutting an iron plate with a chip saw enter through the inlet 31, the high-temperature metal pieces can be prevented from directly contacting the filter 361. This improves the convenience of the dust collection operation.

[0079] (Embodiment 5) FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a working machine 1B according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the working machine 1B, the auxiliary unit 340 of the working machine 1A is replaced with the auxiliary unit 440. The auxiliary unit 440 includes a magnet 441 and a magnetic body 442. The magnet 441 is inside the filter unit 360, and the magnetic body 442 is outside the filter unit 360. The magnet 441 and the magnetic body 442 face each other across the front part of the filter unit 360. The magnet 441 and the magnetic body 442 are attached to the filter unit 360 by being attracted to each other across the filter 361 and the filter holder 364. The magnetic body 442 faces the rear end of the inlet 3a. According to this embodiment, the magnetic body contained in the dust flowing in from the inlet 3a is attracted to the magnetic body 442, so that the time and effort required for separation when the magnetic body is contained in the dust can be eliminated, and convenience is improved. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the magnet 441 and the magnetic body 442 may be reversed.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Various modifications are possible to the items specifically described in the embodiment within the scope of the claims. The working machine of the present invention may be one that operates on power from a battery built into the main body housing, or may be a corded type that operates on power supplied from an external AC power source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] Reference Signs List 1, 1A, 1B...working machine, 2...main body housing, 2a...storage section, 2b...handle section, 2c...battery pack mounting section, 2d...air intake, 2e...exhaust port, 3...dust collection case (dust case), 3a...inlet, 3b...dust removal blade (dust removal means), 3c...dust collection chamber, 3d...check valve, 4...battery pack, 5...operation panel (switch section), 6...motor (drive section), 6a...rotating shaft, 9...fan (dust collection fan), 10...main body housing (main body section), 11...motor storage section, 12...handle section, 13...battery pack Mounting portion, 14...intake port, 15...exhaust port, 18...rotation fitting recess, 19...battery pack, 21...latch member, 25...switch panel, 26...power button, 27...airflow increase button, 28...airflow decrease button, 30...dust collection case (dust case), 31...inlet (nozzle portion), 32...dust collection chamber, 36...latch engagement portion, 40...auxiliary portion, 41...base, 41a...engagement portion, 41b...through hole, 41c...inclined cylindrical inner surface portion, 42...pillar portion, 43...connecting portion, 44...front annular portion, 45...holding portion, 50...regulating portion, 51... Covering portion, 52...attachment portion, 60...filter portion, 61...filter, 62...front holder, 63...base portion, 63a...notched cylindrical outer surface portion, 63b...inclined cylindrical outer surface portion, 63c...snap fit, 64...frame portion, 64a...column portion, 64b...intermediate connecting portion, 65...auxiliary portion mounting portion, 65a...snap fit, 65b...notched cylindrical outer surface portion, 65c...inclined cylindrical outer surface portion, 67...rear holder, 69...rotational engagement convex portion, 70...receiving portion, 73a...notched cylindrical inner surface portion, 73b...inclined cylindrical inner surface portion, 75...elastic member, 90...f Fan motor unit, 91...motor (driving part), 93...fan (fan part), 95...elastic member, 140...auxiliary part, 146...rear annular part, 147...dust removal blade, 160...filter part, 162...protrusion, 240...auxiliary part, 241...pressure member, 243...spring, 260...filter part, 261...filter, 264...frame part, 340...auxiliary part, 343...claw part, 360...filter part, 361...filter, 364...filter holder, 440...auxiliary part, 441...magnet, 442...magnetic material.

Claims

1. A work machine having a dust collection chamber and capable of performing a dust collection operation including a dust collection operation of collecting dust in the dust collection chamber and a discharge operation of discharging the dust from the dust collection chamber, A drive unit; A fan that receives a driving force of the driving unit to generate an air flow; a housing defining a dust collection chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet for the air flow in the dust collection chamber; a filter portion attached to the housing so as to cover the outlet port in the dust collection chamber and configured to collect dust contained in the airflow; and an auxiliary part attached to the filter part and assisting the dust collection operation.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, the housing includes a main body that houses the drive unit and the fan, and a cylindrical dust collection case that is detachable from the main body and forms the dust collection chamber therein, The auxiliary part is a drawer part that draws out dust from inside the dust collection case.

3. The work machine according to claim 1, The filter unit includes a cloth filter and a hard resin holder that holds the filter. The auxiliary part is attached to the holder.

4. The working machine according to claim 3, The auxiliary part is attached to the holder with the filter sandwiched between the auxiliary part and the holder.

5. The work machine according to claim 1, The filter portion has an opening communicating with the outlet port, The auxiliary portion is attached to an end portion of the filter portion opposite the opening.

6. The work machine according to claim 1, The auxiliary portion has an airflow suppression means that extends between an inner wall of the dust collection chamber and an outer periphery of the filter portion and suppresses a swirling flow around the filter portion.

7. The work machine according to claim 1, The auxiliary part includes a magnet for attracting magnetic material contained in dust.

8. The work machine according to claim 7, The auxiliary part includes a magnet provided on one of the inside and outside of the filter part and a magnetic body provided on the other, and is attached to the filter part by the magnet and the magnetic body being attracted to each other with the filter part in between.

9. The work machine according to claim 1, The auxiliary portion includes a metal mesh disposed between the inlet and the filter portion.

10. The work machine according to claim 1, the housing includes a main body that houses the drive unit and the fan, and a cylindrical dust collection case that is detachable from the main body and forms the dust collection chamber therein, The auxiliary portion includes an elastic body that biases the dust collection case in a direction to separate from the main body portion.

11. The work machine according to claim 1, The auxiliary portion includes a dust removal mechanism that rubs an outer periphery of the filter portion.

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