Filter unit and cleaner

Abstract

To suppress an increase in the length of a cleaner.SOLUTION: The filter unit includes a filter part and a dust blocking part for blocking dust supplied to the filter part. The filter unit and at least a portion of the dust blocking unit overlap each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a filter unit and a cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In the technical field related to cleaners, a cleaner including a cyclone dust collecting unit, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-120866 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the cyclone dust collecting unit includes a filter unit. If the length of the filter unit is long, it becomes difficult to shorten the length of the cleaner.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to prevent the cleaner from becoming longer in length. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present specification discloses a filter unit. The filter unit may include a filter portion and a dust blocking portion that blocks dust fed to the filter portion. The filter portion and the dust blocking portion may at least partially overlap each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, an increase in the length of the cleaner is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the cleaner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing the cleaner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the main body assembly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing the filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the filter unit according to the first embodiment as seen from the front. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view showing the filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining how to use the cleaner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cleaner according to the second embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the cleaner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaner according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the filter unit may include a filter portion and a dust blocking portion that blocks dust fed to the filter portion. The filter portion and the dust blocking portion may at least partially overlap.

[0010] In the above configuration, the filter portion and the dust blocking portion at least partially overlap, which prevents the length of the filter unit from increasing. This prevents the length of the filter unit from increasing, which in turn prevents the length of the cleaner from increasing.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the filter portion may be cylindrical, and at least a portion of the dust blocking portion may be disposed inside the filter portion.

[0012] In the above configuration, at least a portion of the dust blocking portion is disposed inside the cylindrical filter portion, so that the filter portion and at least a portion of the dust blocking portion overlap. By disposing at least a portion of the dust blocking portion inside the cylindrical filter portion, an increase in the size of the filter unit is suppressed.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the dirt blocking portion may block dirt fed to the filter unit from the front of the filter unit. The dirt blocking portion may protrude from the front end of the filter unit toward the inside of the filter unit.

[0014] In the above configuration, the dust blocking portion blocks dust fed from the front of the filter portion, thereby preventing dust from being fed to the filter portion.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the dirt blocker may have an outer diameter that decreases from the front end of the dirt blocker toward the rear.

[0016] In the above configuration, air can flow smoothly around the dust blocking portion.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the dirt blocker may be conical, and the central axis of the filter element may pass through the apex of the dirt blocker.

[0018] In the above configuration, air can flow smoothly around the dust blocking portion.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the dimension of the dust blocking portion in a direction parallel to the central axis of the filter portion may be greater than half the dimension of the filter portion and less than or equal to the dimension of the filter portion.

[0020] In the above configuration, the dust blocking portion can sufficiently capture dust fed from the front of the filter portion.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0022] In the embodiment, the positional relationship of each part is described using the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower." These terms indicate relative positions or directions with the center of the cleaner 1 as the reference.

[0023] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described.

[0024] <Cleaner Overview> Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a cleaner 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the cleaner 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaner 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded front perspective view showing the cleaner 1 according to an embodiment.

[0025] In this embodiment, the cleaner 1 is a cyclone cleaner that uses centrifugal force to separate foreign matter from air. The cleaner 1 includes a main body assembly 2, a filter assembly 3, and a dust collection assembly 4.

[0026] <Main body assembly> 5 is a front view of the main body assembly 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the main body assembly 2 includes a main body housing 5, a battery mounting section 6, a suction unit 7, an operation panel 9, and a light 10.

[0027] The main body housing 5 accommodates the suction unit 7. The main body housing 5 is made of synthetic resin. The main body housing 5 is composed of a pair of half housings. The main body housing 5 includes a left housing 5L and a right housing 5R. The right housing 5R is positioned to the right of the left housing 5L. The left housing 5L and the right housing 5R are fixed together with a plurality of screws 5S.

[0028] The main body housing 5 has a body portion 11, a grip portion 12, a battery holding portion 13, and an inlet pipe .

[0029] The body 11 houses the suction unit 7. The suction unit 7 is disposed in the internal space of the body 11. The body 11 has a suction port 14 and an exhaust port 15. The suction port 14 is provided in the front of the body 11. The exhaust ports 15 are provided in both the left and right sides of the body 11.

[0030] The grip portion 12 is held by a user of the cleaner 1. The grip portion 12 is provided so as to extend rearward from the upper portion of the body portion 11.

[0031] The battery holding portion 13 holds the battery pack 17 via the battery attachment portion 6. The battery holding portion 13 is connected to the rear of the body portion 11 and the lower end of the rear of the grip portion 12, respectively.

[0032] The battery attachment section 6 is provided below the battery holding section 13. The battery pack 17 is attached to the battery attachment section 6. The battery pack 17 is attachable to and detachable from the battery attachment section 6.

[0033] The battery pack 17 functions as a power source for the cleaner 1. The battery pack 17 supplies power to the cleaner 1 when attached to the battery attachment portion 6. The battery pack 17 is a general-purpose battery that can be used as a power source for various electrical devices. The battery pack 17 can be used as a power source for power tools. The battery pack 17 can be used as a power source for electrical devices other than power tools. The battery pack 17 can be used as a power source for cleaners other than the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. The battery pack 17 includes a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack 17 is a rechargeable battery that can be recharged. The battery attachment portion 6 has a structure similar to that of a battery attachment portion of a power tool.

[0034] A user of the cleaner 1 can attach the battery pack 17 to the battery attachment section 6 and detach the battery pack 17 from the battery attachment section 6. The battery attachment section 6 has a guide member that guides the battery pack 17 and a main body terminal that is connected to a battery terminal provided on the battery pack 17. A user can attach the battery pack 17 to the battery attachment section 6 by inserting the battery pack 17 into the battery attachment section 6 from the rear. The battery pack 17 is inserted into the battery attachment section 6 while being guided by the guide member. Attaching the battery pack 17 to the battery attachment section 6 electrically connects the battery terminal of the battery pack 17 to the main body terminal of the battery attachment section 6. A user of the cleaner 1 can detach the battery pack 17 from the battery attachment section 6 by moving the battery pack 17 backward.

[0035] The suction unit 7 generates suction force at the suction port 14. The suction unit 7 is housed in the body 11. The suction unit 7 has a fan motor 7A and a motor case 7B that houses the fan motor 7A. The fan of the fan motor 7A is rotatable around a rotation axis AX. The rotation axis AX extends in the front-to-rear direction. The motor of the fan motor 7A generates power to rotate the fan.

[0036] An opening is provided at the front of the motor case 7B. A ventilation member 7C is disposed in the opening at the front of the motor case 7B. The ventilation member 7C has a plurality of ribs arranged to extend radially from the center of the opening at the front of the motor case 7B. A vent is provided between each pair of adjacent ribs. The ventilation member 7C is disposed at the suction port 14 provided at the front of the body 11. As the fan motor 7A rotates, a suction force is generated at the suction port 14. Air drawn into the suction port 14 by the rotation of the fan motor 7A flows into the internal space of the motor case 7B via the ventilation member 7C. The air that flows into the internal space of the motor case 7B passes through the internal space of the motor case 7B and then flows out through the exhaust port 15 to the external space of the main housing 5.

[0037] The operation panel 9 is operated by a user of the cleaner 1. The operation panel 9 is arranged on the grip portion 12. A user of the cleaner 1 can operate the operation panel 9 while gripping the grip portion 12. In this embodiment, the operation panel 9 has a drive mode switch button 9A for switching the drive conditions of the fan motor 7A and a stop button 9B for stopping the fan motor 7A. When the drive mode switch button 9A is operated while the fan motor 7A is stopped, the fan motor 7A starts to drive. When the fan motor 7A is driven, a suction force is generated at the suction port 14. When the drive mode switch button 9A is operated while the fan motor 7A is driving, the rotation speed of the fan motor 7A is adjusted, for example, in three stages. When the drive mode switch button 9A is operated once while the fan motor 7A is running, the rotation speed of the fan motor 7A changes from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, and when operated once more, the rotation speed of the fan motor 7A changes from the second rotation speed to the third rotation speed, and when operated once more, the fan motor 7A returns to the first rotation speed. Changing the rotation speed of the fan motor 7A changes the suction force at the suction port 14. When the stop button 9B is operated while the fan motor 7A is running, the fan motor 7A stops.

[0038] The light 10 is disposed in front of the grip portion 12. The light 10 illuminates the area in front of the cleaner 1. The light 10 includes a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0039] <Filter assembly> As shown in FIG. 3 , at least a portion of the filter assembly 3 is disposed forward of the main body assembly 2. The filter assembly 3 is disposed to face the suction port 14 of the main body assembly 2. The filter assembly 3 has a support frame 18 and a filter 19. The support frame 18 supports the filter 19. The filter 19 is disposed forward of the suction port 14 of the main body assembly 2. The filter 19 is breathable. The filter 19 collects foreign matter from the air passing through the filter 19. Air flows into the filter 19 from the front of the filter 19. Foreign matter contained in the air is captured by the filter 19. The air that has passed through the filter 19 flows out from an opening at the rear of the filter 19 and then flows into the suction port 14.

[0040] <Dust collection assembly> 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, at least a portion of the dust collection assembly 4 is disposed forward of the main body assembly 2. The dust collection assembly 4 includes a cyclone housing 30 and a cyclone dust collection unit 40. The cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes a filter unit 50 and a dust cup 42.

[0041] The cyclone housing 30 is disposed in parallel with the inlet pipe 34 of the main housing 5. The cyclone housing 30 is connected to the body portion 11. An extension pipe (not shown) is inserted into the inlet port at the front end of the inlet pipe 34. A locking mechanism 36 is provided at the front end of the inlet pipe 34. The inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe are fixed together by the locking mechanism 36. The extension pipe can be removed from the inlet pipe 34 by releasing the fixation by the locking mechanism 36. The extension pipe is attachable to and detachable from the inlet pipe 34.

[0042] The cyclone housing 30 is connected to a dust cup 42. A locking portion 44 is provided at the rear end of the dust cup 42. As shown in FIG. 4, a recess 30R is provided in a part of the cyclone housing 30. The locking portion 44 has a hook portion that can be hooked into the recess 30R. The dust cup 42 and the cyclone housing 30 are fixed together by the locking portion 44. The dust cup 42 can be removed from the cyclone housing 30 by releasing the fixation by the locking portion 44. The dust cup 42 is detachable from the cyclone housing 30.

[0043] The air flowing through the inlet pipe 34 is converted into a swirling flow by a swirling member (not shown) and then flows into the cyclone housing 30. The air that has flowed into the cyclone housing 30 swirls around the filter unit 50.

[0044] <Filter unit> Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a front view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a side view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.

[0045] The cyclone dust collection unit 40 has a swirling member (not shown) that swirls the air, a dust cup 42 into which the air that has passed through the swirling member flows via the cyclone housing 30, and a filter unit 50 through which the air flowing out of the dust cup 42 passes.

[0046] The dust cup 42 is detachably attached to the cyclone housing 30. The dust cup 42 has an internal space into which air flows from the cyclone housing 30. At least a portion of the filter unit 50 is disposed in the internal space of the dust cup 42. The air that flows into the dust cup 42 from the cyclone housing 30 flows from the outside to the inside of the filter unit 50.

[0047] The filter unit 50 has a filter part 51 and a support member 52 that supports the filter part 51. At least a portion of the filter unit 50 is disposed inside the dust cup 42. At least a portion of the filter unit 50 is disposed inside the cyclone housing 30. The internal space of the dust cup 42 and the internal space of the cyclone housing 30 are connected.

[0048] The filter portion 51 is cylindrical. A central axis CX of the filter portion 51 extends in the front-rear direction. The filter portion 51 is a mesh filter. The filter portion 51 is made of nylon resin. The filter portion 51 has a plurality of holes through which air passes.

[0049] The support member 52 is made of synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the support member 52 is made of ABS resin. The support member 52 has a cylindrical portion 52A disposed forward of the front end of the filter portion 51, an annular portion 52B disposed rearward of the rear end of the filter portion 51, a frame portion 52C connecting the cylindrical portion 52A and the annular portion 52B, a protrusion 52D protruding rearward from the annular portion 52B, a hook portion 52E protruding rearward from the annular portion 52B, and a dust blocking portion 52F that blocks dust fed to the filter portion 51. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 52A, the annular portion 52B, the frame portion 52C, the protrusion 52D, the hook portion 52E, and the dust blocking portion 52F are integral (a single member).

[0050] The cylindrical portion 52A is cylindrical. The cylindrical portion 52A is arranged around the central axis CX of the filter portion 51. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 52A and the central axis CX of the filter portion 51 coincide with each other. The cylindrical portion 52A is arranged forward of the front end portion of the filter portion 51. The annular portion 52B is annular. The annular portion 52B is arranged rearward of the rear end portion of the filter portion 51.

[0051] The frame portion 52C is arranged to connect the cylindrical portion 52A and the annular portion 52B. The frame portion 52C is in the shape of a thin plate or rod that is long in the front-rear direction. The frame portion 52C is arranged inside the filter portion 51. The frame portion 52C supports the filter portion 51. A plurality of frame portions 52C are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the central axis CX of the filter portion 51. In the embodiment, four frame portions 52C are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the central axis CX of the filter portion 51.

[0052] The protrusion 52D is provided at the rear end of the annular portion 52B. Two protrusions 52D are provided. The hook portion 52E is provided at the rear end of the annular portion 52B. At least a portion of the hook portion 52E is arranged rearward of the protrusion 52D. In the radial direction of the central axis CX, at least a portion of the hook portion 52E is arranged outward of the protrusion 52D. Two hook portions 52E are provided. In the radial direction of the central axis CX, the protrusion amount of the hook portion 52E is greater than the protrusion amount of the protrusion 52D.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, a support plate portion 31 is provided in front of the filter assembly 3 in the cyclone housing 30. An opening 32 is provided in the center of the support plate portion 31. The rear end of the support member 52 is inserted into the opening 32. The filter unit 50 is detachable from the support plate portion 31 of the cyclone housing 30.

[0054] When the filter unit 50 is rotated in one direction after the protrusion 52D is inserted into the opening 32 from the front of the opening 32, the hook portion 52E is fixed to a claw portion provided on the cyclone housing 30. The filter unit 50 and the cyclone housing 30 are fixed together by a so-called bayonet connection. When the filter unit 50 is rotated in the other direction, the connection between the filter unit 50 and the cyclone housing 30 is released.

[0055] The space inside the filter unit 51 and the space around the filter assembly 3 are connected via the opening 32. The fan motor 7A can generate a suction force in the filter unit 51. When the fan motor 7A is driven and a suction force is generated in the suction port 14, a suction force is generated in the opening 32 via the filter assembly 3 housed in the internal space of the cyclone housing 30. The suction force generated in the opening 32 creates a negative pressure in the space inside the filter unit 51, generating a suction force in the filter unit 51. The negative pressure in the space inside the filter unit 51 causes air to flow from the space around the filter unit 51 toward the space inside the filter unit 51.

[0056] The dust blocking portion 52F does not allow air to pass through. The dust blocking portion 52F blocks dust fed to the filter portion 51 from the front of the filter portion 51. In the front-rear direction parallel to the central axis of the filter portion 51, the position of the front end of the filter portion 51 and the position of the front end of the dust blocking portion 52F substantially coincide with each other. The dust blocking portion 52F prevents dust present in front of the filter portion 51 inside the dust cup 42 from being fed to the filter portion 51.

[0057] At least a portion of the filter unit 51 and the dust blocking portion 52F overlap in the front-to-rear direction parallel to the central axis of the filter unit 51. At least a portion of the dust blocking portion 52F is disposed in the space inside the filter unit 51. The dust blocking portion 52F enters the space inside the filter unit 51 from the front end of the frame portion 52C. The dust blocking portion 52F protrudes from the front end of the filter unit 51 into the space inside the filter unit 51. The dust blocking portion 52F protrudes from the rear end of the cylindrical portion 52A into the space inside the filter unit 51. The outer diameter G of the dust blocking portion 52F is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52A.

[0058] In this embodiment, the outer diameter G of the dust blocking portion 52F decreases from the front end portion of the dust blocking portion 52F toward the rear. The dust blocking portion 52F is cone-shaped, with the diameter decreasing radially inward toward the rear. In a cross section passing through the central axis CX, the cross section of the dust blocking portion 52F is triangular. The central axis CX of the filter portion 51 passes through the vertex 52T of the dust blocking portion 52F.

[0059] In the front-rear direction parallel to the central axis of the filter unit 51, the dimension Lb of the dust blocking unit 52F is greater than half the dimension La of the filter unit 51 and is equal to or less than the dimension La of the filter unit 51. In other words, the dimension Lb is greater than 50% and equal to or less than 100% of the dimension La. In the front-rear direction, the position of the vertex 52T is located forward of the position of the rear end of the filter unit 51.

[0060] <How to use> Next, a method of using the cleaner 1 will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. When the drive mode switching button 9A is operated and the fan motor 7A starts to rotate, a suction force is generated at the suction port 14. The suction force generated at the suction port 14 causes air to flow into the internal flow path of the inlet pipe 34 from an inlet at the front end of the inlet pipe 34. The air that has flowed through the internal flow path of the inlet pipe 34 passes through a swirling member (not shown) and then flows into the internal space of the dust cup 42 via the cyclone housing 30.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12, air that flows into the internal space of the dust cup 42 swirls within the internal space of the dust cup 42. In the dust cup 42, the air and dust are separated by centrifugal force. The dust accumulates at the front end of the internal space of the dust cup 42. The air separated from the dust flows from the outside to the inside of the filter unit 50. Fine dust may not accumulate in the dust cup 42 and may be sent to the filter unit 50 along with the air. The fine dust enters the conical space of the forward-facing dust blocking portion 52F. The fine dust is captured by the dust blocking portion 52F. The dust blocking portion 52F prevents the fine dust from being sent to the filter portion 51.

[0062] Air that flows from the space around filter unit 51 into the space inside filter unit 51 flows out from the opening at the rear end of filter unit 51, passes through opening 32, and then flows into filter 19 of filter assembly 3. Filter 19 collects minute particles that were not collected by filter unit 51. Air that has passed through filter 19 flows into the internal space of main body housing 5 through suction port 14. The air that has flowed into the internal space of main body housing 5 passes through fan motor 7A and is then discharged from exhaust port 15 to the external space of main body housing 5.

[0063] In the embodiment, the dust blocking portion 52F is conical. As shown in Fig. 12, if a portion of the filter portion 51 existing in the same range as the dust blocking portion 52F in the front-rear direction is regarded as an air inlet Fi, and a flow path in the space inside the filter portion 51 that passes through the vertex 52T and is perpendicular to the central axis CX is regarded as an air outlet Fo, the area of ​​the air outlet Fo is larger than the area of ​​the air inlet Fi. As shown in Fig. 10, if the inner diameter of the filter portion 51 is D and the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its circumference is π, the area of ​​the air outlet Fo is approximately [(D / 2) 2×π]. If the dimension of the dirt blocking section 52F in the front-to-rear direction is Lb, then the area of ​​the inlet Fi is approximately [(D×π×Lb]. Because the dirt blocking section 52F is conical, the area of ​​the outlet Fo is larger than the area of ​​the inlet Fi. Because the area of ​​the outlet Fo is larger than the area of ​​the inlet Fi, air that flows from the space around the filter section 51 into the space inside the filter section 51 can flow smoothly around the dirt blocking section 52F in the space inside the filter section 51.

[0064] <Effects> As described above, in the embodiment, the filter unit 50 includes the filter portion 51 and the dust blocking portion 52F that blocks dust fed to the filter portion 51. The filter portion 51 and the dust blocking portion 52F at least partially overlap with each other.

[0065] In the above configuration, the filter portion 51 and at least a portion of the dirt blocking portion 52F overlap, thereby preventing the filter unit 50 from becoming longer. Since the filter unit 50 is prevented from becoming longer, the dust cup 42 is prevented from becoming longer. Since the dust cup 42 is prevented from becoming longer, the cleaner 1 is prevented from becoming longer.

[0066] Within the interior space of the dust cup 42, the space forward of the front end of the filter unit 50 is a deposition space where dust accumulates. A certain volume of the deposition space must be secured to allow the dust to deposit. If the length of the filter unit 50 in the front-to-rear direction is long, the length of the dust cup 42 in the front-to-rear direction must be increased to secure the deposition space. Increasing the length of the dust cup 42 may increase the length of the cleaner 1 in the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, the length of the dust cup 42 is prevented from increasing, thereby preventing the length of the cleaner 1 from increasing. Furthermore, since the filter unit 50 is shortened, the volume of the deposition space can be increased if an increase in the length of the dust cup 42 is permitted.

[0067] In this embodiment, the filter unit 51 has a cylindrical shape. At least a part of the dust blocking unit 52F is disposed inside the filter unit 51.

[0068] In the above configuration, at least a portion of the dust blocking portion 52F is disposed inside the cylindrical filter portion 51, so that the filter portion 51 and at least a portion of the dust blocking portion 52F overlap. By disposing at least a portion of the dust blocking portion 52F inside the cylindrical filter portion 51, an increase in the size of the filter unit 50 is suppressed.

[0069] In this embodiment, the dust blocking portion 52F blocks dust fed to the filter portion 51 from the front of the filter portion 51. The dust blocking portion 52F protrudes from the front end of the filter portion 51 toward the inside of the filter portion 51.

[0070] In the above configuration, dust fed from the front of the filter portion 51 is blocked by the dust blocking portion 52F, so that dust is prevented from being fed to the filter portion 51.

[0071] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the dust blocking portion 52F decreases from the front end portion of the dust blocking portion 52F toward the rear.

[0072] In the above configuration, air can flow smoothly around the dust blocking portion 52F.

[0073] In this embodiment, the dust blocking portion 52F is conical in shape. The central axis CX of the filter portion 51 passes through the apex of the dust blocking portion 52F.

[0074] In the above configuration, air can flow smoothly around the dust blocking portion 52F.

[0075] In the embodiment, the dimension Lb of the dust blocking portion 52F in the direction parallel to the central axis CX of the filter portion 51 is greater than half the dimension La of the filter portion 51 and is equal to or smaller than the dimension La of the filter portion 51.

[0076] In the above configuration, the dust blocking portion 52F can capture dust fed from the front of the filter portion 51 sufficiently.

[0077] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0078] Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of the cleaner 101 according to the embodiment, Fig. 14 is a side view of the cleaner 101 according to the embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 101 according to the embodiment.

[0079] The cleaner 101 includes a cyclone dust collecting unit 140. The cyclone dust collecting unit 140 includes a filter unit 50 and a dust cup 142. The front end of the inlet pipe 34 slopes downward toward the rear. In this embodiment, the front surface of the dust cup 142 slopes downward toward the rear.

[0080] The rotation axis AX of the fan motor 7A and the central axis CX of the filter unit 50 are parallel to each other. The rotation axis AX and the central axis CX extend in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 15 , the angle θa formed between an axis parallel to the rotation axis AX and the front end face of the inlet pipe 34 is larger than the angle θb formed between the axis parallel to the rotation axis AX and the front end face of the dust cup 142. The rotation axis AX is located above the central axis CX. In the left-right direction, the positions of the rotation axis AX and the central axis CX are the same. In a cross section passing through the rotation axis AX and the central axis CX, the front end of the dust cup 142 is located rearward of an extension line Le of the front end face of the inlet pipe 34.

[0081] According to this embodiment, when dust is sucked from a surface to be cleaned, such as a floor, using the inlet pipe 34 without inserting an extension pipe into the inlet pipe 34, even if the front end face of the inlet pipe 34 is brought into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the dust cup 142 is prevented from hitting the surface to be cleaned. This allows for smooth cleaning operations using the cleaner 101.

[0082] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the dust blocking portion 52F does not allow air to pass through. The dust blocking portion 52F may be configured with a filter. The dust blocking portion 52F may be configured with a mesh filter having finer mesh than the filter portion 51.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the dust blocking portion 52F may be a separate member from the support member 52. The frame portion 52C that supports the filter portion 51 and the dust blocking portion 52F may be separate members.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the cleaner 1 is a cyclone cleaner. However, the cleaner 1 does not have to be a cyclone cleaner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...Cleaner, 2...Main body assembly, 3...Filter assembly, 4...Dust collection assembly, 5...Main body housing, 5L...Left housing, 5R...Right housing, 5S...Screw, 6...Battery mounting part, 7...Suction unit, 7A...Fan motor, 7B...Motor case, 7C...Ventilation member, 9...Operation panel, 9A...Drive mode switch button, 9B...Stop button, 10...Light, 11...Body part, 12...Grip part, 13...Battery holder, 14...Suction port, 15...Exhaust port, 17...Battery pack, 18...Support frame, 19...Filter, 3 0...cyclone housing, 30R...recess, 31...support plate portion, 32...opening, 34...inlet pipe, 36...locking mechanism, 40...cyclone dust collection unit, 42...dust cup, 44...lock portion, 50...filter unit, 51...filter portion, 52...support member, 52A...cylindrical portion, 52B...annular portion, 52C...frame portion, 52D...protrusion portion, 52E...hook portion, 52F...dust blocking portion, 52T...vertex, 101...cleaner, 140...cyclone dust collection unit, 142...dust cup, AX...rotation axis, CX...central axis.

Claims

1. A filter unit; a dust blocking section that blocks dust fed to the filter section, The filter portion and the dust blocking portion at least partially overlap each other. Filter unit.

2. The filter portion is cylindrical, At least a portion of the dust blocking portion is disposed inside the filter portion. The filter unit according to claim 1 .

3. the dust blocking portion blocks dust fed to the filter portion from the front of the filter portion, The dust blocking portion protrudes from a front end portion of the filter portion toward the inside of the filter portion. The filter unit according to claim 2 .

4. The outer diameter of the dust blocking portion decreases from the front end portion of the dust blocking portion toward the rear. The filter unit according to claim 3 .

5. The dust blocking portion is conical, The central axis of the filter portion passes through the apex of the dust blocking portion. The filter unit according to claim 4.

6. a size of the dust blocking portion in a direction parallel to the central axis of the filter portion is larger than half the size of the filter portion and is equal to or smaller than the size of the filter portion; The filter unit according to claim 5 .

7. The filter unit according to claim 1; a fan motor that generates a suction force in the filter unit, Cleaner.

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