Work equipment

Abstract

To improve the usability of the work equipment. [Solution] The cleaner 1, which is a work machine, comprises a main unit 11 having a motor 13, a fan 14 that rotates to generate airflow by receiving the driving force of the motor 13, and a first filter 15 attached upstream of the fan 14, and a dust collection unit 12 attached to the main unit 11 having an intake port 510 which is an inlet and an open end 501 which is an outlet. The dust collection unit 12 has a case body 50 which is a cylindrical outer wall part that defines a space S1 which is a swirling chamber in which the air entering from the intake port 510 swirls, and a filter housing part 41 which defines a housing space S2 which is a housing chamber for housing the first filter 15 between itself and the main unit 11. The inner diameter of the case body 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter housing part 41.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] Working machines used for dust collection work are known. In Patent Document 1, a cleaner is disclosed as an example of a working machine. This cleaner includes a fan that rotates by receiving the driving force of a motor, a cyclone section that separates dust from the air flow generated by the fan, and a housing section that houses the dust separated from the air flow by the cyclone section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if the capacity of the housing section is small, the frequency of discarding the dust inside the housing section to the outside increases, resulting in an increase in complicated work and a loss of convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A working machine according to an embodiment includes a main body unit having a motor, a fan that rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor to generate an air flow, and a filter attached upstream of the fan, and a dust collection unit having an inlet and an outlet and attached to the main body unit. The dust collection unit includes a cylindrical outer wall portion that defines a swirling chamber inside which the air entering from the inlet swirls, and a filter housing portion that defines a housing chamber for housing the filter between the main body unit. The inner diameter of the outer wall portion is larger than the outer diameter of the filter housing portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a work machine with improved convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the work machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the work machine along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the work machine along line BB. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the work machine along the CC line in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the work machine. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the filter housing, exhaust pipe, and second filter. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a work implement illustrating the airflow inside the implement. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the work machine with the first filter attached to the main unit. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the work machine with the dust collection unit removed from the main unit. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the work machine when another example of a dust collection case is used. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view of the filter housing, exhaust stack, and second filter in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Embodiment> The implement of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The implement of this embodiment is a portable cleaner (vacuum cleaner) suitable for dust collection work. Figure 1 is a front view showing the external appearance of the cleaner 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 along line AA shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 along line BB shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 along line CC shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaner 1.

[0009] <Overall Structure> The cleaner 1 comprises a main unit 11 and a dust collection unit 12. The main unit 11 and the dust collection unit 12 are detachably mounted along a first direction A1 parallel to the central axis X of the main unit 11.

[0010] In the following explanation, the side moving from the main unit 11 towards the dust collection unit 12 along the first direction A1 may be referred to as the front side, and the side moving from the dust collection unit 12 towards the main unit 11 may be referred to as the rear side. Also, the first direction A1 may be referred to as the front-to-back direction of the cleaner 1.

[0011] <Main Unit 11> The main unit 11 comprises a housing 10, a motor 13, a fan 14, and a first filter 15. The motor 13 and the fan 14 are housed within the housing 10. The first filter 15 is detachably attached to the front end of the housing 10. The first filter 15 is an example of a filter.

[0012] The housing 10 is composed of two casings 10a and 10b, which are molded from, for example, synthetic resin. The casings 10a and 10b are fixed to each other in a butted state to form the housing 10. More specifically, the casings 10a and 10b are fixed to each other by fastening elements such as screws. From another perspective, when the fastening elements are released, the casings 10a and 10b that constitute the housing 10 are separated.

[0013] The direction that is orthogonal to the first direction A1 and parallel to the direction in which the casings 10a and 10b are arranged is referred to as the second direction A2. In the second direction A2, the side of the casing 10a may be referred to as the right side, and the side of the casing 10b may be referred to as the left side. Also, the direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction A1 and the second direction A2 is referred to as the third direction A3.

[0014] The housing 10 has a housing portion 100, a mounting portion 101, and a grip 102. The housing portion 100 houses a motor 13 and a fan 14, which will be described later, inside. At the front end portion of the housing portion 100, a first filter 15, which will be described later, is attached.

[0015] On the front end face of the housing portion 100, a main body side inlet 110 that communicates with the fan 14, which will be described later, is provided. Around the main body side inlet 110, a first attachment portion 31 and a second attachment portion 32 are provided. The first attachment portion 31 is an attachment structure for attaching the dust collection unit 12 to the main body unit 11. The second attachment portion 32 is an attachment structure for attaching the first filter 15 to the main body unit 11. Details of the first attachment portion 31 and the second attachment portion 32 will be described later.

[0016] The motor 13 housed in the housing portion 100 includes a motor body including a rotor and a stator, and an output shaft 131 that rotates integrally with the rotor. One end side (tip side) of the output shaft 131 protrudes from the motor body and is connected to the fan 14. Incidentally, the central axis X shown in each figure is also the central axis of the output shaft 131 of the motor 13. That is, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the output shaft 131 corresponds to the front-rear direction (first direction A1) of the cleaner 1.

[0017] The fan 14 housed in the housing section 100 is a centrifugal fan that rotates in response to the driving force of the motor 13. When the fan 14 rotates in response to the driving force of the motor 13, an airflow is generated in which air flows from the intake port 510 provided in the dust collection unit 12, through the dust collection unit 12 and the first filter 15, into the interior of the housing section 100 from the main body side inlet 110. The air that flows into the housing section 100 passes through the interior of the housing section 100 and is exhausted from a plurality of exhaust ports 111 formed in the mounting section 101.

[0018] The mounting section 101 extends rearward from the rear end of the housing section 100 along the first direction A1. The battery pack 30 is detachably mounted on the mounting section 101. The battery pack 30 is a rechargeable secondary battery (for example, a lithium-ion battery). Both the battery pack 30 and the mounting section 101 are equipped with connection terminals. When the battery pack 30 is mounted on the mounting section 101, the connection terminals of each are electrically connected to each other.

[0019] The grip 102 is provided across the rear end of the housing section 100 and the rear end of the mounting section 101. The grip 102 is equipped with an operating section 34 that receives input from the operator and a controller 35. When the operator operates the operating section 34, power is supplied from the battery pack 30 to the motor 13 under the control of the controller 35, and the motor 13 operates.

[0020] In the following explanation, the side extending from the mounting portion 101 towards the grip 102 along the third direction A3 will be referred to as the upper side, and the side extending from the grip 102 towards the mounting portion 101 will be referred to as the lower side.

[0021] <First filter 15> The first filter 15 is detachably attached to the main unit 11. Specifically, the first filter 15 is attached to the upstream (front) side of the fan 14. More specifically, the first filter 15 is detachably attached to the main unit inlet 110 of the main unit 11. As shown in Figure 5, the first filter 15 has a cylindrical filter medium 151 centered on a central axis X and a holding part 152 that holds the filter medium 151. The filter medium 151 is a so-called HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) formed of, for example, glass fiber.

[0022] The holding portion 152 has a first holding portion 153 and a second holding portion 154. The first holding portion 153 is disc-shaped and holds the filter material 151 from the front by contacting the front end of the filter material 151. The second holding portion 154 is annular and holds the filter material 151 from the rear by contacting the rear end of the filter material 151. Therefore, the sides of the cylindrical filter material 151 are exposed to the outside.

[0023] The second holding portion 154 is one end (rear end) of the first filter 15 in the axial direction (first direction A1) along the central axis X. The front end surface 156 of the first holding portion 153 can be said to be the other end (front end) of the first filter 15 in the axial direction (first direction A1) along the central axis X.

[0024] The outer diameter of the second retaining portion 154 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter media 151. A pair of engaging recesses 155 are formed on the outer circumference of the second retaining portion 154. Each of the engaging recesses 155 is positioned 180 degrees apart from the other in the circumferential direction of the second retaining portion 154. The first filter 15 is attached to the main body side inlet 110 by engaging these two engaging recesses 155 with a second mounting portion 32, which will be described later, formed on the housing 10.

[0025] <Dust collection unit 12> The dust collection unit 12 includes a dust collection case 40 and a filter housing 41. The filter housing 41 is provided with an exhaust pipe 42 and a second filter 43.

[0026] <Dust collection case 40> The dust collection case 40 is molded from, for example, synthetic resin. The dust collection case 40 has a case body 50 and a nozzle 51. The case body 50 is a cylindrical outer wall portion centered on a central axis X. The case body 50 has a bottom surface 500 at its front end. The rear side of the case body 50 is an open end 501. The inner diameter of the open end 501 is equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the front end of the housing 10.

[0027] A pair of engaging projections 502 are provided on the inner surface of the case body 50, specifically on the end facing the open end 501 (i.e., the inner surface of the rear end), projecting radially inward (see Figures 4 and 5). The engaging projections 502 are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the case body 50. The case body 50 is attached to the housing 10 of the main unit 11 by the engaging projections 502 engaging with the first mounting portion 31, which will be described later. Once the case body 50 is attached to the main unit 11, a space S1 is defined, enclosed by the case body 50 and the front end of the housing 10. The filter housing portion 41, exhaust pipe 42, and second filter 43, which will be described later, are housed in space S1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, an inlet 503 is formed on the lower side of the case body 50. The inlet 503 is located at a position offset to the left with respect to the central axis X in the second direction A2. The inlet 503 is a through hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the case body 50. The inlet 503 connects the space S1 inside the case body 50 with the space inside the nozzle 51.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the nozzle 51 is located below the case body 50 and extends along the first direction A1. An air intake port 510 is provided at the front end of the nozzle 51. As shown in Figure 3, the nozzle 51 extends upward at its rear end, inclined with respect to the third direction A3, and is attached to the lower part of the case body 50. When the fan 14 rotates in response to the driving force of the motor 13 described above, an airflow is generated that flows from the air intake port 510 into the nozzle 51, passes through the nozzle 51, and then flows into the space S1 from the inlet 503.

[0030] Air flowing into the space S1 of the case body 50 passes through the exhaust pipe 42 and filter housing 41, which will be described later, and the first filter 15 mentioned above, and flows into the interior of the housing 10 from the main body side inlet 110. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first filter 15 attached to the housing 10 is located at the rear end of the case body 50. Therefore, it can be said that the air that has passed through the first filter 15 passes through a part of the area surrounded by the open end 501 of the case body 50. In other words, the air that has flowed into the space S1 is discharged from the open end 501 of the case body 50 toward the housing 10. For this reason, it can be said that the dust collection case 40 has an intake port 510 and an inlet 503 as air inlets, and an open end 501 as an air outlet, and is attached to the main body unit 11.

[0031] <Filter housing section 41> Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the filter housing 41, exhaust pipe 42, and second filter 43. The filter housing 41 is detachably attached to the housing 10 and houses the first filter 15 inside. The filter housing 41 is cylindrical with a central axis X.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the inner diameter of the filter housing 41 is larger than the outer diameter of the first filter 15. Also, in the front-to-back direction along the central axis X, the length of the filter housing 41 is longer than the length of the first filter 15. Therefore, when the filter housing 41 is attached to the housing 10 of the main unit 11, it houses the first filter 15 inside. In other words, the filter housing 41 defines a housing space S2 for housing the first filter 15 between itself and the main unit 11.

[0033] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the filter housing 41 is smaller than the inner diameter of the case body 50. As a result, a space S3 is formed at the rear end of the case body 50 between the inner surface of the case body 50 and the side wall surface 410, which is the outer surface of the filter housing 41. This space S3 is in communication with the space S1 enclosed by the case body 50 and the front end of the housing 10 as described above.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an engaging projection 411 projecting radially outward is integrally molded on the rear end of the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing 41. The engaging projection 411 is located at positions 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the filter housing 41. The filter housing 41 is attached to the main unit 11 by engaging this engaging projection 411 with the first mounting portion 31, which will be described later, formed on the housing 10. In other words, the engaging projection 411 on the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing 41 is one end (rear end) in the axial direction (first direction A1) along the central axis X.

[0035] Furthermore, the front end 414 of the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing 41 is the other end (front end) in the direction along the central axis X (first direction A1). As shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the filter housing 41 is attached to the housing 10, the front end 414 is located in front of the front end surface 156 of the first filter 15 attached to the housing 10. At this time, the axial length (front-to-back direction) of the first filter 15 and the filter housing 41 along the central axis X is set so that in the first direction A1, the length of the first filter 15 is greater than the distance between the front end surface 156 and the front end 414.

[0036] <Exhaust pipe 42> The exhaust pipe 42 is assembled to the front end of the filter housing 41. Therefore, the exhaust pipe 42 is housed in the space S1 enclosed by the case body 50 and the front end of the housing 10. The exhaust pipe 42 and the filter housing 41 are arranged on the central axis X. The cylindrical section 421, which will be described later, is cylindrical with respect to the central axis X and is arranged coaxially with the filter housing 41.

[0037] The exhaust pipe 42 has a base portion 420 and a cylindrical portion 421. The base portion 420 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical shape with a bottom surface 423. The diameter of the bottom surface 423 is equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the filter housing portion 41.

[0038] The base portion 420 is assembled to the front side of the filter housing portion 41. Specifically, a projection 422 (see Figure 2) is formed on the side surface of the base portion 420, projecting radially outward. The projection 422 engages with a first opening 412 formed in the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing portion 41. More specifically, the projection 422 engages with the first opening 412 from the inside of the filter housing portion 41. In this way, the base portion 420 is assembled to the filter housing portion 41. The area where the base portion 420 and the filter housing portion 41 are assembled is called the combination portion 413. At the combination portion 413, the rear side of the base portion 420 and the front end portion 414 of the filter housing portion 41 are in contact.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, an opening 424 is provided in the bottom surface 423 of the base portion 420. The opening 424 is a through hole that penetrates the bottom surface 423 in the front-rear direction in a predetermined area centered on the central axis X of the bottom surface 423.

[0040] The cylindrical portion 421 is provided on the bottom surface 423 of the base portion 420 and extends forward along the first direction A1 with respect to the central axis X. That is, the cylindrical portion 421 is provided on the front side of the opening 424. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421 is smaller than the diameter of the base portion 420. That is, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421 is smaller than the outer diameter of the filter housing portion 41.

[0041] Multiple second openings 425 are formed on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 421, each having a long side aligned with the first direction A1. The cylindrical portion 421 can also be considered as being formed by multiple elongated plate members 426 extending along the first direction A1, arranged at predetermined angles around a central axis X. The second openings 425 in the cylindrical portion 421 and the openings 424 in the base portion 420 connect the internal storage space S2 of the filter housing portion 41 with the outside of the filter housing portion 41.

[0042] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the first opening 412 formed in the filter housing 41 described above is smaller than the opening area of ​​the multiple second openings 425 in the cylindrical portion 421. However, as described above, the projection 422 provided on the base portion 420 enters the first opening 412 from the inside, so in effect, the opening area of ​​the first opening 412 is close to zero.

[0043] <Second filter 43> The second filter 43 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric and is placed over the exhaust pipe 42. The second filter 43 is cylindrical with one end (rear side) open and consists of a first part 430 and a second part 431.

[0044] The first portion 430 has an inner diameter equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the filter housing 41. When the second filter 43 is placed over the exhaust pipe 42, the first portion 430 also partially covers the filter housing 41. Specifically, the first portion 430 of the second filter 43 covers the combined portion 413 of the exhaust pipe 42, which is formed by the base portion 420 and the filter housing 41, and the first opening 412.

[0045] The second portion 431 has an inner diameter equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421. When the second filter 43 is placed over the exhaust pipe 42, the second portion 431 covers the cylindrical portion 421.

[0046] <First mounting section 31> As described above, the first mounting portion 31 is a member for attaching the dust collection unit 12 to the housing 10. The first mounting portion 31 has a first engaging portion 310 and a second engaging portion 320. The first engaging portion 310 is a member for attaching the dust collection case 40 to the housing 10. The second engaging portion 320 is a member for attaching the filter housing portion 41 to the housing 10.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first engaging portion 310 is a groove that opens radially outward from the housing 10 and surrounds the entire or substantially entire circumference of the main body side inlet 110. Two notches 311 are provided in the circumferential direction of the first engaging portion 310. The pair of notches 311 are formed so that a pair of engaging projections 502 formed on the inner circumferential wall of the case body 50 can pass through in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The dust collection case 40 is attached to and detached from the housing 10 by rotating relative to the main unit 11 with its central axis X as the axis of rotation. In this case, by rotating the dust collection case 40 to align the position of the engaging projection 502 with the position of the notch 311 formed in the first engaging portion 310, the engaging projection 502 can be moved in and out of the first engaging portion 310.

[0049] When the dust collection case 40 is rotated relative to the housing 10 in the R1 direction shown in Figure 1, with the position of the engaging projection 502 aligned with the position of the notch 311, the engaging projection 502 moves in the R1 direction within the groove, which is the first engaging portion 310. Then, when the dust collection case 40 reaches a predetermined rotation angle (for example, about 120 degrees), the engaging projection 502 and the first engaging portion 310 engage properly, and the dust collection case 40 is properly attached to the housing 10.

[0050] On the other hand, when the dust collection case 40, which is mounted as described above, is rotated relative to the first engagement part 310 in the R2 direction shown in Figure 1, the engaging projection 502 moves within the first engagement part 310 in the R2 direction. When the rotation angle of the dust collection case 40 reaches approximately 120 degrees, the position of the engaging projection 502 and the positions of the two notches 311 coincide. In this state, when the dust collection case 40 is pulled forward, the engaging projection 502 is pulled out of the first engagement part 310 through the respective notches 311. That is, the engagement between the engaging projection 502 and the first engagement part 310 is released, and the dust collection case 40 is removed from the housing 10.

[0051] The second engaging portion 320 is located inside the first engaging portion 310. More specifically, the second engaging portion 320 is located inside the first engaging portion 310 in the radial direction and overlaps with the first engaging portion 310 in the front-rear direction. The second engaging portion 320 is also common to the first engaging portion 310 in that it is a groove provided around the main body side inlet 110.

[0052] Retaining portions 330 are provided at two locations in the circumferential direction of the second engaging portion 320. Each retaining portion 330 is positioned 180 degrees apart from the other in the circumferential direction of the second engaging portion 320. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the retaining portions 330 are positioned above and below the central axis X.

[0053] A rotation stopper 331 is provided on one side of each retaining portion 330. As shown in Figure 5, these rotation stoppers 331 are also positioned 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the second engaging portion 320. Each retaining portion 330 protrudes forward of the second engaging portion 320 like an overhang, partially covering the second engaging portion 320.

[0054] When the filter housing 41 is properly installed in the housing 10, the two engaging protrusions 411 are positioned within the second engaging portion 320 at the positions shown in Figure 2 and come into contact with the rotation stopper 331. In other words, when the filter housing 41 is properly installed in the housing 10, further rotation is restricted because the engaging protrusions 411 come into contact with the rotation stopper 331.

[0055] More specifically, the engaging projection 411 above the central axis X enters the back side of the retaining portion 330 above the central axis X and overlaps with the retaining portion 330. Also, the engaging projection 411 below the central axis X enters the back side of the retaining portion 330 below the central axis X and overlaps with the retaining portion 330. As a result, the movement of the filter housing 41 in the front-rear direction is restricted.

[0056] <Second mounting section 32> As described above, the second mounting portion 32 is a component for attaching the first filter 15 to the housing 10. The second mounting portion 32 is a pair of protrusions provided on the inner wall surface of the main body side inlet 110 and projecting toward the central axis X. Each of the second mounting portions 32 is positioned 180 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the inner wall surface of the main body side inlet 110. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the second mounting portions 32 are positioned on the right and left sides with respect to the central axis X.

[0057] The first filter 15 is attached to and detached from the housing 10 by rotating relative to the main unit 11 with its central axis X as the axis of rotation. In this case, by rotating the first filter 15 so that the position of the pair of engaging recesses 155 formed on the outer circumference of the second holding portion 154 is aligned with the position where the second mounting portion 32 is formed, the engaging recesses 155 can be moved in and out of the second mounting portion 32.

[0058] With the position of the engagement recess 155 aligned with the position of the second mounting portion 32, when the first filter 15 is rotated relative to the housing 10 in the R1 direction shown in Figure 1, the engagement recess 155 moves in the R1 direction within the inner wall surface of the main body side inlet 110. Then, when the first filter 15 reaches a predetermined rotation angle, the engagement recess 155 and the second mounting portion 32 engage properly, and the first filter 15 is properly attached to the housing 10.

[0059] On the other hand, when the first filter 15, which is mounted as described above, is rotated relative to the first filter in the R2 direction shown in Figure 1, the engaging recess 155 moves in the R2 direction within the inner wall surface of the main body side inlet 110. When the first filter 15 reaches a predetermined rotation angle, the position of the engaging recess 155 and the positions of the two second mounting parts 32 coincide. When the first filter 15 is pulled forward in this state, the engaging recess 155 passes through each of the second mounting parts 32, and the first filter 15 is pulled out. That is, the engagement between the engaging recess 155 and the second mounting parts 32 is released, and the first filter 15 is removed from the housing 10.

[0060] <Operation of Cleaner 1> When the operator operates the control unit 34, power is supplied from the battery pack 30 to the motor 13 under the control of the controller 35, and the motor 13 starts to operate. When the motor 13 starts to operate and rotates, the fan 14 connected to the output shaft 131 of the motor 13 rotates. As the fan 14 rotates, air flows into the inside of the cleaner 1 from the intake port 510 of the dust collection unit 12.

[0061] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the airflow inside the cleaner 1, and is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 similar to that in Figure 2. Inside the cleaner 1, airflows W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, and W6 are generated from the intake port 510 to the exhaust port 111 of the housing 10. Airflow W1 is the flow of air that flows from the intake port 510 through the inside of the nozzle 51 towards the rear along the first direction A1.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the airflow W2 flows upward from the rear end of the nozzle 51 and enters the internal space S1 of the case body 50 through the inlet 503 formed in the case body 50. As described above, the nozzle 51 extends upward at its rear end, inclined with respect to the third direction A3, and is attached to the lower part of the case body 50. Therefore, the airflow W2 is an airflow directed in a direction inclined to the left with respect to the third direction A3. The air then enters the space S1 from the lower left side of the case body 50.

[0063] The airflow W3 is the flow of air that swirls around the exhaust pipe 42 within the space S1. That is, the air that flows into the space S1 from the lower left side of the case body 50 swirls along the inner surface of the cylindrical case body 50 around the central axis X. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421 of the exhaust pipe 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the filter housing 41, and the outer diameter of the filter housing 41 is smaller than the inner diameter of the case body 50. In other words, since the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421 is smaller than the inner diameter of the case body 50, the space S1 necessary for the air to swirl is secured around the exhaust pipe 42.

[0064] In space S1, dust contained in the airflow W3 is released radially outward from the case body 50 by centrifugal force and accumulates inside the case body 50. Generally, the cleaner 1 is often used with the intake port 510 tilted downward in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the dust separated by centrifugal force accumulates on the front side (bottom side 500) of the case body 50.

[0065] A space S3 is formed between the exhaust pipe 42 and the case body 50. Therefore, even if the amount of dust accumulated inside the case body 50 increases, a region is secured in which the air flowing into the rear side of the inside of the case body 50 can swirl.

[0066] Furthermore, since the air entering from the inlet 503 swirls in space S1, space S1 can be called a swirling chamber. In other words, the case body 50 can be described as a cylindrical outer wall portion that defines a swirling chamber inside in which the air entering from the intake port 510 and the inlet 503 swirls.

[0067] The airflow W4 is the flow of air that swirls around the exhaust stack 42, passes through the second filter 43, and enters the containment space S2. Specifically, the air that swirls within space S1 passes through the second filter 43, passes through the second opening 425 of the cylindrical section 421, and enters the interior of the cylindrical section 421. The air then moves rearward along the first direction A1 and enters the containment space S2 inside the filter containment section 41 through the opening 424. In other words, the exhaust stack 42 guides the air that has swirled within the swirling chamber space S1 to the containment chamber space S2. At this time, dust that was not separated from the swirling airflow W3 due to centrifugal force is captured by the second filter 43.

[0068] The airflow W5 is the flow of air that enters the containment space S2 and then passes through the first filter 15. In the containment space S2, as described above, the length of the first filter 15 is greater than the distance between the front end surface 156 of the first filter 15 and the front end portion 414 (base portion 420) of the filter containment section 41. That is, the space between the front end surface 156 and the front end portion 414 (base portion 420) is narrow in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the air that has passed through the first filter 15 and flowed into the containment space S2 flows radially outward at the front end surface 156 of the first filter 15.

[0069] Subsequently, the air moves from the outside of the first holding portion 153 of the first filter 15 toward the filter material 151. As a result, the air passes through the filter material 151 from the side exposed to the holding portion 152 and reaches the inside of the first filter 15. At this time, fine dust that was not captured by the second filter 43 is captured by the filter material 151.

[0070] The airflow W6 is the airflow that, after passing through the first filter 15, flows into the interior of the housing 10 via the main body side inlet 110 and reaches the exhaust port 111. At least a portion of the air passing inside the housing 10 passes around the motor 13, removing heat from the motor 13. As a result, the motor 13 is cooled.

[0071] <Removal of dust collection unit 12> The dust collection unit 12 is removed when disposing of dust accumulated in the dust collection case 40, or when cleaning or replacing the first filter 15 and the second filter 43. When removing the dust collection case 40, as described above, the dust collection case 40 is rotated in the R2 direction shown in Figure 2. This causes the engaging projection 502 to move in the R2 direction within the first engaging portion 310, and the position of the engaging projection 502 aligns with the positions of the two notches 311. When the dust collection case 40 is pulled forward in this state, the engaging projection 502 is pulled out of the first engaging portion 310 through the respective notches 311. As a result, the engagement between the engaging projection 502 and the first engaging portion 310 is released, and the dust collection case 40 is removed from the housing 10.

[0072] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 with the dust collection case 40 removed. As shown in Figure 8, the first filter 15 is housed in the housing space S2 inside the filter housing 41. This prevents fine dust captured by the filter material 151 of the first filter 15 from scattering into the surroundings.

[0073] The dust collection case 40 is removed, and the filter housing 41, exhaust pipe 42, and second filter 43, which are exposed to the outside, are removed from the housing 10 by rotating the filter housing 41 around the central axis X. In this case, the rotation of the filter housing 41 causes the two engaging protrusions 411 to reach a position in the circumferential direction of the second engaging portion 320 where the retaining portion 330 is not formed. In this state, when the filter housing 41 is pulled forward, the filter housing 41, the exhaust pipe 42, and the second filter 43 attached to the filter housing 41 are removed from the housing 10.

[0074] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner 1 with the filter housing 41, exhaust pipe 42, and second filter 43 removed. As shown in Figure 9, the first filter 15 is exposed to the outside. When the first filter 15 is rotated in this state, the position of the engaging recess 155 aligns with the positions of the two second mounting parts 32 (see Figures 4, 5, etc.). When the first filter 15 is pulled forward, the engaging recess 155 passes through each of the second mounting parts 32, and the first filter 15 is pulled out. That is, the engagement between the engaging recess 155 and the second mounting parts 32 is released, and the first filter 15 is removed from the housing 10. This makes it possible to clean the first filter 15.

[0075] Furthermore, unlike the dust collection case 40 described above, the cleaner 1 of this embodiment can also be fitted with a dust collection case that does not generate a swirling airflow inside.

[0076] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaner 1 when the dust collection case 60 is used instead of the dust collection case 40. The dust collection case 60 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has a cylindrical shape overall. A cylindrical nozzle 61 is formed at the tip of the dust collection case 60, with a central axis X. The front end surface of the nozzle 61 is an air intake port 62. When an airflow is generated by the rotation of the fan 14, air flows into the inside of the dust collection case 60 from the air intake port 62.

[0077] Furthermore, a pair of engaging protrusions 63 are formed on the inner surface of the rear end of the dust collection case 60. The engaging protrusions 63 project radially inward, similar to the engaging protrusions 502 of the dust collection case 40. The pair of engaging protrusions 63 are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the dust collection case 60. As a result, the dust collection case 60 is attached to the housing 10 by the engaging protrusions 63 engaging with the first engaging portion 310 provided on the housing 10.

[0078] Thus, in Cleaner 1, the dust collection method can be changed between a method that generates a swirling airflow and a method that does not generate a swirling airflow by selectively attaching either the dust collection case 40 or the dust collection case 60. As a result, the dust collection method of Cleaner 1 can be easily changed according to the dust collection work situation, improving convenience.

[0079] According to the embodiments described above, at least one of the following effects can be obtained.

[0080] (1) The dust collection unit 12 of the cleaner 1 has a case body 50 and a filter housing 41 that houses the first filter 15. The inner diameter of the case body 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter housing 41. As a result, a space S3 is formed between the inner surface of the case body 50 and the filter housing 41 at the rear end of the case body 50, and the space S3 communicates with a space S1 surrounded by the case body 50 and the front end of the housing 10. As a result, the amount of dust that can be collected in the cleaner 1 increases as the capacity of the case body 50 increases. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of discarding dust in the dust collection case 40, and the convenience of the cleaner 1 can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, even if the amount of dust accumulated inside the case body 50 increases, a space S3 will be secured at the rear of the inside of the case body 50 as a region where the incoming air swirls. Therefore, even if dust accumulates, it becomes possible to separate the dust contained in the airflow.

[0082] (2) The housing 10 has a first mounting portion 31 to which the dust collection unit 12 is attached, and a second mounting portion 32 to which the first filter 15 is attached. This makes it possible to remove the dust collection unit 12 from the housing 10 to dispose of the dust accumulated in the case body 50, or to clean the second filter 43, etc. Also, it is possible to remove the first filter 15 from the housing 10 to clean the filter material 151 of the first filter 15, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, unlike the case in which the first filter 15 and the filter housing 41 are attached to the dust collection case 40, in this embodiment there is no need to provide a mounting structure in a part of the inside of the case body 50. As a result, turbulence in the swirling airflow W3 is suppressed, making it easier to separate dust from the airflow W3.

[0084] (3) The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 421 of the exhaust pipe 42 housed in the swirling chamber space S1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the filter housing portion 41. In other words, space S1 has a wide clearance in the radial direction of the case body 50 even at the rear side of the case body 50. As a result, space for the swirling chamber space S1 is secured. In addition, if large dust is sucked in, it is prevented from getting stuck between the inner surface of the case body 50 and the exhaust pipe 42, which would cause a decrease in the suction power of the cleaner 1.

[0085] (4) The filter housing 41 and the cylindrical portion 421 of the exhaust pipe 42 are arranged on the same central axis X. This prevents the cleaner 1 from becoming larger in the radial direction. Also, unlike when the cylindrical portion 421 is positioned off-center from the central axis X, turbulence and other issues are suppressed in the airflow W3 swirling within the space S1. As a result, dust can be easily separated from the airflow W3.

[0086] (5) The second filter 43, which is placed over the exhaust pipe 42, partially covers the filter housing 41. More specifically, the second filter 43 also covers the combination section 413 where the exhaust pipe 42 and the filter housing 41 are joined together. This allows dust that would otherwise flow into the housing space S2 through the small gap in the combination section 413 to be captured.

[0087] (6) A first opening 412 is provided on the side of the filter housing 41. This makes it possible to attach the exhaust pipe 42 to the filter housing 41 with a simple structure.

[0088] (7) The opening area of ​​the first opening 412 of the filter housing 41 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the second opening 425 of the cylindrical portion 421. Therefore, adverse effects on the swirling airflow W3 around the cylindrical portion 421 are suppressed. In addition, a slight airflow is generated to the space S3 radially outside the filter housing 41, so the space S3 can also be used as a space for accumulating dust.

[0089] (8) The axial length (front-to-back direction) of the first filter 15 is greater than the distance between the front end surface 156 of the first filter 15 and the front end 414 of the filter housing 41. This makes it possible to reduce the housing space S2, thereby enabling the cleaner 1 to be miniaturized. Alternatively, without changing the overall size of the cleaner 1, the space S1 inside the case body 50 can be increased, thereby increasing the amount of dust that can be collected. In addition, by making the first filter 15 larger in the front-to-back direction, the range through which the airflow W5 passes is widened, making it easier for dust to be captured by the filter material 151.

[0090] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] For example, in this embodiment, one first opening 412 was formed in the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing 41, but multiple first openings may be formed.

[0092] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a filter housing 41, exhaust pipe 42, and second filter 43 having a plurality of first openings 415 in addition to the first opening 412 of the embodiment. The first openings 415 are formed along the circumferential direction of the side wall surface 410 of the filter housing 41, for example, at predetermined angles. In this case as well, the opening area of ​​the first opening 412 and the plurality of first openings 415 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the plurality of second openings 425 of the cylindrical portion 421. The plurality of first openings 415 are covered by the first portion 430 of the second filter 43 when the second filter 43 is attached to the exhaust pipe 42.

[0093] The formation of multiple first openings 415 creates an airflow to the space S3 radially outside the filter housing 41, so the space S3 can also be used as a space for accumulating dust. Furthermore, the airflow to the first openings 415 improves the suction power of the cleaner 1.

[0094] Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the multiple first openings 415 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the second opening 425 of the cylindrical portion 421. This suppresses adverse effects on the swirling airflow W3 around the cylindrical portion 421. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Cleaner, 10 Housing, 11 Main unit, 12 Dust collection unit, 13 Motor, 14 Fan, 15 First filter, 31 First mounting part, 32 Second mounting part, 40, 60 Dust collection case, 41 Filter housing part, 42 Exhaust pipe, 43 Second filter, 50 Case body, 62, 510 Intake port, 63, 502 Engaging projection, 110 Main body side inlet, 152 Holding part, 153 First holding part, 156 Front end face, 310 First engaging part, 311 Notch, 320 Second engaging part, 330 Retaining part, 331 Rotation stopper, 410 Side wall surface, 411 Engaging projection, 412, 415 First opening, 413 Combination part, 414 Front end part, 420 Base part, 421 Cylindrical part, 422 Projection, 425 2nd opening, 501 Opening end, 503 Inlet, S1 space, S2 accommodation space, S3 space, X central axis

Claims

1. A main unit having a motor, a fan that rotates to generate airflow by receiving the driving force of the motor, and a filter attached upstream of the fan, A dust collection unit having an inlet and an outlet, which is attached to the main unit, is provided, The aforementioned dust collection unit is A cylindrical outer wall section defines a swirling chamber inside which the air entering from the aforementioned inlet swirls, It has a filter housing section that defines a housing chamber for housing the filter between itself and the main unit, A work machine in which the inner diameter of the outer wall portion is larger than the outer diameter of the filter housing portion.

2. In the work machine described in claim 1, The main unit has a housing, The housing has a first mounting portion to which the dust collection unit is attached, and a second mounting portion to which the filter is attached, in the work machine.

3. In the work machine described in claim 2, The swirling chamber is housed in the aforementioned swirling chamber and is equipped with an exhaust pipe that guides the air swirling within the swirling chamber back to the storage chamber, A work machine in which the outer diameter of the exhaust pipe is smaller than the outer diameter of the filter housing.

4. In the work machine described in claim 3, The filter housing and the exhaust pipe are arranged on the same axis in the work machine.

5. In the work machine described in claim 4, The exhaust pipe is fitted with a second filter, The second filter is a work machine that partially covers the filter housing.

6. In the work machine described in claim 5, The exhaust pipe is assembled to the filter housing, The second filter also covers the assembly section where the exhaust pipe and the filter housing are combined, in the work machine.

7. In the work machine described in claim 6, A work machine having a first opening on the side of the filter housing.

8. In the work machine according to claim 7, The exhaust pipe is provided with a second opening through which the air that has swirled in the swirling chamber passes. A work machine in which the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

9. In the work machine described in claim 8, The filter is attached to the housing at one end in the direction along the axis, The filter housing is attached to the housing at one end in the direction along the axis, A work machine in which, in the direction along the aforementioned axis, the length of the filter is greater than the distance between the other end of the filter and the other end of the filter housing.

10. Motor and, A fan that rotates under the driving force of the aforementioned motor and generates airflow, An outer wall section that defines a swirling chamber in which air swirls, It comprises a filter housing section located inside the rotating chamber and having a filter inside, A work machine having a space between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the filter housing that communicates with the swivel chamber.

Images