Cleaner

Abstract

To reduce a total length of a cleaner provided with a cyclone dust collecting part and a filter.SOLUTION: A cleaner is provided with a cyclone dust collecting part and a filter. The cleaner is provided with: a body unit having a suction port; and a cyclone unit having a cyclone dust collecting part and a cylinder part arranged at the back of an outflow port of the cyclone dust collecting part. The cylinder part has an opening larger than the outflow port of the cyclone dust collecting part. A filter is arranged so as to cover an opening in front of the suction port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to cleaners, an electric vacuum cleaner having a cyclone dust collection unit as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. Also, in the technical field related to cleaners, an electric vacuum cleaner having a filter as disclosed in Patent Document 2 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to shorten the overall length of a cleaner including a cyclone dust collection unit and a filter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaner including a cyclone dust collection unit and a filter, the cleaner including: a main body unit having a suction port; and a cyclone unit having the cyclone dust collection unit and a cylindrical portion disposed behind an outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, the cylindrical portion having an opening larger than the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, and the filter being disposed in front of the suction port so as to cover the opening.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to this disclosure, the overall length of a cleaner equipped with a cyclone dust collection unit and a filter can be shortened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of how to use the cleaner according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing a cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view showing a cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing a cleaner according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the cleaner according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing the filter unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the filter unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing the cyclone unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the cyclone unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the relationship between the filter unit and the cyclone unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of how to use the cleaner according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, some components may not be used.

[0009] In the embodiment, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" are used to describe the positional relationship of each part. These terms indicate the relative position or direction based on the center of the cleaner 1.

[0010] [Overview of the Cleaner] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the usage method of the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front showing the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the rear showing the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from the rear showing the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.

[0011] The cleaner 1 includes a main body unit 2, a filter unit 3, and a cyclone unit 4.

[0012] The main body unit 2 has a main body housing 5, a battery mounting portion 6, a fan 7, a motor 8, an operation panel 9, and a sound absorbing member 10.

[0013] The main body housing 5 is formed of a synthetic resin. The main body housing 5 is composed of a pair of split housings. The main body housing 5 includes a left housing 5L and a right housing 5R. The right housing 5R is disposed to the right of the left housing 5L. The left housing 5L and the right housing 5R are fixed by a plurality of screws 5S. <{

[0014] The main body housing 5 has a body portion 11, a grip portion 12, and a battery holding portion 13.

[0015] The body part 11 houses the fan 7 and the motor 8. The fan 7 and the motor 8 are arranged in the internal space of the body part 11.

[0016] The body part 11 has a suction port 14 and an exhaust port 15. The suction port 14 is provided at the front part of the body part 11. The exhaust ports 15 are provided at the left and right parts of the body part 11 respectively.

[0017] The grip part 12 is grasped by the user of the cleaner 1. The grip part 12 extends from the upper part to the rear of the body part 11.

[0018] The battery holding part 13 holds the battery 16 via the battery mounting part 6. The battery holding part 13 is connected to the rear part of the body part 11 and the lower end part of the grip part 12 respectively.

[0019] The battery mounting part 6 is provided at the lower part of the battery holding part 13. The battery 16 is mounted on the battery mounting part 6. The battery 16 is detachable from the battery mounting part 6.

[0020] The battery 16 functions as the power source of the cleaner 1. The battery 16 supplies power to the cleaner 1 in a state where it is mounted on the battery mounting part 6. The battery 16 is a general-purpose battery that can be used as the power source of various electrical devices. The battery 16 can be used as the power source of power tools. The battery 16 can be used as the power source of electrical devices other than power tools. The battery 16 can be used as the power source of a cleaner different from the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. The battery 16 includes a lithium-ion battery. The battery 16 is a rechargeable battery. The battery mounting part 6 has a structure equivalent to the battery mounting part of a power tool.

[0021] The user of Cleaner 1 can install the battery 16 into the battery mounting section 6 and remove the battery 16 from the battery mounting section 6. The battery mounting section 6 has a guide member that guides the battery 16 and main terminals that connect to the battery terminals provided on the battery 16. The user can install the battery 16 into the battery mounting section 6 by inserting the battery 16 into the battery mounting section 6 from the rear. The battery 16 is inserted into the battery mounting section 6 while being guided by the guide member. When the battery 16 is installed in the battery mounting section 6, the battery terminals of the battery 16 and the main terminals of the battery mounting section 6 are electrically connected. The user of Cleaner 1 can remove the battery 16 from the battery mounting section 6 by moving the battery 16 backward.

[0022] The fan 7 is housed in the body portion 11 of the main housing 5. The fan 7 is rotatable around the rotation axis AX. The rotation axis AX extends in the front-rear direction. By rotating around the rotation axis AX, the fan 7 generates suction force at the suction port 14. The air that flows into the internal space of the main housing 5 from the suction port 14 due to the rotation of the fan 7 flows out to the external space of the main housing 5 through the exhaust port 15.

[0023] The motor 8 is housed in the body portion 11 of the main housing 5. The motor 8 generates the power to rotate the fan 7. The motor 8 is a DC brushless motor. The motor 8 has a cylindrical stator, a rotor positioned inside the stator, and a rotor shaft extending forward from the rotor. The rotor shaft is fixed to the rotor. The rotation axis AX of the motor 8's rotor and the rotation axis AX of the fan 7 coincide. The motor 8's rotor rotates around the rotation axis AX. The fan 7 is fixed to the motor 8's rotor shaft. As the motor 8's rotor rotates around the rotation axis AX, the fan 7 rotates around the rotation axis AX. As the fan 7 rotates, a suction force is generated at the suction port 14.

[0024] The control panel 9 is operated by the user of the cleaner 1. The control panel 9 is located on the grip portion 12. The user of the cleaner 1 can operate the control panel 9 while holding the grip portion 12. In this embodiment, the control panel 9 has a drive mode switching button 18 for switching the driving conditions of the motor 8 and a stop button 17 for stopping the motor 8. When the drive mode switching button 18 is operated while the motor 8 is stopped, the motor 8 is started to drive. When the motor 8 is driven, suction force is generated at the suction port 14. When the drive mode switching button 18 is operated while the motor 8 is driving, the rotation speed of the motor 8 is adjusted in, for example, three stages. When the drive mode switching button 18 is operated once while the motor 8 is driving, the rotation speed of the motor 8 is changed from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, when it is operated once more, the rotation speed of the motor 8 is changed from the second rotation speed to the third rotation speed, and when it is operated once more, the rotation speed of the motor 8 returns to the first rotation speed. The suction force at the suction port 14 is changed by changing the rotation speed of motor 8. When the stop button 17 is operated while motor 8 is running, motor 8 stops.

[0025] The sound-absorbing member 10 is positioned in the internal space of the main housing 5 so as to face the exhaust port 15. The sound-absorbing member 10 is a porous material. The sound-absorbing member 10 absorbs sound transmitted through the air and suppresses the generation of noise. Examples of noise generated by the cleaner 1 include wind noise generated by the airflow and NZ noise generated by the rotation of the fan 7.

[0026] [Filter Unit] Figure 7 is an exploded front perspective view showing the filter unit 3 according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the filter unit 3 according to the embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, the filter unit 3 includes a filter 19, a filter holder 21, a stay 22, and a sealing member 256.

[0028] The filter 19 is a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter). The filter 19 is positioned in front of the suction port 14 of the main unit 2. The suction port 14 is located at the front of the main unit 2. The filter 19 has a rear surface 19R facing the suction port 14 and a front surface 19F facing the opposite direction from the rear surface 19R. Air flows into the filter 19 from the front surface 19F. The filter 19 collects foreign matter from the air that flows into it. After passing through the filter 19, the air flows out from the rear surface 19R of the filter 19 and then flows into the suction port 14.

[0029] The filter holder 21 holds the filter 19. The filter holder 21 has a ring portion 234 positioned around the filter 19 and a handle portion 27 connected to the ring portion 234.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ring portion 234 has a large diameter portion 23 and a small diameter portion 24. The large diameter portion 23 is positioned in front of the small diameter portion 24. The filter 19 is positioned inside the large diameter portion 23.

[0031] The sealing member 256 is positioned on the ring portion 234. In this embodiment, the sealing member 256 includes a ring-shaped first sealing member 25 positioned on the outer surface of the large-diameter portion 23 and a ring-shaped second sealing member 26 positioned on the rear end surface of the small-diameter portion 24.

[0032] The handle portion 27 is positioned opposite the rear surface 19R of the filter 19. The handle portion 27 is connected to the small diameter portion 24. The handle portion 27 is positioned inside the small diameter portion 24. The handle portion 27 is a rod-shaped member. One end of the handle portion 27 is fixed to the first part of the inner surface of the small diameter portion 24. The other end of the handle portion 27 is fixed to the second part of the inner surface of the small diameter portion 24. The user of the cleaner 1 can hold the handle portion 27.

[0033] The stay 22 is connected to the front end of the large-diameter section 23. At least a portion of the stay 22 is positioned in front of the filter 19. The stay 22 has a frame section 28 and a grid section 29. The frame section 28 is ring-shaped. For example, a cloth filter is attached to the frame section 28. The grid section 29 forms a mesh in front of the filter 19. The grid section 29 prevents the cloth filter from adhering to the front surface of the filter 19.

[0034] Air flows through the opening at the front end of the frame section 28 and into the front surface 19F of the filter 19. Air that flows out from the rear surface 19R of the filter 19 passes through the opening at the rear end of the small diameter section 24.

[0035] [Cyclone Unit] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view from the front showing the cyclone unit 4 according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view from the rear showing the cyclone unit 4 according to the embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10, the cyclone unit 4 includes a cyclone housing 30 and a cyclone dust collection section 40.

[0037] The cyclone housing 30 includes a first housing 31 and a second housing 32. At least a portion of the first housing 31 is positioned in front of the second housing 32. The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are fastened together by four screws 60. The first housing 31 is provided with screw holes 61 into which the threaded portions of the screws 60 are connected. The second housing 32 is provided with openings 62 into which the intermediate portions of the screws 60 are positioned.

[0038] The first housing 31 has a body portion 33, a connecting pipe 34, and a dust cup connecting portion 35.

[0039] The second housing 32 has a cylindrical portion 37, a front plate portion 38, and a mesh pipe insertion portion 39.

[0040] The cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes a mesh pipe 41 and a dust cup 42. The cyclone dust collection unit 40 also includes a swivel plate 43 provided in the first housing 31.

[0041] The body portion 33 is cylindrical. The body portion 33 is located at the rear of the first housing 31. The body portion 33 is connected to the second housing 32. The connecting pipe 34 protrudes forward from the front of the body portion 33. The dust cup connecting portion 35 is cylindrical. The dust cup connecting portion 35 is located in parallel with the connecting pipe 34. The dust cup connecting portion 35 protrudes forward from the front of the body portion 33.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the connecting pipe 34 is connected to the base end of the pipe 100. The suction nozzle 101 is connected to the tip of the pipe 100. The suction nozzle 101 has a suction port.

[0043] A locking mechanism 36 is provided at the front end of the connecting pipe 34. A recess is provided in a part of the pipe 100. The locking mechanism 36 has a hook portion that can be hooked onto the recess in the pipe 100. The locking mechanism 36 fixes the connecting pipe 34 and the pipe 100 together. By releasing the locking mechanism 36, the pipe 100 can be removed from the connecting pipe 34. The pipe 100 is detachable from the connecting pipe 34.

[0044] The connecting pipe 34 has an inlet 34A and an outlet 34B. The inlet 34A is located at the front end of the connecting pipe 34. The outlet 34B is located at the rear end of the connecting pipe 34. The base end of the pipe 100 is inserted into the inlet 34A. Air drawn in from the suction nozzle 101 flows through the pipe 100 and then into the inlet 34A. Air that has flowed through the internal flow path of the connecting pipe 34 flows out from the outlet 34B.

[0045] The dust cup connecting portion 35 is connected to the dust cup 42. A locking portion 44 is provided at the rear end of the dust cup 42. A recess 35R is provided in a part of the dust cup connecting portion 35. The locking portion 44 has a hook portion that is hooked onto the recess 35R of the dust cup connecting portion 35. The locking portion 44 fixes the dust cup 42 and the dust cup connecting portion 35 together. By releasing the locking portion 44, the dust cup 42 can be removed from the dust cup connecting portion 35. The dust cup 42 is detachable from the dust cup connecting portion 35 of the first housing 31.

[0046] The dust cup connecting section 35 has an inlet 35A. The inlet 35A of the dust cup connecting section 35 functions as the inlet for the cyclone dust collection section 40. The inlet 35A is provided at the rear end of the dust cup connecting section 35. The outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 and the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection section 40 are connected via a swirling passage 45. The swirling passage 45 is provided in a part of the cyclone housing 30. Air flowing out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 flows through the swirling passage 45 and then flows into the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection section 40.

[0047] The swirling passage 45 connects the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 to the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. The swirling passage 45 is defined by a swirling plate 43. The swirling plate 43 is positioned inside the body portion 33. The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are fixed together by screws 60, so that the rear end of the swirling plate 43 of the first housing 31 and the front surface of the front plate portion 38 of the second housing 32 come into contact. In this embodiment, the swirling passage 45 is defined by the swirling plate 43 and the front plate portion 38. The swirling passage 45 is an internal passage of the cyclone housing 30.

[0048] The cylindrical portion 37 is connected to the first housing 31. The front plate portion 38 covers the opening at the front of the cylindrical portion 37. An opening 50 is provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 37. The mesh pipe insertion portion 39 protrudes forward from a part of the front plate portion 38. The mesh pipe insertion portion 39 is cylindrical. A through hole 38A is provided in a part of the front plate portion 38. The through hole 38A connects the front and rear surfaces of the front plate portion 38. The internal space of the mesh pipe insertion portion 39 is connected to the through hole 38A.

[0049] The cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes a mesh pipe 41, a dust cup 42, and a swivel plate 43. As described above, the dust cup 42 is detachable from the dust cup connecting portion 35 of the cyclone housing 30. The dust cup 42 has an internal space into which air flows in from the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40.

[0050] The mesh pipe 41 is placed in the internal space of the dust cup 42. The mesh pipe 41 has a cylindrical portion 41A, a front plate portion 41B, a flange portion 41C, a hook portion 41D, a through hole 41E, and an outlet 41F.

[0051] The front plate portion 41B covers the opening at the front of the cylindrical portion 41A. The flange portion 41C is provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 41A. The hook portion 41D is provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 41A. The hook portion 41D protrudes radially outward from the rear end of the cylindrical portion 41A. Two hook portions 41D are provided. In the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 41A, the amount of protrusion of the hook portion 41D is greater than the amount of protrusion of the flange portion 41C. The through hole 41E connects the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 41A. Multiple through holes 41E are provided in the cylindrical portion 41A. Air surrounding the mesh pipe 41 can flow into the internal flow path of the mesh pipe 41 through the through holes 41E. The outlet 41F is provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 41A. Air that has flowed into the internal flow path of the mesh pipe 41 through the through holes 41E flows out from the outlet 41F.

[0052] The rear end of the mesh pipe 41 is positioned inside the mesh pipe insertion section 39. The mesh pipe 41 is detachable from the mesh pipe insertion section 39. An annular support section 39A supporting the flange section 41C is provided inside the rear end of the mesh pipe insertion section 39. A notch 39B is provided in a part of the support section 39A through which the hook section 41D can pass. After the hook section 41D passes through the notch 39B, the mesh pipe 41 is rotated so that the hook section 41D faces the rear surface of the support section 39A. This fixes the mesh pipe 41 to the second housing 32. By rotating the mesh pipe 41 so that the hook section 41D aligns with the notch 39B, the fixation between the mesh pipe 41 and the second housing 32 is released. The mesh pipe 41 is detachable from the second housing 32.

[0053] The outlet 41F of the mesh pipe 41 functions as the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. Air in the internal space of the dust cup 42 flows into the internal flow path of the mesh pipe 41 through the through hole 41E. The air that has passed through the internal flow path of the mesh pipe 41 flows out from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40.

[0054] [Connection structure] Next, the connection structure between the main unit 2, the filter unit 3, and the cyclone unit 4 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0055] The filter unit 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. The main unit 2 has an annular rib 47 positioned around the suction port 14 and an annular support surface 46 positioned around the annular rib 47. The support surface 46 faces forward. The annular rib 47 protrudes forward from the front surface of the main housing 5.

[0056] When the filter unit 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the small-diameter portion 24 is positioned around the annular rib 47 such that its rear end surface contacts the support surface 46. The annular rib 47 is inserted inside the small-diameter portion 24. A second sealing member 26 is provided on the rear end surface of the small-diameter portion 24. When the small-diameter portion 24 is positioned around the annular rib 47, the second sealing member 26 comes into close contact with the support surface 46. The second sealing member 26 seals the boundary between the small-diameter portion 24 of the ring portion 234 and the annular rib 47.

[0057] The cyclone unit 4 is attached to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 is equipped with a detachable mechanism 480 positioned around the suction port 14. The detachable mechanism 480 attaches to and detaches the cylindrical portion 37 of the cyclone unit 4. The detachable mechanism 480 attaches to and detaches the cylindrical portion 37 by relative rotation with respect to the cylindrical portion 37.

[0058] The attachment / detachment mechanism 480 has a plurality of engagement ribs 48. The engagement ribs 48 are provided on the front of the main body housing 5. The engagement ribs 48 are arranged around the suction port 14. Engagement grooves 48R are provided on the outer surface of the engagement ribs 48. A protrusion 49 is provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 37 of the second housing 32. The protrusion 49 can fit into the engagement grooves 48R. In this embodiment, two engagement ribs 48 are provided. Two protrusions 49 are provided. The two engagement ribs 48 are positioned opposite each other across the suction port 14.

[0059] When attaching the cyclone unit 4 to the main unit 2, the protrusions 49 are inserted between adjacent engaging ribs 48, and then the cyclone unit 4 is rotated so that the protrusions 49 fit into the engaging grooves 48R. The cyclone unit 4 and the main unit 2 are fixed together when the protrusions 49 fit into the engaging grooves 48R. The cyclone unit 4 and the main unit 2 are released when the cyclone unit 4 is rotated so that the protrusions 49 disengage from the engaging grooves 48R. The cyclone unit 4 is detachable from the main unit 2.

[0060] The filter unit 3 is also attached to the cyclone unit 4. When the filter unit 3 is attached to the cyclone unit 4, the large-diameter portion 23 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 37 of the second housing 32 through the opening 50. A first sealing member 25 is provided on the outer surface of the large-diameter portion 23. When the large-diameter portion 23 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 37, the first sealing member 25 comes into close contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 37. The first sealing member 25 seals the boundary between the large-diameter portion 23 of the ring portion 234 and the cylindrical portion 37.

[0061] With the filter unit 3 attached to the main unit 2, the cyclone unit 4 is attached to the main unit 2, thereby connecting the main unit 2, the filter unit 3, and the cyclone unit 4. Alternatively, the filter unit 3 may be attached to the cyclone unit 4, and then the cyclone unit 4 may be attached to the main unit 2.

[0062] [Relationship between filter unit and cyclone unit] Figure 11 shows the relationship between the filter unit 3 and the cyclone unit 4 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 11, the cylindrical portion 37 of the cyclone unit 4 is positioned behind the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40. The opening 50 of the cylindrical portion 37 is larger than the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40.

[0063] The filter 19 of the filter unit 3 is positioned in front of the suction port 14 of the main unit 2. The filter unit 3 is mounted on the main unit 2 such that the rear surface 19R of the filter 19 faces the suction port 14.

[0064] The filter 19 is positioned in front of the suction port 14 and covers the opening 50 of the cylindrical portion 37. The filter unit 3 is attached to the cyclone unit 4 so that the filter 19 covers the entire opening 50.

[0065] The filter 19 faces the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. The filter unit 3 is mounted on the cyclone unit 4 such that the front surface 19F of the filter 19 faces the outlet 41F.

[0066] The connecting pipe 34 and the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are each positioned in front of the cylindrical section 37. The connecting pipe 34 and the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 34 and the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction in front of the cylindrical section 37.

[0067] The central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 extends in the front-rear direction. The central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 extends in the front-rear direction. The central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 is the pivot axis of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. In this embodiment, the central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 and the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 are parallel.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 11, the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 is positioned off-center from the center EX of the opening 50 of the cylindrical portion 37. Also, the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40 is positioned off-center from the center EX of the opening 50 of the cylindrical portion 37. In this embodiment, the outlet 41F is positioned below the center EX of the opening 50 of the cylindrical portion 37.

[0069] The center EX of the opening 50 is the center in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation AX.

[0070] The central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 is positioned off-center from the center DX of the filter 19. The center DX of the filter 19 is also positioned off-center from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. In this embodiment, the outlet 41F is positioned below the center DX of the filter 19.

[0071] The center DX of filter 19 is the center in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX.

[0072] The filter 19 is positioned so that its center DX coincides with the center EX of the opening 50. The filter unit 3 is mounted on the cyclone unit 4 so that its center DX coincides with the center EX of the opening 50, and the front surface 19F of the filter 19 faces the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40.

[0073] In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX, the opening 50 overlaps with the central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 and the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41, respectively. Also, in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX, the opening 50 overlaps with the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 and the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40, respectively.

[0074] In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX, the filter 19 overlaps with the central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 and the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41. Also in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX, the filter 19 overlaps with the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 and the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40.

[0075] In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX, the position of the rotation axis AX coincides with the position of at least a portion of the filter 19. In this embodiment, the filter 19 is positioned such that its center DX coincides with the rotation axis AX.

[0076] [How to use] Next, the method of using the cleaner 1 will be explained. When the drive mode switching button 18 is operated and the motor 8 is driven, the fan 7 rotates. As the fan 7 rotates, suction force is generated at the suction port 14. As suction force is generated at the suction port 14, air is drawn into the pipe 100 from the suction port of the suction nozzle 101 along with foreign matter. The foreign matter includes dust. The air that has flowed through the pipe 100 flows into the internal flow path of the connecting pipe 34 via the inlet 34A of the connecting pipe 34. The air that has flowed through the internal flow path of the connecting pipe 34 flows out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34.

[0077] The outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 and the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are connected via a swirling channel 45 provided in the cyclone housing 30. Air flowing out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 flows through the swirling channel 45 and then enters the cyclone dust collection unit 40 via the inlet 35A.

[0078] The flow of air into the cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes the flow of air into the internal space of the dust cup 42. The air that flows into the internal space of the dust cup 42 via the swirling passage 45 swirls within the internal space of the dust cup 42. In the dust cup 42, the air and foreign matter are separated. The foreign matter accumulates in the dust cup 42. The air separated from the foreign matter passes through the mesh pipe 41 and flows out from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40.

[0079] The outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 is connected to the internal space of the cylindrical section 37. Air flowing out from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 into the internal space of the cylindrical section 37 flows into the filter 19 of the filter unit 3. The filter 19 collects minute foreign matter that was not collected by the cyclone dust collection unit 40. After passing through the filter 19, the air passes through the opening at the rear end of the filter holder 21 and then flows into the internal space of the main housing 5 via the suction port 14. The air that flows into the internal space of the main housing 5 passes through the fan 7 and motor 8 and then is discharged to the external space of the main housing 5 from the exhaust port 15.

[0080] Figure 12 shows an example of how to use the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. As described above, the attachment / detachment mechanism 480 has an engaging rib 48, and the cylindrical portion 37 has a protrusion 49. The main body unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 are attached and detached by relative rotation of the main body unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4.

[0081] As shown in Figures 1 and 12, the relative rotational positions of the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 can be arbitrarily set. The attachment / detachment mechanism 480 can fix the cylindrical portion 37 to a first position and a second position different from the first position in the rotational direction. As shown in Figure 1, the first position of the cylindrical portion 37 in the rotational direction is the position where the grip portion 12 is positioned above the body portion 11 and the connecting pipe 34 is positioned above the dust cup 42. As shown in Figure 12, the second position of the cylindrical portion 37 in the rotational direction is the position where the grip portion 12 is positioned above the body portion 11 and the dust cup 42 is positioned above the connecting pipe 34.

[0082] As described above, two engagement ribs 48 are provided around the suction port 14. Two protrusions 49 are provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 37. The position of the cylindrical portion 37 in the rotational direction is fixed when the protrusions 49 of the cylindrical portion 37 fit into the engagement grooves 48R of the engagement ribs 48. The user of the cleaner 1 can fix the cylindrical portion 37 in either the first position or the second position by changing the combination of the two engagement ribs 48 and the protrusions 49 that fit into the respective engagement grooves 48R of the two engagement ribs 48.

[0083] [effect] As described above, according to the embodiment, the cyclone unit 4 has a cyclone dust collection section 40 and a cylindrical section 37 positioned behind the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40. The cylindrical section 37 has an opening 50 that is larger than the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection section 40. The filter 19 is positioned in front of the suction port 14 of the main unit 2 so as to cover the entire opening 50. Since the outer diameter of the filter 19 is larger than the outlet 41F, even if the front-to-back dimension of the filter 19 is shortened, the deterioration of the foreign matter collection function of the filter 19 is suppressed. That is, because the outer diameter of the filter 19 is large, even if the front-to-back dimension of the filter 19 is shortened, the surface area of ​​the filter 19 that contacts foreign matter is large. Since the front-to-back dimension of the filter 19 can be shortened, the overall length of the cleaner 1 can be shortened.

[0084] The outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 is connected to the internal space of the cylindrical section 37. The air flowing out from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 into the internal space of the cylindrical section 37 flows into the filter 19. As a result, minute foreign matter that was not separated from the air in the cyclone dust collection unit 40 is collected in the filter 19.

[0085] The outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 is positioned off-center from the center EX of the opening 50. This allows the cyclone dust collection unit 40 to be placed in parallel with other components, such as the connecting pipe 34. Consequently, the size of the cleaner 1 is kept from increasing.

[0086] The filter 19 faces the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. This allows the air flowing out from the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 to flow efficiently into the filter 19.

[0087] The filter 19 is positioned so that its center DX coincides with the center EX of the opening 50. This allows the filter 19 to cover the entire opening 50 while suppressing the need to increase the size of the cleaner 1.

[0088] The main unit 2 comprises a main housing 5 having a suction port 14, a fan 7 housed in the main housing 5, and a motor 8 housed in the main housing 5 for rotating the fan 7. As the fan 7 rotates, a suction force is generated at the suction port 14. In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis AX of the fan 7, the position of the rotation axis AX coincides with the position of at least a portion of the filter 19. This suppresses the need to increase the size of the cleaner 1. Furthermore, the suction force generated at the suction port 14 acts appropriately on the filter 19.

[0089] The filter 19 is positioned so that its center DX coincides with its rotation axis AX. This prevents the cleaner 1 from becoming too large. In addition, the suction force generated at the suction port 14 acts appropriately on the filter 19.

[0090] The cyclone unit 4 has a connecting pipe 34 positioned in front of the cylindrical section 37. Air flowing out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 flows into the cyclone dust collection section 40. As a result, the air flowing out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 is separated from foreign matter in the cyclone dust collection section 40.

[0091] The connecting pipe 34 and the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are arranged in parallel in front of the cylindrical section 37. The opening 50 overlaps with the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 and the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. This makes it possible to increase the outer diameter of the filter 19 while suppressing an increase in the size of the cleaner 1.

[0092] The cyclone unit 4 has a cyclone housing 30 equipped with a swirling flow path 45 that connects the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 to the outlet 41F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. As a result, the air flowing out from the outlet 34B of the connecting pipe 34 can flow into the cyclone dust collection unit 40 while swirling.

[0093] The cyclone housing 30 includes a cylindrical portion 37 and a connecting pipe 34. Since the cylindrical portion 37 and the connecting pipe 34 are integrated, the complexity of the structure of the cyclone unit 4 is suppressed.

[0094] The cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes a dust cup 42 having an internal space into which air flows in from the inlet 35A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40, and a mesh pipe 41 positioned within the internal space of the dust cup 42. The dust cup 42 is detachable from the cyclone housing 30. This allows the dust cup 42 to be cleaned, for example, when it is removed from the cyclone housing 30. Furthermore, when the dust cup 42 is attached to the cyclone housing 30, foreign matter separated from the air can accumulate in the dust cup 42.

[0095] The central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 and the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 are parallel. This prevents the cleaner 1 from becoming too large.

[0096] The main unit 2 is equipped with a detachment mechanism 480 for attaching and detaching the cylindrical section 37. This allows the user of the cleaner 1 to easily attach and detach the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4.

[0097] The attachment / detachment mechanism 480 is positioned around the suction port 14 and attaches and detaches the cylindrical portion 37 by relative rotation with the cylindrical portion 37. This allows the user of the cleaner 1 to easily attach and detach the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 by rotating them relative to each other. Furthermore, since the attachment / detachment mechanism 480 is positioned around the suction port 14 and the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 are attached and detached by relative rotation with each other, it is not necessary to provide structures related to the attachment / detachment mechanism on the outer surface of the main unit 2 or the outer surface of the cyclone unit 4. Therefore, the size of the cleaner 1 is kept from increasing.

[0098] The attachment / detachment mechanism 480 allows the cylindrical portion 37 to be fixed in a first position in the rotational direction and in a second position different from the first position. This allows the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 to be connected such that the connecting pipe 34 is positioned above the dust cup 42, as explained with reference to Figure 1. Also, as explained with reference to Figure 12, the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 can be connected such that the dust cup 42 is positioned above the connecting pipe 34. In cleaning work using the cleaner 1, if there are obstacles around the cleaner 1, the user of the cleaner 1 can change the connection state between the main unit 2 and the cyclone unit 4 so that the cleaning work is not hindered by the obstacles.

[0099] The filter unit 3 includes a filter 19 and a filter holder 21 that holds the filter 19. The filter 19 can perform its foreign matter collection function while held in the filter holder 21.

[0100] The filter unit 3 is attached to the main unit 2. This ensures that the main unit 2 and the filter unit 3 are properly positioned.

[0101] The filter holder 21 has a ring portion 234 positioned around the filter 19 and a handle portion 27 positioned opposite the rear surface 19R of the filter 19 and connected to the ring portion 234. When attaching or detaching the filter unit 3 and the cyclone unit 4, the user of the cleaner 1 can move the filter unit 3 by pinching the handle portion 27 with their fingers. Clean air that has passed through the filter 19 flows out from the rear surface 19R of the filter 19. The handle portion 27 is positioned opposite the rear surface 19R of the filter 19. Therefore, contamination of the handle portion 27 is suppressed. The main unit 2 also has an annular rib 47 positioned around the suction port 14. The boundary between the ring portion 234 and the annular rib 47 is sealed by a second sealing member 26. This prevents foreign matter from around the filter unit 3 from entering the inside of the ring portion 234. Therefore, contamination of the handle portion 27 is suppressed.

[0102] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the filter unit 3 has a filter 19 held in the filter holder 21 and a cloth filter attached to the stay 22. The filter unit 3 may be provided with the filter 19 and the cloth filter may be omitted. The filter unit 3 may be provided with the cloth filter and the filter 19 may be omitted. The user of the cleaner 1 can choose either the filter 19 or the cloth filter, or both.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the cyclone housing 30 has a first housing 31 and a second housing 32. The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 may be a single unit.

[0104] In the embodiment described above, the central axis CX of the connecting pipe 34 and the central axis BX of the mesh pipe 41 do not have to be parallel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...Cleaner, 2...Main unit, 3...Filter unit, 4...Cyclone unit, 5...Main housing, 5L...Left housing, 5R...Right housing, 5S...Screw, 6...Battery mounting section, 7...Fan, 8...Motor, 9...Control panel, 10...Sound-absorbing material, 11...Body section, 12...Grip section, 13...Battery holder section, 14...Suction port, 15...Exhaust port, 16...Battery, 17...Stop button, 18...Drive mode switching button, 19...Filter, 19F...Front, 19R...Rear, 21...Filter holder, 22...Stay, 23...Large diameter section, 24...Small diameter section, 25...First sealing material, 26...Second sealing material, 27...Handle section, 28...Frame section, 29...Grid section, 30...Cyclone housing, 31...First housing, 32...Second housing, 33...Body section, 34...Connecting pipe, 34A...Flow Inlet, 34B... Outlet, 35... Dust cup connection, 35A... Inlet, 35R... Recess, 36... Locking part, 37... Cylinder part, 38... Front plate part, 38A... Through hole, 39... Mesh pipe insertion part, 39A... Support part, 39B... Notch, 40... Cyclone dust collection part, 41... Mesh pipe, 41A... Cylinder part, 41B... Front plate part, 41C... Flange part, 41D... Hook part, 41E... Through hole, 41F... Outlet, 4 2...Dust cup, 43...Swivel plate, 44...Locking part, 45...Swivel passage, 46...Support surface, 47...Annular rib, 48...Engaging rib, 48R...Engaging groove, 49...Protrusion, 50...Opening, 60...Screw, 61...Screw hole, 62...Opening, 100...Pipe, 101...Suction nozzle, 234...Ring part, 256...Sealing member, 480...Attachment / detachment mechanism, AX...Rotation axis, BX...Central axis, CX...Central axis, DX...Center, EX...Center.

Claims

1. A cleaner equipped with a cyclone dust collection unit and a filter unit, A main unit comprising: a main housing having a suction port; annular ribs arranged around the suction port; a fan housed in the main housing; and a motor housed in the main housing for rotating the fan. The cyclone unit comprises a cyclone dust collection section and a cylindrical section positioned behind the outlet of the cyclone dust collection section. The filter unit comprises a filter and a filter holder for holding the filter. The cylindrical portion has an opening larger than the outlet of the cyclone dust collection section. The filter is positioned in front of the suction port and is arranged to cover the opening. The front surface of the filter faces the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, The filter holder has a ring portion that is arranged around the filter and has a large-diameter portion that is arranged inside the cylindrical portion and a small-diameter portion that is arranged around the annular rib, The cyclone unit has a connecting pipe positioned in front of the cylindrical portion, The air that flows out from the outlet of the connecting pipe flows into the cyclone dust collection section. In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the fan, the filter overlaps with the outlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, respectively. Cleaner.

2. The air that flows out from the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit into the internal space of the cylindrical part flows into the filter, characterized in that The cleaner according to claim 1.

3. The outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit is characterized by being positioned off-center from the center of the opening. The cleaner according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The filter is characterized in that it is arranged such that the center of the filter and the center of the opening coincide. A cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the fan, the position of the rotation axis and the position of at least a portion of the filter coincide. The cleaner according to claim 1.

6. The filter is characterized in that it is arranged such that the center of the filter coincides with the axis of rotation. The cleaner according to claim 5.

7. The connecting pipe and the cyclone dust collection unit are arranged in parallel. The opening is characterized in that it overlaps with the outlet of the connecting pipe and the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, respectively. The cleaner according to claim 1.

8. The cyclone unit is characterized by having a cyclone housing provided with a swirling flow path that connects the outlet of the connecting pipe and the inlet of the cyclone dust collection section. The cleaner according to claim 1.

9. The cyclone housing is characterized by including the cylindrical portion and the connecting pipe. The cleaner according to claim 8.

10. The cyclone dust collection unit comprises a dust cup having an internal space into which air flows from the inlet of the cyclone dust collection unit, and a mesh pipe disposed within the internal space of the dust cup. The dust cup is characterized by being detachable from the cyclone housing. The cleaner according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. The air that has passed through the mesh pipe flows out from the outlet of the cyclone dust collection unit. The central axis of the connecting pipe and the central axis of the mesh pipe are parallel, The cleaner according to claim 10.

12. The main unit is characterized by having a detachable mechanism for attaching and detaching the cylindrical portion. A cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The attachment / detachment mechanism is arranged around the suction port and is characterized by attaching and detaching the cylindrical portion by relative rotation with the cylindrical portion. The cleaner according to claim 12.

14. The attachment / detachment mechanism is characterized in that it is possible to fix the cylindrical portion in a first position in the rotational direction and in a second position different from the first position. The cleaner according to claim 13.

15. The filter unit is characterized by being mounted on the main unit. A cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The filter holder has a handle portion that is positioned facing the rear surface of the filter and connected to the ring portion, The invention is characterized by comprising a sealing member that seals the boundary between the ring portion and the annular rib. The cleaner according to claim 15.

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