Work equipment

Abstract

To provide a work machine having improved workability.SOLUTION: In a work machine 1, a filter 61 has a shape whose lateral length is longer than a vertical length in a dust collection chamber 32. The filter 61 has a cross-sectional shape whose circular lower side is cut out in a view in a front and back direction, in the dust collection chamber 32. A vertical position of a lower end of the filter 61 overlaps a vertical range of an inflow port 31, in the dust collection chamber 32. The lower end of the filter 61 is located above the central axis of the inflow port 31. A cover part 51 swings rearward with an attachment part 52 in an upper side serving as a fulcrum.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The working machine described in Patent Document 1 below includes a cylindrical filter at the center of a dust case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Particularly, in the case of a cleaner in which the dust case is slender, when a cylindrical filter is provided at the center of the dust case, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the dust case and the outer peripheral surface of the filter becomes small. Then, the filter is likely to be clogged with dust, and the filter clogs early. When the filter clogs, it is necessary to discharge the dust in the dust case and clean the filter. In a configuration where the filter clogs early, the cleaning frequency of the filter increases, and the workability is poor.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a working machine with improved workability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a working machine. This working machine has a drive unit, a fan unit that generates an air flow by the driving force of the drive unit, forms a dust collection chamber inside, and is provided on the front side It has a cylindrical shape along an axis extending in the front-to-back direction,A dust collection unit having an inlet through which the airflow flows from the outside into the dust collection chamber, and an outlet located at the rear through which the airflow flows out from the dust collection chamber to the fan unit, It has a cylindrical shape with a closed front end and an opening at the rear end that connects to the outlet, and includes a filter section that separates dust from the airflow passing from the outside to the inside, The length of the dust collection chamber in the front-to-back direction is 2.0 times or more the length of the dust collection chamber in the vertical direction. The length of the filter section in the front-to-back direction is 2.0 times or more the length of the filter section in the vertical direction. The aforementioned filter section has a shape in which the length from left to right is greater than the length from top to bottom. And , The space between the inner surface of the dust collection section and the outer surface of the filter section is arranged such that the lower space is wider than the upper space, Lower end of the filter section In left-right viewing The aforementioned inlet The inner region is extended in the axial direction. range Located inside .

[0008] The present invention may also be described as "electric work machine," "electrical equipment," "cleaner," etc., and such descriptions are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a work machine with improved workability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] (A) is a right side view of the work machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (B) is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1(A). (C) is a front view of the work machine 1. [Figure 2] (A) is a right-side cross-sectional view of the work machine 1, which is the BB cross-sectional view in Figure 1(C). (B) is a plan cross-sectional view of the work machine 1, which is the CC cross-sectional view in Figure 2(A). [Figure 3] Enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2(A). [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the regulating section 50 in the open position. [Figure 5] Dimensional diagram of the dust collection chamber 32 and filter 61 in the work machine 1. [Figure 6] (A) is an enlarged view of Figure 1(A) with the main housing 10 and its internal components omitted. (B) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6(A). [Figure 7] Perspective view of the working machine 1 with the dust collection case 30 omitted. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view of the main part of the working machine 1 excluding the dust collection case 30. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the filter device 60 of the working machine 1. [Figure 10] (A) is a front view of the filter device 60. (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 10(A). [Figure 11] Right-side cross-sectional view of the main part of the working machine 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 12] (A) is an exploded perspective view of the filter device 160 of the working machine 2. (B) is a perspective view of the filter device 160.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive of the invention. Not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 10 relate to a working machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The working machine 1 is a cordless type cleaner (dust collection device) that operates on the power of a battery pack 19.

[0013] The front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions orthogonal to each other of the working machine 1 are defined by FIGS. 1(A) and FIGS. 2(A), (B). The front-rear direction is a direction parallel to the drive shaft 92a of the motor 92. The left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane in which the drive shaft 92a and the central axis of the handle portion 12 exist.

[0014] The working machine 1 has a main body housing 10. The main body housing 10 is, for example, a resin molded body divided into left and right parts and fixed and integrated with each other by screwing or the like. The main body housing 10 includes a motor housing portion 11, a handle portion 12, and a battery pack mounting portion 13.

[0015] The motor housing 11 has a cylindrical shape, for example, a roughly cylindrical shape, with its central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), the motor housing 11 houses the motor (drive unit) 92 and the fan 93 inside.

[0016] The motor housing 11 has an air intake 14 in front of the fan 93. The air intake 14 serves as the inlet for the airflow generated by the fan 93. The motor housing 11 has multiple exhaust ports 15 on both the left and right sides. The exhaust ports 15 serve as the outlets for the airflow generated by the fan 93.

[0017] As shown in Figure 8, the motor housing 11 has a notch 16 at its front end. The notch 16 is the portion through which the connecting portion 46 of the pull-out portion 40 passes.

[0018] The handle section 12 extends rearward from the left-right center of the upper rear end of the motor housing section 11, approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction.

[0019] The battery pack mounting section 13 is connected to the rear end of the handle section 12. The battery pack mounting section 13 is used to detachably mount the battery pack 19. The battery pack 19 can be mounted in the battery pack mounting section 13 by sliding it diagonally from the rear-upward direction to the front-downward direction. The motor 92 is driven by the power from the battery pack 19 mounted in the battery pack mounting section 13.

[0020] The work machine 1 has latch members 21 at the top and bottom of the motor housing 11. The latch members 21 are for locking the dust collection case 30 to the main body housing 10. The latch members 21 are biased by a spring (not shown) to protrude radially outward from the motor housing 11.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2(A), the latch member 21 has a pressing portion 22 and a claw portion 23. The pressing portion 22 is the part that the operator presses to release the locking by the latch member 21. The claw portion 23 is the part that catches on the latch engagement portions 35 and 36 of the dust collection case 30 and locks the dust collection case 30.

[0022] The work machine 1 has a switch panel 25 on the upper surface of the handle section 12. The switch panel 25 is equipped with a high-speed button 26, a standard / low-speed button 27, and an off button 28. When the high-speed button 26 is pressed, the motor 92 rotates at high speed. Each time the standard / low-speed button 27 is pressed, the motor 92 switches between medium-speed and low-speed rotation. The off button 28 is used to stop the motor 92.

[0023] The work machine 1 has a dust collection case 30 that constitutes a dust collection section. The dust collection case 30 is, for example, a single resin molded body. The dust collection case 30 is also called a dust case. The dust collection case 30 has an inlet 31, a dust collection chamber 32, and an outlet 34.

[0024] The inlet 31 is a nozzle section having a cylindrical shape with its central axis parallel to the front-to-back direction, and is provided at the front end (front side) of the dust collection case 30. The inlet 31 may also be referred to as a suction port or suction section. The inlet 31 is the entrance through which the airflow generated by the fan 93 flows from the outside into the dust collection chamber 32. The inlet 31 is located in front of the outlet 34.

[0025] The dust collection chamber 32 is formed inside the dust collection case 30. The dust collection chamber 32 is cylindrical and is located behind the inlet 31. The outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the dust collection chamber 32 have a tapered shape, becoming smaller in diameter towards the front. The dust collection chamber 32 is larger in diameter than the inlet 31. The dust collection chamber 32 has a larger internal dimension than the inlet 31 when viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 5, the length L1 of the dust collection chamber 32 in the front-to-back direction is 2.0 times or more than the length L2 of the dust collection chamber 32 in the vertical direction. The dust collection chamber 32 is located between the inlet 31 and the outlet 34. The dust collection chamber 32 collects (stores) dust that flows in from the inlet 31 along with the airflow.

[0026] The outlet 34 is located at the rear (rear side) of the dust collection case 30 and is connected to (communicates with) the air intake 14 of the main housing 10. The outlet 34 is a passage through which the airflow generated by the fan 93 flows out (through) from inside the dust collection chamber 32 into the main housing 10 (fan 93).

[0027] The dust collection case 30 has latch engagement portions 35 and 36 at the upper and lower rear ends. The latch engagement portions 35 and 36 are parts that hook the claw portion 23 of the latch member 21, respectively. The latch engagement portion 35 is a through hole, and the latch engagement portion 36 is a recess on the inner surface of the dust collection case 30. In the process of sliding the dust collection case 30 backward relative to the main housing 10 to the state shown in Figure 2(A), the claw portion 23 of the latch member 21 catches on the latch engagement portions 35 and 36, respectively, and the dust collection case 30 is locked to the main housing 10.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1(A), the dust collection case 30 has a cover portion 37 on the right side of its rear end. The cover portion 37 is the part that covers the connecting portion 46 of the pull-out portion 40. A hooking hole portion 38 is provided at the rear end of the cover portion 37. The hooking hole portion 38 is the part that hooks the claw portion 49 of the pull-out portion 40 and locks the pull-out portion 40 to the dust collection case 30.

[0029] The work machine 1 has a pull-out section 40. The pull-out section 40 is located inside the dust collection chamber 32. The pull-out section 40 is a member that pulls out (scrapes out) dust from inside the dust collection chamber 32 by moving relative to the dust collection case 30 backward. The pull-out section 40 extends forward of the filter device 60. The front end of the pull-out section 40 also abuts against the area around the rear opening of the inlet 31.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the drawer section 40 has a base section 41, a column section 42, an intermediate connecting section 43, and a front end connecting section 44, which are frame parts made of, for example, a resin molded body.

[0031] The base portion 41 is an annular portion and forms the rear end of the extension portion 40. The outer edge of the base portion 41 follows the inner circumferential surface of the dust collection case 30.

[0032] The front surface of the base 41 is the inner surface of the dust collection chamber 32, facing forward. That is, the base 41, together with the dust collection case 30, constitutes the dust collection section. As shown in Figure 3, the lower part of the base 41 is positioned to overlap with the inlet 31 in a front-to-back view (their respective areas of existence in the vertical and left-to-right directions overlap), and forms a wall that extends in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), the back surface of the base portion 41 engages with (contacts) the front end of the main body housing 10 and is pressed forward. That is, the rear end of the pull-out portion 40 contacts the main body housing 10 and is pressed forward toward the dust collection chamber 32.

[0034] The two column sections 42 each extend forward from the base section 41. One of the column sections 42 is located directly above the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32. There are no column sections 42 within a range of approximately 120 degrees centered directly below the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32.

[0035] The intermediate connecting section 43 connects the intermediate sections of the two column sections 42 in a substantially arc shape around the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32, and also connects the intermediate section of the upper column section 42 to the base section 41. The intermediate connecting section 43 does not exist within a range of approximately 120 degrees centered directly below the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32.

[0036] The front end connecting portion 44 connects the longitudinal front ends of the two column portions 42 in a substantially circular manner around the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32. The pull-out portion 40 has a holding portion 45 that connects to the front end connecting portion 44. The holding portion 45 is located directly above the central axis of the dust collection chamber 32. The holding portion 45 has a cylindrical shape with its central axis parallel to the left-right direction. The holding portion 45 is the part that holds the mounting portion 52 of the regulating portion 50.

[0037] The outlet section 40 has a restricting section 50. The restricting section 50 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The restricting section 50 is positioned adjacent to the rear end of the inlet 31. That is, the front end of the outlet section 40 is in contact with the rear end of the inlet 31.

[0038] The regulating section 50 is a valve for preventing the backflow of dust. The regulating section 50 allows airflow from the outside of the dust collection case 30 to the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) via the inlet 31, and restricts the outflow of dust from the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) to the outside of the dust collection case 30 via the inlet 31.

[0039] The restricting portion 50 has a cover portion 51 and a mounting portion 52. The cover portion 51 is a plate-shaped portion that abuts the inlet 31 from the inside (abuts the rear end of the inlet 31) so as to close the inlet 31. This abutment force is applied by the back surface of the base portion 41 being pressed forward by the main body housing 10, as described above. The mounting portion 52 is connected to the upper end of the cover portion 51 and is held inside the holding portion 45. The restricting portion 50 can be attached to the holding portion 45 by fitting the mounting portion 52 into the holding portion 45 from the left or right.

[0040] The cover portion 51 can swing (deform) with the mounting portion 52 as a pivot point, as shown in Figure 4, due to the airflow that flows from the outside of the dust collection case 30 to the inside of the dust collection case 30 (inside the dust collection chamber 32) via the inlet 31, allowing its lower side to separate from the inlet 31. The cover portion 51 does not swing forward (is unable to swing) because its front surface is in contact with the periphery of the inlet 31.

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pull-out portion 40 has a connecting portion 46 that extends rearward from the right side of the base portion 41. The connecting portion 46 is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The connecting portion 46 extends radially outward from the main body housing 10 through the notch portion 16 of the main body housing 10 shown in Figure 8, and then extends rearward.

[0042] The connecting portion 46 is covered by the cover portion 37 of the dust collection case 30. The rotational position of the pull-out portion 40 relative to the dust collection case 30 is determined by the engagement (fitting) of the connecting portion 46 with the cover portion 37. The rotational positions of the dust collection case 30 and the pull-out portion 40 relative to the main housing 10 are determined by the engagement (fitting) of the connecting portion 46 with the notch portion 16.

[0043] The pull-out section 40 has a handle 48. The handle 48 is connected to the rear end of the connecting section 46. The handle 48 is the part that the operator holds when pulling the pull-out section 40 backward from the dust collection case 30. The handle 48 is connected to the base section 41 by the connecting section 46. The handle 48 is plate-shaped perpendicular to the left-right direction, or plate-shaped along the outer circumferential surface of the motor housing section 11, and is close to the front right outer circumferential surface of the motor housing section 11.

[0044] The knob portion 48 is provided with a claw portion 49 that protrudes to the right. The claw portion 49 is the part that hooks onto the hooking hole portion 38 of the dust collection case 30. When the hooking hole portion 38 is hooked onto the claw portion 49, the pull-out portion 40 is locked to the dust collection case 30. With the dust collection case 30 and the pull-out portion 40 separated from the main housing 10, the knob portion 48 is pushed inward to release the engagement between the claw portion 49 and the hooking hole portion 38, and the pull-out portion 40 can be pulled out from the dust collection case 30 backward.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the drawer section 40 has a dust removal packing 54 as a dust removal section. The dust removal packing 54 is attached to the base section 41. The dust removal packing 54 is formed in an annular shape that follows the outer shape of the filter 61 when viewed from the front. The dust removal packing 54 has a ring section 55 and a dust removal blade 56.

[0046] The ring portion 55 is a segmented circular portion that fits with the inner circumference of the base portion 41. A "segmented circle" is a figure in which a part of a circle is cut out, and consists of an arc and a chord that connects both ends of the arc. The dust removal blades 56 extend radially inward from the ring portion 55. Here, seven dust removal blades 56 are arranged in a segmented circular shape along the outer shape of the filter device 60 when viewed from the front. The dust removal blades 56 slide forward along the outer surface of the filter 61 when the dust collection case 30 and the drawer portion 40 are removed from the main body housing 10, thereby removing dust accumulated (adhered) to the outer surface of the filter 61.

[0047] The work machine 1 has a filter device 60. The filter device 60 is positioned inside the dust collection chamber 32 between the inlet 31 and the outlet 34, and collects dust contained in the airflow from the inlet 31 to the outlet 34. The filter device 60 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0048] The filter device 60 has a filter 61. The filter 61 is cylindrical (bag-shaped) with a closed front end and an open rear end. The opening at the rear end of the filter 61 is connected to the outlet 34 of the dust collection case 30. The filter 61 separates (collects) dust from the airflow passing from the outside to the inside.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, the filter device 60 has a frame member 62. The frame member 62 is, for example, a resin molded body. The frame member 62 supports the filter 61 in a notched cylindrical shape, with the front end closed and the rear end open, and the lower circular side cut out in a cross-sectional shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. A "notched cylinder" is a cylinder with a notched circular cross-section. As a result, the upper side of the filter 61 has a curved shape with an arc-shaped cross-section when viewed in the front-rear direction, and the lower side of the filter 61 has a flat plate shape. The filter 61 and the frame member 62 constitute the filter section. Alternatively, the filter 61 supported in a notched cylindrical shape by the frame member 62 may be considered as the filter section.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, within the dust collection chamber 32, the filter section has a length L3 in the front-to-back direction that is at least 2.0 times, preferably 2.5 times, the length L4 in the up-to-down direction. As shown in Figure 10(A), the filter section has a shape in which the left-to-right length L5 is greater than the up-to-down length L6 when viewed in the front-to-back direction. As is clear from Figure 3, the vertical position of the lower end of the filter section overlaps with the arrangement range of the inlet 31 in the vertical direction. Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the vertical direction, the lower end of the filter section is located above the central axis X of the inlet 31.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, the frame member 62 includes a base portion 63. The base portion 63 includes a notched cylindrical portion 63a and an inclined cylindrical portion 63b. The notched cylindrical portion 63a has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower circular side is cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction. The notched cylindrical portion 63a is parallel to the front-rear direction. The inclined cylindrical portion 63b is adjacent to the front of the notched cylindrical portion 63a. The inclined cylindrical portion 63b has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower circular side is cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction and is a cylindrical portion that is inclined so that it widens overall towards the front.

[0052] A notch 63c is provided at the rear of the base 63, and a tongue portion 63d that forms a snap fit is provided in the notch 63c. The notch 63c and the tongue portion 63d are provided at the upper and lower parts of the base 63, respectively, but only the upper part is shown in Figure 8.

[0053] The frame member 62 includes column sections 64. The column sections 64 extend forward from the base 63 (the front end of the inclined cylindrical section 63b). Here, seven column sections 64 are arranged in a segmental circular shape. Specifically, in the front-to-back view shown in Figures 1(B) and 6(B), the three upper column sections 64 of the seven column sections 64 are arranged in an arc shape. The four lower column sections 64 of the seven column sections 64 are arranged in a straight line, and the vertical positions of the lower ends of the four column sections 64 are approximately equal. The seven column sections 64 are connected to each other at their front ends.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1(B) and 6(B), the central axis of the arc-shaped portion of the filter 61, which is supported in a cylindrical shape by the frame member 62, is approximately coaxial with the central axis of the dust collection case 30. Therefore, when the distance between the lower outer surface of the filter 61 and the inner wall of the dust collection case 30 is D1, and the distance between the upper outer surface of the filter 61 and the inner wall of the dust collection case 30 is D2, the relationship D1 > D2 holds.

[0055] The filter device 60 has a holder 67. The holder 67 is, for example, a molded resin body. The holder 67 is a member that supports the rear end of the frame member 62 and holds the rear end of the filter 61 between itself and the base 63 of the frame member 62.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the outer circumferential surface of the holder 67 has a cylindrical shape with its central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. The inner circumferential surface of the holder 67 includes a cylindrical inner surface portion 73a and an inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b. The cylindrical inner surface portion 73a has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower circular side is cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction. The cylindrical inner surface portion 73a is parallel to the front-rear direction. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b is located in front of the cylindrical inner surface portion 73a. The inclined cylindrical inner surface portion 73b has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower circular side is cut out when viewed in the front-rear direction and is an inclined cylindrical inner surface portion that widens overall towards the front.

[0057] By assembling the frame member 62 supporting the filter 61 to the holder 67 from the front, the rear end of the filter 61 can be held (clamped) by the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 63 (outer circumferential surface of the missing cylindrical portion 63a and the inclined cylindrical portion 63b) and the inner circumferential surface of the holder 67 (inner surface of the missing cylindrical portion 73a and the inclined cylindrical inner surface 73b).

[0058] The holder 67 has two hooks 68 on its upper and lower parts, respectively, which engage with the tongue portion 63d of the frame member 62. The holder 67 is locked to the frame member 62 when the tongue portion 63d hooks onto the hooks 68.

[0059] The filter device 60 has a ring-shaped elastic member 75 attached to the rear end of the holder 67. The elastic member 75 airtightly seals the space between the rear end of the holder 67 and the front part of the main body housing 10 around the entire circumference of the air intake port 14.

[0060] When the filter device 60 is aligned with the front end of the main housing 10 and rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle in a forward view, the pair of rotational fitting protrusions 69 of the holder 67 and the pair of rotational fitting recesses 18 of the main housing 10 rotate and fit together, and the filter device 60 is attached to the front end of the main housing 10. In this state, the opening at the rear end of the filter 61 is connected (communicates) with the intake port 14 so that the airflow passes through the filter 61 from the outside to the inside.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 has a motor 92 and a fan 93 inside the motor housing 11. The motor 92 and fan 93 are an integrated fan motor unit within the case 91, and may be commercially available products.

[0062] The motor 92 is, for example, an inner rotor type brushless motor and has a drive shaft 92a. The fan 93 is located in front of the motor 92 body (the part of the motor 92 excluding the drive shaft 92a) and is directly connected to the drive shaft 92a, and rotates together with the motor 92. The fan 93 is a fan unit that rotates due to the driving force of the motor 92 to generate airflow.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, a ring-shaped elastic member 95 is provided between the front outer surface of the case 91 and the inner surface of the front wall of the motor housing 11. The elastic member 95 airtightly seals the space between the front outer surface of the case 91 and the inner surface of the front wall of the motor housing 11 around the entire circumference of the air intake port 14.

[0064] The operation of the work machine 1 will be explained below.

[0065] When the strong button 26 or the standard / weak button 27 is pressed, the motor 92 starts. The fan 93 rotates together with the motor 92, creating an airflow. This airflow enters the dust collection chamber 32 from the inlet 31, passes through the filter 61, and is drawn into the fan 93 through the outlet 34 and intake 14, where it cools the motor 92. After cooling, it exits the case 91 and is exhausted to the outside of the main housing 10 through the exhaust port 15. Dust enters the dust collection chamber 32 from the inlet 31 along with the airflow, but cannot pass through the filter 61 and is collected by the filter 61 and accumulates in the dust collection chamber 32. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, since the cover part 51 swings backward with its upper side as the pivot point, the dust is guided diagonally downward and backward within the dust collection chamber 32 and tends to accumulate in the space below the filter 61.

[0066] The dust accumulated in the dust collection chamber 32 is discharged (removed) as follows.

[0067] First, the upper and lower latch members 21 of the main housing 10 are operated to release the locking by the latch members 21, and the dust collection case 30 is moved forward relative to the main housing 10. Since the hooking holes 38 of the dust collection case 30 are hooked onto the claws 49 of the pull-out section 40, the pull-out section 40 also moves forward relative to the main housing 10 together with the dust collection case 30. At this time, the dust removal blade 56 of the pull-out section 40 slides forward along the outer surface of the filter 61, removing dust accumulated on the outer surface of the filter 61. The dust removed here falls into the dust collection case 30.

[0068] Next, push the knob 48 inward to release the locking mechanism of the hook hole 38, then hold the knob 48 and move the drawer unit 40 backward relative to the dust collection case 30 to remove the drawer unit 40 from the dust collection case 30. At this time, the drawer unit 40, especially the front end connecting part 44, will pull out (scoop out) the dust from inside the dust collection chamber 32. The operation of removing the drawer unit 40 from the dust collection case 30 is best performed over a trash can or trash bag, with the rear end opening of the dust collection case 30 facing in the direction of gravity.

[0069] To attach the drawer unit 40 to the dust collection case 30, align the connecting part 46 of the drawer unit 40 with the cover part 37 of the dust collection case 30, move the drawer unit 40 relatively forward toward the inside of the dust collection case 30, and hook the hooking hole part 38 of the dust collection case 30 onto the claw part 49 of the drawer unit 40.

[0070] To attach the dust collection case 30 to the main housing 10, align the connecting portion 46 of the drawer portion 40 with the notch portion 16 of the main housing 10, move the dust collection case 30 relatively backward toward the front end of the main housing 10, and hook the claw portion 23 of the latch member 21 on the main housing 10 side onto the latch engaging portion 36 of the dust collection case 30.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0072] (1) Within the dust collection chamber 32, the filter 61 has a shape in which its left-right length is greater than its up-down length. Specifically, within the dust collection chamber 32, the filter 61 has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower part of a circle is cut out when viewed in the front-to-back direction. In addition, within the dust collection chamber 32, the vertical position of the lower end of the filter 61 overlaps with the vertical range of the inlet 31. Furthermore, the lower end of the filter 61 is located above the central axis of the inlet 31. Therefore, a large space can be secured between the lower part of the filter 61 and the inner surface of the dust collection chamber 32 opposite it. As a result, the filter 61 is less likely to become buried in dust, and premature clogging of the filter 61 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain a high suction airflow for a long period of time, and the frequency of cleaning the filter 61 by discharging dust from the dust collection case 30 can be reduced, resulting in improved work efficiency. Furthermore, in the case of a cylindrical filter with an outer diameter equal to the vertical length of the filter 61, the filter surface area is small and clogging occurs quickly. However, compared to such a cylindrical filter, the filter 61 has a larger surface area, thus suppressing premature clogging. Also, if the dust collection case 30 were to be made into a cylindrical filter with the same diameter as the arc-shaped portion of the filter 61 and expanded downwards, the dust collection case would become larger, but according to this embodiment, such enlargement is unnecessary.

[0073] (2) As shown in Figure 4, the cover portion 51 swings backward with its upper side as the pivot point, guiding dust diagonally downward and backward within the dust collection chamber 32, and allowing it to accumulate in the large space below the filter 61 as described above.

[0074] (3) As shown in Figure 5, the length L1 in the front-to-back direction of the dust collection chamber 32 is 2.0 times or more than the length L2 in the vertical direction. Therefore, a large dust collection capacity can be secured while keeping the diameter of the dust collection case 30 small.

[0075] (4) As shown in Figure 5, the length L3 in the front-to-back direction of the filter 61 in the dust collection chamber 32 is 2.0 times or more, preferably 2.5 times or more, the length L4 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the filter 61 can be increased while keeping it short vertically.

[0076] (5) The filter device 60 is constructed by assembling the frame member 62, which supports the filter 61, to the holder 67 from the front. Therefore, in the assembly process of the filter device 60, it is not necessary to pass the column portion 64 of the frame member 62 inside the holder 67. As a result, the outer dimensions of the filter 61 supported by the column portion 64 in the front-to-back direction can be made larger than the inner dimensions of the holder 67 in the front-to-back direction.

[0077] (6) The filter device 60 clamps the rear end of the filter 61 between the outer surface of the inclined cylindrical portion 63b of the base 63 and the inclined cylindrical inner surface 73b of the holder 67, so that the clamping portion is airtight and the filter 61 is less likely to be turned over during assembly.

[0078] (7) When the pull-out section 40 is removed from the dust collection case 30 via the outlet 34, it pulls out (scraps out) dust from the dust collection chamber 32 via the outlet 34. Therefore, even if dust clogs the dust collection chamber 32 and dust cannot be discharged from the dust collection chamber 32 by simply turning the rear end opening of the dust collection case 30 downwards, the dust can be easily removed from the dust collection chamber 32 by removing the pull-out section 40 from the dust collection case 30, resulting in good workability. In particular, if the radial dimensions of the dust collection case 30 are reduced from a design perspective, the dust collection case 30 needs to be made longer in the front-to-back direction in order to secure a high dust capacity, which makes it prone to clogging. In this embodiment, even if the dust collection case 30 has an elongated shape, dust can be easily removed from the dust collection chamber 32, resulting in good workability. In other words, this embodiment makes it possible to make the dust collection case 30 have an elongated shape, and makes it possible to reduce the radial size.

[0079] (8) The drawer section 40 has a restricting section 50 at its front end that functions as a valve to prevent dust from flowing out of the dust collection chamber 32 toward the inlet 31. The drawer section 40 also has a dust removal packing 54 for removing dust from the filter 61. In other words, the drawer section 40 is not a dedicated component for drawing dust out of the dust collection chamber 32. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate dedicated component for drawing dust out of the dust collection chamber 32 is provided, the increase in the number of parts, the increase in product weight, and costs can be suppressed.

[0080] (9) In order for the restricting section 50 to block the inlet 31, the drawer section 40 needs to extend to the front end of the dust collection chamber 32. However, it is also desirable for the drawer section 40 to extend to the front end of the dust collection chamber 32 in order to perform the function of drawing dust out of the dust collection chamber 32. In other words, by incorporating the function of the restricting section 50, which needs to extend to the front end of the dust collection chamber 32, into the drawer section 40, the drawer section 40 can suitably achieve both the blocking of the inlet 31 and the drawing out of dust from the dust collection chamber 32.

[0081] (10) Since the drawer section 40 has a restricting section 50, there is no need to fix the restricting section 50 to the dust collection case 30 with screws or the like, resulting in good assembly. The restricting section 50 can be easily attached to the holding section 45 by fitting the mounting section 52 into the holding section 45 from the right or left. If there is a step of fixing the restricting section 50 to the dust collection case 30 with screws or the like, assembly is poor, and in particular if the dust collection case 30 has a long and narrow shape, assembly is significantly worsened, but this embodiment can suitably solve such problems.

[0082] (11) The drawer section 40 has a dust removal packing 54, and when the drawer section 40 is removed from the main housing 10 together with the dust collection case 30, the dust removal blade 56 slides along the outer surface of the filter 61 to remove dust accumulated on the outer surface of the filter 61. As a result, dust removal from the filter 61 is performed during the process of removing dust from the dust collection case 30, resulting in good workability.

[0083] (Embodiment 2) Figures 11 and 12 relate to the work machine 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The differences from work machine 1 will be explained below.

[0084] The work machine 2 has a filter device 160. The filter device 160 is a component that corresponds to the filter device 60 of the work machine 1. The filter 161 has a shape in which the front side is divided into two bags by cutting out the central part in the vertical direction of a cylindrical filter. The column portion 164 of the frame member 162 enters the inside of each bag, so that the filter portion 161 is supported in the dust collection chamber 32 in a shape that is divided into two vertically. The vertical position of the lower end of the filter 161 overlaps with the arrangement range of the inlet 31 in the vertical direction. The base portion 163 and the holder 167 of the frame member 162 have a circular cross-section.

[0085] The work machine 2 has a restricting section 150. The restricting section 150 is a component that corresponds to the restricting section 50 of the work machine 1. The restricting section 150 is directly attached to the rear end of the inlet 31. The work machine 2 does not have a configuration that corresponds to the pull-out section 40 of the work machine 1. The restricting section 150 has a cover section 151 that closes the inlet 31 and a mounting section 152 that is connected to the upper end of the cover section 151 and attached to the inlet 31.

[0086] According to this embodiment, since the filter 161 is divided into two branches, a larger surface area can be secured compared to a cylindrical filter. Furthermore, since dust can be contained in the space between the two branches of the filter 161, a larger dust containment space can be secured compared to a cylindrical filter. Note that the number of branches of the filter 161 is not limited to two, but may be three or more. Also, the filter 161 may be divided into left and right branches.

[0087] The present invention has been described above using embodiments as examples, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to each component and each processing step of the embodiments within the scope of the claims. Modifications will be discussed below.

[0088] In the work machine 1, the drawer section 40 may have a structure (brush or elastic blade) for removing dust from the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32. This dust removal structure is preferably located at the front end of the drawer section 40. This dust removal structure may be molded integrally with the restricting section 50. For example, by enlarging the size of the cover section 51 and bringing it into contact with the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32, a simple dust removal structure for the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 32 can be achieved.

[0089] The work machine of the present invention may be powered by a battery built into the main housing, or it may be a corded type that is powered by an external AC power source. Furthermore, the drive unit of the present invention may be a brushed motor.

[0090] The number of columnar sections 42 and 64 and the number of dust removal blades 56, which are exemplified as specific numerical values ​​in the embodiment, do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be arbitrarily changed to suit the required specifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1, 2...Work implement, 10...Main body housing, 11...Motor housing, 12...Handle section, 13...Battery pack mounting section, 14...Air intake, 15...Exhaust port, 16...Notch, 18...Rotating fitting recess, 19...Battery pack, 21...Latch member, 22...Pressing part, 23...Claw part, 24...Spring, 25...Switch pulse, 26...Strong button, 27...Standard / Weak button, 28...Off button, 30...Dust collection Case (dust case), 31...Inlet (nozzle part), 32...Dust collection chamber, 34...Outlet (discharge port), 35, 36...Latch engagement part, 37...Cover part, 38...Hooking hole part, 39...Step part, 40...Pull-out part, 41...Base part, 42...Column part, 43...Intermediate connecting part, 44...Front end connecting part, 45...Holding part, 46...Connecting part, 48...Knob part, 49...Claw part, 50...Restricting part, 51...Cover part, 5 2...Mounting part, 54...Dust removal packing, 55...Ring part, 56...Dust removal blade, 60...Filter device, 61...Filter, 62...Frame member, 63...Base part, 63a...Notched cylindrical part, 63b...Inclined cylindrical part, 63c...Notch part, 63d...Tongue part, 64...Column part, 67...Holder, 68...Hooking part, 69...Rotating fitting projection, 73a...Notched cylindrical inner surface part, 73b...Inclined cylindrical inner surface part, 7 5...Elastic member, 90...Fan motor unit, 91...Case, 91a...Air intake, 92...Motor (drive unit), 92a...Drive shaft, 93...Fan (fan part), 94...Substrate, 95...Elastic member, 150...Regulating part, 151...Cover part, 152...Mounting part, 160...Filter device, 161...Filter, 162...Frame member, 163...Base part, 164...Column part, 167...Holder.

Claims

1. The drive unit and A fan unit that generates airflow by the driving force of the aforementioned drive unit, A dust collection section is provided on the front side, has a cylindrical shape along an axis extending in the front-to-back direction, and has an inlet through which the airflow flows from the outside into the dust collection chamber, and an outlet at the rear side through which the airflow flows out from the dust collection chamber to the fan section. It has a cylindrical shape with a closed front end and an opening at the rear end that connects to the outlet, and includes a filter section that separates dust from the airflow passing from the outside to the inside, The length of the dust collection chamber in the front-to-back direction is 2.0 times or more the length of the dust collection chamber in the vertical direction. The length of the filter section in the front-to-back direction is 2.0 times or more the length of the filter section in the vertical direction. The filter section has a shape in which the left-right length is greater than the up-down length, and is arranged such that the lower space between the inner circumferential surface of the dust collection section and the outer circumferential surface of the filter section is wider than the upper space, and the lower end of the filter section is located within the range obtained by extending the inner region of the inlet in the axial direction when viewed from the left-right direction.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the filter portion has a cross-sectional shape in which the lower circular side is cut out when viewed in the front-to-back direction.

3. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dust collection section is arranged to overlap with the inlet in a view in the front-rear direction and has a wall section extending in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

4. The work machine according to claim 3, having a plate-shaped valve portion that contacts the inlet from the inside, and which can swing with its upper side as a pivot point so that its lower side can move away from the inlet.

5. The working machine according to claim 3, wherein the lower end of the filter section is located above the central axis which is the axis of the inlet.

6. The filter unit is A bag-shaped filter having an opening, The frame member supports the filter in a cylindrical shape with its front end closed and its rear end having the opening, The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dust removal unit that removes dust accumulated on the outer surface of the filter by sliding it on the outer surface of the filter.

7. The dust collection chamber is located within the dust collection chamber and is provided on the outer circumference of the filter section, and has a pull-out section that extends forward of the filter section, The aforementioned drawer section is, The dust removal section is provided at the rear end base that forms the rear end of the aforementioned drawer section, A holding part is provided at the front end base that forms the front end of the aforementioned drawer, and is plate-shaped, contacting the inlet from the inside, and holding a valve that can swing with its upper side as a fulcrum so that its lower side can move away from the inlet, The work machine according to claim 6, having a column portion connecting the rear end base portion and the front end base portion.

8. Having a main body housing that accommodates the drive unit and the fan unit, The aforementioned drawer section has a locking section that engages with the aforementioned dust collection section, The locking portion is capable of releasing the locking to the dust collection portion when the dust collection portion and the drawer portion are separated from the main housing. The work machine according to claim 7, wherein the drawer is movable relative to the dust collection unit when the locking part is released.

9. The main body housing contains the drive unit and the fan unit and has an air intake port connected to the outlet, The filter unit is A bag-shaped filter having an opening, A frame member that supports the filter in a cylindrical shape with the front end closed and the opening located at the rear end, It has a holder attached to the main body housing and supporting the rear end of the frame member, The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame member is attached to the holder from the front.

Images