DE102023126116A1 - DUST COLLECTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

Problem:Cleaning a filter at an appropriate time.Solution:A dust collector includes a main body housing and a motor assembly disposed in the main body housing. The motor assembly includes a blower fan disposed in the interior of the main body housing and a suction motor that rotates the blower fan. The motor assembly generates a suction force at a suction port that is in fluid communication with the interior of the main body housing. At least one filter is disposed in a fluid communication path between the suction port and the blower fan. A filter cleaning device is configured to clean the at least one filter. A cleaning control part is configured to operate the filter cleaning device after a power tool that is in fluid communication with the suction port stops operating.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The techniques disclosed in the present specification generally relate to a dust collector (vacuum cleaner).

STATE OF THE ART

JP 6 150 517 B2 and DE 20 2013 011 464 U1 each disclose a dust collector (vacuum cleaner) with respect to the present teachings.

SHORT SUMMARY

If a filter is not cleaned at an appropriate time, there is a possibility that the filter will become clogged, reducing cleaning efficiency or requiring replacement.

It is therefore a non-limiting object of the present teachings to disclose techniques for cleaning a filter of a dust collector at an appropriate time to improve cleaning efficiency and extend the life of the filter.

The above-mentioned task is achieved by a dust collector according to claim 1 or 13.

In one aspect of the present teachings, a dust collector or a vacuum cleaner may include a main body case, a motor assembly that (i) includes a blower fan disposed in the interior of the main body case and a suction motor that rotates the blower fan, and (ii) generates a suction force at a suction port that is in communication with the interior of the main body case, a filter disposed between the suction port and the blower fan, a (filter) cleaning device that cleans the filter, and a cleaning control part that operates the cleaning device after a power tool connected to the suction port stops.

Thus, using the techniques disclosed in the present specification, a filter of a dust collector or a vacuum cleaner can be cleaned at an appropriate time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1 is a perspective view viewed from the upper left side showing a dust collector according to a representative embodiment of the present teachings.
• 2 Fig. 10 is a perspective view seen from the lower left side, showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 3 is a perspective view, seen from the upper right side, showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 4 is a left view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 5 is a front view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 6 is a rear view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 8th is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 9 is an exploded perspective view, seen from the upper left side, showing a tank cover, an inner cover, and a filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 10 Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view seen from the upper right side, showing the tank cover, the inner cover and the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 11 is an exploded perspective view seen from the lower right side showing the tank cover, the inner cover and the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 12 Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which a casing (hood) and a separator (separator) are removed from the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover has been removed from the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 14 shows the gas flow state in a first exhaust air duct according to the embodiment.
• 15 shows the gas flow state in a second exhaust air duct according to the embodiment.
• 16 is a perspective view, seen from the left front side, showing the dust collector according to the embodiment in a state where a cap has been mounted on a suction pipe.
• 17 Fig. 10 is a perspective view seen from the left front side showing the cap according to the embodiment.
• 18 Fig. 10 is a perspective view seen from the right rear side showing the cap according to the embodiment.
• 19 is a perspective view, seen from the right rear side, showing a portion of the cap according to the embodiment.
• 20 is a partially enlarged view of the cap according to the embodiment mounted on the suction pipe.
• 21 shows a portion of a cleaning device according to the embodiment.
• 22 shows a state of a filter according to the embodiment when a first valve is in a second state and a second valve is in a third state.
• 23 shows the state of the filter according to the embodiment when the first valve is in a first state and the second valve is in a fourth state.
• 24 is a perspective view showing the dust collector according to the embodiment connected to a power tool.
• 25 Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the power tool and the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 26 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power tool and the dust collector according to the embodiment.
• 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dust collector according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As noted above, a dust collector may include a main body case, a motor assembly that (i) includes a blower fan disposed in the interior of the main body case and a suction motor that rotates the blower fan, and (ii) generates a suction force at a suction port that is in communication with the interior of the main body case, a filter disposed between the suction port and the blower fan, a (filter) cleaning device that cleans the filter, and a cleaning control part that operates the cleaning device after a power tool connected to the suction port stops.

According to the configuration described above, if the power tool and the dust collector are coupled, the filter can be cleaned after the power tool stops. This avoids the possibility that dust, etc. from the power tool would adhere to the filter if the cleaning device were to be operated before the power tool stops and therefore the filter would become clogged. By operating the cleaning device after stopping the power tool according to the present teachings, the filter is cleaned at an appropriate time and therefore clogging of the filter can be restricted.

In one or more embodiments, the dust collector may include a motor control part that controls the suction motor based on the coupling (pairing) with the power tool. In this case, the motor control part may start the suction motor in conjunction with (at the same time as) starting the power tool and may stop the suction motor after driving the suction motor continues for a predetermined period of time after stopping the power tool.

According to the configuration described above, by starting the suction motor in conjunction with starting the power tool, dust, etc. generated by a work in which the power tool is used is sucked into the dust collector by the suction force generated by the motor assembly. In an embodiment in which the cleaning device cleans the filters using the suction force of the motor assembly, by continuing to drive the suction motor for the predetermined period of time after stopping the power tool, the filter can be properly cleaned after stopping the power tool.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning control part may operate the cleaning device within the predetermined time period.

According to the configuration described above, since the cleaning device cleans the filter using the suction force of the motor assembly, the filter is appropriately cleaned within the predetermined period of time during which the driving of the suction motor is continued.

In one or more embodiments, cleaning the filter may include separating (removing) foreign material, such as dust, etc., adhered to the filter from the filter.

According to the configuration described above, dust is separated (removed) from the filter by the force of air and the filter is cleaned.

In one or more embodiments, the filter(s) may include a first filter and a second filter. The dust collector may include a first ventilation path provided between (fluidly communicating with) the first filter and the blower impeller, a second ventilation path provided between (fluidly communicating with) the second filter and the blower impeller, an exhaust duct through which gas discharged by the motor assembly flows, a first connection opening connecting the first ventilation path to the exhaust duct, and a second connection opening connecting the second ventilation path to the exhaust duct. The cleaning device may include a first valve that is operated to change between a first state in which the first ventilation path is open and the first connection opening is closed and a second state in which the first ventilation path is closed and the first connection opening is open, a second valve that is operated to change between a third state in which the second ventilation path is open and the second connection opening is closed and a fourth state in which the second ventilation path is closed and the second connection opening is open, and an actuating member that, in the state in which the suction motor is driven, actuates the first valve to change from the first state to the second state and actuates the second valve to change from the third state to the fourth state.

According to the configuration described above, the cleaning device can clean each of the first filter and the second filter (e.g., sequentially) using the suction power of the motor assembly.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning control portion may actuate the cleaning device after receiving a tool stop signal that stops the power tool.

According to the configuration described above, the cleaning device can be operated in synchronization with the stopping of the power tool.

In one or more embodiments, the cleaning control portion may receive the tool stop signal wirelessly (via radio).

According to the configuration described above, there is no need to provide a communication cable for electrically connecting the power tool to the dust collector.

In one or more embodiments, upon receiving the tool stop signal that stops the power tool, the motor control portion may stop the suction motor after continuing to drive the suction motor for the predetermined period of time (initially).

According to the configuration described above, since the cleaning device cleans the filters using the suction power of the motor assembly, the filter(s) are appropriately cleaned within the predetermined period of time during which driving of the suction motor continues.

In one or more embodiments, the motor control portion may receive the tool stop signal wirelessly.

According to the configuration described above, there is no need to provide a communication cable for electrically connecting the power tool to the dust collector.

In one or more embodiments, the dust collector may include a radio receiver that receives the tool stop signal transmitted from a radio transmitter provided on or in the power tool.

According to the configuration described above, there is also no need to provide a communication cable for electrically connecting the power tool to the dust collector.

In one or more embodiments, a dust collector may include a main body housing, a motor assembly that includes a blower fan disposed in the interior of the main body housing, and a suction motor that rotates the blower fan and that generates suction at a suction port connected to the interior of the main body case is communicatively connected, a filter which is arranged between the suction port and the blower fan, a (filter) cleaning device which cleans the filter, a motor control part which Controls the suction motor, and have a cleaning control part which operates the cleaning device. Upon receiving a motor stop signal that stops the suction motor, the motor control part may stop the suction motor after continuing to drive the suction motor for a predetermined period of time (initially). The cleaning control part can operate the cleaning device within the predetermined period of time.

According to the configuration described above, in an embodiment in which the cleaning device cleans the filters using the suction power of the motor assembly, since the driving of the suction motor is continued after receiving the motor stop signal, the filters can be cleaned at an appropriate timing.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The structural elements of the embodiments described below may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, there are also situations in which some of the structural elements are not used.

In the embodiments, the positional relationships among parts are described using the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top" and "bottom". Each of these terms indicates a relative position or a direction using the center of a dust collector 1 as a reference.

Dust collector

1 is a perspective view, viewed from the upper left side, showing the dust collector 1 according to a representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings. 2 is a perspective view, seen from the lower left side, showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. 3 is a perspective view, seen from the upper right side, showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. 4 is a left side view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. 5 is a front view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. 6 is a rear view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment, and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in 5 . 8th is a cross-sectional view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in 4 .

In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 is a wet-dry type dust collector (vacuum cleaner) that can suck not only gas but also liquid. Air is given as an example of a gas. Water is given as an example of a liquid. Note that the dust collector 1 may also be constructed as only a dry type vacuum cleaner.

As in 1 to 8 As shown, the dust collector 1 includes a suction pipe 2, a tank 3, an inlet cover 4, a cap 5, wheels 6, a main body case 7, hooks 8, a motor assembly 9, an inner cover 10, a filter unit 11, a switch base 12, a switch knob 13, a handle 14, and a controller 15.

The suction pipe 2 sucks in at least one of gas and liquid, e.g., both. The suction pipe 2 has a suction port 16. The suction port 16 is located at a front end portion of the suction pipe 2. The suction pipe 2 having the suction port 16 is arranged at a front portion of the tank 3. The suction port 16 faces forward. A dust collection hose 17 can be connected to the suction pipe 2. The suction port 16 is in communication with the interior of the main body case 7 via the tank 3.

The tank 3 has an interior space which absorbs (holds, stores) dust etc. which is sucked in by the suction opening 16. The suction pipe 2, which has the suction opening 16, is provided on (in) the tank 3. After dust is sucked from the suction port 16 along with one or both of gas and liquid, it flows into the interior of the tank 3. When liquid is sucked from the suction port 16, the tank 3 also stores (retains) the liquid coming from the suction opening 16 is sucked in. The liquid is stored in the interior of the tank 3.

The inlet cover 4 is arranged around the suction pipe 2. The inlet cover 4 is arranged to cover a front portion of the tank 3. A handle part (a first handle) 18 is provided at a lower portion of the inlet cover 4. A space 19 is formed between the handle part 18 and the tank 3. The user can hold the handle part 18 with his hand by inserting one or more fingertips into the space 19. The user can lift or carry the dust collector 1 by manually grasping and pulling/lifting the handle part 18.

The cap 5 is arranged such that it covers the suction opening 16. In a state in which the dust collecting hose 17 has been removed from the suction pipe 2, leakage of the dust, etc. accommodated in the interior of the tank 3 to the outside of the tank 3 via the suction port 16 can be restricted (blocked). by covering the suction opening 16 with the cap 5.

The wheels 6 are mounted on lower areas of the tank 3. The wheels 6 support the tank 3 in a movable manner. The wheels 6 include two casters 6F mounted on lower front portions of the tank 3 and two fixed wheels 6R mounted on lower rear portions of the tank 3. The tank 3 moves by means of the wheels 6 across a surface to be cleaned. By pulling the dust collector 1 forward using the dust collection hose 17, the user can move the dust collector 1 forward on the surface to be cleaned.

The main body casing 7 is supported on the tank 3. The main body casing 7 is arranged on the upper side of the tank 3. The main body casing 7 has a tank cover 20, a separator 21, a cowl 22 and a battery cover 23.

The tank cover 20 is arranged on the upper side of the tank 3. The tank cover 20 is arranged so as to cover an opening provided at an upper end portion of the tank 3. The separator 21 is arranged on the upper side of the tank cover 20. The tank cover 20 and the separator 21 are fixed to each other by a screw. The cowling 22 is arranged on the upper side of the separator 21. The separator 21 and the cowling 22 are fixed to each other by a screw. The battery cover 23 is arranged on a front portion of the cowling 22.

The hooks 8 fix the tank 3 and the main body case 7 to each other. The hooks 8 are provided on a left portion and a right portion of the tank 3, respectively.

The tank 3 has hose hooks 24 which store (hold) the dust collection hose 17. The hose hooks 24 are respectively provided at a right rear end portion and a left rear end portion of the tank 3. The dust collection hose 17 is a flexible hose and can be bent. When not connected to the suction port 16, the dust collection hose 17 can be stored on (around) the tank 3 in a wound state. The hose hooks 24 support the dust collection hose 17 from below, which is wrapped around the tank 3. Furthermore, dust collection tubes 25 can be connected to the dust collection hose 17. The separating device 21 has pipe mounting parts 26, which each support (hold, for example clamp elastically) the dust collecting pipes 25. The pipe supporting parts 26 are each provided at a right rear end portion and a left rear end portion of the separator 21. Each of the pipe supporting parts 26 has a protruding part 26A into which the corresponding dust collecting pipe 25 is inserted, and a supporting surface 26B which supports an outer peripheral surface of the corresponding dust collecting pipe 25. Furthermore, the separating device 21 has a cap holder 27, which holds the cap 5. The cap holder 27 is provided on a rear surface of the separator 21. The cap holder 27 has a pair of clamping members 27A sandwiching the cap 5 from the left and right directions. Furthermore, a storage part 28 is provided at a rear area of the tank 3. For example, when dust etc. is received (stored, contained) in the interior of the tank 3, is to be taken out of the tank 3, or a garbage bag is to be taken out of the tank 3, the user can optionally tilt the tank 3 so that the rear surface of the tank 3 faces downwards. The storage part 28 will store the tank 3, for example, on a floor when the tank 3 has been tilted. In other words, the storage part 28 can support the tilted tank 3 from below by coming into contact with a predetermined storage surface (eg the surface to be cleaned, for example a floor). Furthermore, as in 2 shown, a handle part (second handle) 3A is provided in a lower rear portion of the tank 3. The user can insert his hand into the handle part 3A for lifting or carrying the dust collector 1.

The motor assembly 9 is arranged in the interior of the main body case 7. The motor assembly 9 generates suction force at the suction port 16 which is communicatively connected (fluidly connected) with the interior of the main body case 7. The motor assembly 9 includes a blower fan 29 and a cooling fan 30 arranged in the interior of the main body case 7, a suction motor 31 which rotates the blower fan 29 and the cooling fan 30, a motor case 32, a base 33A, a fan base 33B, and a fan cover 34. In the embodiment, the motor assembly 9 is supported by both the tank cover 20 and the separator 21. The tank cover 20 supports the motor assembly 9. from below. The separating device 21 supports the motor assembly 9 from above.

The suction motor 31 is a brushless inner rotor type motor. The suction motor 31 generates driving power (rotational power) for rotating both the blower fan 29 and the cooling fan 30. The suction motor 31 includes a stator 31A, a rotor 31B disposed inside the stator 31A, and a rotor shaft 31C fixed to the rotor 31B. The rotor shaft 31C extends in the up-down direction. The rotor axis of the rotor shaft 31C extends in the up-down direction. The rotor shaft 31C is rotatably supported by a first bearing 31D and a second bearing 31E. Specifically, the first bearing 31D supports an upper portion of the rotor shaft 31C. The second bearing 31E rotatably supports a lower portion of the rotor shaft 31C.

The blower fan 29 and the cooling fan 30 are both fixed to the rotor shaft 31C. Thus, the blower fan 29 and the cooling fan 30 are both rotated by the suction motor 31. When the rotor shaft 31C of the suction motor 31 rotates, both the blower fan 29 and the cooling fan 30 rotate. The blower fan 29 generates a suction force at the suction port 16. The cooling fan 30 generates an air flow for cooling the suction motor 31. The blower fan 29 is fixed to a lower end portion of the rotor shaft 31C. The cooling fan 30 is fixed to a portion of the rotor shaft 31C between a lower end portion of the stator 31A and the blower fan 29. The blower fan 29 is a centrifugal fan. The cooling fan 30 is a centrifugal fan. The outer diameter of the blower fan 29 is larger than the outer diameter of the cooling fan 30.

The motor case 32 accommodates the suction motor 31 and the cooling fan 30 in the interior of the main body case 7. The motor housing 32 supports the suction motor 31. The motor housing 32 supports (fixes) both the first bearing 31D and the second bearing 31E. The motor housing 32 has a tubular shape. The engine housing 32 has at least one engine air intake opening 32A and at least one engine exhaust opening 32B. The engine air intake port(s) 32A is(are) provided at an upper end portion of the engine case 32. The engine exhaust port(s) 32B is(are) provided at a lower portion of the side surface of the engine case 32. Air (gas) at the periphery (surrounding the perimeter) of the engine case 32 may flow into the interior of the engine case 32 via the engine air intake port(s) 32A. Gas (air) in the interior of the engine case 32 may flow to the periphery of the engine case 32 via the engine exhaust port(s) 32B.

The base 33A is arranged around the suction motor 31 and the motor housing 32. The base 33A supports the engine housing 32. The base 33A carries the gas (air) exhausted from the engine exhaust port 32B. The fan base 33B is arranged around the base 33A. The fan base 33B supports the base 33A. The fan base 33B is made of a synthetic resin (polymer) such as polycarbonate resin.

The fan wheel cover 34 is arranged such that it covers at least a region of the fan wheel 29. The fan cover 34 is connected to the fan base 33B. At least a region of the fan wheel cover 34 is arranged around the blower fan wheel 29. At least a region of the fan wheel cover 34 is arranged further down than (below) the fan wheel 29. The fan wheel cover 34 has at least one fan wheel suction opening 34A and at least one fan wheel exhaust opening 34B. The fan suction port(s) 34A is(are) provided at a lower portion of the fan cover 34. The fan exhaust opening(s) 34B is/are provided on a side surface of the fan cover 34.

The inner cover 10 is supported by the tank cover 20. The inner cover 10 is arranged on the lower side of the tank cover 20. The inner cover 10 is fixed to the tank cover 20. The inner cover 10 is arranged between the tank 3 and the tank cover 20. The inner cover 10 has connection openings 35 (fluid connection openings, e.g. air connection openings). Grid parts (mesh parts) 36 are provided on (in) the inner cover 10. The connection openings 35 are in the grid parts 36 intended. The grid parts 36 have a first grid part 36L and a second grid part 36R. The first grid part 36L and the second grid part 36R are arranged in the left-right direction. The communication holes 35 include first communication holes 35L provided in the first grid part 36L and second communication holes 35R provided in the second grid part 36R.

The filter unit 11 has filters 37 and a filter holder 38 which holds the filters 37. The filters 37 are arranged between the suction opening 16 and the blower fan wheel 29. The filters 37 are arranged between the tank 3 and the engine assembly 9. The connection openings 35 are arranged between the tank 3 and the blower fan wheel 29. The filters 37 are between the connections dung openings 35 and the blower fan wheel 29 are arranged. The filters 37 capture (retain, remove, capture) foreign material from the air flowing from the interior of the tank 3 into the engine assembly 9. In the embodiment, the filter holder 38 of the filter unit 11 is removable from the inner cover 10.

9 Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view seen from the upper left side, showing the tank cover 20, the inner cover 10 and the filter unit 11 according to the embodiment. 10 Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view seen from the upper right side, showing the tank cover 20, the inner cover 10 and the filter unit 11 according to the embodiment. 11 Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view seen from the lower right side, showing the tank cover 20, the inner cover 10 and the filter unit 11 according to the embodiment.

The filter unit 11 includes the filters 37 and the filter holder 38 which holds the filters 37. The connection holes 35 are arranged between the tank 3 and the filters 37. The filters 37 are arranged between the connection holes 35 and the blower fan 29. The filters 37 include a first filter 37L arranged between the blower fan 29 and the first connection holes 35L and a second filter 37R arranged between the blower fan 29 and the second connection holes 35R. The first filter 37L and the second filter 37R each include a pre-filter 37A, an intermediate filter 37B and a main filter 37C. The pre-filters 37A face the interior of the tank 3. The pre-filters 37A trap (retain, remove, catch inlet) foreign matter from the air supplied from the tank 3. The intermediate filters 37B capture (hold back, remove, catch inlet) foreign material from the air that has passed through the pre-filters 37A. The main filters 37C capture (hold back, remove, catch inlet) foreign material from the air that has passed through the intermediate filters 37B.

The filter holder 38 is removable from the inner cover 10. The filter holder 38 includes a holding part 38H that holds the filters 37, a locking lever 38A provided at a front end portion of the holding part 38H, recessed portions 38B provided at the left side and right side of the locking lever 38A, respectively, a pair of hook parts 38C provided at a rear end portion of the holding part 38H, and a handle part (third handle) 38D provided at a rear end portion of the holding part 38H.

The inner cover 10 has an engaging part 10A to which the lock lever 38A locks, projecting parts 10B which are inserted into the recessed portions 38B, and tab parts 10C which lock with the hook parts 38C. When the protruding parts 10B are inserted into the recessed portions 38B, and then the hook parts 38C are locked to the tab parts 10C, the locking lever 38A comes into engagement with the engaging part 10A. This causes the filter unit 11 to be connected to the inner cover 10. By operating (manually operating) the lock lever 38A, the engagement between the lock lever 38A and the engaging part 10A can be released, and then the filter unit 11 can be removed from the inner cover 10.

The lower surfaces of the filters 37 face the interior of the tank 3. The upper surfaces of the filters 37 face the connecting holes 35 of the mesh parts 36. The tank cover 20 has a recessed portion 20B in which the fan cover 34 is arranged. A ventilation hole 20A is provided in a bottom surface of the recessed portion 20B. The fan suction hole(s) 34A of the fan cover 34 and the ventilation hole 20A overlap. In addition, the tank cover 20 has a pipe part 20C which projects downward from the periphery of the ventilation hole 20A. The inner cover 10 has a recessed portion 10D in which the pipe part 20C is arranged.

Ventilation paths 71 through which the air flowing from the communication openings 35 to the ventilation opening 20A passes are provided in the tank cover 20. The ventilation paths 71 include a first ventilation path 71L provided between the first filter 37L and the blower fan 29 and a second ventilation path 71R provided between the second filter 37R and the blower fan 29. Air flowing from the first communication openings 35L to the ventilation opening 20A passes through the first ventilation path 71L. Air flowing from the second communication openings 35R to the ventilation opening 20A passes through the second ventilation path 71R.

By rotating the blower fan 29, a suction force is generated at the suction opening 16. After gas (air) sucked into the interior of the tank 3 through the suction opening 16 has passed through the filters 37, it flows into the connecting openings 35. As shown in 10 As shown, a channel 10E, which connects the connecting openings 35 and the recessed area 10D, is formed on the upper surface of the inner cover 10. After the air having passed through the communication holes 35 passes through the ventilation paths 71 and flows through the duct 10E, it flows into the air intake hole(s) 34A via the ventilation hole 20A. The gas (air) having passed through the air intake hole(s) 34A flows into the blower fan 29. The air having flowed into the blower fan 29 is discharged to the periphery of the fan cover 34 via the fan exhaust hole(s) 34B provided in the fan cover 34.

By rotating the cooling fan 30, the gas (air) on the periphery of the motor housing 32 flows into the interior of the motor housing 32 via the motor air intake port(s) 32A. The gas (air) that has flowed into the interior of the motor housing 32 cools the suction motor 31. After cooling the suction motor 31, the gas (air) is discharged to the periphery of the motor housing 32 via the motor exhaust port(s) 32B.

The switch base 12 is arranged at a front portion of the main body case 7. The switch base 12 has a plate shape. The switch base 12 is long (elongated) in the up-down direction. The switch base 12 has a main power supply switch 39.

The switch button 13 is disposed further upward than the switch base 12 at a front portion of the main body case 7. The switch button 13 is supported on the main body case 7 in a pivotable manner. When the main power supply switch 39 is turned ON, the suction motor 31 becomes switchable between a driven state (drive state mode) and a drive stop state (drive stop mode) by manually operating (pressing) the switch button 13.

The handle 14 is supported on an upper portion of the main body case 7 in a pivotable manner. The handle 14 is arranged further back than the switch button 13. The user of the dust collector 1 can carry the dust collector 1 by gripping the handle 14.

The controller 15 includes a computer system. The controller 15 outputs control signals for controlling the electronic devices installed in the dust collector 1. Such electronic devices include the suction motor 31. The controller 15 outputs a control signal for controlling the suction motor 31. The controller 15 includes a control circuit board (e.g., a PCB) on which a plurality of electronic parts are mounted. Exemplary examples of the electronic parts mounted on the control circuit board include a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (read only memory), and a storage device, a volatile memory such as a RAM (random access memory), transistors, capacitors, and resistors.

12 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover 22 and the separator 21 have been removed from the dust collector 1. 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover 22 has been removed from the dust collector 1.

As in 12 and 13 As shown, the tank cover 20 has battery chambers 41 in which battery packs 40 are respectively arranged. Battery mounting parts to which the battery packs 40 are respectively mounted are provided on bottom surfaces of the battery chambers 41.

Exhaust ducts 50 through which gas (air) discharged from the fan exhaust port(s) 34B of the motor assembly 9 flows are provided inside the main body case 7. A plurality of exhaust ducts 50 are provided inside the main body case 7 in the top-bottom direction. In particular, in the embodiment, the exhaust air channels 50 have a first exhaust air channel 51 and a second exhaust air channel 52, which is provided further upwards than (above) the first exhaust air channel 51. At least a portion of the first exhaust duct 51 and the second exhaust duct 52 overlap on (along) a horizontal plane. In other words, at least one vertically extending line crosses both the first exhaust duct 51 and the second exhaust duct 52 due to the second exhaust duct 52 being arranged on (above) the first exhaust duct 51. The vertically extending line may be perpendicular to a floor surface of each of the first exhaust duct 51 and the second exhaust duct 52. Thus, the first exhaust duct 51 preferably extends at least partially parallel to the second exhaust duct 52 in the top-bottom direction (vertical direction).

Furthermore, a communication path opening 53 which connects the first exhaust passage 51 and the second exhaust passage 52 to each other (fluid-like) is provided in the interior of the main body case 7. The communication path opening 53 is provided such that it connects a left end portion of the first exhaust duct 51 to a left end portion of the second exhaust duct 52 (fluid-like). In the embodiment, the connection path opening 53 has a rectangular shape in a horizontal cross section.

The first exhaust duct 51 is defined by (between) the tank cover 20 and (the) separating device 21. The second exhaust duct 52 is defined by (between) the separating device 21 and (the) panel 22.

The tank cover 20 includes a first cover plate part 43 covering the tank 3 and a first guide plate part 44 protruding upward from an upper surface of the first cover plate part 43. The separator 21 includes a second cover plate part 45 covering the tank cover 20 and second guide plate parts 46 protruding upward from an upper surface of the second cover plate part 45.

The first exhaust duct 51 is defined by the upper surface of the first cover plate part 43, a guide surface of the first guide plate part 44, and a lower surface of the second cover plate part 45. The guide surface of the first guide plate part 44 faces the first exhaust duct 51. In the embodiment, sound absorbing members 44A are arranged on the guide surface of the first guide plate part 44. The second exhaust duct 52 is defined by the upper surface of the second cover plate part 45, guide surfaces of the second guide plate parts 46, and a lower surface of the panel 22. The guide surfaces of the second guide plate parts 46 face the second exhaust duct 52. The communication path opening 53 has a through hole which passes through (penetrates) the lower surface and the upper surface of the second cover plate part 45 of the separator 21.

In the embodiment, in the state in which the wheels 6 are set on a surface to be cleaned which is parallel to the horizontal plane, the upper surface of the first cover plate part 43 and the upper surface of the second cover plate part 45 are at least substantially parallel to each other, i.e. either parallel or at an angle of 5° or less to each other. The guide surface of the first guide plate portion 44 and the guide surfaces of the second guide plate portions 46 are each substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, i.e. either perpendicular or at an angle of 85 to 95° to the horizontal plane.

The second exhaust duct 52 is connected to the exhaust port(s) 42 which is in fluid communication with the exterior of the main body housing 7. The exhaust opening(s) 42 is (are) provided in the rear surface of the separator 21. Soundproofing components 42A are provided in the exhaust opening(s) 42.

14 shows the gas flow state (direction) in the first exhaust duct 51 according to the embodiment. 15 shows the gas flow state (direction) in the second exhaust duct 52 according to the embodiment. As in 14 As shown in FIG. 1, the gas (air) discharged from the fan exhaust port(s) 34B of the motor assembly 9 flows through the first exhaust duct 51. In at least a portion of the first exhaust duct 51, the gas flows from the right side to the left side. The gas that has flowed through the first exhaust duct 51 rises up through the (vertically extending) connecting port 53 and flows into the second exhaust duct 52. As shown in FIG. 15 As shown, the air that has flowed from the first exhaust duct 51 into the second exhaust duct 52 via the communication path opening 53 flows through the second exhaust duct 52 and is then discharged from the exhaust opening(s) 42. In at least a portion of the second exhaust duct 52, the gas (air) flows from the left side to the right side. The direction in which the gas flows through the first exhaust duct 51 is the reverse or opposite direction to the direction in which the gas flows through the second exhaust duct 52.

The surface area (horizontal cross-sectional area) of the communication path opening 53 is 1/2 or less of the maximum cross-sectional area of the first exhaust duct 51. The surface area of the communication path opening 53 refers to the surface area of the communication path opening 53 in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane in a state in which the wheels 6 are placed on the surface to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane. The cross-sectional area of the first exhaust duct 51 refers to the surface area of the first exhaust duct 51 within a plane perpendicular to both the upper surface of the first cover plate part 43 and the guide surface of the first guide plate part 44 in the state in which the wheels 6 are on the one to be cleaned Surface are set which is parallel to the horizontal plane. The maximum cross-sectional area of the first exhaust duct 51 refers to the maximum cross-sectional area of among the cross-sectional areas of each area in the direction in which air flows through the first exhaust duct 51. In the embodiment, since the sound attenuation members 44A are arranged on the guide surface of the first guide plate part 44, the cross-sectional area of the first exhaust air duct 51, the surface area of the first exhaust duct 51 within a plane perpendicular to both the upper surface of the first cover plate part 43 and to the guide surfaces of the sound attenuation members 44A in the state in which the wheels 6 are set on the surface to be cleaned, which is parallel to the horizontal plane is. The guide surfaces of the noise attenuation members 44A face (facing) the first exhaust duct 51.

cap

16 is a perspective view, seen from the left front side, showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment in the state in which the cap 5 is mounted on the suction pipe 2. 17 is a perspective view, seen from the left front side, showing the cap 5 according to the embodiment. 18 is a perspective view seen from the right rear side showing the cap 5 according to the embodiment. 19 is a perspective view, seen from the right rear side, showing a portion of the cap 5 according to the embodiment. 20 is a partially enlarged view of the cap 5 mounted in the suction pipe 2 according to the embodiment.

The cap 5 has a flange part (flange) 60, a tubular part (tube) 61 and a handle part (fourth handle) 62. The external shape of the flange part 60 is essentially a circular shape. The tubular part 61 is provided so as to protrude rearwardly from a central portion of the flange part 60. The tubular part 61 is disposed further radially inward of the flange part 60 than the outer peripheral surface of the flange part 60. Rear regions of the tubular part 61 are insertion regions 63 which are inserted into the suction opening 16. Front portions of the tubular member 61 are non-insertion portions 64 (uninserted portions) which are not inserted into the suction port 16 when the insertion portions 63 are inserted into the suction port 16, that is, the non-insertion portions are adjacent to but not within the suction port 16 when the cap 5 is arranged on/in the suction opening 16. The handle portion 62 protrudes radially outwardly from the flange portion 60 from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 60.

The flange part 60 has an opposing surface 65 which faces a front end surface 2A of the suction pipe 2. The cap 5 has ribs 66 which protrude rearward from the opposing surface 65. The amount by which the ribs 66 protrude from the opposing surface 65 is, for example, 1 mm. The opposing surface 65 has a ring shape. The ribs 66 are provided so as to extend in the radial direction of the opposing surface 65. The ribs 66 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the opposing surface 65. At least three of the ribs 66 are provided. In the embodiment, twelve (12) of the ribs 66 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In the embodiment, the twelve ribs 66 are preferably provided (arranged) equally spaced from each other.

Inner end portions in the radial direction of the ribs 66 are arranged further radially inward than the opposing surface 65. That is, the ribs 66 protrude radially inward from radially inner end portions of the opposing surface 65. The non-introduction portions 64 of the tubular member 61 are arranged further radially inward than the opposing surface 65. The non-introduction portions 64 are arranged outward from the suction port 16 in the state in which the introduction portions 63 are inserted into the suction port 16. A radially outer end portion 63A of each of the introduction portions 63 protrudes further radially outward than the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding non-introduction portion 64. The radially outer end portions 63A of the introduction portions 63 come into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the suction pipe 2. The radially inner end portions of the ribs 66 are connected to the non-introduction portions 64.

The tubular part 61 has slits 67. The slits 67 are formed to extend in the radial direction of the tubular part 61. That is, the slits 67 are formed to extend in the front-back direction. The slits 67 are formed to span from the front end portions (rear end portions) of the insertion portions 63 to base end portions (front end portions) of the non-introduction portions 64. Each of the slits 67 is formed between two ribs 66 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. One slit 67 is formed between every two adjacent ribs 66.

The tubular part 61 is divided into a plurality of small piece parts 68 in the circumferential direction of the tubular part 61 by the plurality of slots 67. Reinforcing ribs 69 are connected to inner surfaces of the small pieces 68 that point radially inward. The reinforcing ribs 69 are provided to extend in the radial direction from the center of the tubular part 61.

As in 20 As shown, gaps 70 are formed between the front end surface 2A of the suction pipe 2 and the opposite surface 65 in the state in which the front end surface 2A of the suction pipe 2 and the rear end surfaces of the ribs 66 are in contact with each other. In the circumferential direction of the cap 5, a dimension Wa of each of the spaces 70 is larger than the dimension Wb of the ribs 66.

The gaps 70 and the slits 67 are set such that the maximum negative pressure is 90% or more and 97% or less in the case where the maximum negative pressure is set to 100% while the suction motor 31 is driven in the state where the suction port 16 is closed by the cap 5. The gaps 70 are set based on the extent by which the ribs 66 protrude from the opposing surface 65.

Cleaning device

In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 has a (filter) cleaning device 80, which cleans the filter 37. 21 shows a portion of the cleaning device 80 according to the embodiment. 21 shows an area of the tank cover 20 seen from below. As in 11 As shown, the tank cover 20 has the first ventilation path 71L provided between the first filter 37L and the blower fan 29 and the second ventilation path 71R provided between the second filter 37R and the blower fan 29. Further, the tank cover 20 has a first communication opening 72L which connects the first ventilation path 71L and the first exhaust duct 51 to each other (fluid-like), and a second communication opening 72R which connects the second ventilation path 71R and the first exhaust duct 51 to each other (fluid-like). The first communication hole 72L and the second communication hole 72R are each provided to pass through (penetrate) an upper surface and a lower surface of the first cover plate part 43.

The dust collector 1 includes a first valve 83L that opens and closes the first vent path 71L and a second valve 83R that opens and closes the second vent path 71R. The first valve 83L and the second valve 83R are each supported on the first cover plate part 43 of the tank cover 20 in a pivotable manner. The first valve 83L operates to change between a first state in which the first vent path 71L is open and the first communication opening 72L is closed and a second state in which the first vent path 71L is closed and the first communication opening 72L is open. The second valve 83R operates to alternate between a third state in which the second vent path 71R is open and the second communication opening 72R is closed and a fourth state in which the second vent path 71R is closed and the second communication opening 72R is open.

A torsion spring is provided on the pivot axis of each of the first valve 83L and the second valve 83R. When an external force does not act on the first valve 83L, the first valve 83L operates due to the elastic force of the torsion spring to enter the first state in which the first vent path 71L is open and the first communication port 72L is closed. The second valve 83R operates due to the elastic force of the torsion spring to enter the third state in which the second vent path 71R is open and the second communication port 72R is closed. In the first state and the third state, when the suction motor 31 is driven, air in the interior of the tank 3 passes through the filters 37, the communication ports 35, and the vent paths 71, and then flows into the blower impeller 29 via the vent port 20A. Furthermore, in the first state and the third state, the air discharged from the fan exhaust port 34B of the motor assembly 9 flows through the first exhaust duct 51 and is then supplied to the second exhaust duct 52 via the communication path opening 53.

As in 7 and 21 As shown, the cleaning device 80 includes a cleaning motor 81 and an actuating member 82 which is pivoted by the cleaning motor 81. The actuating member 82 actuates the first valve 83L and the second valve 83R. When the cleaning motor 81 is actuated to generate a drive line, the actuating member 82 pivots between the direction indicated by an arrow YL and the direction indicated by an arrow YR as shown in 21 . When the operating member 82 moves in the direction of arrow YL, the first valve 83L is pushed by the operating member 82 and is operated to enter the second state in which the first vent path 71L is closed and the first communication port 72L is open. On the other hand, when the operating member 82 moves in the direction of arrow YR, the second valve 83R is pushed by the operating member 82 and is operated to enter the fourth state in which the second vent path 71R is closed and the second communication port 72R is open.

22 shows the state of the filters 37 according to the embodiment when the first valve 83L is in the second state and the second valve 83R is in the third state. 23 shows the state of the filters 37 according to the embodiment when the first valve 83L is in the first state and the second valve 83R is in the fourth state.

In the embodiment, cleaning the filters 37 includes separating (removing, detaching) the dust adhered to the lower surfaces of the filters 37 from the lower surfaces of the filters 37. The lower surfaces of the filters 37 include the lower surfaces of the pre-filters 37A. In the embodiment, cleaning the filters 37 includes separating the dust adhered to the lower surfaces of the pre-filters 37A from the lower surfaces of the pre-filters 37A. In the embodiment, cleaning the filters 37 includes cleaning the first filters 37L and cleaning the second filters 37R.

While the suction motor 31 is driven and the first valve 83L is operated to change from the first state to the second state, the first vent path 71L closes, and air no longer flows from the tank 3 into the first filter 37L. Since the second vent path 71R is open, air flows from the tank 3 into the second filter 37R. The air that has flowed into the second filter 37R flows into the motor assembly 9 and is then discharged from the motor assembly 9 to the first exhaust duct 51. Since the first communication opening 72L is open, at least part of the air discharged from the motor assembly 9 to the first exhaust duct 51 is supplied to the upper surface of the first filter 37L via the first communication opening 72L and the first communication openings 35L. Due to the (pressurized) air supplied to the upper surface of the first filter 37L, gas (pressurized air) is discharged from (through) the lower surface of the first filter 37L as indicated by an arrow in 22 Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the first filter 37L is separated (removed) from the lower surface of the first filter 37L, and thereby the first filter 37L is cleaned. The foreign matter (dust, dirt, liquid, etc.) removed from the first filter 37L is thereby stored in the interior of the tank 3.

Similarly, while the suction motor 31 is driven and the second valve 83R is operated to change from the third state to the fourth state, the second ventilation path 71R closes and therefore air no longer flows from the tank 3 into the second filter 37R. Since the first ventilation path 71L is open, air flows from the tank 3 into the first filter 37L. The air that has flown into the first filter 37L flows into the motor assembly 9 and is then discharged from the motor assembly 9 to the first exhaust duct 51. Since the second communication port 72R is open, at least a part of the air discharged from the motor assembly 9 to the first exhaust duct 51 is supplied to the upper surface of the second filter 37R via the second communication port 72R and the second communication ports 35R. Due to the (pressurized) air supplied to the upper surface of the second filter 37R, gas (compressed air) is discharged from (through the) lower surface of the second filter 37R, as indicated by an arrow in 23 shown, expelled (forced derived). At this time, foreign material adhered to the lower surface of the second filter 37R is separated (removed) from the lower surface of the second filter 37R, and thereby the second filter 37R is cleaned. Thus, the foreign matter (dust, dirt, liquid, etc.) removed by the second filter 37R is also stored in the interior of the tank 3.

Linking (pairing, coupling) with a power tool

24 is a perspective view showing the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment connected to a power tool 90 (fluid-like). In general, dust collectors 1 can be connected to a variety of power tools 90 according to the present teachings. A circular saw, which is a type of portable cutting device, is given as a representative, non-limiting example of a type of power tool 90 that can be connected to the dust collector 1. When the power tool 90 cuts a workpiece, dust from the workpiece is generated by the power tool 90. The power tool 90 and the suction opening 16 of the dust collector 1 are connected to each other via the dust collection hose 17 (are in fluid communication). In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 is operable (eg wirelessly) connected (eg “paired”) to the power tool 90. That is, when the power tool 90 starts operation, the suction motor 31 also starts, and the suction operation of the dust collector 1 begins. In the embodiment, the power tool 90 and the dust collector 1 communicate with each other wirelessly. The power tool 90 and the dust collector 1 can communicate with each other wirelessly, for example based on a Bluetooth® standard.

25 is a block diagram showing electronic components of the power tool 90 and the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. The power tool 90 includes a trigger switch 91, a tool motor 92, a controller 93 and a radio transmitter 94. The controller 93 has the following functional units: a tool start signal generating part 93A, a tool stop signal generating part 93B and a signal transmitting part 93C. The dust collector 1 has the controller 15, the suction motor 31, the cleaning motor 81 and a radio receiver 47. The controller 15 has the following functional units: a signal receiving part 15A, a motor control part 15B and a cleaning control part 15C. For example, the above-mentioned "parts" of the controllers 15, 93 may simply be different sets of instructions (code, program) stored in a storage device or memory of the controller 15, 93 and executed by one or more microprocessors.

The tool motor 92 serves as a driving power supply. That is, when the tool motor 92 is driven (energized), an output portion of the power tool 90 rotates. In an embodiment in which the power tool 90 is a circular saw, the tool motor 92 causes the rotary cutting tool (circular saw blade), which serves as the output portion of the Power tool 90 is used, rotates. The push switch 91 is operated (manually) by the user. When the pusher switch 91 is manually operated (e.g. pressed), an actuation signal is generated at the pusher switch 91 and thereby the tool motor 92 starts. By releasing the pusher switch 91, the tool motor 92 stops.

When the pusher switch 91 is manually operated (pressed), the tool start signal generating part 93A outputs a tool start signal based on the generated operation signal to start the tool motor 92. The tool motor 92 starts based on the tool start signal output from the tool start signal generating part 93A.

When the operation (pressing) of the trigger switch 91 is released, the tool stop signal generating part 93B outputs a tool stop signal to stop the tool motor 92. The tool motor 92 stops based on the tool stop signal output from the tool stop signal generating part 93B.

The signal sending part 93C sends (transmits) the tool start signal and the tool stop signal to the dust collector 1. Specifically, the signal sending part 93C sends the tool start signal to the dust collector 1 via the radio transmitter 94, which is synchronized with the output of the tool start signal from the tool start signal generating part 93A to the tool motor 92. Similarly, the signal transmitting part 93C transmits the tool stop signal to the dust collector 1 via the radio transmitter 94 in synchronization with the output of the tool stop signal from the tool stop signal generating part 93B to the tool motor 92.

The radio receiver 47 receives the tool start signal and the tool stop signal transmitted from the radio transmitter 94 provided on (in) the power tool 90. The signal receiving part 15A receives the tool start signal and the tool stop signal sent from the power tool 90 via the radio transmitter 94.

The motor control part 15B controls the operation (actuation, energization) of the suction motor 31. The motor control part 15B controls the suction motor 31 so as to be linked to the power tool 90. The motor control part 15B controls the suction motor 31 based on the tool start signal and the tool stop signal transmitted (sent) from the power tool 90. The motor control part 15B starts the suction motor 31 based on the tool start signal transmitted (sent) from the power tool 90. After the power tool 90 stops based on the tool stop signal transmitted from the power tool 90, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 while continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for a predetermined period of time Ta (e.g., 3 seconds). The tool stop signal functions as a motor stop signal that stops the suction motor 31. After the motor control part 15B wirelessly receives the tool stop signal that stops the power tool 90 via the radio receiver 47 and the signal receiving part 15A, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 while continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for a predetermined period of time Ta.

The cleaning control part 15C is configured to selectively (e.g., automatically) operate the cleaning device 80 at an appropriate time for cleaning the filters 37. Specifically, the cleaning control part 15C controls the operation of the cleaning motor 81 of the cleaning device 80. Operating the cleaning device 80 includes driving the cleaning motor 81. The cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 after the power tool 90 connected to the suction port 16 stops. Specifically, the cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 upon radio reception via the radio receiver 47 and the signal receiving part 15A of the stop signal that stops the power tool 90. The cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 in the above-described predetermined time Ta.

26 is a flowchart showing a representative, non-limiting manner of operating the power tool 90 and the dust collector 1 according to the embodiment. The power tool 90 is connected to the suction opening 16 of the dust collector 1 via the dust collection hose 17 (fluid-like). When the user manually operates (presses) the push switch 91 of the power tool 90, the tool start signal generating part 93A generates the tool start signal (step SB1). The tool start signal generated in the tool start signal generating part 93A is output to the tool motor 92. The tool motor 92 starts in response to the tool start signal (step SB2). In addition, the tool start signal generated in the tool start signal generating part 93A is transmitted to the dust collector 1 via the radio transmitter 94.

The radio receiver 47 receives the tool start signal sent from the power tool 90 (step SA1). The motor control part 15B starts the suction motor 31 in response to receiving the tool start signal transmitted from the power tool 90 (step SA2). In the embodiment, the tool motor 92 and suction motor 31 are started substantially simultaneously. By starting the tool motor 92, the workpiece can be cut. By starting the suction motor 31, dust, etc. generated on the workpiece is sucked into the dust collector 1 via the dust collection hose 17.

When the user releases the pusher switch 91, the tool stop signal generating part 93B generates the tool stop signal (step SB3). The tool stop signal generated in the tool stop signal generating part 93B is output to the tool motor 92. The tool motor 92 stops based on the tool stop signal (step SB4). Further, the tool stop signal generated in the tool stop signal generating part 93B is transmitted to the dust collector 1 via the radio transmitter 94.

The radio transmitter 47 receives the tool stop signal transmitted from the power tool 90 (step SA3). Even when the motor control part 15B receives the tool stop signal transmitted from the power tool 90, the motor control part 15B continues to drive the suction motor 31 for the predetermined time Ta instead of immediately stopping the suction motor 31.

The cleaning control part 15C starts the cleaning motor 81 in response to receiving the tool stop signal transmitted from the power tool 90 (step SA4). Thus, when the suction motor 31 is further driven, the operating member 82 activates the starting of the cleaning motor 81 and thereby the filters 37 are cleaned, as referred to above 22 and 23 described. The time required to clean the filters 37 is shorter than the predetermined time Ta (eg, 3 seconds).

After the filters 37 are cleaned by driving the cleaning motor 81, the cleaning control part 15C stops the cleaning motor 81 (step SA5). After the motor control part 15B finishes cleaning the filters 37 and the predetermined time period Ta has elapsed since the tool stop signal was received, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 (step SA6).

Effects

As described above, in the embodiment, the dust collector 1 includes the main body case 7, the motor assembly 9 which includes (i) the blower fan 29 disposed inside the main body case 7, and the suction motor 31 which rotates the blower fan 29, and ( ii) a suction force is generated at the suction port 16 which communicates with the interior of the main body housing 7, the filters 37 which are arranged between the suction port 16 and the blower fan 29, the cleaning device 80 which cleans the filters 37, and the Cleaning control part 15C, which operates the cleaning device 80 after the power tool 90 connected to the suction port 16 stops.

According to the configuration described above, when the power tool 90 and the dust collector 1 are coupled (paired), the filters 37 are cleaned after the power tool 90 stops. If the cleaning device 80 were instead operated before the power tool 90 stops, there is a possibility that dust, etc. from the power tool 90 would continue to adhere to the filters 37, thereby clogging the filters 37. On the other hand, by operating the cleaning device 80 after stopping the power tool 90 according to the present teachings, the filters 37 are cleaned at an appropriate timing, and therefore clogging of the filters 37 can be restricted.

In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 includes the motor control part 15B, which controls the suction motor 31 based on the coupling with the power tool 90. In this case, the motor control part 15B may start the suction motor 31 in conjunction with (at the same time as) starting the power tool 90, and may stop the suction motor 31 after driving of the suction motor 31 was continued for the predetermined period of time after the power tool 90 stopped.

According to the configuration described above, by starting the suction motor 31 in conjunction with starting the power tool 90, dust etc. generated by a work in which the power tool 90 is used is sucked into the dust collector 1 by the suction force provided by the motor assembly 9 is generated. In an embodiment in which the cleaning device 80 cleans the filters 37 using the suction power of the motor assembly 9 by continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for the predetermined period of time after stopping the power tool 90, the filters 37 can be appropriately cleaned after the power tool 90 stops.

In the embodiment, the cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 in the predetermined period of time.

According to the configuration described above, since the cleaning device 80 cleans the filters 37 using the suction force of the motor assembly 9, the filters 37 are appropriately cleaned in the predetermined period of time during which the driving of the suction motor 31 is continued.

In the embodiment, cleaning the filters 37 includes separating (removing) dust, etc., from the filters 37 which adheres to the filters 37.

According to the configuration described above, dust is separated (removed) from the filters 37 by the force of air, and thereby the filters 37 are cleaned.

In the embodiment, the filters 37 include the first filter 37L and the second filter 37R. The dust collector 1 has the first ventilation path 71L which is provided between the first filter 37L and the blower fan 29 (provides fluid communication therebetween), the second ventilation path 71R which is provided between the second filter 37R and the blower fan 29 (between them). fluid connection), the first exhaust duct 51 through which gas discharged from the motor assembly 9 flows, the first connection opening 72L which connects the first ventilation path 71L with the first exhaust duct 51, and the second connection opening 72R which connects the second Ventilation path 71R connects to the first exhaust duct 51. The cleaning device 80 has the first valve 83L which is operated to switch between the first state in which the first ventilation path 71L is open and the first communication opening 72L is closed and the second state in which the first ventilation path 71L is closed and the first communication port 72L is open, the second valve 83R, which is operated to switch between the third state in which the second ventilation path 71R is open and the second communication port 72R is closed, and the fourth state in which the second ventilation path 71R is closed and the second communication port 72R is open, and the operating member 82 that, in the state in which the suction motor 31 is driven, operates the first valve 83L to change from the first state to the second state, and the second valve 83R is actuated so that it changes from the third state to the fourth state.

According to the configuration described above, the cleaning device 80 can clean each of the first filter 37L and the second filter 37R (e.g., sequentially) using the suction force of the motor assembly 9.

In the embodiment, the cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 after receiving the tool stop signal that stops the power tool 90.

According to the configuration described above, the cleaning device 80 can be operated synchronously with the stopping of the power tool 90.

In the embodiment, the cleaning control part 15C receives the tool stop signal wirelessly.

According to the configuration described above, there is no need to provide a communication cable that electrically connects the power tool 90 to the dust collector 1.

In the embodiment, upon receiving the tool stop signal that stops the power tool 90, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 after continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for the predetermined period of time.

According to the configuration described above, since the cleaning device 80 cleans the filters 37 using the suction power of the motor assembly 9, the filters 37 are appropriately cleaned in the predetermined period of time during which driving of the suction motor 31 is continued.

In the embodiment, the motor control part 15B receives the tool stop signal wirelessly.

According to the configuration described above, there is no need to provide a commu nication cable that electrically connects the power tool 90 to the dust collector 1.

In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 includes the radio receiver 47 that receives the tool stop signal transmitted from a radio transmitter provided in the power tool 90.

According to the configuration described above, there is also no need to provide a communication cable that electrically connects the power tool 90 to the dust collector 1.

In the embodiment, the dust collector 1 includes the main body case 7, the motor assembly 9 which has the blower fan 29 disposed in the interior of the main body case 7, and the suction motor 31 which rotates the blower fan 29, and which provides a suction force to the suction port 16 generated, which communicates with the interior of the main body case 7, the filters 37, which is arranged between the suction port 16 and the blower fan 29, the cleaning device 80, which cleans the filters 37, the motor control part 15B, which controls the suction motor 31, and the cleaning control part 15C, which operates the cleaning device 80. Upon receiving the tool stop signal, which is the motor stop signal that stops the suction motor 31, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 after continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for the predetermined period of time (initially). The cleaning control part 15C operates the cleaning device 80 in the predetermined period of time.

According to the configuration described above, in an embodiment in which the cleaning device 80 cleans the filters 37 using the suction force from the motor assembly 9, since driving of the suction motor 31 continues after receiving the tool stop signal, which is the motor stop signal, the filters 37A cleaned at an appropriate time.

Other embodiments

In the embodiment described with reference to 26 As has been described, it was assumed that after the motor control part 15B receives the tool stop signal (motor stop signal) transmitted from the power tool 90, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 while continuing to drive the suction motor 31 for a predetermined time Ta, and then the cleaning control part 15C activates the cleaning device 80 in the predetermined time Ta. However, in another embodiment of the present teachings, the cleaning device 80 may clean the filters 37 without being connected (coupled, paired) to the power tool 90. An example of the operation of the cleaning device 80 in an alternative embodiment in which the cleaning device 80 is not coupled to the power tool 90 is described below with reference to 27 described.

27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dust collector 1 according to the alternative embodiment. When the user of the dust collector 1 manually operates (presses) the switch button 13 to be ON, a motor start signal, which serves as the operation signal and starts the suction motor 31, is generated in (through) the switch button 13. The engine control part 15B receives the engine start signal from the shift button 13 (step SC1). The suction motor 31 starts based on the engine start signal (step SC2).

When the user manually operates (presses) the switch button 13 to be OFF, the motor stop signal serving as the operation signal and stopping the suction motor 31 is generated in the switch button 13. The motor control part 15B receives the motor stop signal from the switch button 13 (step SC3).

Even when the engine control part 15B receives the engine stop signal from the shift button 13, the engine control part 15B continues driving the suction motor 31 for a predetermined time Ta instead of immediately stopping the suction motor 31.

The cleaning control part 15C starts the cleaning motor 81 based on (in response to) the motor stop signal from the switch button 13 (step SC4). While the suction motor 31 is further driven, the operating member 82 is operated by starting the cleaning motor 81, thereby cleaning the filters 37 as referred to above 22 and 23 described. The time required to clean the filters 37 is shorter than the predetermined time Ta (eg, 3 seconds).

After the filters 37 are cleaned by driving the cleaning motor 81, the cleaning control part 15C stops the cleaning motor 81 (step SC5). After the cleaning of the filters 37 is completed and the predetermined time period Ta has elapsed since the reception of the motor stop signal, the motor control part 15B stops the suction motor 31 (step SC6).

In the alternative example given with reference to 27 has been described driving the suction motor 31 continues until the predetermined time Ta has elapsed from receiving the engine stop signal. The cleaning device 80 can clean the filters 37 using the suction generated by the suction motor 31 within the predetermined time Ta. After the foreign material is separated (removed) from the filter 37, the user can resume using the dust collector 1.

It is expressly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are considered to be separate and independent from each other for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, regardless of the combinations of features in the embodiments and/or the claims should. It is explicitly stated that all range statements or statements of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a limit of a range statement.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

Dust collector

2

Intake manifold

2A

front end surface

3

tank

3A

Handle

4

Inlet cover

5

cap

6

wheel

6F

Roller

6R

fixed wheel

7

Main body housing

8th

Hook

9

Motor assembly

10

inner cover

10A

engagement part

10B

protruding part

10C

Tab part

10D

excluded area

10E

channel

11

Filter unit

12

Switch base

13

Switch button

14

Handle

15

steering

15A

Signal receiving part

15B

Engine control part

15C

Cleaning control part

16

Suction opening

17

Dust collection hose

18

Handle

19

Space

20

Tank cover

20A

Ventilation opening

20B

excluded area

20C

Pipe part

21

Separating device

22

disguise

23

Battery cover

24

Hose hook

25

Dust collection pipe

26

Pipe support part

26A

protruding part

26B

storage surface

27

Cap holder

27A

Clamping part

28

Storage part

29

Blower fan wheel

30

Cooling fan

31

Naturally aspirated engine

31A

stator

31B

rotor

31C

Rotor shaft

31D

camp

31E

camp

32

Motor housing

32A

Engine air intake opening

32B

Engine exhaust vent

33A

Base

33B

Fan wheel base

34

Fan cover

34A

Fan wheel air intake opening

34B

Fan wheel exhaust opening

35

connection opening

35L

first connection opening

35R

second connection opening

36

Grid part

36L

first grid part

36R

second grid part

37

filter

37A

Pre-filter

37B

Intermediate filter

37C

Main filter

37L

first filter

37R

second filter

38

Filter holder

38A

Locking lever

38B

excluded area

38C

Hook part

38D

Handle part

38H

holding part

39

Main power supply switch

40

Battery pack

41

Battery chamber

42

Exhaust opening

42A

Soundproofing component

43

first cover plate part

44

first guide plate part

44A

Soundproofing component

45

second cover plate part

46

second guide plate part

47

Radio receiver

50

Exhaust duct

51

first exhaust duct

52

second exhaust air duct

53

Connection path opening

60

flange part

61

tubular part

62

Handle part

63

Introduction areas

63A

outer end portion in the radial direction

64

Non-introduction area

65

opposite surface

66

rib

67

slot

68

Small piece part

69

Reinforcing rib

70

Space

71

Ventilation path

71L

first ventilation route

71R

second ventilation path

72L

first connection opening

72R

second connection opening

80

Cleaning device

81

Cleaning engine

82

Actuating component

83L

first valve

83R

second valve

90

power tool

91

Push button switch

92

Tool motor

93

steering

93A

Tool start signal generation part

93B

Tool stop signal generation part

93C

Signal sending part

94

Radio transmitter

Ta

predetermined period of time

Wha

dimension

Wb

dimension

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 6150517 B2 [0002]
• DE 202013011464 U1 [0002]

Claims (13)

Dust collector, with a main body housing having a suction port in fluid communication with the interior of the main body housing, a motor assembly that includes a blower fan disposed inside the main body case and a suction motor that rotates the blower fan, in which the motor assembly is configured to generate a suction force at the suction port, a first filter arranged in a fluid communication path between the suction opening and the blower fan wheel, a filter cleaning device configured to clean the first filter, and a cleaning control part configured to operate the filter cleaning device after a power tool in fluid communication with the suction port stops operation. Dust collector after Claim 1 , comprising a motor control part configured to control an operation of the suction motor based on a coupling with the power tool, wherein the motor control part is configured to start the suction motor in association with starting the power tool and to stop the suction motor after driving the suction motor has continued for a predetermined period of time after stopping the operation of the power tool. Dust collector after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the cleaning control part is configured to operate the filter cleaning device within a predetermined period of time after stopping the operation of the power tool. A dust collector according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter cleaning device is configured to remove foreign matter adhered to the first filter from the first filter. A dust collector according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second filter, in which a first ventilation path fluidly connects the first filter and the blower fan, a second ventilation path fluidly connects the second filter and the blower fan, an exhaust duct is configured to receive air discharged from the motor assembly, a first connection opening fluidly connects the first ventilation path to the exhaust duct, a second connection opening fluidly connects the second ventilation path to the exhaust duct, and the filter cleaning device a first valve configured to be actuated to change between a first state in which the first ventilation path is open and the second connection opening is closed and a second state in which the first ventilation path is closed and the first connection opening is open, a second valve configured to be actuated to change between a third state in which the second ventilation path is open and the second connection opening is closed and a fourth state in which the second ventilation path is closed and the second communication port is open, and has an actuating member configured to actuate the first valve to change from the first state to the second state and the second valve to change from the third state to the fourth state while the naturally aspirated motor is driven. A dust collector according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning control part is configured to operate the filter cleaning device in response to receiving a tool stop signal from the power tool. Dust collector after Claim 6 , in which the cleaning control part is configured to receive the tool stop signal wirelessly. Dust collector after one of the Claims 2 until 7 , wherein the motor control part is configured to stop the suction motor after driving the suction motor has continued for the predetermined period of time after a tool stop signal is received from the power tool. Dust collector after Claim 8 , in which the motor control part is configured to receive the tool stop signal wirelessly. Dust collector according to one of the Claims 6 until 9 , further comprising a radio receiver configured to receive the tool stop signal transmitted from a radio transmitter of the power tool. Dust collector according to one of the Claims 2 until 10 , where the predetermined time period is between 1 to 10 seconds. A dust collector according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter cleaning device is configured to clean the filter(s) by blowing air through the filter(s) in an air flow direction opposite to the air flow direction prior to stopping the power tool. A dust collector, comprising a main body housing having a suction port fluidly connected to the interior of the main body housing, a motor assembly including a blower fan disposed in an interior of the main body housing, and a suction motor rotating the blower fan, in which the motor assembly is configured to generate a suction force at the suction port, a filter disposed in a fluid communication path between the suction port and the blower fan, a filter cleaning device configured to clean the filters, a motor control part configured to do so , to control an operation of the suction motor, and a cleaning control part configured to operate the filter cleaning device, in which the motor control part is configured to continue driving the suction motor for a predetermined period of time after receiving a motor stop signal before the stop operation of the suction motor, the Cleaning control part is configured to operate the filter cleaning device to clean the filter within the predetermined period of time after the engine stop signal is received.

Images