CN109717794B

CN109717794B - Collecting system and collector

Info

Publication number: CN109717794B
Application number: CN201811283359.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 外山一人; 池田昌树
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2018-10-31
Publication date: 2022-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-31
Also published as: EP3476267B1; CN109717794A; JP7122619B2; EP3476267A1; JP2019080853A

Abstract

The collection system (S1) includes: a housing (11) having an inlet port (312 a); a suction unit (22) accommodated in the housing (11) and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port (312 a); and a plurality of different types of battery packs (BT1, BT2) having rated output voltages different from each other. The housing (11) includes an attachment unit (23), the attachment unit (23) being configured to receive any battery pack selected from a plurality of different types of battery packs (BT1, BT2) as the battery pack to be used. The suction unit (22) is configured to generate suction force based on electric power supplied from a battery pack to be used and to suck fluid through the inlet port (312 a).

Description

Collecting system and collector

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to collection systems and collectors.

Background

Handheld vacuum cleaners are known in the art as exemplary collection systems (or collectors) that include: a suction unit built in a housing thereof; and a battery pack attached to the housing. The suction unit includes, for example, an electric motor, and is powered by a battery pack (see, for example, japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2015-104488).

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

In known collection systems, the available battery packs have only a single nominal output voltage value. Therefore, in the known collection system, the voltage applied from the battery pack to the suction unit also has a single value.

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a collection system and collector that allows a user to select any one of a plurality of voltage values to be applied from a battery pack to a suction unit.

Solution to the problem

A collection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an inlet port; a suction unit accommodated in the housing and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port; and a plurality of different types of battery packs having rated output voltages different from each other. The housing includes an attachment unit configured to receive any battery pack selected from the plurality of different types of battery packs as the battery pack to be used. The suction unit is configured to generate a suction force based on electric power supplied from a battery pack to be used and to suck a fluid through the inlet port.

A collector according to another aspect of the invention comprises: a housing having an inlet port; a suction unit housed in the housing and configured to draw in fluid through the inlet port. The housing includes an attachment unit configured to receive any battery pack selected from a plurality of different types of battery packs having rated output voltages different from each other as the battery pack to be used. The suction unit is configured to generate a suction force based on electric power supplied from a battery pack to be used and to suck a fluid through the inlet port.

Advantageous effects of the invention

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure achieves the advantage of allowing a user to select any one of a plurality of voltage values to be applied from the battery pack to the suction unit.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a collection system including a collector according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the collection system;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the main body housing of the collector;

fig. 4A is a perspective view of a battery pack for a collection system, viewed from above the battery pack;

fig. 4B is a perspective view of the battery pack as viewed from below the battery pack;

fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an attachment unit of the collector.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a dust collecting unit of the collector.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection unit;

fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a filter unit and a vibrator of the dust collecting unit.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a filter frame of the filter unit.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the collection system; and

fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an alternative configuration of the collection system.

Detailed Description

The embodiments to be described below relate generally to collection systems and collectors, and more particularly to collection systems that include battery packs and collectors to which a selected one of the battery packs is attached.

The collection system and collector according to exemplary embodiments may be used primarily at a construction site, a work site, a factory, or any other location, and is configured to intake a target substance, which may be at least one of powder particles, dust or dirt, and liquid. A specific exemplary fluid to be drawn by the collection system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment may be, for example, air. Examples of specific target substances (powder particles) to be sucked together with the fluid by the collecting system and collector according to this embodiment include gypsum powder particles produced by, for example, machining (e.g., cutting or drilling) gypsum boards. Note that the collection system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment need not be used at those construction sites, job sites, or factories. Likewise, the fluid drawn in by the collection system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment need not be air, but may be any other gas or even a liquid such as water. Further, the target substance to be sucked together with the fluid by the collection system and the collector according to the present exemplary embodiment is not necessarily at least one of powder particles, dust, or dirt, but may be any other substance.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, any one of forward, backward, rightward, leftward, upward and downward directions to be mentioned is assumed as indicated by an arrow in fig. 1. Unless otherwise indicated.

As shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the collecting system S1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a collector 1 and a plurality of different types of battery packs BT having output voltage ratings (hereinafter referred to as "rated output voltages") that are different from each other. Specifically, in fig. 1, two types of battery packs BT1 and BT2 having rated output voltages different from each other are shown as an exemplary plurality of different types of battery packs BT. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. The number of battery packs BT of various types having rated output voltages different from each other must be at least equal to 2. Therefore, the collection system S1 may also include three or more types of battery packs BT.

The collector 1 comprises a drive unit 2 and a dust collecting unit 3, as shown in fig. 1 and 2.

The driving unit 2 includes a main body housing 21 and a suction unit 22, as shown in fig. 2 and 3. The main body case 21 is a hollow container having an electrical insulation property. The suction unit 22 is accommodated in the main body casing 21.

The dust collection unit 3 includes a dust collection housing 31 (receptacle) and a filter unit 32, as shown in fig. 6 and 7. The dust collection housing 31 is a container having electrical insulation and a rear opening. The filter unit 32 is accommodated in the dust collection housing 31.

The main body housing 21 and the dust housing 31 are configured to be easily attached and detached to each other. The main body case 21 and the dust collection case 31 are combined to form a housing 11 as a case of the collector 1. Specifically, the rear surface of the dust collection housing 31 is attached to the front surface of the main body housing 21.

First, the drive unit 2 will be described. In the drive unit 2, a suction unit 22 is accommodated in the main body casing 21. In addition, the battery BT is attached to an attachment face 21j on the outer surface of the main body casing 21.

The main body case 21 includes two

halves

211 and 212, which can be separated to the right and left. The two

halves

211 and 212 are assembled together with a plurality of screws 213 to form the main body housing 21. The front portion of the main body casing 21 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder whose axis is defined by the front-rear direction, while the rear portion of the main body casing 21 is formed in the shape of a hollow box having a cut-away lower half.

On the front surface of the main body casing 21, a pair of

wall portions

21a, 21a facing each other in the left and right directions are provided. Between the pair of wall portions 21a, a circular through hole penetrating the front surface of the main body casing 21 in the front-rear direction is provided as a suction port 21 b. Mounted in the suction port 21b is a protective cap 21c having a sparse mesh structure.

The upper half of the main body case 21 has a through hole 21d, which penetrates the main body case 21 in the left-right direction and has a substantially elliptical shape extending in the front-rear direction. Above the through hole 21d, a handle 21e in the shape of a curved rod is provided. A suction power switch 21f (as an exemplary suction power control unit) is provided on an upper surface of the handle 21 e. The suction power switch 21f includes two

buttons

21g and 21h protruding from the upper surface of the grip 21 e. The lower surface of the handle 21e is provided with a slide stopper 21i with a plurality of grooves. This allows the user to hold the handle 21e with his or her hand and press the

button

21g or 21h with his or her thumb.

The lower surface of the rear cutout portion of the main body case 21 is an attachment surface 21 j. The attachment face 21j is provided with an attachment unit 23 to which the battery pack BT is attached to the attachment unit 23.

The suction unit 22 includes a motor 221, a fan 222, a first circuit unit 223, and a second circuit unit 224 (see fig. 3). Attaching the battery BT to the attachment unit 23 can electrically connect the battery BT to the first circuit unit 223.

The fan 222 is disposed near the front end of the main body casing 21. The front side (i.e., suction side) of the fan 222 faces the suction port 21 b. Behind the rear side (i.e., the discharge side) of the fan 222, a motor 221 is disposed, the shaft of which extends in the front-rear direction. The shaft of the motor 221 is connected to the fan 222 such that turning the shaft of the motor 221 rotates the fan 222. The motor 221 is an electric motor and is supplied with driving power from the first circuit unit 223.

The fan 222 is a so-called "turbofan". The fan 222 connected to the shaft of the motor 221 is rotated with the rotational force transmitted from the motor 221. As the fan 222 rotates, the pressure in front of the fan 222 becomes negative, thereby generating a suction force directed from the front side toward the rear side of the fan 222. As a result, the fan 222 draws in air (i.e., an exemplary fluid) from the front side and discharges the air toward the rear.

The first circuit unit 223 is arranged behind the motor 221 so as to face the attachment face 21 j. The first circuit unit 223 is supplied with electric power from the battery pack BT and regulates rotation of the motor 221. The first circuit unit 223 includes a circuit board 223a on which a driving circuit and a control circuit are integrated. The first circuit unit 223 adjusts the value of power supplied to the motor 221 toward a target value, thereby controlling the Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) of the motor 221. That is, the first circuit unit 223 can control the suction force of the fan 222 by controlling the RPM of the motor 221. Specifically, as the power supplied to the motor 221 increases, the suction force of the fan 222 increases. In other words, as the power supplied to the motor 221 decreases, the suction force of the fan 222 decreases.

Inside the handle 21e, the second circuit unit 224 is housed below the suction power switch 21 f. For example, the first circuit unit 223 and the second circuit unit 224 are electrically connected together via a wire and a connector. The second circuit unit 224 includes a circuit board 224a, and a detector circuit for detecting the pressing of the

buttons

21g and 21h is provided on the circuit board 224 a. In addition, the second circuit unit 224 is supplied with power from the first circuit unit 223, and outputs an operation signal input through the suction power switch 21f to the first circuit unit 223. The

buttons

21g and 21h are switches for changing the suction force of the fan 222 stepwise. Specifically, the button 21g is an UP button for increasing the suction force of the fan 222, and the button 21h is a DOWN button for decreasing the suction force of the fan 222.

Further, the second circuit unit 224 outputs an UP signal to the first circuit unit 223 every time the user presses the button 21 g. Also, the second circuit unit 224 outputs a DOWN signal to the first circuit unit 223 every time the user presses the button 21 h. Upon receiving an UP signal once, the first circuit unit 223 increases the suction force of the fan 222 by one step. Meanwhile, upon receiving the DOWN signal once, the first circuit unit 223 decreases the suction force of the fan 222 by one step. The suction of the fan 222 may be switched in multiple steps, from zero suction when the fan 222 is at rest, through maximum suction when the fan 222 is rotating at an upper RPM.

Two slit outlets 21k are provided on both side surfaces of the main body casing 21 in the vicinity of the rear side of the fan 222. This allows the air directed rearward from the fan 222 to be discharged out of the main body casing 21 through the discharge port 21 k.

Each battery pack BT (see fig. 4A and 4B) includes a plurality of secondary (or rechargeable) batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), a rectangular parallelepiped case 91 that houses the secondary batteries, and a compressed rectangular parallelepiped boss 92 that protrudes from a portion of one surface 911 of the case 91. The housing 91 and the boss 92 have an electrical insulating property. In each battery pack BT, a plurality of lithium ion batteries are connected together in series within the case 91. The number of lithium ion batteries connected in series determines the rated voltage value of the battery BT. The battery pack BT includes a communication connector 99 (as a first communication connector) that is a connector for transmitting battery information about the battery pack BT. Examples of the battery information include various information on temperature, battery level, rated voltage, rated capacity, and number of battery uses.

The boss 92 has a first longitudinal end 921 and a second longitudinal end 922. The boss 92 has three

insertion grooves

931, 932 and 933 at the first longitudinal end 921. The three

insertion grooves

931, 932 and 933 have embedded

female connection terminals

961, 962 and 963, respectively. The battery BT also includes two sets of L-shaped

hooks

941, 942, and 943. Each set of L-shaped

hooks

941, 942 and 943 is provided to an associated one of a pair of lateral side surfaces 923 of the boss 92. The battery pack BT further includes a lock member 95, the lock member 95 being exposed on one surface 911 of the case 91 and being disposed between the

hooks

942 and 943. The locking member 95 is inserted into the hole 915 of the wall including the one surface 911 of the housing 91. The lock member 95 is biased by a return spring provided inside the housing 91 toward a direction so as to protrude from the one surface 911 of the housing 91. As used herein, a "return spring" may be configured, for example, as a compression coil spring. The battery pack BT further includes an unlocking member 97 (see fig. 4B) for unlocking the battery pack BT locked by the locking member 95.

As shown in fig. 5, the attachment unit 23 is formed in a compressed rectangular parallelepiped shape on the attachment face 21 j. The lower surface 238 of the attachment unit 23 has a rectangular parallelepiped groove 230 opened downward, which has a rear end portion (at one longitudinal end thereof) cut away. That is, the attachment unit 23 includes a rectangular parallelepiped groove 230 to receive the boss 92 of the battery pack BT (see fig. 4A), and the groove 230 is open on both the lower side and the rear side. The attachment unit 23 includes two sets of three L-shaped

hooks

231, 232, and 233. Each set of three L-shaped

hooks

231, 232 and 233 is provided to an associated one of a pair of inner side faces 234 of the groove 230. Each set of three

hooks

231, 232 and 233 is configured to engage with an associated set of

hooks

941, 942 and 943, respectively, of the battery pack BT. The attachment unit 23 further includes a communication connector 235 (as a second communication connector) connectable to the communication connector 99 of the battery pack BT, and two

power terminals

236 and 237 inserted and connected to two 961 and 962 of the three

connection terminals

961, 962 and 963 of the battery pack BT, respectively. In this connection structure, the power supply terminal 236 will be connected to the positive electrode of the battery pack BT, and the power supply terminal 237 will be connected to the negative electrode of the battery pack BT. These

power terminals

236 and 237 and the communication connector 235 are electrically connected to the circuit board 223a of the first circuit unit 223.

When the battery pack BT is attached to this attachment unit 23, the boss 92 of the battery pack BT is inserted into the groove 230 from below the lower surface 238 of the attachment unit 23 so that the

hooks

941, 942, and 943 of the battery pack BT do not interfere with the

hooks

231, 232, and 233 of the attachment unit 23. Thereafter, sliding the battery pack BT toward the first longitudinal end 921 of the boss 92 allows the battery pack BT to be attached to the attachment unit 23. When the battery pack BT is attached to the attachment unit 23, the

hooks

941, 942, and 943 of the battery pack BT are engaged with the

hooks

231, 232, and 233 of the attachment unit 23, respectively. Meanwhile, the locking member 95 of the battery pack BT locks the hook 233 of the attachment unit 23 that engages with the hook 943 of the battery pack BT.

To remove the battery pack BT from the attachment unit 23, the unlocking member 97 provided for the battery pack BT may be operated to move the locking member 95 located between the

hooks

942 and 943 against the spring force applied by the return spring. Thereafter, the battery BT may be displaced towards the second longitudinal end 922 of the boss 92, and then the battery BT may be pulled out from the attachment face 21 j.

According to this embodiment, two types of battery packs BT1 and BT2 having rated voltage values different from each other are used as the plurality of different types of battery packs BT, as shown in fig. 1 and 2. Specifically, battery BT1 has a rated voltage value of 18V, while battery BT2 has a rated voltage value of 14.4V. Battery BT1 has a greater height (i.e., a greater vertical dimension) and a heavier weight than battery BT 2.

One of the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 is selected by the user and attached to the attachment unit 23 as a battery pack to be used. When the battery pack BT1 is selected as the battery pack to be used, a voltage of 18V is applied to the suction unit 22. On the other hand, when the battery pack BT2 is selected as the battery pack to be used, a voltage of 14.4V is applied to the suction unit 22.

The first circuit unit 223 receives battery information from the battery pack to be used through the communication connector 235. The battery information includes rated voltage information. Therefore, the first circuit unit 223 identifies the rated voltage value of the battery pack to be used by referring to the received rated voltage information to determine which of the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 is now attached as the battery pack to be used. Further, the first circuit unit 223 stores control parameter data of each of the battery packs BT1 and BT2 in advance, and controls the suction force of the fan 222 in accordance with the control parameter data associated with the battery pack to be used.

Battery BT1 has a greater rated voltage value than battery BT 2. When the fan 222 is driven, the suction force of the fan 222 has the lower upper limit value and the lower limit value (both greater than zero). Specifically, when the battery pack to be used is the battery pack BT1, the suction force of the fan 222 has a larger upper limit value than when the battery pack to be used is the battery pack BT 2. Further, when the battery pack to be used is the battery pack BT2, the suction force of the fan 222 has a smaller lower limit value than when the battery pack to be used is the battery pack BT 1.

As a result, selecting the battery pack BT1 as the battery pack to be used allows the suction unit 22 to increase the upper limit of the suction force of the fan 222, as compared with selecting the battery pack BT2 as the battery pack to be used. Furthermore, selecting the battery pack BT2 as the battery pack to be used allows the suction unit 22 to reduce the lower limit (greater than zero) of the suction force of the fan 222, as compared to selecting the battery pack BT1 as the battery pack.

Thus, for example, this allows the user to select one of the plurality of battery packs BT1 and BT2 as the battery pack to be used, depending on the intended use of the collector 1 and the target substance to be sucked up. For example, if the strongest suction force is required, the battery pack BT1 is selected as the battery pack to be used. Meanwhile, if the weakest suction force is required, the battery pack BT2 is selected as the battery pack to be used.

In the above embodiment, the collector 1 is allowed to change the suction force by having the user operate the suction power switch 21 f. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the collector 1 may also vary the suction by having the user change the battery pack as described above. Therefore, this collector 1 allows the user to switch the suction force more finely in a wider range than the known range by having him or her adopt any one of various combinations of the suction force setting value selected via the suction power switch 21f and the battery pack to be used selected from the plurality of battery packs.

As shown in fig. 6 to 8, the dust collection unit 3 includes a dust collection housing 31, a filter unit 32, and a vibrator 33.

The dust collection housing 31 includes: a dust collector 311 formed to have a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; a nozzle 312 (see fig. 1 and 2) which forms an integral part of the front of the dust collector 311; and a check valve 313 provided for the nozzle 312. The nozzle 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inclined cut tip end, and protrudes from the front of the dust collector 311. The opening at the tip end of the nozzle 312 is an intake port 312a having a circular cross section, which is configured to draw in outside air toward the inner space of the dust collector 311 when the fan 222 is driven. A disc check valve 313 (see fig. 7) is attached to the rear end of the nozzle 312. When the fan 222 is not operated, the check valve 313 is pressed against the rear end of the nozzle 312 by an elastic force applied by an elastic member (e.g., a spring). In other words, the rear end of the nozzle 312 is closed by the check valve 313. On the other hand, when the fan 222 operates, the check valve 313 is displaced by the air drawn through the inlet port 312a in a direction such that the rear end of the nozzle 312 is opened against the elastic force exerted by the elastic member, thereby opening the rear end of the nozzle 312.

The filter unit 32 includes a filter frame 321 and a filter 322.

The filter frame 321 is formed in the shape of an elliptical ring frame and has an electrical insulation property. The filter 322 is formed in the shape of a bag having a single opening. Fitting the edge of the opening of the filter 322 onto the outer circumferential surface of the filter frame 321 allows the filter 322 to be attached to the filter frame 321. The filter 322 is configured to collect powder having a particle size (diameter) of about 15-45 μm (e.g., gypsum powder) as a target substance and allow air to pass therethrough.

The vibrator 33 is further attached to the filter unit 32. The vibrator 33 includes a ring frame 33a, another ring frame 33b, a set of four connecting pieces 33c, another set of four connecting pieces 33d, and an operating portion 33 e. The diameter of the frame 33b is smaller than the diameter of the frame 33 a.

The two

frames

33a and 33b are coaxially arranged and spaced apart from each other. Each of the two sets of connecting

pieces

33c and 33d axially connects the

frames

33a and 33b together. Four coupling pieces 33c and four coupling pieces 33d are arranged at regular intervals along the respective circumferences of the

frames

33a and 33b such that each pair of four coupling pieces 33c alternates with the adjacent pair of four coupling pieces 33 d.

Each of the two pairs of connecting pieces 33d protrudes from the frame 33b at its respective end closer to the frame 33 b. A connecting plate 33f is integrally formed between each pair of connecting pieces 33 d. That is, the two connecting plates 33f are formed diametrically opposite to each other with the frame 33b interposed therebetween (i.e., along the diameter of the frame 33 b). In addition, a filter attachment piece 33g in a rod-like (filter attachment portion) shape extends from an inner surface of each of the two connection plates 33f toward the center of the frame 33 b. The respective tips of the two filter attachment pieces 33g face each other with a gap left therebetween.

At the inner bottom of the filter 322, there is provided a cylindrical portion 322a having openings at both ends. Inserting the respective tip ends of the two filter attachment pieces 33g into the two open ends of the cylindrical portion 322a allows the vibrator 33 to be attached to the filter 322. In this case, portions of the vibrator 33 (including the

connection pieces

33c and 33d and the frame 33b) are inserted through the opening of the filter 322 to be accommodated in the filter 322.

The operating portion 33e is configured as a rod-shaped handle. Both ends of the operating portion 33e are fitted into the frame 33a such that the operating portion 33a is diametrically arranged within the opening of the frame 33 a.

Then, fixing the frame 33a of the vibrator 33 to the filter frame 321 allows the vibrator 33 to be attached to the filter unit 32.

Specifically, the filter frame 321 includes a frame main body 321a in a frame shape. The frame body 321a is formed in a cylindrical shape, which is axially compressed, and has a circular opening 321b at one end face and an elliptical opening 321c at the other end face (see fig. 9). The respective peripheries of the two

openings

321b and 321c are joined together with the side wall 321 d.

Further, two arc-shaped edge portions 321e extend inward from the periphery of the opening 321 b. In addition, two arc-shaped edge portions 321f protrude inwardly from the side wall 321d between the two edge portions 321e when viewed along the axis of the filter frame 321. The two pairs of

edge portions

321e and 321f are alternately arranged at intervals of about 90 degrees when viewed along the axis of the filter frame 321. Further, the edge portion 321f is arranged away from the edge portion 321e along the axis of the filter frame 321 so as to be located closer to the opening 321c than the edge portion 321e is to the opening 321 c.

On the other hand, the vibrator 33 includes two arc-shaped edge portions 33h arranged along the outer periphery of the frame 33 a. A projection 33i is provided at one circumferential edge of each edge portion 33 h. Then, the frame 33b of the vibrator 33 is inserted into the frame body 321a from the opening 321c of the filter frame 321 toward the opening 321b thereof. After the rear surface of each of the two edge portions 33h of the vibrator 33 has come into contact with the surface of the associated one of the two edge portions 321e of the filter frame 321, the vibrator 33 rotates clockwise when viewed from above, thereby causing the rear surface of each edge portion 33h to slide along the surface of the associated edge portion 321 e. Then, after the surface of each edge portion 33h faces the rear surface of the associated one of the edge portions 321f, the projection 33i of the edge portion 33h engages with the catch portion 321g (see fig. 9) on the rear surface of the edge portion 321 f. The catching portion 321g includes a slope 321h, a groove 321i, and a stopper 321j, which are provided clockwise in this order on the rear surface of the edge portion 321 f. The slope 321h slopes in the clockwise direction toward the opening 321 b. The groove 321i is recessed toward the surface of the edge portion 321 f. The stopper 321j protrudes toward the opening 321 b.

Therefore, the vibrator 33 is rotated clockwise so that the projection 33i of the edge portion 33h abuts the slope 321h, thereby bending the catching portion 321g upward. Then, the vibrator 33 is further rotated clockwise, the projection 33i of the edge portion 33h is fitted into the groove 321i, and the circumferential end of the edge portion 33h is brought into abutment with the stopper 321j, thereby fixing the vibrator 33 to the filter frame 321. In this case, fitting the projection 33i of the edge portion 33h into the groove 321i makes it possible for the user to hear the click sound. This allows the user sensing vibrator 33 to be fixed to the filter frame 321.

At the same time, rotating the vibrator 33 counterclockwise as viewed from above bends the catching portion 321g, thereby disengaging the projection 33i of the edge portion 33h from the groove 321i and abutting the slope 321 h. Then, further counterclockwise rotation of the vibrator 33 brings the protrusion 33i out of abutment with the tip end of the slope 321h, thereby preparing the vibrator 33 for removal from the filter frame 321.

Further, a locking lever 34 (see fig. 6) is attached to an opening edge of the rear surface of the dust collector 311. The locking lever 34 is formed in the shape of a plate that rotates about an axis defined by the left-right direction. The lock lever 34 has a lock pawl 34a (see fig. 6) at its rear end. Meanwhile, a catching piece 21m (see fig. 3) is provided on the front surface of the main body housing 21. Engaging the lock catch 34a of the lock lever 34 with the catch groove 21n of the catch 21m of the main body housing 21 (see fig. 3) allows the dust collection unit 3 to be attached to the drive unit 2 with the front surface of the drive unit 2 and the rear surface of the dust collection unit 3 facing each other. At this time, the fitting projection 21p provided at the bottom of the front end of the main body housing (see fig. 2) is fitted into the recess 314 provided at the rear open bottom of the dust collection housing 31 (see fig. 6) to place the dust collection unit 3 in position with respect to the drive unit 2.

In this collector 1, an air flow path is formed between the inlet port 312a and the fan 222 to allow air to pass through the nozzle 312, the dust collector 311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21 b. Also, in this collector 1, the driving unit 2 is activated and the fan 222 is allowed to suck air from the front by operating the suction power switch 21f by the user. This generates a suction force at the inlet port 312a, thereby allowing air to be drawn into the fan 222 through the inlet port 312a, the nozzle 312, the dust collector 311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21 b.

After having passed through the filter 322 from the outside of the filter 322 toward the inside of the filter 322 and then passing through the filter frame 321, air is drawn into the fan 222. Meanwhile, the target substance (e.g., powder) included in the air cannot pass through the filter 322, but is deposited on the outer surface of the filter 322 and collected by the filter 322. The target substances collected by the filter 322 fall from the filter 322 into the dust collector 311 and are accumulated therein. That is, the target substance such as powder, which has been contained in the air sucked by the collector 1, is collected in the dust collector 311.

Then, the user operates and unlocks the locking lever 34, thereby removing the dust collection unit 3 from the drive unit 2, in this case, the dust collection unit 3 is removed from the drive unit 2 with the filter unit 32 and the vibrator 33 stored in the dust collection housing 31. The operation portion 33e of the vibrator 33 is exposed at the rear surface of the dust collection unit 3 removed from the driving unit 2. Therefore, the user grips the operating portion 33e of the vibrator 33 and applies a force to the operating portion 33e which causes the vibrator 33 to vibrate. This causes vibration in the filter 322 and shakes off the target substances deposited on the outer surface of the filter 322 into the dust collector 311 of the dust collection housing 31. For example, the user can apply a force causing vibration in the vibrator 33 to the operation portion 33e grasped by his or her hand in the rotational, left-right, up-down, front-rear directions. This allows most of the target substances deposited on the outer surface of the filter 322 to be accumulated in the dust container 311, and only a small amount of the target substances remains on the outer surface of the filter 322.

At this time, the filter unit 32 and the vibrator 33 attached to the dust collection housing 31 are stored in the dust collection housing 31. This allows the user to hold the dust collection housing 3 itself by grasping the operating portion 33e of the vibrator 33. That is, by shaking the dust collection unit 3 itself while grasping the operation section 33e, the user is allowed to cause vibration in the filter 322.

Then, by holding the dust collection housing 31 with one hand and holding and rotating the operating portion 33e counterclockwise with the other hand before lifting the operating portion 33e, the user is allowed to remove the filter unit 32 from the dust collection housing 31. At this time, a relatively small percentage of the target substance remains on the outer surface of the filter 322, and thus, the amount of the target substance scattered around is also reduced. This allows the air in the surrounding environment to remain sufficiently clean. Thereafter, the user processes the target substance accumulated in the dust collection housing 31, attaches the filter unit 32 and the vibrator 33 to the dust collection housing 31 again, and then attaches the dust collection unit 3 to the driving unit 2 again.

Further, in this collector 1, an air flow path is formed between the inlet port 312a and the fan 222 to allow air to pass through the nozzle 312, the dust collector 311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21 b. In this airflow path, air flows from the inlet port 312a toward the fan 222. That is, the inlet 312a defines an upstream end of the airflow path, and the fan 222 defines a downstream end of the airflow path. The operating portion 33e of the vibrator 33 is located downstream of the filter 322 along the airflow path. Therefore, the operating portion 33e is disposed at such a position along the airflow path that: air of the target substance, which has been filtered out by the filter 322, passes through the location. This reduces the amount of the target substance deposited on the operating portion 33e, and allows the operating portion 33e to be kept sufficiently clean, thereby providing a clean impression to a user who holds the operating portion 33 e.

Generally, if the target substance is fine powder particles such as gypsum powder, the filter 322 tends to be clogged with such fine powder particles. In view of this, according to the present embodiment, if the target substance is fine powder particles, the battery BT2 having a smaller rated voltage value of the two types of batteries BT1 and BT2 is adopted as the battery to be used. This weakens the suction of the collector 1, thereby reducing the likelihood of clogging of the filter 322, as compared to using the battery BT1 as the battery to be used.

Further, the collecting system S1 shown in fig. 10 employs, as the battery pack to be used, the battery pack BT1 having a larger rated voltage value of the two types of battery packs BT1 and BT 2. In this case, the battery pack BT1 protrudes downward from the attachment face 21j of the main body casing 21. Also, the downward tip of the housing 11 of the collector 1 is the bottom end of the rib 315 protruding from the lower surface of the housing 11. Then, the lower surface (tip end surface) of battery BT1 and the bottom end (tip end) of rib 315 of case 11 are located on a single line X1.

Therefore, when the collection system S1 is placed on a mounting surface such as a floor or ground, the lower surface of the battery BT1 and the bottom ends of the ribs 315 of the housing 11 are both located on the mounting surface. This allows the collection system S1 to be placed horizontally with respect to the mounting surface. This allows the collection system S1 to be placed on a mounting surface with good stability. Further, even when the battery pack BT1 heavier than the battery pack BT2 is employed as the battery pack to be used, the collecting system S1 is allowed to be placed horizontally with respect to the installation surface. This allows the user to more easily handle (e.g., store or lift) the collection system S1.

Note that the state where the lower surface of battery BT1 and the bottom end of rib 315 are located on the single line X1 may refer to a state where the lower surface of battery BT1 and the bottom end of rib 315 are located near the single line X1. That is, the collection system S1 need only be positioned substantially horizontally relative to the mounting surface to an extent that allows the user to relatively easily handle the collection system S1.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 11, an extension nozzle 5 may be attached to the tip of the nozzle 312 of the collector 1. In the extension nozzle 5, a head 52 is provided at the tip end of the cylindrical tube 51 and has an inlet port for sucking air. Alternatively, a clearance nozzle 53 may be attached to the tip of the tube 51 in place of the head 52. The clearance nozzle 53 is typically removably attached to the tube 51.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the collection system S1 according to the first aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes: a housing 11 having an inlet port 312 a; a suction unit 22 accommodated in the housing 11 and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port 312 a; and a plurality of different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 having rated output voltages different from each other. The housing 11 includes an attachment unit 23, and the attachment unit 23 is configured to receive any battery pack selected from a plurality of different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 as a battery pack to be used. The suction unit 22 is configured to generate suction force based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to be used to suck fluid through the inlet port 312 a.

The collection system S1 therefore allows the user to select any suitable value of voltage to be applied from the battery BT to the suction unit 22 by enabling the user to select the battery to be used from a plurality of different types of batteries BT1, BT 2. This allows the collection system S1 to switch suction by changing the battery pack as needed.

The collecting system S1 according to the second aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which may be implemented in connection with the first aspect, further comprises a first circuit unit 223 (as a circuit unit) configured to be supplied with electric power from the battery pack to be used and to adjust the suction force of the suction unit 22. Each of the plurality of different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 includes a communication connector 99 (as a first communication connector) and is configured to transmit battery information about an associated one of the rated output voltages through the communication connector 99. The attachment unit 23 includes a communication connector 235 (as a second communication connector) connectable to the communication connector 99 of the battery pack to be used. The first circuit unit 223 receives battery information from the battery pack to be used through the communication connector 235, and adjusts the suction force of the suction unit 22 according to the battery information.

This allows the collection system S1 to adjust the suction force of the suction unit 22 according to the battery information of the battery pack to be used.

In the collecting system S1 according to the third aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which may be implemented in combination with the second aspect, the first circuit unit 223 adjusts the suction force of the suction unit 22 in accordance with control parameter data associated with the battery pack to be used. The control parameter data is included in the battery information.

This allows the collection system S1 to adjust the suction of the suction unit 22 according to the control parameter data associated with the battery pack to be used.

In the collecting system S1 according to the fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which may be implemented in combination with the third aspect, the first circuit unit 223 increases the suction force of the suction unit 22 as the rated output voltage of the battery pack to be used increases.

This allows the collection system S1 to adjust the suction of the suction unit 22 according to the rated output voltage of the battery pack to be used.

The collection system S1 according to the fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which may be implemented in combination with any one of the first to fourth aspects, further includes a filter 322 configured to allow the fluid, which has been drawn through the inlet port 312a, to pass therethrough and filter out the target substance from the fluid by collecting the target substance.

Therefore, the collection system S1 reduces the chance of the filter 322 being clogged by allowing the user to select the battery BT2 having a smaller rated voltage value as the battery to be used from among the plurality of different types of batteries BT1, BT 2.

In the collection system S1 according to the sixth aspect of the example embodiment, which may be implemented in combination with any one of the first to fourth aspects, the housing 11 is elongated along a longitudinal axis of the collection system S1. The attachment unit 23 is provided for the attachment face 21j of the housing 11 extending along the longitudinal axis. When attached to the attachment unit 23, the battery pack to be used protrudes from the attachment face 21 j. If a plurality of different types of battery packs BT1, the heaviest one BT1 of BT2 is selected as the battery pack to be used, the tip end face of the battery pack to be used protruding from the attachment face 21j and the tip end of the case 11 in the direction in which the battery pack to be used protrudes are located on a single line X1.

This therefore allows the user to more easily handle (e.g., store or lift) the collection system S1.

The collecting system S1 according to the seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to fourth aspects, further includes a suction power switch 21f (which is an exemplary suction power control unit) configured to be operated by a user to control the suction force of the suction unit 22.

Therefore, the collection system S1 allows the user to more finely change the suction force in a wider range than the known range by making any of various combinations of the suction force selected by the user via the suction power switch 21f and the battery pack to be used selected from the plurality of battery packs.

The collector 1 according to the eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes: a housing 11 having an inlet port 312 a; a suction unit 22 accommodated in the housing 11 and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port 312 a. The housing 11 includes an attachment unit 23, and the attachment unit 23 is configured to receive any battery pack selected from a plurality of different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 having rated output voltages different from each other as the battery pack to be used. The suction unit 22 is configured to generate suction force based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to be used and to suck fluid through the inlet port 312 a.

Thus, the collector 1 allows the user to select any suitable value of voltage to be applied from the battery BT to the suction unit 22.

Note that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limitations. On the contrary, many modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure, depending upon design choices or any other factors.

List of reference numerals

S1 collecting system

1 collector

11 casing

2 drive unit

21f suction power switch (suction power control unit)

21j attachment surface

22 suction unit

23 attachment unit

99 communication connector (first communication connector)

223 first circuit unit (circuit unit)

235 communication connector (second communication connector)

3 dust collecting unit

312a access port

322 filter

BT (BT1, BT2) battery pack

X1 line

Claims

1. A collection system, comprising:

a housing with an inlet port;

a suction unit accommodated in the housing and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port;

a plurality of different types of battery packs having rated output voltages different from each other; and

a circuit unit configured to supply electric power from a battery pack to be used and to adjust a suction force of the suction unit,

the housing includes an attachment unit configured to receive any battery pack selected from the plurality of different types of battery packs as a battery pack to be used,

the suction unit is configured to generate a suction force based on electric power supplied from a battery pack to be used and to suck a fluid through the inlet port, wherein

Each of the plurality of different types of battery packs includes a first communication connector and is configured to transmit battery information about an associated one of rated output voltages via the first communication connector,

the attachment unit includes a second communication connector connectable to a first communication connector of a battery pack to be used,

the circuit unit receives battery information from a battery pack to be used through the second communication connector and adjusts the suction force of the suction unit according to the battery information,

the circuit unit adjusts the suction force of the suction unit in accordance with control parameter data associated with a battery pack to be used, the control parameter data being included in the battery information, and

the circuit unit increases the suction force of the suction unit as the rated output voltage of the battery pack to be used increases,

the collection system further comprises a suction power control unit configured to be operated by a user to control the suction force of the suction unit,

the circuit unit increases the upper limit of the suction force of the suction unit as the rated output voltage of the battery pack to be used increases,

the circuit unit reduces a lower limit of the suction force of the suction unit as a rated output voltage of the battery pack to be used decreases.

2. The collection system of claim 1, further comprising a filter configured to allow fluid that has been drawn through the inlet port to pass therethrough and filter target matter from the fluid by collecting the target matter.

3. The collection system of claim 1 or 2,

the housing is elongated along a longitudinal axis of the collection system,

the attachment unit is provided for an attachment face of the housing extending along a longitudinal axis,

when attached to the attachment unit, the battery pack to be used protrudes from the attachment face, and

when the heaviest one of the plurality of different types of battery packs is selected as the battery pack to be used, the tip end surface of the battery pack to be used, which protrudes from the attachment face, and the tip end of the housing in the direction in which the battery pack to be used protrudes are located on a single line.

4. A collector, comprising:

a housing having an inlet port;

a suction unit accommodated in the housing and configured to suck a fluid through the inlet port; and

the housing includes an attachment unit configured to receive any battery pack selected from a plurality of different types of battery packs having rated output voltages different from each other as a battery pack to be used,

the collector further comprising a suction power control unit configured to be operated by a user to control a suction force of the suction unit,