US20230263349A1 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230263349A1 US20230263349A1 US18/163,301 US202318163301A US2023263349A1 US 20230263349 A1 US20230263349 A1 US 20230263349A1 US 202318163301 A US202318163301 A US 202318163301A US 2023263349 A1 US2023263349 A1 US 2023263349A1
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- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- filter
- tube part
- main
- dust
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/42—Auxiliary equipment or operation thereof
- B01D46/4236—Reducing noise or vibration emissions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/12—Dry filters
- A47L9/127—Dry filters tube- or sleeve-shaped
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/1427—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters
- A47L9/1463—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters specially adapted for rigid filtering receptacles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
- A47L9/1608—Cyclonic chamber constructions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
- A47L9/165—Construction of inlets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
- A47L9/1658—Construction of outlets
- A47L9/1666—Construction of outlets with filtering means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
- A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/22—Mountings for motor fan assemblies
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/248—Parts, details or accessories of hoses or pipes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/08—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material
- B01D39/083—Filter cloth, i.e. woven, knitted or interlaced material of organic material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
- B01D39/16—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
- B01D39/1669—Cellular material
- B01D39/1676—Cellular material of synthetic origin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D39/00—Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D39/14—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material
- B01D39/16—Other self-supporting filtering material ; Other filtering material of organic material, e.g. synthetic fibres
- B01D39/1692—Other shaped material, e.g. perforated or porous sheets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0002—Casings; Housings; Frame constructions
- B01D46/0005—Mounting of filtering elements within casings, housings or frames
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/24—Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2239/00—Aspects relating to filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids
- B01D2239/06—Filter cloth, e.g. knitted, woven non-woven; self-supported material
- B01D2239/065—More than one layer present in the filtering material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2265/00—Casings, housings or mounting for filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D2265/02—Non-permanent measures for connecting different parts of the filter
- B01D2265/024—Mounting aids
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2265/00—Casings, housings or mounting for filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D2265/06—Details of supporting structures for filtering material, e.g. cores
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2273/00—Operation of filters specially adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D2273/28—Making use of vacuum or underpressure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2279/00—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses
- B01D2279/55—Filters adapted for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours specially modified for specific uses for cleaning appliances, e.g. suction cleaners
Definitions
- a known electric vacuum cleaner is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2017-000393.
- Known cleaners such as the one disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2017-000393, typically comprise a main-body assembly and a filter assembly, which is mounted on the main-body assembly.
- a user of the cleaner could mis-mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly.
- a cleaner vacuum cleaner, such as a so-called stick vacuum
- a cleaner may comprise: a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port.
- the filter assembly may comprise: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on (and/or in) the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly and is fixed to the support frame.
- the likelihood of mis-mounting a filter assembly on a main-body assembly is reduced.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner) and an extension pipe (wand) according to one representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.
- FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a side view that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a drawing, viewed from the front, of a main-body assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a filter assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a side view that shows the filter assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a drawing, viewed from the rear, of a dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 14 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a filter unit according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a prefilter according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 22 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 23 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a lock mechanism according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 24 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows an inlet pipe and the extension pipe according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 25 is a drawing, viewed from above, of the lock mechanism according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 26 is a side view that shows the lock mechanism according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view that shows the lock mechanism according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 28 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 29 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the inlet pipe according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view that shows the inlet pipe according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 31 is an oblique perspective view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly.
- FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view in FIG. 31 .
- a cleaner (a vacuum cleaner, such as a stick vacuum cleaner) may comprise: a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port.
- the filter assembly may comprise: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on (and/or in) the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly and is fixed to the support frame.
- the filter assembly is mounted on the main-body assembly by inserting the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly.
- a user of the cleaner can mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly merely by pushing the filter assembly into the main-body assembly such that the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly is inserted, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- the user of the cleaner can mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly without rotating the main-body assembly and the filter assembly relative to each other. Consequently, the likelihood of mis-mounting of the filter assembly on the main-body assembly is reduced.
- the retaining-rib member may be an elastic body, e.g., made of an elastomer.
- the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly because the retaining-rib member elastically deforms when the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly is inserted, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- the retaining-rib member may have a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape).
- the filter assembly is always properly mounted on the main-body assembly, regardless of the rotational orientation of the filter assembly relative to the main-body assembly.
- the retaining-rib member may be fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame.
- the retaining-rib member is fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame, the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- the cleaner may comprise a dust-collecting assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly and which comprises an assembly-tube part in which the filter assembly is housed.
- the support frame may comprise a support-rib part, which contacts an assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly.
- the support-rib part which is provided on the filter assembly, will contact the assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part of the dust-collecting assembly. Thereby, the main-body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust-collecting assembly are fixed.
- the support-rib part may have a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape).
- the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- the support frame may comprise a front-side tube part.
- the support-rib part may protrude radially outward from the front-side tube part.
- the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- the support frame may comprise a rear-side tube part, which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part.
- the retaining-rib member may be fixed to the rear-side tube part.
- the retaining-rib member is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part, the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- the assembly-support part may protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part.
- the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- three of the assembly-support parts may be provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part in a spaced-apart manner.
- the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- the dust-collecting assembly may comprise a cyclonic, dust-collecting unit.
- FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 and an extension pipe (extension wand) 100 according to one representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.
- FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a side view that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- the cleaner 1 is a cyclonic cleaner (also known as a cyclone vacuum cleaner) that separates foreign matter (e.g., dust, debris, etc.) from air using centrifugal force.
- the cleaner 1 comprises a main-body assembly 2 , a filter assembly 3 , and a dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- a base-end portion of the extension pipe 100 is coupled to the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- a suction nozzle 101 is coupled to a tip portion of the extension pipe 100 .
- the suction nozzle 101 has an inlet port.
- FIG. 6 is a drawing, viewed from the front, of the main-body assembly 2 according to the embodiment.
- the main-body assembly 2 comprises a main-body housing 5 , a battery-mounting part 6 , a suction unit 7 , a controller 8 , an operation panel 9 , and a light 10 .
- the main-body housing 5 is formed of a synthetic resin (polymer).
- the main-body housing 5 comprises a pair of half housings.
- the main-body housing 5 comprises a left housing 5 L and a right housing 5 R.
- the right housing 5 R is disposed more rightward than the left housing 5 L.
- the left housing 5 L and the right housing 5 R are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 5 S.
- the main-body housing 5 comprises a body part 11 , a grip part (grip, handle) 12 , and a battery-holding part (battery mount) 13 .
- the body part 11 houses the suction unit 7 .
- the suction unit 7 is disposed in the interior space of the body part 11 .
- the body part 11 comprises a side-plate part 11 A, a front-plate part 11 B, an inner-tube part 11 C, and an outer-tube part 11 D.
- the side-plate part 11 A is disposed such that it surrounds the suction unit 7 .
- the front-plate part 11 B is disposed at a front portion of the side-plate part 11 A.
- the inner-tube part 11 C and the outer-tube part 11 D are each provided on the front-plate part 11 B.
- the inner-tube part 11 C protrudes forward from a front surface of the front-plate part 11 B.
- the outer-tube part 11 D protrudes forward from the front surface of the front-plate part 11 B.
- the outer-tube part 11 D is disposed around the inner-tube part 11 C.
- the body part 11 has a suction port 14 and air-exhaust ports 15 .
- the suction port 14 is provided in a front portion of the main-body assembly 2 .
- the suction port 14 is provided in a center portion of the front-plate part 11 B.
- the inner-tube part 11 C is disposed around the suction port 14 .
- the air-exhaust ports 15 are provided in a left portion and in a right portion of the side-plate part 11 A.
- a sound-absorbing member 16 is disposed in the interior space of the main-body housing 5 .
- the sound-absorbing member 16 is disposed in the interior space of the body part 11 such that the sound-absorbing member 16 faces the air-exhaust ports 15 .
- the sound-absorbing member 16 is a porous member. The sound-absorbing member 16 absorbs sound that propagates through the air, thereby curtailing (attenuating) the generation of noise.
- Grooves 11 E are provided on the outer surface of the outer-tube part 11 D. Two of the grooves 11 E are provided on the outer surface of the outer-tube part 11 D. The grooves 11 E are formed such that they extend in the circumferential direction of rotational axis AX. Each of the two grooves 11 E has an arcuate shape within a plane orthogonal to rotational axis AX. Each of the grooves 11 E is provided in a helical shape.
- the grip part 12 is configured to be gripped by the user of the cleaner 1 .
- the grip part 12 is provided such that it extends rearward from an upper portion of the body part 11 .
- the battery-holding part 13 holds (mounts) a battery pack 17 via the battery-mounting part 6 .
- the battery-holding part 13 is connected to a rear portion of the body part 11 and to a lower-end portion of a rear portion of the grip part 12 .
- the battery-mounting part 6 is provided at a lower portion of the battery-holding part 13 .
- the battery pack 17 is mounted on the battery-mounting part 6 .
- the battery pack 17 is detachable from the battery-mounting part 6 .
- the battery pack 17 functions as the power supply of the cleaner 1 .
- the battery pack 17 is a general-purpose rechargeable battery that is capable of being used as the power supply of various electrical devices.
- the battery pack 17 is capable of being used, e.g., as the power supply of a power tool.
- the battery pack 17 is capable of being used as the power supply of an electrical device other than a power tool.
- the battery pack 17 is capable of being used as the power supply of a cleaner other than the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- the battery pack 17 comprises one or more lithium-ion battery cells.
- the battery pack 17 is thus a rechargeable battery.
- the battery-mounting part 6 has a structure equivalent to that of a battery-mounting part of a power tool.
- the user of the cleaner 1 can mount the battery-mounting part 6 on the battery pack 17 and remove the battery pack 17 from the battery-mounting part 6 .
- the battery-mounting part 6 comprises guide members (rails), which guide the battery pack 17 , and main-body terminals, which are electrically connectable to battery terminals provided on the battery pack 17 .
- the user can mount the battery pack 17 on the battery-mounting part 6 by inserting the battery pack 17 into the battery-mounting part 6 from the rear.
- the battery pack 17 is inserted into the battery-mounting part 6 while being guided by the guide members.
- the battery terminals of the battery pack 17 and the main-body terminals of the battery-mounting part 6 are electrically connected to each other.
- the user of the cleaner 1 can remove the battery pack 17 from the battery-mounting part 6 by moving the battery pack 17 rearward.
- the suction unit 7 generates a suction force at the suction port 14 .
- the suction unit 7 is housed in the body part 11 .
- the suction unit 7 comprises a fan 7 A, a motor 7 B, and a motor case 7 C, which houses the fan 7 A and the motor 7 B.
- the fan 7 A is rotatable about rotational axis AX. Rotational axis AX extends in the front-rear direction.
- the motor 7 B generates motive power, which causes the fan 7 A to rotate.
- the motor 7 B is a DC brushless motor.
- the motor 7 B comprises: a stator, which has a tube shape; a rotor, which is disposed in the interior of the stator; and a rotor shaft, which extends forward from the rotor.
- the rotor shaft is fixed to the rotor.
- the fan 7 A is fixed to the rotor shaft.
- Rotational axis AX of the rotor of the motor 7 B and rotational axis AX of the fan 7 A coincide with each other.
- the fan 7 A rotates about rotational axis AX when the rotor of the motor 7 B rotates about rotational axis AX.
- An opening 7 D is provided in a front portion of the motor case 7 C.
- the motor case 7 C has a plurality of ribs 7 E disposed in the opening 7 D.
- the ribs 7 E are disposed such that they extend radially from the center of the opening 7 D.
- a portion of the motor case 7 C that includes the opening 7 D is disposed in the suction port 14 of the front-plate part 11 B.
- a suction force is generated at the opening 7 D by rotation of the fan 7 A.
- the generation of a suction force at the suction port 14 includes the generation of a suction force at the opening 7 D.
- the air suctioned in the suction port 14 by the rotation of the fan 7 A flows into the interior space of the motor case 7 C via the opening 7 D.
- the air that flows into the interior space of the motor case 7 C passes through the interior space of the motor case 7 C, after which it flows out to the exterior space of the main-body housing 5 via the air-exhaust ports 15 .
- the controller 8 controls at least the motor 7 B.
- the controller 8 is housed in the body part 11 .
- the controller 8 comprises a circuit board, on which a plurality of electronic parts is mounted.
- a processor e.g., one or more microprocessors
- a CPU central processing unit
- nonvolatile memory such as ROM (read-only memory) and storage
- volatile memory such as RAM (random-access memory)
- transistors and resistors are illustrative examples of the electronic parts mounted on the circuit board.
- the operation panel 9 is configured to be manipulated by the user of the cleaner 1 .
- the operation panel 9 is disposed on the grip part 12 .
- the user can manipulate the operation panel 9 while grasping the grip part 12 .
- the operation panel 9 comprises a drive-mode changing button 9 A, which is for changing the drive condition (e.g., rotational speed) of the motor 7 B, and a drive button 9 B, which is for causing the motor 7 B to operate (start and stop).
- the motor 7 B is in the stopped state and the drive button 9 B is manipulated (pressed)
- operation of the motor 7 B is started.
- a suction force is generated at the suction port 14 by operation of the motor 7 B.
- the rotational speed of the motor 7 B is adjusted (changed) in, for example, four steps.
- the rotational speed of the motor 7 B changes from a first rotational speed to a (e.g. higher) second rotational speed; when manipulated once more, the rotational speed of the motor 7 B changes from the second rotational speed to a (e.g. higher) third rotational speed; when manipulated once more, the rotational speed of the motor 7 B changes from the third rotational speed to a (e.g.
- the operation panel 9 comprises a plurality of light-emitting parts 9 C that emit light in accordance with the rotational speed of the motor 7 B; e.g., the light-emitting parts 9 C are selectively illuminated to indicate low speed, medium speed or high speed operation.
- the light 10 is disposed at a front portion of the grip part 12 .
- the light 10 illuminates forward of the cleaner 1 .
- the light 10 comprises one or more light-emitting devices such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LED).
- the filter assembly 3 is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 .
- the filter assembly 3 is disposed such that it opposes the suction port 14 of the main-body assembly 2 .
- FIG. 7 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a side view that shows the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.
- the filter assembly 3 comprises a support frame 18 , a filter 19 , a filter-fixing member (filter holder, filter retainer) 21 , and a retaining-rib member (circular or annular retaining rib) 22 .
- the support frame 18 supports the filter 19 , as can be seen in FIG. 8 .
- the support frame 18 comprises a first lattice part 23 , a second lattice part 24 , a front-side tube part 25 , a rear-side tube part 26 , and a support-rib part 27 .
- the first lattice part 23 comprises a first ring part 23 A and first rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 23 B, as can be seen in FIG. 7 .
- the first ring part 23 A is disposed more forward than the front-side tube part 25 .
- the first rod parts 23 B are provided such that they connect the first ring part 23 A and the front-side tube part 25 .
- a plurality of the first rod parts 23 B is disposed in (around) the circumferential direction of the first ring part 23 A in a spaced-apart manner.
- the second lattice part 24 comprises a second ring part 24 A, a third ring part 24 B, second rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 24 C, and third rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 24 D.
- the second ring part 24 A is disposed more forward than the front-side tube part 25 .
- the third ring part 24 B is disposed radially inward of the front-side tube part 25 .
- the third ring part 24 B is disposed more rearward than the second ring part 24 A.
- the second rod parts 24 C are provided such that they connect the second ring part 24 A and the rear-side tube part 26 .
- a plurality of the second rod parts 24 C is disposed in the circumferential direction of the second ring part 24 A in a spaced-apart manner.
- the third rod parts 24 D are provided such that they connect the second ring part 24 A and the third ring part 24 B.
- a plurality of the third rod parts 24 D is disposed in (around) the circumferential direction of the second ring part 24 A in a spaced-apart matter.
- the front-side tube part 25 has a circular-tube shape.
- the front-side tube part is disposed more rearward than the first ring part 23 A and the second ring part 24 A.
- the rear-side tube part 26 has a circular-tube shape (hollow circular cylindrical shape).
- the rear-side tube part 26 is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part 25 .
- the central axis of the front-side tube part 25 and the central axis of the rear-side tube part 26 coincide with each other.
- the outer diameter of the front-side tube part 25 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the inner diameter of the front-side tube part 25 is larger than the inner diameter of the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the support-rib part 27 is disposed on the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25 .
- the support-rib part 27 protrudes from the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25 radially outward of the front-side tube part 25 .
- the support-rib part 27 has a circular-ring shape, e.g., a circular flange shape.
- the support-rib part 27 is a flange portion that is provided on the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25 .
- the filter 19 is supported by the support frame 18 .
- the filter 19 is disposed more forward than the suction port 14 of the main-body assembly 2 .
- the filter 19 is air permeable.
- the filter 19 collects foreign matter from the air that passes through the filter 19 .
- the filter 19 is made of cloth or other mesh fabric material that permits air to pass through, but blocks (collects) dust, debris, etc.
- the filter 19 may be, e.g., a high performance or HEPA filter.
- the filter 19 has a bag shape or cup shape (bottomed hollow cylindrical shape).
- the filter 19 is disposed such that it covers the first lattice part 23 .
- An opening is provided in a rear-end portion of the filter 19 .
- the rear-end portion of the filter 19 is fixed to, for example, the front-side tube part 25 . Air flows into the filter 19 from a front portion of the filter 19 . Foreign matter contained in the air is collected by the filter 19 . Air that has passed through the filter 19 flows out from the opening at the rear portion of the filter 19 , after which it flows into the suction port 14 .
- the filter-fixing member 21 is disposed around the front-side tube part 25 .
- the filter-fixing member 21 has a ring shape.
- the filter-fixing member 21 is press-fitted onto the front-side tube part 25 .
- the filter-fixing member 21 is disposed such that it contacts the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25 .
- the filter 19 is stitched to the filter-fixing member 21 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to at least a portion of the support frame 18 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame 18 . More specifically, the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 has a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the retaining-rib member 22 protrudes radially outward from (relative to) the outer surface of the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is an elastic body.
- the retaining-rib member 22 is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
- TPE thermoplastic elastomer
- the retaining-rib member 22 comprises a fixing part (attaching part, engaging) 22 A and a lip part 22 B.
- the fixing part 22 A is fixed (attached) to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the fixing part 22 A has a ring shape.
- the lip part 22 B is connected to the fixing part 22 A.
- the lip part 22 B has a ring shape.
- the lip part 22 B can be elastically deformed.
- At least a portion of the dust-collecting assembly 4 is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 .
- the filter assembly 3 is housed in at least a portion of the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- FIG. 10 is a drawing, viewed from the rear, of the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- the dust-collecting assembly 4 comprises a cyclone housing 30 and a cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the cyclone housing 30 comprises a front housing 31 and a rear housing 32 . At least a portion of the front housing 31 is disposed more forward than the rear housing 32 .
- the front housing 31 and the rear housing 32 are fixed to each other by four screws 60 .
- Screw holes 61 into which screw portions of the screws 60 are screwed, are provided in the front housing 31 .
- Openings 62 in which intermediate portions of the screws 60 are disposed, are provided in the rear housing 32 .
- the front housing 31 comprises a body part 33 , an inlet pipe 34 , and a dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 . That is, the tube part 35 is configured to be coupled or attached to a dust cap (dust case) 42 .
- the rear housing 32 comprises an assembly-tube part 37 , an assembly-plate part 38 , a filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 , engaging-protruding parts 28 , and assembly-support parts 29 . That is, the tube part 39 is configured to be coupled or attached to a filter unit 50 .
- the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 comprises swirling members (air swirling members) 43 , the filter unit 50 , and the dust cap (dust case) 42 .
- the body part 33 has a tube shape.
- the body part 33 is disposed at a rear portion of the front housing 31 .
- the body part 33 is connected to the rear housing 32 .
- the inlet pipe 34 protrudes forward from a front portion of the body part 33 .
- the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 has a tube shape.
- the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 is disposed parallel to the inlet pipe 34 .
- the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 protrudes forward from a front portion of the body part 33 .
- the inlet pipe 34 is coupled to a base-end portion of the extension pipe 100 .
- the suction nozzle 101 is coupled to a tip portion of the extension pipe 100 .
- the suction nozzle 101 has an inlet port.
- a lock mechanism 36 is provided at a front-end portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 are fixed to each other by the lock mechanism 36 .
- the extension pipe 100 can be separated from the inlet pipe 34 by manually releasing the fixing (latching) by the lock mechanism 36 .
- the extension pipe 100 is detachable from the inlet pipe 34 .
- the inlet pipe 34 has an inflow port (opening) 34 A and an outflow port (opening) 34 B.
- the inflow port 34 A is provided in a front-end portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the outflow port 34 B is provided in a rear-end portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- a base-end portion of the extension pipe 100 is inserted into the inflow port 34 A. The air suctioned in from the suction nozzle 101 flows through the extension pipe 100 , after which it flows into the inflow port 34 A. The air that flows through the inlet pipe 34 flows out from the outflow port 34 B.
- the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 is configured to be coupled to the dust cap 42 .
- Lock parts 44 are provided at a rear-end portion of the dust cap 42 .
- Recessed parts 35 R (refer to FIG. 14 , etc.) are provided at portions of the front housing 31 .
- Each of the lock parts 44 comprises a hook portion, which hooks to (in) the corresponding recessed part 35 R.
- the dust cap 42 and the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 are fixed to each other by the lock parts 44 .
- the dust cap 42 is separated from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 by manually releasing the fixing by the lock parts 44 .
- the dust cap 42 is detachable from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 of the front housing 31 .
- a front-end portion of the assembly-tube part 37 is connected to the front housing 31 .
- the assembly-plate part 38 is connected to a front portion of the assembly-tube part 37 so as to cover the opening in the front portion of the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the filter assembly 3 is housed in the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the filter assembly 3 is inserted from the opening provided at the rear-end portion of the assembly-tube part 37 into the interior of the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 protrudes forward from a portion of the assembly-plate part 38 .
- the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 has a tube shape.
- An opening is provided in a portion of the assembly-plate part 38 .
- a rear-end portion of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 is connected to the opening of the assembly-plate part 38 .
- the engaging-protruding parts 28 are inserted into the grooves 11 E of the main-body housing 5 .
- Two of the engaging-protruding parts 28 are provided at a rear-end portion of the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the engaging-protruding parts 28 protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 .
- two of the grooves 11 E are likewise provided.
- One of the engaging-protruding parts 28 is inserted into one of the grooves 11 E.
- the other engaging-protruding part 28 is inserted into the other groove 11 E.
- the assembly-support parts 29 support, from the front, the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 .
- the support-rib part 27 makes contact with the assembly-support parts 29 , which are provided on the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- Three of the assembly-support parts 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 in a spaced-apart manner, preferably equispaced.
- the assembly-support parts 29 are composed of ribs that protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 . In the state in which the pair of engaging-protruding parts 28 of the rear housing 32 is disposed in the grooves 11 E of the main-body housing 5 , the assembly-support parts 29 are disposed forward of the support-rib part 27 .
- the swirling members 43 swirl the air supplied from the inlet pipe 34 .
- the swirling members 43 comprise a first swirling member (first air swirling member) 43 A, which is provided in the front housing 31 , and a second swirling member (second air swirling member) 43 B, which is connected to a rear-end portion of the first swirling member 43 A.
- a swirling passageway 45 is formed in the interior of the swirling members 43 .
- the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 has an inflow port (opening) 35 A.
- the inflow port 35 A of the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 functions as an inflow port of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the inflow port 35 A is provided in a rear-end portion of the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 .
- the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35 A of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 are fluidly connected to each other via the swirling passageway 45 .
- the swirling passageway 45 is provided in a portion of the cyclone housing 30 . The air that flows out from the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 flows through the swirling passageway 45 , after which it flows into the inflow port 35 A of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the swirling passageway 45 connects the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35 A of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the swirling passageway 45 is defined by the swirling members 43 .
- the first swirling member 43 A is disposed in the interior of the body part 33 .
- the second swirling member 43 B has a plate shape and is connected to a rear-end portion of the first swirling member 43 A.
- the second swirling member 43 B opposes at least the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 .
- a rear-end portion of the first swirling member 43 A of the front housing 31 is covered by the assembly-plate part 38 of the rear housing 32 by fixing the front housing 31 and the rear housing 32 to each other using the screws 60 .
- the swirling passageway 45 is defined by the first swirling member 43 A, the second swirling member 43 B, and the assembly-plate part 38 .
- the swirling passageway 45 is an internal passageway of the cyclone housing 30 .
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly 2 , the filter assembly 3 , and the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- the filter assembly 3 is mounted on the main-body assembly 2 . After the filter assembly 3 has been mounted on the main-body assembly 2 , the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collecting assembly 4 are connected to each other via the filter assembly 3 . The filter assembly 3 is sandwiched between the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- protruding parts 11 F are provided on the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11 D and face (extend) radially inward (perpendicularly from the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11 D).
- the protruding parts 11 F protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11 D, e.g., in the form of a ridge or wall.
- the protruding parts 11 F are provided at two locations: an upper portion (see FIG. 13 ) and a lower portion (see FIGS. 31 - 32 ) of the outer-tube part 11 D.
- Grooves 11 G are respectively formed (defined) by rear surfaces of the protruding parts 11 F, a front surface of the front-plate part 11 B, and the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11 D.
- the grooves 11 G are formed at two locations: an upper portion (see FIG. 13 ) and a lower portion (see FIGS. 31 - 32 ) of the outer-tube part 11 D.
- the grooves 11 G are each curved (arc shaped) and have a longest dimension that extends in the circumferential direction of the main-body assembly 2 and a width dimension that extends in the front-rear direction of the main-body assembly 2 .
- the grooves 11 G preferably extend along an arc that is between about 60-75° of the main-assembly 2 in the view shown in FIG. 6 , more preferably between 65-70°.
- the retaining-rib member 22 which is fixed to the rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26 , is inserted between the inner-tube part 11 C and the outer-tube part 11 D (see FIG. 6 ).
- the user of the cleaner 1 pushes the filter assembly 3 in from forward of the main-body assembly 2 further into the main-body assembly 2 such that upper and lower portions of the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 are respectively disposed (engaged) in the upper and lower grooves 11 G provided on (in) the main-body assembly 2 , as can be seen in FIG. 13 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is inserted, from the front, into the grooves 11 G.
- the retaining-rib member 22 is an elastic body. Therefore, when the retaining-rib member 22 passes by (over) the protruding parts 11 F, it elastically deforms and then enters the interiors of the grooves 11 G. When the retaining-rib member 22 is disposed (engaged) in the grooves 11 G, the main-body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 are connected to each other.
- the user of the cleaner 1 rotates the rear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 relative to each other in the one rotational direction. Thereby, the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collecting assembly 4 are connected to each other via the filter assembly 3 .
- each of the grooves 11 E has a helical shape.
- the dust-collecting assembly 4 moves rearward such that it approaches the main-body assembly 2 .
- Each of the assembly-support parts 29 is disposed at a location at which it opposes a front surface of the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 .
- the assembly-support parts 29 move rearward so as to approach the support-rib part 27 , and a rear-end portion of each of the assembly-support parts 29 contacts a front surface of the support-rib part 27 .
- the filter assembly 3 moves rearward.
- the retaining-rib member 22 which is disposed at a rear-end portion of the filter assembly 3 , is pushed against a front surface of the front-plate part 11 B of the main-body assembly 2 .
- the filter assembly 3 is interposed between the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collecting assembly 4 in the front-rear direction.
- the filter assembly 3 is fixed to the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is an elastic body, it also functions as a sealing member. For example, by bringing the lip part 22 B of the retaining-rib member 22 into close contact with a front surface of the front-plate part 11 B, the boundary between a rear-end portion of the filter assembly 3 and the front-plate part 11 B is sealed. That is, the boundary between the main-body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 around the suction port 14 is sealed by the retaining-rib member 22 . Consequently, leakage of the air that flows into the suction port 14 is curtailed, thereby reducing pressure losses in the suction force generated by the suction unit 7 .
- FIG. 14 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 comprises: the swirling members 43 , which swirl the air; the dust cap 42 , into which the air that has passed through the swirling members 43 flows via the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 ; and the filter unit 50 , through which the air that flows out from the dust cap 42 passes.
- the dust cap 42 is detachable from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 of the front housing 31 .
- the dust cap 42 has an interior space, into which air flows from the inflow port 35 A of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the filter unit 50 is disposed in the interior space of the dust cap 42 .
- FIG. 16 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view that shows the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.
- the filter unit 50 comprises a prefilter (mesh filter) 51 , a sound-absorbing member (tubular sponge filter) 52 , and a post filter (mesh pipe) 53 .
- the sound-absorbing member 52 is disposed around the post filter 53 .
- At least a portion of the prefilter 51 is disposed around the sound-absorbing member 52 .
- the post filter 53 is made of a synthetic resin (polymer).
- the post filter 53 is made from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin (polymer).
- ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
- the post filter 53 comprises a filter-tube part 53 A, a filter-cover part 53 B, first fixing-plate parts 53 C, second fixing-plate parts 53 D, holes 53 E, an outflow port 53 F, filter-hook parts (guide stoppers) 53 G, and filter-protruding parts 53 H.
- the filter-cover part 53 B covers an opening at one-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the filter-cover part 53 B covers an opening in a front-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the first fixing-plate parts 53 C are provided at an other-end (opposite end) portion of the filter-tube part 53 A in the axial direction.
- the first fixing-plate parts 53 C are provided at a rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A. Two of the first fixing-plate parts 53 C are provided.
- the second fixing-plate parts 53 D are provided at the rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the second fixing-plate parts 53 D are disposed more rearward than the first fixing-plate parts 53 C.
- the second fixing-plate parts 53 D protrude radially outward of the filter-tube part 53 A from the rear-end portions of the filter-tube part 53 A.
- Two of the second fixing-plate parts 53 D are provided.
- the amount by which the second fixing-plate parts 53 D protrude in the radial direction of the filter-tube part 53 A is larger than the amount by which the first fixing-plate parts 53 C protrude.
- the holes 53 E are provided in the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the holes 53 E are formed such that they pass through the inner surface and the outer surface of the filter-tube part 53 A; i.e. the holes 53 E are through holes.
- a plurality of the holes 53 E is provided in the filter-tube part 53 A in a spaced-apart manner. Air passes through the holes 53 E. Air around the filter unit 50 can pass through the holes 53 E and flow into the interior of the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the outflow port 53 F is provided in the rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A. Air that has passed through the holes 53 E and flowed into the interior of the filter-tube part 53 A flows out from the outflow port 53 F.
- the filter-hook parts 53 G are provided at (on) the front-end portion of the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the filter-hook parts 53 G protrude forward from a front surface of the filter-cover part 53 B. Two of the filter-hook parts 53 G are provided.
- the filter-hook parts 53 G comprise snap fits.
- the filter-protruding parts 53 H are used for positioning with respect to the prefilter 51 .
- the filter-protruding parts 53 H protrude forward from the front surface of the filter-cover part 53 B.
- the sound-absorbing member 52 is disposed around (surrounding) the filter-tube part 53 A.
- the sound-absorbing member 52 comprises a circular-tube-shaped (hollow cylindrical) sponge member.
- the sponge member is made of a foamed urethane.
- the sponge member is a porous member having a plurality of holes (fine holes or pores) 52 A, through which air passes.
- the prefilter 51 comprises a mesh member 51 A, which has a circular-tube shape (hollow cylindrical shape), and a filter frame 51 B, which supports the mesh member 51 A.
- the mesh member 51 A is disposed around (surrounding) the sound-absorbing member 52 .
- the mesh member 51 A is made of a nylon (polyamide).
- the mesh member 51 A has a plurality of holes 51 C, through which air passes.
- the prefilter 51 has the holes 51 C, through which air passes.
- the sound-absorbing member 52 has the holes 52 A, through which air passes.
- the post filter 53 has the holes 53 E, through which air passes.
- the size of the holes 51 C of the prefilter 51 is larger than the size of the holes 52 A of the sound-absorbing member 52 .
- the size of the holes 52 A of the sound-absorbing member 52 is smaller than the size of the holes 53 E of the post filter 53 .
- the outer surface of the filter-tube part 53 A and the inner surface of the sound-absorbing member 52 (directly) contact each other.
- the outer surface of the sound-absorbing member 52 and the inner surface of the prefilter 51 (directly) contact each other.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the prefilter 51 according to the embodiment.
- the prefilter 51 comprises the mesh member 51 A, which has a circular-tube shape, and the filter frame 51 B, which supports the mesh member 51 A.
- the mesh member 51 A and the filter frame 51 B are integral.
- the filter frame 51 B comprises: a first fixing part 51 D, which is fixed to a front-end portion, i.e., the one-end portion, of the mesh member 51 A in the axial direction; a second fixing part 51 E, which is fixed to a rear-end portion, i.e., the other-end (opposite end) portion, of the mesh member 51 A in the axial direction; and frame-coupling parts 51 F, which connect the first fixing part 51 D and the second fixing part 51 E.
- the first fixing part 51 D, the second fixing part 51 E, and the frame-coupling parts 51 F are integral (a single member) without any seams or breaks therebetween.
- the first fixing part 51 D comprises: a circular-tube part (hollow circular cylindrical part) 51 G, which is disposed around a front-end portion of the mesh member 51 A; a circular-ring part 51 H, which is disposed such that it covers an opening in a front-end portion of the mesh member 51 A; and a filter-coupling part 51 J, which protrudes forward from a center portion of the circular-ring part 51 H.
- a hole 51 K is provided in the filter-coupling part 51 J. In the state in which the filter-hook parts 53 G have been inserted into the hole 51 K, the filter-hook parts 53 G are hooked to the filter-coupling part 51 J around the hole 51 K.
- recessed parts (recesses) 51 L into which the filter-protruding parts 53 H are inserted, are formed on (in) a rear surface of the filter-coupling part 51 J.
- the second fixing part 51 E is a circular-tube (ring) shape that is disposed around a rear-end portion of the mesh member 51 A.
- the frame-coupling parts 51 F are disposed such that they connect the circular-tube part 51 G of the first fixing part 51 D and the second fixing part 51 E. Each of the frame-coupling parts 51 F has a rod shape.
- the frame-coupling parts 51 F are disposed in the interior of the mesh member 51 A.
- the frame-coupling parts 51 F support the mesh member 51 A.
- a plurality of the frame-coupling parts 51 F is provided in the circumferential direction of the mesh member 51 A in a spaced-apart manner. In the embodiment, four of the frame-coupling parts 51 F are provided in the circumferential direction of the mesh member 51 A in a spaced-apart manner.
- the prefilter 51 and the post filter 53 are positioned by inserting the filter-protruding parts 53 H into the recessed parts 51 L. In the state in which the filter-hook parts 53 G, which function as snap fits, are inserted into the hole 51 K, the prefilter 51 and the post filter 53 are fixed to each other by hooking the filter-hook parts 53 G onto the filter-coupling part 51 J.
- the sound-absorbing member 52 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the prefilter 51 and the outer surface of the post filter 53 .
- the prefilter 51 , the sound-absorbing member 52 , and the post filter 53 are separable.
- the prefilter 51 and the post filter 53 are separated by detaching the filter-hook parts 53 G from the filter-coupling part 51 J.
- the prefilter 51 , the sound-absorbing member 52 , and the post filter 53 are separated by separating the prefilter 51 and the post filter 53 . Because the prefilter 51 , the sound-absorbing member 52 , and the post filter 53 are separable, the user of the cleaner 1 can easily perform maintenance on each of the prefilter 51 , the sound-absorbing member 52 , and the post filter 53 .
- the user of the cleaner 1 can, for example, easily clean the prefilter 51 , the sound-absorbing member 52 , and the post filter 53 .
- a rear-end portion of the post filter 53 is inserted into the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 .
- the rear-end portion of the post filter 53 is disposed in the interior of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 .
- the filter unit 50 is detachable from the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 .
- a support part 39 A which has a ring shape, is provided in the interior of a rear-end portion of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 .
- Notches 39 B, through which the second fixing-plate parts 53 D can pass, are provided in portions of the support part 39 A.
- the filter unit 50 After the second fixing-plate parts 53 D have passed through the notches 39 B, by rotating the filter unit 50 , the first fixing-plate parts 53 C oppose a front surface of the support part 39 A, and the second fixing-plate parts 53 D oppose a rear surface of the support part 39 A.
- the first fixing-plate parts 53 C and the second fixing-plate parts 53 D sandwich the support part 39 A in the front-rear direction.
- the filter unit 50 and the rear housing 32 are fixed to each other.
- the fixing of the filter unit 50 and the rear housing 32 to each other is released by rotating the filter unit 50 such that the second fixing-plate parts 53 D coincide with the notches 39 B.
- the filter unit 50 is detachable from the rear housing 32 .
- the outflow port 53 F of the filter unit 50 functions as an outflow port of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- Air in the interior space of the dust cap 42 flows into an internal passageway of the filter unit 50 via the holes 53 E. Air that has passed through the internal passageway of the filter unit 50 flows out from the outflow port 53 F of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- the sound-absorbing member 52 is disposed such that it covers the filter-tube part 53 A. Direct contact of the air that swirls in the interior of the dust cap 42 with the surface of the filter-tube part 53 A, which has the holes 53 E, is curtailed by the sound-absorbing member 52 . Thereby, the generation of noise is curtailed.
- the sound-absorbing member 52 is a sponge member. Consequently, there is a possibility that foreign matter in the interior of the dust cap 42 will adhere to the surface of the sound-absorbing member 52 .
- the prefilter 51 is disposed such that it covers the sound-absorbing member 52 . Adherence of foreign matter to the sound-absorbing member 52 is curtailed (reduced) by the prefilter 51 .
- the prefilter 51 comprises the mesh member 51 A. Consequently, adherence of foreign matter to the prefilter 51 is curtailed.
- FIG. 22 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 23 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the lock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 24 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 25 is a drawing, viewed from above, of the lock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 26 is a side view that shows the lock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view that shows the lock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.
- the cleaner 1 comprises the lock mechanism 36 , which fixes the extension pipe 100 that has been connected to the inlet pipe 34 .
- the lock mechanism 36 fixes the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 , which has been inserted into the inflow port 34 A of the inlet pipe 34 . At least a portion of the lock mechanism 36 is provided on the inlet pipe 34 .
- the lock mechanism 36 comprises a pipe-lock lever 70 and a coil spring 63 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 is disposed downward of the dust cap 42 .
- the dimension of the dust cap 42 is larger than the dimension of the pipe-lock lever 70 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 comprises a main-body part 71 , projection parts 72 , and a pipe-hook part 73 .
- the main-body part 71 and the projection parts 72 are disposed outward of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the main-body part 71 and the projection parts 72 oppose the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the main-body part 71 is disposed on an upper portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the outer shape (contour) of the main-body part 71 has a quadrangular shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction.
- the pipe-hook part 73 is disposed on the main-body part 71 .
- the pipe-hook part 73 is provided at a front-end portion of a lower surface of the main-body part 71 .
- the pipe-hook part 73 is provided such that it protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main-body part 71 .
- the projection parts 72 project laterally from side portions of the main-body part 71 .
- the projection parts 72 project laterally from a rear portion of side portions of the main-body part 71 .
- the outer shape of the projection parts 72 is triangular shaped. Surfaces of the projection parts 72 are tilted downward as they go laterally and rearward.
- the projection parts 72 comprise a left-projection part 72 L, which projects leftward from a left portion of the main-body part 71 , and a right-projection part 72 R, which projects rightward from a right portion of the main-body part 71 .
- the left-projection part 72 L projects leftward from a rear portion of a left portion of the main-body part 71 .
- the right-projection part 72 R projects rightward from a rear portion of a right portion of the main-body part 71 .
- a surface of the left-projection part 72 L is tilted downward as it goes leftward and rearward.
- a surface of the right-projection part 72 R is tilted downward as it goes rightward and rearward.
- a pipe through hole 64 is provided in a portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the pipe through hole 64 is formed such that it passes through the outer surface and the inner surface of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the pipe-hook part 73 protrudes downward from a lower surface of the main-body part 71 .
- the pipe-hook part 73 can move more inward than the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 via the pipe through hole 64 .
- the pipe-hook part 73 can enter the interior of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the extension pipe 100 comprises a protruding part (protrusion, ridge) 103 and an engaging part (shoulder, raised portion) 102 , which is supported on (extends from) the protruding part 103 .
- the protruding part 103 protrudes upward from an upper surface of the extension pipe 100 .
- a front-end portion of the engaging part 102 is connected to the protruding part 103 .
- the engaging part 102 can elastically deform in the state in which the engaging part 102 is supported on the protruding part 103 .
- a rear-end portion of the engaging part 102 will move in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of the engaging part 102 .
- a pipe-recess part (recess, groove) 104 is provided on (in) an upper surface of the engaging part 102 .
- the pipe-hook part (hook) 73 of the pipe-lock lever 70 is hooked to (in) the pipe-recess part 104 , which is provided on the extension pipe 100 .
- the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 are fixed to each other.
- the protruding part 103 opposes a front-end portion of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 is supported on the inlet pipe 34 so as to be pivotable about pivot axis RX. Pivot axis RX extends in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 , pivot axis RX of the pipe-lock lever 70 is disposed more rearward than the pipe-hook part 73 . The projection parts 72 are disposed more rearward than pivot axis RX of the pipe-lock lever 70 .
- the coil spring 63 is disposed between a lower surface of the main-body part 71 and an upper surface of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the coil spring 63 generates an elastic force such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves downward.
- a support-protruding part 74 is provided on a lower surface of the main-body part 71 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 and the coil spring 63 are positioned by inserting the support-protruding part 74 into the coil spring 63 .
- a support-recessed part (recess) 65 is formed on (in) the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the inlet pipe 34 and the coil spring 63 are positioned by disposing the lower-end portion of the coil spring 63 in the support-recessed part 65 .
- the user of the cleaner 1 can release the fixing of the extension pipe 100 by the lock mechanism 36 . More specifically, to release the fixing (attachment, latching), the user manipulates the pipe-lock lever 70 to move the projection parts 72 downward. By moving the projection parts 72 downward, the pipe-lock lever 70 pivots about pivot axis RX such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves upward. By moving the front-end portion of the main-body part 71 upward, the pipe-hook part 73 is removed from the pipe-recess part 104 . The fixing of the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 is released by removing the pipe-hook part 73 from the pipe-recess part 104 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 pivots about pivot axis RX such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves downward.
- the pipe-hook part 73 is inserted into the pipe-recess part 104 by moving the front-end portion of the main-body part 71 downward.
- the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 are fixed to each other by inserting the pipe-hook part 73 into the pipe-recess part 104 .
- the pipe-lock lever 70 comprises anti-slip ribs 75 , which are provided on surfaces of the projection parts 72 .
- the anti-slip ribs 75 comprise a plurality of protruding parts protruding from surfaces of the projection parts 72 . Owing to the anti-slip ribs 75 , even if the surfaces of the projection parts 72 are tilted, the user can smoothly manipulate the projection parts 72 .
- the dust cap 42 is disposed directly above the pipe-lock lever 70 . Even if it is difficult to manipulate the main-body part 71 owing to the dust cap 42 , the user of the cleaner 1 can pivot the pipe-lock lever 70 by manipulating the projection parts 72 , and thereby can release the fixing of the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 .
- the user may manipulate the main-body part 71 such that the main-body part 71 moves downward.
- Anti-slip ribs 76 are provided at a rear portion of a surface of the main-body part 71 . The user can smoothly manipulate the main-body part 71 by using the anti-slip ribs 76 .
- the dust-collecting assembly 4 comprises lever guards 66 , which protrude laterally from side portions of the inlet pipe 34 .
- the lever guards 66 protect the pipe-lock lever 70 .
- the lever guards 66 protect at least the projection parts 72 .
- the lever guards 66 are disposed at least partly around the projection parts 72 . In the embodiment, at least portions of the lever guards 66 are disposed more downward than the projection parts 72 . At least portions of the lever guards 66 are disposed more rearward than the projection parts 72 .
- the lever guards 66 comprise a left-lever guard 66 L, which protects the left-projection part 72 L, and a right-lever guard 66 R, which protects the right-projection part 72 R.
- a portion of the left-lever guard 66 L is disposed more downward than the left-projection part 72 L.
- a portion of the left-lever guard 66 L is disposed more rearward than the left-projection part 72 L.
- a portion of the right-lever guard 66 R is disposed more downward than the right-projection part 72 R.
- a portion of the right-lever guard 66 R is disposed more rearward than the right-projection part 72 R.
- the amount by which the lever guards 66 protrude from the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 in the left-right direction is larger than the amount by which the projection parts 72 protrude. Because objects surrounding the inlet pipe 34 are more likely to contact/strike the lever guards 66 than the projection parts 72 , the projection parts 72 are protected (shielded) by the lever guards 66 .
- FIG. 28 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly 4 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 29 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the inlet pipe 34 according to the embodiment.
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view that shows the inlet pipe 34 according to the embodiment.
- the inlet pipe 34 comprises a rear-inlet pipe 341 , which is integral with the body part 33 , and a front-inlet pipe 342 , which is detachable from the rear-inlet pipe 341 .
- the body part 33 , the rear-inlet pipe 341 , and the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 are integral (a single member), i.e. without a break or seam therebetween.
- An inlet-lock lever 80 is provided on the front-inlet pipe 342 .
- the inlet-lock lever 80 is elongated in the front-rear direction.
- a front-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80 is fixed to an inlet-support part 81 , which is provided on the front-inlet pipe 342 .
- the inlet-lock lever 80 can elastically deform in the state in which the inlet-lock lever 80 is supported on the inlet-support part 81 .
- a rear-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80 moves in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of the inlet-lock lever 80 .
- An inlet-hook part 82 which protrudes upward, is provided at a rear-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80 .
- An inlet through hole 67 into which the inlet-hook part 82 is inserted, is provided in the rear-inlet pipe 341 .
- the inlet-lock lever 80 generates an elastic force such that the inlet-hook part 82 is inserted into the inlet through hole 67 from downward of the inlet through hole 67 .
- the rear-inlet pipe 341 and the front-inlet pipe 342 are fixed to each other by inserting a rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 into an insertion opening 34 C, which is provided in a front-end portion of the rear-inlet pipe 341 , and by inserting the inlet-hook part 82 into the inlet through hole 67 .
- the user can remove the inlet-hook part 82 from the inlet through hole 67 by pushing the inlet-hook part 82 in downward against the elastic force of the inlet-lock lever 80 .
- the user can pull the front-inlet pipe 342 out from the rear-inlet pipe 341 by removing the inlet-hook part 82 from the inlet through hole 67 .
- the user can discharge the foreign matter from the front housing 31 or the rear-inlet pipe 341 in a simple manner by removing the front-inlet pipe 342 from the rear-inlet pipe 341 .
- a check valve 68 is disposed in a rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 .
- the check valve 68 allows movement of fluid from the front-inlet pipe 342 into the rear-inlet pipe 341 and obstructs movement of fluid from the rear-inlet pipe 341 into the front-inlet pipe 342 , i.e. in the opposite direction.
- the check valve 68 comprises a rubber plate, which is supported in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 . An upper-end portion of the rubber plate is connected to the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 . Movement of fluid from the rear-inlet pipe 341 into the front-inlet pipe 342 is obstructed because the rubber plate plugs up the opening in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 .
- the check valve 68 opens, and fluid moves from the front-inlet pipe 342 into the rear-inlet pipe 341 . Thereafter, when the suction unit 7 stops and a suction force is no longer being generated at the suction port 14 , the check valve 68 moves so as to plug up the opening in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 . Thereby, the check valve 68 closes. By closing the check valve 68 , for example, movement of foreign matter that has collected at the front housing 31 or the rear-inlet pipe 341 to the front-inlet pipe 342 is curtailed.
- the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35 A of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 are fluidly connected via the swirling passageway 45 , which is provided in the cyclone housing 30 . Air that flows out from the outflow port 34 B of the inlet pipe 34 flows through the swirling passageway 45 , after which it flows into the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 via the inflow port 35 A.
- the flowing of air into the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 includes the flowing of air into the interior space of the dust cap 42 .
- Air that has flowed into the interior space of the dust cap 42 via the swirling passageway 45 swirls in the interior space of the dust cap 42 .
- Air and foreign matter are separated by centrifugal force in the dust cap 42 .
- the foreign matter is deposited in the dust cap 42 .
- the air that was separated from the foreign matter passes through the filter unit 50 and then flows out from the outflow port 53 F of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- Air passes through the prefilter 51 and passes through the sound-absorbing member 52 , after which it passes through the post filter 53 and flows out from the outflow port 53 F, which is provided in the rear-end portion of the post filter 53 .
- the outflow port 53 F of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 is connected to the interior space of the assembly-tube part 37 . Air that has flowed out from the outflow port 53 F of the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 into the interior space of the assembly-tube part 37 flows into the filter 19 of the filter assembly 3 .
- the filter 19 collects minute foreign matter that is not collected by the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 . Air that has flowed through the filter 19 flows into the interior space of the main-body housing 5 via the suction port 14 . Air that has flowed into the interior space of the main-body housing 5 passes through the fan 7 A and the motor 7 B, after which it is discharged from (through) the air-exhaust ports 15 to the exterior of the main-body housing 5 .
- the cleaner 1 comprises: the main-body assembly 2 , which has the suction port 14 ; and the filter assembly 3 , at least the portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 so as to oppose the suction port 14 .
- the filter assembly 3 comprises: the support frame 18 ; the filter 19 , which is supported on the support frame 18 ; and the retaining-rib member 22 , which is inserted, from the front, into the grooves 11 G provided on (in) the main-body assembly 2 and is fixed to the support frame 18 .
- the filter assembly 3 is mounted on the main-body assembly 2 by inserting the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 , from the front, into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 .
- a user of the cleaner 1 can mount the filter assembly 3 on the main-body assembly 2 merely by pushing the filter assembly 3 into the main-body assembly 2 such that the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 is inserted, from the front, into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 . That is, the user of the cleaner 1 can mount (insert) the filter assembly 3 on (into) the main-body assembly 2 without having to rotate the main-body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 relative to each other. Consequently, the likelihood of mis-mounting of the filter assembly 3 on the main-body assembly 2 is reduced.
- the retaining-rib member 22 is an elastic body.
- the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 because the retaining-rib member 22 elastically deforms when the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 is inserted, from the front, into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 has a circular-ring shape.
- the filter assembly 3 can always be properly mounted on the main-body assembly 2 , regardless of the relative rotational positions of the filter assembly 3 and the main-body assembly 2 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame 18 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to the rear-end portion of the support frame 18 , the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 .
- the cleaner 1 comprises the dust-collecting assembly 4 , at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 and which comprises an assembly-tube part 37 in which the filter assembly 3 is housed.
- the support frame 18 comprises the support-rib part 27 , which contacts an assembly-support parts 29 provided on the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- the support-rib part 27 which is provided on the filter assembly 3 , will contact the assembly-support parts 29 provided on the dust-collecting assembly 4 in the state in which the filter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 of the dust-collecting assembly 4 .
- the main-body assembly 2 , the filter assembly 3 , and the dust-collecting assembly 4 are fixed.
- the support-rib part 27 has a circular-ring shape.
- the assembly-support parts 29 of the dust-collecting assembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the support frame 18 comprises the front-side tube part 25 .
- the support-rib part 27 protrudes radially outward from the front-side tube part 25 .
- the assembly-support parts 29 of the dust-collecting assembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the support frame 18 comprises the rear-side tube part 26 , which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part 25 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to the rear-side tube part 26 .
- the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26 , the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11 G provided on the main-body assembly 2 .
- the assembly-support parts 29 protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the assembly-support parts 29 of the dust-collecting assembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 .
- three of the assembly-support parts 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 in a spaced-apart manner.
- the assembly-support parts 29 of the dust-collecting assembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 .
- the dust-collecting assembly 4 comprises the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit 40 .
- first fixing part 51 D, the second fixing part 51 E, and the frame-coupling parts 51 F are integral (a single member) i.e. without a break or seam therebetween.
- first fixing part 51 D, the second fixing part 51 E, and the frame-coupling parts 51 F may instead be separate bodies.
- first fixing part 51 D, the second fixing part 51 E, and the frame-coupling parts 51 F may be separable.
- the frame-coupling parts 51 F may be omitted from the filter frame 51 B.
- the filter frame 51 B may comprise the first fixing part 51 D and the second fixing part 51 E alone.
- the cleaner 1 is a cyclonic cleaner.
- the cleaner 1 does not have to be a cyclonic cleaner and may separate foreign matter from air using a technique that does not involve centrifugal force.
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- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner includes: a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port. The filter assembly includes: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on the main-body assembly, the retaining-rib member being fixed to the support frame.
Description
- This application claims priority to: Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-024092 filed on Feb. 18, 2022, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-024093 filed on Feb. 18, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-023973 filed on Feb. 18, 2022, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The techniques disclosed in the present specification relate to a vacuum cleaner, hereinafter referred to simply as a “cleaner”.
- A known electric vacuum cleaner is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2017-000393.
- Known cleaners, such as the one disclosed in the above-mentioned JP 2017-000393, typically comprise a main-body assembly and a filter assembly, which is mounted on the main-body assembly. However, owing to the connection structure between the main-body assembly and the filter assembly, a user of the cleaner could mis-mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly.
- It is one non-limiting object of the present teachings to disclose techniques for reducing the likelihood that a filter assembly is mis-mounted on a main-body assembly.
- In one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a cleaner (vacuum cleaner, such as a so-called stick vacuum) may comprise: a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port. The filter assembly may comprise: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on (and/or in) the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly and is fixed to the support frame.
- According to the techniques disclosed in the present specification, the likelihood of mis-mounting a filter assembly on a main-body assembly is reduced.
-
FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner) and an extension pipe (wand) according to one representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings. -
FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a side view that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a drawing, viewed from the front, of a main-body assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a filter assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a side view that shows the filter assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a drawing, viewed from the rear, of a dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a filter unit according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view that shows the filter unit according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 21 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a prefilter according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 22 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 23 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a lock mechanism according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 24 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows an inlet pipe and the extension pipe according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 25 is a drawing, viewed from above, of the lock mechanism according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 26 is a side view that shows the lock mechanism according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view that shows the lock mechanism according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 28 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collecting assembly according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 29 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the inlet pipe according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view that shows the inlet pipe according to the embodiment. -
FIG. 31 is an oblique perspective view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly. -
FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view inFIG. 31 . - As was mentioned above, in one or more embodiments of the present teachings, a cleaner (a vacuum cleaner, such as a stick vacuum cleaner) may comprise: a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port. The filter assembly may comprise: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on (and/or in) the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly and is fixed to the support frame.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, the filter assembly is mounted on the main-body assembly by inserting the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly.
- A user of the cleaner can mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly merely by pushing the filter assembly into the main-body assembly such that the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly is inserted, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly. The user of the cleaner can mount the filter assembly on the main-body assembly without rotating the main-body assembly and the filter assembly relative to each other. Consequently, the likelihood of mis-mounting of the filter assembly on the main-body assembly is reduced.
- In one or more embodiments, the retaining-rib member may be an elastic body, e.g., made of an elastomer.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main-body assembly because the retaining-rib member elastically deforms when the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly is inserted, from the front, into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- In one or more embodiments, the retaining-rib member may have a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape).
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-rib member has a circular-ring shape, the filter assembly is always properly mounted on the main-body assembly, regardless of the rotational orientation of the filter assembly relative to the main-body assembly.
- In one or more embodiments, the retaining-rib member may be fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-rib member is fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame, the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- In one or more embodiments, the cleaner may comprise a dust-collecting assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly and which comprises an assembly-tube part in which the filter assembly is housed. The support frame may comprise a support-rib part, which contacts an assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, by mounting the dust-collecting assembly on the main-body assembly, the support-rib part, which is provided on the filter assembly, will contact the assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part of the dust-collecting assembly. Thereby, the main-body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust-collecting assembly are fixed.
- In one or more embodiments, the support-rib part may have a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape).
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the support-rib part has a circular-ring shape, the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- In one or more embodiments, the support frame may comprise a front-side tube part. The support-rib part may protrude radially outward from the front-side tube part.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- In one or more embodiments, the support frame may comprise a rear-side tube part, which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part. The retaining-rib member may be fixed to the rear-side tube part.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-rib member is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part, the user of the cleaner can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main-body assembly.
- In one or more embodiments, the assembly-support part may protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- In one or more embodiments, three of the assembly-support parts may be provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part in a spaced-apart manner.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-support part of the dust-collecting assembly and the support-rib part of the filter assembly can make contact in the state in which the filter assembly is housed within the assembly-tube part.
- In one or more embodiments, the dust-collecting assembly may comprise a cyclonic, dust-collecting unit.
- According to the above-mentioned configuration, air and foreign matter are separated by centrifugal force in the cyclonic, dust-collecting unit.
- An embodiment according to the present disclosure is explained below, with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. The structural elements of the embodiment explained below can be combined where appropriate. In addition, there are also situations in which some of the structural elements are not used.
- In the embodiment, positional relationships among parts will be explained using the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down.” Each of these terms indicates a relative position or a direction, using the center of a cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner) 1 as a reference.
- Overview of Cleaner
-
FIG. 1 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 and an extension pipe (extension wand) 100 according to one representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.FIG. 2 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.FIG. 3 is a side view that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.FIG. 5 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. - In the embodiment, the cleaner 1 is a cyclonic cleaner (also known as a cyclone vacuum cleaner) that separates foreign matter (e.g., dust, debris, etc.) from air using centrifugal force. The cleaner 1 comprises a main-
body assembly 2, afilter assembly 3, and a dust-collectingassembly 4. A base-end portion of theextension pipe 100 is coupled to the dust-collectingassembly 4. Asuction nozzle 101 is coupled to a tip portion of theextension pipe 100. Thesuction nozzle 101 has an inlet port. - Main-Body Assembly
-
FIG. 6 is a drawing, viewed from the front, of the main-body assembly 2 according to the embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 1-6 , the main-body assembly 2 comprises a main-body housing 5, a battery-mountingpart 6, asuction unit 7, acontroller 8, anoperation panel 9, and a light 10. - The main-
body housing 5 is formed of a synthetic resin (polymer). The main-body housing 5 comprises a pair of half housings. The main-body housing 5 comprises aleft housing 5L and aright housing 5R. Theright housing 5R is disposed more rightward than theleft housing 5L. Theleft housing 5L and theright housing 5R are fixed to each other by a plurality ofscrews 5S. - The main-
body housing 5 comprises abody part 11, a grip part (grip, handle) 12, and a battery-holding part (battery mount) 13. - The
body part 11 houses thesuction unit 7. Thesuction unit 7 is disposed in the interior space of thebody part 11. Thebody part 11 comprises a side-plate part 11A, a front-plate part 11B, an inner-tube part 11C, and an outer-tube part 11D. - The side-
plate part 11A is disposed such that it surrounds thesuction unit 7. The front-plate part 11B is disposed at a front portion of the side-plate part 11A. The inner-tube part 11C and the outer-tube part 11D are each provided on the front-plate part 11B. The inner-tube part 11C protrudes forward from a front surface of the front-plate part 11B. The outer-tube part 11D protrudes forward from the front surface of the front-plate part 11B. The outer-tube part 11D is disposed around the inner-tube part 11C. - The
body part 11 has asuction port 14 and air-exhaust ports 15. Thesuction port 14 is provided in a front portion of the main-body assembly 2. In the embodiment, thesuction port 14 is provided in a center portion of the front-plate part 11B. The inner-tube part 11C is disposed around thesuction port 14. The air-exhaust ports 15 are provided in a left portion and in a right portion of the side-plate part 11A. - In the embodiment, a sound-absorbing
member 16 is disposed in the interior space of the main-body housing 5. The sound-absorbingmember 16 is disposed in the interior space of thebody part 11 such that the sound-absorbingmember 16 faces the air-exhaust ports 15. The sound-absorbingmember 16 is a porous member. The sound-absorbingmember 16 absorbs sound that propagates through the air, thereby curtailing (attenuating) the generation of noise. -
Grooves 11E are provided on the outer surface of the outer-tube part 11D. Two of thegrooves 11E are provided on the outer surface of the outer-tube part 11D. Thegrooves 11E are formed such that they extend in the circumferential direction of rotational axis AX. Each of the twogrooves 11E has an arcuate shape within a plane orthogonal to rotational axis AX. Each of thegrooves 11E is provided in a helical shape. - The
grip part 12 is configured to be gripped by the user of the cleaner 1. Thegrip part 12 is provided such that it extends rearward from an upper portion of thebody part 11. - The battery-holding
part 13 holds (mounts) abattery pack 17 via the battery-mountingpart 6. The battery-holdingpart 13 is connected to a rear portion of thebody part 11 and to a lower-end portion of a rear portion of thegrip part 12. - The battery-mounting
part 6 is provided at a lower portion of the battery-holdingpart 13. Thebattery pack 17 is mounted on the battery-mountingpart 6. Thebattery pack 17 is detachable from the battery-mountingpart 6. - The
battery pack 17 functions as the power supply of the cleaner 1. When thebattery pack 17 is mounted on the battery-mountingpart 6, thebattery pack 17 supplies electric power to the cleaner 1. Thebattery pack 17 is a general-purpose rechargeable battery that is capable of being used as the power supply of various electrical devices. Thebattery pack 17 is capable of being used, e.g., as the power supply of a power tool. Thebattery pack 17 is capable of being used as the power supply of an electrical device other than a power tool. Thebattery pack 17 is capable of being used as the power supply of a cleaner other than the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. Thebattery pack 17 comprises one or more lithium-ion battery cells. Thebattery pack 17 is thus a rechargeable battery. The battery-mountingpart 6 has a structure equivalent to that of a battery-mounting part of a power tool. - The user of the cleaner 1 can mount the battery-mounting
part 6 on thebattery pack 17 and remove thebattery pack 17 from the battery-mountingpart 6. The battery-mountingpart 6 comprises guide members (rails), which guide thebattery pack 17, and main-body terminals, which are electrically connectable to battery terminals provided on thebattery pack 17. The user can mount thebattery pack 17 on the battery-mountingpart 6 by inserting thebattery pack 17 into the battery-mountingpart 6 from the rear. Thebattery pack 17 is inserted into the battery-mountingpart 6 while being guided by the guide members. When thebattery pack 17 is mounted on the battery-mountingpart 6, the battery terminals of thebattery pack 17 and the main-body terminals of the battery-mountingpart 6 are electrically connected to each other. The user of the cleaner 1 can remove thebattery pack 17 from the battery-mountingpart 6 by moving thebattery pack 17 rearward. - The
suction unit 7 generates a suction force at thesuction port 14. Thesuction unit 7 is housed in thebody part 11. Thesuction unit 7 comprises afan 7A, amotor 7B, and amotor case 7C, which houses thefan 7A and themotor 7B. Thefan 7A is rotatable about rotational axis AX. Rotational axis AX extends in the front-rear direction. Themotor 7B generates motive power, which causes thefan 7A to rotate. Themotor 7B is a DC brushless motor. Themotor 7B comprises: a stator, which has a tube shape; a rotor, which is disposed in the interior of the stator; and a rotor shaft, which extends forward from the rotor. The rotor shaft is fixed to the rotor. Thefan 7A is fixed to the rotor shaft. Rotational axis AX of the rotor of themotor 7B and rotational axis AX of thefan 7A coincide with each other. Thefan 7A rotates about rotational axis AX when the rotor of themotor 7B rotates about rotational axis AX. - An
opening 7D is provided in a front portion of themotor case 7C. Themotor case 7C has a plurality ofribs 7E disposed in theopening 7D. Theribs 7E are disposed such that they extend radially from the center of theopening 7D. A portion of themotor case 7C that includes theopening 7D is disposed in thesuction port 14 of the front-plate part 11B. A suction force is generated at theopening 7D by rotation of thefan 7A. The generation of a suction force at thesuction port 14 includes the generation of a suction force at theopening 7D. The air suctioned in thesuction port 14 by the rotation of thefan 7A flows into the interior space of themotor case 7C via theopening 7D. The air that flows into the interior space of themotor case 7C passes through the interior space of themotor case 7C, after which it flows out to the exterior space of the main-body housing 5 via the air-exhaust ports 15. - The
controller 8 controls at least themotor 7B. Thecontroller 8 is housed in thebody part 11. Thecontroller 8 comprises a circuit board, on which a plurality of electronic parts is mounted. A processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors), such as a CPU (central processing unit); nonvolatile memory, such as ROM (read-only memory) and storage; volatile memory, such as RAM (random-access memory); transistors; and resistors are illustrative examples of the electronic parts mounted on the circuit board. - The
operation panel 9 is configured to be manipulated by the user of the cleaner 1. Theoperation panel 9 is disposed on thegrip part 12. The user can manipulate theoperation panel 9 while grasping thegrip part 12. In the embodiment, theoperation panel 9 comprises a drive-mode changing button 9A, which is for changing the drive condition (e.g., rotational speed) of themotor 7B, and adrive button 9B, which is for causing themotor 7B to operate (start and stop). When themotor 7B is in the stopped state and thedrive button 9B is manipulated (pressed), operation of themotor 7B is started. A suction force is generated at thesuction port 14 by operation of themotor 7B. When themotor 7B is operating and the drive-mode changing button 9A is manipulated (pressed), the rotational speed of themotor 7B is adjusted (changed) in, for example, four steps. For example, when themotor 7B is operating and the drive-mode changing button 9A is manipulated (pressed) once, the rotational speed of themotor 7B changes from a first rotational speed to a (e.g. higher) second rotational speed; when manipulated once more, the rotational speed of themotor 7B changes from the second rotational speed to a (e.g. higher) third rotational speed; when manipulated once more, the rotational speed of themotor 7B changes from the third rotational speed to a (e.g. higher) fourth rotational speed; and when manipulated once more, the rotational speed of themotor 7B changes back to the first rotational speed. The suction force at thesuction port 14 changes by changing the rotational speed of themotor 7B. When themotor 7B is operating and thedrive button 9B is manipulated (pressed) again, themotor 7B stops. In addition, theoperation panel 9 comprises a plurality of light-emittingparts 9C that emit light in accordance with the rotational speed of themotor 7B; e.g., the light-emittingparts 9C are selectively illuminated to indicate low speed, medium speed or high speed operation. - The light 10 is disposed at a front portion of the
grip part 12. The light 10 illuminates forward of the cleaner 1. The light 10 comprises one or more light-emitting devices such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LED). - Filter Assembly
- As shown in
FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 , at least a portion of thefilter assembly 3 is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2. Thefilter assembly 3 is disposed such that it opposes thesuction port 14 of the main-body assembly 2. -
FIG. 7 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows thefilter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.FIG. 8 is a side view that shows thefilter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.FIG. 9 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows thefilter assembly 3 according to the embodiment. - As shown in
FIG. 4 ,FIG. 5 ,FIG. 7 ,FIG. 8 , andFIG. 9 , thefilter assembly 3 comprises asupport frame 18, afilter 19, a filter-fixing member (filter holder, filter retainer) 21, and a retaining-rib member (circular or annular retaining rib) 22. - The
support frame 18 supports thefilter 19, as can be seen inFIG. 8 . Thesupport frame 18 comprises afirst lattice part 23, asecond lattice part 24, a front-side tube part 25, a rear-side tube part 26, and a support-rib part 27. - The
first lattice part 23 comprises afirst ring part 23A and first rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 23B, as can be seen inFIG. 7 . Thefirst ring part 23A is disposed more forward than the front-side tube part 25. Thefirst rod parts 23B are provided such that they connect thefirst ring part 23A and the front-side tube part 25. A plurality of thefirst rod parts 23B is disposed in (around) the circumferential direction of thefirst ring part 23A in a spaced-apart manner. - The
second lattice part 24 comprises asecond ring part 24A, athird ring part 24B, second rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 24C, and third rod parts (beams, bars, struts) 24D. Thesecond ring part 24A is disposed more forward than the front-side tube part 25. Thethird ring part 24B is disposed radially inward of the front-side tube part 25. Thethird ring part 24B is disposed more rearward than thesecond ring part 24A. Thesecond rod parts 24C are provided such that they connect thesecond ring part 24A and the rear-side tube part 26. A plurality of thesecond rod parts 24C is disposed in the circumferential direction of thesecond ring part 24A in a spaced-apart manner. Thethird rod parts 24D are provided such that they connect thesecond ring part 24A and thethird ring part 24B. A plurality of thethird rod parts 24D is disposed in (around) the circumferential direction of thesecond ring part 24A in a spaced-apart matter. - The front-
side tube part 25 has a circular-tube shape. The front-side tube part is disposed more rearward than thefirst ring part 23A and thesecond ring part 24A. - The rear-
side tube part 26 has a circular-tube shape (hollow circular cylindrical shape). The rear-side tube part 26 is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part 25. The central axis of the front-side tube part 25 and the central axis of the rear-side tube part 26 coincide with each other. The outer diameter of the front-side tube part 25 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear-side tube part 26. The inner diameter of the front-side tube part 25 is larger than the inner diameter of the rear-side tube part 26. - The support-
rib part 27 is disposed on the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25. The support-rib part 27 protrudes from the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25 radially outward of the front-side tube part 25. The support-rib part 27 has a circular-ring shape, e.g., a circular flange shape. The support-rib part 27 is a flange portion that is provided on the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25. - Referring again to
FIG. 8 , thefilter 19 is supported by thesupport frame 18. Thefilter 19 is disposed more forward than thesuction port 14 of the main-body assembly 2. Thefilter 19 is air permeable. Thefilter 19 collects foreign matter from the air that passes through thefilter 19. In the embodiment, thefilter 19 is made of cloth or other mesh fabric material that permits air to pass through, but blocks (collects) dust, debris, etc. Thefilter 19 may be, e.g., a high performance or HEPA filter. - The
filter 19 has a bag shape or cup shape (bottomed hollow cylindrical shape). Thefilter 19 is disposed such that it covers thefirst lattice part 23. An opening is provided in a rear-end portion of thefilter 19. The rear-end portion of thefilter 19 is fixed to, for example, the front-side tube part 25. Air flows into thefilter 19 from a front portion of thefilter 19. Foreign matter contained in the air is collected by thefilter 19. Air that has passed through thefilter 19 flows out from the opening at the rear portion of thefilter 19, after which it flows into thesuction port 14. - The filter-fixing
member 21 is disposed around the front-side tube part 25. The filter-fixingmember 21 has a ring shape. The filter-fixingmember 21 is press-fitted onto the front-side tube part 25. The filter-fixingmember 21 is disposed such that it contacts the outer surface of the front-side tube part 25. Thefilter 19 is stitched to the filter-fixingmember 21. - The retaining-
rib member 22 is fixed to at least a portion of thesupport frame 18. In the embodiment, the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of thesupport frame 18. More specifically, the retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26. The retaining-rib member 22 has a circular-ring shape or hollow circular cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the retaining-rib member 22 protrudes radially outward from (relative to) the outer surface of the rear-side tube part 26. - The retaining-
rib member 22 is an elastic body. In the embodiment, the retaining-rib member 22 is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The retaining-rib member 22 comprises a fixing part (attaching part, engaging) 22A and alip part 22B. The fixingpart 22A is fixed (attached) to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26. The fixingpart 22A has a ring shape. Thelip part 22B is connected to the fixingpart 22A. Thelip part 22B has a ring shape. Thelip part 22B can be elastically deformed. - Dust-Collecting Assembly
- As shown in
FIGS. 1-5 , at least a portion of the dust-collectingassembly 4 is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2. Thefilter assembly 3 is housed in at least a portion of the dust-collectingassembly 4. -
FIG. 10 is a drawing, viewed from the rear, of the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment.FIG. 11 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment.FIG. 12 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-5 and 10-12 , the dust-collectingassembly 4 comprises acyclone housing 30 and a cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. - The
cyclone housing 30 comprises afront housing 31 and arear housing 32. At least a portion of thefront housing 31 is disposed more forward than therear housing 32. Thefront housing 31 and therear housing 32 are fixed to each other by fourscrews 60. Screw holes 61, into which screw portions of thescrews 60 are screwed, are provided in thefront housing 31.Openings 62, in which intermediate portions of thescrews 60 are disposed, are provided in therear housing 32. - The
front housing 31 comprises abody part 33, aninlet pipe 34, and a dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35. That is, thetube part 35 is configured to be coupled or attached to a dust cap (dust case) 42. - The
rear housing 32 comprises an assembly-tube part 37, an assembly-plate part 38, a filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39, engaging-protrudingparts 28, and assembly-support parts 29. That is, thetube part 39 is configured to be coupled or attached to afilter unit 50. - The cyclonic, dust-collecting
unit 40 comprises swirling members (air swirling members) 43, thefilter unit 50, and the dust cap (dust case) 42. - The
body part 33 has a tube shape. Thebody part 33 is disposed at a rear portion of thefront housing 31. Thebody part 33 is connected to therear housing 32. Theinlet pipe 34 protrudes forward from a front portion of thebody part 33. The dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 has a tube shape. The dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 is disposed parallel to theinlet pipe 34. The dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 protrudes forward from a front portion of thebody part 33. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theinlet pipe 34 is coupled to a base-end portion of theextension pipe 100. Thesuction nozzle 101 is coupled to a tip portion of theextension pipe 100. Thesuction nozzle 101 has an inlet port. - A
lock mechanism 36 is provided at a front-end portion of theinlet pipe 34. Theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100 are fixed to each other by thelock mechanism 36. Theextension pipe 100 can be separated from theinlet pipe 34 by manually releasing the fixing (latching) by thelock mechanism 36. Theextension pipe 100 is detachable from theinlet pipe 34. - The
inlet pipe 34 has an inflow port (opening) 34A and an outflow port (opening) 34B. Theinflow port 34A is provided in a front-end portion of theinlet pipe 34. Theoutflow port 34B is provided in a rear-end portion of theinlet pipe 34. A base-end portion of theextension pipe 100 is inserted into theinflow port 34A. The air suctioned in from thesuction nozzle 101 flows through theextension pipe 100, after which it flows into theinflow port 34A. The air that flows through theinlet pipe 34 flows out from theoutflow port 34B. - The dust-cap-coupling-
tube part 35 is configured to be coupled to thedust cap 42.Lock parts 44 are provided at a rear-end portion of thedust cap 42. Recessedparts 35R (refer toFIG. 14 , etc.) are provided at portions of thefront housing 31. Each of thelock parts 44 comprises a hook portion, which hooks to (in) the corresponding recessedpart 35R. Thedust cap 42 and the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 are fixed to each other by thelock parts 44. Thedust cap 42 is separated from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 by manually releasing the fixing by thelock parts 44. Thedust cap 42 is detachable from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 of thefront housing 31. - A front-end portion of the assembly-
tube part 37 is connected to thefront housing 31. The assembly-plate part 38 is connected to a front portion of the assembly-tube part 37 so as to cover the opening in the front portion of the assembly-tube part 37. Thefilter assembly 3 is housed in the assembly-tube part 37. Thefilter assembly 3 is inserted from the opening provided at the rear-end portion of the assembly-tube part 37 into the interior of the assembly-tube part 37. - The filter-unit-coupling-
tube part 39 protrudes forward from a portion of the assembly-plate part 38. The filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 has a tube shape. An opening is provided in a portion of the assembly-plate part 38. A rear-end portion of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39 is connected to the opening of the assembly-plate part 38. - The engaging-protruding
parts 28 are inserted into thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5. Two of the engaging-protrudingparts 28 are provided at a rear-end portion of the assembly-tube part 37. The engaging-protrudingparts 28 protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37. As described above, two of thegrooves 11E are likewise provided. One of the engaging-protrudingparts 28 is inserted into one of thegrooves 11E. The other engaging-protrudingpart 28 is inserted into theother groove 11E. - In the state in which the pair of engaging-protruding
parts 28 of therear housing 32 is disposed in thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5, when therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 are rotated relative to each other in one direction, therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 are fixed to each other by a so-called bayonet coupling. When therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 are rotated relative to each other in the other direction, the coupling between therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 is released. - The assembly-
support parts 29 support, from the front, the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3. The support-rib part 27 makes contact with the assembly-support parts 29, which are provided on the dust-collectingassembly 4. Three of the assembly-support parts 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 in a spaced-apart manner, preferably equispaced. The assembly-support parts 29 are composed of ribs that protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37. In the state in which the pair of engaging-protrudingparts 28 of therear housing 32 is disposed in thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5, the assembly-support parts 29 are disposed forward of the support-rib part 27. In the state in which the pair of engaging-protrudingparts 28 of therear housing 32 is disposed in thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5, a rear-end portion of each of the assembly-support parts 29 opposes a front surface of the support-rib part 27. - The swirling
members 43 swirl the air supplied from theinlet pipe 34. The swirlingmembers 43 comprise a first swirling member (first air swirling member) 43A, which is provided in thefront housing 31, and a second swirling member (second air swirling member) 43B, which is connected to a rear-end portion of thefirst swirling member 43A. A swirlingpassageway 45 is formed in the interior of the swirlingmembers 43. - The dust-cap-coupling-
tube part 35 has an inflow port (opening) 35A. Theinflow port 35A of the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 functions as an inflow port of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. Theinflow port 35A is provided in a rear-end portion of the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35. Theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34 and theinflow port 35A of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40 are fluidly connected to each other via the swirlingpassageway 45. The swirlingpassageway 45 is provided in a portion of thecyclone housing 30. The air that flows out from theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34 flows through the swirlingpassageway 45, after which it flows into theinflow port 35A of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. - The swirling
passageway 45 connects theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34 and theinflow port 35A of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. The swirlingpassageway 45 is defined by the swirlingmembers 43. Thefirst swirling member 43A is disposed in the interior of thebody part 33. Thesecond swirling member 43B has a plate shape and is connected to a rear-end portion of thefirst swirling member 43A. Thesecond swirling member 43B opposes at least theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34. A rear-end portion of thefirst swirling member 43A of thefront housing 31 is covered by the assembly-plate part 38 of therear housing 32 by fixing thefront housing 31 and therear housing 32 to each other using thescrews 60. In the embodiment, the swirlingpassageway 45 is defined by thefirst swirling member 43A, thesecond swirling member 43B, and the assembly-plate part 38. The swirlingpassageway 45 is an internal passageway of thecyclone housing 30. - Connection Structure
-
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view that shows the connection structure of the main-body assembly 2, thefilter assembly 3, and the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment. - Before the main-
body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4 are connected, thefilter assembly 3 is mounted on the main-body assembly 2. After thefilter assembly 3 has been mounted on the main-body assembly 2, the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4 are connected to each other via thefilter assembly 3. Thefilter assembly 3 is sandwiched between the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4. - As shown in
FIGS. 13 and 31-32 , protrudingparts 11F are provided on the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11D and face (extend) radially inward (perpendicularly from the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11D). The protrudingparts 11F protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11D, e.g., in the form of a ridge or wall. The protrudingparts 11F are provided at two locations: an upper portion (seeFIG. 13 ) and a lower portion (seeFIGS. 31-32 ) of the outer-tube part 11D.Grooves 11G are respectively formed (defined) by rear surfaces of the protrudingparts 11F, a front surface of the front-plate part 11B, and the inner surface of the outer-tube part 11D. Thegrooves 11G are formed at two locations: an upper portion (seeFIG. 13 ) and a lower portion (seeFIGS. 31-32 ) of the outer-tube part 11D. Thegrooves 11G are each curved (arc shaped) and have a longest dimension that extends in the circumferential direction of the main-body assembly 2 and a width dimension that extends in the front-rear direction of the main-body assembly 2. Thegrooves 11G preferably extend along an arc that is between about 60-75° of the main-assembly 2 in the view shown inFIG. 6 , more preferably between 65-70°. - When the
filter assembly 3 is to be mounted on the main-body assembly 2, the retaining-rib member 22, which is fixed to the rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26, is inserted between the inner-tube part 11C and the outer-tube part 11D (seeFIG. 6 ). - Then, the user of the cleaner 1 pushes the
filter assembly 3 in from forward of the main-body assembly 2 further into the main-body assembly 2 such that upper and lower portions of the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 are respectively disposed (engaged) in the upper andlower grooves 11G provided on (in) the main-body assembly 2, as can be seen inFIG. 13 . The retaining-rib member 22 is inserted, from the front, into thegrooves 11G. - As was mentioned above, the retaining-
rib member 22 is an elastic body. Therefore, when the retaining-rib member 22 passes by (over) the protrudingparts 11F, it elastically deforms and then enters the interiors of thegrooves 11G. When the retaining-rib member 22 is disposed (engaged) in thegrooves 11G, the main-body assembly 2 and thefilter assembly 3 are connected to each other. - After the main-
body assembly 2 and thefilter assembly 3 have been connected to each other and the engaging-protrudingparts 28 of therear housing 32 are disposed in thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5, the user of the cleaner 1 rotates therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 relative to each other in the one rotational direction. Thereby, the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4 are connected to each other via thefilter assembly 3. - As described above, each of the
grooves 11E has a helical shape. In the state in which the engaging-protrudingparts 28 of therear housing 32 have been disposed in thegrooves 11E of the main-body housing 5, when therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5 are rotated relative to each other in the one rotational direction, the dust-collectingassembly 4 moves rearward such that it approaches the main-body assembly 2. - Each of the assembly-
support parts 29 is disposed at a location at which it opposes a front surface of the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3. When the dust-collectingassembly 4 moves rearward such that it approaches the main-body assembly 2 (as a result of the relative rotation of therear housing 32 and the main-body housing 5), the assembly-support parts 29 move rearward so as to approach the support-rib part 27, and a rear-end portion of each of the assembly-support parts 29 contacts a front surface of the support-rib part 27. When the assembly-support parts 29 move rearward while being in contact with the support-rib part 27, thefilter assembly 3 moves rearward. When thefilter assembly 3 moves rearward, the retaining-rib member 22, which is disposed at a rear-end portion of thefilter assembly 3, is pushed against a front surface of the front-plate part 11B of the main-body assembly 2. Thefilter assembly 3 is interposed between the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4 in the front-rear direction. Thefilter assembly 3 is fixed to the main-body assembly 2 and the dust-collectingassembly 4. - Because the retaining-
rib member 22 is an elastic body, it also functions as a sealing member. For example, by bringing thelip part 22B of the retaining-rib member 22 into close contact with a front surface of the front-plate part 11B, the boundary between a rear-end portion of thefilter assembly 3 and the front-plate part 11B is sealed. That is, the boundary between the main-body assembly 2 and thefilter assembly 3 around thesuction port 14 is sealed by the retaining-rib member 22. Consequently, leakage of the air that flows into thesuction port 14 is curtailed, thereby reducing pressure losses in the suction force generated by thesuction unit 7. - Filter Unit
-
FIG. 14 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment.FIG. 15 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows a portion of the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment. - The cyclonic, dust-collecting
unit 40 comprises: the swirlingmembers 43, which swirl the air; thedust cap 42, into which the air that has passed through the swirlingmembers 43 flows via the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35; and thefilter unit 50, through which the air that flows out from thedust cap 42 passes. - The
dust cap 42 is detachable from the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 of thefront housing 31. Thedust cap 42 has an interior space, into which air flows from theinflow port 35A of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. Thefilter unit 50 is disposed in the interior space of thedust cap 42. -
FIG. 16 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows thefilter unit 50 according to the embodiment.FIG. 17 is an oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows thefilter unit 50 according to the embodiment.FIG. 18 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows thefilter unit 50 according to the embodiment.FIG. 19 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the rear, that shows thefilter unit 50 according to the embodiment.FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view that shows thefilter unit 50 according to the embodiment. - The
filter unit 50 comprises a prefilter (mesh filter) 51, a sound-absorbing member (tubular sponge filter) 52, and a post filter (mesh pipe) 53. The sound-absorbingmember 52 is disposed around thepost filter 53. At least a portion of theprefilter 51 is disposed around the sound-absorbingmember 52. - Air that has flowed into the
dust cap 42 via the swirlingpassageway 45 flows from the exterior toward the interior of thefilter unit 50. Air that has passed through theprefilter 51 flows to the sound-absorbingmember 52. Air that has passed through the sound-absorbingmember 52 flows to thepost filter 53. - The
post filter 53 is made of a synthetic resin (polymer). In the embodiment, thepost filter 53 is made from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin (polymer). As can be seen inFIGS. 18-20 , thepost filter 53 comprises a filter-tube part 53A, a filter-cover part 53B, first fixing-plate parts 53C, second fixing-plate parts 53D, holes 53E, anoutflow port 53F, filter-hook parts (guide stoppers) 53G, and filter-protrudingparts 53H. - The filter-
cover part 53B covers an opening at one-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the filter-cover part 53B covers an opening in a front-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A. - The first fixing-
plate parts 53C are provided at an other-end (opposite end) portion of the filter-tube part 53A in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the first fixing-plate parts 53C are provided at a rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A. Two of the first fixing-plate parts 53C are provided. - The second fixing-
plate parts 53D are provided at the rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A. The second fixing-plate parts 53D are disposed more rearward than the first fixing-plate parts 53C. The second fixing-plate parts 53D protrude radially outward of the filter-tube part 53A from the rear-end portions of the filter-tube part 53A. Two of the second fixing-plate parts 53D are provided. The amount by which the second fixing-plate parts 53D protrude in the radial direction of the filter-tube part 53A is larger than the amount by which the first fixing-plate parts 53C protrude. - The
holes 53E are provided in the filter-tube part 53A. Theholes 53E are formed such that they pass through the inner surface and the outer surface of the filter-tube part 53A; i.e. theholes 53E are through holes. A plurality of theholes 53E is provided in the filter-tube part 53A in a spaced-apart manner. Air passes through theholes 53E. Air around thefilter unit 50 can pass through theholes 53E and flow into the interior of the filter-tube part 53A. - The
outflow port 53F is provided in the rear-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A. Air that has passed through theholes 53E and flowed into the interior of the filter-tube part 53A flows out from theoutflow port 53F. - The filter-
hook parts 53G are provided at (on) the front-end portion of the filter-tube part 53A. The filter-hook parts 53G protrude forward from a front surface of the filter-cover part 53B. Two of the filter-hook parts 53G are provided. The filter-hook parts 53G comprise snap fits. The filter-protrudingparts 53H are used for positioning with respect to theprefilter 51. - The filter-protruding
parts 53H protrude forward from the front surface of the filter-cover part 53B. - The sound-absorbing
member 52 is disposed around (surrounding) the filter-tube part 53A. The sound-absorbingmember 52 comprises a circular-tube-shaped (hollow cylindrical) sponge member. The sponge member is made of a foamed urethane. The sponge member is a porous member having a plurality of holes (fine holes or pores) 52A, through which air passes. - At least a portion of the
prefilter 51 is disposed around the sound-absorbingmember 52. Theprefilter 51 comprises amesh member 51A, which has a circular-tube shape (hollow cylindrical shape), and afilter frame 51B, which supports themesh member 51A. Themesh member 51A is disposed around (surrounding) the sound-absorbingmember 52. Themesh member 51A is made of a nylon (polyamide). Themesh member 51A has a plurality ofholes 51C, through which air passes. - As described above, the
prefilter 51 has theholes 51C, through which air passes. The sound-absorbingmember 52 has theholes 52A, through which air passes. Thepost filter 53 has theholes 53E, through which air passes. The size of theholes 51C of theprefilter 51 is larger than the size of theholes 52A of the sound-absorbingmember 52. The size of theholes 52A of the sound-absorbingmember 52 is smaller than the size of theholes 53E of thepost filter 53. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , the outer surface of the filter-tube part 53A and the inner surface of the sound-absorbing member 52 (directly) contact each other. The outer surface of the sound-absorbingmember 52 and the inner surface of the prefilter 51 (directly) contact each other. -
FIG. 21 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows theprefilter 51 according to the embodiment. As shown inFIG. 21 , theprefilter 51 comprises themesh member 51A, which has a circular-tube shape, and thefilter frame 51B, which supports themesh member 51A. Themesh member 51A and thefilter frame 51B are integral. - The
filter frame 51B comprises: afirst fixing part 51D, which is fixed to a front-end portion, i.e., the one-end portion, of themesh member 51A in the axial direction; asecond fixing part 51E, which is fixed to a rear-end portion, i.e., the other-end (opposite end) portion, of themesh member 51A in the axial direction; and frame-coupling parts 51F, which connect thefirst fixing part 51D and thesecond fixing part 51E. In the embodiment, thefirst fixing part 51D, thesecond fixing part 51E, and the frame-coupling parts 51F are integral (a single member) without any seams or breaks therebetween. - The
first fixing part 51D comprises: a circular-tube part (hollow circular cylindrical part) 51G, which is disposed around a front-end portion of themesh member 51A; a circular-ring part 51H, which is disposed such that it covers an opening in a front-end portion of themesh member 51A; and a filter-coupling part 51J, which protrudes forward from a center portion of the circular-ring part 51H. Ahole 51K is provided in the filter-coupling part 51J. In the state in which the filter-hook parts 53G have been inserted into thehole 51K, the filter-hook parts 53G are hooked to the filter-coupling part 51J around thehole 51K. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , recessed parts (recesses) 51L, into which the filter-protrudingparts 53H are inserted, are formed on (in) a rear surface of the filter-coupling part 51J. - The
second fixing part 51E is a circular-tube (ring) shape that is disposed around a rear-end portion of themesh member 51A. - The frame-
coupling parts 51F are disposed such that they connect the circular-tube part 51G of thefirst fixing part 51D and thesecond fixing part 51E. Each of the frame-coupling parts 51F has a rod shape. The frame-coupling parts 51F are disposed in the interior of themesh member 51A. The frame-coupling parts 51F support themesh member 51A. A plurality of the frame-coupling parts 51F is provided in the circumferential direction of themesh member 51A in a spaced-apart manner. In the embodiment, four of the frame-coupling parts 51F are provided in the circumferential direction of themesh member 51A in a spaced-apart manner. - The
prefilter 51 and thepost filter 53 are positioned by inserting the filter-protrudingparts 53H into the recessedparts 51L. In the state in which the filter-hook parts 53G, which function as snap fits, are inserted into thehole 51K, theprefilter 51 and thepost filter 53 are fixed to each other by hooking the filter-hook parts 53G onto the filter-coupling part 51J. - The sound-absorbing
member 52 is sandwiched between the inner surface of theprefilter 51 and the outer surface of thepost filter 53. - The
prefilter 51, the sound-absorbingmember 52, and thepost filter 53 are separable. Theprefilter 51 and thepost filter 53 are separated by detaching the filter-hook parts 53G from the filter-coupling part 51J. Theprefilter 51, the sound-absorbingmember 52, and thepost filter 53 are separated by separating theprefilter 51 and thepost filter 53. Because theprefilter 51, the sound-absorbingmember 52, and thepost filter 53 are separable, the user of the cleaner 1 can easily perform maintenance on each of theprefilter 51, the sound-absorbingmember 52, and thepost filter 53. The user of the cleaner 1 can, for example, easily clean theprefilter 51, the sound-absorbingmember 52, and thepost filter 53. - As can be seen in
FIG. 13 , a rear-end portion of thepost filter 53 is inserted into the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39. The rear-end portion of thepost filter 53 is disposed in the interior of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39. Thefilter unit 50 is detachable from the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39. As can be seen inFIG. 12 , asupport part 39A, which has a ring shape, is provided in the interior of a rear-end portion of the filter-unit-coupling-tube part 39.Notches 39B, through which the second fixing-plate parts 53D can pass, are provided in portions of thesupport part 39A. After the second fixing-plate parts 53D have passed through thenotches 39B, by rotating thefilter unit 50, the first fixing-plate parts 53C oppose a front surface of thesupport part 39A, and the second fixing-plate parts 53D oppose a rear surface of thesupport part 39A. The first fixing-plate parts 53C and the second fixing-plate parts 53D sandwich thesupport part 39A in the front-rear direction. Thereby, thefilter unit 50 and therear housing 32 are fixed to each other. The fixing of thefilter unit 50 and therear housing 32 to each other is released by rotating thefilter unit 50 such that the second fixing-plate parts 53D coincide with thenotches 39B. Thefilter unit 50 is detachable from therear housing 32. - The
outflow port 53F of thefilter unit 50 functions as an outflow port of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. Air in the interior space of thedust cap 42 flows into an internal passageway of thefilter unit 50 via theholes 53E. Air that has passed through the internal passageway of thefilter unit 50 flows out from theoutflow port 53F of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. - There is a possibility that noise will be generated by air, which has flowed into the
dust cap 42 via the swirlingpassageway 45, passing through theholes 53E of thepost filter 53. For example, when air that swirls in the interior of thedust cap 42 makes direct contact with the surface of the filter-tube part 53A, which has theholes 53E, there is a possibility that noise will be generated. In the embodiment, the sound-absorbingmember 52 is disposed such that it covers the filter-tube part 53A. Direct contact of the air that swirls in the interior of thedust cap 42 with the surface of the filter-tube part 53A, which has theholes 53E, is curtailed by the sound-absorbingmember 52. Thereby, the generation of noise is curtailed. - As described above, the sound-absorbing
member 52 is a sponge member. Consequently, there is a possibility that foreign matter in the interior of thedust cap 42 will adhere to the surface of the sound-absorbingmember 52. In the embodiment, theprefilter 51 is disposed such that it covers the sound-absorbingmember 52. Adherence of foreign matter to the sound-absorbingmember 52 is curtailed (reduced) by theprefilter 51. Theprefilter 51 comprises themesh member 51A. Consequently, adherence of foreign matter to theprefilter 51 is curtailed. - Lock Mechanism
-
FIG. 22 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows the cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.FIG. 23 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows thelock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.FIG. 24 is an oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100 according to the embodiment.FIG. 25 is a drawing, viewed from above, of thelock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.FIG. 26 is a side view that shows thelock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view that shows thelock mechanism 36 according to the embodiment. - The cleaner 1 comprises the
lock mechanism 36, which fixes theextension pipe 100 that has been connected to theinlet pipe 34. Thelock mechanism 36 fixes theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100, which has been inserted into theinflow port 34A of theinlet pipe 34. At least a portion of thelock mechanism 36 is provided on theinlet pipe 34. Thelock mechanism 36 comprises a pipe-lock lever 70 and acoil spring 63. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , the pipe-lock lever 70 is disposed downward of thedust cap 42. As shown inFIG. 25 , in the left-right direction, the dimension of thedust cap 42 is larger than the dimension of the pipe-lock lever 70. - The pipe-
lock lever 70 comprises a main-body part 71,projection parts 72, and a pipe-hook part 73. The main-body part 71 and theprojection parts 72 are disposed outward of theinlet pipe 34. The main-body part 71 and theprojection parts 72 oppose the outer surface of theinlet pipe 34. - The main-
body part 71 is disposed on an upper portion of theinlet pipe 34. The outer shape (contour) of the main-body part 71 has a quadrangular shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction. The pipe-hook part 73 is disposed on the main-body part 71. The pipe-hook part 73 is provided at a front-end portion of a lower surface of the main-body part 71. The pipe-hook part 73 is provided such that it protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main-body part 71. - The
projection parts 72 project laterally from side portions of the main-body part 71. In the embodiment, theprojection parts 72 project laterally from a rear portion of side portions of the main-body part 71. The outer shape of theprojection parts 72 is triangular shaped. Surfaces of theprojection parts 72 are tilted downward as they go laterally and rearward. - In the embodiment, the
projection parts 72 comprise a left-projection part 72L, which projects leftward from a left portion of the main-body part 71, and a right-projection part 72R, which projects rightward from a right portion of the main-body part 71. The left-projection part 72L projects leftward from a rear portion of a left portion of the main-body part 71. The right-projection part 72R projects rightward from a rear portion of a right portion of the main-body part 71. A surface of the left-projection part 72L is tilted downward as it goes leftward and rearward. A surface of the right-projection part 72R is tilted downward as it goes rightward and rearward. - A pipe through
hole 64 is provided in a portion of theinlet pipe 34. The pipe throughhole 64 is formed such that it passes through the outer surface and the inner surface of theinlet pipe 34. The pipe-hook part 73 protrudes downward from a lower surface of the main-body part 71. The pipe-hook part 73 can move more inward than the outer surface of theinlet pipe 34 via the pipe throughhole 64. The pipe-hook part 73 can enter the interior of theinlet pipe 34. - The
extension pipe 100 comprises a protruding part (protrusion, ridge) 103 and an engaging part (shoulder, raised portion) 102, which is supported on (extends from) the protrudingpart 103. The protrudingpart 103 protrudes upward from an upper surface of theextension pipe 100. A front-end portion of theengaging part 102 is connected to theprotruding part 103. Theengaging part 102 can elastically deform in the state in which theengaging part 102 is supported on theprotruding part 103. A rear-end portion of theengaging part 102 will move in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of theengaging part 102. A pipe-recess part (recess, groove) 104 is provided on (in) an upper surface of theengaging part 102. - The pipe-hook part (hook) 73 of the pipe-
lock lever 70 is hooked to (in) the pipe-recess part 104, which is provided on theextension pipe 100. By hooking the pipe-hook part 73 to (in) the pipe-recess part 104, theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100 are fixed to each other. In the state in which the pipe-hook part 73 has been hooked to the pipe-recess part 104, the protrudingpart 103 opposes a front-end portion of theinlet pipe 34. - The pipe-
lock lever 70 is supported on theinlet pipe 34 so as to be pivotable about pivot axis RX. Pivot axis RX extends in the left-right direction. As shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27 , pivot axis RX of the pipe-lock lever 70 is disposed more rearward than the pipe-hook part 73. Theprojection parts 72 are disposed more rearward than pivot axis RX of the pipe-lock lever 70. - The
coil spring 63 is disposed between a lower surface of the main-body part 71 and an upper surface of theinlet pipe 34. Thecoil spring 63 generates an elastic force such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves downward. A support-protrudingpart 74 is provided on a lower surface of the main-body part 71. The pipe-lock lever 70 and thecoil spring 63 are positioned by inserting the support-protrudingpart 74 into thecoil spring 63. A support-recessed part (recess) 65 is formed on (in) the outer surface of theinlet pipe 34. Theinlet pipe 34 and thecoil spring 63 are positioned by disposing the lower-end portion of thecoil spring 63 in the support-recessedpart 65. - By manipulating the
projection parts 72, the user of the cleaner 1 can release the fixing of theextension pipe 100 by thelock mechanism 36. More specifically, to release the fixing (attachment, latching), the user manipulates the pipe-lock lever 70 to move theprojection parts 72 downward. By moving theprojection parts 72 downward, the pipe-lock lever 70 pivots about pivot axis RX such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves upward. By moving the front-end portion of the main-body part 71 upward, the pipe-hook part 73 is removed from the pipe-recess part 104. The fixing of theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100 is released by removing the pipe-hook part 73 from the pipe-recess part 104. - Owing to the elastic force of the
coil spring 63, the pipe-lock lever 70 pivots about pivot axis RX such that a front-end portion of the main-body part 71 moves downward. In the state in which theextension pipe 100 is inserted in theinflow port 34A of theinlet pipe 34, the pipe-hook part 73 is inserted into the pipe-recess part 104 by moving the front-end portion of the main-body part 71 downward. Theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100 are fixed to each other by inserting the pipe-hook part 73 into the pipe-recess part 104. - In the embodiment, the pipe-
lock lever 70 comprisesanti-slip ribs 75, which are provided on surfaces of theprojection parts 72. Theanti-slip ribs 75 comprise a plurality of protruding parts protruding from surfaces of theprojection parts 72. Owing to theanti-slip ribs 75, even if the surfaces of theprojection parts 72 are tilted, the user can smoothly manipulate theprojection parts 72. - In the embodiment, the
dust cap 42 is disposed directly above the pipe-lock lever 70. Even if it is difficult to manipulate the main-body part 71 owing to thedust cap 42, the user of the cleaner 1 can pivot the pipe-lock lever 70 by manipulating theprojection parts 72, and thereby can release the fixing of theinlet pipe 34 and theextension pipe 100. - It is noted that the user may manipulate the main-
body part 71 such that the main-body part 71 moves downward.Anti-slip ribs 76 are provided at a rear portion of a surface of the main-body part 71. The user can smoothly manipulate the main-body part 71 by using theanti-slip ribs 76. - The dust-collecting
assembly 4 comprises lever guards 66, which protrude laterally from side portions of theinlet pipe 34. The lever guards 66 protect the pipe-lock lever 70. The lever guards 66 protect at least theprojection parts 72. The lever guards 66 are disposed at least partly around theprojection parts 72. In the embodiment, at least portions of the lever guards 66 are disposed more downward than theprojection parts 72. At least portions of the lever guards 66 are disposed more rearward than theprojection parts 72. - The lever guards 66 comprise a left-
lever guard 66L, which protects the left-projection part 72L, and a right-lever guard 66R, which protects the right-projection part 72R. A portion of the left-lever guard 66L is disposed more downward than the left-projection part 72L. A portion of the left-lever guard 66L is disposed more rearward than the left-projection part 72L. A portion of the right-lever guard 66R is disposed more downward than the right-projection part 72R. A portion of the right-lever guard 66R is disposed more rearward than the right-projection part 72R. - The amount by which the lever guards 66 protrude from the outer surface of the
inlet pipe 34 in the left-right direction is larger than the amount by which theprojection parts 72 protrude. Because objects surrounding theinlet pipe 34 are more likely to contact/strike the lever guards 66 than theprojection parts 72, theprojection parts 72 are protected (shielded) by the lever guards 66. - Inlet Pipe
-
FIG. 28 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows a portion of the dust-collectingassembly 4 according to the embodiment.FIG. 29 is an exploded, oblique view, viewed from the front, that shows theinlet pipe 34 according to the embodiment.FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view that shows theinlet pipe 34 according to the embodiment. - In the embodiment, the
inlet pipe 34 comprises a rear-inlet pipe 341, which is integral with thebody part 33, and a front-inlet pipe 342, which is detachable from the rear-inlet pipe 341. Thebody part 33, the rear-inlet pipe 341, and the dust-cap-coupling-tube part 35 are integral (a single member), i.e. without a break or seam therebetween. - An inlet-
lock lever 80 is provided on the front-inlet pipe 342. The inlet-lock lever 80 is elongated in the front-rear direction. A front-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80 is fixed to an inlet-support part 81, which is provided on the front-inlet pipe 342. The inlet-lock lever 80 can elastically deform in the state in which the inlet-lock lever 80 is supported on the inlet-support part 81. A rear-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80 moves in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of the inlet-lock lever 80. An inlet-hook part 82, which protrudes upward, is provided at a rear-end portion of the inlet-lock lever 80. - An inlet through
hole 67, into which the inlet-hook part 82 is inserted, is provided in the rear-inlet pipe 341. The inlet-lock lever 80 generates an elastic force such that the inlet-hook part 82 is inserted into the inlet throughhole 67 from downward of the inlet throughhole 67. The rear-inlet pipe 341 and the front-inlet pipe 342 are fixed to each other by inserting a rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342 into aninsertion opening 34C, which is provided in a front-end portion of the rear-inlet pipe 341, and by inserting the inlet-hook part 82 into the inlet throughhole 67. The user can remove the inlet-hook part 82 from the inlet throughhole 67 by pushing the inlet-hook part 82 in downward against the elastic force of the inlet-lock lever 80. The user can pull the front-inlet pipe 342 out from the rear-inlet pipe 341 by removing the inlet-hook part 82 from the inlet throughhole 67. - For example, if foreign matter has adversely collected in the
front housing 31 or in the rear-inlet pipe 341, the user can discharge the foreign matter from thefront housing 31 or the rear-inlet pipe 341 in a simple manner by removing the front-inlet pipe 342 from the rear-inlet pipe 341. - In the embodiment, a
check valve 68 is disposed in a rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342. Thecheck valve 68 allows movement of fluid from the front-inlet pipe 342 into the rear-inlet pipe 341 and obstructs movement of fluid from the rear-inlet pipe 341 into the front-inlet pipe 342, i.e. in the opposite direction. In the embodiment, thecheck valve 68 comprises a rubber plate, which is supported in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342. An upper-end portion of the rubber plate is connected to the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342. Movement of fluid from the rear-inlet pipe 341 into the front-inlet pipe 342 is obstructed because the rubber plate plugs up the opening in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342. - For example, when the
suction unit 7 operates and a suction force is generated at thesuction port 14, a lower-end portion of thecheck valve 68 is lifted up rearward. Thereby, thecheck valve 68 opens, and fluid moves from the front-inlet pipe 342 into the rear-inlet pipe 341. Thereafter, when thesuction unit 7 stops and a suction force is no longer being generated at thesuction port 14, thecheck valve 68 moves so as to plug up the opening in the rear-end portion of the front-inlet pipe 342. Thereby, thecheck valve 68 closes. By closing thecheck valve 68, for example, movement of foreign matter that has collected at thefront housing 31 or the rear-inlet pipe 341 to the front-inlet pipe 342 is curtailed. - Method of Use
- Next, an exemplary method of using the cleaner 1 will be explained. When the
drive button 9B is manipulated (pressed) and themotor 7B operates, thefan 7A rotates. A suction force is generated at thesuction port 14 by rotation of thefan 7A. By generating a suction force at thesuction port 14, air, together with foreign matter, is suctioned from the inlet port of thesuction nozzle 101 into theextension pipe 100. Foreign matter may include dust, debris, etc. Air that has flowed through theextension pipe 100 flows into the internal passageway of theinlet pipe 34 via theinflow port 34A of theinlet pipe 34. Air that has flowed through the internal passageway of theinlet pipe 34 flows out from theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34. - The
outflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34 and theinflow port 35A of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40 are fluidly connected via the swirlingpassageway 45, which is provided in thecyclone housing 30. Air that flows out from theoutflow port 34B of theinlet pipe 34 flows through the swirlingpassageway 45, after which it flows into the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40 via theinflow port 35A. - The flowing of air into the cyclonic, dust-collecting
unit 40 includes the flowing of air into the interior space of thedust cap 42. Air that has flowed into the interior space of thedust cap 42 via the swirlingpassageway 45 swirls in the interior space of thedust cap 42. Air and foreign matter are separated by centrifugal force in thedust cap 42. The foreign matter is deposited in thedust cap 42. The air that was separated from the foreign matter passes through thefilter unit 50 and then flows out from theoutflow port 53F of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. Air passes through theprefilter 51 and passes through the sound-absorbingmember 52, after which it passes through thepost filter 53 and flows out from theoutflow port 53F, which is provided in the rear-end portion of thepost filter 53. - The
outflow port 53F of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40 is connected to the interior space of the assembly-tube part 37. Air that has flowed out from theoutflow port 53F of the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40 into the interior space of the assembly-tube part 37 flows into thefilter 19 of thefilter assembly 3. Thefilter 19 collects minute foreign matter that is not collected by the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. Air that has flowed through thefilter 19 flows into the interior space of the main-body housing 5 via thesuction port 14. Air that has flowed into the interior space of the main-body housing 5 passes through thefan 7A and themotor 7B, after which it is discharged from (through) the air-exhaust ports 15 to the exterior of the main-body housing 5. - Effects
- As explained above, in the above-described embodiment, the cleaner 1 comprises: the main-
body assembly 2, which has thesuction port 14; and thefilter assembly 3, at least the portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 so as to oppose thesuction port 14. Thefilter assembly 3 comprises: thesupport frame 18; thefilter 19, which is supported on thesupport frame 18; and the retaining-rib member 22, which is inserted, from the front, into thegrooves 11G provided on (in) the main-body assembly 2 and is fixed to thesupport frame 18. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, the
filter assembly 3 is mounted on the main-body assembly 2 by inserting the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3, from the front, into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2. A user of the cleaner 1 can mount thefilter assembly 3 on the main-body assembly 2 merely by pushing thefilter assembly 3 into the main-body assembly 2 such that the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 is inserted, from the front, into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2. That is, the user of the cleaner 1 can mount (insert) thefilter assembly 3 on (into) the main-body assembly 2 without having to rotate the main-body assembly 2 and thefilter assembly 3 relative to each other. Consequently, the likelihood of mis-mounting of thefilter assembly 3 on the main-body assembly 2 is reduced. - In the embodiment, the retaining-
rib member 22 is an elastic body. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-
rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2 because the retaining-rib member 22 elastically deforms when the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 is inserted, from the front, into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2. - In the embodiment, the retaining-
rib member 22 has a circular-ring shape. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-
rib member 22 has a circular-ring shape, thefilter assembly 3 can always be properly mounted on the main-body assembly 2, regardless of the relative rotational positions of thefilter assembly 3 and the main-body assembly 2. - In the embodiment, the retaining-
rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of thesupport frame 18. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-
rib member 22 is fixed to the rear-end portion of thesupport frame 18, the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2. - In the embodiment, the cleaner 1 comprises the dust-collecting
assembly 4, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly 2 and which comprises an assembly-tube part 37 in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed. Thesupport frame 18 comprises the support-rib part 27, which contacts an assembly-support parts 29 provided on the dust-collectingassembly 4. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, by mounting the dust-collecting
assembly 4 on the main-body assembly 2, the support-rib part 27, which is provided on thefilter assembly 3, will contact the assembly-support parts 29 provided on the dust-collectingassembly 4 in the state in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37 of the dust-collectingassembly 4. Thereby, the main-body assembly 2, thefilter assembly 3, and the dust-collectingassembly 4 are fixed. - In the embodiment, the support-
rib part 27 has a circular-ring shape. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the support-
rib part 27 has a circular-ring shape, the assembly-support parts 29 of the dust-collectingassembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37. - In the embodiment, the
support frame 18 comprises the front-side tube part 25. The support-rib part 27 protrudes radially outward from the front-side tube part 25. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-
support parts 29 of the dust-collectingassembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37. - In the embodiment, the
support frame 18 comprises the rear-side tube part 26, which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part 25. The retaining-rib member 22 is fixed to the rear-side tube part 26. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, because the retaining-
rib member 22 is fixed to a rear-end portion of the rear-side tube part 26, the user of the cleaner 1 can smoothly insert, from the front, the retaining-rib member 22 of thefilter assembly 3 into thegrooves 11G provided on the main-body assembly 2. - In the embodiment, the assembly-
support parts 29 protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-
support parts 29 of the dust-collectingassembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37. - In the embodiment, three of the assembly-
support parts 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part 37 in a spaced-apart manner. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, the assembly-
support parts 29 of the dust-collectingassembly 4 and the support-rib part 27 of thefilter assembly 3 can make contact in the state in which thefilter assembly 3 is housed within the assembly-tube part 37. - In the embodiment, the dust-collecting
assembly 4 comprises the cyclonic, dust-collectingunit 40. - According to the above-mentioned configuration, air and foreign matter are separated by centrifugal force in the cyclonic, dust-collecting
unit 40. - In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the
first fixing part 51D, thesecond fixing part 51E, and the frame-coupling parts 51F are integral (a single member) i.e. without a break or seam therebetween. However, one or more of thefirst fixing part 51D, thesecond fixing part 51E, and the frame-coupling parts 51F may instead be separate bodies. For example, thefirst fixing part 51D, thesecond fixing part 51E, and the frame-coupling parts 51F may be separable. In addition, the frame-coupling parts 51F may be omitted from thefilter frame 51B. Thefilter frame 51B may comprise thefirst fixing part 51D and thesecond fixing part 51E alone. - In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the cleaner 1 is a cyclonic cleaner. The cleaner 1 does not have to be a cyclonic cleaner and may separate foreign matter from air using a technique that does not involve centrifugal force.
- Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide improved vacuum cleaners and components thereof.
- Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above-described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings.
- All features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently from each other for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter, independent of the compositions of the features in the embodiments and/or the claims. In addition, all value ranges or indications of groups of entities are intended to disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original written disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter.
- 1 Cleaner (Stick vacuum cleaner)
2 Main-body assembly
3 Filter assembly
4 Dust-collecting assembly
5 Main-body housing
5L Left housing
5R Right housing - 6 Battery-mounting part
7 Suction unit - 7C Motor case
- 9 Operation panel
9A Drive-mode changing button
9B Drive button
9C Light-emitting part - 11 Body part
11A Side-plate part
11B Front-plate part
11C Inner-tube part
11D Outer-tube part - 11F Protruding part
- 12 Grip part
13 Battery-holding part
14 Suction port
15 Air-exhaust port
16 Sound-absorbing member
17 Battery pack
18 Support frame - 21 Filter-fixing member
22 Retaining-rib member
22A Fixing part
22B Lip part
23 First lattice part
23A First ring part
23B First rod part
24 Second lattice part
24A Second ring part
24B Third ring part
24C Second rod part
24D Third rod part
25 Front-side tube part
26 Rear-side tube part
27 Support-rib part
28 Engaging-protruding part
29 Assembly-support part
30 Cyclone housing
31 Front housing
32 Rear housing
33 Body part
34 Inlet pipe
34A Inflow port
34B Outflow port
34C Insertion opening
35 Dust-cap-coupling-tube part
35A Inflow port
35R Recessed part
36 Lock mechanism
37 Assembly-tube part
38 Assembly-plate part
39 Filter-unit-coupling-tube part
39A Support part - 40 Cyclonic, dust-collecting unit
- 43 Swirling member
43A First swirling member
43B Second swirling member
44 Lock part
45 Swirling passageway
50 Filter unit - 51A Mesh member
51B Filter frame - 51D First fixing part
51E Second fixing part
51F Frame-coupling part
51G Circular-tube part
51H Circular-ring part
51J Filter-coupling part - 51L Recessed part
52 Sound-absorbing member - 53 Post filter
53A Filter-tube part
53B Filter-cover part
53C First fixing-plate part
53D Second fixing-plate part - 53F Outflow port
53G Filter-hook part
53H Filter-protruding part - 61 Screw hole
- 63 Coil spring
64 Pipe through hole
65 Support-recessed part
66 Lever guard
66L Left-lever guard
66R Right-lever guard
67 Inlet through hole
68 Check valve
70 Pipe-lock lever
71 Main-body part
72 Projection part
72L Left-projection part
72R Right-projection part
74 Support-protruding part - 80 Inlet-lock lever
81 Inlet-support part
82 Inlet-hook part
100 Extension pipe
101 Suction nozzle
102 Engaging part
103 Protruding part
104 Pipe-recess part
341 Rear-inlet pipe
342 Front-inlet pipe
AX Rotational axis
RX Pivot axis
Claims (20)
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
a main-body assembly, which has a suction port; and
a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly so as to oppose the suction port;
wherein the filter assembly comprises: a support frame; a filter, which is supported on the support frame; and a retaining-rib member, which is inserted, from the front, into one or more grooves provided on the main-body assembly, the retaining-rib member being fixed to the support frame.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining-rib member is an elastic body.
3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining-rib member has a circular-ring shape.
4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining-rib member is fixed to a rear-end portion of the support frame.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a dust-collecting assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly and which comprises an assembly-tube part in which the filter assembly is housed;
wherein the support frame comprises a support-rib part, which contacts an assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly.
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 , wherein the support-rib part has a circular-ring shape.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 , wherein:
the support frame comprises a front-side tube part; and
the support-rib part protrudes radially outward from the front-side tube part.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7 , wherein:
the support frame comprises a rear-side tube part, which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part; and
the retaining-rib member is fixed to the rear-side tube part.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 , wherein the assembly-support part protrudes radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part.
10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9 , wherein three of the assembly-support parts are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part in a spaced-apart manner.
11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 , wherein the dust-collecting assembly comprises a cyclonic, dust-collecting unit.
12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the filter is a cloth disposed over lattice parts of the support frame.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining-rib member is composed of an elastomer and is annular.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more grooves are an upper groove and a lower groove that is spaced apart from the upper groove.
15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein:
the main-body assembly includes a body part that houses a suction unit and that comprises a side-plate part, a front-plate part, an inner-tube part, and an outer-tube part, and
the one or more grooves are defined by a rear surface of one or more protruding parts that protrude(s) perpendicularly from an inner surface of the outer-tube part, a front surface of the front-plate part, and a segment of the inner surface of the outer-tube part that is disposed between the one or more protruding parts and the front surface of the front-plate part.
16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15 , wherein:
the retaining-rib member comprises an annular fixing part and an annular lip part; and
in the state in which the retaining rib member is disposed in the one or more grooves, the annular lip part contacts the front surface of the front-plate part to seal a boundary between a rear-end portion of the filter assembly and the front-plate part.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16 , wherein, in the state in which the retaining rib member is disposed in the one or more grooves, portions of both of the annular lip part and the annular fixing part are disposed between the front-plate part and the one or more protruding parts, and the annular fixing part overlaps the one or more protruding parts in the front-rear direction of the main-body assembly.
18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17 , wherein:
the filter is a cloth disposed over lattice parts of the support frame;
the retaining-rib member is composed of an elastomer and is annular; and
the one or more grooves are an upper groove and a lower groove that is spaced apart from the upper groove.
19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18 , further comprising:
a dust-collecting assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed more forward than the main-body assembly and which comprises an assembly-tube part in which the filter assembly is housed;
wherein:
the support frame comprises a support-rib part, which contacts an assembly-support part provided on the dust-collecting assembly;
the support-rib part has a circular-ring shape;
the support frame comprises a front-side tube part;
the support-rib part protrudes radially outward from the front-side tube part;
the support frame comprises a rear-side tube part, which is disposed more rearward than the front-side tube part; and
the retaining-rib member is fixed to the rear-side tube part.
20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 19 , wherein:
the assembly-support part protrudes radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly-tube part;
three of the assembly-support parts are provided on the inner surface of the assembly-tube part in a spaced-apart manner; and
the dust-collecting assembly comprises a cyclonic, dust-collecting unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2022-024092 | 2022-02-18 | ||
JP2022024093A JP2023120939A (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2022-02-18 | Cleaner |
JP2022024092A JP2023120938A (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2022-02-18 | Cleaner |
JP2022023973A JP2023120866A (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2022-02-18 | Cyclone dust collection unit and cleaner |
JP2022-024093 | 2022-02-18 | ||
JP2022-023973 | 2022-02-18 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230263349A1 true US20230263349A1 (en) | 2023-08-24 |
Family
ID=87573233
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/163,302 Pending US20230263352A1 (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2023-02-02 | Vacuum cleaner |
US18/163,336 Pending US20230264131A1 (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2023-02-02 | Cyclonic, dust-collecting unit and vacuum cleaner |
US18/163,301 Pending US20230263349A1 (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2023-02-02 | Vacuum cleaner |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/163,302 Pending US20230263352A1 (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2023-02-02 | Vacuum cleaner |
US18/163,336 Pending US20230264131A1 (en) | 2022-02-18 | 2023-02-02 | Cyclonic, dust-collecting unit and vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20230263352A1 (en) |
-
2023
- 2023-02-02 US US18/163,302 patent/US20230263352A1/en active Pending
- 2023-02-02 US US18/163,336 patent/US20230264131A1/en active Pending
- 2023-02-02 US US18/163,301 patent/US20230263349A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20230263352A1 (en) | 2023-08-24 |
US20230264131A1 (en) | 2023-08-24 |
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