Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a collection system and a collector.
Background Art
[0002] A handheld vacuum cleaner has been known in the art as an exemplary collection system
(or collector) which includes: a suction unit built in its housing; and a battery
pack attached to the housing. The suction unit includes an electric motor, for example,
and is powered by the battery pack (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No.
2015-104488).
[0003] In the known collection system, the battery pack available has only a single rated
output voltage value. Therefore, in the known collection system, the voltage applied
from the battery pack to the suction unit also has a single value.
Summary of Invention
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a collection system
and collector allowing the user to select any of a plurality of values for the voltage
applied from a battery pack to a suction unit.
[0005] A collection system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a
housing with an inlet port; a suction unit housed in the housing and configured to
suck in a fluid through the inlet port; and multiple different types of battery packs
having mutually different rated output voltages. The housing includes an attachment
unit configured to receive, as a battery pack to use, any battery pack chosen from
the multiple different types of battery packs. The suction unit is configured to generate
suction power based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to use and suck
in the fluid through the inlet port.
[0006] A collector according to another aspect of the present invention includes: a housing
with an inlet port; and a suction unit housed in the housing and configured to suck
in a fluid through the inlet port. The housing includes an attachment unit configured
to receive, as a battery pack to use, any battery pack chosen from multiple different
types of battery packs having mutually different rated output voltages. The suction
unit is configured to generate suction power based on electric power supplied from
the battery pack to use and suck in the fluid through the inlet port.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0007]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a collection system including a collector
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the collection system;
FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a body casing of the collector;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a battery pack for the collection system as viewed
from above the battery pack;
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the battery pack as viewed from below the battery
pack;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an attachment unit of the collector;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a dust unit of the collector;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dust unit;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filter unit and a shaker of
the dust unit;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a filter frame of the filter unit;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the collection system; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative configuration for the collection
system.
Description of Embodiments
[0008] Embodiments to be described below generally relate to a collection system and a collector,
and more particularly relate to a collection system including battery packs and a
collector to which a chosen one of the battery packs is attached.
[0009] A collection system and collector according to an exemplary embodiment may be used
mainly in building sites, construction sites, factories, or any other places, and
are configured to suck in a target substance, which may be at least one of powder
particles, dust, or dirt, along with a fluid. A specific exemplary fluid to be sucked
in by the collection system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment may
be the air, for example. Examples of the specific target substances (powder particles)
to be sucked in along with the fluid by the collection system and collector according
to this embodiment include particles of plaster powder produced by machining (e.g.,
cutting or drilling) a plaster board, for example. Note that the collection system
and collector according to this exemplary embodiment do not have to be used in those
building sites, construction sites, or factories. Likewise, the fluid to be sucked
in by the collection system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment does
not have to be the air, but may also be any other gas or even a liquid such as water.
Furthermore, the target substances to be sucked in along with the fluid by the collection
system and collector according to this exemplary embodiment do not have to be at least
one of powder particles, dust, or dirt but may also be any other substances as well.
[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of embodiments, any of
the forward, backward, rightward, leftward, upward and downward directions to be mentioned
is supposed to be as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, unless otherwise stated.
[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the collection system S1 according to this exemplary embodiment
includes a collector 1 and multiple different types of battery packs BT with mutually
different rated values of output voltage (hereinafter referred to as "rated output
voltages"). Specifically, in FIG. 1, two types of battery packs BT1 and BT2 with mutually
different rated output voltages are illustrated as exemplary multiple different types
of battery packs BT. However, this is only an example and should not be construed
as limiting. The number of multiple different types of battery packs BT with mutually
different rated output voltages needs to be at least equal to two. Thus, the collection
system S1 may include three or more types of battery packs BT as well.
[0012] The collector 1 includes a drive unit 2 and a dust unit 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0013] The drive unit 2 includes a body casing 21 and a suction unit 22 as shown in FIGS.
2 and 3. The body casing 21 is a hollow container with an electrical insulation property.
The suction unit 22 is housed inside the body casing 21.
[0014] The dust unit 3 includes a dust casing 31 (container) and a filter unit 32 as shown
in FIGS. 6 and 7. The dust casing 31 is a container with an electrical insulation
property and a rear opening. The filter unit 32 is housed inside the dust casing 31.
[0015] The body casing 21 and the dust casing 31 are configured to be readily attachable
and detachable to/from each other. Combining the body casing 21 with the dust casing
31 forms a housing 11 as the casing of the collector 1. Specifically, the rear surface
of the dust casing 31 is attached to the front surface of the body casing 21.
[0016] First of all, the drive unit 2 will be described. In the drive unit 2, the suction
unit 22 is housed in the body casing 21. In addition, the battery pack BT is attached
to an attachment face 21j on the outer surface of the body casing 21.
[0017] The body casing 21 includes two halves 211 and 212, which may be split to the right
and to the left. The two halves 211 and 212 are assembled together with a plurality
of screws 213 to form the body casing 21. A front portion of the body casing 21 is
formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, of which the axis is defined by the forward
and backward directions, while a rear portion of the body casing 21 is formed in the
shape of a hollow box with a cutaway lower half.
[0018] On the front surface of the body casing 21, provided are a pair of wall portions
21a, 21a that face each other in the rightward and leftward directions. Between the
pair of wall portions 21a, 21a, a circular through hole, penetrating through the front
surface of the body casing 21 in the forward and backward directions, is provided
as a suction port 21b. Into the suction port 21b, fitted is a protective cap 21c with
a sparse grid structure.
[0019] The upper half of the body casing 21 has a through hole 21d penetrating through the
body casing 21 in the rightward and leftward directions and having a generally elliptical
shape extending in the forward and backward directions. Over the through hole 21d,
provided is a grip 21e in the shape of a curved bar. A suction power switch 21f (as
an exemplary suction power control unit) is provided on the upper surface of the grip
21e. The suction power switch 21f includes two press buttons 21g and 21h raised from
the upper surface of the grip 21e. The lower surface of the grip 21e is provided with
a slip stopper 21i with a plurality of grooves. This allows the user to hold the grip
21e with his or her hand and press the press button 21g or 21h with one of his or
her thumbs.
[0020] The lower surface of the rear cutaway portion of the body casing 21 is the attachment
face 21j. The attachment face 21j is provided with an attachment unit 23, to which
the battery pack BT is attached.
[0021] The suction unit 22 includes a motor 221, a fan 222, a first circuit unit 223, and
a second circuit unit 224 (see FIG. 3). Attaching the battery pack BT to the attachment
unit 23 electrically connects the battery pack BT to the first circuit unit 223.
[0022] The fan 222 is arranged close to the frontend of the body casing 21. The front side
(i.e., the suction side) of the fan 222 faces the suction port 21b. Behind the rear
side (i.e., the exhaust side) of the fan 222, arranged is the motor 221, of which
the shaft extends in the forward and backward directions. The shaft of the motor 221
is coupled to the fan 222 such that turning the shaft of the motor 221 rotates the
fan 222. The motor 221 is an electric motor and is supplied with driving power from
the first circuit unit 223.
[0023] The fan 222 is a so-called "turbo fan." The fan 222, coupled to the shaft of the
motor 221, turns with the rotational force transmitted from the motor 221. As the
fan 222 turns, the pressure in front of the fan 222 goes negative, thus generating
suction power directed from the front side toward the rear side of the fan 222. As
a result, the fan 222 sucks in the air (i.e., an exemplary fluid) from the front side
and exhausts the air toward the rear side.
[0024] The first circuit unit 223 is arranged behind the motor 221 so as to face the attachment
face 21j. The first circuit unit 223 is supplied with electric power from the battery
pack BT and regulates the rotation of the motor 221. The first circuit unit 223 includes
a circuit board 223a on which integrated are a driver circuit and a control circuit.
The first circuit unit 223 regulates the value of the power supplied to the motor
221 toward a target value, thus controlling revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor
221. That is to say, the first circuit unit 223 is able to control the suction power
of the fan 222 by controlling the RPM of the motor 221. Specifically, as the power
supplied to the motor 221 increases, the suction power of the fan 222 increases. Stated
otherwise, as the power supplied to the motor 221 decreases, the suction power of
the fan 222 decreases.
[0025] Inside the grip 21e, the second circuit unit 224 is housed under the suction power
switch 21f. The first circuit unit 223 and the second circuit unit 224 are electrically
connected together via electric wires and connectors, for example. The second circuit
unit 224 includes a circuit board 224a, on which provided is a detector circuit for
detecting the press of the press buttons 21g and 21h. In addition, the second circuit
switch 224 is supplied with electric power from the first circuit unit 223 and outputs
an operating signal, which has been input through the suction power switch 21f, to
the first circuit unit 223. The press buttons 21g and 21h are switches for changing
the suction power of the fan 222 stepwise. Specifically, the press button 21g is an
UP button for use to increase the suction power of the fan 222, while the press button
21h is a DOWN button for use to decrease the suction power of the fan 222.
[0026] Also, every time the press button 21g is pressed down by the user, the second circuit
unit 224 outputs an UP signal to the first circuit unit 223. Likewise, every time
the press button 21h is pressed down by the user, the second circuit unit 224 outputs
a DOWN signal to the first circuit unit 223. On receiving the UP signal once, the
first circuit unit 223 increases the suction power of the fan 222 by one step. Meanwhile,
on receiving the DOWN signal once, the first circuit unit 223 decreases the suction
power of the fan 222 by one step. The suction power of the fan 222 is switchable in
multiple steps from zero suction power when the fan 222 is at a stop through the maximum
suction power when the fan 222 is rotating at the upper limit RPM.
[0027] On both side faces of the body casing 21, provided respectively are two slit exhaust
ports 21k in the vicinity of the rear side of the fan 222. This allows the air directed
backward from the fan 222 to be exhausted out of the body casing 21 through the exhaust
ports 21k.
[0028] Each of the battery packs BT (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) includes a plurality of secondary
(ore rechargeable) batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), a rectangular parallelepiped
housing 91 that houses those secondary batteries, and a compressed rectangular parallelepiped
raised stage 92 protruding from a portion of one surface 911 of the housing 91. The
housing 91 and the raised stage 92 have an electrical insulation property. In each
battery pack BT, a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected together in series
inside the housing 91. The number of the lithium-ion batteries connected in series
determines the rated voltage value of the battery pack BT. The battery pack BT includes
a communications connector 99 (as a first communications connector), which is a connector
for transmitting battery information about the battery pack BT. Examples of the battery
information include various pieces of information about the temperature, battery level,
rated voltage, rated capacity, and number of times of use of the batteries.
[0029] The raised stage 92 has a first longitudinal end 921 and a second longitudinal end
922. The raised stage 92 has three insertion grooves 931, 932, and 933 at the first
longitudinal end 921. These three insertion grooves 931, 932, and 933 have embedded
female connection terminals 961, 962, and 963, respectively. The battery pack BT further
includes two sets of L-hooks 941, 942, and 943. Each set of L-hooks 941, 942, and
943 is provided for an associated one of a pair of lateral side surfaces 923 of the
raised stage 92. The battery pack BT further includes a locking member 95, which is
exposed on one surface 911 of the housing 91 and arranged between the hooks 942 and
943. The locking member 95 is inserted into a hole 915 of a wall including the one
surface 911 of the housing 91. The locking member 95 is biased by a return spring,
provided inside the housing 91, toward such a direction as to protrude from the one
surface 911 of the housing 91. As used herein, the "return spring" may be configured
as a compression coil spring, for example. The battery pack BT further includes an
unlocking member 97 (see FIG. 4B) for unlocking the battery pack BT locked by the
locking member 95.
[0030] The attachment unit 23 is formed in a compressed rectangular parallelepiped shape
on the attachment face 21j as shown in FIG. 5. The lower surface 238 of the attachment
unit 23 has a downwardly open, rectangular parallelepiped recess 230 with a cutaway
rear end portion (at one longitudinal end thereof). That is to say, the attachment
unit 23 includes a rectangular parallelepiped recess 230 to receive the raised stage
92 of the battery pack BT (see FIG. 4A) and the recess 230 is open both downside and
backside. The attachment unit 23 includes two sets of three L-hooks 231, 232, and
233. Each set of three L-hooks 231, 232, and 233 is provided for an associated one
of a pair of inner lateral faces 234 of the recess 230. Each set of three hooks 231,
232, and 233 are configured to be respectively engaged with their associated set of
hooks 941, 942, and 943 of the battery pack BT. The attachment unit 23 further includes
a communications connector 235 (as a second communications connector), which is connectible
to the communications connector 99 of the battery pack BT, and two power supply terminals
236 and 237 to be respectively inserted and connected to two 961 and 962 of the three
connection terminals 961, 962, and 963 of the battery pack BT. In this connection
structure, the power supply terminal 236 is to be connected to the positive electrode
of the battery pack BT, while the power supply terminal 237 is to be connected to
the negative electrode of the battery pack BT. These power supply terminals 236 and
237 and the communications connector 235 are electrically connected to the circuit
board 223a of the first circuit unit 223.
[0031] When the battery pack BT is attached onto this attachment unit 23, the raised stage
92 of the battery pack BT is inserted into the recess 230 from under the lower surface
238 of the attachment unit 23 such that the hooks 941, 942, and 943 of the battery
pack BT do not interfere with the hooks 231, 232, and 233 of the attachment unit 23.
Thereafter, sliding the battery pack BT toward the first longitudinal end 921 of the
raised stage 92 allows the battery pack BT to be attached onto the attachment unit
23. When the battery pack BT is attached onto the attachment unit 23, the hooks 941,
942, and 943 of the battery pack BT are respectively engaged with the hooks 231, 232,
and 233 of the attachment unit 23. Meanwhile, the locking member 95 of the battery
pack BT locks the hooks 233, engaged with the hooks 943 of the battery pack BT, of
the attachment unit 23.
[0032] To remove the battery pack BT from the attachment unit 23, the unlocking member 97
provided for the battery pack BT may be operated to move the locking member 95, located
between the hooks 942 and 943, against the spring force applied by the return spring.
After that, the battery pack BT may be shifted toward the second longitudinal end
922 of the raised stage 92, and then the battery pack BT may be pulled out away from
the attachment face 21j.
[0033] According to this embodiment, two types of battery packs BT1 and BT2 with mutually
different rated voltage values are used as multiple different types of battery packs
BT as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Specifically, the battery pack BT1 has a rated voltage
value of 18 V, while the battery pack BT2 has a rated voltage value of 14.4 V. The
battery pack BT1 has a greater height (i.e., a greater vertical dimension) and a heavier
weight than the battery pack BT2.
[0034] One of these two battery packs BT1 and BT2 is chosen by the user and attached, as
a battery pack to use, to the attachment unit 23. When the battery pack BT1 is chosen
as the battery pack to use, a voltage of 18 V is applied to the suction unit 22. On
the other hand, when the battery pack BT2 is chosen as the battery pack to use, a
voltage of 14.4 V is applied to the suction unit 22.
[0035] The first circuit unit 223 receives the battery information from the battery pack
to use via the communications connector 235. The battery information includes rated
voltage information. Thus, the first circuit unit 223 recognizes the rated voltage
value of the battery pack to use by reference to the rated voltage information received
to determine which of the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 is now attached as the battery
pack to use. Also, the first circuit unit 223 stores, in advance, control parameter
data for each of the battery packs BT1 and BT2, and controls the suction power of
the fan 222 in accordance with the control parameter data associated with the battery
pack to use.
[0036] The battery pack BT1 has a greater rated voltage value than the battery pack BT2.
While the fan 222 is being driven, the suction power of the fan 222 has the following
upper and lower limit values (both of which are greater than zero). Specifically,
when the battery pack to use is the battery pack BT1, the suction power of the fan
222 has a greater upper limit value than when the battery pack to use is the battery
pack BT2. Also, when the battery pack to use is the battery pack BT2, the suction
power of the fan 222 has a smaller lower limit value than when the battery pack to
use is the battery pack BT1.
[0037] As a result, choosing the battery pack BT1 as the battery pack to use allows the
suction unit 22 to increase the upper limit of the suction power of the fan 222, compared
to choosing the battery pack BT2 as the battery pack to use. Also, choosing the battery
pack BT2 as the battery pack to use allows the suction unit 22 to decrease the lower
limit (which is greater than zero) of the suction power of the fan 222, compared to
choosing the battery pack BT1 as the battery pack to use.
[0038] Thus, this allows the user to choose, as the battery pack to use, one of the plurality
of battery packs BT1 and BT2 depending on the intended use of the collector 1 and
the target substance to be sucked up, for example. For example, if the strongest possible
suction power is required, the battery pack BT1 is chosen as the battery pack to use.
Meanwhile, if the weakest possible suction power is required, then the battery pack
BT2 is chosen as the battery pack to use.
[0039] In the embodiment described above, the collector 1 is allowed to change the suction
power by making the user operate the suction power switch 21f. However, this is only
an example and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the collector 1
may also change the suction power by making the user change the battery packs as described
above. Thus, this collector 1 allows the user to switch the suction power more finely
within a broader range than known ones by making him or her adopt any of various combinations
of the suction power setting chosen via the suction power switch 21f and the battery
pack to use picked from the multiple ones.
[0040] The dust unit 3 includes a dust casing 31, a filter unit 32, and a shaker 33 as shown
in FIGS. 6-8.
[0041] The dust casing 31 includes: a dust accumulator 311 formed in a generally rectangular
parallelepiped shape with a hollow; a nozzle 312 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) forming an integral
part of the front face of the dust accumulator 311; and a check valve 313 provided
for the nozzle 312. The nozzle 312 is formed in the shape of a cylinder with an obliquely
cut-out tip, and protrudes from the front face of the dust accumulator 311. The opening
at the tip of the nozzle 312 is an inlet port 312a with a circular cross section and
configured to suck in the external air toward the inner space of the dust accumulator
311 when the fan 222 is being driven. The check valve 313 in a disk shape (see FIG.
7) is attached to the rear end of the nozzle 312. While the fan 222 is not operating,
the check valve 313 is pressed against the rear end of the nozzle 312 under the elastic
force applied by an elastic member (such as a spring). In other words, the rear end
of the nozzle 312 is closed with the check valve 313. On the other hand, while the
fan 222 is operating, the check valve 313 is displaced, by the air sucked in through
the inlet port 312a, toward such a direction as to open the rear end of the nozzle
312 against the elastic force applied by the elastic member, thus opening the rear
end of the nozzle 312.
[0042] The filter unit 32 includes a filter frame 321 and a filter 322.
[0043] The filter frame 321 is formed in the shape of an elliptical annular frame and has
an electrical insulation property. The filter 322 is formed in the shape of a bag
with a single opening. Fitting an edge of the opening of the filter 322 onto an outer
peripheral surface of the filter frame 321 allows the filter 322 to be attached onto
the filter frame 321. The filter 322 is configured to collect, as the target substance,
a powder with a particle size (diameter) of about 15-45 µm (such as plaster powder)
and allow the air to pass therethrough.
[0044] The shaker 33 is further attached to the filter unit 32. The shaker 33 includes an
annular frame 33a, another annular frame 33b, a set of four coupling pieces 33c, another
set of four coupling pieces 33d, and an operating portion 33e. The frame 33b has a
smaller diameter than the frame 33a.
[0045] These two frames 33a and 33b are arranged coaxially and spaced apart from each other.
Each of the two sets of coupling pieces 33c and 33d couples the frames 33a and 33b
together axially. The four coupling pieces 33c and the four coupling pieces 33d are
arranged at regular intervals along the respective circumferences of the frames 33a
and 33b such that each pair of the four coupling pieces 33c alternates with an adjacent
pair of the four coupling pieces 33d.
[0046] Each of the two pairs of coupling pieces 33d has their respective ends, located closer
to the frame 33b, protruding from the frame 33b. A coupling plate 33f is formed integrally
between each pair of coupling pieces 33d. That is to say, two coupling plates 33f
are formed so as to face each other diametrically with the frame 33b interposed between
them (i.e., along the diameter of the frame 33b). Also, a filter attachment piece
33g in the shape of a bar (filter attachment portion) is extended from the inner face
of each of the two coupling plates 33f toward the center of the frame 33b. The respective
tips of the two filter attachment pieces 33g face each other with a gap left between
themselves.
[0047] At the inner bottom of the filter 322, provided is a cylindrical portion 322a with
openings at both ends. Inserting the respective tips of the two filter attachment
pieces 33g into both open ends of the cylindrical portion 322a allows the shaker 33
to be attached onto the filter 322. In this case, some parts of the shaker 33 (including
the coupling pieces 33c and 33d and the frame 33b) are inserted through the opening
of the filter 322 to be housed inside the filter 322.
[0048] The operating portion 33e is configured as a handle in the shape of bar. Both ends
of the operating portion 33e are fitted into the frame 33a such that the operating
portion 33a is arranged diametrically inside the opening of the frame 33a.
[0049] Then, fixing the frame 33a of the shaker 33 onto the filter frame 321 allows the
shaker 33 to be attached onto the filter unit 32.
[0050] Specifically, the filter frame 321 includes a frame body 321a in the shape of a frame.
The frame body 321a is formed in the shape of a cylinder, which is compressed axially,
and has a circular opening 321b at one end face and an elliptical opening 321c at
the other end face (see FIG. 9). The respective peripheries of these two openings
321b and 321c are coupled together with a sidewall 321d.
[0051] Furthermore, two arc-shaped brim portions 321e are inwardly extended from the periphery
of the opening 321b. In addition, as viewed along the axis of the filter frame 321,
two more arc-shaped brim portions 321f inwardly protrude from the sidewall 321d between
the two brim portions 321e. These two pairs of brim portions 321e and 321f are alternately
arranged at an interval of approximately 90 degrees as viewed along the axis of the
filter frame 321. Furthermore, the brim portions 321f are arranged away from the brim
portions 321e along the axis of the filter frame 321 so as to be located closer to
the opening 321c than the brim portions 321e are.
[0052] On the other hand, the shaker 33 includes two arc-shaped brim portions 33h, which
are arranged along the outer periphery of the frame 33a. A projection 33i is provided
at one circumferential edge of each brim portion 33h. Then, the frame 33b of the shaker
33 is inserted into the frame body 321a from the opening 321c of the filter frame
321 toward the opening 321b thereof. After the back surface of each of the two brim
portions 33h of the shaker 33 has contacted with the surface of an associated one
of the two brim portions 321e of the filter frame 321, the shaker 33 is turned clockwise
when viewed from over it, thus sliding the back surface of each brim portion 33h along
the surface of the associated brim portion 321e. Then, after the surface of each brim
portion 33h faces the back surface of an associated one of the brim portions 321f,
the projection 33i of the brim portion 33h comes into engagement with a catching portion
321g (see FIG. 9) on the back surface of the brim portion 321f. The catching portion
321g includes a slope 321h, a recess 321i, and a stopper 321j, which are arranged
in this order clockwise on the back surface of the brim portion 321f. The slope 321h
is sloped toward the opening 321b in the clockwise direction. The recess 321i is recessed
toward the surface of the brim portion 321f. The stopper 321j protrudes toward the
opening 321b.
[0053] Thus, turning the shaker 33 clockwise brings the projection 33i of the brim portion
33h into abutment with the slope 321h, thus flexing the catching portion 321g upward.
Then, turning the shaker 33 further clockwise fits the projection 33i of the brim
portion 33h into the recess 321i and brings a circumferential end of the brim portion
33h into abutment with the stopper 321j, thus fixing the shaker 33 onto the filter
frame 321. In this case, fitting the projection 33i of the brim portion 33h into recess
321i makes a click audible for the user. This allows the user to sense the shaker
33 be fixed onto the filter frame 321.
[0054] Meanwhile, turning the shaker 33 counterclockwise as viewed from over it flexes the
catching portion 321g, thus bringing the projection 33i of the brim portion 33h out
of engagement with the recess 321i and into abutment with the slope 321h. Then, turning
the shaker 33 further counterclockwise brings the projection 33i out of abutment with
the tip of the slope 321h, thus getting the shaker 33 ready to be removed from the
filter frame 321.
[0055] Furthermore, a lock lever 34 (see FIG. 6) is attached to an opening edge of the rear
surface of the dust accumulator 311. The lock lever 34 is formed in the shape of a
plate that rotates around an axis defined by the rightward and leftward directions.
The lock lever 34 has, at the rear end thereof, a latching click 34a (see FIG. 6).
Meanwhile, a catching piece 21m (see FIG. 3) is provided at the front face of the
body casing 21. Bringing the latching click 34a of the lock lever 34 into engagement
with a catching groove 21n of the catching piece 21m of the body casing 21 (see FIG.
3) allows the dust unit 3 to be attached onto the drive unit 2 with the front surface
of the drive unit 2 and the back surface of the dust unit 3 facing each other. At
this time, fitting a fitting projection 21p provided at the bottom of the front end
of the body casing (see FIG. 2) into a recess 314 provided at the bottom of the rear
opening of the dust casing 31 (see FIG. 6) places the dust unit 3 in position with
respect to the drive unit 2.
[0056] In this collector 1, an airflow path is formed between the inlet port 312a and the
fan 222 so as to allow the air to pass through the nozzle 312, the dust accumulator
311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21b. Also, in this collector 1, having
the suction power switch 21f operated by the user activates the drive unit 2 and allows
the fan 222 to suck in the air from the front. This produces suction power at the
inlet port 312a, thus allowing the air, passing through the inlet port 312a, the nozzle
312, the dust accumulator 311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21b, to be
sucked into the fan 222.
[0057] The air is sucked into the fan 222 after having passed through the filter 322 from
the outside toward the inside of the filter 322 and then through the filter frame
321. In the meantime, the target substance, such as powder, included in the air cannot
pass through the filter 322 but is deposited on the outer surface of the filter 322
and collected by the filter 322. The target substance collected by the filter 322
drops down from the filter 322 into the dust accumulator 311 and accumulated in the
dust accumulator 311. That is to say, the target substance, such as the powder, which
has been included in the air sucked in by the collector 1, is collected in the dust
accumulator 311.
[0058] Then, the user operates and unlocks the lock lever 34, thus removing the dust unit
3 from the drive unit 2. In this case, the dust unit 3 is removed from the drive unit
2 with the filter unit 32 and the shaker 33 stored in the dust casing 31. At the back
surface of the dust unit 3 removed from the drive unit 2, exposed is the operating
portion 33e of the shaker 33. Thus, the user holds the operating portion 33e of the
shaker 33 and applies force that causes vibration in the shaker 33 to the operating
portion 33e. This causes vibration in the filter 322 and shakes off the target substance,
deposited on the outer surface of the filter 322, into the dust accumulator 311 of
the dust casing 31. For example, the user may apply force that causes vibration in
the shaker 33 in the rotating, rightward and leftward, upward and downward, and forward
and backward directions to the operating portion 33e gripped with his or her hand.
This allows the majority of the target substance, deposited on the outer surface of
the filter 322, to be accumulated in the dust accumulator 311 with only a minority
of the target substance left on the outer surface of the filter 322.
[0059] At this time, the filter unit 32 and the shaker 33 attached to the dust casing 31
are stored in the dust casing 31. This allows the user to hold the dust unit 3 itself
by gripping the operating portion 33e of the shaker 33. That is to say, the user is
allowed to cause vibration in the filter 322 by shaking the dust unit 3 itself while
gripping the operating portion 33e.
[0060] Then, the user is allowed to remove the filter unit 32 from the dust casing 31 by
holding the dust casing 31 with one hand, and gripping and turning the operating portion
33e counterclockwise with the other hand before lifting the operating portion 33e.
At this time, a relatively small percentage of the target substance is left on the
outer surface of the filter 322, and therefore, the amount of the target substance
scattered around also decreases. This allows the air in the surrounding environment
to be kept clean enough. Thereafter, the user disposes of the target substance accumulated
in the dust casing 31, attaches the filter unit 32 and the shaker 33 to the dust casing
31 again, and then attaches the dust unit 3 onto the drive unit 2 again.
[0061] Furthermore, in this collector 1, an airflow path is formed between the inlet port
312a and the fan 222 to allow the air to pass through the nozzle 312, the dust accumulator
311, the filter unit 32, and the suction port 21b. In this airflow path, the air flows
from the inlet port 312a toward the fan 222. That is to say, the inlet port 312a defines
an upstream end of the airflow path, and the fan 222 defines a downstream end of the
airflow path. The operating portion 33e of the shaker 33 is located downstream of
the filter 322 along this airflow path. Thus, the operating portion 33e is arranged
at a location, through which the air that has had the target substance filtered out
by the filter 322 passes, along this airflow path. This reduces the amount of the
target substance deposited on the operating portion 33e and allows the operating portion
33e to be kept clean enough, thus giving an impression of cleanness to the user who
grips the operating portion 33e.
[0062] In general, if the target substance is fine powder particles such as plaster powder,
the filter 322 tends to be clogged up with such fine powder particles. In view of
this, according to this embodiment, if the target substance is fine powder particles,
the battery pack BT2, having the smaller rated voltage value out of the two types
of battery packs BT1 and BT2, is adopted as the battery pack to use. This weakens
the suction power of the collector 1, compared to adopting the battery pack BT1 as
the battery pack to use, thus reducing the chances of the filter 322 being clogged
up.
[0063] In addition, the collection system S1 shown in FIG. 10 adopts, as the battery pack
to use, the battery pack BT1 having the larger rated voltage value out of the two
types of battery packs BT1 and BT2. In that case, the battery pack BT1 protrudes downward
from the attachment face 21j of the body casing 21. Also, the downward tip of the
housing 11 of the collector 1 is the bottom end of a rib 315 protruding from the lower
surface of the housing 11. Then, the lower surface (tip face) of the battery pack
BT1 and the bottom end (tip) of the rib 315 of the housing 11 are located on a single
line X1.
[0064] Therefore, when this collection system S1 is put on a mounting surface such as a
floor or the ground, the lower surface of the battery pack BT1 and the bottom end
of the rib 315 of the housing 11 are both located on the mounting surface. This allows
the collection system S1 to be placed horizontally with respect to the mounting surface.
This allows the collection system S1 to be placed on the mounting surface with good
stability. Furthermore, even when the battery pack BT1 heavier than the battery pack
BT2 is adopted as the battery pack to use, the collection system S1 is still allowed
to be placed horizontally with respect to the mounting surface. This allows the user
to handle (such as store or lift) the collection system S1 more easily.
[0065] Note that the state where the lower surface of the battery pack BT1 and the bottom
end of the rib 315 are located on a single line X1 may refer to a state where the
lower surface of the battery pack BT1 and the bottom end of the rib 315 are located
in the vicinity of the single line X1. That is to say, the collection system S1 only
needs to be placed substantially horizontally with respect to the mounting surface
to the point of allowing the user to handle the collection system S1 relatively easily.
[0066] Optionally 1, an extension nozzle 5 may be attached to the tip of the nozzle 312
of this collector 1 as shown in FIG. 11. In the extension nozzle 5, a head 52 is provided
at a tip of a cylindrical pipe 51 and has an inlet port for sucking in the air. Alternatively,
a gap nozzle 53 may be attached, instead of the head 52, to the tip of the pipe 51.
The gap nozzle 53 is usually attached detachably to the pipe 51.
[0067] As can be seen from the foregoing description, a collection system S1 according to
a first aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes: a housing 11 with an inlet port
312a; a suction unit 22 housed in the housing 11 and configured to suck in a fluid
through the inlet port 312a; and multiple different types of battery packs BT1, BT2
having mutually different rated output voltages. The housing 11 includes an attachment
unit 23 configured to receive, as a battery pack to use, any battery pack chosen from
the multiple different types of battery packs BT1, BT2. The suction unit 22 is configured
to generate suction power based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to
use and suck in the fluid through the inlet port 312a.
[0068] Thus, this collection system S1 allows the user to select any appropriate value for
the voltage to be applied from the battery pack BT to the suction unit 22 by making
the user choose a battery pack to use from the multiple different types of battery
packs BT1, BT2. This allows the collection system S1 to switch the suction power by
changing the battery packs to use as needed.
[0069] A collection system S1 according to a second aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, further includes a
first circuit unit 223 (as a circuit unit) configured to be supplied with electric
power from the battery pack to use and regulate the suction power of the suction unit
22. Each of the multiple different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 includes a communications
connector 99 (as a first communications connector) and is configured to transmit battery
information about an associated one of the rated output voltages via the communications
connector 99. The attachment unit 23 includes a communications connector 235 (as a
second communications connector) connectible to the communications connector 99 of
the battery pack to use. The first circuit unit 223 receives the battery information
from the battery pack to use via the communications connector 235 and regulates the
suction power of the suction unit 22 in accordance with the battery information.
[0070] This allows the collection system S1 to regulate the suction power of the suction
unit 22 in accordance with the battery information of the battery pack to use.
[0071] In a collection system S1 according to a third aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
which may be implemented in conjunction with the second aspect, the first circuit
unit 223 regulates the suction power of the suction unit 22 in accordance with control
parameter data associated with the battery pack to use. The control parameter data
is included in the battery information.
[0072] This allows the collection system S1 to regulate the suction power of the suction
unit 22 in accordance with the control parameter data associated with the battery
pack to use.
[0073] In a collection system S1 according to a fourth aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
which may be implemented in conjunction with the third aspect, the first circuit unit
223 increases the suction power of the suction unit 22 as the rated output voltage
of the battery pack to use increases.
[0074] This allows the collection system S1 to regulate the suction power of the suction
unit 22 in accordance with the rated output voltage of the battery pack to use.
[0075] A collection system S1 according to a fifth aspect of the exemplary embodiment, which
may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fourth aspects, further
includes a filter 322 configured to allow the fluid that has been sucked in through
the inlet port 312a to pass therethrough and filter out a target substance from the
fluid by collecting the target substance.
[0076] Thus, this collection system S1 reduces the chances of the filter 322 being clogged
up by making the user choose, as the battery pack to use, the battery pack BT2 with
the smaller rated voltage value from the multiple different types of battery packs
BT1, BT2.
[0077] In a collection system S1 according to a sixth aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fifth aspects,
the housing 11 is elongated along a longitudinal axis of the collection system S1.
The attachment unit 23 is provided for an attachment face 21j, extending along the
longitudinal axis, of the housing 11. When attached to the attachment unit 23, the
battery pack to use protrudes from the attachment face 21j. If the heaviest one BT1
of the multiple different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 is chosen as the battery
pack to use, then a tip face of the battery pack to use, protruding from the attachment
face 21j, and a tip of the housing 11 in a direction in which the battery pack to
use protrudes are located on a single line X1.
[0078] Thus, this allows the user to handle (e.g., store or lift) the collection system
S1 more easily.
[0079] A collection system S1 according to a seventh aspect of the exemplary embodiment,
which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to sixth aspects,
further includes a suction power switch 21f (which is an exemplary suction power control
unit) configured to be operated by a user to control the suction power of the suction
unit 22.
[0080] Thus, this collection system S1 allows the user to change the suction power more
finely within a broader range than known ones by making him or her select any of various
combinations of the suction power chosen via the suction power switch 21f and the
battery pack to use picked from the multiple ones
[0081] A collector 1 according to an eighth aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes:
a housing 11 with an inlet port 312a; and a suction unit 22 housed in the housing
11 and configured to suck in a fluid through the inlet port 312a. The housing 11 includes
an attachment unit 23 configured to receive, as a battery pack to use, any battery
pack chosen from multiple different types of battery packs BT1, BT2 having mutually
different rated output voltages. The suction unit 22 is configured to generate suction
power based on electric power supplied from the battery pack to use and suck in the
fluid through the inlet port 312a.
[0082] Thus, this collector 1 allows the user to select any appropriate value for the voltage
to be applied from the battery pack BT to the suction unit 22.
[0083] Note that the embodiments described above are only an example of the present disclosure
and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, numerous modifications or variations
can be readily made by those skilled in the art depending on their design choice or
any other factor without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Reference Signs List
[0084]
- S1
- Collection System
- 1
- Collector
- 11
- Housing
- 2
- Drive Unit
- 21f
- Suction Power Switch (Suction Power Control Unit)
- 21j
- Attachment Face
- 22
- Suction Unit
- 23
- Attachment Unit
- 99
- Communications Connector (First Communications Connector)
- 223
- First Circuit Unit (Circuit Unit)
- 235
- Communications Connector (Second Communications Connector)
- 3
- Dust Unit
- 312a
- Inlet port
- 322
- Filter
- BT (BT1, BT2)
- Battery Pack
- X1
- Line