COLLECTION SYSTEM AND COLLECTOR

Abstract

 A collection system (S1) 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).

Description

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

Claims

1. A collection system (S1) comprising:

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) including 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) being 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).

2. The collection system (S1) of claim 1, further comprising
a circuit unit (223) configured to be supplied with electric power from the battery pack to use and regulate the suction power of the suction unit (22), wherein
each of the multiple different types of battery packs (BT1, BT2) includes a first communications connector (99) and is configured to transmit battery information about an associated one of the rated output voltages via the first communications connector (99),
the attachment unit (23) includes a second communications connector (235) connectible to the first communications connector (99) of the battery pack to use, and
the circuit unit (223) receives the battery information from the battery pack to use via the second communications connector (235) and regulates the suction power of the suction unit (22) in accordance with the battery information.

3. The collection system (S1) of claim 2, wherein
the 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 being included in the battery information.

4. The collection system (S1) of claim 3, wherein
the circuit unit (223) increases the suction power of the suction unit (22) as the rated output voltage of the battery pack to use increases.

5. The collection system (S1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising 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.

6. The collection system (S1) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
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), and
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).

7. The collection system (S1) of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a suction power control unit (21f) configured to be operated by a user to control the suction power of the suction unit (22).

8. A collector (1) comprising:

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) including 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) being 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).

Drawing