Patent Publication Number: US-11647884-B2

Title: Cleaner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-145360 filed in Japan on Aug. 1, 2018. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a cleaner. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There has been known a technology relating to a cleaner whose motor is driven and stopped by operating a trigger-type operation switch (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-120634). In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-120634, the motor is driven when the trigger-type operation system is pulled in by a finger, and the motor is stopped when the finger is released. 
     In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-120634, when the trigger-type operation switch is pulled in, the cleaner is operated while the trigger-type operation switch is being pulled in. Thus, a user can easily and conveniently operate the cleaner. However, for the continuous suction, the user needs to keep pulling in the trigger-type operation switch by his/her finger. As a result, some users may feel burdened. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention has an object to provide a cleaner that are capable of keeping pulling in the trigger-type operation switch even when a finger is released. 
     A cleaner according to an aspect of the present invention includes a main body, a handle, a first switch member, and a second switch member. The main body generates a suction force to suck in dust with air by a motor. The handle is to be held by a user. The first switch member is disposed movably on the handle and switches between supplying and not supplying power to the motor by being moved. The second switch member is disposed movably on the handle and, by being moved, moves the first switch member so as to switch between supplying and not supplying power to the motor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of an example of a cleaner according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a sectional view of an example of the cleaner according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view of a trigger switch and a slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the rear position; 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the trigger switch is pulled in; 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the middle position; 
         FIG.  6    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the front position; 
         FIG.  7    is a partially enlarged view of the trigger switch and the slide switch illustrated in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit of the cleaner according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of an example of a cleaner according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a partially enlarged view of the trigger switch and the slide switch illustrated in  FIG.  9   ; and 
         FIG.  11    is a sectional view of an example of a conventional cleaner. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Moreover, components in the embodiments described below include components that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or components substantially the same as those components. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined with one another as appropriate. Still furthermore, when there are multiple embodiments, the present invention encompasses a configuration including a combination of embodiments. 
     In the following explanation, an X-axis direction is referred to as a “front-to-rear direction”. A Y-axis direction is referred to as a “left-to-right direction”. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in a horizontal plane. A left hand side viewed from the “front” side in the front-to-rear direction is “left”, and a right hand side toward the “front” side in the front-to-rear direction is “right”. A Z-axis direction is referred to as a “vertical direction”. The Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. 
     First Embodiment 
     An outline of a cleaner  10  will now be described with reference to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  1    is a side view of an example of a cleaner according to a first embodiment.  FIG.  2    is a sectional view of an example of the cleaner according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the cleaner  10  is operated when power is supplied from a rechargeable battery pack (hereinafter, referred to as a “battery”)  100 . 
     The cleaner  10  includes a main body  20 , a handle  30 , a suction nozzle  40 , a battery mounting part  50 , a trigger switch  60 , a slide switch  70 , a control circuit substrate  90 , and the battery  100 . 
     The main body  20  generates a suction force capable of sucking in dust with air. The main body  20  includes a rear housing  21 , a front housing  22 , an exhaust port  23 , a motor  24 , a suction fan  25 , and a filter  26 . 
     The rear housing  21  defines the external shape of the main body  20 , together with the front housing  22 . The rear housing  21  is formed in a tubular shape in which the +X side is opened. The rear housing  21  houses therein the motor  24  and the suction fan  25 . The rear housing  21  is disposed with the exhaust port  23 . 
     The front housing  22  is formed in a tubular shape in which the −X side is opened. The front housing  22  is attachable to and detachable from the opening of the rear housing  21  on the +X side. The filter  26  is housed in the front housing  22 . When the suction fan  25  is driven, the front housing  22  accumulates the dust contained in the air sucked in from the suction nozzle  40 . The air that has passed through the front housing  22  passes through the filter  26 , and flows into the rear housing  21 . In a state in which the front housing  22  is detached from the rear housing  21 , it is possible to remove the dust accumulated in the front housing  22 . 
     The exhaust port  23  communicates the outside and the inside of the rear housing  21 . The exhaust port  23  discharges the air sucked in from the suction nozzle  40  to the outside of the rear housing  21 . The exhaust port  23  includes a plurality of slits  231 . In the present embodiment, each of the slits  231  is a long hole formed along the front-to-rear direction. Six of the slits  231  are formed. 
     The motor  24  is rotated to rotate the suction fan  25  for generating a suction force capable of sucking in dust with air. The motor  24  is rotated by power supplied from the battery  100 . The motor  24  is connected to the suction fan  25  via an output shaft. In the rear housing  21 , the motor  24  is disposed on the rear side of the suction fan  25 . 
     The suction fan  25  generates a suction force capable of sucking in dust with air, when the motor  24  is rotated. The suction fan  25  generates a flow of air capable of sucking in dust with air. In the rear housing  21 , the suction fan  25  is disposed on the front side of the motor  24 . The suction fan  25  is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor  24 . The suction fan  25  is rotated when the motor  24  is rotated. When the suction fan  25  is rotated, air is sucked into the front housing  22  from the suction nozzle  40 . 
     The filter  26  removes dust contained in the sucked in air. The filter  26  is formed in a tubular shape in which one of the end parts is opened and the other end part is closed. The filter  26  is housed inside the front housing  22 . More particularly, in the front housing  22 , the filter  26  is disposed on the rear side of the suction nozzle  40 . The filter  26  is disposed on the front side of the suction fan  25 . The opening of the filter  26  faces the +X side of the suction fan  25 . The filter  26  lets the air that is sucked in from the suction nozzle  40  pass through, and accumulates the dust contained in the air inside the front housing  22 . The air that has passed through the filter  26  passes through the rear housing  21 , and is discharged from the exhaust port  23 . In a state in which the front housing  22  is detached from the rear housing  21 , it is possible to mount and remove the filter  26 . 
     The handle  30  is a holding part to be held by a user. The handle  30  is disposed at the rear part of the main body  20  on the −X side, and at the upper part of the main body  20  on the +Z side. The handle  30  includes a handle housing  31 , a battery mounting housing  32 , and a strap  33 . 
     The handle housing  31  defines the external shape of the handle  30 . The handle housing  31  has an opening  311 , an opening  312 , and an engagement member  313 . In the opening  311 , a trigger operation member (first switch member)  61  of the trigger switch  60  is disposed. In the opening  312 , a slide operation member (second switch member)  71  of the slide switch  70  is disposed. The engagement member  313  positions the slide operation member  71 . 
     The opening  311  is disposed at the front part of the handle housing  31  on the +X side, and at the lower part of the handle housing  31  on the −Z side. 
     The opening  312  is disposed at the front part of the handle housing on at the +X side, and at the upper part of the handle housing  31  on the +Z side. The opening  312  is disposed opposite to the opening  311 . 
     The engagement member  313  is disposed inside the handle housing  31 . The engagement member  313  is disposed in the lower part of the opening  312  on the +Z side. The engagement member  313  is formed in a V-shape bent in a convex shape in the upward direction, when viewed in the Y-axis direction. An upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313  positions the slide switch  70 . 
     The suction nozzle  40  is a suction port that sucks in dust with air into the front housing  22 . The suction nozzle  40  communicates the outside and the inside of the front housing  22 . The suction nozzle  40  is disposed at the front end part of the front housing  22 . The suction nozzle  40  sucks the outside air into the front housing  22 , when the suction fan  25  is rotated. 
     The battery mounting part  50  will now be described. The battery mounting part  50  is disposed below the handle  30 . The battery  100  is attachable to and detachable from the battery mounting part  50 . The battery mounting part  50  includes a mounting surface  50 F onto which the battery  100  is mounted. The battery mounting part  50  includes a battery mounting housing  32  connected below the handle housing  31 . 
     The mounting surface  50 F includes a lower surface of the battery mounting part  50  that faces downward. The battery mounting part  50  includes a connection terminal. The connection terminal is disposed close to a guide rail that is disposed on the mounting surface  50 F of the battery mounting part  50 . 
     The battery  100  is a rechargeable battery. The battery  100  supplies power to the motor  24  of the cleaner  10 . The battery  100  is formed in which multiple cells are connected. 
     The battery  100  includes a battery terminal. The battery terminal is disposed on the upper surface of the battery  100 . The battery  100  includes a protrusion part  101  that protrudes upward from the rear part of the battery  100  on the −X side. 
     The battery  100  is attachable to and detachable from the battery mounting part  50 . When the battery  100  is to be mounted on the battery mounting part  50 , the battery  100  is slid from the rear side toward the front side of the battery mounting part  50  so that the upper surface of the battery  100  faces the mounting surface  50 F. By sliding the battery  100 , the front part of the protrusion part  101  is abutted against the rear part of the battery mounting part  50  on the −X side. Moreover, a battery clip  102  that is projected from the upper surface of the battery  100  is provided on the upper surface of the battery  100 . The battery clip  102  is biased upward by an elastic member. The battery clip  102  is inserted into a battery mounting concave part  51  provided on the rear part of the battery mounting part  50  on the −X side. Consequently, the battery  100  and the battery mounting part  50  are positioned, and the battery  100  is mounted on the battery mounting part  50 . 
     In a state in which the battery  100  is mounted on the battery mounting part  50 , the upper surface of the battery  100  faces the mounting surface  50 F. Moreover, in the state in which the battery  100  is mounted on the battery mounting part  50 , the battery terminal is connected to the connection terminal. Consequently, the battery  100  is connected to the terminal provided on the battery mounting part  50 . The terminal is connected to a control circuit  91 . 
     When the battery  100  is to be removed from the battery mounting part  50 , a battery button  103  is operated. The battery button  103  is connected to an elastic member that biases the battery clip  102 . Thus, when the battery button  103  is operated, the battery clip  102  is removed from the battery mounting concave part  51 , and the battery  100  is released from the battery mounting part  50 . By sliding the battery  100  in the rear direction from the battery mounting part  50 , the battery  100  is removed from the battery mounting part  50 . 
     The trigger switch  60  will now be described with reference to  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   .  FIG.  3    is a sectional view of a trigger switch and a slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the rear position.  FIG.  4    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the trigger switch is pulled in. The trigger switch  60  switches between activation and deactivation of the cleaner  10  with a pull-in operation. More specifically, the trigger switch  60  switches between activation and deactivation of the motor  24  with the pull-in operation. The trigger switch  60  is disposed on the front part of the handle  30  on the +X side, and on the lower part of the handle  30  on the −Z side. The trigger switch  60  includes the trigger operation member  61 , a signal output unit  62 , and an elastic member  63 . 
     The trigger operation member  61  is a member operated by a user in the trigger switch  60 . The trigger operation member  61  is disposed at a position that can be operated by a finger while a user holds the handle  30  with one hand. The trigger operation member  61  is a trigger-type operation member that can be pulled into the handle  30 . The trigger operation member  61  is disposed at the handle  30 . More specifically, the trigger operation member  61  is disposed at a front part of the handle on the +X side, and at a lower part of the handle  30  on the −Z side. At least a part of the trigger operation member  61  is disposed in the opening  311 . The trigger operation member  61  is projected downward than the lower surface of the handle housing  31 . The trigger operation member  61  is a block-shaped member. The trigger operation member  61  includes a lower end surface  61 F that faces downward. In the Z-axis direction, the center of the trigger operation member  61  coincides with the center of the handle  30 . 
     The trigger operation member  61  is disposed movably with respect to the handle  30 . More particularly, when the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the opening  311 , the motor  24  is switched between activation and deactivation. When a user releases his/her finger, the trigger operation member  61  returns to the original position by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . 
     The trigger operation member  61  includes a base part  611  on which a shaft  610  is disposed, an operation part  612 , a projection part  613 , and an extending part  614 . The base part  611 , the operation part  612 , the projection part  613 , and the extending part  614  are integrally formed. 
     The shaft  610  rotates with respect to the handle housing  31 . The shaft  610  is disposed along a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. 
     The base part  611  extends in the X-axis direction. The shaft  610  is disposed in the middle part of the base part  611 . The base part  611  pivots around the shaft  610 . 
     The operation part  612  is a portion operated by a user in the trigger operation member  61 . The operation part  612  is formed in a block shape. The operation part  612  is disposed on the rear end part of the base part  611 . At least a part of the operation part  612  is exposed from the opening  311 . The lower end surface  61 F is disposed on a portion exposed from the opening  311  in the operation part  612 . The operation part  612  is pulled into the opening  311  or returns to the original position. 
     The projection part  613  is projected downward from the front end part of the base part  611 . The elastic member  63  is assembled to the lower part of the projection part  613 . 
     The extending part  614  extends in a front upward direction from the front end part of the base part  611 . The extending direction of the extending part  614  is an obtuse angle with respect to the extending direction of the base part  611 . The extending part  614  includes an upper end surface  614 F formed in a planar shape. The upper end surface  614 F is disposed parallel to the extending direction of the base part  611 . 
     The trigger operation member  61  configured in this manner pivots around the shaft  610 . When the operation part  612  is pulled into the opening  311 , the trigger operation member  61  pivots around the shaft  610  in the clockwise direction, and the projection part  613  and the extending part  614  move downward. When the operation part  612  is returned to the original position, the trigger operation member  61  pivots around the shaft  610  in the counterclockwise direction, and the projection part  613  and the extending part  614  move upward. 
     The signal output unit  62  includes an electronic circuit capable of outputting a trigger signal by operating the trigger operation member  61 . The signal output unit  62  is disposed inside the handle housing  31 . The trigger signal is a command signal for activating the motor  24 . More particularly, when the trigger operation member  61  is pulled in, the signal output unit  62  outputs a command signal for driving the motor  24 . When the trigger operation member  61  is returned to the original position, the signal output unit  62  stops outputting the command signal for driving the motor  24 . 
     The elastic member  63  applies an elastic force for making the pulled-in trigger operation member  61  return to the original position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , when the trigger operation member  61  is projected from the opening  311 , the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 . Because the signal output unit  62  does not output the trigger signal, the cleaner  10  is deactivated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , when the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the opening  311 , the trigger operation member  61  pivots around the shaft  610  in the clockwise direction, and the trigger operation member  61  comes into contact with the signal output unit  62 . Consequently, the signal output unit  62  outputs the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is operated. 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG.  4   , when a user releases his/her finger from the trigger operation member  61 , the trigger operation member  61  pivots around the shaft  610  in the counterclockwise direction by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . Thus, the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 . Consequently, the signal output unit  62  stops outputting the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is deactivated. 
     The slide switch  70  switches between activation and deactivation of the cleaner  10  with a slide operation. More particularly, the slide switch  70  switches between activation and deactivation of the motor  24  with the slide operation. The slide switch  70  is disposed at the front part of the handle  30  on the +X side, and at the upper part of the handle  30  on the +Z side. The slide switch  70  includes the slide operation member  71 . 
     The slide operation member  71  is a member operated by a user in the slide switch  70 . The slide operation member  71  is disposed at a position that can be operated by a finger while a user holds the handle  30  with one hand. The slide operation member  71  is disposed at a position that can be operated by a finger different from a finger that operates the trigger operation member  61 , while a user holds the handle  30  with one hand and without changing the holding hand. The slide operation member  71  is a slide operation member that is slidable with respect to the handle  30 . The slide operation member  71  is disposed movably on the handle  30 . More particularly, the slide operation member  71  is disposed at the front part of the handle  30  on the +X side, and at the upper part of the handle  30  on the +Z side. At least a part of the slide operation member  71  is disposed in the opening  312 . The slide operation member  71  is projected upward than the upper surface of the handle housing  31 . The slide operation member  71  includes an upper end surface  71 F that faces upward. In the Z-axis direction, the center of the slide operation member  71  coincides with the center of the handle  30 . 
     The slide operation member  71  moves the trigger operation member  61  by being moved, so as to switch between supplying and not supplying power to the motor  24 . More particularly, the slide operation member  71  is slid inside the opening  312  in the X-axis direction so as to cause the trigger operation member  61  to pivot and switch between activation and deactivation of the motor  24 . More particularly, when being slid toward the +X side that is a first direction, the slide operation member  71  locks the trigger operation member  61  in a state in which the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the handle  30 , and activates the motor  24 . The slide operation member  71  includes a lock mechanism for maintaining the slide operation member  71  at a predetermined position up to which the slide operation member  71  is slid on the +X side. When being slid toward the −X side that is a second direction, the slide operation member  71  releases the lock of the trigger operation member  61 , makes the trigger operation member  61  return to the original position, and stops the motor  24 . 
     The slide operation member  71  includes a base part  711 , an operation part  712 , and a projection part  713 . The base part  711 , the operation part  712 , and the projection part  713  are integrally formed. 
     The base part  711  is formed in a block shape. The base part  711  is disposed inside the opening  312 . The base part  711  has a tapered surface  711 F disposed at the rear part on the −X side and at the lower part on the −Z side. 
     The tapered surface  711 F is an inclined plane inclined from above to below as going from the rear toward the front. The tapered surface  711 F functions as a lock mechanism of the slide operation member  71 . More particularly, by being engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 , the tapered surface  711 F restricts the movement of the slide operation member  71  toward the −X side. 
     The operation part  712  is a portion operated by a user in the slide switch  70 . The operation part  712  is disposed at the upper part of the base part  711  on the +Z side. At least a part of the operation part  712  is exposed from the opening  312 . The upper end surface  71 F is disposed on a portion exposed from the opening  312  in the operation part  712 . 
     The projection part  713  is disposed at the front part of the base part  711  on the +X side, and at the lower part of the base part  711  on the −Z side. By being engaged with the engagement member  313 , the projection part  713  positions the slide switch  70 . The projection part  713  has a lower end surface (engagement surface)  713 F that is formed in a concave shape and that can be engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . 
     The slide operation of the slide switch  70  will now be described with reference to  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  5    to  FIG.  7   .  FIG.  5    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the middle position.  FIG.  6    is a sectional view of the trigger switch and the slide switch of the cleaner according to the first embodiment, and a diagram illustrating a state when the slide switch is placed at the front position.  FIG.  7    is a partially enlarged view of the trigger switch and the slide switch illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , when a finger is released from the trigger switch  60 , and the slide switch  70  is positioned at the rear position on the −X side, the projection part  713  is separated from the extending part  614  of the trigger switch  60 . Because the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 , and the signal output unit  62  does not output the trigger signal, the cleaner  10  is deactivated. Moreover, the lower end surface  713 F of the projection part  713  is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, the slide switch  70  is positioned. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , when the slide switch  70  is positioned at the middle position in the X-axis direction, the projection part  713  comes into contact with the rear part on the −X side of the extending part  614  of the trigger switch  60 . Consequently, the rear part on the −X side of the extending part  614  is pushed by the projection part  713 , and the trigger switch  60  pivots around the shaft  610  in the clockwise direction. The trigger operation member  61  of the trigger switch  60  is pulled into the opening  311 . The trigger operation member  61  comes into contact with the signal output unit  62 . The signal output unit  62  outputs the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is operated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6    and  FIG.  7   , when the slide switch  70  is positioned at the front position (predetermined position) on the +X side, the projection part  713  mounts on the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . Moreover, the tapered surface  711 F is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, the slide switch  70  is positioned and locked at the front position on the +X side. The signal output unit  62  continuously outputs the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is kept operated. 
     As described above, the slide switch  70  is locked when the tapered surface  711 F is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . At this time, a pushing force in the upward direction is applied to the extending part  614 , by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . Moreover, a pushing force in the downward direction is applied to the extending part  614 , by the projection part  713  mounted on the upper end surface  614 F. Consequently, the slide switch  70  keeps pulling in the trigger switch  60 . 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG.  6   , when the slide switch  70  is slid toward the −X side, the projection part  713  is separated from the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . Moreover, the tapered surface  711 F is separated from the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Furthermore, when the slide switch  70  is slid toward the −X side, the projection part  713  is separated from the extending part  614  of the trigger switch  60 . Then, the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 , by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . The signal output unit  62  stops outputting the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is deactivated. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , the control circuit substrate  90  will now be described.  FIG.  8    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit of the cleaner according to the first embodiment. The control circuit substrate  90  is disposed inside the rear housing  21 . More particularly, the control circuit substrate  90  is disposed at the rear part of the exhaust port  23  on the −X side, and at the lower part of the rear housing  21  on the −Z side. The control circuit substrate  90  includes the control circuit  91 . 
     The control circuit  91  includes a central processing unit (CPU) that performs operation processing and a memory that stores therein a computer program. The control circuit  91  rotates the motor  24  and discharges the battery  100  according to the control program stored in the memory. 
     When the trigger switch  60  is pulled in while the motor  24  is being stopped, or when the slide switch  70  is slid toward the +X side so that the trigger switch  60  is pulled in, the control circuit  91  rotates the motor  24 . More particularly, the control circuit  91  supplies discharge current from the battery  100  to the motor  24 . 
     When the trigger switch  60  is returned to the original position while the motor  24  is rotated, or when the slide switch  70  is slid toward the −X side so that the trigger switch  60  is returned to the original position, the control circuit  91  stops supplying the discharge current from the battery  100 , and stops the rotation of the motor  24 . 
     Next, the usage and function of the cleaner  10  will be explained. 
     For example, for the partial suction, while a user holds the handle  30  with one hand, the user pulls in the trigger operation member  61  of the trigger switch  60  by his/her thumb, so as to activate the cleaner  10 . While the user keeps pulling in the trigger operation member  61  by his/her finger, the trigger operation member  61  comes into contact with the signal output unit  62 , and the cleaner  10  is operated. To stop the suction, the user releases his/her finger from the trigger operation member  61 . The trigger operation member  61  returns to the original position, by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . Consequently, the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 , and the cleaner  10  is deactivated. 
     For example, for the continuous suction, while the user holds the handle  30  with one hand, the user slides the slide operation member  71  of the slide switch  70  toward the front on the +X side by his/her forefinger so as to activate the cleaner  10   
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , when the slide switch  70  is slid to the middle position toward the +X side, the projection part  713  pushes the rear part at the −X side of the extending part  614 , and the trigger switch  60  pivots around the shaft  610  in the clockwise direction. Consequently, the operation part  612  of the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the opening  311 . Thus, the trigger operation member  61  comes into contact with the signal output unit  62 , and the cleaner  10  is operated. 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG.  5   , when the slide switch  70  is further slid toward the +X side, as illustrated in  FIG.  6    and  FIG.  7   , the slide switch  70  reaches the front position on the +X side. When the slide switch  70  reaches the front position on the +X side, the projection part  713  mounts on the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 , and the tapered surface  711 F comes into contact with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, the projection part  713  pushes the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614  that tries to return upward by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 , toward the downward side. Moreover, to make the slide switch  70  move toward the −X side, a certain degree of force that allows the tapered surface  711 F to climb over the concave part of the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313  needs to be applied. In this manner, the slide operation member  71  is positioned and locked when the tapered surface  711 F is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Because the slide switch  70  is positioned, it is possible to restrict the slide switch  70  from unintentionally sliding toward the −X side. Hence, the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the opening  311 , and the trigger operation member  61  is locked while the trigger operation member  61  is brought into contact with the signal output part  62 . The signal output unit  62  continuously outputs the trigger signal, and the cleaner  10  is kept operated. 
     To finish the continuous suction, while the user holds the handle  30  with one hand, the user slides the slide operation member  71  of the slide switch  70  toward the −X side by his/her thumb, so as to deactivate the cleaner  10  by. 
     In the states illustrated in  FIG.  6    and  FIG.  7   , when the slide switch  70  is slid toward the −X side, as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the slide switch  70  reaches the middle position on the −X side. This is a state when the projection part  713  is brought into contact with the rear part of the extending part  614  on the −X side. Moreover, the lower end surface of the base part  711  mounts on the engagement member  313 , and moves toward the −X side while bending the members disposed around the engagement member  313 . 
     In the state illustrated in  FIG.  5   , when the slide switch  70  is further slid toward the −X side, as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the slide switch  70  reaches the rear position on the −X side. The projection part  713  is separated from the extending part  614 , and the trigger operation member  61  returns to the original position by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 . Because the trigger operation member  61  is separated from the signal output unit  62 , the cleaner  10  is deactivated. Moreover, the lower end surface  713 F of the projection part  713  is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, the slide switch  70  is positioned, and the slide switch  70  is restricted from unintentionally sliding toward the +X side. 
     In this manner, while the cleaner  10  is being deactivated, the cleaner  10  is activated in the same way as when the trigger switch  60  is pulled in by a finger, by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the +X side. After the cleaner  10  is activated by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the +X side, the cleaner  10  is deactivated in the same way as when the finger is released from the trigger switch  60 , by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the −X side. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, while the cleaner  10  is deactivated, the cleaner  10  can be activated in the same way as when the trigger switch  60  is pulled in by a finger, by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the +X side. In the present embodiment, after the cleaner  10  is activated by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the +X side, the cleaner  10  can be deactivated in the same way as when the finger is released from the trigger switch  60 , by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the −X side. With the present embodiment, it is possible to activate or deactivate the cleaner  10  in the same way as when the trigger switch  60  is operated, by sliding the slide switch  70  along the X-axis direction. Thus, with the present embodiment, the continuous suction is possible with the slide switch  70 , without keep pulling the trigger switch  60  by a finger. 
     Moreover, in the present embodiment, for the partial suction, the user can pull in the trigger switch  60  by his/her finger. With the present embodiment, the user can easily and conveniently operate the cleaner. 
     In the present embodiment, the trigger switch  60  is kept pulled in. Consequently, for example, the user need not carry out an additional operation of operating a lock member, after pulling in the trigger switch  60 . With the present embodiment, the trigger switch  60  is kept pulled in with a single operation. 
     In the present embodiment, the cleaner  10  is moved in the same way as when the trigger switch  60  is pulled in, by sliding the slide switch  70  toward the +X side. In the present embodiment, the trigger switch  60  is always pulled in when the cleaner  10  is activated. Consequently, the user can use the cleaner  10  without a sense of discomfort. 
     In the present embodiment, when the slide switch  70  reaches the front position on the +X side, the slide operation member  71  is positioned and locked, because the tapered surface  711 F is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, the present embodiment can restrict the slide switch  70  from unintentionally sliding toward the −X side. In other words, in the present embodiment, the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the opening  311 , and the trigger operation member  61  can be locked without fail while the trigger operation member  61  is brought into contact with the signal output unit  62 . 
     In the present embodiment, when the slide switch  70  reaches the rear position on the −X side, the slide switch  70  of the slide operation member  71  is positioned, because the lower end surface  713 F of the projection part  713  is engaged with the upper end surface  313 F of the engagement member  313 . Consequently, in the present embodiment, the slide switch  70  is restricted from unintentionally sliding toward the +X side. 
     In the present embodiment, the control circuit substrate  90  is disposed at the rear part of the exhaust port  23  on the −X side, and at the lower part of the rear housing  21  on the −Z side. With the present embodiment, it is possible to smoothly pass the air that has passed through the inside of the rear housing  21  and that is discharged from the exhaust port  23 . Consequently, the present embodiment can improve the dust collection performance. Moreover, the present embodiment can effectively cool the motor  24 . 
     In contrast, an arrangement of the conventional control circuit substrate  90  will now be described with reference to  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  11    is a sectional view of an example of a conventional cleaner. Conventionally, the control circuit substrate  90  is disposed in the rear of the motor  24  on the −X side, and above the motor  24  on the +Z side. Moreover, a slit  212  for passing the wiring between the control circuit substrate  90  and the switch is formed on a partition wall  211  that is disposed between the upper part of the motor  24  on the +Z side and the handle  30 . 
     In the present embodiment, the control circuit substrate  90  is disposed at the rear part of the exhaust port  23  on the −X side, and at the lower part of the rear housing  21  on the −Z side. Consequently, the wiring between the control circuit substrate  90  and the switch may be disposed so as to pass through the rear side of the handle housing  31  on the −X side and the battery mounting housing  32 . When wiring is carried out in this manner, there is no need to form a slit on the partition wall  211 . 
     Thus, the inside of the handle housing  31  in which the switch and wiring are housed, and the inside of the rear housing  21  in which the filter  26  is disposed may be each formed into an individual space. With the present embodiment, it is possible to restrict the air from flowing into the handle housing  31  from the inside of the rear housing  21 . Consequently, it is possible to improve the dust collection performance. Moreover, with the present embodiment, it is further possible to restrict dust that cannot be collected by the filter  26  from flowing toward the handle  30  side without fail. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A cleaner  10 A according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  10   . FIG.  9  is a side view of an example of a cleaner according to a second embodiment.  FIG.  10    is a partially enlarged view of the trigger switch and the slide switch illustrated in  FIG.  9   . The basic structure of the cleaner  10 A is the same as that of the cleaner  10  of the first embodiment. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals or corresponding reference numerals denote the same components as those of the cleaner  10 , and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the structure of a slide switch  70 A is different from that of the first embodiment. 
     A slide operation member  71 A of the slide switch  70 A is a member that extends in the Y-axis direction. The slide operation member  71 A penetrates through the handle housing  31  in the Y-axis direction. An end part on the +Y side and an end part on the −Y side of the slide operation member  71 A are projected from the handle housing  31 . 
     The slide operation member  71 A is slid in the Y-axis direction so as to cause the trigger operation member  61  to pivot and switch between activation and deactivation of the motor  24 . More particularly, when being slid toward the −Y side that is a first direction, the slide operation member  71 A locks the trigger operation member  61  in a state in which the trigger operation member  61  is pulled into the handle  30 , and activates the motor  24 . When being slid toward the +Y side that is a second direction, the slide operation member  71 A makes the trigger operation member  61  return to the original position, and stops the motor  24 . 
     The slide operation member  71 A includes a base part  711 A, and an operation part  712 A. The base part  711 A and the operation part  712 A are integrally formed. 
     The base part  711 A is disposed in the handle housing  31 . The base part  711 A has the tapered surface  711 F disposed at the rear part on the −Y side, and at the lower part on the −Z side. The tapered surface  711 F is an inclined plane inclined from below to above as going from the +Y side toward the −Y side. 
     The operation part  712 A is a portion operated by a user in the slide switch  70 A. The operation part  712 A is disposed at the side part on the +Y side and the −Y side of the base part  711 A. In the operation part  712 A, the end surface  71 F 1  is disposed on a portion exposed from the +Y side of the handle housing  31 . In the operation part  712 A, an end surface  71 F 2  is disposed at a portion exposed from the −Y side of the handle housing  31 . 
     When the slide switch  70 A configured in this manner is positioned on the +Y side, the tapered surface  711 F is separated from the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . When the end surface  71 F 1  is pushed toward the −Y side, the slide switch  70 A is moved while the tapered surface  711 F is mounted on the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . When the slide switch  70 A is positioned on the −Y side, a lower surface  711 F 2  is mounted on the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . Consequently, the trigger switch  60  pivots in the clockwise direction. Thus, the trigger operation member  61  is pulled in, and the cleaner  10  is operated. 
     After the cleaner  10  is operated by the slide switch  70 A, and when the end surface  71 F 2  is pushed toward the +Y side so that the slide switch  70 A is positioned on the +Y side, the tapered surface  711 F is separated from the upper end surface  614 F of the extending part  614 . Then, the trigger operation member  61  returns to the original position by the elastic force of the elastic member  63 , and the cleaner  10  is deactivated. 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the cleaner  10  can be activated and deactivated in the same way as when the trigger switch  60  is operated, by sliding the slide switch  70 A along the Y-axis direction. 
     The configuration of the cleaner  10  described above is merely an example. For example, the slide switch  70  may also be slid in the other direction such as the Z-axis direction. 
     The battery  100  may be assembled so as to be attachable to and detachable from the inside or outside of the rear housing  21 , or so as not to be attachable to and detachable from the inside or outside of the rear housing  21 . 
     According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaner that can keep pulling in the trigger-type operation switch even when a finger is released. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.