DUST COLLECTION CONTAINER FOR POWER TOOL AND POWER TOOL TO WHICH DUST COLLECTION CONTAINER IS ATTACHABLE

Abstract

A dust collection container includes a hollow member having a storage space, a tubular member fixed to the hollow member and defining a passage communicating with the storage space of the hollow member, and a biasing member. The tubular member includes at least one tubular wall, a protrusion, and a wall part. The at least one tubular wall extends along a first axis extending in a first direction. The protrusion protrudes from a first one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall in a direction orthogonal to the first axis. The wall part protrudes from the first one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface on which the protrusion is disposed. The biasing member is adjacent to the wall part of the tubular member, and between the protrusion and the wall part in the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese patent application No. 2023-039031 filed on Mar. 13, 2023, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a dust collection container that is configured to be removably attached to a power tool, and a power tool to which the dust collection container is removably attachable.

BACKGROUND

Some known powers tools are configured such that a dust collection container for storing dust that is generated during a processing operation is removably attached thereto. For example, Japanese Laid-open Publication No. H11-291170 discloses a dust bag assembly that is attachable to a sander for use. The dust bag assembly includes (i) a tubular member (a cuff) that is removably attachable to a discharge spout of the sander, and (ii) a dust bag that is connected to the tubular member and is configured to store dust therein.

SUMMARY

The above-described dust bag assembly can be attached the sander with the tubular member being fitted around an outer periphery of the discharge spout to be coaxial with the discharge spout. Thus, a user can easily attach or remove the dust bag assembly to and from the sander. However, when the sander is used in an orientation in which the dust bag assembly is directed vertically downward from the discharge spout with an excessive amount of dust stored in the dust bag, the dust bag assembly may drop off due to its own weight including the dust.

Accordingly, one, non-limiting object of the present disclosure is to provide improvement that contributes to a stable attachment state of a dust collection container with respect to a power tool.

One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure herein provides a dust collection container that is configured to be removably attached to a tubular attachment part of a power tool. The dust collection container includes a hollow member, a tubular member, and a biasing member.

The hollow member has a storage space that is configured to store dust. The tubular member is fixed to the hollow member and defines a passage that communicates with the storage space of the hollow member. The tubular member includes at least one tubular wall, a protrusion, and a wall part. The at least one tubular wall extends along a first axis, which extends in a first direction. The protrusion protrudes from a first one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall in a direction that is orthogonal to the first axis. The wall part protrudes from the first one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall on which the protrusion is disposed. Thus, the protrusion and the wall part protrude from the same surface of the at least one tubular wall. The biasing member is disposed adjacent to the wall part of the tubular member, and between the protrusion and the wall part in the first direction.

The dust collection container of this aspect can be attached to the tubular attachment part of the power tool via the tubular member. For example, the tubular member may be attached to the attachment part when the tubular wall is fitted around or in the attachment part and the protrusion of the tubular member engages with the attachment part of the power tool. In addition, the biasing member that is disposed between the protrusion and the wall part in the first direction may abut the attachment part to bias the attachment part and the wall part away from each other. Thus, according to the dust collection container of this aspect, an engagement state between the protrusion and the attachment part and thus an attachment state of the tubular member with respect to the attachment part can be stabilized by a biasing force of the biasing member.

Another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure provides a power tool that includes a tool body that has a tubular attachment part, and a dust collection container that is removably attached to the attachment part via the tubular member. The dust collection container according to the above-described aspect may be employed as the dust collection container of this aspect. According to this aspect, the power tool can be realized to which the dust collection container is stably attached via the tubular member. The tubular attachment part may be structured as a portion that defines a terminal end portion (a discharge passage for dust) of a dust collection passage that is defined within the tool body of the power tool.

Yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure provides a power tool that includes a tubular attachment part to which a dust collection container is attachable. A groove or a protrusion is formed on a first one of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the attachment part. A second one of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment part is a smooth surface.

The power tool according to this aspect has a rational structure that is compatible with multiple types of dust collection containers by utilizing the groove or the protrusion, which is formed on the first one of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment part, and the second one of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface that is formed as the smooth surface. Specifically, for example, a dust collection container having (i) a protrusion that is engageable with the groove of the attachment part or (ii) a groove that is engageable with the protrusion of the attachment part can be attached to the power tool. Further, a dust collection container having a tubular member that has a smooth surface, which is complementary to the smooth surface of the attachment part, and that can be fitted around or in the attachment part with a pressing force can be attached to the power tool. Furthermore, a dust collection container having both of (i) the protrusion or the groove that is engageable with the attachment part and (ii) the tubular member that can be fitted around or in the attachment part can be attached to the power tool. Thus, the power tool with superior usability can be achieved.

The dust collection container of each of the above-described aspects may be any container that is configured to be removably attached to the power tool to store dust, and thus the hollow member may have any desired structure. For example, the hollow member may be a cloth (fabric) bag (a so-called dust bag) or a box-like member that is made of synthetic resin (plastic, polymeric material) (a so-called dust box or a dust case).

The power tool of each of the above-described aspects may be typically configured to drive a tool accessory to perform a processing operation that generates dust. Non-limiting examples of the power tool may include (i) sanders for sanding, grinding, smoothing, or polishing and (ii) circular saws for cutting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a sander with a dust bag assembly according to the first embodiment attached thereto.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the sander with the dust bag assembly attached. thereto

FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the sander with the dust bag assembly attached thereto.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the dust bag assembly.

FIG. 5 is a partial, enlarged view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the section shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a nozzle.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the nozzle.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another dust bag that is attachable to the sander.

FIG. 14 is a partial, sectional view of a sander with a dust bag assembly according to the second embodiment attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one non-limiting embodiment according to the present disclosure, the protrusion may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may extend in a circumferential direction of the tubular wall. The second portion may protrude from the first portion in the first direction away from an opening at a distal end of the tubular member. According to this embodiment, the second portion of the protrusion can be utilized to restrict rotation of the tubular member around the first axis relative to the attachment part, so that the engagement state between the protrusion and the attachment part can be further stabilized.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiment, the at least one tubular wall may include an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall. The outer tubular wall may be disposed radially outward of the inner tubular wall to be concentric (coaxial) with the inner tubular wall. The outer tubular wall and the inner tubular wall may be connected to each other via the wall part. The protrusion may protrude from an inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular wall or an outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular wall. According to this embodiment, the tubular attachment part of the power tool can be disposed between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall, so that the attachment state of the tubular member to the attachment part can be stabilized. Further, since the protrusion is between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall, a possibility can be reduced that the protrusion is hit by an object to be unexpectedly disengaged from the attachment part or to be damaged by the object.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the protrusion may protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall. This configuration can reduce a possibility that the protrusion is hit by an object to be unexpectedly disengaged from the attachment part or to be damaged by the object.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the biasing member may be a spring washer or an O-ring. Each of the spring washer and the O-ring is an elastic ring-shaped or annular member that conforms to the tubular attachment part, and thus it can exert an effective biasing force while requiring a relatively small space in the first direction.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the dust collection container may further include an O-ring. The spring washer may be a wave washer. The O-ring may be fitted around or in the at least one tubular wall, between the wave washer and the protrusion in the first direction. According to this embodiment, the O-ring can restrict movement of the wave washer to prevent the wave washer to drop off, and can also prevent leakage of the dust.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the at least one tubular wall of the dust collection container may be configured to be fitted to a periphery of an attachment part of the power tool. The attachment part of the power tool may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The attachment part may have a groove formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof or an inner peripheral surface thereof. The groove may be configured to receive the protrusion of the tubular member of the dust collection container. The groove may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may extend from a distal end of the attachment part and away from the dust collection container or the distal end of the attachment part along an axial direction of the attachment part. the second portion may extend from the first portion of the groove in a circumferential direction of the attachment part. According to this embodiment, a user can enter the protrusion of the tubular member into the first portion of the groove, move the protrusion within the first portion in the axial direction of the attachment part, and then rotate the tubular member around its axis to move the protrusion into the second portion. The protrusion can abut a surface that defines an edge of the second portion of the groove at a distal end side of the attachment part. Thus, when the tubular member is attached to the attachment part, there is no risk that a portion of the tubular part is deformed to be radially expanded. Consequently, compared to a structure in which a flexible piece having the protrusion is elastically deformed radially outward, durability of the tubular member can be enhanced.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the groove may further include a third portion that protrudes from the second portion toward the dust collection container or the distal end of the attachment part. According to this embodiment, the protrusion can be prevented from rotating in a direction toward the first portion of the groove (i.e., a direction that enables the protrusion to be disengaged from the groove) by engagement between a portion of the protrusion (for example, the second portion of the protrusion) and the third portion of the groove.

In addition or in the alternative to the preceding embodiments, the protrusion or the groove may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the attachment part. The inner peripheral surface of the attachment part may be a smooth surface. According to this embodiment, the user can visually recognize the protrusion or the groove on the outer peripheral surface, and thus the user can easily attach the dust collection container to the power tool.

First Embodiment

A dust bag assembly 5A according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and an up-handle type belt sander 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sander 1) to which the dust bag assembly 5A is attachable are specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. The sander 1 is an example of a power tool and is configured to sand (grind, smooth, polish) a workpiece that is pressed against an endless sanding belt 37. The dust bag assembly 5A is an example of a dust collection container that is configured to be removably attached to the sander 1 and is configured to store dust that is generated during a sanding operation with the sander 1.

First, the sander 1 is described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an outer shell of the sander 1 is formed by a tool body 10 and a handle 15 that is connected to the tool body 10. The tool body 10 is a box-like hollow member. The tool body 10 may also be referred to as a body housing. A battery 9 for supplying electric power to the sander 1 is removably mounted on the tool body 10. The tool body 10 houses a motor 31, a dust collection fan 33, a drive roller 35, and a driven roller 36.

The dust collection fan 33 is fixed to an output shaft 315 of the motor 31. The dust collection fan 33 is thus configured to rotate in response to driving of the motor 31. Although not shown and described in detail, because it is well-known, the drive roller 35 is operably coupled to the output shaft 315 of the motor 31 via a pulley and speed reduction gears. The drive roller 35 is configured to be rotationally driven around a rotation axis A1 in response to the driving of the motor 31. The rotation axis A1 of the drive roller 35 extends in parallel to a rotation axis of the output shaft 315 of the motor 31. The driven roller 36 is supported to be rotatable around a rotation axis that is parallel to the rotation axis A1. A loop-shaped sanding belt 37 extends between the drive roller 35 and the driven roller 36.

The drive roller 35 and the driven roller 36 are spaced apart from each other in a direction that is orthogonal to the rotation axis A1. The sanding belt 37 is rotated in one direction (a direction shown by an arrow R in FIG. 2) while the drive roller 35 is rotated. A portion of the sanding belt 37 is exposed to an outside of the tool body 10 This exposed portion extends along a plane that is generally parallel to the rotation axis A1. The exposed portion of the sanding belt 37 is pressed toward a workpiece (i.e., in an outward direction of a loop of the sanding belt 37).

In the following description, for the sake of convenience, a direction in which the drive roller 35 and the driven roller 36 align (i.e., a direction that is orthogonal to the rotation axis A1) is defined as a front-rear direction of the sander 1. In the front-rear direction, the side on which the drive roller 35 is located is defined as a rear side, and the side on which the driven roller 36 is located is defined as a front side. An extension direction of the rotation axis A1 is defined as a left-right direction of the sander 1. A direction that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is defined as an up-down direction of the sander 1. In the up-down direction, the side on which the exposed portion of the sanding belt 37 is located is defined as a lower side, and the opposite side thereof is defined as an upper side.

The handle 15 is a tubular member having a generally C-shape. Opposite ends of the handle 15 are connected to a right upper portion and a right lower portion of a rear end of the tool body 10. The handle 15 includes a grip part 151 that is configured to be gripped by a user. A switch lever 152 is disposed on the grip part 151. The motor 31 is driven while the switch lever 152 is being depressed. The user moves the sander 1 forward while gripping the grip part 151 and pressing the sanding belt 37 against the workpiece to sand the workpiece.

As shown in FIG. 1 a dust collection passage 4 for transferring the dust is defined within the tool body 10. The dust collection passage 4 is a passage for a flow of air and dust. The dust collection passage 4 extends from an air inlet opening 301 to an air outlet opening 303 by way of the dust collection fan 33. The air inlet opening 301 is formed in a portion of the tool body 10 that is adjacent to a rear side of the drive roller 35. The dust collection fan 33 is housed in a scroll case 12 that is disposed in an upper left portion of the tool body 10. A cylindrical nozzle (discharge spout) 2 extends from a rear end of the scroll case 12. An inner space of the nozzle 2 communicates with an inner space of the scroll case 12. An opening at a distal or free end (rear end) 20 of the nozzle 2 defines the air outlet opening 303. The air and the dust that have passed through the dust collection passage 4 are discharged from the air outlet opening 303.

Owing to such a structure, the dust collection passage 4 of this embodiment includes (i) a first portion 41 that extends obliquely upward from the air inlet opening 301 along an outer periphery of a rear portion of the drive roller 35, (ii) a second portion 42 within the scroll case 12, and (iii) a third portion 43 that passes through the nozzle 2 to the air outlet opening 303.

The nozzle 2 defines a discharge passage for discharging the air and the dust from the tool body 10. The nozzle 2 is also configured such that the dust bag assembly 5A is attachable (connectable, mountable) thereto. The connection structure between the nozzle 2 and the dust bag assembly 5A will be described in detail later.

The dust bag assembly 5A is now described.

As shown in FIG. 4 the dust bag assembly 5A includes a dust bag 51, a collar 6A, and a frame 55.

The dust bag 51 is a hollow member having a storage space 510 defined therein that is configured to store dust. The dust bag 51 of this embodiment is formed as a cloth (fabric) bag.

The collar 6A is a tubular member that is fixed to the dust bag 51. The collar 6A defines a passage 60 (an inlet passage for air and dust) that communicates with the storage space 510 within the dust bag 51. An opening at a distal end side of the collar 6A defines an inlet opening 601 that allows the air and the dust to flow into the passage 60. The collar 6A is configured to be removably connected (coupled) to the nozzle 2 of the sander 1.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the collar 6A is fitted to the nozzle 2 from the side of the inlet opening 601 such that a center axis A2 of the collar 6A coincides with a center axis A3 of the nozzle 2 of the sander 1. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, directions of the dust bag assembly 5A including the collar 6A are defined according to the directions of the sander 1 when the dust bag assembly 5A is attached to the sander 1 as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the collar 6A of this embodiment is structured as a tubular member having a double-cylinder structure. Specifically, the collar 6A includes an inner tubular wall 61, an outer tubular wall 63, and a connecting wall 66. In this embodiment, the inner tubular wall 61, the outer tubular wall 63, and the connecting wall 66 are formed as one component that is integrally molded by synthetic resin (polymeric material). However, at least one of the inner tubular wall 61, the outer tubular wall 63, and the connecting wall 66 may be a discrete (separate) member from the other wall member(s) and fixed to the other wall member(s).

The inner tubular wall 61 is a cylindrical tubular wall. In this embodiment, the passage 60 of the collar 6A is defined by the inner tubular wall 61. An opening at the front end of the inner tubular wall 61 serves as the inlet opening 601. Thus, when the collar 6A is connected to the nozzle 2, the dust collection passage 4 (the third portion 43) of the sander 1 communicates with the storage space 510 in the dust bag 51 via the passage 60 that is defined within the inner tubular wall 61.

The outer tubular wall 63 is a cylindrical tubular wall having an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the inner tubular wall 61. The outer tubular wall 63 is disposed radially outward of (i.e., encircles) the inner tubular wall 61 to be concentric (coaxial) with the inner tubular wall 61. In the front-rear direction, the distal end of the outer tubular wall 63 is rearward of the distal end of the inner tubular wall 61. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the collar 6A is connected to the nozzle 2 of the sander 1, the nozzle 2 is inserted between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63, as will be described in detail later. Thus, a distance between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 in a radial direction of the collar 6A is set to be larger than a thickness of a wall of the nozzle 2. More specifically, an outer diameter of the inner tubular wall 61 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the nozzle 2. An inner diameter of the outer tubular wall 63 is larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle 2. The nozzle 2 is slidably fitted around the inner tubular wall 61 and loosely fitted in the outer tubular wall 63.

A hem part 511 along the opening of the dust bag 51 is secured around an outer periphery of the rear end portion of the outer tubular wall 63. In this embodiment, the dust bag 51 is removable from the outer tubular wall 63 (the collar 6A) for facilitating disposal of the dust.

The connecting wall 66 is a wall part that connects the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63. In this embodiment, the connecting wall 66 is a ring-like (annular) wall part, and extends between a rear end of the inner tubular wall 61 and a portion of the outer tubular wall 63 that is between an axial center position of the outer tubular wall 63 and a rear end of the outer tubular wall 63. Thus, a gap between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 is closed by the connecting wall 66.

As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 55 extends rearward from a rear end of the collar 6A. The frame 55 is disposed within the dust bag 51. More specifically, the frame 55 includes a body 551 and a plurality of protruding parts 553. The body 551 has a generally semicircular section and linearly extends rearward from a rear end of an upper portion of the outer tubular wall 63. The protruding parts 553 extend downward from a lower end of the body 551. The frame 55 is configured to keep the shape of the dust bag 51. In this embodiment, the frame 55 and the collar 6A are formed as one component that is integrally molded by synthetic resin (polymeric material). However, the frame 55 and the collar 6A may be formed as discrete (separate) members that are fixed to each other.

The connection structure between the nozzle 2 of the sander 1 and the collar 6A of the dust bag assembly 5A is now described in detail.

First, elements (structures) of the collar 6A are described.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, a protrusion 64 is disposed on a distal end portion (a front end portion) of the outer tubular wall 63 of the collar 6A. The protrusion 64 is configured to engage with a groove 210 (see FIG. 11) of the nozzle 2. More specifically, the protrusion 64 protrudes from an inner peripheral surface 630 of the outer tubular wall 63 toward the center axis A2 of the collar 6A (protrudes radially inward) in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the center axis A2. The protrusion 64 is disposed such that the protrusion 64 is on an upper side of the nozzle 2 when the collar 6A is connected to the nozzle 2. A mark 605 (see FIG. 3), which corresponds to the protrusion 64, is provided on an outer peripheral surface 631 of the outer tubular wall 63 so that the user can easily recognize the position of the protrusion 64.

The protrusion 64 includes a first portion 641 and a second portion 646. The first portion 641 extends in a circumferential direction of the collar 6A. The second portion 646 extends rearward (in a direction away from the distal end of the collar 6A) from one end portion of the first portion 641 in the circumferential direction of the collar 6A. In this embodiment, the second portion 646 protrudes from the end portion that is located at a counterclockwise side of the first portion 641 when the protrusion 64 is viewed from the rear. With such a structure, the length of the second portion 646 defines the maximum length of the protrusion 64 in an axial direction (the front-rear direction) of the collar 6A. A rear end surface 642 of the first portion 641 is a flat surface (an orthogonal surface) that is generally orthogonal to the center axis A2. An inner surface (i.e., a surface that is at the radially inner side) of the first portion 641 includes an inclined surface 643. The inclined surface 643 is gently inclined (sloped) radially inwards (i.e., in the direction toward the center axis A2) as the inclined surface 643 extends rearward from the distal end of the outer tubular wall 63.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a wave washer 71 and an O-ring 72 are disposed between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 in the radial direction of the collar 6A. The wave washer 71 and the O-ring 72 are disposed adjacent to the connecting wall 66 between the protrusion 64 and the connecting wall 66 in the axial direction (the front-rear direction) of the collar 6A.

More specifically, the wave washer 71 is partially in contact with a front surface of the connecting wall 66. The wave washer 71 is a kind of a metal spring washer (i.e., a washer having a spring function). In this embodiment, the wave washer 71 is employed, since the wave washer 71 can achieve an effective load while requiring a small space. However, instead of the wave washer 71, any other kind of spring washer (e.g., a bent washer) or a spring (e.g., a compression coil spring) may be employed.

The O-ring 72 is a ring-like or loop-like (annular) member made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). The O-ring 72 is fitted around an outer periphery of the inner tubular wall 61 to be partially in contact with a front surface of the wave washer 71, so that the O-ring 72 restricts forward movement of the wave washer 71.

Next, elements (structures) of the nozzle 2 are described.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an inner peripheral surface 201 of the nozzle 2 is formed as a smooth surface. A distal end portion of the inner peripheral surface 201 of the nozzle 2 is formed as an inclined surface 202 that is gently inclined radially outward as it extends toward the distal end 20.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the groove (a recess) 210 is formed on an outer peripheral surface 21 of the nozzle 2. The groove 210 is configured to receive the protrusion 64 of the collar 6A. The groove 210 of this embodiment includes a first portion 211, a second portion 212, and a third portion 213.

The first portion 211 extends frontward from the distal end (the rear end) 20 of the nozzle 2 to be in generally parallel to the center axis A3 of the nozzle 2. A width of the first portion 211 in the circumferential direction of the nozzle 2 is much larger than a width of an entirety of the protrusion 64 of the collar 6A in the circumferential direction. The second portion 212 extends in the circumferential direction of the nozzle 2 from the front end portion of the first portion 211. In this embodiment, the second portion 212 extends from the first portion 211 in the counterclockwise direction when the nozzle 2 is viewed from the rear. The third portion 213 extends rearward from one of two end portions of the second portion 212 that is opposite to the first portion 211 in the circumferential direction. The third portion 213 extends rearward to reach the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2. A width of the third portion 213 in the circumferential direction is smaller than the width of the entirety of the protrusion 64 in the circumferential direction and is slightly larger than the width of the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 in the circumferential direction. Owing to such a structure, a wall part 23 is defined by the groove 210 that surrounds the wall part 23 from three directions, adjacent to the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2.

A front wall surface 22, which defines a front end of the groove 210 is a flat surface that is generally orthogonal to the center axis A3 of the nozzle 2. A rear wall surface 230 (a rear end surface of the wall part 23), which defines a rear end of the second portion 212 of the groove 210, includes an inclined surface 231 and an orthogonal surface 233. The inclined surface 231 is adjacent to the first portion 211, and the orthogonal surface 233 is continuous to the inclined surface 231 and is adjacent to the third portion 213. The inclined surface 213 is gently inclined frontward (i.e., in a direction away from the distal end 20) as the inclined surface 213 extends away from the first portion 211 (i.e., toward the third portion 213). The orthogonal surface 233 is a flat surface that is generally orthogonal to the center axis A3 of the nozzle 2. Owing to such a structure, a width of the second portion 212 in an axial direction (the front-rear direction) of the nozzle 2 gradually decreases as the second portion 212 extends away from the first portion 211 along the inclined surface 231, and becomes the minimum at a portion that corresponds to the orthogonal surface 233. The minimum width of the second portion 212 in the front-rear direction is set to allow the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 to pass through the second portion 212 when the protrusion 64 moves along the second portion 212.

Procedures for attaching the dust bag assembly 5A to the sander 1 is now described.

First, as schematically illustrated by an arrow P1 in FIG. 12, the user positions the collar 6A in the circumferential direction relative to the nozzle 2 such that the protrusion 64 of the collar 6A faces the first portion 211 of the groove 210 of the nozzle 2 in the front-rear direction. The user then moves the collar 6A forward relative to the nozzle 2. The inner tubular wall 61 is first inserted into the nozzle 2 along with movement of the collar 6A and then the nozzle 2 is inserted between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63. The protrusion 64 enters the first portion 211 of the groove 210 in the meantime. As described above, since the width of the first portion 211 is much larger than the width of the protrusion 64 in the circumferential direction, the user can easily enter the protrusion 64 into the first portion 211. When the user further moves the collar 6A frontward relative to the nozzle 2, the protrusion 64 moves forward within the first portion 211 and the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2 moves between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 toward the connecting wall 66.

As schematically illustrated by an arrow P2 in FIG. 12, after the inclined surface 643 (see FIG. 5) of the protrusion 64 abuts (comes into contact with) the front wall surface 22, the user rotates the collar 6A relative to the nozzle 2 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the rear, so that the protrusion 64 enters the second portion 212 of the groove 210. The width of a portion of the second portion 212 adjacent to the first portion 211 is larger than the maximum length of the protrusion 64 in the front-rear direction, and thus the user can easily enter the protrusion 64 into the second portion 212 from the first portion 211. Further, the collar 6A and the nozzle 2 are closest to each other in the front-rear direction at this time, and the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2 comes into contact with the wave washer 71 to elastically deform (apply a load to) the wave washer 71.

As schematically illustrated by an arrow P3 in FIG. 12, when the user continues rotating the collar 6A to move the protrusion 64 along the front wall surface 22, a portion of the protrusion 64 enters the third portion 213 of the groove 210 and abuts a terminal end surface 240 that defines the terminal end of the third portion 213 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 is completely accommodated within the third portion 213 of the groove 210. The rear end surface 642 of the first portion 641 of the protrusion 64 faces the orthogonal surface 233 of the second portion 212 of the groove 210 in the front-rear direction. The position of the collar 6A in the circumferential direction at this time relative to the nozzle 2 is also referred to as an alignment position.

A mark 205 for aligning the collar 6A with the nozzle 2 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the nozzle 2. More specifically, the mark 205 is at a position that corresponds to the orthogonal surface 233. When the collar 6A is placed at the alignment position relative to the nozzle 2, the mark 205 of the nozzle 2 and the mark 605 of the collar 6A face each other (align) in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 3). Thus, the user can easily recognize that the collar 6A is placed at the alignment position (i.e., aligned with the nozzle 2).

When the user releases the hand from the collar 6A while the collar 6A is at the alignment position, the collar 6A and the nozzle 2 are biased away from each other by the wave washer 71. Consequently, as schematically illustrated by an arrow P4 in FIG. 12, the protrusion 64 moves rearward within the groove 210. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the protrusion 64 is held in a state in which the rear end surface 642 of the protrusion 64 abuts (is in contact with) the orthogonal surface 233 of the nozzle 2. A position of the collar 6A at this time relative to the nozzle 2 is referred to as a lock position. The collar 6A and the nozzle 2 are held in the lock position by the biasing force of the wave washer 71. The O-ring 72 is disposed between the inner tubular wall 61 and the distal end portion (the inclined surface 202) of the nozzle 2 in the radial direction of the collar 6A and the nozzle 2 so as to prevent the dust from leaking from the air outlet opening 303 of the nozzle 2.

The second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 protrudes rearward of the orthogonal surface 233 (the rear end surface of the wall part 23) within the third portion 213. Thus, the wall part 23 intervenes between the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 and the first portion 211 of the groove 210. The second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 is thus engaged with the third portion 213 of the groove 210, so that the collar 6A is prevented from rotating toward the first portion 211 of the groove 210 (i.e., in a direction that enables the protrusion 64 to move out of the groove 210) in the circumferential direction around the center axes A2 and A3.

Procedures for removing (detaching) the dust bag assembly 5A from the sander 1 is now described.

First, the user presses the collar 6A forward against the biasing force of the wave washer 71 to move the collar 6A from the lock position until the distal end (the rear end) of the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 is located frontward of the rear end surface of the wall part 23. Further, the user rotates the collar 6A relative to the nozzle 2 in the clockwise direction as viewed from the rear until the protrusion 64 is completely within the first portion 211 of the groove 210. The user then moves the collar 6A rearward to disengage or release the protrusion 64 from the first portion 211 of the groove 210. When the nozzle 2 is separated from the inner tubular wall 61, the removal of the dust bag assembly 5A is completed.

As described above, the dust bag assembly 5A of this embodiment is attachable to the tubular nozzle 2 of the sander 1 via the collar 6A. When the collar 6A is attached to the nozzle 2, the nozzle 2 is fitted between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 and the protrusion 64 engages with the nozzle 2. Further, the wave washer 71 biases the collar 6A and the nozzle 2 away from each other in the axial direction of the collar 6A (i.e. in the front-rear direction). Thus, an engagement state of the protrusion 64 with the nozzle 2 and thus an attachment state of the collar 6A to the nozzle 2 can be stabilized.

Since the nozzle 2 is held between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63, the stable engagement state between the collar 6A and the nozzle 2 can be maintained even if an external force is applied to the collar 6A in a direction that intersects (crosses) the center axis A2.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the protrusion 64 is received in the groove 210 that includes the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 arranged in an L-shape, and is held in contact with the rear wall surface 230 of the second portion 212. The user can lead the protrusion 64 to an appropriate position only by substantially linearly moving the collar 6A forward relative to the nozzle 2 and subsequently rotating the collar 6A in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the rear. Further, since it is not necessary to deform any portion of the collar 6A to be radially expanded during the attachment and removal, durability of the collar 6A can be favorably maintained.

Further, in this embodiment, since the groove 210 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 21 of the nozzle 2, the user can visually check the groove 21 to easily recognize in which direction the user should move the collar 6A. Since the protrusion 64, which engages with the groove 210, protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 630 of the outer tubular wall 63, a possibility can be reduced that the protrusion 64 is disengaged from the groove 210 or damaged, due to an unexpected external force applied to the protrusion 64.

It is noted that a dust bag assembly that does not include an engagement structure with the groove 210 may be selectively attached to the nozzle 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a dust bag assembly 8, as such an example. Specifically, the dust bag assembly 8 includes a dust bag 81, and a collar 83 that is fixed to the dust bag 81. The collar 83 includes a single cylindrical tubular wall 84. The tubular wall 84 is configured to be fitted into the nozzle 2 with a pressing force. The tubular wall 84 includes an outer peripheral surface 840 formed as a smooth surface. A protrusion is not formed on the tubular wall 84. Thus, the collar 83 is connected to the nozzle 2 only by fitting the collar 83 into the nozzle 2 with a pressing force such that the outer peripheral surface 840 of the tubular wall 84 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 201 of the nozzle 2. The user can selectively attach either one of the different types of dust bag assemblies 5A and 8 to the nozzle 2, so that the usability of the sander 1 is enhanced.

Second Embodiment

A dust bag assembly 5B according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is now described with reference to FIG. 14. The dust bag assembly 5B according to the second embodiment includes a collar 6B that is different from the collar 6A of the first embodiment. The structure of the dust bag assembly 5B other than the collar 6B and the structure of the sander 1 to which the dust bag assembly 5B is attachable are substantially identical to those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the structures that are substantially identical to those in the first embodiment are given the same numerals and the illustration and the description thereof are omitted or simplified, and the structure of the collar 6B is mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 14, similar to the collar 6A of the first embodiment, the collar 6B of the second embodiment is a tubular member that is fixed to the dust bag 51. However, unlike the collar 6A of the first embodiment, the collar 6B includes a single tubular wall 68, an annular wall 69, and an O-ring 75.

The tubular wall 68 is a cylindrical tubular wall and defines the passage 60 that communicates with the storage space 510 within the dust bag 51. The opening at the distal end side of the tubular wall 68 defines the inlet opening 601 that allows the air and the dust to flow into the passage 60. When the collar 6B is connected to the nozzle 2 of the sander 1, the tubular wall 68 is fitted around the outer periphery of the nozzle 2. Thus, the inner diameter of the tubular wall 68 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle 2.

The tubular wall 68 has the protrusion 64. The protrusion 64 protrudes radially inward from an inner peripheral surface 680 of the distal end portion (i.e., the front end portion) of the tubular wall 68. The structure of the protrusion 64 is identical to that described in the first embodiment.

The annular wall 69 is a ring-like (annular) wall part that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface 680 of the rear end portion of the tubular wall 68. A distance between the inner peripheral surface 680 of the tubular wall 68 and a distal end (an inner edge) of the annular wall 69 is set such that the annular wall 69 blocks the O-ring 75 from moving rearward (i.e., in a direction toward the storage space 510) and that the annular wall 69 does not block the dust from moving toward the storage space 510.

The O-ring 75 is held within the tubular wall 68 in a state in which the O-ring 75 is in contact with a front surface of the annular wall 69 and the inner peripheral surface 680 of the tubular wall 68. The O-ring 75 is configured to generate a biasing force when the O-ring 75 is pressed and elastically deformed by the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2 while the collar 6B is moving to the alignment position relative to the nozzle 2. The collar 6B is biased by the O-ring 75 to move relative to the nozzle 2 from the alignment position to the lock position and then the collar 6B is held in the lock position. Further, the O-ring 75 is disposed between the tubular wall 68 and the distal end 20 of the nozzle 2 so as to prevent the dust from leaking out from the air outlet opening 303 of the nozzle 2. In this manner, the O-ring 75 of this embodiment has a function of the wave washer 71 as well as a function of the O-ring 72 of the first embodiment.

Procedures for attaching and removing the dust bag assembly 5B of this embodiment to and from the sander 1 are substantially identical to those described in the first embodiment.

Similar to the first embodiment, the dust bag assembly 5B of this embodiment is attachable to the tubular nozzle 2 of the sander 1 via the collar 6B. When the collar 6B is attached to the nozzle 2, the tubular wall 68 is fitted around the outer periphery of the nozzle 2 and the protrusion 64 engages with the groove 210 of the nozzle 2. Further, the O-ring 75 biases the collar 6B and the nozzle 2 away from each other in the axial direction of the collar 6B (i.e., in the front-rear direction), so that an engagement state of the protrusion 64 with the nozzle 2 and thus an attachment state of the collar 6B to the nozzle 2 can be stabilized.

Correspondences between the features of the above-described embodiments and the features of the present disclosure or the invention are as follows. However, the features of the embodiments are merely exemplary, and do not limit the features of the present disclosure or the present invention.

The sander 1 is an example of a “power tool”. The nozzle 2 is an example of a “tubular attachment part”. Each of the dust bag assemblies 5A and 5B is an example of a “dust collection container”. The dust bag 51 and the storage space 510 are examples of a “hollow member” and a “storage space’, respectively. Each of the collars 6A and 6B is an example of a “tubular member”. The passage 60 is an example of a “passage”. Each of the wave washer 71 and the O-ring 75 is an example of a “biasing member”. Each of the inner tubular wall 61, the outer tubular wall 63, and the tubular wall 68 is an example of a “tubular wall”. The center axis A2 is an example of a “first axis”. The protrusion 64 is an example of a “protrusion”. Each of the connecting wall 66 and the annular wall 69 is an example of a “wall part”.

The first portion 641 and the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 are examples of a “first portion” and a “second portion” of the “protrusion”, respectively. The inlet opening 601 is an example of an “opening at the distal end of the tubular member”. The inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 are examples of an “inner tubular wall” and an “outer tubular wall”, respectively. The O-ring 72 is an example of an “O-ring”. The tool body 10 is an example of a “tool body”. The outer peripheral surface 21 and the inner peripheral surface 201 of the nozzle 2 are examples of an “outer peripheral surface” an the “inner peripheral surface” of the “attachment part”, respectively. The groove 210 is an example of a “groove”. The first portion 211, the second portion 212, and the third portion 213 of the groove 210 are examples of a “first portion”, a “second portion”, and a “third portion” of the “groove”, respectively.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and the dust collection container and the power tool according to the present disclosure are not limited to each of the dust bag assemblies 5A and 5B and the sander 1 of the above-described embodiments. For example, the following modifications may be made. Further, at least one of these modifications may be employed in combination with at least one of the dust bag assemblies 5A and 5B and the sander 1 of the above-described embodiments and the claimed features.

For example, instead of the cloth dust bag 51, a synthetic resin (polymeric, plastic) box-like storage part (a so-called dust box/case) that is configured to store dust may be fixed to the collar 6A or 6B. Further, the frame 55 may be omitted, or the shape of the frame 55 may be appropriately changed.

Instead of the wave washer 71 and the O-ring 72, the O-ring 75 of the second embodiment may be employed with the collar 6A of the first embodiment. In this case, the O-ring 75 is disposed between the inner tubular wall 61 and the outer tubular wall 63 in the radial direction of the collar 6A and in contact with the connecting wall 66. Opposite to this modification, instead of the O-ring 75, the wave washer 71 and the O-ring 72 may be employed with the collar 6B of the second embodiment. Further, the connecting wall 66 and the wave washer 71 in the first embodiment need not be in direct contact with each other. In other words, another member may be interposed between the connecting wall 66 and the wave washer 71. This modification also applies to the arrangement of the annular wall 69 and the O-ring 75 in the second embodiment.

The protrusion 64 of the collar 6A protrudes radially inward (in the direction that is generally orthogonal to the center axis A2) from the inner peripheral surface 630 of the outer tubular wall 63. However, the protrusion 64 may protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular wall 61. Correspondingly, the groove 210 of the nozzle 2 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface 201, instead of the outer peripheral surface 21. In such a modification, the outer peripheral surface 21 of the nozzle 2 may be formed as a smooth surface, and the dust bag without the protrusion may be fitted around the nozzle 2. In another modification, the protrusion 64 of the collar 6B may protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular wall 68. In this modification, instead of the annular wall 69, a wall part may protrude radially outward like a flange from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular wall 68, and the O-ring 75 may be fitted around the outer periphery of the tubular wall 68 to be adjacent to this wall part.

The structures (e.g., the shapes, positions and numbers) of the protrusions 64 of the collars 6A and 6B and the groove 210 of the nozzle 2 may be appropriately changed as long as the collars 6A and 6B can be held in the lock position relative to the nozzle 2 by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., the wave washer 71 and the O-ring 75).

For example, the rear wall surface 230 that defines the rear end of the second portion 212 of the groove 210 may include only the orthogonal surface 233, or only the inclined surface 231. The rear end surface 642 of the protrusion 64 need not necessarily be the orthogonal surface. The third portion 213 of the groove 210 may not be the groove that extends to reach the distal end 20 of the nozzle. Instead, it may be changed to a recess that is configured to receive at least a portion of the second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 to restrict movement of the protrusion 64 in the circumferential direction. The second portion 646 of the protrusion 64 and the third portion 213 of the groove 210 may be omitted. In this modification, instead of the third portion 213, a stepped portion (a shoulder) or a protrusion that is configured to restrict rotation of the protrusion 64 in the circumferential direction toward the first portion 211 may be disposed on the rear wall surface 230 of the second portion 212 (the front end surface of the wall part 23).

The dust bag assembly 5A or 5B may be attached to a power tool other than the sander 1, the power tool including a tubular attachment part that is similar to the nozzle 2 of the above-described embodiments. For example, the power tool may be a different type of sander (e.g., an orbital (finishing) sander, a random orbit sander, a disc sander, etc.), or a circular saw (e.g., a portable circular saw, a slide circular saw, etc.). The arrangement of the dust collection passage in the tool body and the arrangement of the tubular attachment part may be appropriately changed, depending on the type of the power tool.

The nozzle 2 of the above-described embodiments is integrally formed with the scroll case 12, which is a component forming a portion of the tool body 10. However, the nozzle 2 may be a discrete (separate) member from the tool body 10 and fixed to the tool body 10.

Further, in view of the nature of the present invention and the above-described embodiments, the following Aspects are provided. Any one or more of the following Aspects can be employed in combination with any one or more of features in the above-described embodiments, the modifications thereof, and the claimed inventions.

(Aspect 1)

The at least one tubular wall is configured to be fitted around or into an attachment part of the power tool,

• • the protrusion is configured to engage with the attachment part of the power tool, and
  • the biasing member is interposed between the wall part and the attachment part when the tubular wall is fitted around or into the attachment part of the power tool, so as to bias the attachment part and the wall part away from each other.

(Aspect 2)

The inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall are configured to receive the attachment part of the power tool between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall.

(Aspect 3)

The protrusion of the dust collection container is held by the biasing force of the biasing member in a state in which the protrusion abuts (is in contact with) a first surface that defines an end of the second portion of the groove that is on the same side of the second portion with the attachment part in an axial direction of the attachment part.

The rear wall surface 230 is an example of a “first surface” of this Aspect.

(Aspect 4)

The protrusion of the dust collection container has a second surface that is configured to abut the first surface, and

• • at least one of the first surface and the second surface is generally orthogonal to the first direction.

The orthogonal surface 233 and the rear end surface 642 are examples of a “first surface” and a “second surface”, respectively.

(Aspect 5)

The first portion of the protrusion has the second surface.

(Aspect 6)

The protrusion of the dust collection container is held by the biasing force of the biasing member in a state in which the first portion of the protrusion abuts (is in contact with) the first surface and the second portion of the protrusion engages with the third portion of the groove.

(Aspect 7)

The power tool is configured such that a first type dust collection container and a second type dust collection container are selectively attachable thereto,

• • the first type dust collection container includes at least a tubular first connection part having a protrusion or a groove,
  • the second type dust collection container includes a tubular second connection part having a smooth inner peripheral surface or a smooth outer peripheral surface,
  • the groove or the protrusion of the attachment part is configured to engage with the protrusion or the groove of the first connection part of the first type dust collection container, and
  • the attachment part is configured such that the second connection part of the second type dust collection container is fitted around or into the attachment part with a pressing force in a state in which the smooth surface of the attachment part is in contact with the smooth surface of the second connection part.

Each of the dust bag assemblies 5A and 5B is an example of a “first type dust collection container”. Each of the collars 6A and 6B is an example of a “first connection part”. The dust bag assembly 8 is an example of a “second type dust collection container”. The collar 83 is an example of a “second connection part”.

(Aspect 8)

The power tool further comprises (i) a motor and (ii) a dust collection fan that is configured to be rotated by the motor,

• • wherein:
  • a dust collection passage extending from an air inlet opening to an air outlet opening via the fan is defined within the tool body, and
  • the attachment part has the air outlet opening and defines a terminal end portion of the dust collection passage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: belt sander (sander), 10: tool body, 12: scroll case, 15: handle, 151: grip part, 152: switch lever, 2: nozzle, 20: distal end, 201: inner peripheral surface, 202: inclined surface, 205: mark, 21: outer peripheral surface, 210: groove, 211: first portion, 212: second portion, 213: third portion, 22: front wall surface, 23: wall part, 230: rear wall surface, 231: inclined surface, 233: orthogonal surface, 240: terminal end surface, 301: air inlet opening, 303: air outlet opening, 31: motor, 315: output shaft, 33: dust collection fan, 35: drive roller, 36: driven roller, 37: sanding belt, 4: dust collection passage, 41: first portion, 42: second portion, 43: third portion, 5A, 5B: dust bag assembly, 51: dust bag, 510: storage space, 511: hem part, 55: frame, 551: body part, 553: protruding part, 6A, 6B: collar, 60: passage, 601: inlet opening, 605: mark, 61: inner tubular wall, 63: outer tubular wall, 630: inner peripheral surface, 631: outer peripheral surface, 64: protrusion, 641: first portion, 642: rear end surface, 643: inclined surface, 646: second portion, 66: connecting wall, 68: tubular wall, 680: inner peripheral surface, 69: annular wall, 71: wave washer, 72: O-ring, 75: O-ring, 8: dust bag assembly, 81: dust bag, 83: collar, 84: tubular wall, 840: outer peripheral surface, 9: battery, A1: rotation axis, A2: center axis, A3: center axis

Claims

1. A dust collection container that is configured to be removably attached to a tubular attachment part of a power tool, the dust collection container comprising:

a hollow member that has a storage space that is configured to store dust;

a tubular member that (i) is fixed to the hollow member and (ii) defines a passage that communicates with the storage space of the hollow member; and

a biasing member,

wherein:

the tubular member includes (i) at least one tubular wall that extends along a first axis extending in a first direction, (ii) a protrusion that protrudes from a first one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall in a direction that is orthogonal to the first axis, and (iii) a wall part that protrudes from the first one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface on which the protrusion is disposed; and

the biasing member is disposed (i) adjacent to the wall part of the tubular member and (ii) between the protrusion and the wall part in the first direction.

2. The dust collection container as defined in claim 1, wherein the protrusion includes (i) a first portion that extends in a circumferential direction of the tubular wall, and (ii) a second portion that protrudes from the first portion in the first direction away from an opening at a distal end of the tubular member.

3. The dust collection container as defined in claim 1, wherein:

the at least one tubular wall includes (i) an inner tubular wall and (ii) an outer tubular wall that is disposed radially outward of the inner tubular wall to be concentric with the inner tubular wall,

the outer tubular wall and the inner tubular wall are connected to each other via the wall part, and

the protrusion protrudes from an inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular wall or an outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular wall.

4. The dust collection container as defined in claim 1, wherein the protrusion protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall.

5. The dust collection container as defined in claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a spring washer or an O-ring.

6. The dust collection container as defined in claim 5, further comprising:

an O-ring,

wherein:

the spring washer is a wave washer, and

the O-ring is fitted around or in the at least one tubular wall, between the wave washer and the protrusion in the first direction.

7. A power tool comprising:

a tool body that includes a tubular attachment part; and

the dust collection container that includes (i) a hollow member that has a storage space that is configured to store dust, (ii) a tubular member that (a) is fixed to the hollow member and (b) defines a passage that communicates with the storage space of the hollow member, and (iii) a biasing member,

wherein:

the dust collection container is removably attached to the attachment part via the tubular member,

the tubular member includes (i) at least one tubular wall that extends along a first axis extending in a first direction, (ii) a protrusion that protrudes from a first one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the at least one tubular wall in a direction that is orthogonal to the first axis, and (iii) a wall part that protrudes from the first one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface on which the protrusion is disposed; and

the biasing member is disposed (i) adjacent to the wall part of the tubular member and (ii) between the protrusion and the wall part in the first direction.

8. The power tool as defined in claim 7, wherein:

the at least one tubular wall is configured to be fitted around or into the attachment part of the power tool,

the protrusion is configured to engage with the attachment part of the power tool, and

the biasing member is interposed between the wall part and the attachment part when the tubular wall is fitted around or into the attachment part of the power tool, so as to bias the attachment part and the wall part away from each other.

9. The power tool as defined in claim 8, wherein:

the at least one tubular wall of the dust collection container is configured to be fitted around the attachment part of the power tool,

the attachment part (i) has a hollow cylindrical shape and (ii) has a groove that is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof or an inner peripheral surface thereof,

the groove is configured to receive the protrusion of the tubular member of the dust collection container, and

the groove includes (i) a first portion that extends from a distal end of the attachment part and away from the distal end in an axial direction of the attachment part, and (ii) a second portion that extends from the first portion in a circumferential direction of the attachment part.

10. The power tool as defined in claim 9, wherein:

the protrusion of the dust collection container is held by the biasing force of the biasing member in a state in which the protrusion abuts a first surface that defines an end of the second portion of the groove that is on the same side of the second portion with the attachment part in an axial direction of the attachment part.

11. The power tool as defined in claim 10, wherein:

the protrusion of the dust collection container includes (i) a first portion that extends in a circumferential direction of the tubular wall, and (ii) a second portion that protrudes from the first portion in the first direction away from an opening at a distal end of the tubular member,

the groove of the attachment part of the power tool further includes a third portion that extends from the second portion toward the dust collection container, and

the protrusion is held by the biasing force of the biasing member in a state in which the first portion of the protrusion abuts the first surface and the second portion of the protrusion engages with the third portion of the groove.

12. The power tool as defined in claim 7, wherein:

the at least one tubular wall includes (i) an inner tubular wall and (ii) an outer tubular wall that is disposed radially outward of the inner tubular wall to be concentric with the inner tubular wall,

the outer tubular wall and the inner tubular wall are connected to each other via the wall part,

the protrusion protrudes from an inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular wall or an outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular wall, and

the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall are configured to receive the attachment part of the power tool between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall.

13. A power tool comprising:

a tool body that includes a tubular attachment part to which a dust collection container is attachable, wherein:

a groove or a protrusion is formed on a first one of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the attachment part, and

a second one of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the attachment part is a smooth surface.

14. The power tool as defined in claim 13, wherein:

the attachment part has a hollow cylindrical shape,

the protrusion or the groove is on the outer peripheral surface of the attachment part, and

the inner peripheral surface of the attachment part is the smooth surface.

15. The power tool as defined in claim 14, wherein the groove includes (i) a first portion that extends from a distal end of the attachment part to be in substantially parallel to an axis of the attachment part and away from the dust collection container, and (ii) a second portion that extends from the first portion in a circumferential direction of the attachment part.

16. The power tool as defined in claim 15, wherein the groove further includes a third portion that extends from the second portion toward the dust collection container.