Lawn mower

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lawn mower. A technology capable of separately collecting and discharging heavier grass that is cut longer and lighter grass that is cut shorter is disclosed. Alternatively, the lawn mower includes: a cutter for cutting grass; a grass collecting unit for collecting grass cut by the cutter; and a fan for generating a flow of air for conveying the grass cut by the cutter toward the grass collecting unit. Alternatively, the grass includes heavier grass that is cut longer by the cutter and lighter grass that is cut shorter by the cutter. Alternatively, the grass collecting unit is configured to collect heavier grass from among heavier grass and lighter grass that flow into the interior of the grass collecting unit and discharge the lighter grass to the outside of the grass collecting unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a lawn mower. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a lawn mower. The lawn mower includes: a cutter for cutting grass; a grass collecting unit for collecting grass cut by the cutter; a pipe for allowing the grass cut by the cutter to flow toward the grass collecting unit; and a gate capable of adjusting the opening area of ​​the passage opening of the pipe. The gate adjusts the opening area of ​​the passage opening of the pipe so that part of the grass cut by the cutter passes through the passage opening of the pipe and is collected in the grass collecting unit, and the remaining grass collides with the gate and is scattered on the ground.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-000127 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The grass cut by the mower includes heavier grass that is cut longer and lighter grass that is cut shorter. When the heavier grass and lighter grass are all collected by a grass collecting unit, the operator needs to frequently discard the grass collected in the grass collecting unit, and the workability of the mowing operation is poor. If only the heavier grass can be collected in the grass collecting unit and the lighter grass can be discharged to the ground, the frequency of discarding the grass collected in the grass collecting unit can be reduced. In the lawn mower of Patent Document 1, since the gate is only used to adjust the opening area of ​​the passage opening of the pipe, the heavier grass and the lighter grass cannot be separated. In this specification, a technology that can collect and discharge the heavier grass that is cut longer and the lighter grass that is cut shorter separately is disclosed.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] This specification discloses a lawn mower. The lawn mower includes: a cutter for cutting grass; a grass collecting unit for collecting grass cut by the cutter; and a fan for generating a flow of air for conveying the grass cut by the cutter toward the grass collecting unit. The grass includes heavier grass cut longer by the cutter and lighter grass cut shorter by the cutter. The grass collecting unit is configured to collect heavier grass from among the heavier grass and lighter grass flowing into the inside of the grass collecting unit and discharge the lighter grass to the outside of the grass collecting unit.

[0010] In the above structure, first, both the heavier grass and the lighter grass cut by the mower flow into the grass collecting unit. Then, only the heavier grass is collected in the grass collecting unit, and the lighter grass is discharged to the outside of the grass collecting unit after flowing inside the grass collecting unit. Thus, the heavier grass and the lighter grass can be collected and discharged separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the cutting blade 16 of the lawn mower 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the duct 20 of the main unit 4 as viewed from the rear right side in a state where the grass collecting unit 6 is detached from the lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the grass collecting unit 6 of the lawn mower 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in the state where the speed adjustment member 72 is not rotating in the lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in a state where the direction adjustment member 70 is located at the front side and the speed adjustment member 72 is rotated in the lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in a state where the direction adjustment member 70 is located at the rear side and the speed adjustment member 72 is rotated in the lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 of the lawn mower 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in the state where the direction adjustment member 280 is not rotated in the lawn mower 2 according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in the state where the direction adjustment member 280 is rotated in the lawn mower 2 according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the grass collecting unit 6 in a state where the speed adjustment member 72 is rotated in the lawn mower 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 2. Lawn mower; 4. Main unit; 6. Grass collecting unit; 8. Handle unit; 14. Drive shaft; 16. Cutter; 18. Fan; 20. Pipe; 26. Cutter motor; 32. Handle; 38. Switch lever; 40. Autonomous driving lever; 44. Grass collecting box; 44a. Lower wall; 44b. Rear wall; 44c. Right wall; 44d. Left wall; 44e. Upper wall; 46, 48, 50, 58. Opening; 54. Inner wall; 56. Adjustment mechanism; 59. Grass collecting part; 60. Grass collecting space; 61. Discharge part; 62. Discharge space; 70, 280. Direction adjustment member; 72, 180. Speed ​​adjustment member; 82, 282. Rod; B. Battery pack; L1. Heavier grass; L2. Lighter grass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] With reference to the accompanying drawings, representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention are described in detail below. This detailed description is intended only to show the details of the preferred examples for implementing the present invention to those skilled in the art, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the additional features and technical solutions disclosed can be used separately or together with other features and technical solutions in order to provide a further improved lawn mower.

[0025] In addition, the combination of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description is not necessary for implementing the present invention in the broadest sense, but is recorded only for the purpose of specifically illustrating the representative specific examples of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following representative specific examples and the various features of the technical solutions recorded in the claims do not necessarily need to be combined as in the specific examples recorded herein or in the order in which they are listed when providing additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed separately and independently of each other as limitations of the original disclosure of the application and the specific matters described in the claims, relative to the structures of the features described in the embodiments and / or claims. In addition, all numerical ranges and records related to groups or sets are intended to disclose their intermediate structures as limitations of the original disclosure of the application and the specific matters described in the claims.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the grass collecting unit may include: a grass collecting portion having a collecting port and a discharge port for collecting grass; and an adjustment mechanism disposed inside the grass collecting portion for adjusting the flow of air from the collecting port into the grass collecting portion. Alternatively, the flow of air from the collecting port into the grass collecting portion may be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism, so that heavier grass is collected inside the grass collecting portion and lighter grass is discharged from the discharge port to the outside of the grass collecting portion.

[0028] In the above structure, by using the adjustment mechanism to adjust the flow of air, the difference in weight between the lighter grass and the heavier grass can be used to collect the heavier grass inside the grass collecting part and discharge the lighter grass from the discharge port to the outside of the grass collecting part. In this way, the heavier grass and the lighter grass can be collected and discharged separately.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a speed adjustment member. Alternatively, the speed adjustment member may be capable of adjusting the flow rate of the air from the collection port toward the discharge port by adjusting the opening area of ​​the discharge port.

[0030] Inside the grass collecting part, when the flow rate of air from the collecting port to the discharge port is reduced, the lighter grass flows to the discharge port with the flow of air, but the heavier grass is easily dropped from the flow of air and collected inside the grass collecting part. In the above structure, the flow rate of air from the collecting port to the discharge port can be adjusted by adjusting the opening area of ​​the discharge port using the speed adjusting member. Thus, the heavier grass and the lighter grass can be collected and discharged separately.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the speed adjustment member may be rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion. The opening area of ​​the discharge port may change as the rotation angle of the speed adjustment member changes.

[0032] In the above-mentioned structure, the opening area of ​​the discharge port can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the speed adjustment member may be slidably supported by the grass collecting portion. The opening area of ​​the discharge port may change as the sliding amount of the speed adjustment member changes.

[0034] In the above-mentioned structure, the opening area of ​​the discharge port can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a direction adjustment member. Alternatively, the direction adjustment member is disposed between the collection port and the discharge port, and can adjust the direction of the air flow from the collection port toward the discharge port by blocking the air flow from the collection port toward the discharge port.

[0036] Inside the grass collecting part, when the air flow from the collecting port to the discharge port is zigzag, the lighter grass flows to the discharge port along with the flow of the air, but the heavier grass is easily dropped from the flow of the air and collected inside the grass collecting part. In the above structure, the direction of the air flow from the collecting port to the discharge port can be adjusted by using a direction-adjusting member to block the flow of the air from the collecting port to the discharge port. Thus, the heavier grass and the lighter grass can be collected and discharged separately.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the direction adjusting member may be rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion. The direction of the air flow from the collecting port toward the discharge port may change as the rotation angle of the direction adjusting member changes.

[0038] In the above-mentioned structure, the direction of the flow of air from the collecting port to the discharge port can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the direction adjusting member may be supported on the grass collecting portion so as to be positionally adjustable in a direction from the collecting port toward the discharge port. The direction of the air flow from the collecting port toward the discharge port may change as the position of the direction adjusting member changes.

[0040] In the above-mentioned structure, the direction of the flow of air from the collecting port to the discharge port can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the lawn mower may further include a prime mover for rotating the cutting blade and the fan.

[0042] In the above configuration, the cutter blade and the fan are rotated by a common motor, and thus the lawn mower can be made more compact than when a motor for rotating the cutter blade and a motor for rotating the fan are provided separately.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the drive shaft of the cutter may be the same as the drive shaft of the fan.

[0044] In the above-mentioned structure, since the drive shaft of the cutter blade and the drive shaft of the fan are the same, the lawn mower can be made smaller in size compared with the case where the drive shaft of the cutter blade and the drive shaft of the fan are provided separately.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the cutter and the fan may be integrally formed.

[0046] In the above-mentioned structure, the number of components constituting the lawn mower can be reduced.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the prime mover may be an electric motor.

[0048] In the above-mentioned structure, compared with the case where the prime mover is an engine, the vibration and noise generated when the lawn mower is used can be reduced.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the lawn mower may further include a battery pack for supplying power to the prime mover.

[0050] In the case of a lawn mower having a structure in which electric power is supplied to a prime mover from an external power source via a power cord, the power cord may hinder the lawn mowing operation. In the above structure, the workability when using the lawn mower can be improved.

[0051] (First embodiment)

[0052] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 7 , the lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment is described. Figure 1 As shown, the lawn mower 2 includes a main unit 4, a grass collecting unit 6, and a handle unit 8. The main unit 4 includes four wheels 10 that are in contact with the ground. The grass collecting unit 6 is detachably mounted on the rear end of the main unit 4. The handle unit 8 is connected to the upper rear portion of the main unit 4. An operator stands at the rear side of the lawn mower 2, holds the upper portion of the handle unit 8 with both hands, and pushes it forward, thereby rotating the wheels 10 and moving the main unit 4 forward along the ground. Hereinafter, the direction in which the wheels 10 rotate and the main unit 4 moves along the ground is referred to as the front-to-back direction, the direction perpendicular to the ground is referred to as the up-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the left-right direction.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the main unit 4 includes a base 12, a drive shaft 14, a cutter 16, a fan 18, a pipe 20 (see Figure 3 ), cover 22, lid 24, motor 26 for cutting blade, battery pack B, ECU (not shown). The lower surface of the base 12 is opened in a substantially cylindrical shape toward the ground. A substantially circular opening 12a is formed on the upper surface of the base 12. The space inside the base 12 is connected to a duct 20 opened toward the rear side of the main unit 4. In the grass collecting unit 6 (refer to Figure 1) is installed on the rear end of the base 12, the internal space of the base 12 is connected to the internal space of the grass collecting unit 6 via the duct 20. The drive shaft 14 extends in a substantially vertical direction. The cutter 16 and the fan 18 are arranged in the internal space of the base 12. The cutter 16 is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft 14. The cutter 16 extends from the drive shaft 14 in a substantially horizontal direction. The fan 18 is fixed to the drive shaft 14 at a position above the cutter 16. The fan 18 is formed integrally with the cutter 16. When the drive shaft 14 rotates, the cutter 16 rotates to cut the grass on the ground. In addition, when the drive shaft 14 rotates, the fan 18 rotates, and a flow of air is generated in the internal space of the base 12 from the opening of the lower surface of the base 12 toward the duct 20. As a result, the grass cut by the cutter 16 is sucked up by the fan 18 and transported to the grass collecting unit 6 via the duct 20.

[0054] The cover 22 includes a skirt 22a that protrudes downward in a generally circular shape. The cover 22 is fixed to the upper surface side of the base 12 in such a manner that the skirt 22a passes through the opening 12a of the base 12. A cover 24 that can be opened and closed is installed on the upper side of the cover 22. The cover 22 carries a cutter motor 26, a battery pack B, and an ECU (not shown in the figure). The cutter motor 26 is, for example, a brushless motor. The cutter motor 26 rotates the drive shaft 14. The battery pack B is detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 22b of the cover 22. The battery pack B includes, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack B is arranged in a space defined by the cover 22 and the cover 24. The ECU includes, for example, a converter circuit (not shown in the figure) including a plurality of switching elements (not shown in the figure) and a control circuit (not shown in the figure) for controlling the operation of the plurality of switching elements. The ECU controls the operation of the cutter motor 26 by controlling the electric power supplied from the battery pack B to the cutter motor 26 , and also controls the operation of a travel motor (not shown) that rotates the rear wheels 10 .

[0055] like Figure 1As shown, the handle unit 8 includes a lower frame 28, an upper frame 30, a right holding portion 34, a left holding portion 36, a switch lever 38, and an autonomous driving lever 40. The lower frame 28 is connected to the upper rear portion of the base 12. The lower frame 28 has a substantially U-shaped shape that extends toward the upper rear side and then bends to extend in the left-right direction. The upper frame 30 is connected to the upper rear portion of the lower frame 28. The upper frame 30 has a substantially U-shaped shape that extends toward the upper rear side and then bends to extend toward the upper front side and then bends to extend in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the portion of the upper frame 30 that extends in the left-right direction is referred to as a handle 32. The handle 32 is held by an operator. The right holding portion 34 is fixed to the upper frame 30 at a position lower and to the right than the handle 32. The left holding portion 36 is fixed to the upper frame 30 at a position lower and to the left than the handle 32. The switch lever 38 is arranged at a lower front side than the handle 32, and the autonomous driving lever 40 is arranged at a rear side than the handle 32. The switch lever 38 and the autonomous driving lever 40 are supported by the right holding part 34 and the left holding part 36 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The switch lever 38 and the autonomous driving lever 40 are urged by springs (not shown) in a direction of separation from the handle 32. When the operator holds the handle 32, the operator can pull the switch lever 38 with the fingers of the hand holding the handle 32, and can pull the autonomous driving lever 40 with a finger different from the finger of the hand holding the switch lever 38. When the switch lever 38 is pulled, the ECU rotates the cutter motor 26. When the switch lever 38 returns to the initial position, the ECU stops the rotation of the cutter motor 26. When the autonomous driving lever 40 is pulled, the ECU rotates the driving motor. As a result, the rear wheel 10 rotates, and the operator can move the lawn mower 2 without pushing the handle 32 to the front side. When autonomous driving lever 40 returns to the initial position, the ECU stops the rotation of the driving motor.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the grass collecting unit 6 includes a grass collecting box 44. The grass collecting box 44 has: an opening 46, which is connected to the pipe 20 when the grass collecting unit 6 is installed on the main unit 4; an opening 48, which is covered by the pipe cover 12b of the main unit 4 (see Figure 1 ) cover; and opening 50 (reference Figure 5 The opening 46 and the opening 48 are continuous. The opening 46 faces the front side, and the opening 48 faces the front upper side. The grass transported from the main unit 4 through the pipe 20 flows into the inside of the grass collecting box 44 through the opening 46. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the duct cover 12 b is rotatably supported on the base 12. When the grass collecting unit 6 is removed from the main unit 4, the duct cover 12 b is rotated relative to the base 12 to cover the duct 20 from the rear side. Figure 5As shown, the opening 50 is formed at the rear end of the lower wall 44a of the grass collecting box 44. The opening 50 is arranged on the front side of the rear wall 44b of the grass collecting box 44. Although not shown in the figure, the opening 50 extends from the right wall 44c to the left wall 44d of the grass collecting box 44 in the left-right direction.

[0057] The grass collecting unit 6 further includes an inner wall 54, an adjustment mechanism 56, and a rod 82. The inner wall 54 is formed integrally with the grass collecting box 44. Although not shown in the figure, the inner wall 54 extends from the right wall 44c toward the left side and is connected to the left wall 44d. The inner wall 54 is arranged on the front side of the opening 50. That is, the inner wall 54 is arranged to be separated from the rear wall 44b toward the front side. The inner wall 54 extends from the lower wall 44a toward the upper wall 44e of the grass collecting box 44. The upper end of the inner wall 54 is separated from the upper wall 44e.

[0058] The inner wall 54 divides the grass collecting box 44 into a grass collecting portion 59 and a discharge portion 61. The grass collecting portion 59 has a grass collecting space 60 inside. The grass collecting space 60 is defined by the inner wall 54, the lower wall 44a, the right wall 44c, the left wall 44d, and the upper wall 44e. The grass collecting space 60 is connected to the outside of the grass collecting box 44 via the openings 46 and 48. The discharge portion 61 is arranged at the rear side of the grass collecting portion 59. The discharge portion 61 has a discharge space 62 inside. The discharge space 62 is defined by the inner wall 54, the rear wall 44b, the right wall 44c, the left wall 44d, and the upper wall 44e. The discharge space 62 is arranged at a position further back than the grass collecting space 60. The discharge space 62 is connected to the grass collecting space 60 and is connected to the outside of the grass collecting box 44 via the opening 50.

[0059] The adjustment mechanism 56 includes a direction adjustment member 70 and a speed adjustment member 72. The direction adjustment member 70 is arranged inside the grass collecting space 60. The direction adjustment member 70 is fixed to the upper wall 44e using a screw 74. The screw 74 is inserted into a hole 76 formed in the upper wall 44e. The holes 76 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. The position of the direction adjustment member 70 in the front-to-back direction is adjusted by changing the hole 76 into which the screw 74 is inserted. In a state where the direction adjustment member 70 is fixed to the upper wall 44e, the direction adjustment member 70 extends toward the substantially front side along the upper wall 44e and then bends and extends toward the lower wall 44a. The lower end portion of the direction adjustment member 70 is arranged at a position closer to the lower wall 44a than the upper end portion of the inner wall 54. Although not shown in the figure, the direction adjustment member 70 extends in the left-right direction.

[0060] The speed adjustment member 72 is arranged inside the grass collecting space 60. The speed adjustment member 72 is arranged at the upper rear portion of the grass collecting portion 59. The speed adjustment member 72 is arranged at a position closer to the inner wall 54 than the direction adjustment member 70. The speed adjustment member 72 is supported on the upper wall 44e so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. When the speed adjustment member 72 is not rotating, the speed adjustment member 72 extends from the upper wall 44e toward the lower rear side and then bends and extends to the upper end of the inner wall 54. When the speed adjustment member 72 is not rotating, the speed adjustment member 72 abuts against the vicinity of the upper end of the inner wall 54 from the front side. Thus, when the speed adjustment member 72 is not rotating, the grass collecting space 60 is not connected to the discharge space 62. When the speed adjustment member 72 rotates from the non-rotating state toward the front side, the speed adjustment member 72 approaches the upper wall 44e and separates from the inner wall 54. Thus, an opening 58 is formed between the speed adjustment member 72 and the inner wall 54. Furthermore, the grass collecting space 60 communicates with the discharge space 62. As the speed adjustment member 72 rotates toward the front side, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 becomes larger.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the rod 82 is disposed on the rear right side of the upper wall 44e. Figure 5 As shown, the rod 82 is rotatably supported on the upper wall 44e. The rod 82 is operated by an operator. When the rod 82 rotates, the speed adjustment member 72 rotates in conjunction. For example, when the speed adjustment member 72 is not rotated, when the rod 82 is operated by an operator toward the rear side, the speed adjustment member 72 rotates toward the front side and separates from the inner wall 54. The rod 82 can be fixed at a desired position. Thus, the speed adjustment member 72 is fixed at a desired rotation angle, and the opening area of ​​the opening 58 can be adjusted to a desired size.

[0062] Next, a series of processes of mowing the lawn using the lawn mower 2 will be described. Figure 2 When the cutter is driven by the motor 26, the cutter 16 and the fan 18 rotate as the drive shaft 14 rotates. When the cutter 16 rotates, the grass on the ground is cut. The grass cut by the cutter 16 includes the heavier grass L1 cut longer (see Figure 6 ) and shorter cut lighter grass L2 (refer to Figure 6 ). When the fan 18 rotates, air is generated in the space inside the base 12 and flows from the opening on the lower surface of the base 12 toward the duct 20 (see Figure 3 As a result, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 are sucked up by the fan 18 and transported to the grass collecting unit 6 through the duct 20.

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 flow into the grass collecting box 44 from the opening 46 along with the flow of air generated by the rotation of the fan 18. Then, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 flow inside the grass collecting box 44 along with the flow F1 of the air. Figure 6 , the flow F1 of the air flowing inside the grass collecting box 44 is illustrated by a solid line. First, the flow F1 of the air is described. The air flowing into the grass collecting space 60 from the opening 46 flows toward the upper rear side to the direction adjusting member 70. Thereafter, the air zigzags around the direction adjusting member 70 and flows toward the opening 58. Specifically, the air flowing toward the opening 58 is blocked by the direction adjusting member 70, so that the air collides with the direction adjusting member 70 and flows along the direction adjusting member 70 and toward the lower end of the direction adjusting member 70. The air flowing to the lower end of the direction adjusting member 70 changes the direction of flow after passing over the direction adjusting member 70 and flows toward the opening 58. Thereafter, the air flows from the grass collecting space 60 to the discharge space 62 through the opening 58 between the speed adjusting member 72 and the inner wall 54. The inflowing air flows toward the opening 50 in the discharge space 62 and flows out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44.

[0064] Next, the flow of the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 will be described. First, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 that flow into the grass collecting space 60 from the opening 46 flow to the direction adjusting member 70 along with the air flow F1. In this case, since the weight of the heavier grass L1 is greater than the weight of the lighter grass L2, the heavier grass L1 falls off from the air flow F1 before reaching the vicinity of the direction adjusting member 70, and falls toward the lower wall 44a of the grass collecting box 44 due to its own weight. As a result, the heavier grass L1 is collected in the grass collecting space 60. In addition, as described above, in the vicinity of the direction adjusting member 70, the air flow F1 zigzags around the direction adjusting member 70. In this case, the heavier grass L1 falls off from the zigzag air flow F1 and is collected in the grass collecting space 60. In addition, the heavier grass L1 collides with the direction adjusting member 70 and falls off from the meandering air flow F1, and is collected in the grass collecting space 60. On the other hand, even when the air flow F1 meanders near the direction adjusting member 70, the lighter grass L2 can flow along the direction adjusting member 70 along with the meandering air flow F1, pass over the lower end of the direction adjusting member 70 and flow to the opening 58. Thereafter, the lighter grass L2 flows from the grass collecting space 60 into the discharge space 62 through the opening 58. The inflowing lighter grass L2 flows out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44. Thus, the lighter grass L2 is scattered on the ground. As a result, the heavier grass L1 of the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 cut by the cutter 16 is collected in the grass collecting space 60, so that the frequency of discarding the grass collected in the grass collecting box 44 can be reduced.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the flow F1 of the air is changed by adjusting the position of the direction adjusting member 70 in the direction from the opening 46 toward the opening 58. Figure 6 The position closest to the opening 46 is shown toward Figure 7 At the position farthest from the opening 46 shown (i.e., the position closest to the opening 58), the air bypasses the direction adjusting member 70 and zigzags greatly. Specifically, when the air flowing along the direction adjusting member 70 passes over the lower end of the direction adjusting member 70 and flows toward the opening 58, the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt. If the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt, the heavier grass L1 is easy to fall off from the zigzag air flow F1, and thus is easy to fall toward the lower wall 44a due to its own weight and is easy to be collected in the grass collecting space 60. On the other hand, even in the case where the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt, the lighter grass L2 can flow along with the zigzag air flow F1, and thus the lighter grass L2 can flow to the opening 58 and flow out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44.

[0066] In addition, the air flow F1 is changed by adjusting the rotation angle of the speed adjustment member 72. Figure 6 The speed adjustment member 72 is shown in the state of rotation. Figure 5 In the state where the speed adjustment member 72 shown is not rotated, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 becomes smaller. As a result, the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller. As the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller, the heavier grass L1 is easy to fall off from the flow F1 of the air with a smaller flow velocity, and thus is easy to fall toward the lower wall 44a due to its own weight and is easy to be collected in the grass collecting space 60. On the other hand, even when the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller, the lighter grass L2 can flow along with the flow F1 of the air with a smaller flow velocity, and thus the lighter grass L2 can flow to the opening 58 and flow out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44.

[0067] (Effect)

[0068] The lawn mower 2 of this embodiment includes: a cutter 16 for cutting grass; a grass collecting unit 6 for collecting grass cut by the cutter 16; and a fan 18 for generating a flow of air for conveying the grass cut by the cutter 16 toward the grass collecting unit 6. The grass includes heavier grass L1 cut longer by the cutter 16 and lighter grass L2 cut shorter by the cutter 16. The grass collecting unit 6 is configured to collect the heavier grass L1 of the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 flowing into the inside of the grass collecting unit 6 and discharge the lighter grass L2 to the outside of the grass collecting unit 6. In the above-mentioned structure, first, both the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 cut by the cutter 16 flow into the grass collecting unit 6. Then, only the heavier grass L1 is collected in the grass collecting unit 6, and the lighter grass L2 is discharged to the outside of the grass collecting unit 6 after flowing inside the grass collecting unit 6. Thereby, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 can be separately collected and discharged.

[0069] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the grass collecting unit 6 includes: a grass collecting portion 59 having an opening 46 and an opening 58 for collecting grass; and an adjustment mechanism 56 disposed inside the grass collecting portion 59 for adjusting the flow F1 of air flowing from the opening 46 into the inside of the grass collecting portion 59. The flow F1 of air flowing from the opening 46 into the inside of the grass collecting portion 59 is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 56, so that the heavier grass L1 is collected inside the grass collecting portion 59, and the lighter grass L2 is discharged from the opening 58 to the outside of the grass collecting portion 59. In the above-mentioned structure, by adjusting the flow F1 of air using the adjustment mechanism 56, the heavier grass L1 can be collected inside the grass collecting portion 59 by utilizing the difference in weight between the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2, and the lighter grass L2 can be discharged from the opening 58 to the outside of the grass collecting portion 59. Thus, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 can be collected and discharged separately.

[0070] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 56 includes a speed adjustment member 72. The speed adjustment member 72 can adjust the flow rate of air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 by adjusting the opening area of ​​the opening 58. In the interior of the grass collecting portion 59 (i.e., the grass collecting space 60), when the flow rate of air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 is reduced, the lighter grass L2 flows to the opening 58 along with the flow F1 of the air, but the heavier grass L1 is easily dropped from the flow F1 of the air and collected in the grass collecting space 60. In the above-mentioned structure, by adjusting the opening area of ​​the opening 58 using the speed adjustment member 72, the flow rate of air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 can be adjusted. Thus, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 can be collected and discharged separately.

[0071] The speed adjustment member 72 is rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion 59. The opening area of ​​the opening 58 changes with the rotation angle of the speed adjustment member 72. In the above-described configuration, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 can be adjusted with a simple configuration.

[0072] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 56 includes a direction adjustment member 70. The direction adjustment member 70 is disposed between the opening 46 and the opening 58, and can adjust the direction of the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 by blocking the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58. In the interior of the grass collecting portion 59 (i.e., the grass collecting space 60), when the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 is made to zigzag, the lighter grass L2 flows to the opening 58 along with the flow F1 of the air, but the heavier grass L1 is easily dropped from the flow F1 of the air and collected in the grass collecting space 60. In the above-mentioned structure, by blocking the flow of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 using the direction adjustment member 70, the direction of the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 can be adjusted. Thus, the heavier grass L1 and the lighter grass L2 can be collected and discharged separately.

[0073] Furthermore, the direction adjusting member 70 is supported on the grass collecting portion 59 so as to be positionally adjustable in the direction from the opening 46 toward the opening 58. The direction of the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 changes as the position of the direction adjusting member 70 changes. In the above-described structure, the direction of the flow F1 of the air from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0074] In addition, the lawn mower 2 further includes a cutter motor 26 for rotating the cutter 16 and the fan 18. In the above-described structure, the cutter 16 and the fan 18 are rotated by the common cutter motor 26, so that the lawn mower 2 can be miniaturized compared to the case where a motor for rotating the cutter 16 and a motor for rotating the fan 18 are separately provided.

[0075] The drive shaft 14 of the cutter 16 is the same as the drive shaft 14 of the fan 18. The drive shaft 14 of the cutter 16 is the same as the drive shaft 14 of the fan 18, so the lawn mower 2 can be made smaller than when the drive shafts of the cutter 16 and the fan 18 are provided separately.

[0076] The cutting blade 16 and the fan 18 are integrally formed. In the above-described structure, the number of components constituting the lawn mower 2 can be reduced.

[0077] The blade motor 26 functions as a prime mover. In the above configuration, vibration and noise generated when the lawn mower 2 is used can be reduced compared to a case where the prime mover is an engine.

[0078] In addition, the lawn mower 2 further includes a battery pack B for supplying power to the cutter motor 26. In the case where the lawn mower 2 is configured to supply power to the cutter motor 26 from an external power source via a power cord, the power cord may hinder the lawn mowing operation. In the above configuration, the workability when using the lawn mower 2 can be improved.

[0079] (Corresponding relationship)

[0080] The opening 46 is an example of a “collecting port”, the opening 58 is an example of a “discharge port”, and the cutter motor 26 is an example of a “prime mover”.

[0081] (Second embodiment)

[0082] Reference Figure 8 , the second embodiment is described. In the second embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment are described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same points as the first embodiment and the description is omitted. In the second embodiment, the structure of the speed adjustment member 180 is different from the structure of the speed adjustment member 72 of the first embodiment. The speed adjustment member 180 is arranged inside the discharge space 62. The speed adjustment member 180 is slidably supported on the right wall 44c and the left wall 44d of the grass collecting box 44. The speed adjustment member 180 slides in a direction orthogonal to the upper wall 44e. The speed adjustment member 180 is arranged adjacent to the rear side of the inner wall 54. In the state where the speed adjustment member 180 does not slide, the upper end of the speed adjustment member 180 abuts against the upper wall 44e. Thus, in the state where the speed adjustment member 180 does not slide, the grass collecting space 60 and the discharge space 62 are not connected. The speed adjustment member 180 is separated from the upper wall 44e when sliding from the non-sliding state toward the substantially lower side. Thus, an opening 58 is formed between the upper end of the speed adjustment member 180 and the upper wall 44e. In addition, the grass collecting space 60 is connected to the discharge space 62. As the speed adjustment member 180 slides toward the substantially lower side, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 becomes larger. In addition, the speed adjustment member 180 slides by operating a lever (not shown) disposed on the right wall 44c and the left wall 44d.

[0083] As the speed adjustment member 180 slides toward the upper wall 44e, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 becomes smaller. As a result, the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller. As the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller, the heavier grass L1 is easy to fall off from the flow F1 of the air with a smaller flow velocity, and thus is easy to fall toward the lower wall 44a due to its own weight and is easy to be collected in the grass collecting space 60. On the other hand, even when the flow velocity of the air toward the opening 58 becomes smaller, the lighter grass L2 can flow along with the flow F1 of the air with a smaller flow velocity, and thus the lighter grass L2 can flow to the opening 58 and flow out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44.

[0084] (Effect)

[0085] In the lawn mower 2 of this embodiment, the speed adjustment member 180 is slidably supported by the grass collecting portion 59. The opening area of ​​the opening 58 changes with the sliding amount of the speed adjustment member 180. In the above configuration, the opening area of ​​the opening 58 can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0086] (Third embodiment)

[0087] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the third embodiment is described. In the third embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment are described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same points as the first embodiment and the description is omitted. In the third embodiment, the structure of the direction adjustment member 280 is different from the structure of the direction adjustment member 70 of the first embodiment. The direction adjustment member 280 is supported on the upper wall 44e so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The direction adjustment member 280 can rotate in the direction toward the speed adjustment member 72. As Fig. 9 As shown, when the direction adjusting member 280 is not rotating, the direction adjusting member 280 bends after extending from the upper wall 44e toward the front lower side, and extends toward the lower wall 44a along a direction orthogonal to the upper wall 44e. As the direction adjusting member 280 rotates from the state where the direction adjusting member 280 is not rotating to the direction toward the speed adjusting member 72, the direction adjusting member 280 is inclined relative to the upper wall 44e.

[0088] The grass collecting unit 6 further includes a rod 282. The rod 282 is rotatably supported on the upper wall 44e. The rod 282 is arranged at a position closer to the front side than the rod 82. The rod 282 is operated by an operator. When the rod 282 rotates, the direction adjustment member 280 rotates in conjunction. For example, when the rod 282 is operated toward the front side by the operator in a state where the direction adjustment member 280 is not rotated, the direction adjustment member 280 rotates in a direction toward the speed adjustment member 72.

[0089] Next, the air flow F1 is described. Fig.10 The direction adjustment member 280 is shown rotated to Fig. 9In the state where the direction adjusting member 280 shown is not rotated, the air bypasses the direction adjusting member 280 and zigzags greatly. Specifically, when the air flowing along the direction adjusting member 280 passes over the lower end of the direction adjusting member 280 and flows toward the opening 58, the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt. When the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt, the heavier grass L1 is easy to fall off from the zigzag air flow F1, and thus is easy to fall toward the lower wall 44a due to its own weight and is easy to be collected in the grass collecting space 60. On the other hand, even when the change in the direction of the air flow F1 becomes abrupt, the lighter grass L2 can flow along with the zigzag air flow F1, and thus the lighter grass L2 can flow to the opening 58 and flow out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44.

[0090] (Effect)

[0091] In the lawn mower 2 of the present embodiment, the direction adjustment member 280 is rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion 59. The direction of the air flow from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 may change with the change of the rotation angle of the direction adjustment member 280. In the above-mentioned structure, the direction of the air flow F1 from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 can be adjusted with a simple structure.

[0092] Reference Fig.11 , the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same points as the first embodiment and the description thereof will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 56 does not include the direction adjustment member 70 of the first embodiment, but only includes the speed adjustment member 72. Since the adjustment mechanism 56 does not include the direction adjustment member 70, the direction of the flow F1 of the air flowing in the grass collecting space 60 does not change sharply, and the air flows toward the opening 58. In this case, the heavier grass L1 falls off from the flow F1 of the air because the weight is greater than that of the lighter grass L2, and falls toward the lower wall 44a of the grass collecting box 44 due to its own weight. Thus, the heavier grass L1 is collected in the grass collecting space 60. The air flowing toward the opening 58 flows from the grass collecting space 60 into the discharge space 62 through the opening 58 between the speed adjustment member 72 and the inner wall 54. The inflowing air flows toward the opening 50 in the discharge space 62, and flows out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44. The lighter grass L2 flows out from the opening 50 to the outside of the grass collecting box 44 together with the air.

[0093] The adjustment mechanism 56 according to one embodiment may include only the direction adjustment members 70 , 280 .

[0094] The lawn mower 2 according to one embodiment may include an engine for rotating the cutting blade 16 and the fan 18 instead of the cutting blade motor 26 .

[0095] The lawn mower 2 according to one embodiment may include a power cord for supplying electric power from an external power source to the blade motor 26 instead of the battery pack B.

[0096] The direction adjusting member 70 according to one embodiment may be supported by the upper wall 44 e so as to be slidable in the direction from the opening 46 toward the opening 58 .

[0097] The cutter 16 and the fan 18 in one embodiment may be separated.

Claims

1. A lawn mower, wherein: This lawn mower includes: A mowing knife, which is used for mowing grass; a grass collecting unit, which is used to collect the grass cut by the cutting knife; and a fan for generating a flow of air for conveying the grass cut by the cutting blade toward the grass collecting unit, The grass includes heavier grass that is cut longer by the mower and lighter grass that is cut shorter by the mower, The grass collecting unit is configured to collect the heavier grass from among the heavier grass and the lighter grass that flow into the grass collecting unit and discharge the lighter grass to the outside of the grass collecting unit. The grass collecting unit comprises: a grass collecting portion having a collecting port and a discharging port for collecting grass; and an adjustment mechanism, which is arranged inside the grass collecting portion and is used to adjust the flow of air flowing from the collecting port into the inside of the grass collecting portion, The adjustment mechanism adjusts the flow of air from the collection port into the interior of the grass collecting portion, thereby collecting the heavier grass inside the grass collecting portion and discharging the lighter grass from the discharge port to the outside of the grass collecting portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a speed adjustment member, The speed adjustment member can adjust the flow speed of the air from the collecting port toward the discharge port by adjusting the opening area of ​​the discharge port.

2. The lawn mower according to claim 1, wherein: The speed adjustment member is rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion. The opening area of ​​the discharge port changes as the rotation angle of the speed adjustment member changes.

3. The lawn mower according to claim 1, wherein: The speed adjustment member is slidably supported on the grass collecting portion. The opening area of ​​the discharge port changes as the sliding amount of the speed adjustment member changes.

4. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The adjustment mechanism includes a direction adjustment member, The direction adjusting member is disposed between the collecting port and the exhaust port, and can adjust the direction of the air flow from the collecting port toward the exhaust port by blocking the air flow from the collecting port toward the exhaust port.

5. The lawn mower according to claim 4, wherein: The direction adjustment member is rotatably supported by the grass collecting portion. The direction of the air flowing from the collecting port toward the discharge port changes as the rotation angle of the direction adjusting member changes.

6. The lawn mower according to claim 4, wherein: The direction adjustment member is supported by the grass collecting portion so as to be positionally adjustable in a direction from the collecting port toward the discharge port. The direction of the air flowing from the collecting port toward the discharge port changes as the position of the direction adjusting member changes.

7. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The lawn mower further comprises a prime mover for rotating the cutting blade and the fan.

8. The lawn mower according to claim 7, wherein: The drive shaft of the cutter is the same as the drive shaft of the fan.

9. The lawn mower according to claim 8, wherein: The cutter and the fan are integrally formed.

10. The lawn mower according to claim 7, wherein: The prime mover is an electric motor.

11. The lawn mower according to claim 10, wherein: The lawn mower also includes a battery pack for supplying power to the prime mover.

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