Work machine

Abstract

The present application provides a work machine that applies a technique capable of suppressing damage to an arm portion of a handle unit. The work machine includes a work portion, a main body case, a handle unit, an operation portion, and a protrusion portion. The handle unit is movable between a storage position and a work position. The protrusion portion is movable between a restriction position and a non-restriction position in conjunction with operation of the operation portion by a user. The work machine is configured such that, in a state where the handle unit is positioned at the storage position and the protrusion portion is positioned at the restriction position, the protrusion portion restricts movement of the handle unit from the storage position to the work position. In the state where the handle unit is positioned at the storage position and the protrusion portion is positioned at the restriction position, the handle unit is capable of moving from the storage position to the work position by the protrusion portion moving from the restriction position to the non-restriction position in conjunction with operation of the operation portion by the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a work machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a work machine is disclosed, which includes a work portion that contacts a ground, a main body case in which the work portion is provided, a handle unit that has an arm portion rotatably attached to the main body case and a grip portion that a user can hold, and a protrusion portion that is fixed to the main body case.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-094796 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the work machine of Patent Literature 1, the handle unit is movable between a storage position in which the arm portion is stored on the main body case and a work position in which the arm portion is not stored on the main body case. In a state in which the handle unit is located at the storage position, the protrusion portion restricts the handle unit from moving from the storage position to the work position. In the work machine of Patent Literature 1, since the protrusion portion is fixed to the main body case, when the handle unit is moved from the work position to the storage position, or when the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position, the arm portion needs to pass over the protrusion portion while contacting the protrusion portion. Since the protrusion portion is fixed to the main body case, the arm portion can be damaged.

[0008] In this specification, a technology capable of suppressing damage to an arm portion of a handle unit is provided.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] The work machine disclosed in the present specification performs an operation in contact with the ground. The work machine can include a work portion, a main body case in which the work portion is provided, a handle unit having an arm portion rotatably attached to the main body case and a grip portion that a user can hold, an operation portion provided to the main body case and operable by the user, and a protrusion portion provided to the main body case, the handle unit being movable between a storage position in which the arm portion is tilted with respect to the main body case and a work position in which the arm portion is not tilted with respect to the main body case, the protrusion portion being movable between a restriction position in which the protrusion portion is in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position and a non-restriction position in which the protrusion portion is not in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position, the work machine being configured such that, in a state in which the handle unit is located at the storage position and the protrusion portion is located at the restriction position, the protrusion portion restricts movement of the handle unit from the storage position to the work position, and in the state in which the handle unit is located at the storage position and the protrusion portion is located at the restriction position, the handle unit is allowed to move from the storage position to the work position by moving the protrusion portion from the restriction position to the non-restriction position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion.

[0011] According to the above-described configuration, the protrusion portion is movable between the restriction position and the non-restriction position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion. Therefore, for example, the user operates the operation portion to move the protrusion portion to the non-restriction position, and then, by moving the handle unit from the work position to the storage position or moving the handle unit from the storage position to the work position, the arm portion and the protrusion portion are allowed to be prevented from being in contact with each other. Thus, damage to the arm portion of the handle unit is allowed to be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower 2 in a state in which a handle unit 6 is located at a work position, as viewed from the right upper front in a first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a right view of the lawn mower 2 in the state in which the handle unit 6 is located at the work position, as viewed from the right in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lawn mower 2 in the state in which the handle unit 6 is located at the work position, as viewed from above in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a view along the line A-A in FIG. 1. Figure 3Cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 8.

[0016] Figure 5 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the right operating unit 62 of the first embodiment as viewed from the upper right front.

[0017] Figure 6 Fig. 10 is a right view of the mower 2 in the first embodiment as viewed from the right with the grass-collecting container 12 detached and the handle unit 6 in the stowed position.

[0018] Figure 7 Fig. 11 is a plan view of the mower 2 in the first embodiment as viewed from above with the grass-collecting container 12 detached and the handle unit 6 in the stowed position.

[0019] Figure 8 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of Fig. 8. Figure 7

[0020] Figure 9 Fig. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the mower 2 in the first embodiment with the left side surface of the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 in contact with the protrusion portion 78 of the right operating unit 62 and the right side surface of the first left arm 104 in contact with the protrusion portion of the left operating unit 64.

[0021] Figure 10 Fig. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of the mower 2 in the first embodiment with the handle unit 6 in the stowed position and the right operating unit 62 and the left operating unit 64 in the unrestricted position.

[0022] Figure 11 Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X of Fig. 11. Figure 3

[0023] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the handle unit 110, the second right arm 102, and the second left arm 106 of the first embodiment as viewed from the upper right front. Figure 12

[0024] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the control structure of the mower 2 in the first embodiment. Figure 13

[0025] Fig. 18 is a front cross-sectional view in the second embodiment with the right-side moving unit 272 in the restricted position. Figure 14

[0026] Fig. 19 is a top cross-sectional view in the second embodiment with the right-side moving unit 272 in the restricted position. Figure 15

[0027] Fig. 20 is a front cross-sectional view in the second embodiment with the right-side moving unit 272 in the unrestricted position. Figure 16 Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the control structure of the mower 2 in the second embodiment.

[0028] Explanation of Reference Characters​

[0029] 2, mower; 4, main body unit; 6, handle unit; 8, wheel; 10, roller; 12, grass collecting container; 20, main body case; 21, first main body case; 22, second main body case; 24, battery cover; 26, cutter; 28, motor; 30, boss portion; 32, boss portion; 40, protrusion; 40a, through hole; 42, protrusion; 42a, through hole; 50, battery pack; 60, operation unit; 62, right operation unit; 64, left operation unit; 66, spring; 70, operation portion; 72, first sliding portion; 74, connecting portion; 76, second sliding portion; 78, protrusion portion; 78a, lower surface; 78b, flat portion; 78c, inclined portion; 80, spring receiving portion; 82, through hole; 100, first right arm; 100a, one end; 100b, other end; 102, second right arm; 104, first left arm; 104a, one end; 104b, other end; 106, second left arm; 108, reinforcing arm; 110, handle unit; 112, locking member; 114, locking member; 120, handle case; 122, lever; 124, unlock button; 126, elastic member; 220, main body case; 220a, through hole; 260, operation unit; 262, operation portion; 264, first shaft portion; 266, rotation portion; 268, engaged portion; 270, engaged portion; 272, moving unit; 274, moving unit; 280, engaging portion; 282, second shaft portion; 284, sliding portion; 286, shaft connecting portion; 288, protrusion portion; 288a, flat portion; 288b, flat portion; 288c, inclined portion; 290, spring; 292, spring receiving portion; Al, lengthwise axis; A2, rotation axis; B, bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to illustrate the details of the preferred embodiments for carrying out the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. In addition, the disclosed additional features and technical solutions can be used independently with respect to other features and technical solutions, or used together with other features and technical solutions, in order to provide further improved working machines.

[0031] Further, the combination of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description is not essential in the broadest sense for carrying out the present application, and is merely described for the purpose of specifically illustrating the representative embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, in providing additional and useful embodiments of the present application, the various features of the following representative embodiments and various features recited in the claims are not necessarily combined as in the embodiments described herein or in the order recited.

[0032] All features recited in the specification and / or claims are intended to be disjunctively disclosed, i.e., the features are disclosed alone or in any combination with one or more of the other features recited in the specification and / or claims. Further, all numerical ranges recited in the specification and / or claims are intended to have the same meaning as the numerical ranges recited in the original application, i.e., the numerical ranges are disclosed alone or in any combination with one or more of the other features recited in the specification and / or claims.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, a work machine is configured to perform an operation while contacting a ground surface. The work machine can include a work portion, a main body housing in which the work portion is provided, a handle unit having an arm portion rotatably attached to the main body housing and a grip portion that a user can hold, an operation portion provided to the main body housing and operable by the user, and a protrusion portion provided to the main body housing. The handle unit is movable between a storage position in which the arm portion is inclined upward with respect to the main body housing and a work position in which the arm portion is not inclined upward with respect to the main body housing. The protrusion portion is movable between a restriction position in which the protrusion portion is in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position and a non-restriction position in which the protrusion portion is not in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position. The work machine is configured such that the protrusion portion restricts the movement of the handle unit from the storage position to the work position when the handle unit is in the storage position and the protrusion portion is in the restriction position. The handle unit is movable from the storage position to the work position by moving the protrusion portion from the restriction position to the non-restriction position in conjunction with the operation of the operation portion by the user when the handle unit is in the storage position and the protrusion portion is in the restriction position.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the work machine can further include a biasing member that biases the protrusion portion from the non-restriction position to the restriction position.

[0035] It is desirable that the protrusion portion restricts the handle unit from moving from the storage position to the operation position after the handle unit is moved from the operation position to the storage position. According to the above-described configuration, the protrusion portion is forced by the force applying member toward the restriction position in a state where the handle unit is positioned at the operation position. When the handle unit is moved from the operation position to the storage position, the protrusion portion is moved from the restriction position to the non-restriction position. Then, the arm portion of the handle unit passes through the protrusion portion, and thereafter, the protrusion portion is moved from the non-restriction position to the restriction position by the action of the force applying member. Therefore, although the handle unit is moved from the operation position to the storage position, it is possible to suppress a situation where the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the operation position without being restricted. Thus, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the operation portion and the protrusion portion can be formed as one body.

[0037] According to the above-described configuration, the operation portion and the protrusion portion can not be linked by a linking mechanism or the like. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the work machine.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the protrusion portion can protrude from the main body case in a direction perpendicular to an axis in the length direction of the arm portion when the handle unit is positioned at the storage position in the restriction position.

[0039] According to the above-described configuration, compared with a configuration in which the protrusion portion is inclined with respect to the axis in the length direction of the arm portion, it is possible to reliably restrict the handle unit from moving from the storage position to the operation position.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, an inclined portion can be provided on an upper surface of the protrusion portion, the inclined portion being inclined downward as it goes from the non-restriction position side toward the restriction position side in a direction in which the protrusion portion is moved between the non-restriction position and the restriction position.

[0041] In the case where the inclined portion is not provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion, the user cannot move the handle unit from the work position to the storage position in the state where the protruding portion is positioned at the restricting position. That is, the user needs to operate the operation portion to move the protruding portion from the restricting position to the non-restricting position, and then move the handle unit from the work position to the storage position. According to the above-described structure, in the state where the protruding portion is positioned at the restricting position, when the handle unit is to be moved from the work position to the storage position, the arm portion of the handle unit comes into contact with the inclined portion of the upper surface of the protruding portion. In this case, a force acts in the direction in which the protruding portion is moved from the restricting position to the non-restricting position by the arm portion of the handle unit coming into contact with the inclined portion of the upper surface of the protruding portion. Therefore, the protruding portion is moved from the restricting position to the non-restricting position. Thus, in the case where the handle unit is to be moved from the work position to the storage position in the state where the protruding portion is positioned at the restricting position, the user can move the protruding portion from the restricting position to the non-restricting position without operating the operation portion. Thus, the user can easily move the handle unit from the work position to the storage position. As a result, the user's convenience can be improved.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the operation portion can be an operation portion that rotates about a rotation axis, and the protruding portion can be movable between the restricting position and the non-restricting position in conjunction with the user rotating the operation portion.

[0043] According to the above-described structure, the user can move the protruding portion by rotating the operation portion. Thus, the operability of the work machine can be improved.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the work machine can further include a prime mover that drives the work portion.

[0045] According to the above-described structure, the work portion can be driven more powerfully than in the case where the work portion is driven in conjunction with the user moving the work machine.

[0046] (First Embodiment)

[0047] Reference Figures 1-13 A lawn mower 2 of the first embodiment will be described. The lawn mower 2 moves while coming into contact with the ground. As shown in Figure 1 , the lawn mower 2 includes a main body unit 4 and a handle unit 6. A pair of wheels 8 is provided on the front portion of the main body unit 4. As shown in Figure 2 , a roller 10 extending in the left-right direction is provided on the rear portion of the main body unit 4. In addition, a grass-collecting container 12 is detachably attached to the rear portion of the main body unit 4.

[0048] (Structure of Main Body Unit 4)

[0049] As shown in Figures 1-3As shown, the main unit 4 includes a main housing 20 and a battery cover 24. A cutting blade 26 (refer to Figure 13 ) is provided at a lower portion of the main housing 20. The cutting blade 26 faces the ground. A motor 28 (refer to Figure 13 ) for driving the cutting blade 26 is housed in the main housing 20. The motor 28 can be a brushless DC motor, a brushed DC motor, an AC motor, or other kinds of motors. The main housing 20 is composed of a first main housing 21 and a second main housing 22. The second main housing 22 is attached to an upper portion of the first main housing 21. As shown in Figure 4 , a boss portion 30, 32 protruding upward is provided at an upper portion of the first main housing 21. Further, a protruding portion 40, 42 protruding downward is provided at the second main housing 22 at a position opposite to the boss portion 30, 32 of the first main housing 21. A through-hole 40a, 42a passing through the second main housing 22 in the vertical direction is provided at the protruding portion 40, 42. By screwing a bolt B passing through the through-hole 40a, 42a to the boss portion 30, 32, the first main housing 21 and the second main housing 22 are joined.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1-3 , the battery cover 24 is attached to a rear portion of the second main housing 22. A battery mounting portion (not shown) is provided inside the battery cover 24. By opening the battery cover 24, the user can detach and attach the battery pack 50 (refer to Figure 13 ) with respect to the main unit 4.

[0051] The main unit 4 further includes an operation unit 60. As shown in Figure 4 , the operation unit 60 includes a right operation unit 62 provided at a right side of the main unit 4, a left operation unit 64 provided at a left side of the main unit 4, and a spring 66. The right operation unit 62 and the left operation unit 64 are attached between the first main housing 21 and the second main housing 22. The right operation unit 62 is in a relationship of facing symmetry with the left operation unit 64 with respect to a plane including the front-rear direction and the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the structure of the right operation unit 62 will be described, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same structure of the left operation unit 64 and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5 , the right operation unit 62 includes an operation portion 70, a first sliding portion 72, a connecting portion 74, a second sliding portion 76, a protruding portion 78, and a spring receiving portion 80 (refer to Figure 4 ). The operation portion 70, the first sliding portion 72, the connecting portion 74, the second sliding portion 76, the protruding portion 78, and the spring receiving portion 80 are integrally formed. The operation portion 70 extends upward from an upper surface of the first sliding portion 72. As shown in Figure 4As shown, the spring receiving portion 80 extends downward from the back side (the side opposite to the upper surface) of the first sliding portion 72. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting portion 74 connects the first sliding portion 72 and the second sliding portion 76. The upper surface of the connecting portion 74 slopes downwards as it moves from left to right. The upper surface of the second sliding portion 76 is located below the upper surface of the first sliding portion 72. The upper surfaces of the first sliding portion 72 and the second sliding portion 76 are parallel to a plane including the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The protrusion 78 extends to the right from the right end of the second sliding portion 76. The lower surface 78a of the protrusion 78 has a shape corresponding to the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 described later. The upper surface of the protrusion 78 is composed of a flat portion 78b and an inclined portion 78c. The flat portion 78b is parallel to a plane including the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The inclined portion 78c slopes downwards as it moves from the inside to the outside. For example, the inclined portion 78c at the right end of the protrusion 78 slopes downwards as it moves from left to right. Through holes 82 extending in the left-right direction are provided in the connecting part 74 and the second sliding part 76. The width of the through holes 82 in the front-back direction is greater than the protrusion 40 of the second main body housing 22 (see reference). Figure 4 The width of the front and back directions.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 The installation steps for mounting the right operating unit 62 onto the main body housing 20 are described below. First, the right operating unit 62 is placed on the first main body housing 21 with its through-hole 82 positioned above the boss portion 30 of the first main body housing 21. Then, the boss portion 30 of the first main body housing 21 below the through-hole 82 and the protrusion 40 of the second main body housing 22 are aligned, and bolt B is threaded onto the boss portion 30. Thus, the right operating unit 62 is mounted onto the main body housing 20. Since the width of the through-hole 82 in the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the protrusion 40 of the second main body housing 22 in the front-rear direction, the right operating unit 62 can slide in the left-right direction. The left operating unit 64 can be mounted onto the main body housing 20 using the same steps.

[0054] Spring 66 is positioned in the left-right direction between the spring receiving portion 80 of the right operating unit 62 on the right side and the spring receiving portion 80 of the left operating unit 64 on the left side. Spring 66 is positioned so that the protrusion 78 of the right operating unit 62 does not contact the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 (described later) (hereinafter referred to as the "non-restricted position") (see reference). Figure 10 The position where the protrusion 78 contacts the first right arm 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "restricted position") (see reference) Figure 4 , Figure 8force. In addition, in the restricting position, the protruding portion 78 protrudes to the right from the main body case 20. Further, in the non-restricting position, the protruding portion 78 can be accommodated entirely within the main body case 20 or can protrude partially to the right from the main body case 20. Further, the inclined portion 78c of the upper surface of the protruding portion 78 is inclined downward in the direction in which the protruding portion 78 moves between the restricting position and the non-restricting position (in this embodiment, the left-right direction) as it goes from the non-restricting position side toward the restricting position side.

[0055] (Structure of handle unit 6)

[0056] As shown in Figures 1-3 , Figures 8-10 , Figure 12 , the handle unit 6 includes a first right arm 100, a second right arm 102 (see Figure 12 ), a first left arm 104, a second left arm 106 (see Figure 12 ), a reinforcing arm 108, and a handle unit 110. One end 100a of the first right arm 100 and one end 104a of the first left arm 104 are rotatably attached to the main body unit 4. The handle unit 6 is movable between a storage position (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) in which the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 are tilted with respect to the main body case 20 and a work position (see Figures 1-3 ) in which the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 are not tilted with respect to the main body case 20. For example, in the work position, the handle unit 110 is positioned behind and above the main body case 20. Further, for example, in the storage position, the handle unit 110 is positioned forward of the main body case 20.

[0057] A lock member 112 is provided at the other end 100b of the first right arm 100, and a lock member 114 is provided at the other end 104b of the first left arm 104. As shown in Figure 8 , the second right arm 102 is accommodated inside the first right arm 100. The second left arm 106 is accommodated inside the first left arm 104. As shown in Figure 12 , the handle unit 110 is attached to the second right arm 102 and the second left arm 106. By operating the lock members 112, 114 from the locked position to the unlocked state and pulling up the handle unit 110, a worker can pull the second right arm 102 and the second left arm 106 out of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104. As shown in Figures 1-3 , the reinforcing arm 108 extends in the left-right direction between the lock members 112, 114.

[0058] The handle unit 110 includes a handle case 120, a lever 122, and an unlock button 124. When a worker pulls up the lever 122 while pressing the unlock button 124, the lock members 112, 114 are moved from the locked position to the unlocked state.Figure 13 ) To motor 28 (refer to) Figure 13 Power is supplied to the battery pack 50. On the other hand, even if the lever 122 is pulled up, the battery will not be powered if the operator has not pressed the unlock button 124. Figure 13 ) To motor 28 (refer to) Figure 13 Power is supplied. That is, when the operator pulls up lever 122 with unlock button 124 pressed, the cutter 26 (refer to...) Figure 13 (is driven)

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, an elastic member 126, such as a rubber member, is provided on the inner side of the handle housing 120, between the handle housing 120 and the unlock button 124. The elastic member 126 prevents water from seeping into the handle housing 120.

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 The instructions are for moving the handle unit 6 from the working position (see reference). Figures 1-3 ) To the storage location (refer to) Figure 6 , Figure 7 The following describes the movement steps. The operation of the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 and the right operation unit 62 of the operation unit 60 will be described below. The operation of the first left arm 104 and the left operation unit 64 is the same.

[0061] User Figures 1-3 The handle unit 6 is tilted toward the main body unit 4 (specifically, the main housing 20). Then, the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 contacts the right end (i.e., the inclined portion 78c) of the upper surface of the protrusion 78 of the operating unit 60. In this case, a force is applied in the direction that moves the protrusion 78 from the restricted position to the unrestricted position (i.e., to the left). Thus, as... Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 78 moves to a non-restricted position. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first right arm 100 passes through the protrusion 78. After the first right arm 100 passes through the protrusion 78, the protrusion 78 moves from the unrestricted position to the restricted position under the action of the spring 66. In this way, the handle unit 6 moves from the working position to the storage position.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 The description explains how to move the handle unit 6 from its retracted position (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 7 Move to the work position (refer to) Figures 1-3 The following describes the steps of the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 and the right operation unit 62 of the operation unit 60. The actions of the first left arm 104 and the left operation unit 64 are the same.

[0063] As described above, the protrusion 78 extends to the right from the right end portion of the second slide portion 76. That is, in a state where the handle unit 6 is located at the storage position and the protrusion 78 is located at the restricting position, the protrusion 78 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis Al (refer to FIG. 6) in the length direction of the first right arm 100. In this case, the protrusion 78 restricts the movement of the handle unit 6 from the storage position to the work position. Thus, in the state, the user cannot hold the handle housing 120 of the handle unit 6 to pull up the handle unit 6 from the main body housing 20. Figure 7 ) in the state, the user cannot hold the handle housing 120 of the handle unit 6 to pull up the handle unit 6 from the main body housing 20. Figures 6-8

[0064] First, the user operates the operation portion 70 of the right operation unit 62 to the left. Further, the user operates the operation portion 70 of the left operation unit 64 to the right while operating the operation portion 70 of the right operation unit 62. As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 78 moves to the left in conjunction with the operation of the user to the operation portion 70, from the restricting position to the non-restricting position. Thus, the user can hold the handle housing 120 of the handle unit 6 to pull up the handle unit 6 from the main body housing 20. That is, it is possible to move the handle unit 6 from the storage position to the work position. After the handle unit 6 passes the protrusion 78, the user releases the operation portion 70. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 78 moves from the non-restricting position to the restricting position by the action of the spring 66. In this way, the handle unit 6 moves from the storage position to the work position. Further, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the user operates the operation portion 70 and the direction in which the protrusion 78 moves coincide with each other. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the direction in which the protrusion 78 moves. Figure 10 Figure 4

[0065] As described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the lawn mower 2 of one embodiment includes the cutter 26, the main body housing 20 on which the cutter 26 is provided, the handle unit 6 having the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 rotatably attached to the main body housing 20 and the handle housing 120 which the user can hold, the operation portion 70 provided to the main body housing 20 and operable by the user, and the protrusion 78 provided to the main body housing 20. The handle unit 6 is movable between the storage position (refer to FIG. 6) in which the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 are tilted with respect to the main body housing 20 and the work position (refer to FIG. 7) in which the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 are not tilted with respect to the main body housing 20. The protrusion 78 is movable in conjunction with the operation of the user to the operation portion 70 between the restricting position (refer to FIG. 8) and the non-restricting position (refer to FIG. 9). Figures 1-13 Figure 6 , Figure 7 Figures 1-3 Figure 8 Figure 10 ​​​​​​​) and a non-limiting position, the limiting position being a position of the protrusion 78 when the handle unit 6 moves from the housing position to the operation position and the protrusion 78 contacts the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 of the handle unit 6, and the non-limiting position being a position of the protrusion 78 when the handle unit 6 moves from the housing position to the operation position and the protrusion 78 does not contact the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 of the handle unit 6. In a state (refer to Figure 8 ) in which the handle unit 6 is positioned at the housing position and the protrusion 78 is positioned at the limiting position, the protrusion 78 limits the movement of the handle unit 6 from the housing position to the operation position. As shown in Figure 10 , in the state in which the handle unit 6 is positioned at the housing position and the protrusion 78 is positioned at the limiting position, the handle unit 6 can be moved from the housing position to the operation position by moving the protrusion 78 from the limiting position to the non-limiting position in conjunction with the operation of the operation portion 70 by the user. According to the above-described structure, the protrusion 78 can be moved between the limiting position and the non-limiting position in conjunction with the operation of the operation portion 70 by the user. Therefore, for example, the user can operate the operation portion 70 to move the protrusion 78 to the non-limiting position, and then move the handle unit 6 from the operation position to the housing position or move the handle unit 6 from the housing position to the operation position, thereby being able to suppress the contact of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 with the protrusion 78. Thus, the damage to the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 of the handle unit 6 can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, it is assumed that the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 need to pass over the protrusion in a case in which the protrusion is fixed to the main body case 20. In this case, in order for the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 to pass over the protrusion, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 need to be deformed. According to the above-described structure, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 can also not pass over the protrusion 78. Thus, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 can be configured to be less likely to be deformed. For example, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 can be made less likely to be deformed by adjusting the position of the reinforcing arm 108 to a position close to the main body case 20, or the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 can be made less likely to be deformed by increasing the rigidity of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104. That is, the durability of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 can be improved.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4As shown, the mower 2 of one embodiment includes the spring 66 that applies force to the protruding portion 78 from the non-restricting position to the restricting position. It is desirable that, after moving the handle unit 6 from the work position to the storage position, the protruding portion 78 restricts the movement of the handle unit 6 from the storage position to the work position. According to the above-described structure, in a state where the handle unit 6 is positioned at the work position, the protruding portion 78 is applied with force from the spring 66 toward the restricting position. When the handle unit 6 is moved from the work position to the storage position, the protruding portion 78 is moved from the restricting position to the non-restricting position. Thus, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 of the handle unit 6 pass through the protruding portion 78, and then, the protruding portion 78 is moved from the non-restricting position to the restricting position by the action of the spring 66. Therefore, although the handle unit 6 is moved from the work position to the storage position, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the movement of the handle unit 6 from the storage position to the work position is not restricted. Thus, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user.

[0068] In the mower 2 of one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 The operation portion 70 and the protruding portion 78 are formed in one body. According to the above-described structure, it is also possible to link the operation portion 70 and the protruding portion 78 without using a linking mechanism or the like. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the mower 2.

[0069] In the mower 2 of one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7 In the restricting position, the protruding portion 78 protrudes from the main body case 20 in a direction perpendicular to the axis Al in the length direction of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 when the handle unit 6 is positioned at the storage position. According to the above-described structure, compared with a structure in which the protruding portion 78 is inclined with respect to the axis Al in the length direction of the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104, it is possible to reliably restrict the movement of the handle unit 6 from the storage position to the work position.

[0070] In the mower 2 of one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4As shown, an inclined portion 78c is provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 78, which is inclined downward as it goes from the non-restricting position side toward the restricting position side in the direction in which the protruding portion 78 moves from the non-restricting position to the restricting position (the left-right direction in this embodiment). In the case where the inclined portion 78c is not provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 78, the user cannot move the handle unit 6 from the work position to the storage position in the state where the protruding portion 78 is positioned at the restricting position. That is, the user needs to operate the operation portion 70 to move the protruding portion 78 from the restricting position to the non-restricting position, and then move the handle unit 6 from the work position to the storage position. According to the above-described structure, in the case where the handle unit 6 is to be moved from the work position to the storage position in the state where the protruding portion 78 is positioned at the restricting position, the first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 of the handle unit 6 come into contact with the inclined portion 78c of the upper surface of the protruding portion 78. In this case, a force acts in the direction in which the protruding portion 78 moves from the restricting position to the non-restricting position. Thus, the protruding portion 78 moves from the restricting position to the non-restricting position. Therefore, in the case where the handle unit 6 is to be moved from the work position to the storage position in the state where the protruding portion 78 is positioned at the restricting position, the user can move the protruding portion 78 from the restricting position to the non-restricting position without operating the operation portion 70. Thus, the user can easily move the handle unit 6 from the work position to the storage position. As a result, the user's convenience can be improved.

[0071] As Figure 13 shown, the mower 2 of one embodiment includes a motor 28 that drives the cutter 26. According to the above-described structure, the cutter 26 can be driven more powerfully than in the case where the cutter 26 is driven in conjunction with the user moving the mower 2.

[0072] (Correspondence)

[0073] The mower 2 is an example of a "work machine". The cutter 26 is an example of a "work portion". The first right arm 100 and the first left arm 104 are examples of an "arm portion". The handle unit 110 is an example of a "gripping portion". The spring 66 is an example of an "urging member". The motor 28 is an example of a "prime mover".

[0074] (Second Embodiment)

[0075] Next, the mower of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14-16 The main body case 220 and the operation unit 260 of the mower of the second embodiment differ from the main body case 20 and the operation unit 60 of the mower 2 of the first embodiment in structure. Hereinafter, only the main body case 220 and the operation unit 260 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0076] As Figures 14-16As shown, a through-hole 220a that penetrates the main body case 220 in the left-right direction is provided in the right portion of the main body case 220.

[0077] As shown in Figure 14 , Figure 15 , the operation unit 260 is attached to the main body case 220. The operation unit 260 includes an operation portion 262, a first shaft portion 264, a rotation portion 266, two engaged portions 268, 270, and two moving units 272, 274. As shown in Figure 14 , the operation portion 262 is a member that can rotate about a rotation axis A2. The first shaft portion 264 is connected to the lower portion of the operation portion 262. The first shaft portion 264 passes through a through-hole (not shown) provided in the upper portion of the main body case 220. As shown in Figure 15 , the rotation portion 266 extends in the front-rear direction from the first shaft portion 264. The engaged portion 268 is provided in the front end portion of the rotation portion 266, and the engaged portion 270 is provided in the rear end portion of the rotation portion 266. The engaged portions 268, 270 are members that are engaged by the moving units 272, 274.

[0078] The moving unit 272 can move between the position shown in Figure 14 , Figure 15 , and the position shown in Figure 16 . Details will be described later. Hereinafter, the operation of the moving unit 272 will be described. Figure 14 , Figure 15The illustrated position of the moving unit 272. The shape of the moving unit 272 is in a symmetrical relationship with the moving unit 274 facing each other in a plane containing the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. Hereinafter, the structure of the moving unit 272 on the right side will be described, and the description of the moving unit 274 on the left side will be omitted. The moving unit 272 includes an engaging portion 280, a second shaft portion 282, a sliding portion 284, a spring 290, and a spring receiving portion 292. The engaging portion 280 is engaged with the engaged portion 268. The second shaft portion 282 extends to the right from the right end portion of the engaging portion 280. The right end portion of the second shaft portion 282 is connected to the sliding portion 284. The sliding portion 284 includes a shaft connecting portion 286 and a protruding portion 288. The second shaft portion 282 is connected to the shaft connecting portion 286. The protruding portion 288 extends to the right from the right end portion of the shaft connecting portion 286. The lower surface of the protruding portion 288 is constituted by a flat portion 288a. In addition, the lower surface of the protruding portion 288 can have a shape corresponding to the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6. In addition, the upper surface of the protruding portion 288 is constituted by a flat portion 288b and an inclined portion 288c. The flat portions 288a and 288b are parallel to a plane containing the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The inclined portion 288c is inclined downward as it goes from the inner side to the outer side. The spring receiving portion 292 is provided between the first shaft portion 264 and the shaft connecting portion 286 in the left-right direction. The spring receiving portion 292 is fixed inside the main body housing 220. The spring 290 is provided between the shaft connecting portion 286 and the spring receiving portion 292. The spring 290 exerts a force on the moving unit 272 from a position where the protruding portion 288 does not contact the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 (hereinafter, referred to as "non-restricted position") (see Figure 16 ) to a position where the protruding portion 288 contacts the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 (hereinafter, referred to as "restricted position") (see Figure 14 、 Figure 15 ).

[0079] Next, the step for moving the handle unit 6 of the second embodiment from the operating position to the storage position will be described with reference to Figures 14-16 . Hereinafter, the operation of the first right arm 100 and the moving unit 272 on the right side will be described, and the operation of the first left arm 104 and the moving unit 274 on the left side will be the same.

[0080] The user tilts the handle unit 6 in the state of Figure 14 、 Figure 15 toward the main body unit 4 (in detail, the main body housing 220). Then, the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 contacts the right end portion of the upper surface of the protruding portion 288 of the moving unit 272 (i.e., the inclined portion 288c). In this case, a force acts in the direction in which the protruding portion 288 is moved from the restricted position to the non-restricted position (i.e., the left direction). Thus, the moving unit 272 is moved in the first circumferential direction V1 (see Figure 15) rotates. Then, the protrusion 288 moves to the non-restricted position (refer to Figure 16 ) rotates. Then, the first right arm 100 passes through the protrusion 288. After the first right arm 100 passes through the protrusion 288, the operation portion 262 rotates in the second circumferential direction V2 (refer to Figure 15 ) under the action of the spring 290. Then, the protrusion 288 moves from the non-restricted position to the restricted position (refer to Figure 14 、 Figure 15 ) rotates. Then, the protrusion 288 moves from the non-restricted position to the restricted position (refer to

[0081] Next, the step for moving the handle unit 6 of the second embodiment from the storage position to the operation position will be described with reference to Figures 14-16 The operation of the first right arm 100 of the handle unit 6 and the movement unit 272, and the operation of the first left arm 104 and the movement unit 274 are the same.

[0082] First, the user rotates the operation portion 262 in the first circumferential direction VI (refer to Figure 15 ). In this case, the protrusion 288 of the movement unit 272 moves from the restricted position to the non-restricted position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion 262 (refer to Figure 16 ). In the present embodiment, the protrusion of the movement unit 274 also moves from the restricted position to the non-restricted position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion 262. Thus, the user can hold the grip housing 120 of the handle unit 6 to pull up the handle unit 6 from the main housing 220. That is, the handle unit 6 can be moved from the storage position to the operation position. After the handle unit 6 passes through the protrusion 288, the user releases the operation portion 262. In this case, the operation portion 262 rotates in the second circumferential direction V2 (refer to Figure 15 ) under the action of the spring 290. Then, the protrusion 288 moves from the non-restricted position to the restricted position. Thus, the handle unit 6 moves from the storage position to the operation position. The grass cutter according to the second embodiment can also have the same effects as the grass cutter 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] In the grass cutter of one embodiment, the operation portion 262 can be an operation portion that rotates about the rotation axis A2, and the protrusion 288 can move between the restricted position and the non-restricted position in conjunction with the user's rotation of the operation portion 262. According to the above structure, the user can move the protrusion 288 by rotating the operation portion 262. Thus, the operability of the grass cutter 2 can be improved.

[0084] The above detailed specific examples of the present application are merely illustrative and do not limit the claims. The technology recited in the claims includes technology obtained by various modifications and changes to the above-described specific examples.

[0085] (First Modified Example)

[0086] The "work machine" is not limited to the mower 2, but can be a cultivator, a ripper, a sweeper, or the like.

[0087] (Second Modified Example)

[0088] The mower 2 can not have the spring 66. In the present modified example, the mower 2 can include a lock mechanism for restricting the movement of the right operation unit 62 and the left operation unit 64.

[0089] (Third Modified Example)

[0090] In the mower 2, the operation portion 70 and the protruding portion 78 can be independent of each other. In the present modified example, the mower 2 can include a coupling mechanism for coupling the operation portion 70 and the protruding portion 78. For example, the operation portion 70 can be a push-button type operation portion. In this case, the protruding portion 78 can be configured to be moved by a driver. In the present modified example, the user drives the driver by operating the operation portion, thereby moving the protruding portion 78 between the restricting position and the non-restricting position.

[0091] (Fourth Modified Example)

[0092] In the restricting position, the protruding portion 78 of the mower 2 can be inclined with respect to the axis Al in the length direction of the first right arm 100.

[0093] (Fifth Modified Example)

[0094] The inclined portion 78c can not be provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 78 of the mower 2.

[0095] (Sixth Modified Example)

[0096] The mower 2 can not have the motor 28. In the present modified example, the cutter 26 is driven in conjunction with the user moving the mower 2, i.e., the wheels 8 and the rollers 10 rotating.

[0097] (Seventh Modified Example)

[0098] The "prime mover" can be an engine.

[0099] (Eighth Modified Example)

[0100] The mower 2 can not have the battery pack 50. In the present modified example, the mower 2 can include a plug for connecting a power cord of an AC power source.

[0101] The technical elements described in the specification or the drawings perform the technical usefulness individually or through various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in the specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objects at the same time, and achieving one of them itself has technical usefulness.

Claims

1. A work machine that moves in contact with a ground, wherein the work machine includes: a work unit; a main body case in which the work unit is provided; a handle unit having a first arm portion rotatably attached to the main body case and a grip portion that a user can hold; a first operation portion provided to the main body case and operable by the user; and a first protrusion portion provided to the main body case, the handle unit is movable between a storage position in which the first arm portion is tilted with respect to the main body case and a work position in which the first arm portion is not tilted with respect to the main body case, the first protrusion portion is movable between a first restriction position in which the first protrusion portion is in contact with the first arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position and a first non-restriction position in which the first protrusion portion is not in contact with the first arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position, the work machine is configured so that, in a state in which the handle unit is located at the storage position and the first protrusion portion is located at the first restriction position, the first protrusion portion restricts the handle unit from moving from the storage position to the work position, in the state in which the handle unit is located at the storage position and the first protrusion portion is located at the first restriction position, the handle unit is allowed to move from the storage position to the work position by the first protrusion portion moving from the first restriction position to the first non-restriction position in conjunction with the user operating the first operation portion, the first protrusion portion is provided to a first end portion of a first side of the main body case in a specific direction that is orthogonal to an up-down direction and an axis in a length direction of the first arm portion when the handle unit is located at the storage position, the first operation portion is provided to a position on a second side of the specific direction that is opposite to the first side than the first protrusion portion, the work machine further includes an urging member that is independent of the first operation portion and the first protrusion portion and urges the first protrusion portion from the first non-restriction position to the first restriction position, and a lower surface of the first protrusion portion has a shape corresponding to the first arm portion of the handle unit.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit further includes a second arm portion rotatably attached to the main body case, the work machine further includes: a second operation portion provided to the main body case and operable by the user; and a second protrusion portion provided to the main body case, the second protrusion portion is provided to a second end portion of the second side of the main body case, the second operation portion is provided between the first operation portion and the second protrusion portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The second protruding portion is movable between a second restricted position and a second unrestricted position in conjunction with the user's operation of the second operation portion, the second restricted position being a position where the second protruding portion is in contact with the second arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position, the second unrestricted position being a position where the second protruding portion is not in contact with the second arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position, the biasing member biases the second protruding portion from the second unrestricted position to the second restricted position, the work machine is configured so that, in a state where the handle unit is in the storage position, the first protruding portion is in the first restricted position, and the second protruding portion is in the second restricted position, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion restrict the movement of the handle unit from the storage position to the work position, in a state where the handle unit is in the storage position, the first protruding portion is in the first restricted position, and the second protruding portion is in the second restricted position, the handle unit is moved from the storage position to the work position by the first protruding portion moving from the first restricted position to the first unrestricted position in conjunction with the user's operation of the first operation portion, and the second protruding portion moving from the second restricted position to the second unrestricted position in conjunction with the user's operation of the second operation portion.

3. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first operation portion and the first protruding portion are formed as one body.

4. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the first restricted position, the first protruding portion protrudes from the main body case in a specific direction orthogonal to an axis in the up-down direction and a length direction of the first arm portion when the handle unit is in the storage position.

5. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inclined portion is provided on an upper surface of the first protruding portion, the inclined portion being inclined downward as it goes from the first unrestricted position side toward the first restricted position side in a direction in which the first protruding portion moves between the first unrestricted position and the first restricted position.

6. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the work machine further includes a prime mover that drives the work portion.

7. A work machine that performs an action in contact with the ground, wherein the work machine includes: a work portion; a main body case in which the work portion is provided; a handle unit having an arm portion that is rotatably attached to the main body case and a grip portion that a user can hold; an operation portion that is provided to the main body case and can be operated by the user; and a protruding portion that is provided to the main body case, the handle unit is movable between a storage position in which the arm portion is tilted with respect to the main body case and a work position in which the arm portion is not tilted with respect to the main body case, The protruding portion is movable between a restriction position and a non-restriction position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion, the restriction position being a position where the protruding portion is in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position, the non-restriction position being a position where the protruding portion is not in contact with the arm portion of the handle unit when the handle unit moves from the storage position to the work position, The work machine is configured so that The protruding portion restricts the movement of the handle unit from the storage position to the work position when the handle unit is in the storage position and the protruding portion is in the restriction position, The handle unit is movable from the storage position to the work position by the protruding portion moving from the restriction position to the non-restriction position in conjunction with the user's operation of the operation portion when the handle unit is in the storage position and the protruding portion is in the restriction position, The operation portion is an operation portion that rotates about a rotation axis, The protruding portion is movable between the restriction position and the non-restriction position in conjunction with the user's rotation of the operation portion.

8. The work machine according to claim 7, wherein The operation portion and the protruding portion are formed as one body.

9. The work machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein In the restriction position, the protruding portion protrudes from the main body case in a specific direction that is orthogonal to an axis in the up-down direction and in the length direction of the arm portion when the handle unit is in the storage position.

10. The work machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein An inclined portion is provided on an upper surface of the protruding portion, the inclined portion being inclined downward as it goes from the non-restriction position side toward the restriction position side in the direction in which the protruding portion moves between the non-restriction position and the restriction position.

11. The work machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The work machine further includes a prime mover that drives the work portion.

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