Power unit

Abstract

The invention provides a power unit. The power unit includes a prime mover, a main body case supporting the prime mover, and an input unit controlling the prime mover. The input unit includes: an input unit housing having an internal space and having an introduction portion for introducing a lead wire into the internal space from the outside of the input unit housing; and a fixing part which fixes the input unit housing to the main body housing. The input unit housing can be selectively fixed to the main body housing in at least two postures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a power unit. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-175310 discloses a power unit. The power unit includes a prime mover, a base supporting the prime mover, and an input unit for controlling the prime mover. The input unit includes: an input unit body fixed to the base; an introduction portion arranged on the input unit body to introduce a lead wire into the input unit body; and a fixing portion fixing the input unit body to the base. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the above-mentioned power unit, the introduction part is fixed relative to the base in a specific posture. Therefore, when the power unit is used for the working unit, it is impossible to configure the introduction part to an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit. In this specification, a technology is provided that can configure the introduction part to an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit.

[0005] Solutions for solving problems

[0006] The present specification discloses a power unit. The power unit includes: a prime mover; a main body housing that supports the prime mover; and an input unit that controls the prime mover. The input unit includes: an input unit housing that has an internal space and an introduction portion that introduces a lead wire from the outside of the input unit housing into the internal space; and a fixing portion that fixes the input unit housing to the main body housing. The input unit housing can be selectively fixed to the main body housing in at least two postures.

[0007] According to the above structure, the posture of the introduction part relative to the main body case can be adjusted by changing the posture of the input unit case relative to the main body case. Therefore, when the power unit is used for the working unit, the introduction part can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a side view of the power unit 2 and the working unit 4 of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the power unit 2 of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the power unit 2 of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the right main body case 42 and the cover unit 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the left main body case 44 and the input unit 112 of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the power unit 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the power unit 2 of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the power unit 2 of the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the support member 142 of the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a perspective view of the cover 144 of the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the cover 144 of the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a side view of the input unit 112, the handle 20, and the trigger 22 of the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13 It is a side view of the input unit 112, the handle 20, and the trigger 22 of the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a side view showing the position of the introduction portion 188 of the input unit 112 in each posture in the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 It is a side view of the vicinity of the input unit 112 in the power unit 2 of the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.16 It is a side view of the vicinity of the input unit 112 in the power unit 2 according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The 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 disclosed additional features and inventions can be used independently with other features and technical solutions, or used together with other features and technical solutions to provide a further improved power unit, its manufacturing method and use method.

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

[0026] Different from the structures of the features described in the embodiments and / or claims, all the features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of each other as limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims. Moreover, all numerical ranges and records involving groups or groups are intended to disclose their intermediate structures as limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, at least two postures may include a first posture and a second posture different from the first posture. Alternatively, the input unit in the first posture may be arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit in the second posture with respect to the fixed central axis.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the distance between the introduction portion and the fixed central axis can be made constant regardless of the posture of the input unit.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, at least two postures may have a third posture different from the first posture and the second posture. The input unit in the third posture may be configured rotationally symmetrically with the input unit in the first posture with respect to the fixed central axis. The angle around the fixed central axis between the introduction part in the first posture and the introduction part in the second posture may be the same as the angle around the fixed central axis between the introduction part in the second posture and the introduction part in the third posture.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the posture of the input unit with respect to the main body housing can be easily adjusted.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the main body housing may include: a first outer wall capable of fixing the input unit housing; and a second outer wall capable of fixing the input unit housing and different from the first outer wall.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the outer wall for fixing the input unit housing can be selected from the first outer wall and the second outer wall according to the type of the working unit. Thus, the introduction portion can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the lead wire may be movable relative to the lead-in portion. The input unit may further include a detector disposed in the internal space and detecting movement of the lead wire.

[0034] According to the above configuration, compared with a configuration in which the detector is disposed outside the input unit case, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the input unit.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the input unit may further include a joystick that is fixed to the lead wire and operates the detector when the lead wire moves relative to the lead-in portion.

[0036] In a structure in which the lead wire directly operates the detector, the detector may be erroneously operated due to vibration of the lead wire, etc. According to the above structure, the detector is operated by the joystick, so it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of the detector.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the prime mover may be a motor.

[0038] Generally speaking, the motor is smaller than the engine, so the main body housing is small. According to the above structure, in the small main body housing, the introduction part can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit.

[0039] (First embodiment)

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the power unit 2 is used by being fixed to the working unit 4. The power unit 2 can be selectively applied to various working units 4. The power unit 2 causes the working unit 4 to operate.

[0041] The working unit 4 is a push-type lawn mower. The working unit 4 includes a housing 8, a plurality of wheels 10, a handle unit 14, and a working unit 16. Figure 1 In the figure, the direction perpendicular to the placement surface P is called the up-down direction, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is called the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is called the left-right direction.

[0042] The plurality of wheels 10 are rotatably supported on the housing 8. The handle unit 14 includes a fixed frame 18, a handle 20, and a trigger 22. The fixed frame 18 is fixed to the housing 8. The handle 20 is mounted on the fixed frame 18. When the user holds the handle 20 and pushes it forward, the plurality of wheels 10 rotate. As a result, the working unit 4 moves on the mounting surface P. The trigger 22 is rotatably mounted on the handle 20. The trigger 22 is operated by the hand of the user holding the handle 20 so that the trigger 22 is close to the handle 20. When the trigger 22 is operated, the power unit 2 is actuated.

[0043] The working unit 16 includes a drum 24, a transmission shaft 26, and a blade 28. The drum 24 is rotatably supported by the housing 8. The blade 28 is fixed to the drum 24 via the transmission shaft 26. When the power unit 2 is operated, the drum 24 rotates. As a result, the blade 28 rotates integrally with the transmission shaft 26. The rotating blade 28 cuts the grass growing from the placement surface P.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power unit 2 is operated by using the power of the battery pack BP. In the following, the coordinate system is changed to a coordinate system different from the above-mentioned coordinate system for explanation. Specifically, the shaft 102 (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the prime mover 96 to be discussed later is Figure 6 ) extends in a direction called the front-to-back direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is called the left-to-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction is called the up-down direction.

[0045] The power unit 2 includes a main body case 40. The main body case 40 is formed of a resin material. The main body case 40 includes a right main body case 42 and a left main body case 44. The right main body case 42 defines the outer shape of the right half of the main body case 40. The left main body case 44 defines the outer shape of the left half of the main body case 40. The right main body case 42 and the left main body case 44 have a shape in which the main body case 40 is divided into two by a plane including the front-back direction and the up-down direction. A storage space 46 is defined between the right main body case 42 and the left main body case 44 (see Figure 6 ).

[0046] The main body case 40 includes a right wall 50, a left wall 52, a lower wall 54, a rear upper wall 56, a front upper wall 58, a rear wall 60, a front vertical wall 62, and a front horizontal wall 64. The left wall 52 is disposed on the side opposite to the right wall 50. The lower wall 54 is disposed on the mounting surface P (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) when in contact with the mounting surface P.

[0047] The rear upper wall 56 and the front upper wall 58 are arranged on the side opposite to the lower wall 54. A main power switch 66 is arranged on the front upper wall 58. The main power switch 66 accepts a user's operation for switching the connected state and the disconnected state of the power unit 2. The front vertical wall 62 extends upward from the front end of the lower wall 54. The front horizontal wall 64 extends forward from the upper end of the front vertical wall 62.

[0048] The main body case 40 further includes a battery mounting portion 68, a right fixing portion 70, and a left fixing portion 72. The battery mounting portion 68 is disposed on the rear upper wall 56. A battery pack BP is detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 68. The battery pack BP includes a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium ion battery.

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the right fixing portion 70 is disposed on the right wall 50. The right fixing portion 70 includes a right peripheral wall portion 74, a right communicating hole 76, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) right fixing holes 78, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) right positioning protrusions 80.

[0050] The right peripheral wall portion 74 protrudes in the right direction from the outer surface of the right wall 50. When the main body housing 40 is viewed in the left direction, the right peripheral wall portion 74 has a substantially square frame shape.

[0051] The right communication hole 76 penetrates the right wall 50 in the left-right direction. The right communication hole 76 is surrounded by the right peripheral wall portion 74. The right communication hole 76 allows the storage space 46 (see Figure 6 ) is connected to the external space of the main body shell 40.

[0052] The right fixing hole 78 penetrates the right wall 50 in the left-right direction. Four right fixing holes 78 are arranged in the right peripheral wall portion 74. The four right fixing holes 78 are respectively arranged near the four corners of the right peripheral wall portion 74. The right fixing portion 70 has a right fixing center axis C1 arranged at positions equidistant from the four right fixing holes 78. Adjacent right fixing holes 78 are separated by 90 degrees around the right fixing center axis C1.

[0053] The right positioning protrusion 80 protrudes rightward from the outer surface of the right wall 50. The right positioning protrusion 80 is disposed in the right peripheral wall portion 74. The right positioning protrusion 80 is disposed closer to the right fixing center axis C1 than the right fixing hole 78. The two right positioning protrusions 80 are separated by 180 degrees around the right fixing center axis C1.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the left fixing portion 72 is disposed on the left wall 52. The left fixing portion 72 includes a left peripheral wall portion 82, a left communicating hole 84, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) left fixing holes 86, and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) left positioning protrusions 88.

[0055] The left peripheral wall portion 82 protrudes leftward from the outer surface of the left wall 52. When the main body housing 40 is viewed in the right direction, the left peripheral wall portion 82 has a substantially square frame shape. The shape of the left peripheral wall portion 82 is substantially the same as the shape of the right peripheral wall portion 74.

[0056] The left communication hole 84 penetrates the left wall 52 in the left-right direction. The left communication hole 84 is surrounded by the left peripheral wall portion 82. The left communication hole 84 allows the storage space 46 (see Figure 6 ) is connected to the external space of the main body shell 40.

[0057] The left fixing hole 86 penetrates the left wall 52 in the left-right direction. Four left fixing holes 86 are arranged in the left peripheral wall portion 82. The number of the plurality of left fixing holes 86 is the same as the number of the plurality of right fixing holes 78. The four left fixing holes 86 are respectively arranged near each of the four corners of the left peripheral wall portion 82. The left fixing portion 72 has a left fixing center axis C2 arranged at a position equidistant from the four left fixing holes 86. The distance from the left fixing center axis C2 to the left fixing hole 86 is substantially the same as the distance from the right fixing center axis C1 to the right fixing hole 78. Adjacent left fixing holes 86 are separated by 90 degrees around the left fixing center axis C2.

[0058] The left positioning protrusion 88 protrudes in the left direction from the outer surface of the left wall 52. The left positioning protrusion 88 is arranged in the left peripheral wall portion 82. The left positioning protrusion 88 is arranged at a position closer to the left fixing center axis C2 than the left fixing hole 86. The two left positioning protrusions 88 are separated by 180 degrees around the left fixing center axis C2.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power unit 2 includes a control unit 92, a motor housing 94, a prime mover 96, a cooling fan 98, and an output unit 100. Figure 6 The internal structure of the battery pack BP is omitted in the figure. The control unit 92, the motor housing 94, the prime mover 96, the cooling fan 98, and the output unit 100 are arranged in the storage space 46. The control unit 92, the motor housing 94, and the output unit 100 are arranged by the right main body housing 42 (see Figure 2 ) and the left main body shell 44 (refer to Figure 3 ) is clamped and supported.

[0060] The control unit 92 operates using the power supplied from the battery pack BP. Figure 1 ), the control unit 92 activates the prime mover 96.

[0061] The prime mover 96 is housed in the motor housing 94. The prime mover 96 is supported by the main body housing 40 via the motor housing 94. The prime mover 96 is a motor, such as a brushless motor. In a modified example, the prime mover 96 may also be an internal combustion engine. Figure 1 ), the shaft 102 of the prime mover 96 rotates. The rotation speed of the shaft 102 gradually increases from zero as the operation amount of the trigger 22 increases.

[0062] The maximum power value of the prime mover 96 may be 0.5 kW to 2.0 kW, 0.5 kW to 1.5 kW, 0.5 kW to 1.2 kW, or 0.5 kW to 1.0 kW. The prime mover 96 of this embodiment is a low-power prime mover.

[0063] The cooling fan 98 is fixed to the shaft 102. The cooling fan 98 rotates integrally with the shaft 102. Thus, the cooling fan 98 sends pressurized air.

[0064] The output unit 100 is inserted into the front end opening of the main body housing 40. The output unit 100 includes a fixed base portion 104 and a clutch portion 106. The fixed base portion 104 is fixed to the main body housing 40. The fixed base portion 104 is fixed to the housing 8 of the operation unit 4 (see Figure 1 The clutch unit 106 is rotatably supported by the fixed base unit 104. The clutch unit 106 is fixed to the shaft 102. When the rotation speed of the shaft 102 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the clutch unit 106 and the roller 24 of the operation unit 4 (see Figure 1 ) abuts. Thus, the rotation of the shaft 102 is transmitted to the roller 24 via the clutch portion 106, and the blade 28 (see Figure 1 )Rotate.

[0065] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the power unit 2 includes a cover unit 110 and an input unit 112. Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the cover unit 110 is selectively fixed to the right fixing portion 70 of the right wall 50 and the left fixing portion 72 of the left wall 52. Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the input unit 112 is selectively fixed to the right fixing portion 70 and the left fixing portion 72. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the cover unit 110 is fixed to the right fixing portion 70, the input unit 112 is fixed to the left fixing portion 72. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the cover unit 110 is fixed to the left fixing portion 72 , the input unit 112 is fixed to the right fixing portion 70 .

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover unit 110 includes a cover 114, a guide member 116, and a plurality of cover fixing members 118. When the cover 114 is viewed in the left direction, the cover 114 has a substantially square shape. When the cover unit 110 is fixed to the right wall 50, the cover 114 is surrounded by the right peripheral wall portion 74. The cover 114 has an air inlet 120 and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) cover fixing holes 122.

[0067] The air inlet 120 and the four cover fixing holes 122 penetrate the cover 114 in the left-right direction. The number of the plurality of cover fixing holes 122 is the same as the number of the plurality of right fixing holes 78. The four cover fixing holes 122 are respectively arranged near each of the four corners of the cover 114. The adjacent cover fixing holes 122 are separated by 90 degrees around the right fixing center axis C1.

[0068] When the guide member 116 is viewed in the left direction, the guide member 116 has a substantially square shape. The guide member 116 is sandwiched between the right wall 50 of the main body housing 40 and the cover 114. The guide member 116 has an intake passage 124, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) guide fixing holes 126, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) guide positioning holes 128.

[0069] The air intake passage 124 communicates with the external space of the main body housing 40 via the air intake port 120. The air intake passage 124 communicates with the storage space 46 at the lower end. Figure 6 ) rotates, the air flows into the storage space 46 through the air inlet 120 and the air inlet passage 124. Figure 6 ) and prime mover 96 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0070] The guide fixing hole 126 and the guide positioning hole 128 penetrate the guide member 116 in the left-right direction. The number of the plurality of guide fixing holes 126 is the same as the number of the plurality of right fixing holes 78. The four guide fixing holes 126 are respectively arranged near each of the four corners of the guide member 116. The adjacent guide fixing holes 126 are separated by 90 degrees around the right fixing center axis C1.

[0071] The four guide positioning holes 128 are respectively arranged near the four corners of the guide member 116. The guide positioning holes 128 are arranged at positions closer to the center of the guide member 116 than the guide fixing holes 126. By inserting each right positioning protrusion 80 into the corresponding guide positioning hole 128, the guide member 116 is positioned relative to the right wall 50. Figure 5 ) when the left positioning protrusions 88 (refer to Figure 5 ) is inserted into the corresponding guide positioning hole 128, so that the guide member 116 is positioned relative to the left wall 52.

[0072] The cover fixing member 118 is, for example, a screw. The cover fixing member 118 is inserted into the cover fixing hole 122 and the guide fixing hole 126, and is screwed into the thread of the right fixing hole 78. Thus, the cover unit 110 is fixed to the right wall 50. In a modified example, a self-tapping screw may be used as the cover fixing member 118, and the cover unit 110 may be fixed to the right wall 50. In addition, when fixing the cover unit 110 to the left wall 52 (see Figure 5 ), insert the cover fixing member 118 into the left fixing hole 86 (refer to Figure 5 ), the cover fixing hole 122, and the guide fixing hole 126.

[0073] like Figure 5As shown, the input unit 112 includes an input unit housing 130, a tube 132, a lead wire W, a joystick 134, and a biasing member 136 ( Fig.12 ), a detector 138, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) fixing members 140. The input unit housing 130 includes a supporting member 142 and a cover 144.

[0074] The support member 142 includes a base plate portion 150 , a first guide portion 152 , a second guide portion 154 , a first support portion 156 , a second support portion 158 , a third support portion 160 , a first stopper portion 162 , and a second stopper portion 164 .

[0075] The base plate portion 150 has a substantially square shape. The base plate portion 150 is sandwiched between the left wall 52 of the main body housing 40 and the cover 144. When the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52, the base plate portion 150 is surrounded by the left peripheral wall portion 82. The base plate portion 150 has a plate communicating hole 166, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) plate fixing holes 168, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) plate positioning holes 170. The plate communicating hole 166, the plate fixing hole 168, and the plate positioning hole 170 penetrate the base plate portion 150 in the left-right direction.

[0076] The plate communicating hole 166 is disposed at the lower portion of the base plate portion 150. The plate communicating hole 166 is opposed to the left communicating hole 84 in the left-right direction. The plate communicating hole 166 has a substantially right-angled triangle shape.

[0077] like Fig. 9 As shown, the number of the plurality of plate fixing holes 168 is the same as the number of the plurality of left fixing holes 86 (see Figure 5 ) are the same in number. The four plate fixing holes 168 are respectively arranged near the four corners of the base plate portion 150. The center 150a of the base plate portion 150 is arranged on the left fixing center axis C2. The center 150a is arranged at a position equidistant from the four plate fixing holes 168. The distance from the center 150a to the plate fixing hole 168 is substantially the same as the distance from the left fixing center axis C2 to the left fixing hole 86. Around the left fixing center axis C2, adjacent plate fixing holes 168 are separated by 90 degrees.

[0078] The plate positioning hole 170 is arranged at a position closer to the center 150a than the plate fixing hole 168. The center 150a is arranged at a position equidistant from the four plate positioning holes 170. The four plate positioning holes 170 are arranged near each of the four plate fixing holes 168. Figure 5 As shown, by inserting each left positioning protrusion 88 into the corresponding plate positioning hole 170, the support member 142 is positioned relative to the left wall 52. Figure 4 ) when the right positioning protrusion 80 (refer to Figure 4) is inserted into the corresponding plate positioning hole 170, and the supporting member 142 is positioned relative to the right wall 50.

[0079] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first guide portion 152, the second guide portion 154, the first support portion 156, the second support portion 158, the third support portion 160, the first stopper portion 162, and the second stopper portion 164 are arranged on the input unit 112 (see Figure 2 ) is fixed to the left wall 52 (refer to Figure 2 ) when protruding from the base plate portion 150 to the left, at the input unit 112 (refer to Figure 8 ) is fixed to the right wall 50 (refer to Figure 8 ) when the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52 and when the input unit 112 is fixed to the right wall 50, the protruding directions are opposite.

[0080] The first guide portion 152 is disposed below the upper front corner of the base plate portion 150. The first guide portion 152 is disposed at the periphery of the base plate portion 150. The first guide portion 152 has a first recessed portion 152a that is recessed relative to the top end of the first guide portion 152.

[0081] The second guide portion 154 faces the first guide portion 152 in the front-rear direction. The second guide portion 154 has a second recessed portion 154a recessed relative to the tip of the second guide portion 154. The second recessed portion 154a is parallel to the first recessed portion 152a in the front-rear direction.

[0082] The first support portion 156 has a substantially L-shape. One end of the first support portion 156 is disposed near the plate communication hole 166. The second guide portion 154 is connected to the vicinity of the other end of the first support portion 156.

[0083] The second support portion 158 has a curved shape. One end of the second support portion 158 is disposed near the plate communication hole 166 . The other end of the second support portion 158 is disposed near a lower rear corner of the base plate portion 150 .

[0084] The third support portion 160 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed near the second support portion 158 .

[0085] The first stopper 162 has a substantially L-shape. The first stopper 162 and the second stopper 164 face each other.

[0086] The second stopper 164 has a substantially T-shape. The second stopper 164 protrudes upward and rearward from the other end of the first support portion 156 .

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, the cover 144 has a substantially box shape. Fig. 9 ) define an internal space 174. The cover 144 includes a bottom portion 176, a side portion 178, and a third guide portion 180.

[0088] like Fig.11 As shown, when the input unit housing 130 is viewed in the right direction, the bottom 176 has a substantially square shape. The bottom 176 and the support member 142 (see Fig. 9 ). The bottom 176 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) cover fixing holes 184 that penetrate the bottom 176 in the left-right direction. The number of the plurality of cover fixing holes 184 is the same as the number of the plurality of left fixing holes 86 (see Figure 5 ) are the same in number. The four cover fixing holes 184 are respectively arranged near the four corners of the bottom 176. The center 176a of the bottom 176 is arranged on the left fixing center axis C2. The center 176a is arranged at a position equidistant from the four cover fixing holes 184. The distance from the center 176a to the cover fixing hole 184 is the same as the distance from the left fixing center axis C2 to the left fixing hole 86 (refer to Figure 5 Around the left fixed center axis C2, adjacent cover fixing holes 184 are separated by 90 degrees.

[0089] The side portion 178 protrudes rightward from the periphery of the bottom portion 176. The side portion 178 surrounds the periphery of the bottom portion 176. Figure 5 ), the side portion 178 is formed by the left peripheral wall portion 82 (refer to Figure 5 ) surrounded.

[0090] The input unit case 130 includes an introduction portion 188 formed in the side portion 178. The introduction portion 188 is disposed near the upper front corner of the bottom portion 176. The introduction portion 188 penetrates the front wall of the side portion 178 in the front-rear direction. The introduction portion 188 is a through hole.

[0091] The third guide portion 180 is disposed at a portion of the introduction portion 188. The third guide portion 180 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third guide portion 180 abuts against the top end of the first guide portion 152. The first guide portion 152 is disposed in the introduction portion 188. Thus, the introduction hole 190 is formed by the third guide portion 180 and the first recess 152a of the first guide portion 152. The introduction hole 190 is a part of the introduction portion 188. The introduction hole 190 allows the outside of the input unit housing 130 to be connected to the internal space 174 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 ) connected.

[0092] The tube 132 is sandwiched between the first guide portion 152 and the third guide portion 180. Fig.12As shown, the tube 132 is accommodated in the first recess 152a and the second recess 154a. The tube 132 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The tube 132 is fixed to the second guide portion 154 by two nuts 192 and two washers 194.

[0093] The lead wire W is inserted into the tube 132. Therefore, the lead wire W passes through the lead-in portion 188 (refer to Fig.10 ), thereby introducing the lead wire W from the external space of the input unit housing 130 into the internal space 174 (refer to Fig.10 ). One end of the lead wire W is fixed to the trigger 22. The other end of the lead wire W is fixed to the joystick 134.

[0094] The joystick 134 includes a rotating portion 198, a lead wire fixing portion 200, and a switch operating portion 202. The rotating portion 198 is rotatably mounted on the third support portion 160. The lead wire fixing portion 200 protrudes from the rotating portion 198. The tip of the lead wire fixing portion 200 is fixed to the other end of the lead wire W. When the joystick 134 is rotated, the lead wire fixing portion 200 moves between the first stopper 162 and the second stopper 164. The switch operating portion 202 protrudes from the switch operating portion 202 toward the detector 138.

[0095] The urging member 136 is attached to the operating rod 134. The urging member 136 is, for example, a torsion spring. One end 136a of the urging member 136 is locked to the switch operating portion 202. The other end 136b of the urging member 136 is locked to the first stopper 162. The urging member 136 urges the operating rod 134 toward the position where the lead wire fixing portion 200 contacts the first stopper 162.

[0096] The detector 138 is, for example, a push-in switch. The detector 138 includes a main body 206, a switch 208, and a wiring connection portion 210. The main body 206 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 206 is supported by the first support portion 156 and the second support portion 158 by being at least partially surrounded by the first support portion 156 and the second support portion 158.

[0097] The switch portion 208 is disposed on the side surface of the main body portion 206. The switch portion 208 is pressed in by the switch operating portion 202.

[0098] The wiring connection portion 210 is disposed on the side of the main body portion 206. The wiring connection portion 210 is adjacent to the board through hole 166. The wiring connection portion 210 is connected to the control unit 92 (see Figure 6 )connect.

[0099] The wiring 212 passes through the board via 166 .

[0100] When the trigger 22 is not operated by the user, the lead fixing portion 200 abuts against the first stopper 162 due to the force of the force applying member 136. Fig.13 As shown, if the trigger 22 is operated, the lead wire W is pulled and the other end of the lead wire W moves toward the first guide portion 152 and the second guide portion 154 (i.e., the lead-in portion 188). As the lead wire fixing portion 200 moves toward the second stop portion 164, the joystick 134 moves. At this time, the switch operating portion 202 presses the switch portion 208. Thus, the detector 138 detects the movement of the other end of the lead wire W toward the lead-in portion 188, that is, the pulling of the lead wire W. The trigger 22 can be operated until the lead wire fixing portion 200 abuts against the second stop portion 164. If the lead wire fixing portion 200 abuts against the second stop portion 164, the joystick 134 cannot move further. Thus, the switch portion 208 can be pressed into a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detector 138 from being pressed in beyond the predetermined position, and it is possible to prevent the detector 138 from being damaged. The control unit 92 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is connected to the control unit 92 via the wiring 212 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ) sends a signal corresponding to the amount of depression of the switch portion 208 (a signal corresponding to the amount of operation of the trigger 22). The control unit 92 controls the rotation speed of the shaft 102 of the prime mover 96 based on the received signal.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixing member 140 is, for example, a screw. The fixing member 140 is inserted into the plate fixing hole 168 and the cover fixing hole 184, and is screwed into the thread of the left fixing hole 86. Thus, the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52. In addition, when the input unit 112 is fixed to the right wall 50 (see Figure 4 ), the fixing member 140 is inserted into the right fixing hole 78, the plate fixing hole 168, and the cover fixing hole 184.

[0102] like Fig.14As shown, by changing the combination of the left fixing hole 86, the plate fixing hole 168 and the cover fixing hole 184, the input unit 112 is selectively fixed to the left wall 52 in four postures. In the first posture, the introduction part 188 faces the front direction. In the second posture, the introduction part 188 faces the upper direction. In the third posture, the introduction part 188 faces the rear direction. In the fourth posture, the introduction part 188 faces the lower direction. The input unit 112 in the first posture is arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit 112 in the second posture, the input unit 112 in the third posture, and the input unit 112 in the fourth posture, respectively, with reference to the left fixing center axis C2. Around the left fixing center axis C2, the adjacent left fixing holes 86 are separated by 90 degrees, so the angle A1 around the left fixing center axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the first posture and the introduction part 188 in the second posture is 90 degrees. In addition, the angle A1 is respectively the same as the angle A2 around the left fixed center axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the second posture and the introduction part 188 in the third posture, the angle A3 around the left fixed center axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the third posture and the introduction part 188 in the fourth posture, and the angle A4 around the left fixed center axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the fourth posture and the introduction part 188 in the first posture.

[0103] In addition, by changing the combination of the right fixing hole 78, the plate fixing hole 168, and the cover fixing hole 184, the input unit 112 can be selectively fixed to the right wall 50 in four postures (see Figure 8 ).like Figure 8 As shown, in the first posture, the introduction portion 188 faces the front direction. In the second posture, the introduction portion 188 faces the upper direction, but this is omitted in the figure. In the third posture, the introduction portion 188 faces the rear direction. In the fourth posture, the introduction portion 188 faces the downward direction. In addition, the input unit 112 in the first posture is configured to be rotationally symmetrical with the input unit 112 in the second posture, the input unit 112 in the third posture, and the input unit 112 in the fourth posture, respectively, with reference to the right fixed central axis C1.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, in the cover unit 110, the guide member 116 is fixed to the right wall 50 or the left wall 52 (see FIG. 1 ) in a specific posture with the lower end of the intake passage 124 facing downward. Figure 7 ). Therefore, in the cover unit 110, only the cover 114 is selectively fixed to the right wall 50 in four postures and selectively fixed to the left wall 52 in four postures.

[0105] (Effect)

[0106] The power unit 2 of this embodiment includes: a prime mover 96; a main body case 40 that supports the prime mover 96; and an input unit 112 that controls the prime mover 96. The input unit 112 includes: an input unit case 130 that has an internal space 174 and an introduction portion 188 that introduces a lead wire W from the outside of the input unit case 130 into the internal space 174; and a cover fixing hole 184 and a fixing member 140 (an example of a fixing portion) that fix the input unit case 130 to the main body case 40. The input unit case 130 can be selectively fixed to the main body case 40 in at least two postures.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the posture of the introduction portion 188 relative to the main body case 40 can be adjusted by changing the posture of the input unit case 130 relative to the main body case 40. Therefore, when the power unit 2 is used for the working unit 4, the introduction portion 188 can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit 4.

[0108] The at least two postures include a first posture and a second posture different from the first posture. The input unit 112 in the first posture is arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit 112 in the second posture with respect to the left fixed central axis C2 (an example of a fixed central axis).

[0109] According to the above-described configuration, regardless of the posture of the input unit 112 , the distance between the introduction portion 188 and the left fixing central axis C2 can be set constant.

[0110] In addition, at least two postures have a third posture different from the first posture and the second posture. The input unit 112 in the third posture is arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit 112 in the first posture with respect to the left fixed central axis C2. The angle around the left fixed central axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the first posture and the introduction part 188 in the second posture is the same as the angle around the left fixed central axis C2 between the introduction part 188 in the second posture and the introduction part 188 in the third posture.

[0111] According to the above-described configuration, the posture of the input unit 112 relative to the main body housing 40 can be easily adjusted.

[0112] The main body housing 40 includes a right wall 50 (an example of a first outer wall) to which the input unit housing 130 can be fixed, and a left wall 52 (an example of a second outer wall) to which the input unit housing 130 can be fixed and which is different from the right wall 50 .

[0113] According to the above configuration, the outer wall for fixing the input unit housing 130 can be selected from the right wall 50 and the left wall 52 according to the type of the working unit 4. Thus, the introduction portion 188 can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit 4.

[0114] In addition, the lead wire W can move relative to the introduction portion 188. The input unit 112 further includes a detector 138 that is disposed in the internal space 174 and detects movement of the lead wire W.

[0115] According to the above-described configuration, compared with a configuration in which the detector 138 is disposed outside the input unit case 130 , it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the input unit 112 .

[0116] The input unit 112 also includes a joystick 134 that is fixed to the lead wire W and operates the detector 138 when the lead wire W moves relative to the lead-in portion 188 .

[0117] In the structure in which the lead wire W directly operates the detector 138, the detector 138 may be erroneously operated due to vibration of the lead wire W. According to the above structure, the joystick 134 operates the detector 138, so that the erroneous operation of the detector 138 can be suppressed.

[0118] In addition, the prime mover 96 is a motor.

[0119] Generally, a motor is smaller than an engine, and therefore the main body casing 40 is small. According to the above-mentioned structure, in the small main body casing 40, the introduction part 188 can be arranged in an appropriate posture according to the type of the working unit 4.

[0120] (Second embodiment)

[0121] In the second embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment are described. Fig.15 As shown, the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52 using a fixing member 140. The fixing member 140 is arranged on the left fixed center axis C2. After the input unit 112 is rotated around the left fixed center axis C2 and the introduction portion 188 is adjusted to a desired orientation, the fixing member 140 is inserted into the input unit housing 130 on the left fixed center axis C2 and is threadedly engaged with the left wall 52. Thus, the posture of the input unit 112 is adjusted to a desired posture. In addition, the input unit 112 is inserted into the input unit housing 130 on the right fixed center axis C1 and is engaged with the right wall 50 (refer to Figure 4 ) is threadedly connected and fixed to the right wall 50, but this is omitted in the figure.

[0122] (Third embodiment)

[0123] In the third embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment are described. Fig.16 As shown, the cover 144 of the input unit housing 130 includes an insertion portion 300. The left wall 52 includes an inserted portion 302 into which the insertion portion 300 is inserted.

[0124] In addition, the cover 144 has two cover fixing holes 184. The two cover fixing holes 184 are arranged near two corners among the four corners of the bottom 176, respectively.

[0125] When the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52, first, the insertion portion 300 is inserted into the inserted portion 302. Then, the two fixing members 140 are respectively inserted into the corresponding cover fixing hole 184 and the plate fixing hole 168, and the two fixing members 140 are respectively screwed into the threads of the left fixing hole 86. In this way, the insertion portion 300 can be prevented from coming out of the inserted portion 302. As a result, the input unit 112 is fixed to the left wall 52.

[0126] Right wall 50 (refer to Figure 4 ) is provided with an inserted portion having the same structure as the inserted portion 302 of the left wall 52, but this is not shown. Therefore, the input unit 112 is fixed to the right wall 50 using the insertion structure between the insertion portion 300 and the inserted portion of the right wall 50.

[0127] (Variation Example)

[0128] The working unit 4 of one embodiment is not limited to a lawn mower, and may be, for example, a lawnmower, a hedge trimmer, a blower, a transporter, a snowplow, a tiller, an edger, a winch, a concrete vibrator, a leveler, a tamping machine, a plate compactor, or a pruning machine.

[0129] The input unit 112 of one embodiment may be selectively fixed to the right wall 50 and the left wall 52 in two postures, three postures, or five or more postures. Alternatively, when the input unit 112 is selectively fixed to the right wall 50 and the left wall 52 in N postures, the angle A1 is 360 / N degrees. For example, when N is 2, the angle A1 is 180 degrees, and when N is 3, the angle A1 is 120 degrees.

[0130] In the input unit 112 of one embodiment, the angles A1, A2, A3, and A4 may not be the same value, and may be different from each other, for example.

[0131] In the input unit 112 of one embodiment, the right fixing hole 78 may not be arranged near the corner of the right peripheral wall portion 74. For example, the right fixing hole 78 may be arranged near the center position of the two corners of the right peripheral wall portion 74, or may be arranged at a position deviated from the center position side relative to the position of the right fixing hole 78 of the first embodiment. In addition, the left fixing hole 86 may not be arranged near the corner of the left peripheral wall portion 82. For example, the left fixing hole 86 may be arranged near the center position of the two corners of the left peripheral wall portion 82, or may be arranged at a position deviated from the center position side relative to the position of the left fixing hole 86 of the first embodiment.

[0132] The input unit 112 of one embodiment may be selectively fixed to the right wall 50 and the left wall 52 using only two or three fixing members 140. In this case, the fixing members 140 are not inserted into some of the right fixing holes 78 and some of the left fixing holes 86.

[0133] The fixing member 140 of one embodiment may also include a pin and a retaining member fixed to the pin instead of a screw. In this case, the input unit 112 may also be selectively fixed to the right wall 50 and the left wall 52 using the pin and the retaining member. In addition, the plurality of fixing members 140 may also include both screws, pins, and retaining members.

[0134] The detector 138 of one embodiment may be a non-contact detector such as a photo interrupter. In addition, the detector 138 may be a magnetic sensor including a Hall element and a magnet.

[0135] The detector 138 of one embodiment may detect whether the switch 208 is pressed instead of detecting the amount of the switch 208 pressed. In this configuration, the control unit 92 rotates the prime mover 96 at a constant rotation speed regardless of the amount of the switch 208 pressed.

Claims

1. A power unit, wherein: The power unit has: Prime mover; a main body casing supporting the prime mover; and an input unit which controls the prime mover, The input unit comprises: an input unit housing having an internal space and provided with an introduction portion for introducing a lead wire from the outside of the input unit housing into the internal space; and a fixing portion, which fixes the input unit housing to the main body housing, The input unit housing can be selectively fixed to the main body housing in at least two postures.

2. The power unit according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two postures include: Position 1; and The second posture is different from the first posture. The input unit in the first posture is arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit in the second posture with respect to a fixed central axis.

3. The power unit according to claim 2, wherein: The at least two postures include a third posture different from the first posture and the second posture, The input unit in the third posture is arranged rotationally symmetrically with the input unit in the first posture with respect to the fixed central axis. An angle around the fixed center axis between the introduction portion in the first posture and the introduction portion in the second posture is the same as an angle around the fixed center axis between the introduction portion in the second posture and the introduction portion in the third posture.

4. The power unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The main body shell comprises: a first outer wall capable of fixing the input unit housing; and The second outer wall can fix the input unit housing and is different from the first outer wall.

5. The power unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The lead wire is movable relative to the lead-in portion, The input unit further includes a detector disposed in the internal space and detecting movement of the lead wire.

6. The power unit according to claim 5, wherein: The input unit further includes a joystick fixed to the lead wire and configured to operate the detector when the lead wire moves relative to the introduction portion.

7. The power unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The prime mover is a motor.

Images