Backpack type air blower

Abstract

The invention provides a backpack type air blower. A backpack blower disclosed in the present specification may comprise: a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame; a housing which is supported by the bearing frame; a blower fan which is supported by the housing; a prime mover which is supported by the housing and rotates the blower fan; a flexible tube extending from the housing; the air supply pipe extends from the front end of the flexible pipe; the handle unit is arranged on the air supply pipe; and a sling. One end of the sling may be connected to the flexible pipe, the blast pipe, or the handle unit at a position forward of at least a part of the flexible pipe. And the other end of the sling can also be connected to the bearing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a backpack blower. Background Art

[0002] The backpack blower disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-150373 includes: a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame; a housing supported by the backpack frame; a prime mover supported by the housing; a blower fan disposed in the housing and driven by the prime mover; a flexible tube extending from the housing; a blower duct extending from the front end of the flexible tube; and a handle unit provided on the blower duct. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the backpack blower as described above, if the user releases the hand from the handle unit, the flexible tube is greatly deflected due to the weight of the blower duct and the handle unit, and the front part of the blower duct will sag significantly. Therefore, when the user walks, it is necessary to walk while holding the handle unit to lift the blower duct to avoid the front part of the blower duct rubbing against the ground, which imposes a heavy burden on the user. In this specification, a technology that can reduce the burden on the user is provided.

[0004] The backpack blower disclosed in this specification may include: a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame; a housing supported by the backpack frame; a prime mover supported by the housing; a blower fan disposed in the housing and driven by the prime mover; a flexible tube extending from the housing; a blower duct extending from the front end of the flexible tube; a handle unit provided on the blower duct; and a sling. One end of the sling may be connected to the flexible tube, the blower duct, or the handle unit at a position in front of at least a part of the flexible tube. The other end of the sling may be connected to the backpack unit.

[0005] According to the above structure, the sling supports the weight of the blower duct and the handle unit, so that even if the user releases the hand from the handle unit, at least a part of the flexible tube will not be deflected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the front part of the blower duct from sagging significantly. Therefore, when the user walks, even if the user releases the hand from the handle unit, it is possible to suppress the front part of the blower duct from rubbing against the ground. The burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, the flexible tube referred to in this specification means a tube having flexibility such as a corrugated tube or a rubber tube. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the backpack blower 10 of the embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a perspective view when observing the blower unit 16 of the embodiment from the upper left front.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view near the housing 28 of the blower unit 16 of the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a perspective view when observing near the handle unit 38 of the blower unit 16 of the embodiment from the upper left rear.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the sling 66 of the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a perspective view when observing the backpack blower 10 of the embodiment from the upper left front.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a side view when observing the state where the user releases the hand from the handle part 38b from the right side in the backpack blower 10 of the comparative example.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a side view when observing the state where the user releases the hand from the handle part 38b from the right side in the backpack blower 10 of the embodiment. Detailed Description

[0014] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail below. This detailed description is only intended 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 technical solutions can be used separately or jointly with other features and inventions to provide a further improved backpack blower.

[0015] In addition, the combination of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description is not necessary in the broadest sense when implementing the present invention, and is only described for 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 have to be combined as in the specific examples described herein or in the order given.

[0016] 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 separately and independently of each other, as a limitation of the specific matters described in the original disclosure and the claims. Moreover, all numerical ranges and descriptions related to groups or clusters are intended to disclose their intermediate structures, as a limitation of the specific matters described in the original disclosure and the claims.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a backpack blower may include: a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps mounted on the backpack frame; a housing supported by the backpack frame; a prime mover supported by the housing; a blower fan disposed within the housing and driven by the prime mover; a flexible tube extending from the housing; a blower duct extending from the front end of the flexible tube; a handle unit provided on the blower duct; and a sling. One end of the sling may also be connected to the flexible tube, the blower duct, or the handle unit at a position forward of at least a portion of the flexible tube. The other end of the sling may also be connected to the backpack unit.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the sling may also include a telescopic portion that can be telescoped.

[0019] In the case of a structure where the sling does not have a telescopic portion, when the user swings the blower duct left and right while holding the handle unit during use of the backpack blower, the blower duct can only be moved within the length range of the sling, which may impair the workability of the user. In contrast, according to the above structure, the sling has a telescopic portion. Thus, when the user swings the blower duct left and right while holding the handle unit during use of the backpack blower, the telescopic portion extends, so that the blower duct can be moved in a wider range. Good workability of the user can be achieved.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the telescopic portion may also be an elastic band portion made of an elastic material.

[0021] According to the above structure, the telescopic portion of the sling can be realized with a simple structure.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the sling may also further include a non-elastic band portion connected in series with the elastic band portion and made of a non-elastic material.

[0023] In the case of assuming that the sling does not have a non-elastic band portion and the entire sling is composed of an elastic band portion, when adjusting the length of the sling according to the user's body type, the length of the elastic band portion changes, so that the elastic characteristics of the sling also change. In contrast, according to the above structure, the sling not only has an elastic band portion but also a non-elastic band portion. Thus, when adjusting the length of the sling according to the user's body type, by changing the length of the non-elastic band portion without changing the length of the elastic band portion, the length of the sling can be adjusted without changing the elastic characteristics of the sling.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the sling may also further include a loop portion provided at the one end of the sling and made of the non-elastic band portion, and an adjuster capable of adjusting the length of the loop portion.

[0025] According to the above structure, the length of the loop portion can be adjusted according to the outer peripheral shape of the flexible tube, the air supply tube, or the handle unit. One end of the sling can be installed without slack.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the other end of the sling may also be connected to the shoulder strap.

[0027] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the sling from interfering with the operation.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the backpack unit may further include a waist belt mounted on the backpack frame. The other end of the sling may also be connected to the waist belt.

[0029] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the sling from interfering with the operation.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, one end of the sling may be connected to the air supply tube or the handle unit at a position in front of the flexible tube.

[0031] When one end of the sling is mounted on the flexible tube, the portion of the flexible tube in front of the one end of the sling may be deflected due to the weight of the air supply tube or the handle unit. According to the above structure, since one end of the sling is connected to the air supply tube or the handle unit at a position in front of the flexible tube, it is possible to suppress the deflection of the flexible tube.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, one end of the sling may be connected to the air supply tube at a position in front of the flexible tube and behind the handle unit.

[0033] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the sling from interfering with the operation. Good workability of the user can be achieved.

[0034] (Example)

[0035] As Figure 1 shown, the backpack blower 10 includes a backpack unit 12, a battery unit 14, and a blower unit 16. The backpack unit 12 includes a backpack frame 18, a pair of shoulder straps 20a, 20b mounted on the backpack frame 18, and a waist belt 22 mounted on the backpack frame 18. The user can place the pair of shoulder straps 20a, 20b on the shoulders and wrap the waist belt 22 around the waist to hold the backpack unit 12 in a backpack state.

[0036] The battery unit 14 is detachably mounted on the backpack frame 18. The battery unit 14 houses a plurality of battery cells (not shown). The battery unit 14 includes a power button 24, a charging connector (not shown), and a power line cable 26. The plurality of battery cells can be charged from an external power source (not shown) by connecting a charging cable (not shown) extending from the external power source to the charging connector. The power button 24 switches the on / off state of the power supply of the battery unit 14. The plurality of battery cells can discharge via the power line cable 26 when the power supply of the battery unit 14 is on.

[0037] As Figure 2 shown, the blower unit 16 includes a housing 28 and a power cable 30. The housing 28 includes a cylindrical portion 28a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a diameter-expanded portion 28b connected to one end in the central axis direction of the cylindrical portion 28a and having a shape that expands in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 28a, a frame mounting portion 28c protruding outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 28a, a cable holding portion 28d protruding outward from the outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 28a and the diameter-expanded portion 28b, and a control unit housing portion 28e protruding outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 28a. The housing 28 can be attached to and detached from the backpack frame 18 (see Figure 1 ) via the frame mounting portion 28c. The power cable 30 extends from the cable holding portion 28d and is connected to the power line cable 26 (see Figure 1 ). The blower unit 16 operates using the power supplied from the battery unit 14 (see Figure 1 ) via the power line cable 26 and the power cable 30. In addition, in the following description, the direction in which the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a of the housing 28 extends is referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction of the diameter-expanded portion 28b when viewed from the cylindrical portion 28a is referred to as the rear direction, and the opposite direction of the rear direction is referred to as the front direction. Also, the direction that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and is the direction of the cable holding portion 28d when viewed from the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a is referred to as the upper direction, and the opposite direction of the upper direction is referred to as the lower direction. Further, the direction that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the left-right direction. The frame mounting portion 28c is disposed on the outer surface of the left side of the cylindrical portion 28a, the cable holding portion 28d is disposed on the outer surfaces of the upper sides of the cylindrical portion 28a and the diameter-expanded portion 28b, and the control unit housing portion 28e is disposed on the outer surface of the lower side of the cylindrical portion 28a. In addition, the power cable 30 extends rearward from the rear surface of the cable holding portion 28d.

[0038] The blower unit 16 further includes a flexible pipe 32, a straight pipe 34, a tip nozzle 36, a handle unit 38, and a signal cable 40. The flexible pipe 32 is a corrugated pipe made of, for example, rubber (such as EVA) and resin (such as PE). In addition, the flexible pipe 32 may be a cylindrical pipe made of, for example, an elastic material (such as rubber). The straight pipe 34 is made of, for example, resin (such as PP). The tip nozzle 36 is made of, for example, resin (such as PP). The flexible pipe 32 connects between the front part of the cylindrical part 28a of the housing 28 and the rear part of the straight pipe 34. The tip nozzle 36 is installed at the front part of the straight pipe 34 and has a discharge port 36a at the tip. In addition, in the following description, the straight pipe 34 and the tip nozzle 36 are collectively referred to as the air supply pipe 35. The handle unit 38 includes a mounting part 38a, a handle part 38b, and a tip part 38c. The mounting part 38a is mounted on the straight pipe 34 so as to surround the outer periphery of the straight pipe 34. The handle part 38b extends forward and upward from the upper part of the mounting part 38a. The tip part 38c extends forward from the upper end of the handle part 38b. The signal cable 40 extends forward from the front surface of the cable holding part 28d of the housing 28 and is connected to the rear surface of the upper part of the mounting part 38a of the handle unit 38. The user can adjust the direction in which the discharge port 36a of the tip nozzle 36 faces by adjusting the posture of the straight pipe 34 while holding the handle part 38b.

[0039] As Figure 3 shown, the blower unit 16 further includes an air suction hood 42, a sound insulation member 44, a motor housing 46, a discharge pipe 48, a blower fan 50, an electric motor 52, a diffuser cone 54, and a control unit 56. The air suction hood 42, the motor housing 46, the discharge pipe 48, the blower fan 50, and the diffuser cone 54 are made of an insulating material (such as plastic). An air suction passage part 28f is formed inside the enlarged diameter part 28b of the housing 28. The air suction passage part 28f has a shape that expands in diameter as it goes from the front to the rear. An air suction port 28g is formed at the rear end of the air suction passage part 28f. The air suction hood 42 is formed in a lattice shape having walls extending in the radial and circumferential directions. The air suction hood 42 is installed so as to cover the air suction port 28g of the housing 28. The sound insulation member 44 is pasted on the inner surface of the air suction passage part 28f.

[0040] The motor housing 46 is housed inside the cylindrical part 28a of the housing 28. The discharge pipe 48 is held by the housing 28 so as to protrude forward from the front end of the cylindrical part 28a on the front side of the motor housing 46. The part of the discharge pipe 48 protruding from the housing 28 is covered by the flexible pipe 32 around it.

[0041] The motor housing 46 includes an outer housing 46a having a substantially cylindrical shape, an inner housing 46b having a substantially cylindrical shape disposed inside the outer housing 46a, and a fixed vane portion 46c connecting the outer housing 46a and the inner housing 46b. The central axes of both the outer housing 46a and the inner housing 46b are coaxial with the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a. The inner housing 46b has a smaller diameter than the outer housing 46a and is shorter in the central axis direction than the outer housing 46a. The diffuser cone 54 is attached to the front end of the inner housing 46b and is disposed so as to protrude forward with respect to the front end of the outer housing 46a. The front portion of the diffuser cone 54 is disposed inside the discharge pipe 48.

[0042] The air supply fan 50 is disposed inside the outer housing 46a on the rear side with respect to the inner housing 46b. The electric motor 52 is housed inside the inner housing 46b. In the present embodiment, the electric motor 52 is, for example, a brushless motor. The electric motor 52 includes a stator 52b wound with a coil 52a, a rotor 52d disposed inside the stator 52b and having a permanent magnet 52c, a sensor substrate 52f mounted with a Hall sensor 52e for detecting the magnetism of the permanent magnet 52c, and an output shaft 52g fixed to the rotor 52d and extending in the front-rear direction. The air supply fan 50 is fixed to the rear end of the output shaft 52g. Thus, by driving the electric motor 52, the output shaft 52g rotates, and thereby the air supply fan 50 rotates.

[0043] When the air supply fan 50 rotates, the air outside the blower unit 16 is attracted toward the suction port 28g through the suction hood 42. The air attracted from the suction port 28g flows into the inside of the motor housing 46 through the suction passage portion 28f. Thereafter, the air passes through the air supply fan 50, flows in the space between the outer housing 46a and the inner housing 46b, is rectified by the fixed vane portion 46c, and then flows out of the motor housing 46 and into the inside of the discharge pipe 48. Thereafter, the air passes through Figure 2 the flexible pipe 32 and the straight pipe 34 shown, and is ejected from the ejection port 36a at the tip of the tip nozzle 36.

[0044] As Figure 3As shown, the control unit 56 is housed inside the control unit housing portion 28e of the housing 28. The control unit 56 includes a control circuit board 56a and a circuit board housing 56b that houses the control circuit board 56a. The control circuit board 56a includes a microcomputer (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and controlling the overall operation of the blower unit 16, and an inverter circuit (not shown) that controls the operation of the electric motor 52 by controlling the power supplied to the electric motor 52. A cooling opening 46e is formed in the lower part of the outer housing 46a, and a part of the circuit board housing 56b is exposed to the inside of the outer housing 46a through the cooling opening 46e. Therefore, when the blower fan 50 rotates, the control unit 56 is cooled by the air flowing in the space between the outer housing 46a and the inner housing 46b.

[0045] As Figure 4 shown, a trigger lever 58 is provided on the handle portion 38b and is disposed on the front surface of the upper part of the handle portion 38b. In addition, a control lever 60 is provided on the tip portion 38c and is disposed on the left surface of the tip portion 38c, a first display operation panel 62 is disposed on the rear surface of the tip portion 38c, and a second display operation panel 64 is disposed on the upper surface of the tip portion 38c. The first display operation panel 62 includes a power button 62a, a status display lamp 62b, a circuit board (not shown), and a panel housing 62c. The power button 62a switches the on / off state of the power supply of the blower unit 16. The status display lamp 62b notifies the user of the on / off state of the power supply of the blower unit 16, etc. The panel housing 62c houses the power button 62a, the status display lamp 62b, and the circuit board. The circuit board of the first display operation panel 62 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a of the control unit 56 ( Figure 3 reference). The second display operation panel 64 includes a battery level display button 64a, a battery level display lamp 64b, a circuit board (not shown), and a panel housing 64c. The battery level display button 64a switches the on / off of the battery level display lamp 64b. The battery level display lamp 64b notifies the user of the battery level of the battery unit 14. The panel housing 64c houses the battery level display button 64a, the battery level display lamp 64b, and the circuit board. The circuit board of the second display operation panel 64 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a of the control unit 56 (reference Figure 3 ).

[0046] The trigger lever 58 is supported by the handle portion 38b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The trigger lever 58 is urged forward by a spring (not shown). Inside the handle portion 38b, a first trigger switch (not shown) that outputs an ON signal when the trigger lever 58 is pressed and outputs an OFF signal when the trigger lever 58 is not pressed is housed. Inside the tip portion 38c, a second trigger switch (not shown) that outputs a signal indicating the amount of depression of the trigger lever 58 when the trigger lever 58 is pressed is housed. The first trigger switch and the second trigger switch are electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a of the control unit 56 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0047] The control lever 60 receives a rotational operation from the user and holds the rotational angle after being operated by the user. When the control lever 60 rotates, the trigger lever 58 moves rearward. Even if the user releases the hand, the rotational angle of the control lever 60 remains unchanged. Therefore, by rotating the control lever 60, the trigger lever 58 can be held in the same state as when the trigger lever 58 is pressed with a prescribed amount of depression.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, when the backpack blower 10 is in use, the housing 28 is mounted on the backpack frame 18 via the frame mounting portion 28c (refer to Figure 2 ). Thus, the weight of the portion of the blower unit 16 that is located rearward of the flexible tube 32 is mainly supported by the backpack frame 18 (i.e., the shoulders of the user wearing the shoulder straps 20a, 20b and the waist of the user wearing the waist belt 22). The weight of the portion located forward of the flexible tube 32 is mainly supported by the hand of the user holding the handle portion 38b.

[0049] The backpack blower 10 further includes a sling 66. As Figure 5 shown, the sling 66 includes an elastic band portion 68 and a non-elastic band portion 70. The elastic band portion 68 is made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber band). The non-elastic band portion 70 is made of a non-elastic material (e.g., a PP band). A hook 72 is attached to one end of the elastic band portion 68. The other end of the elastic band portion 68 and one end of the non-elastic band portion 70 are connected via a ladder buckle 74. The non-elastic band portion 70 passes through the adjuster 76 from one side to the other side, turns back at the male buckle portion 78, and then passes through the adjuster 76 from the other side to one side. A female buckle 80 corresponding to the male buckle 78 is attached to the other end of the non-elastic band portion 70. The male buckle 78 and the female buckle 80 form a side-opening connecting buckle 82. In addition, in the following description, the portion from the hook 72 to the adjuster 76 is also referred to as the suspension portion 84, and the portions from the adjuster 76 to the male buckle 78 and from the adjuster 76 to the female buckle 80 are also referred to as the loop portion 86. In the sling 66, by adjusting the portion of the non-elastic band portion 70 that passes through the adjuster 76, the length of the suspension portion 84 and the length of the loop portion 86 can be adjusted.

[0050] As shown Figure 6 in the figure, loops 88a and 90a are installed on the right shoulder strap 20a. Loop 88a is disposed at the lower part of the front surface of the shoulder strap 20a, and loop 90a is disposed at the upper part of the front surface of the shoulder strap 20a. Loops 88b and 90b are installed on the left shoulder strap 20b. Loop 88b is disposed at the lower part of the front surface of the shoulder strap 20b, and loop 90b is disposed at the upper part of the front surface of the shoulder strap 20b. The hook 72 of the sling 66 can be selectively installed on any one of the loops 88a, 88b, 90a, and 90b. In addition, since the blower unit 16 is disposed on the right side of the backpack frame 18, when the hook 72 is installed on the loops 88a and 90a of the right shoulder strap 20a, the sling 66 is less likely to interfere with the operation than when the hook 72 is installed on the loops 88b and 90b of the left shoulder strap 20b. Further, since the blower unit 16 is disposed at a position lower than the loops 88a and 90a, when the hook 72 is installed on the lower loop 88a, the sling 66 is less likely to interfere with the operation than when the hook 72 is installed on the upper loop 90a.

[0051] The loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed on the blower unit 16. For example, the loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed on the straight pipe 34. In this case, the loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed on a portion of the straight pipe 34 that is in front of the flexible pipe 32 and behind the handle unit 38, or on a portion of the straight pipe 34 that is in front of the flexible pipe 32 and the handle unit 38. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed in the middle of the flexible pipe 32. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed on the handle unit 38, for example, on the mounting portion 38a or the handle portion 38b of the handle unit 38. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the sling 66 can be installed on the tip nozzle 36. In addition, when the loop portion 86 is installed on a portion of the flexible pipe 32 or the straight pipe 34 that is behind the handle unit 38, the sling 66 is less likely to interfere with the operation than when the loop portion 86 is installed on the tip nozzle 36, the handle unit 38, or a portion of the straight pipe 34 that is in front of the handle unit 38.

[0052] Figure 7 A backpack blower 10 without the sling 66 is shown as a comparative example. In this structure, if the user releases the hand from the handle portion 38b, the flexible pipe 32 is greatly deflected due to the weights of the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, and the handle unit 38, and the tip nozzle 36 will droop significantly. Therefore, when the user walks, it is necessary to walk while holding the handle portion 38b and lifting the blower unit 16 to avoid the tip nozzle 36 from rubbing against the ground, which places a large burden on the user.

[0053] In contrast, as Figure 8As shown, the backpack blower 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a sling 66. In this structure, even if the user releases their hand from the handle portion 38b, the sling 66 supports the weight of the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, and the handle unit 38. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the large deflection of the flexible pipe 32 and the large sag of the tip nozzle 36. Thus, when the user is walking, even if the user releases their hand from the handle portion 38b, it is possible to suppress the friction between the tip nozzle 36 and the ground.

[0054] In addition, in the backpack blower 10 of this embodiment, the weight of the straight pipe 34 is in the range of 220 g - 330 g, for example, 270 g. The weight of the tip nozzle 36 is in the range of 70 g - 130 g, for example, 90 g. The weight of the handle unit 38 is in the range of 350 g - 550 g, for example, 450 g. Regarding the elastic band portion 68 of the sling 66, the length from the end of the hook 72 to the end of the adjuster 76 can be adjusted in the range of 250 mm - 500 mm according to the body type. Regarding the elastic band portion 68, the length can be stretched and contracted in the range from the natural length to twice the natural length. For example, the natural length is 80 mm, the width is in the range of 15 mm - 30 mm, for example, 25 mm, and the thickness is in the range of 2 mm - 4 mm, for example, 3.5 mm. Regarding the inelastic band portion 70, the length is 800 mm or more, for example, 800 mm, the width is in the range of 15 mm - 30 mm, for example, 25 mm, and the thickness is in the range of 1.0 mm - 1.5 mm, for example, 1.2 mm, so that it can be installed on the air duct 35 and can sufficiently cope with the largest body type.

[0055] (Modification example)

[0056] In the above embodiment, the structure in which the hook 72 of the sling 66 is installed in any one of the loops 88a, 88b, 90a, 90b of the shoulder straps 20a, 20b has been described. In contrast, it may be configured such that the hook 72 of the sling 66 is installed in other parts of the shoulder straps 20a, 20b. Or, it may be configured such that the hook 72 of the sling 66 is installed in the waist belt 22 or the backpack frame 18.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the structure in which a loop portion 86 is provided at one end of the sling 66 and a hook 72 is provided at the other end of the sling 66 has been described. In contrast, hooks 72 may be provided at both ends of the sling 66. In this case, loops (not shown) for installing the hooks 72 may also be provided on the flexible pipe 32, the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, the handle unit 38, etc.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the sling 66 includes an elastic band portion 68 made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber band) as a stretchable portion that can expand and contract. Alternatively, the sling 66 may include other stretchable portions other than the elastic band portion 68. For example, the sling 66 may include a spool (not shown) as a stretchable portion, in which a line (not shown) made of a non-elastic material is wound around the spool, and the amount of the line pulled out from the spool changes according to an external force.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the housing 28 of the blower unit 16 is detachably attached to the lower right portion of the backpack frame 18. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the housing 28 of the blower unit 16 is non-detachably attached to the backpack frame 18 directly below the battery unit 14. In this structure, the housing 28 of the blower unit 16, the suction hood 42, the sound insulation member 44, the motor housing 46, the discharge pipe 48, the blower fan 50, the electric motor 52, the diffuser cone 54, and the control unit 56 are all disposed below the battery unit 14. Further, in this structure, the discharge pipe 48 and the flexible pipe 32 may be connected via a bent pipe (not shown) bent in an L-shape.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the power source of the backpack blower 10 is the battery unit 14 and power is supplied from the battery unit 14 to the blower unit 16. Alternatively, the power source of the backpack blower 10 may be an external power source (not shown) not carried by the user, and it may be configured such that power is supplied from the external power source to the blower unit 16. Or, the power source of the backpack blower 10 may be a battery pack (not shown) that can be detached from and attached to the blower unit 16, and it may be configured such that power is supplied from the battery pack to the blower unit 16.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the electric motor 52 is a brushless motor. Alternatively, the electric motor 52 may be a brushed motor, or may be other types of motors.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, a structure has been described in which the prime mover of the backpack blower 10 is the electric motor 52 and the blower fan 50 rotates by the power of the electric motor 52. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the prime mover of the backpack blower 10 is an internal combustion engine (not shown) and the blower fan 50 rotates by the power of the internal combustion engine.

[0063] (Corresponding relationship)

[0064] As described above, in one or more embodiments, the backpack blower 10 includes: a backpack unit 12 having a backpack frame 18 and shoulder straps 20a and 20b mounted on the backpack frame 18; a housing 28 supported by the backpack frame 18; an electric motor 52 (an example of a prime mover) supported by the housing 28; a blower fan 50 disposed within the housing 28 and driven by the electric motor 52; a flexible tube 32 extending from the housing 28; an air duct 35 extending from the front end of the flexible tube 32; a handle unit 38 provided on the air duct 35; and a sling 66. One end of the sling 66 is connected to the flexible tube 32, the air duct 35, or the handle unit 38 at a position forward of at least a portion of the flexible tube 32. The other end of the sling 66 is connected to the backpack unit 12.

[0065] According to the above structure, the sling 66 supports the weight of the air duct 35 and the handle unit 38, so that even if the user releases the hand from the handle unit 38, at least a portion of the flexible tube 32 does not bend. Thus, it is possible to suppress a large sag in the front portion of the air duct 35. Therefore, when the user is walking, even if the user releases the hand from the handle unit 38, it is possible to suppress friction between the front portion of the air duct 35 and the ground. The burden on the user can be reduced.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the sling 66 includes an elastic band portion 68 (an example of a telescopic portion) that can be stretched and contracted.

[0067] In the case of a structure where the sling 66 does not include the elastic band portion 68, when using the backpack blower 10, when the user swings the air duct 35 left and right while holding the handle unit 38, the air duct 35 can only be moved within the length range of the sling 66, which may impair the workability of the user. In contrast, according to the above structure, the sling 66 includes the elastic band portion 68. Thus, when the user swings the air duct 35 left and right while holding the handle unit 38 when using the backpack blower 10, the elastic band portion 68 stretches, so that the air duct 35 can be moved in a wider range. Good workability of the user can be achieved.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the elastic band portion 68 is made of an elastic material.

[0069] According to the above structure, the telescopic portion (i.e., the elastic band portion 68) of the sling 66 can be realized with a simple structure.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the sling 66 further includes a non-elastic band portion 70 connected in series with the elastic band portion 68 and made of a non-elastic material.

[0071] In the case where the suspension strap 66 does not have the inelastic band portion 70 and the entire suspension strap 66 is composed of the elastic band portion 68, when adjusting the length of the suspension strap 66 to fit the user's body shape, the length of the elastic band portion 68 changes, and thus the elastic characteristics of the suspension strap 66 also change. In contrast, according to the above structure, the suspension strap 66 has not only the elastic band portion 68 but also the inelastic band portion 70. Therefore, when adjusting the length of the suspension strap 66 to fit the user's body shape, by changing the length of the inelastic band portion 70 without changing the length of the elastic band portion 68, it is possible to adjust the length of the suspension strap 66 without changing the elastic characteristics of the suspension strap 66.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the suspension strap 66 further has a loop portion 86 provided at one end of the suspension strap 66 and composed of the inelastic band portion 70 and an adjuster 76 capable of adjusting the length of the loop portion 86.

[0073] According to the above structure, the length of the loop portion 86 can be adjusted according to the outer peripheral shape of the flexible tube 32, the air supply pipe 35, or the handle unit 38. The one end of the suspension strap 66 can be installed without slack.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the other end of the suspension strap 66 is connected to the shoulder straps 20a, 20b.

[0075] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the suspension strap 66 from interfering with the operation.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the backpack unit 12 further has a waist belt 22 mounted on the backpack frame 18. The other end of the suspension strap 66 is connected to the waist belt 22.

[0077] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the suspension strap 66 from interfering with the operation.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension strap 66 is connected to the air supply pipe 35 or the handle unit 38 at a position in front of the flexible tube 32.

[0079] When one end of the suspension strap 66 is mounted on the flexible tube 32, the portion of the flexible tube 32 in front of one end of the suspension strap 66 may be deflected due to the weight of the air supply pipe 35 and the handle unit 38. According to the above structure, since one end of the suspension strap 66 is connected to the air supply pipe 35 or the handle unit 38 at a position in front of the flexible tube 32, it is possible to prevent the flexible tube 32 from being deflected.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension strap 66 is connected to the air supply pipe 35 at a position in front of the flexible tube 32 and behind the handle unit 38.

[0081] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the suspension strap 66 from interfering with the operation. Good workability of the user can be achieved.

Claims

1. A backpack blower, wherein: The backpack blower has: A carrying unit comprising a carrying frame and a shoulder strap mounted on the carrying frame; A shell supported on the carrying frame; a prime mover supported by the housing; an air supply fan, which is disposed in the housing and driven by the prime mover; a flexible tube extending from the housing; an air supply pipe extending from a front end of the flexible pipe; A handle unit, which is arranged on the air supply pipe; as well as Suspenders, One end of the strap is connected to the flexible tube, the air supply tube or the handle unit at a position forward of at least a portion of the flexible tube. The other end of the sling is connected to the carrying unit.

2. The backpack blower according to claim 1, wherein: The strap includes an expandable and contractible portion.

3. The backpack blower according to claim 2, wherein: The stretchable portion is an elastic band portion made of an elastic material.

4. The backpack blower according to claim 3, wherein: The strap further includes an inelastic belt portion connected in series with the elastic belt portion and made of an inelastic material.

5. The backpack blower according to claim 4, wherein: The strap further includes a loop portion provided at the one end of the strap and formed of the inelastic belt portion, and an adjuster capable of adjusting the length of the loop portion.

6. The backpack blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The other end of the sling is connected to the shoulder strap.

7. The backpack blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The carrying unit further comprises a waist belt mounted on the carrying frame. The other end of the suspender is connected to the waist belt.

8. The backpack blower according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The one end of the strap is connected to the air supply duct or the handle unit at a position forward of the flexible tube.

9. The backpack blower according to claim 8, wherein: The one end of the strap is connected to the air supply duct at a position forward of the flexible tube and rearward of the handle unit.

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