Snow remover and accessory

Abstract

The invention provides a snow remover and an accessory. Provided in the present specification is a technique that makes it possible to achieve good assemblability. The invention discloses a snow remover. A snow remover is provided with: a working unit that scatters snow on the ground; a plurality of direction changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is provided with a plurality of gears that engage with each other and change the orientation of the plurality of direction changing members by rotation. In addition, the present specification discloses an accessory. The accessory is used in the snow remover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to snow removal machines and accessories. Background Art

[0002] A snow removal machine is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The snow removal machine includes: an operation unit that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes: a plurality of rods that adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction changing members; and a link plate that connects the plurality of rods.

[0003] Prior art documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Specification of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114481930 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the above snow removal machine, after each rod is installed on each direction changing member, the link plate is installed on the plurality of rods. Therefore, the assemblability of the direction changing member, the rod, and the link plate is poor. In this specification, a technology that enables good assemblability is provided.

[0008] Solutions to the Problems

[0009] This specification discloses a snow removal machine. The snow removal machine includes: an operation unit that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and change the orientation of the plurality of direction changing members by rotation.

[0010] According to the above structure, by meshing the plurality of gears with each other, the plurality of direction changing members are assembled with the plurality of gears. Thereby, good assemblability can be achieved.

[0011] This specification discloses an accessory. The accessory is used in a snow removal machine. The accessory includes: an operation unit that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that can rotate and adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction changing members by rotation.

[0012] According to the above structure, the same effect as that of the above snow removal machine can be achieved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1It is a perspective view of the work machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a left side view near the motor housing portion 40 in a state where the rear left housing 38 is removed from the base unit 4 of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view near the mounting unit 18 of the work machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the rear operating lever 10, the mounting unit 18, and the front operating lever 60 of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view near the front unit 64 of the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the front rod shaft 62, the transmission unit 76, the work shaft 104, and the first member 112 of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view near the second member 114 of the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view near the first member 112 of the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view near the right bearing 108 of the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the direction changing member 160 and the adjusting mechanism 162 of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the direction changing member 160, the gear 180, and the positioning member 182 of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view near the adjusting mechanism 162 in a state where the handle 184 is not pulled in the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 It is an exploded perspective view of the gear 180 and the positioning member 182 of the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the direction changing member 160 and the adjusting mechanism 162 of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a rear view near the positioning rib 230 of the first front housing 82 of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16A cross-sectional view near the adjustment mechanism 162 with the handle 184 being pulled in the fitting 6 of the embodiment.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 2. Working machine; 4. Base unit; 6. Fitting; 10. Rear operating lever; 14. Rear unit; 16. Rear rod shaft; 18. Mounting unit; 26. Motor; 60. Front operating lever; 62. Front rod shaft; 64. Front unit; 68. Operating lever; 70. Rod shaft; 74. Front housing; 76. Transmission unit; 78. Working part; 90. Transmission shaft; 96. Rear pulley; 98. Front pulley; 100. Belt; 104. Working shaft; 106. Working member; 112. First member; 114. Second member; 116. Third member; 128. First bearing; 132. Second bearing; 146. Third bearing; 148. Fourth bearing; 160. Direction-changing member; 162. Adjustment mechanism; 180. Gear; 182. Positioning member; 184. Handle; 186. Biasing member; 187. First gear; 188. Second gear; 198. First positioning engagement portion; 202. Second positioning engagement portion; 222. Positioning protrusion; 236. Positioning groove; AX1. Rear rod shaft rotation axis; AX2. Front rod shaft rotation axis; AX3. Transmission shaft rotation axis; AX4. Rear pulley rotation axis; AX5. Front pulley rotation axis; AX6. Working shaft rotation axis; AX7. Positioning rotation axis; AX8. Handle rotation axis; BP. Battery pack. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail below. The detailed description is only intended to show those skilled in the art the details of the preferred examples for implementing the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the disclosed additional features and technical solutions can be used separately or jointly with other features and technical solutions to provide a further improved snow remover and fitting, its manufacturing method and usage method.

[0032] Furthermore, the combination of features and processes disclosed in the following detailed description is not necessarily required in the broadest sense when implementing the present invention, and is only described to specifically illustrate 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 need to be combined in the specific examples or the order presented herein.

[0033] With respect to 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 limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims. Moreover, all numerical ranges and descriptions related to groups or clusters are intended to disclose their intermediate structures, as limitations on the original disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims.

[0034] This specification discloses a snow remover. The snow remover includes: an operating unit that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and change the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members by rotation.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may further include a handle that is operated by a user to rotate the plurality of gears.

[0036] According to the above structure, the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members can be changed by a simple operation of the handle.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include: a positioning groove; and a positioning protrusion that switches between a received state in which it is received in the positioning groove and a non-received state in which it is not received in the positioning groove by the operation of the handle. Alternatively, the plurality of gears can rotate respectively when the positioning protrusion is in the non-received state, and cannot rotate when the positioning protrusion is in the received state.

[0038] According to the above structure, by switching the positioning protrusion between the received state and the non-received state, the state in which the gears can rotate and the state in which the gears cannot rotate can be easily switched.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the positioning protrusion may switch from the received state to the non-received state when it moves in the first direction by the operation of the handle. Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of gears may include a gear engagement portion. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism may further include an engaged portion that can slide integrally with the positioning protrusion relative to the gear engagement portion in the first direction and engages with the gear engagement portion when the positioning protrusion is in the received state and the non-received state.

[0040] According to the above structure, even when the positioning protrusion is moved in the first direction to switch from the received state to the non-received state, the disengagement of the engagement between the gear engagement portion and the engaged portion can be suppressed.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of direction-changing members may include an engagement portion that engages with the gear engagement portion.

[0042] According to the above structure, there is no need to provide other structures that engage with the engaging portion on the gear. Thus, it is possible to prevent the structure of the gear from becoming complicated.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the positioning protrusion may be switched from the stored state to the non-stored state when the handle is pulled toward the user.

[0044] According to the above structure, compared with the structure in which the handle is pressed away from the user when the positioning protrusion is switched from the stored state to the non-stored state, the operability of the handle by the user can be improved.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of gears may include a plurality of first gears, and the plurality of first gears may be respectively fixed to a plurality of direction-changing members. Also, the shapes of the plurality of first gears may be the same.

[0046] According to the above structure, the structure of the adjustment mechanism can be simplified.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of gears may include a second gear that meshes with two adjacent first gears. Also, the shape of the second gear may be the same as the shapes of the plurality of first gears.

[0048] According to the above structure, the structure of the adjustment mechanism can be further simplified.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the centers of rotation of the plurality of first gears may be arranged in a line.

[0050] According to the above structure, the assemblability of the plurality of first gears can be improved.

[0051] (Example)

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, the work machine 2 is a rod-type work machine. The work machine 2 is a snow remover that scatters snow on the ground. The work machine 2 includes a base unit 4 and a fitting 6. The fitting 6 is detachably attached to the base unit 4. The base unit 4 is configured to selectively attach either the fitting 6 or a fitting of a different type from the fitting 6.

[0053] The base unit 4 includes a rear operating rod 10, an annular handle 12, a rear unit 14, a rear rod shaft 16 (see Figure 2 ), and a mounting unit 18.

[0054] The rear operating rod 10 has an elongated hollow rod shape. Hereinafter, the direction in which the rear operating rod 10 extends is referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0055] The annular handle 12 is fixed to the rear operating lever 10. The annular handle 12 is held by the user during the operation by the work machine 2.

[0056] The rear unit 14 is fixed to the rear end of the rear operating lever 10. The rear unit 14 includes a rear housing 22, a motor housing 24 (see Figure 2 ), a motor 26 (see Figure 2 ), a gear unit 28 (see Figure 2 ), a trigger 30, a shark fin 32, and a main power switch 34.

[0057] The rear housing 22 includes a rear right housing 36 that defines the outer shape of the right half of the rear housing 22 and a rear left housing 38 that defines the outer shape of the left half of the rear housing 22. The rear housing 22 includes a motor accommodation portion 40, a grip portion 42, and a switch portion 44.

[0058] As Figure 2 shown, a battery pack BP is detachably mounted on the rear surface of the motor accommodation portion 40. The battery pack BP slides on the rear surface of the motor accommodation portion 40. The sliding direction of the battery pack BP is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The battery pack BP includes a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion battery. As Figure 1 shown, the grip portion 42 is disposed on the front side of the motor accommodation portion 40. The grip portion 42 is held by a hand different from the hand that holds the annular handle 12 by the user during the operation by the work machine 2. The switch portion 44 is disposed on the front side of the grip portion 42.

[0059] As Figure 2 shown, the motor housing 24, the motor 26, and the gear unit 28 are disposed inside the motor accommodation portion 40. In Figure 2 , the motor 26, the gear unit 28, and the rear rod shaft 16 are shown by dashed lines. The motor 26 is disposed inside the motor housing 24. The motor 26 is an example of a prime mover. The motor 26 is, for example, a brushless motor.

[0060] The gear unit 28 includes: a first gear 28a fixed to the front end of the motor shaft 26a of the motor 26; and a second gear 28b fixed to the rear end of the rear rod shaft 16. The first gear 28a meshes with the second gear 28b. The gear unit 28 functions as a speed reducer. When the motor shaft 26a rotates, the rear rod shaft 16 rotates around the rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1 through the rotation of the first gear 28a and the second gear 28b. The rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1 extends in the front-rear direction. The rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1 is offset from the rotation axis of the motor shaft 26a in the vertical direction. The rear rod shaft 16 is rotatably supported by the rear operating lever 10 inside the rear operating lever 10.

[0061] AsFigure 1 As shown, the trigger 30 is installed at the lower part of the switch unit 44 in a manner that can be pulled in. The shark fin 32 is installed at the upper part of the grip unit 42 in a manner that can be pressed in. When the shark fin 32 is pressed in, the user can pull in the trigger 30. When the shark fin 32 is not pressed in, the user cannot pull in the trigger 30. The main power switch 34 is arranged at the upper part of the switch unit 44. The main power switch 34 switches the connection state and the disconnection state of the work machine 2. When the work machine 2 is in the connected state, if the shark fin 32 is pressed in by the palm of the user holding the grip unit 42 and the trigger 30 is pulled in by the finger of the user holding the grip unit 42, the motor 26 (refer to Figure 2 ) rotates.

[0062] As Figure 3 shown, the mounting unit 18 includes a cylinder member 48, a rod 50, and a pressing member 52. The cylinder member 48 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The cylinder member 48 supports the pressing member 52 so that it can be pressed in. As Figure 4 shown, the cylinder member 48 has a rear-side notch 48a extending from the rear end toward the front direction and a front-side notch 48b extending from the front end toward the rear direction. The front end of the rear rod shaft 16 is inserted into the cylinder member 48 from the rear side. The width of the rear-side notch 48a in the left-right direction is narrowed by the first rear-side bolt 53, whereby the front end of the rear rod shaft 16 is fixed to the cylinder member 48. In addition, the rear rod shaft 16 is prevented from rotating relative to the cylinder member 48 by passing the second rear-side bolt 54 through the rear rod shaft 16.

[0063] The rod 50 is supported by the cylinder member 48 via the front-side bolt 55 so that it can rotate. When the rod 50 rotates in a manner of being pushed down, the front-side bolt 55 widens the width of the front-side notch 48b in the left-right direction. When the rod 50 rotates in a manner of being pushed up, the front-side bolt 55 narrows the width of the front-side notch 48b in the left-right direction.

[0064] As Figure 1 shown, the fitting 6 includes a front operation lever 60, a front rod shaft 62 (refer to Figure 3 ), and a front unit 64.

[0065] The front operation lever 60 has an elongated hollow rod shape. The front operation lever 60 extends in the front-rear direction. As Figure 5 shown, the front operation lever 60 is fixed to the front unit 64 by a third member 116 (refer to Figure 7 ) described later. As Figure 3As shown, the rear end of the front operating lever 60 is inserted into the cylinder member 48 from the front side. In a state where the rear end of the front operating lever 60 is inserted into the cylinder member 48, when the lever 50 rotates in an upwardly pushed manner, by narrowing the width in the left - right direction of the front notch 48b, the rear end of the front operating lever 60 is fixed to the cylinder member 48. Thus, the front operating lever 60 is mounted on the rear operating lever 10 by means of the mounting unit 18.

[0066] A engagement pin 66 is slidably mounted at the rear end of the front operating lever 60. When the front operating lever 60 is inserted into the cylinder member 48 and the pressing member 52 is not pressed in, the engagement pin 66 is inserted into the through - hole 48c of the cylinder member 48 by the action of the leaf spring 67. Thus, rotation of the front operating lever 60 relative to the cylinder member 48 can be suppressed. When disassembling the front operating lever 60 from the rear operating lever 10, the user rotates the lever 50 in a manner of pressing it down. Then, the user presses in the pressing member 52. The engagement pin 66 is disengaged from the through - hole 48c by being pressed by the pressing member 52. Finally, the user pulls out the front operating lever 60 from the cylinder member 48. Hereinafter, the front operating lever 60 and the rear operating lever 10 are sometimes collectively referred to as the operating lever 68.

[0067] The front rod shaft 62 is rotatably supported inside the front operating lever 60. When the front operating lever 60 is mounted on the rear operating lever 10 by means of the mounting unit 18, the front rod shaft 62 is engaged with the rear rod shaft 16. The front rod shaft 62 and the rear rod shaft 16 rotate integrally about the front rod shaft rotation axis AX2. The front rod shaft rotation axis AX2 extends in the front - rear direction. The front rod shaft rotation axis AX2 is coaxial with the rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1. Hereinafter, the front rod shaft 62 and the rear rod shaft 16 are sometimes collectively referred to as the rod shaft 70.

[0068] As Figure 5 shown, the front unit 64 is fixed to the front end of the front operating lever 60. The front unit 64 includes a front housing 74, a transmission unit 76 (refer to Figure 6 ), and an operation unit 78.

[0069] The front housing 74 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The material of the front housing 74 is, for example, nylon. The front housing 74 includes a first front housing 82, a second front housing 84, and a third front housing 86. The first front housing 82 defines the outer shape of the upper front part of the front housing 74. The second front housing 84 defines the outer shape of the upper rear part of the front housing 74. The second front housing 84 is fixed to the rear part of the first front housing 82. The third front housing 86 defines the outer shape of the lower part of the front housing 74. The third front housing 86 is fixed to the lower part of the first front housing 82 and the lower part of the second front housing 84. The first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 demarcate an operation space 88. The operation space 88 is arranged outside the front housing 74.

[0070] As Figure 6As shown, the transmission unit 76 includes a transmission shaft 90, a first bevel gear 92, a second bevel gear 94, a rear pulley 96, a front pulley 98, and a belt 100. As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the transmission shaft 90, the first bevel gear 92, the second bevel gear 94, the rear pulley 96, the front pulley 98, and the belt 100 are arranged inside the front housing 74.

[0071] As Figure 7 shown, the transmission shaft 90 extends in the left - right direction. The transmission shaft 90 is substantially orthogonal to the front rod shaft 62. The first bevel gear 92 meshes with the second bevel gear 94. The transmission shaft 90 is connected to the front rod shaft 62 by means of the first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94. The first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94 function as a speed reducer. The first bevel gear 92 is fixed to the right end of the transmission shaft 90. The second bevel gear 94 is fixed to the front end of the front rod shaft 62. If the front rod shaft 62 rotates, the first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94 rotate, so that the transmission shaft 90 rotates about the transmission shaft rotation axis AX3. The transmission shaft rotation axis AX3 is substantially orthogonal to the front rod shaft rotation axis AX2.

[0072] The rear pulley 96 is fixed to the left end of the transmission shaft 90. The rear pulley 96 rotates integrally with the transmission shaft 90 about the rear pulley rotation axis AX4. The rear pulley rotation axis AX4 extends in the left - right direction. The rear pulley rotation axis AX4 is coaxial with the transmission shaft rotation axis AX3.

[0073] As Figure 8 shown, the front pulley 98 is arranged on the front side of the rear pulley 96. The diameter of the front pulley 98 is larger than the diameter of the rear pulley 96.

[0074] The belt 100 is installed on the rear pulley 96 and the front pulley 98. The belt 100 connects the rear pulley 96 and the front pulley 98. The rotation of the rear pulley 96 is transmitted to the front pulley 98 by means of the belt 100. Thus, the front pulley 98 rotates about the front pulley rotation axis AX5. The front pulley rotation axis AX5 extends in the left - right direction. The front pulley rotation axis AX5 is substantially parallel to the rear pulley rotation axis AX4. The rear pulley 96, the front pulley 98, and the belt 100 function as a speed reducer.

[0075] The working unit 78 includes a working shaft 104 and a working member 106 (refer to Figure 5 ). The working shaft 104 is arranged across the space inside the front housing 74 and the working space 88. The left end of the working shaft 104 is fixed to the front pulley 98. The working shaft 104 extends in the left - right direction. The working shaft 104 is substantially parallel to the transmission shaft 90. The working shaft 104 rotates integrally with the front pulley 98 about the working shaft rotation axis AX6. The working shaft rotation axis AX6 extends in the left - right direction. The working shaft rotation axis AX6 is coaxial with the front pulley rotation axis AX5. As Figure 9As shown, the right end of the working shaft 104 is rotatably supported by the first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 via the right bearing 108. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the right end of the working shaft 104 is not rotatably supported, the vibration generated as the working shaft 104 rotates can be suppressed.

[0076] The working shaft 104 is inserted into the working member 106. The working member 106 is, for example, a paddle. The working member 106 is separate from the working shaft 104. The working member 106 is fitted with the working shaft 104. The working member 106 rotates integrally with the working shaft 104. As Figure 5 shown, the working member 106 has a plurality of fins 110. When the working member 106 rotates, the plurality of fins 110 scatter the snow on the ground.

[0077] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the front unit 64 further includes a first member 112, a second member 114, and a third member 116.

[0078] The first member 112 is disposed inside the front housing 74. As Figure 6 shown, the first member 112 extends in the front-rear direction. The first member 112 has a plate shape. The first member 112 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The material of the first member 112 is, for example, aluminum. The hardness of the first member 112 is greater than the hardness of the front housing 74. The first member 112 includes a first front support portion 120, a first rear support portion 122, and a first connection portion 124 that connects the first front support portion 120 and the first rear support portion 122.

[0079] As Figure 8 shown, the first front support portion 120 is disposed on the right side of the front pulley 98. The first front support portion 120 is supported by the first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 by being sandwiched between the first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 in the up-down direction. The first front support portion 120 has a front through hole 126. The front through hole 126 penetrates the first front support portion 120 in the left-right direction. The working shaft 104 penetrates the front through hole 126. The working shaft 104 is rotatably supported by the first front support portion 120 via the first bearing 128 in the front through hole 126.

[0080] The first rear support portion 122 is disposed on the right side of the rear pulley 96. The first rear support portion 122 is disposed behind the first front support portion 120. The first rear support portion 122 is fixed to the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86, respectively. The first rear support portion 122 has a rear through hole 130. The rear through hole 130 penetrates the first rear support portion 122 in the left-right direction. The transmission shaft 90 penetrates the rear through hole 130. The transmission shaft 90 is rotatably supported by the first rear support portion 122 via the second bearing 132 in the rear through hole 130.

[0081] The first rear support portion 122 includes a cylindrical rib 134. The cylindrical rib 134 is formed on the right surface of the first rear support portion 122. The cylindrical rib 134 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical rib 134 extends around the periphery of the rear through hole 130 for one week.

[0082] As Figure 7 shown, the second member 114 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The second member 114 extends in the left - right direction. The second member 114 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second member 114 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The material of the second member 114 is, for example, nylon. The material of the second member 114 is, for example, the same as the material of the front housing 74. The hardness of the second member 114 is substantially the same as the hardness of the front housing 74. The material of the second member 114 is, for example, different from the material of the first member 112. The hardness of the second member 114 is smaller than the hardness of the first member 112. The second member 114 is supported by the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86 by being sandwiched therebetween in the up - down direction. The second member 114 surrounds the transmission shaft 90. The inner peripheral surface of the second member 114 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 90. The transmission shaft 90 penetrates the second member 114. The second member 114 is disposed on the right side of the first rear support portion 122. The second member 114 is fixed to the first rear support portion 122. The left end of the second member 114 is inserted into the cylindrical rib 134.

[0083] The third member 116 has a substantially L - shaped letter. The third member 116 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The material of the third member 116 is, for example, aluminum. The material of the third member 116 is, for example, different from the materials of the front housing 74 and the second member 114. The hardness of the third member 116 is greater than the hardness of the front housing 74 and the hardness of the second member 114, respectively. The material of the third member 116 is, for example, the same as the material of the first member 112. The hardness of the third member 116 is substantially the same as the hardness of the first member 112. The third member 116 is sandwiched between the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86 in the up - down direction. The third member 116 is fixed to the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86, respectively. The third member 116 includes a third front support portion 138, a third rear support portion 140, and a third connecting portion 142 connecting the third front support portion 138 and the third rear support portion 140.

[0084] The third front support portion 138 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The third front support portion 138 extends in the left-right direction. The third front support portion 138 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The right end of the second member 114 is inserted into the third front support portion 138. The second member 114 is sandwiched between the first rear support portion 122 and the third front support portion 138. The third front support portion 138 is fixed to the second member 114. The third front support portion 138 surrounds the transmission shaft 90. The transmission shaft 90 is inserted into the third front support portion 138. The transmission shaft 90 is rotatably supported by the third front support portion 138 by means of a third bearing 146 inside the third front support portion 138. The third bearing 146 is disposed between the first bevel gear 92 and the second member 114.

[0085] The third rear support portion 140 is disposed across the inside and outside of the front housing 74. The third rear support portion 140 extends in the front-rear direction. The extending direction of the third rear support portion 140 is inclined with respect to the extending direction of the third front support portion 138, for example, substantially orthogonal. The third rear support portion 140 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The third rear support portion 140 surrounds the front rod shaft 62. The front end of the front rod shaft 62 is inserted into the third rear support portion 140. The front rod shaft 62 and the second bevel gear 94 are rotatably supported by the third rear support portion 140 by means of a fourth bearing 148 inside the third rear support portion 140.

[0086] The third connecting portion 142 connects the internal space of the third front support portion 138 and the internal space of the third rear support portion 140. A part of the front rod shaft 62, a part of the first bevel gear 92, and a part of the second bevel gear 94 are disposed inside the third connecting portion 142.

[0087] As Figure 10 shown, the front unit 64 includes a plurality (three in this embodiment) of direction-changing members 160 and an adjustment mechanism 162. Hereinafter, the direction-changing member 160 located on the rightmost side among the three direction-changing members 160 may be referred to as the right direction-changing member 160a, the direction-changing member 160 located on the leftmost side may be referred to as the left direction-changing member 160b, and the direction-changing member 160 located between the right direction-changing member 160a and the left direction-changing member 160b may be referred to as the middle direction-changing member 160c.

[0088] The direction-changing member 160 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The orientation of the direction-changing member 160 is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 162. The direction-changing member 160 changes the direction in which the snow scattered by the working member 106 (refer to Figure 5 ) is scattered. The direction-changing member 160 includes a base portion 166, a fin portion 168, and an engaging portion 170 (refer to Figure 11 ). The base portion 166, the fin portion 168, and the engaging portion 170 are integrally formed.

[0089] The base portion 166 has a plate shape. As Figure 1 shown, the base portion 166 is disposed in the working space 88. The base portion 166 is disposed along the outer surface of the first front housing 82.

[0090] The fin portion 168 is disposed in the working space 88. The fin portion 168 is fixed to the base portion 166. The fin portion 168 has a plate shape. The fin portion 168 is substantially orthogonal to the base portion 166. The fin portion 168 changes the direction in which the snow is scattered by guiding the snow scattered by the working member 106. If the orientation of the direction changing member 160 changes, the orientation of the fin portion 168 changes. When the fin portion 168 is disposed along a plane including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, the fin portion 168 scatters the snow upward. Further, when the fin portion 168 is inclined with respect to the plane including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction such that the upper end of the fin portion 168 is located on the right side with respect to the lower end of the fin portion 168, the fin portion 168 scatters the snow in the upper right direction. Moreover, when the fin portion 168 is inclined with respect to the plane including the vertical direction and the front-rear direction such that the upper end of the fin portion 168 is located on the left side with respect to the lower end of the fin portion 168, the fin portion 168 scatters the snow in the upper left direction.

[0091] As Figure 11 shown, the engaging portion 170 is fixed to the base portion 166. The engaging portion 170 is fixed to the surface of the base portion 166 on the side opposite to the surface for fixing the fin portion 168 (see Figure 10 ). The engaging portion 170 projects from the base portion 166. The engaging portion 170 includes a cylindrical portion 174 extending from the base portion 166 and a rib portion 176 extending from the cylindrical portion 174. The rib portion 176 has a cross shape. As Figure 12 shown, the cylindrical portion 174 penetrates the first front housing 82. The rib portion 176 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The rib portion 176 is disposed in the gear housing space 178 defined by the first front housing 82 and the second front housing 84. Further, in Figure 12 , the boundary between the cylindrical portion 174 and the rib portion 176 is illustrated by a dotted line.

[0092] As Figure 10 shown, the adjusting mechanism 162 includes a plurality (five in this embodiment) of gears 180, a positioning member 182, a handle 184, and a biasing member 186. As Figure 12 shown, the plurality of gears 180, the positioning member 182, and the biasing member 186 are disposed in the gear housing space 178. The handle 184 is disposed outside the front housing 74.

[0093] The gear 180 is rotatably supported by the first front housing 82. As Figure 10As shown, adjacent gears 180 mesh with each other. The five gears 180 include a plurality (three in this embodiment) of first gears 187 and one or more (two in this embodiment) second gears 188.

[0094] The three first gears 187 have the same shape. The first gear 187 is, for example, a spur gear. The rotation centers of the three first gears 187 are arranged in a row in the left - right direction. The rotation axis of the first gear 187 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the direction - changing member 160. The three first gears 187 are separated from each other in the left - right direction. The first gear 187 is fixed to the direction - changing member 160. Hereinafter, the first gear 187 fixed to the right - hand direction - changing member 160a may be referred to as the first gear 187a, the first gear 187 fixed to the middle direction - changing member 160c may be referred to as the first gear 187b, and the first gear 187 fixed to the left - hand direction - changing member 160b may be referred to as the first gear 187c.

[0095] The two second gears 188 have the same shape. The shape of the second gear 188 is the same as the shape of the first gear 187. The second gear 188 is, for example, a spur gear. The type of the gear of the second gear 188 is the same as the type of the gear of the first gear 187. The second gear 188 is not fixed to the direction - changing member 160. The rotation centers of the two second gears 188 are arranged in a row in the left - right direction. The rotation centers of the three first gears 187 and the rotation centers of the two second gears 188 are arranged in a row in the left - right direction. The second gear 188 is disposed between two adjacent first gears 187. The second gear 188 meshes with two adjacent first gears 187. The second gear 188 transmits the rotation of one of the two adjacent first gears 187 to the other of the two adjacent first gears 187. Hereinafter, the second gear 188 disposed between the first gear 187a and the first gear 187b may be referred to as the second gear 188a, and the second gear 188 disposed between the first gear 187b and the first gear 187c may be referred to as the second gear 188b.

[0096] When the gear 180 rotates, the first gears 187a, 187b, 187c rotate in the first rotation direction, and the second gears 188a, 188b rotate in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Therefore, the three direction - changing members 160 rotate in the same rotation direction, for example, the first rotation direction. The direction in which the direction - changing member 160 rotates is the same as the direction in which the first gear 187 rotates. In addition, the rotational speeds of the first gears 187a, 187b, 187c are the same. Therefore, when the gear 180 rotates, the orientations of the three direction - changing members 160 are the same. Thus, it is possible to easily change the direction in which the snow scattered by the working member 106 (refer to Figure 5 ) scatters.

[0097] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. 1, the gear 180 includes a gear portion 190 and a gear engaging portion 192. The gear portion 190 has a plurality of teeth. The gear engaging portion 192 is fixed to the gear portion 190. The gear engaging portion 192 projects rearward from the gear portion 190. The outer shape of the gear engaging portion 192 has a substantially cross shape. As shown Figure 13 in FIG. 2, the gear engaging portion 192 has a gear engaging hole 194. The gear engaging hole 194 penetrates the gear engaging portion 192 in the front-rear direction. The gear engaging hole 194 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the engaging portion 170 of the direction changing member 160. Therefore, the gear engaging hole 194 has a shape of a hole formed by connecting a cylindrical hole and a cross-shaped hole. As shown Figure 14 in FIG. 3, the engaging portion 170 is inserted into the gear engaging hole 194. The engaging portion 170 engages with the gear engaging portion 192 within the gear engaging hole 194. Therefore, the direction changing member 160 rotates integrally with the gear 180. The gear engaging portion 192 is fixed to the engaging portion 170 by a threaded member 196 in a state of engaging with the engaging portion 170.

[0098] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. 4, the positioning member 182 is supported by the first gear 187b. The positioning member 182 includes a first positioning engaging portion 198, a flange portion 200, a second positioning engaging portion 202, and a positioning portion 204.

[0099] The first positioning engaging portion 198 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown Figure 13 in FIG. 5, the first positioning engaging portion 198 has a positioning engaging hole 208. The positioning engaging hole 208 penetrates the first positioning engaging portion 198 in the front-rear direction. The positioning engaging hole 208 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the gear engaging portion 192 of the first gear 187b. Therefore, the positioning engaging hole 208 has a substantially cross shape. As shown Figure 14 in FIG. 6, the gear engaging portion 192 is inserted into the positioning engaging hole 208. The gear engaging portion 192 engages with the first positioning engaging portion 198 within the positioning engaging hole 208. Therefore, the positioning member 182 rotates integrally with the first gear 187b about the positioning rotation axis AX7.

[0100] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. 7, the flange portion 200 is fixed to the rear end of the first positioning engaging portion 198. The flange portion 200 projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first positioning engaging portion 198. The flange portion 200 extends around the outer peripheral surface of the first positioning engaging portion 198 for one week. As shown Figure 12As shown, the force - applying member 186 is clamped between the flange portion 200 and the inner surface of the second front housing 84. The flange portion 200 is force - applied forward toward the first gear 187b by the force - applying member 186. Thus, the positioning member 182 is force - applied toward the first gear 187b. In addition, the positioning member 182 can slide in the front - rear direction relative to the first gear 187b.

[0101] As Figure 11 shown, the second positioning engaging portion 202 is fixed to the rear end of the flange portion 200. The second positioning engaging portion 202 includes a cylindrical portion 212 extending from the flange portion 200 and a rib portion 214 extending from the cylindrical portion 212. As Figure 12 shown, the rib portion 214 engages with the handle 184. The second positioning engaging portion 202 is fixed to the handle 184 by a threaded member 216. Therefore, the positioning member 182 moves integrally with the handle 184.

[0102] As Figure 11 shown, the positioning portion 204 includes a positioning base 220 and a positioning protrusion 222. The positioning base 220 extends upward from the outer peripheral surface of the first positioning engaging portion 198. The positioning protrusion 222 protrudes forward from the upper part of the front surface of the positioning base 220.

[0103] As Figure 12 shown, the handle 184 is supported by the second front housing 84. The handle 184 can slide in the front - rear direction and can rotate about a handle rotation axis AX8. The handle rotation axis AX8 extends in the front - rear direction. The direction in which the handle rotation axis AX8 extends is the same as the sliding direction in which the handle 184 slides. The handle rotation axis AX8 is coaxial with the positioning rotation axis AX7. The handle 184 is operated by the user. The user pulls the handle 184 backward toward the user while standing at the rear side of the front unit 64. Thus, the user can easily operate the handle 184. When the handle 184 is pulled, the positioning member 182 slides backward relative to the first gear 187b in a manner away from the first gear 187b. In addition, the handle 184 rotates integrally with the positioning member 182.

[0104] As Figure 15 shown, the adjustment mechanism 162 further includes a positioning rib 230. The positioning rib 230 is disposed in the gear accommodation space 178. The positioning rib 230 protrudes backward from the inner surface of the first front housing 82. The positioning rib 230 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) U - shaped ribs 232 and connecting ribs 234 connecting adjacent U - shaped ribs 232.

[0105] The three U - shaped ribs 232 respectively define positioning grooves 236. The three positioning grooves 236 are arranged separately from each other. The positioning grooves 236 can accommodate the positioning protrusions 222. The positioning rib 230 can engage with the positioning protrusions 222 within the positioning grooves 236. InFigure 15 In [the figure], the positioning protrusion 222 is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0106] As Figure 12 shown, when the handle 184 is not operated, the positioning member 182 presses against the first gear 187b due to the acting force of the biasing member 186. In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 is received in the positioning groove 236. Hereinafter, the state of the positioning protrusion 222 at this time may sometimes be referred to as the received state. In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 engages with the positioning rib 230. Thereby, the positioning member 182 cannot rotate about the positioning rotation axis AX7. Further, in this state, the first positioning engagement portion 198 engages with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b.

[0107] As Figure 16 shown, if the handle 184 (refer to Figure 12 ) is pulled rearward by a predetermined distance toward the user, the positioning member 182 slides rearward relative to the first gear 187b so as to be away from the first gear 187b, and the positioning protrusion 222 disengages from the positioning groove 236. Thereby, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the received state to a non-received state where it is not received in the positioning groove 236. In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 does not engage with the positioning rib 230. In the present embodiment, the length L1 in the front-rear direction of the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b and the length L2 in the front-rear direction of the first positioning engagement portion 198 are each longer than the length L3 in the front-rear direction of the positioning groove 236. Therefore, even if the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the received state to the non-received state, the first positioning engagement portion 198 still engages with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b. Thereby, the positioning member 182 can rotate integrally with the first gear 187b about the positioning rotation axis AX7. The length L1 and the length L2 are substantially the same. Further, as Figure 12 shown, when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the received state, the entire area in the front-rear direction of the first positioning engagement portion 198 engages with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b. Therefore, the length in the front-rear direction of the area where the first positioning engagement portion 198 overlaps with the gear engagement portion 192 is longer than the length L3 of the positioning groove 236 (refer to Figure 16 ).

[0108] When changing the orientation of the direction-changing member 160, as Figure 16 shown, first, the user pulls the handle 184 rearward toward the user. By the rearward sliding of the positioning member 182, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the received state to the non-received state. Next, while the handle 184 is being pulled toward the user, the user rotates the handle 184 about the handle rotation axis AX8 (refer to Figure 12)Rotate in the desired direction. As the positioning member 182 rotates, the first gear 187b rotates, whereby the five gears 180 rotate. Thereby, the orientations of the three direction-changing members 160 are changed simultaneously. Finally, the user releases the handle 184. The positioning member 182 slides forward away from the user together with the handle 184 due to the acting force of the biasing member 186. Thereby, the positioning protrusion 222 is switched from the non-stored state to the stored state. Therefore, the positioning protrusion 222 engages with the positioning rib 230. As a result, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 is fixed. In the present embodiment, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 can be changed in three stages. In a modified example, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 can also be changed in two stages or can be changed in four or more stages.

[0109] (Effect)

[0110] The working machine 2 of the present embodiment is a snow remover. The working machine 2 includes: a working unit 78 that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction-changing members 160 that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism 162. The adjustment mechanism 162 includes a plurality of gears 180 that mesh with each other and change the orientations of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 by rotation.

[0111] According to the above structure, the plurality of direction-changing members 160 and the plurality of gears 180 are assembled by meshing the plurality of gears 180 with each other. Thereby, good assemblability can be achieved.

[0112] The fitting 6 of the present embodiment is used in a snow remover. The fitting 6 includes: a working unit 78 that scatters the snow on the ground; a plurality of direction-changing members 160 that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; and an adjustment mechanism 162. The adjustment mechanism 162 includes a plurality of gears 180 that can rotate and adjust the orientations of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 by rotation.

[0113] According to the above structure, the same effect as that of the above working machine 2 can be achieved.

[0114] In addition, the adjustment mechanism 162 further includes a handle 184 that is operated by the user to rotate the plurality of gears 180.

[0115] According to the above structure, the orientations of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 can be changed by a simple operation of operating the handle 184.

[0116] In addition, the adjustment mechanism 162 includes: a positioning groove 236; and a positioning protrusion 222 that switches between a stored state in which it is received in the positioning groove 236 and a non-stored state in which it is not received in the positioning groove 236 by the operation of the handle 184. The plurality of gears 180 can rotate respectively when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the non-stored state, and cannot rotate when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the stored state.

[0117] According to the above structure, by switching the positioning protrusion 222 between the stored state and the non-stored state, it is possible to easily switch between the state where the gear 180 can rotate and the state where the gear 180 cannot rotate.

[0118] In addition, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the stored state to the non-stored state when it moves backward (an example of the first direction) by the operation of the handle 184. At least one of the plurality of gears 180 has a gear engagement portion 192. The adjustment mechanism 162 further includes a first positioning engagement portion 198 (an example of an engaged portion) that can slide backward relative to the gear engagement portion 192 integrally with the positioning protrusion 222 and engages with the gear engagement portion 192 when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the stored state and the non-stored state.

[0119] According to the above structure, even if the positioning protrusion 222 is moved backward to switch from the stored state to the non-stored state, it is possible to suppress the release of the engagement between the gear engagement portion 192 and the first positioning engagement portion 198.

[0120] In addition, each of the plurality of direction changing members 160 has an engagement portion 170 that engages with the gear engagement portion 192.

[0121] According to the above structure, there is no need to provide other structures that engage with the engagement portion 170 on the gear 180. Thus, it is possible to prevent the structure of the gear 180 from becoming complicated.

[0122] In addition, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the stored state to the non-stored state when the handle 184 is pulled toward the user.

[0123] According to the above structure, when switching the positioning protrusion 222 from the stored state to the non-stored state, compared with the structure in which the handle 184 is pressed away from the user, it is possible to improve the operability of the user with respect to the handle 184.

[0124] In addition, the plurality of gears 180 include a plurality of first gears 187, and the plurality of first gears 187 are respectively fixed to the plurality of direction changing members 160. The shapes of the plurality of first gears 187 are the same.

[0125] According to the above structure, it is possible to simplify the structure of the adjustment mechanism 162.

[0126] In addition, multiple gears 180 include second gears 188 that mesh with two adjacent first gears 187. The shape of the second gears 188 is the same as the shape of the multiple first gears 187.

[0127] According to the above structure, the structure of the adjustment mechanism 162 can be further simplified.

[0128] In addition, the rotation centers of the multiple first gears 187 are arranged in a line.

[0129] According to the above structure, the assemblability of the multiple first gears 187 can be made good.

[0130] (Modification example)

[0131] The working machine 2 of one embodiment is not limited to a snow remover. For example, it may also be a power brush, a power sweeper, a tiller, or a dethatcher.

[0132] In one embodiment, the orientation of the direction changing member 160 may also be changed by an actuator (not shown).

[0133] In one embodiment, the handle 184 may also rotate about the handle rotation axis AX8 in a state where it is pushed forward. When the handle 184 is pushed forward, the positioning protrusion 222 is in a non-accommodated state. By rotating the positioning member 182 about the positioning rotation axis AX7, the multiple gears 180 rotate.

[0134] In one embodiment, the shape of the first gear 187 may also be different from the shape of the second gear 188.

[0135] In one embodiment, the rotation center of the second gear 188 may not be arranged on the line connecting the rotation centers of the multiple first gears 187.

[0136] The working machine 2 of one embodiment may also include an engine (not shown) instead of the motor 26.

[0137] The transmission shaft 90 of one embodiment may also be a flexible shaft. In this structure, the transmission shaft 90 can rotate in a flexed state. The transmission shaft 90 may also be bent 90 degrees, for example.

[0138] The working shaft 104 of one embodiment may also be inclined with respect to the transmission shaft 90.

[0139] In one embodiment, the working shaft 104 and the working member 106 may also be integrally formed parts.

Claims

1. A snow remover, wherein, The snow remover includes: An operation unit that scatters the snow on the ground; A plurality of direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; And An adjustment mechanism, The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members by rotation.

2. The snow remover according to claim 1, wherein The adjustment mechanism further includes a handle that is operated by a user to rotate the plurality of gears.

3. The snow remover according to claim 2, wherein The adjustment mechanism includes: A positioning groove; and A positioning protrusion that switches between a received state in which it is received in the positioning groove and a non-received state in which it is not received in the positioning groove by the operation of the handle, Each of the plurality of gears can rotate when the positioning protrusion is in the non-received state and cannot rotate when the positioning protrusion is in the received state.

4. The snow remover according to claim 3, wherein The positioning protrusion switches from the received state to the non-received state when it moves in the first direction by the operation of the handle, At least one of the plurality of gears has a gear engagement portion, The adjustment mechanism further includes an engaged portion that can slide in the first direction relative to the gear engagement portion integrally with the positioning protrusion and engages with the gear engagement portion when the positioning protrusion is in the received state and the non-received state.

5. The snow remover according to claim 4, wherein Each of the plurality of direction-changing members has an engagement portion that engages with the gear engagement portion.

6. The snow remover according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The positioning protrusion switches from the received state to the non-received state when the handle is pulled toward the user.

7. The snow remover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The plurality of gears include a plurality of first gears, and the plurality of first gears are respectively fixed to the plurality of direction-changing members, The shapes of the plurality of first gears are the same.

8. The snow remover according to claim 7, wherein The plurality of gears include a second gear that meshes with two adjacent first gears, The shape of the second gear is the same as the shape of the plurality of first gears.

9. The snow remover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The rotation centers of the plurality of first gears are arranged in a line.

10. An accessory, which is an accessory used in a snow removal machine, wherein, The accessory includes: An operation unit that scatters the snow on the ground; A plurality of direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is scattered; And An adjustment mechanism, The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that can rotate and adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members by rotation.

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