Work machine

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing breakage of a first transmission unit.SOLUTION: A work machine includes: a motor; a first transmission unit operating by operation of the motor; a housing that houses the first transmission unit; a work member which is at least partially arranged outside the housing and operates by operation of the first transmission unit; and a first elastic member which is fitted to the first transmission unit and is elastically deformable. The first transmission unit is provided with: a first rod moved by operation of the motor; a spindle moving between a first position and a second position by operation of the first rod; and a second rod which is fitted to the first rod to be movable relative to the first rod via the spindle and operates the work member. The first elastic member contacts the housing when the spindle is located at a first position and contacts the housing when the spindle is located at a second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a working machine. The working machine includes a prime mover, a first transmission unit that moves due to the operation of the prime mover, a housing that accommodates the first transmission unit, and a working member that is at least partially disposed outside the housing and moves due to the operation of the first transmission unit. The first transmission unit includes a first rod that moves due to the operation of the prime mover, a spindle that moves between a first position and a second position due to the operation of the first rod, and a second rod that is attached to the first rod so as to be movable relative to the first rod via the spindle and operates the working member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0098644 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned working machine, when the spindle reaches the first position and moves toward the second position, the direction of the force applied to the second rod changes suddenly. Also, when the spindle moves to the second position and when the spindle reaches the second position and moves toward the first position, the direction of the force applied to the second rod changes suddenly. This causes a load to be applied to the second rod, causing damage to the first transmission unit. This specification provides a technology that can suppress damage to the first transmission unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a working machine. The working machine includes a prime mover, a first transmission unit that moves due to the operation of the prime mover, a housing that accommodates the first transmission unit, a working member that is at least partially disposed outside the housing and moves due to the operation of the first transmission unit, and a first elastic member that is attached to the first transmission unit and is elastically deformable. The first transmission unit includes a first rod that moves due to the operation of the prime mover, a spindle that moves between a first position and a second position due to the operation of the first rod, and a second rod that is attached to the first rod so as to move relative to the first rod via the spindle and operates the working member. The first elastic member abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the first position, and abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the second position.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the first elastic member abuts against the housing at the first position, a reaction force of the first elastic member is applied to the first transmission unit. Therefore, when the spindle reaches the first position and moves toward the second position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod is suppressed by the reaction force of the first elastic member. Also, when the first elastic member abuts against the housing at the second position, a reaction force of the first elastic member is applied to the first transmission unit. Therefore, when the spindle reaches the second position and moves toward the first position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod is suppressed by the reaction force of the first elastic member. Therefore, the load applied to the second rod is reduced, and damage to the first transmission unit can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a working machine 2 of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a rear end unit 8 in the working machine 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a front end unit 10 in a working machine 2 of a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a front end unit 10 in a work machine 2 of a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the working machine 2 of the first embodiment with the front-end right housing 42 removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a transmission mechanism 90, a blade 86, and a counterweight 88 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a transmission mechanism 90, a blade 86, and a counterweight 88 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the working machine 2 of the first embodiment with the left cover 46 removed. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the front end unit 10 of the first embodiment taken along line XX in FIG. 8, and is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a first connecting spindle 102. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the front end unit 10 of the first embodiment taken along line XX in FIG. 8, and is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a second connecting spindle 162. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of the working machine 2 of the first embodiment with the left cover 46 removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of the working machine 2 of the first embodiment with the front-end right housing 42 removed. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the front end unit 10 of the first embodiment taken along line YY in FIG. 12, and is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a first connecting spindle 102. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the front end unit 10 of the first embodiment taken along line YY in FIG. 12, and is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a second connecting spindle 162. FIG. [Figure 15] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a first output shaft 82, a second output shaft 84, a second rod 104, and a fourth rod 164 of the second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Representative and non-limiting examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing the preferred examples of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or together with other features and inventions to provide further improved work machines, methods of making and using the same.

[0009] In addition, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for implementing the present invention in the broadest sense, but are specifically described only to illustrate representative embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following representative embodiments and the various features described in the claims do not have to be combined in the exact manner of the embodiments described herein or in the order listed in order to provide additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] All features described in the specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims, apart from the configuration of features described in the examples and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregate descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first resilient member may be attached to the spindle and may be sandwiched and compressed between the spindle and the housing when the spindle is in the first position, and may be sandwiched and compressed between the spindle and the housing when the spindle is in the second position.

[0012] According to the above configuration, since the first elastic member is attached to the spindle, it is possible to further suppress abrupt changes in the force applied to the spindle, thereby reducing the load applied to the second rod and further suppressing damage to the first transmission unit.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the work machine may further include a second elastic member attached to the spindle and elastically deformable. The second elastic member may be sandwiched between the spindle and the housing and compressed when the spindle is located at the first position, and may be sandwiched between the spindle and the housing and compressed when the spindle is located at the second position. The first rod and the second rod may be sandwiched between the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the first elastic member and the second elastic member come into contact with the housing, the inclination of the spindle can be reduced, thereby reducing the load applied to the second rod and preventing damage to the first transmission unit.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the second rod may be pivoted about the pivot axis. The working member may be pivoted about the pivot axis by the pivoting of the second rod.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the spindle reciprocates between the first position and the second position due to the swing of the working member. Therefore, a load is likely to be applied to the second rod. According to the above configuration, in a working machine in which a load is likely to be applied to the second rod, the reaction force of the first elastic member reduces the load applied to the second rod, thereby preventing damage to the first transmission unit.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the work machine may further include a second transmission unit accommodated in the housing and moved by the operation of the prime mover, a counterweight moved by the operation of the second transmission unit, and a third elastic member attached to the second transmission unit and elastically deformable. The second transmission unit may further include a third rod moved by the operation of the prime mover, a spindle that moves between a third position and a fourth position by the operation of the third rod, and a fourth rod attached to the third rod so as to move relative to the third rod via the spindle and to operate the counterweight. The third elastic member may abut against the housing when the spindle is located at the third position, and may abut against the housing when the spindle is located at the fourth position.

[0018] According to the above configuration, when the third elastic member abuts against the housing at the third position, a reaction force of the third elastic member is applied to the second transmission unit. Therefore, when the spindle reaches the third position and moves toward the fourth position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod is suppressed by the reaction force of the third elastic member. Also, when the third elastic member abuts against the housing at the fourth position, a reaction force of the third elastic member is applied to the second transmission unit. Therefore, when the spindle reaches the fourth position and moves toward the third position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod is suppressed by the reaction force of the third elastic member. Therefore, the load applied to the fourth rod is reduced, and damage to the second transmission unit can be suppressed.

[0019] (First embodiment) As shown in Fig. 1, the work machine 2 is a pole-type work machine. The work machine 2 is a grass digger that digs up soil on the ground and removes grass. The work machine 2 includes a pole 4, a loop handle 6, a rear end unit 8, and a front end unit 10. A user handles the work machine 2 by holding the loop handle 6 with one hand and the rear end unit 8 with the other hand.

[0020] The pole 4 has a long and thin rod shape. The pole 4 includes a first pole 12 and a second pole 14. The first pole 12 is detachably attached to the second pole 14. The loop handle 6 is fixed to the first pole 12. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pole 4 extends is referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is referred to as the up-down direction.

[0021] The rear end unit 8 is fixed near the rear end of the pole 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the rear end unit 8 includes a rear end housing 16, a motor housing 18, a motor 20, a trigger 22, a shark fin 24, and a battery pack BP.

[0022] The rear end housing 16 includes a rear end right housing 28 that defines the outer shape of the right half of the rear end housing 16, and a rear end left housing 30 that defines the outer shape of the left half of the rear end housing 16. The rear end housing 16 includes a motor accommodating portion 32, a grip portion 34, and a switch accommodating portion 36.

[0023] A battery pack BP is detachably attached to the rear surface of the motor housing 32. The battery pack BP includes a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion battery. The grip 34 is gripped by a user when the work machine 2 is used for work.

[0024] The motor housing 18 and the motor 20 are disposed inside the motor accommodating portion 32. The motor 20 is disposed inside the motor housing 18. In FIG. 2, the motor 20 is illustrated by a dashed line. The motor 20 is an example of a prime mover. The motor 20 is, for example, a brushless motor. When the motor 20 rotates, the transmission shaft 38 rotates about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. In FIG. 2, the transmission shaft 38 is illustrated by a dashed line. The transmission shaft 38 is rotatably supported by the pole 4 inside the pole 4.

[0025] The trigger 22 is attached to the lower part of the switch housing part 36 so as to be able to be pressed into it. The shark fin 24 is attached to the upper part of the grip part 34 so as to be able to be pressed into it. When the shark fin 24 is pressed into it, the trigger 22 becomes pressable. When the shark fin 24 is pressed into it by the palm of a user holding the grip part 34 and the trigger 22 is pressed into it by the fingers of the user holding the grip part 34, the motor 20 rotates.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the front end unit 10 is fixed to the front end of the pole 4. The front end unit 10 is an example of a blade unit. The front end unit 10 includes a front end housing 40. The front end housing 40 includes a front end right housing 42, a front end left housing 44, and a left cover 46. The front end right housing 42 defines the outer shape of the right portion of the front end housing 40. The front end left housing 44 and the left cover 46 define the outer shape of the left portion of the front end housing 40.

[0027] The front-end left housing 44 includes a main portion 48 and a sub portion 50. The main portion 48 is fixed to the front-end right housing 42. The pole 4 is sandwiched between the main portion 48 and the front-end right housing 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the main portion 48 and the front-end right housing 42 define a right housing space 52. The main portion 48 includes a partition wall 54, and the sub portion 50 protrudes leftward from the partition wall 54. The sub portion 50 is fixed to the left cover 46. The sub portion 50, the left cover 46, and the partition wall 54 define a rod housing space 56. The partition wall 54 divides the internal space of the front-end housing 40 into the right housing space 52 and the rod housing space 56.

[0028] The front-end housing 40 further includes a warm cover 58. The warm cover 58 is fixed to the partition 54 from the right side of the partition 54. The warm cover 58 covers a portion of the partition 54. The warm cover 58 divides the right accommodating space 52 into a warm accommodating space 60 and a weight accommodating space 62. The warm accommodating space 60 is defined by the partition 54 and the inner surface of the warm cover 58. The weight accommodating space 62 is defined by the front-end right housing 42, the main portion 48, and the outer surface of the warm cover 58.

[0029] The front end unit 10 further includes a worm 64, a worm wheel 66, and a rotating shaft 68. The worm 64 and the worm wheel 66 are disposed in the worm accommodating space 60. As shown in FIG. 5, the worm 64 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the front end of the transmission shaft 38. The transmission shaft 38 is rotatably supported by the front end housing 40 through bearings 69a and 69b, and the worm 64 is disposed between the bearings 69a and 69b. The worm wheel 66 meshes with the worm 64. When the worm 64 rotates together with the transmission shaft 38 about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, the worm wheel 66 rotates about a rotation axis AX1 extending in the left-right direction. The rotation speed of the worm wheel 66 is smaller than the rotation speed of the worm 64. Therefore, the worm 64 and the worm wheel 66 function as a reduction mechanism.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , the rotating shaft 68 is inserted into the worm wheel 66. The rotating shaft 68 is disposed inside the front end housing 40. The rotating shaft 68 is rotatably supported by the front end right housing 42 via a bearing 70. The rotating shaft 68 is also rotatably supported by the partition wall 54 via a bearing 72. The rotating shaft 68 rotates together with the worm wheel 66 about the rotation axis AX1. The rotating shaft 68 is inserted into the opening of the worm cover 58 and the opening of the partition wall 54. The vicinity of the left end of the rotating shaft 68 is disposed in the rod accommodating space 56.

[0031] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front end unit 10 includes a disk 76, a first transmission unit 78, a second transmission unit 80, a first output shaft 82, a second output shaft 84, a blade 86, and a counterweight 88. As shown in Figure 8, the disk 76 (see Figure 4), the first transmission unit 78, and the second transmission unit 80 are disposed in the rod accommodating space 56. Hereinafter, the rotating shaft 68, the disk 76, the first transmission unit 78, and the second transmission unit 80 may be collectively referred to as a transmission mechanism 90. In addition, the rotating shaft 68 and the disk 76 may be collectively referred to as a rotating member 91.

[0032] 6 and 7, the disk 76 has a shaft insertion hole 92 penetrating the disk 76 in the left-right direction. The left end of the rotating shaft 68 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 92. The disk 76 is sandwiched between a pair of fixing plates 93a, 93b. As a result, the disk 76 is fixed to the left end of the rotating shaft 68. The disk 76 rotates together with the rotating shaft 68 about the rotation axis AX1.

[0033] The disk 76 includes a center plate portion 94, a right disk portion 96, and a left disk portion 98. The center plate portion 94 has a disk shape. The right disk portion 96 is disposed on the right surface of the center plate portion 94. The left disk portion 98 is disposed on the left surface of the center plate portion 94. When the disk 76 is viewed along the rotation axis AX1, the left disk portion 98 at least partially overlaps with the right disk portion 96. The outer peripheral surface of the right disk portion 96 and the outer peripheral surface of the left disk portion 98 have a circular shape. The central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the right disk portion 96 and the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the left disk portion 98 are offset from the central axis of the shaft insertion hole 92, i.e., the rotation axis AX1. Around the central axis of the shaft insertion hole 92, the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the right disk portion 96 is disposed at a position of 0 degrees, and the central axis of the outer peripheral surface of the left disk portion 98 is disposed at a position of 180 degrees. When the central plate portion 94 rotates, the right disc portion 96 and the left disc portion 98 rotate about the rotation axis AX1. The phase of the rotation period of the right disc portion 96 is out of phase with the phase of the rotation period of the left disc portion 98 by 180 degrees.

[0034] The first transmission unit 78 is attached to the right disc portion 96. The first transmission unit 78 is attached to the blade 86 via the first output shaft 82. The first transmission unit 78 includes a first rod 100, a first connecting spindle 102, a second rod 104, a first elastic member 106, and a second elastic member 108.

[0035] The first rod 100 includes a first mounting portion 112 and a first arm portion 114. The first mounting portion 112 has a first disk insertion hole 116 penetrating the first mounting portion 112 in the left-right direction. The right disk portion 96 is inserted into the first disk insertion hole 116 via a bearing. The first mounting portion 112 is disposed between the center plate portion 94 and the fixed plate 93a. The first arm portion 114 protrudes from the first mounting portion 112.

[0036] The first connecting spindle 102 is inserted into the tip of the first arm portion 114. The first connecting spindle 102 is inserted into one end of the second rod 104.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, the first connection spindle 102 includes a first spindle portion 120 and a first flange portion 122. The first spindle portion 120 extends in the left-right direction. The first spindle portion 120 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The first spindle portion 120 is inserted into the tip of the first arm portion 114 and one end of the second rod 104. The first transmission unit 78 includes a first intermediate washer 124 and a first left washer 126. The first spindle portion 120 is inserted into an opening of the first intermediate washer 124 and an opening of the first left washer 126. The first intermediate washer 124 is disposed between the first arm portion 114 and the second rod 104. The first left washer 126 is disposed on the left side of the second rod 104. The first left washer 126 is disposed on the left cover 46 side of the second rod 104.

[0038] The first flange portion 122 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the first spindle portion 120 toward the radially outer side of the first spindle portion 120. The first flange portion 122 extends around the outer circumferential surface of the first spindle portion 120. The first flange portion 122 has a generally circular plate shape. The first flange portion 122 is disposed to the right of the first arm portion 114. The first flange portion 122 is disposed closer to the partition wall 54 than the first arm portion 114.

[0039] 6 and 7, one end of the second rod 104 is attached to the first arm portion 114 via the first connection spindle 102. The second rod 104 is attached to the first arm portion 114 so as to be movable (rotatable) relative to the first rod 100.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 9, the first elastic member 106 is attached to the right end of the first spindle portion 120. The first elastic member 106 has a substantially ring shape. The first spindle portion 120 is inserted into an opening of the first elastic member 106. The first elastic member 106 is made of an elastic material, for example, rubber. The first elastic member 106 is disposed on the right side of the first flange portion 122. The first elastic member 106 is disposed closer to the partition wall 54 than the first flange portion 122.

[0041] The front-end left housing 44 includes a first protruding wall 130 and a second protruding wall 132. The first protruding wall 130 and the second protruding wall 132 protrude leftward from the partition wall 54 toward the left cover 46. The first protruding wall 130 and the second protruding wall 132 are spaced apart. A first side surface 134 of the first protruding wall 130 faces a second side surface 136 of the second protruding wall 132. The first elastic member 106 is disposed between the first protruding wall 130 and the second protruding wall 132.

[0042] The second elastic member 108 is attached to the left end of the first spindle portion 120. The second elastic member 108 has a substantially ring shape. The first spindle portion 120 is inserted into the opening of the second elastic member 108. The second elastic member 108 is made of an elastic material, for example, rubber. The second elastic member 108 is disposed on the left side of the first left washer 126. The second elastic member 108 is disposed closer to the left cover 46 than the first left washer 126. When the first transmission unit 78 is viewed in the left-right direction, the second elastic member 108 at least partially overlaps with the first elastic member 106. The first flange portion 122, the first arm portion 114, the first intermediate washer 124, the second rod 104, and the first left washer 126 are sandwiched between the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108.

[0043] The left cover 46 includes a first cover protruding wall 140 and a second cover protruding wall 142. The first cover protruding wall 140 and the second cover protruding wall 142 protrude rightward from the inner surface of the left cover 46 toward the partition wall 54. The first cover protruding wall 140 and the second cover protruding wall 142 are spaced apart. When the front end unit 10 is viewed in the left-right direction, the first cover protruding wall 140 overlaps with the first protruding wall 130, and the second cover protruding wall 142 overlaps with the second protruding wall 132. The first cover side surface 144 of the first cover protruding wall 140 faces the second cover side surface 146 of the second cover protruding wall 142. The second elastic member 108 is disposed between the first cover protruding wall 140 and the second cover protruding wall 142.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first output shaft 82 is inserted into the other end of the second rod 104. The first output shaft 82 is fixed to the other end of the second rod 104. The first output shaft 82 connects the other end of the second rod 104 and the blade 86. The first output shaft 82 extends in the left-right direction. The center axis AX2 of the first output shaft 82 extends in the left-right direction. The center axis AX2 is disposed forward of the rotation axis AX1. The center axis AX2 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis AX1. The first output shaft 82 is rotatably supported by the front end housing 40 (see FIG. 3). Both ends of the first output shaft 82 are disposed outside the front end housing 40.

[0045] The blade 86 is fixed to both ends of the first output shaft 82. The blade 86 moves integrally with the first output shaft 82. The blade 86 is an example of a working member. The blade 86 is made of, for example, a metal material. The blade 86 includes a blade portion 150, a right mounting portion 152, and a left mounting portion 154.

[0046] The blade portion 150 has a generally flat plate shape extending in the left-right and front-rear directions. A plurality of cutting edges 150a are formed at each of the front and rear ends of the blade portion 150. The plurality of cutting edges 150a are arranged side by side in the left-right direction at each of the front and rear ends of the blade portion 150.

[0047] One end of the right mounting portion 152 is connected to the right end of the blade portion 150. The right mounting portion 152 extends upward from the right end of the blade portion 150, then bends and extends leftward, and then bends again and extends upward. The other end of the right mounting portion 152 is fixed to the right end of the first output shaft 82.

[0048] One end of the left mounting portion 154 is connected to the left end of the blade portion 150. The left mounting portion 154 extends upward from the left end of the blade portion 150, then bends and extends rightward, and then bends again and extends upward. The other end of the left mounting portion 154 is fixed to the left end of the first output shaft 82.

[0049] 3, the blade 86 is disposed outside the front end housing 40. In a modified example, a portion of the blade 86 may be disposed outside the front end housing 40. The blade 86 is supported by the front end housing 40 via the first output shaft 82.

[0050] 6 and 7, the second transmission unit 80 is attached to the left disc portion 98. The second transmission unit 80 is attached to a counterweight 88 via a second output shaft 84. The second transmission unit 80 includes a third rod 160, a second connecting spindle 162, a fourth rod 164, a third elastic member 166, and a fourth elastic member 168.

[0051] The shape of the third rod 160 is substantially the same as the shape of the first rod 100. The third rod 160 includes a third mounting portion 170 and a third arm portion 172. The third mounting portion 170 has a third disk insertion hole 174 penetrating the third mounting portion 170 in the left-right direction. The left disk portion 98 is inserted into the third disk insertion hole 174 via a bearing. The third mounting portion 170 is disposed between the center plate portion 94 and the fixed plate 93b. The length of the third arm portion 172 is substantially the same as the length of the first arm portion 114.

[0052] The shape of the second connecting spindle 162 is substantially the same as the shape of the first connecting spindle 102. The second connecting spindle 162 is inserted into the tip of the third arm portion 172. The second connecting spindle 162 is inserted into one end of the fourth rod 164.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10, the second connection spindle 162 includes a second spindle portion 180 and a second flange portion 182. The second spindle portion 180 is inserted into the tip of the third arm portion 172 and one end of the fourth rod 164. The second transmission unit 80 includes a second intermediate washer 184 and a second left washer 186. The second spindle portion 180 is inserted into the opening of the second intermediate washer 184 and the opening of the second left washer 186. The second intermediate washer 184 is disposed between the third arm portion 172 and the fourth rod 164. The second left washer 186 is disposed on the left side of the fourth rod 164. The second left washer 186 is disposed on the left cover 46 side of the fourth rod 164.

[0054] The second flange portion 182 is disposed to the right of the third arm portion 172. The second flange portion 182 is disposed closer to the partition wall 54 than the third arm portion 172.

[0055] 6 and 7, one end of the fourth rod 164 is attached to the third arm portion 172 via the second connection spindle 162. The fourth rod 164 is attached to the third arm portion 172 so as to be movable (rotatable) relative to the third rod 160.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 10, the third elastic member 166 is attached to the right end of the second spindle portion 180. The third elastic member 166 has a substantially ring shape. The second spindle portion 180 is inserted into an opening of the third elastic member 166. The third elastic member 166 is made of an elastic material, for example, rubber. The third elastic member 166 is disposed on the right side of the second flange portion 182. The third elastic member 166 is disposed closer to the partition wall 54 than the second flange portion 182.

[0057] The front-end left housing 44 includes a third protruding wall 190 and a fourth protruding wall 192. The third protruding wall 190 and the fourth protruding wall 192 protrude leftward from the partition wall 54 toward the left cover 46. The third protruding wall 190 and the fourth protruding wall 192 are spaced apart. A third side surface 194 of the third protruding wall 190 faces a fourth side surface 196 of the fourth protruding wall 192. The third elastic member 166 is disposed between the third protruding wall 190 and the fourth protruding wall 192.

[0058] The fourth elastic member 168 is attached to the left end of the second spindle portion 180. The fourth elastic member 168 has a substantially ring shape. The second spindle portion 180 is inserted into the opening of the fourth elastic member 168. The fourth elastic member 168 is made of an elastic material, for example, rubber. The fourth elastic member 168 is disposed on the left side of the second left washer 186. The fourth elastic member 168 is disposed closer to the left cover 46 than the second left washer 186. When the second transmission unit 80 is viewed in the left-right direction, the fourth elastic member 168 at least partially overlaps with the third elastic member 166. The second flange portion 182, the third arm portion 172, the second intermediate washer 184, the fourth rod 164, and the second left washer 186 are sandwiched between the third elastic member 166 and the fourth elastic member 168.

[0059] The left cover 46 includes a third cover protruding wall 200 and a fourth cover protruding wall 202. The third cover protruding wall 200 and the fourth cover protruding wall 202 protrude rightward from the inner surface of the left cover 46 toward the partition wall 54. The third cover protruding wall 200 and the fourth cover protruding wall 202 are spaced apart. When the front end unit 10 is viewed in the left-right direction, the third cover protruding wall 200 overlaps with the third protruding wall 190, and the fourth cover protruding wall 202 overlaps with the fourth protruding wall 192. The third cover side surface 204 of the third cover protruding wall 200 faces the fourth cover side surface 206 of the fourth cover protruding wall 202. The fourth elastic member 168 is disposed between the third cover protruding wall 200 and the fourth cover protruding wall 202.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the second output shaft 84 is inserted into the other end of the fourth rod 164. The second output shaft 84 is fixed to the other end of the fourth rod 164. The second output shaft 84 connects the other end of the fourth rod 164 and the counterweight 88. The second output shaft 84 extends in the left-right direction. The center axis AX3 of the second output shaft 84 extends in the left-right direction. The center axis AX3 is disposed forward of the rotation axis AX1 and the center axis AX2. The center axis AX3 is substantially parallel to each of the rotation axis AX1 and the center axis AX2. The distance between the rotation axis AX1 and the center axis AX3 is substantially the same as the distance between the rotation axis AX1 and the center axis AX2. As shown in FIG. 5, the second output shaft 84 is rotatably supported by the front end housing 40. The second output shaft 84 is disposed inside the front end housing 40.

[0061] The counterweight 88 is fixed to the second output shaft 84. The counterweight 88 is made of, for example, a metal material. The counterweight 88 has a substantially T-shape. The weight of the counterweight 88 is greater than the weight of the blade 86. The counterweight 88 includes a first extension portion 212 extending from the second output shaft 84 and a second extension portion 214 extending leftward and rightward from the tip of the first extension portion 212. The distance between the central axis AX3 and the second extension portion 214 is shorter than the distance between the central axis AX2 and the blade portion 150 of the blade 86.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, when the rotating shaft 68 rotates around the rotation axis AX1, the disk 76 rotates around the rotation axis AX1. As a result, the right disk portion 96 (see FIG. 7) and the left disk portion 98 (see FIG. 7) rotate around the rotation axis AX1. As the right disk portion 96 rotates, the first arm portion 114 moves, and the first connecting spindle 102 reciprocates between the first position (see FIG. 8) and the second position (see FIG. 11). As a result, the second rod 104 swings around the center axis AX2, and the first output shaft 82 rotates around the center axis AX2. When the first connecting spindle 102 moves from the first position to the second position, the first output shaft 82 moves in the first direction D1 (see FIG. 8) around the center axis AX2, and when the first connecting spindle 102 moves from the second position to the first position, the first output shaft 82 moves in the second direction D2 (see FIG. 11) around the center axis AX2. The first direction D1 is opposite to the second direction D2. As a result, the blade 86 swings around the central axis AX2. The central axis AX2 corresponds to the swing axis of the blade 86. When the blade portion 150 comes into contact with the ground while the blade 86 is swinging, the blade portion 150 digs up the soil on the ground. As a result, grass growing on the ground is removed from the ground.

[0063] In addition, with the rotation of the left disk portion 98, the third arm portion 172 moves, and the second connecting spindle 162 reciprocates between the third position (see FIG. 8) and the fourth position (see FIG. 11). As a result, the fourth rod 164 swings about the central axis AX3, and the second output shaft 84 rotates about the central axis AX3. The rotation speed of the second output shaft 84 is substantially the same as the rotation speed of the first output shaft 82. When the second connecting spindle 162 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the second output shaft 84 moves in the third direction D3 (see FIG. 8) about the central axis AX3, and when the second connecting spindle 162 moves from the fourth position to the third position, the second output shaft 84 moves in the fourth direction D4 (see FIG. 11) about the central axis AX3. The fourth direction D4 is the opposite direction to the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 12, the counterweight 88 swings about the central axis AX3. The central axis AX3 corresponds to the swing axis of the counterweight 88. When the front end unit 10 is viewed from the right side, when the blade 86 swings in the clockwise direction (first direction D1), the counterweight 88 swings in the counterclockwise direction (third direction D3). When the blade 86 swings in the counterclockwise direction (second direction D2), the counterweight 88 swings in the clockwise direction (fourth direction D4). That is, when the blade 86 swings to approach the counterweight 88, the counterweight 88 swings to approach the blade 86, and when the blade 86 swings to move away from the counterweight 88, the counterweight 88 swings to move away from the blade 86. Therefore, the vibration of the front end housing 40 caused by the swing of the blade 86 is offset by the vibration of the front end housing 40 caused by the swing of the counterweight 88.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 and 13, while the blade 86 (see Figure 5) is swinging, the first connecting spindle 102 reciprocates between a first position (see Figure 9) and a second position (see Figure 13). As shown in Figure 9, when the first connecting spindle 102 moves toward the first position, a force F1 is applied from the first rod 100 to the first spindle portion 120, and a force F2 is applied from the first spindle portion 120 to the second rod 104. At this time, the first spindle portion 120 is slightly inclined in the left-right direction so that the right end of the first spindle portion 120 is located closer to the first protruding wall 130 and the first cover protruding wall 140 than the left end of the first spindle portion 120. When the first elastic member 106 starts to contact the first side surface 134 of the first protruding wall 130 and the second elastic member 108 starts to contact the first cover side surface 144 of the first cover protruding wall 140, the first elastic member 106 is sandwiched between the first spindle portion 120 and the first side surface 134, elastically deformed and compressed, and the second elastic member 108 is sandwiched between the first spindle portion 120 and the first cover side surface 144, elastically deformed and compressed. As a result, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 and the reaction force of the second elastic member 108 are applied to the first spindle portion 120, and the inclination angle of the first spindle portion 120 with respect to the left-right direction becomes smaller. When the first connection spindle 102 reaches the first position, the inclination angle of the first spindle portion 120 with respect to the left-right direction becomes approximately equal to zero.

[0065] Here, in a comparative example in which the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 are not attached to the first connecting spindle 102, the first rod 100 and the second rod 104 are not subjected to the reaction force of the elastic member. After the first connecting spindle 102 reaches the first position, when a force in the opposite direction to the force F1 is applied from the first rod 100 to the first spindle part 120, the first connecting spindle 102 moves toward the second position. At this time, a force in the opposite direction to the force F2 is applied from the first spindle part 120 to the second rod 104. Since the reaction force of the elastic member is not applied to the first rod 100 and the second rod 104, the direction of the force applied to the second rod 104 changes suddenly. As a result, a load is applied to the second rod 104, which may cause the second rod 104 to break.

[0066] On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the first connecting spindle 102 reaches the first position, when a force in the direction opposite to the force F1 is applied from the first rod 100 to the first spindle portion 120, the first connecting spindle 102 moves toward the second position. Even if a force in the direction opposite to the force F2 is applied from the first spindle portion 120 to the second rod 104, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 and the reaction force of the second elastic member 108 suppress a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod 104. Therefore, the load applied to the second rod 104 decreases, and the second rod 104 is prevented from being damaged.

[0067] 13, when the first connecting spindle 102 moves toward the second position, a force F3 is applied from the first rod 100 to the first spindle portion 120, and a force F4 is applied from the first spindle portion 120 to the second rod 104. The first elastic member 106 is sandwiched between the first spindle portion 120 and the second side surface 136, elastically deformed and compressed, and the second elastic member 108 is sandwiched between the first spindle portion 120 and the second cover side surface 146, elastically deformed and compressed. As a result, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 and the reaction force of the second elastic member 108 are applied to the first spindle portion 120. For this reason, even if a force in the opposite direction to the force F3 is applied from the first rod 100 to the first spindle portion 120 after the first connecting spindle 102 reaches the second position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod 104 is suppressed. Therefore, even if the first connecting spindle 102 reciprocates between the first position and the second position, the load applied to the second rod 104 is reduced, and damage to the second rod 104 is suppressed.

[0068] 10, when the second connection spindle 162 moves toward the third position, a force F5 is applied from the third rod 160 to the second spindle portion 180, and a force F6 is applied from the second spindle portion 180 to the fourth rod 164. The third elastic member 166 is sandwiched between the second spindle portion 180 and the third side surface 194, and is elastically deformed and compressed, and the fourth elastic member 168 is sandwiched between the second spindle portion 180 and the third cover side surface 204, and is elastically deformed and compressed. As a result, the reaction forces of the third elastic member 166 and the fourth elastic member 168 are applied to the second spindle portion 180. Therefore, even if a force in the opposite direction to force F5 is applied from the third rod 160 to the second spindle portion 180 after the second connecting spindle 162 reaches the third position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod 164 is suppressed.

[0069] 14, when the second connection spindle 162 moves toward the fourth position, a force F7 is applied from the third rod 160 to the second spindle portion 180, and a force F8 is applied from the second spindle portion 180 to the fourth rod 164. The third elastic member 166 is sandwiched between the second spindle portion 180 and the fourth side surface 196, elastically deformed and compressed, and the fourth elastic member 168 is sandwiched between the second spindle portion 180 and the fourth cover side surface 206, elastically deformed and compressed. As a result, the reaction forces of the third elastic member 166 and the fourth elastic member 168 are applied to the second spindle portion 180. For this reason, even if a force in the opposite direction to the force F7 is applied from the third rod 160 to the second spindle portion 180 after the second connecting spindle 162 reaches the fourth position, a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod 164 is suppressed. Therefore, even if the second connecting spindle 162 reciprocates between the third position and the fourth position, the load applied to the fourth rod 164 is reduced, and damage to the fourth rod 164 is suppressed.

[0070] (effect) The working machine 2 of this embodiment includes a motor 20 (an example of a prime mover), a first transmission unit 78 that moves with the operation of the motor 20, a front end housing 40 (an example of a housing) that houses the first transmission unit 78, a blade 86 (an example of a working member) that is at least partially disposed outside the front end housing 40 and moves with the operation of the first transmission unit 78, and a first elastic member 106 that is attached to the first transmission unit 78 and is elastically deformable. The first transmission unit 78 includes a first rod 100 that moves with the operation of the motor 20, a first connection spindle 102 (an example of a spindle) that moves between a first position and a second position with the operation of the first rod 100, and a second rod 104 that is attached to the first rod 100 so as to be movable relative to the first rod 100 via the first connection spindle 102 and operates the blade 86. The first elastic member 106 abuts against the front end housing 40 when the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the first position, and abuts against the front end housing 40 when the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the second position.

[0071] According to the above configuration, when the first elastic member 106 abuts against the front end housing 40 at the first position, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 is applied to the first transmission unit 78. Therefore, when the first connecting spindle 102 reaches the first position and moves toward the second position, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 suppresses a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod 104. Also, when the first elastic member 106 abuts against the front end housing 40 at the second position, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 is applied to the first transmission unit 78. Therefore, when the first connecting spindle 102 reaches the second position and moves toward the first position, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 suppresses a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the second rod 104. Therefore, the load applied to the second rod 104 is reduced, and the first transmission unit 78 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0072] In addition, the first elastic member 106 is attached to the first connecting spindle 102, and is sandwiched and compressed between the first connecting spindle 102 and the front end housing 40 when the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the first position, and is sandwiched and compressed between the first connecting spindle 102 and the front end housing 40 when the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the second position.

[0073] According to the above configuration, since the first elastic member 106 is attached to the first connecting spindle 102, it is possible to further suppress abrupt changes in the force applied to the first connecting spindle 102. This reduces the load applied to the second rod 104, and it is possible to further suppress damage to the first transmission unit 78.

[0074] The work machine 2 further includes a second elastic member 108 that is attached to the first connecting spindle 102 and is elastically deformable. When the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the first position, the second elastic member 108 is sandwiched and compressed between the first connecting spindle 102 and the front end housing 40, and when the first connecting spindle 102 is located at the second position, the second elastic member 108 is sandwiched and compressed between the first connecting spindle 102 and the front end housing 40. The first rod 100 and the second rod 104 are sandwiched between the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108.

[0075] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the inclination of the first connecting spindle 102 when the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 come into contact with the front end housing 40. This reduces the load applied to the second rod 104, making it possible to prevent the first transmission unit 78 from being damaged.

[0076] Further, the second rod 104 swings about a central axis AX2 (an example of a swing axis). The swing of the second rod 104 causes the blade 86 to swing about the central axis AX2.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the first connecting spindle 102 reciprocates between the first position and the second position due to the swinging of the blade 86. This makes it easy for a load to be applied to the second rod 104. According to the above configuration, in the working machine 2 in which a load is easily applied to the second rod 104, the reaction force of the first elastic member 106 reduces the load applied to the second rod 104, making it possible to prevent the first transmission unit 78 from being damaged.

[0078] The work machine 2 is further provided with a second transmission unit 80 that is accommodated in the front end housing 40 and moves with the operation of the motor 20, a counterweight 88 that moves with the operation of the second transmission unit 80, and a third elastic member 166 that is attached to the second transmission unit 80 and is elastically deformable. The second transmission unit 80 further includes a third rod 160 that moves with the operation of the motor 20, a second connection spindle 162 (an example of a spindle) that moves between a third position and a fourth position with the operation of the third rod 160, and a fourth rod 164 that is attached to the third rod 160 so as to be movable relative to the third rod 160 via the second connection spindle 162 and operates the counterweight 88. The third elastic member 166 abuts against the front end housing 40 when the second connection spindle 162 is located at the third position, and abuts against the front end housing 40 when the second connection spindle 162 is located at the fourth position.

[0079] According to the above configuration, when the third elastic member 166 abuts against the front end housing 40 at the third position, the reaction force of the third elastic member 166 is applied to the second transmission unit 80. Therefore, when the second connection spindle 162 reaches the third position and moves toward the fourth position, the reaction force of the third elastic member 166 suppresses a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod 164. Also, when the third elastic member 166 abuts against the front end housing 40 at the fourth position, the reaction force of the third elastic member 166 is applied to the second transmission unit 80. Therefore, when the second connection spindle 162 reaches the fourth position and moves toward the third position, the reaction force of the third elastic member 166 suppresses a sudden change in the direction of the force applied to the fourth rod 164. Therefore, the load applied to the fourth rod 164 is reduced, and the second transmission unit 80 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0080] (Second Example) In the second embodiment, only the points different from the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 15, the first output shaft 82 has a plurality of protrusions 300. The plurality of protrusions 300 are formed at the portion where the second rod 104 is inserted. The protrusions 300 protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the first output shaft 82.

[0081] The second rod 104 has a shaft insertion hole 302 and a plurality of receiving grooves 304. The shaft insertion hole 302 penetrates the second rod 104 in the left-right direction at the other end of the second rod 104. The first output shaft 82 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 302. The plurality of receiving grooves 304 are formed in the shaft insertion hole 302. The receiving grooves 304 are recessed from the shaft insertion hole 302. The receiving grooves 304 receive the protrusions 300.

[0082] When the second rod 104 swings around the central axis AX2, the multiple protrusions 300 and the multiple receiving grooves 304 press the protrusions 300 against the receiving grooves 304. This distributes the load applied from the second rod 104 to the first output shaft 82. This allows the second rod 104 to be made smaller.

[0083] The second output shaft 84 has a plurality of protrusions 310. The plurality of protrusions 310 are formed at a location where the fourth rod 164 is inserted. The protrusions 310 protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the second output shaft 84.

[0084] The fourth rod 164 has a shaft insertion hole 312 and a plurality of receiving grooves 314. The shaft insertion hole 312 penetrates the fourth rod 164 in the left-right direction at the other end of the fourth rod 164. The second output shaft 84 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 312. The plurality of receiving grooves 314 are formed in the shaft insertion hole 312. The receiving grooves 314 are recessed from the shaft insertion hole 312. The receiving grooves 314 receive the protrusion 310.

[0085] When the fourth rod 164 swings around the central axis AX3, the multiple protrusions 310 and the multiple receiving grooves 314 press the protrusions 310 against the receiving grooves 314. This distributes the load applied from the fourth rod 164 to the second output shaft 84. This allows the fourth rod 164 to be made smaller.

[0086] (Modification) In the work machine 2 according to one embodiment, the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 may be attached to a component of the first transmission unit 78 other than the first connecting spindle 102. For example, the first elastic member 106 and the second elastic member 108 may be attached to the second rod 104.

[0087] In the work machine 2 according to one embodiment, the third elastic member 166 and the fourth elastic member 168 may be attached to a component of the second transmission unit 80 other than the second connecting spindle 162. For example, the third elastic member 166 and the fourth elastic member 169 may be attached to the fourth rod 164.

[0088] The work machine 2 according to one embodiment may be a work machine other than a grass digger, for example, a broom.

[0089] The work machine 2 according to one embodiment may be provided with a prime mover other than the motor 20, for example, an engine.

[0090] The work machine 2 according to one embodiment does not necessarily have to include the counterweight 88. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 2: Work equipment 10: Front end unit 20: Motor 40: Front end housing 68: Rotating shaft 78: First transmission unit 80: Second transmission unit 82: First output shaft 84: 2nd output shaft 86: Blade 88: Counterweight 100: 1st rod 102: 1st connecting spindle 104: 2nd Rod 106: First elastic member 108: Second elastic member 130: 1st protruding wall 132:Second protruding wall 140: First cover protruding wall 142: Second cover protruding wall 160: 3rd rod 162: Second connecting spindle 164: 4th Rod 166: Third elastic member 168: Fourth elastic member 190: Third protruding wall 192: 4th protruding wall 200: Third cover protruding wall 202: 4th cover protruding wall AX1: Rotation axis AX2, AX3: Center axis BP: Battery pack D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction D3: 3rd direction D4 : Direction 4 F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8: force

Claims

1. The prime mover, a first transmission unit that is moved by the operation of the prime mover; a housing that accommodates the first transmission unit; a working member at least partially disposed outside the housing and movable by operation of the first transmission unit; a first elastic member attached to the first transmission unit and elastically deformable, The first transmission unit is A first rod that moves due to the operation of the prime mover; a spindle that moves between a first position and a second position by operation of the first rod; a second rod attached to the first rod via the spindle so as to be movable relative to the first rod, and for operating the working member; The first elastic member abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the first position, and abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the second position.

2. 2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is attached to the spindle, and is sandwiched and compressed between the spindle and the housing when the spindle is located at the first position, and is sandwiched and compressed between the spindle and the housing when the spindle is located at the second position.

3. The spindle further includes a second elastic member that is elastically deformable. the second elastic member is sandwiched between the spindle and the housing and compressed when the spindle is located at the first position, and is sandwiched between the spindle and the housing and compressed when the spindle is located at the second position, The work machine according to claim 2 , wherein the first rod and the second rod are sandwiched between the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

4. The second rod swings about a swing axis, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the working member is caused to swing about the swing shaft by swinging of the second rod.

5. a second transmission unit accommodated in the housing and moved by the operation of the prime mover; A counterweight that moves due to the operation of the second transmission unit; a third elastic member attached to the second transmission unit and elastically deformable, The second transmission unit is A third rod that moves due to the operation of the prime mover; a spindle that moves between a third position and a fourth position by operation of the third rod; a fourth rod attached to the third rod via the spindle so as to be movable relative to the third rod, and which operates the counterweight; The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the third elastic member abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the third position, and abuts against the housing when the spindle is located at the fourth position.

Images