Backpack type blower

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the burden on a user.SOLUTION: A backpack type blower disclosed in this specification may include a backpack frame, a backpack unit including a shoulder belt attached to the backpack frame, a housing supported by the backpack frame, a blower fan supported by the housing, a prime mover supported by the housing and rotating the blower fan, a flexible pipe extending from the housing, a blower pipe extending from a front end of the flexible pipe, a grip unit provided on the blower pipe, and a hanging band. One end of the hanging band may be connected to the flexible pipe, the blower pipe, or the grip unit forward of at least a portion of the flexible pipe. The other end of the hanging band may be connected to the backpack unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The backpack blower disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder belts attached to the backpack frame, a housing supported by the backpack frame, a prime mover supported by the housing, a blower fan disposed in the housing and driven by the prime mover, a flexible tube extending from the housing, a blower tube extending from the front end of the flexible tube, and a grip unit provided on the blower tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described backpack blower, when the user releases their hand from the grip unit, the flexible tube bends greatly due to the weight of the blower tube and the grip unit, and the front part of the blower tube droops significantly. For this reason, when the user walks, it is necessary to hold the grip unit and lift the blower tube so that the front part of the blower tube does not rub against the ground, which places a large burden on the user. This specification provides a technology capable of reducing the burden on the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The backpack blower disclosed in this specification includes a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame, a housing supported by the backpack frame, a prime mover supported by the housing, a blower fan disposed within the housing and driven by the prime mover, a flexible tube extending from the housing, a blower tube extending from the front end of the flexible tube, a grip unit provided on the blower tube, and may include a suspension band. One end of the suspension band may be connected to the flexible tube, the blower tube, or the grip unit in front of at least a part of the flexible tube. The other end of the suspension band may be connected to the backpack unit.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the suspension band supports the weight of the blower tube and the grip unit so that at least a part of the flexible tube does not bend even when the user releases their hand from the grip unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the front part of the blower tube from sagging significantly. Accordingly, when the user is walking, it is possible to prevent the front part of the blower tube from rubbing against the ground even when the user releases their hand from the grip unit. The burden on the user can be reduced. Note that the flexible tube referred to in this specification means a tube having flexibility, such as a bellows tube or a rubber tube.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Representative and non-limiting specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to show those skilled in the art the details for implementing preferred examples of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Also, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or together with other features and inventions to provide an improved backpack blower.

[0009] Also, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for implementing the present invention in the broadest sense, and are described only for explaining representative specific examples of the present invention in particular. Further, the various features of the following representative specific examples, as well as the various features described in the claims, do not have to be combined as described in the specific examples here or in the order listed for providing additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] All features described in this specification and / or the claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of each other as limitations on the initial disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims, separate from the configurations of the features described in the embodiments and / or the claims. Further, all descriptions regarding numerical ranges and groups or populations are made with the intention of disclosing intermediate configurations as limitations on the initial disclosure and the specific matters described in the claims.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the backpack blower includes a backpack unit having a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame, a housing supported by the backpack frame, a prime mover supported by the housing, a blower fan disposed within the housing and driven by the prime mover, a flexible tube extending from the housing, a blower tube extending from the front end of the flexible tube, a grip unit provided on the blower tube, and may include a suspension band. One end of the suspension band may be connected to the flexible tube, the blower tube, or the grip unit in front of at least a part of the flexible tube. The other end of the suspension band may be connected to the backpack unit.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band may include an extensible and contractible portion.

[0013] If the suspension band is configured without an extensible and contractible portion, when the user swings the blower tube left and right while gripping the grip unit during use of the backpack blower, the blower tube can only be moved within the length range of the suspension band, which may impair the workability of the user. In contrast, according to the above configuration, the suspension band includes an extensible and contractible portion. Therefore, when the user swings the blower tube left and right while gripping the grip unit during use of the backpack blower, the extensible and contractible portion extends, so that the blower tube can be moved in a wider range. Good workability of the user can be realized.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the extensible and contractible portion may be an elastic band portion made of an elastic material.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the extensible and contractible portion of the suspension band can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band may be connected in series with the elastic band portion and further include an inelastic band portion made of an inelastic material.

[0017] If the suspension band does not include an inelastic band portion and the entire suspension band is composed of an elastic band portion, when adjusting the length of the suspension band according to the user's physique, since the length of the elastic band portion changes, the elastic characteristics of the suspension band also change. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the suspension band includes not only an elastic band portion but also an inelastic band portion. Therefore, when adjusting the length of the suspension band according to the user's physique, by changing the length of the inelastic band portion without changing the length of the elastic band portion, the length of the suspension band can be adjusted without changing the elastic characteristics of the suspension band.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band may be provided at the one end of the suspension band and further include a loop portion made of the inelastic band portion and an adjuster capable of adjusting the length of the loop portion.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the length of the loop portion can be adjusted according to the outer peripheral shape of the flexible tube, the air duct or the grip unit. The one end of the suspension band can be attached without looseness.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the other end of the suspension band may be connected to the shoulder belt.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the suspension band from interfering with the work.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the backpack unit may further include a waist belt attached to the backpack frame. The other end of the suspension band may be connected to the waist belt.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the suspension band from interfering with the work.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension band may be connected to the air duct or the grip unit in front of the flexible tube.

[0025] When one end of the suspension band is attached to the flexible tube, there is a possibility that the portion of the flexible tube in front of the one end of the suspension band may be bent by the weight of the air duct or the grip unit. According to the above configuration, since one end of the suspension band is connected to the air duct or the grip unit in front of the flexible tube, it is possible to prevent the flexible tube from being bent.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension band may be connected to the air duct in front of the flexible tube and behind the grip unit.

[0027] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the suspension band from interfering with the work. Good workability of the user can be realized.

[0028] (Example) As shown in FIG. 1, the backpack blower 10 includes a backpack unit 12, a battery unit 14, and a blower unit 16. The backpack unit 12 includes a backpack frame 18, a pair of shoulder belts 20a and 20b attached to the backpack frame 18, and a waist belt 22 attached to the backpack frame 18. The user can hold the backpack unit 12 on the back by putting on the pair of shoulder belts 20a and 20b on both shoulders and winding the waist belt 22 around the waist.

[0029] The battery unit 14 is detachably attached to the backpack frame 18. The battery unit 14 houses a plurality of battery cells (not shown). The battery unit 14 includes a power button 24, a charging connector (not shown), and a discharge cable 26. The plurality of battery cells can be charged from an external power source by connecting a charging cable (not shown) extending from the external power source to the charging connector. The power button 24 switches the on / off state of the power supply of the battery unit 14. The plurality of battery cells can be discharged via the discharge cable 26 when the power supply of the battery unit 14 is on.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the blower unit 16 includes a housing 28 and a power cable 30. The housing 28 includes a cylindrical portion 28a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a diameter-expanded portion 28b that is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 28a in the central axis direction and has a shape that expands in diameter as it moves away from the cylindrical portion 28a, a frame attachment portion 28c that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 28a, a cable holding portion 28d that protrudes outward from the outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 28a and the diameter-expanded portion 28b, and a control unit housing portion 28e that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 28a. The housing 28 is detachable from the backpack frame 18 (see FIG. 1) via the frame attachment portion 28c. The power cable 30 extends from the cable holding portion 28d and is connected to the discharge cable 26 (see FIG. 1). The blower unit 16 operates by the power supplied from the battery unit 14 (see FIG. 1) via the discharge cable 26 and the power cable 30. In the following description, the direction in which the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a of the housing 28 extends is referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction of the diameter-expanded portion 28b as viewed from the cylindrical portion 28a is referred to as the rear direction, and the direction opposite to the rear direction is referred to as the front direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and in which the cable holding portion 28d is viewed from the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a is referred to as the upward direction, and the direction opposite to the upward direction is referred to as the downward direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the upward-downward direction is referred to as the left-right direction. The frame attachment portion 28c is disposed on the outer surface on the left side of the cylindrical portion 28a, the cable holding portion 28d is disposed on the outer surface on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 28a and the diameter-expanded portion 28b, and the control unit housing portion 28e is disposed on the outer surface on the lower side of the cylindrical portion 28a. Also, the power cable 30 extends rearward from the rear surface of the cable holding portion 28d.

[0031] The blower unit 16 further includes a flexible tube 32, a straight tube 34, a tip nozzle 36, a grip unit 38, and a signal cable 40. The flexible tube 32 is a bellows tube made of, for example, rubber (such as EVA) and resin (such as PE). Note that the flexible tube 32 may be a cylindrical pipe made of, for example, an elastic material (such as rubber). The straight tube 34 is made of, for example, resin (such as PP). The tip nozzle 36 is made of, for example, resin (such as PP). The flexible tube 32 connects between the front portion of the cylindrical portion 28a of the housing 28 and the rear portion of the straight tube 34. The tip nozzle 36 is attached to the front portion of the straight tube 34 and has an ejection port 36a at the tip. In the following description, the straight tube 34 and the tip nozzle 36 are collectively referred to as the air duct 35. The grip unit 38 includes an attachment portion 38a, a grip portion 38b, and a tip portion 38c. The attachment portion 38a is attached to the straight tube 34 so as to surround the outer periphery of the straight tube 34. The grip portion 38b extends from the upper portion of the attachment portion 38a forward and upward. The tip portion 38c extends forward from the upper end of the grip portion 38b. The signal cable 40 extends forward from the front surface of the cable holding portion 28d of the housing 28 and is connected to the rear surface of the upper portion of the attachment portion 38a of the grip unit 38. The user can adjust the direction in which the ejection port 36a of the tip nozzle 36 is directed by adjusting the posture of the straight tube 34 while gripping the grip portion 38b.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the blower unit 16 further includes an intake cover 42, a soundproof member 44, a motor case 46, an exhaust pipe 48, a blower fan 50, an electric motor 52, a diffuser cone 54, and a control unit 56. The intake cover 42, the motor case 46, the exhaust pipe 48, the blower fan 50, and the diffuser cone 54 are made of an insulating material (e.g., plastic). Inside the enlarged diameter portion 28b of the housing 28, an intake passage portion 28f is formed. The intake passage portion 28f has a shape that expands in diameter from the front to the rear. An intake port 28g is formed at the rear end of the intake passage portion 28f. The intake cover 42 is formed in a lattice shape having walls extending in the radial and circumferential directions. The intake cover 42 is attached so as to cover the intake port 28g of the housing 28. The soundproof member 44 is attached to the inner surface of the intake passage portion 28f.

[0033] The motor case 46 is housed inside the cylindrical portion 28a of the housing 28. The exhaust pipe 48 is held by the housing 28 so as to protrude forward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 28a on the front side of the motor case 46. The portion of the exhaust pipe 48 protruding from the housing 28 is covered by the flexible pipe 32.

[0034] The motor case 46 includes an outer case 46a having a substantially cylindrical shape, an inner case 46b having a substantially cylindrical shape disposed inside the outer case 46a, and stationary blade portions 46c connecting the outer case 46a and the inner case 46b. The central axis of the outer case 46a and the central axis of the inner case 46b are both coaxial with the central axis of the cylindrical portion 28a. The inner case 46b has a smaller diameter than the outer case 46a and is shorter in the central axis direction than the outer case 46a. The diffuser cone 54 is attached to the front end of the inner case 46b and is disposed so as to protrude forward from the front end of the outer case 46a. The front portion of the diffuser cone 54 is disposed inside the exhaust pipe 48.

[0035] The blower fan 50 is disposed inside the outer case 46a and rearward of the inner case 46b. The electric motor 52 is housed inside the inner case 46b. In this embodiment, the electric motor 52 is, for example, a brushless motor. The electric motor 52 includes a stator 52b around which a coil 52a is wound, a rotor 52d disposed inside the stator 52b and having a permanent magnet 52c, a sensor substrate 52f mounted with a hall sensor 52e for detecting the magnetism of the permanent magnet 52c, and an output shaft 52g fixed to the rotor 52d and extending in the front-rear direction. The blower fan 50 is fixed to the rear end of the output shaft 52g. Therefore, when the output shaft 52g rotates by driving the electric motor 52, the blower fan 50 rotates.

[0036] When the blower fan 50 rotates, the air outside the blower unit 16 passes through the intake cover 42 and is sucked into the intake port 28g. The air sucked from the intake port 28g passes through the intake passage portion 28f and flows into the inside of the motor case 46. Thereafter, the air passes through the blower fan 50, flows through the space between the outer case 46a and the inner case 46b, is rectified by the stator vane portion 46c, then flows out of the motor case 46 and into the inside of the discharge pipe 48. Thereafter, the air is ejected from the ejection port 36a at the tip of the tip nozzle 36 after passing through the inside of the flexible pipe 32 and the straight pipe 34 shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 56 is housed inside the control unit housing portion 28e of the housing 28. The control unit 56 includes a control circuit board 56a and a circuit board case 56b that houses the control circuit board 56a. The control circuit board 56a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and includes a microcomputer (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the blower unit 16, an inverter circuit (not shown) that controls the operation of the electric motor 52 by controlling the power supplied to the electric motor 52, and the like. A cooling opening 46e is formed in the lower part of the outer case 46a, and a part of the circuit board case 56b is exposed inside the outer case 46a through the cooling opening 46e. Therefore, when the blower fan 50 rotates, the control unit 56 is cooled by the air flowing through the space between the outer case 46a and the inner case 46b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the grip portion 38b is provided with a trigger lever 58 disposed on the front surface of the upper part of the grip portion 38b. Further, at the tip portion 38c, a control lever 60 disposed on the left surface of the tip portion 38c, a first display operation panel 62 disposed on the rear surface of the tip portion 38c, and a second display operation panel 64 disposed on the upper surface of the tip portion 38c are provided. The first display operation panel 62 includes a power button 62a, a status indicator light 62b, a circuit board (not shown), and a panel case 62c. The power button 62a switches the on / off state of the power supply of the blower unit 16. The status indicator light 62b notifies the user of the on / off state of the power supply of the blower unit 16 and the like. The panel case 62c houses the power button 62a, the status indicator light 62b, and the circuit board. The circuit board of the first display operation panel 62 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a (see FIG. 3) of the control unit 56. The second display operation panel 64 includes a battery level display button 64a, a battery level display light 64b, a circuit board (not shown), and a panel case 64c. The battery level display button 64a switches the on / off of the battery level display light 64b. The battery level display light 64b notifies the user of the remaining battery level of the battery unit 14. The panel case 64c houses the battery level display button 64a, the battery level display light 64b, and the circuit board. The circuit board of the second display operation panel 64 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a (see FIG. 3) of the control unit 56.

[0039] The trigger lever 58 is supported by the grip portion 38b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The trigger lever 58 is biased forward by a spring (not shown). Inside the grip portion 38b, a first trigger switch (not shown) that outputs an on signal when the trigger lever 58 is pushed in and an off signal when the trigger lever 58 is not pushed in is accommodated. Inside the tip portion 38c, a second trigger switch (not shown) that outputs a signal indicating the amount of depression of the trigger lever 58 when the trigger lever 58 is pushed in is accommodated. The first trigger switch and the second trigger switch are each electrically connected to the control circuit board 56a (see FIG. 3) of the control unit 56.

[0040] The control lever 60 accepts the rotation operation from the user and holds the rotation angle operated by the user. When the control lever 60 rotates, the trigger lever 58 moves rearward. Since the rotation angle of the control lever 60 is held as it is even when the user releases the hand, by rotating the control lever 60, the trigger lever 58 can be held in the same state as when the trigger lever 58 is pushed in by a predetermined pushing amount.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, when the backpack blower 10 is in use, the housing 28 is attached to the backpack frame 18 via the frame attachment portion 28c (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the weight of the portion of the blower unit 16 behind the flexible tube 32 is mainly supported by the backpack frame 18 (that is, by both shoulders of the user wearing the shoulder belts 20a, 20b and the waist of the user wearing the waist belt 22). The weight of the portion in front of the flexible tube 32 is mainly supported by the hand of the user gripping the grip portion 38b.

[0042] The backpack blower 10 further includes a suspension band 66. As shown in FIG. 5, the suspension band 66 includes an elastic band portion 68 and a non-elastic band portion 70. The elastic band portion 68 is made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber band). The non-elastic band portion 70 is made of a non-elastic material (e.g., a PP band). A hook 72 is attached to one end of the elastic band portion 68. The other end of the elastic band portion 68 and one end of the non-elastic band portion 70 are connected via a ladder lock 74. The non-elastic band portion 70 passes through an adjuster 76 from one side to the other side, is folded back with a male buckle 78, and then passes through the adjuster 76 from the other side to the one side. A female buckle 80 corresponding to the male buckle 78 is attached to the other end of the non-elastic band portion 70. The male buckle 78 and the female buckle 80 constitute a side-release type connecting buckle 82. In the following description, the portion from the hook 72 to the adjuster 76 is also referred to as a suspension portion 84, and the portion from the adjuster 76 to the male buckle 78 and the portion from the adjuster 76 to the female buckle 80 are also referred to as a loop portion 86. In the suspension band 66, by adjusting the location where the non-elastic band portion 70 passes through the adjuster 76, the length of the suspension portion 84 can be adjusted, and the length of the loop portion 86 can also be adjusted.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, rings 88a and 90a are attached to the right shoulder belt 20a. Ring 88a is disposed at the lower front of the shoulder belt 20a, and ring 90a is disposed at the upper front of the shoulder belt 20a. Rings 88b and 90b are attached to the left shoulder belt 20b. Ring 88b is disposed at the lower front of the shoulder belt 20b, and ring 90b is disposed at the upper front of the shoulder belt 20b. The hook 72 of the suspension band 66 can be selectively attached to any of the rings 88a, 88b, 90a, and 90b. Since the blower unit 16 is disposed on the right side of the backpack frame 18, when the hook 72 is attached to the rings 88a and 90a of the right shoulder belt 20a, the suspension band 66 is less likely to interfere with the work than when the hook 72 is attached to the rings 88b and 90b of the left shoulder belt 20b. Further, since the blower unit 16 is disposed below the rings 88a and 90a, when the hook 72 is attached to the lower ring 88a, the suspension band 66 is less likely to interfere with the work than when the hook 72 is attached to the upper ring 90a.

[0044] The loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 can be attached to the blower unit 16. For example, the loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to the straight pipe 34. In this case, the loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to a position in front of the flexible pipe 32 and behind the grip unit 38 of the straight pipe 34, or may be attached to a position in front of the flexible pipe 32 and the grip unit 38 of the straight pipe 34. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 may be attached in the middle of the flexible pipe 32. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to the grip unit 38, for example, to the attachment portion 38a or the grip portion 38b of the grip unit 38. Alternatively, the loop portion 86 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to the tip nozzle 36. When the loop portion 86 is attached to a position behind the grip unit 38 of the flexible pipe 32 or the straight pipe 34, the suspension band 66 is less likely to interfere with the work than when the loop portion 86 is attached to a position in front of the tip nozzle 36, the grip unit 38, or the grip unit 38 of the straight pipe 34.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a backpack blower 10 not provided with a suspension band 66 as a comparative example. In this configuration, when the user releases their hand from the grip portion 38b, due to the weight of the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, and the grip unit 38, the flexible pipe 32 bends greatly and the tip nozzle 36 hangs down significantly. For this reason, when the user walks, it is necessary to hold the grip portion 38b and lift the blower unit 16 so that the tip nozzle 36 does not rub against the ground, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0046] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8, the backpack blower 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a suspension band 66. In this configuration, even when the user releases their hand from the grip portion 38b, the suspension band 66 supports the weights of the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, and the grip unit 38. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the flexible pipe 32 from bending greatly and the tip nozzle 36 from hanging down significantly. Therefore, when the user walks, it is possible to suppress the tip nozzle 36 from rubbing against the ground even when the user has released their hand from the grip portion 38b.

[0047] In the backpack blower 10 of this embodiment, the weight of the straight pipe 34 is in the range of 220 g to 330 g, for example, 270 g. The weight of the tip nozzle 36 is in the range of 70 g to 130 g, for example, 90 g. The weight of the grip unit 38 is in the range of 350 g to 550 g, for example, 450 g. Further, regarding the elastic band portion 68 of the suspension band 66, the length from the end of the hook 72 to the end of the adjuster 76 can be adjusted within the range of 250 mm to 500 mm according to the physique. Regarding the elastic band portion 68, the length can be expanded and contracted within the range from the natural length to twice the natural length. For example, the natural length is 80 mm, the width is in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, for example, 25 mm, and the thickness is in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm, for example, 3.5 mm. Regarding the non-elastic band portion 70, it can be attached to the air duct 35 and has a length of 800 mm or more, for example, 800 mm, so as to cover the largest physique. The width is in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, for example, 25 mm, and the thickness is in the range of 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, 1.2 mm.

[0048] (Modification) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the hook 72 of the suspension band 66 is attached to any one of the rings 88a, 88b, 90a, 90b of the shoulder belts 20a, 20b has been described. Differently, the hook 72 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to other portions of the shoulder belts 20a, 20b. Alternatively, the hook 72 of the suspension band 66 may be attached to the waist belt 22 or the backpack frame 18.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the loop portion 86 is provided at one end of the suspension band 66 and the hook 72 is provided at the other end of the suspension band 66 has been described. Differently, hooks 72 may be provided at both ends of the suspension band 66. In this case, a ring (not shown) for attaching the hook 72 may be provided on the flexible pipe 32, the straight pipe 34, the tip nozzle 36, the grip unit 38, etc.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the suspension band 66 was described as having an elastic band portion 68 made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber band) as an expandable and contractible portion. Different from this, the suspension band 66 may be provided with other expandable and contractible portions other than the elastic band portion 68. For example, the suspension band 66 may be provided with a cord reel (not shown) in which a cord (not shown) made of a non-elastic material is wound around a reel (not shown) as an expandable and contractible portion, and the amount of cord drawn out from the reel changes according to an external force.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the housing 28 of the blower unit 16 is detachably attached to the lower right part of the backpack frame 18 was described. Different from this, the housing 28 of the blower unit 16 may be fixedly attached to the backpack frame 18 directly below the battery unit 14. In this configuration, the housing 28 of the blower unit 16, the intake cover 42, the soundproof member 44, the motor case 46, the discharge pipe 48, the blower fan 50, the electric motor 52, the diffuser cone 54, and the control unit 56 are all arranged below the battery unit 14. In addition, in this configuration, the discharge pipe 48 and the flexible pipe 32 may be connected via an elbow pipe (not shown) bent in an L shape.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the power source of the backpack blower 10 is the battery unit 14, and the configuration in which power is supplied from the battery unit 14 to the blower unit 16 was described. Different from this, the power source of the backpack blower 10 may be an external power source (not shown) that the user is not wearing, and power may be supplied from the external power source to the blower unit 16. Alternatively, the power source of the backpack blower 10 may be a battery pack (not shown) that is detachable from the blower unit 16, and power may be supplied from the battery pack to the blower unit 16.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the case where the electric motor 52 is a brushless motor was described. Different from this, the electric motor 52 may be a brushed motor or other types of motors.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the prime mover of the backpack blower 10 is the electric motor 52, and the configuration in which the blower fan 50 rotates by the power of the electric motor 52 has been described. Differently, the prime mover of the backpack blower 10 may be an internal combustion engine (not shown), and the blower fan 50 may rotate by the power of the internal combustion engine.

[0055] (Corresponding relationship) As described above, in one or more embodiments, the backpack blower 10 includes a backpack frame 18, a backpack unit 12 including shoulder belts 20a and 20b attached to the backpack frame 18, a housing 28 supported by the backpack frame 18, an electric motor 52 (an example of a prime mover) supported by the housing 28, a blower fan 50 disposed in the housing 28 and driven by the electric motor 52, a flexible tube 32 extending from the housing 28, a blower tube 35 extending from the front end of the flexible tube 32, a grip unit 38 provided on the blower tube 35, and a suspension band 66. One end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the flexible tube 32, the blower tube 35, or the grip unit 38 in front of at least a part of the flexible tube 32. The other end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the backpack unit 12.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the suspension band 66 supports the weights of the blower tube 35 and the grip unit 38 so that at least a part of the flexible tube 32 does not bend even when the user releases their hand from the grip unit 38. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the front part of the blower tube 35 from sagging significantly. Accordingly, when the user is walking, it is possible to prevent the front part of the blower tube 35 from rubbing against the ground even when the user has released their hand from the grip unit 38. The burden on the user can be reduced.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band 66 includes an elastic band portion 68 (an example of an elastic portion) that is stretchable.

[0058] If the suspension band 66 is not provided with the elastic band portion 68, when the user swings the air duct 35 left and right while gripping the grip unit 38 during use of the backpack blower 10, the air duct 35 can only be moved within the range of the length of the suspension band 66, which may impair the workability of the user. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the suspension band 66 is provided with the elastic band portion 68. Therefore, when the user swings the air duct 35 left and right while gripping the grip unit 38 during use of the backpack blower 10, the elastic band portion 68 extends, so that the air duct 35 can be moved over a wider range. Good workability of the user can be realized.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the elastic band portion 68 is made of an elastic material.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the expansion and contraction portion (i.e., the elastic band portion 68) of the suspension band 66 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band 66 is connected in series with the elastic band portion 68 and further includes a non-elastic band portion 70 made of a non-elastic material.

[0062] If the suspension band 66 does not include the non-elastic band portion 70 and the entire suspension band 66 is composed of the elastic band portion 68, when adjusting the length of the suspension band 66 according to the user's physique, since the length of the elastic band portion 68 changes, the elastic characteristics of the suspension band 66 also change. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the suspension band 66 includes not only the elastic band portion 68 but also the non-elastic band portion 70. Therefore, when adjusting the length of the suspension band 66 according to the user's physique, the length of the non-elastic band portion 70 can be changed without changing the length of the elastic band portion 68, so that the length of the suspension band 66 can be adjusted without changing the elastic characteristics of the suspension band 66.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the suspension band 66 further includes a loop portion 86 formed of an inelastic band portion 70 and an adjuster 76 provided at one end of the suspension band 66 for adjusting the length of the loop portion 86.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the length of the loop portion 86 can be adjusted according to the outer peripheral shape of the flexible pipe 32, the air duct 35, or the grip unit 38. One end of the suspension band 66 can be attached without looseness.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the other end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the shoulder belts 20a, 20b.

[0066] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the suspension band 66 from interfering with the work.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the backpack unit 12 further includes a waist belt 22 attached to the backpack frame 18. The other end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the waist belt 22.

[0068] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the suspension band 66 from interfering with the work.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the air duct 35 or the grip unit 38 in front of the flexible pipe 32.

[0070] When one end of the suspension band 66 is attached to the flexible pipe 32, the portion of the flexible pipe 32 in front of the one end of the suspension band 66 may be deflected by the weight of the air duct 35 or the grip unit 38. According to the above configuration, since one end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the air duct 35 or the grip unit 38 in front of the flexible pipe 32, it is possible to prevent the flexible pipe 32 from being deflected.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, one end of the suspension band 66 is connected to the air duct 35 in front of the flexible tube 32 and behind the grip unit 38.

[0072] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the suspension band 66 from interfering with the work. Good workability of the user can be realized.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0073] 10: Blower 12: Backpack unit 14: Battery unit 16: Blower unit 18: Backpack frame 20a: Shoulder belt 20b: Shoulder belt 22: Waist belt 24: Power button 26: Discharge cable 28: Housing 28a: Cylindrical part 28b: Diameter-expanded part 28c: Frame mounting part 28d: Cable holding part 28e: Control unit housing part 28f: Intake passage part 28g: Intake port 30: Power cable 32: Flexible tube 34: Straight tube 35: Air duct 36: Tip nozzle 36a: Jet outlet 38: Grip unit 38a: Mounting part 38b: Grip part 38c: Tip part 40: Signal cable 42: Intake cover 44: Soundproof member 46: Motor case 46a: Outer case 46b: Inner case 46c: Stationary blade part 46e: Cooling opening 48: Air duct 50: Blower fan 52: Electric motor 52a: Coil 52b: Stator 52c: Permanent magnet 52d: Rotor 52e: Hall sensor 52f: Sensor substrate 52g: Output shaft 54: Diffuser cone 56: Control unit 56a: Control circuit board 56b: Circuit board case 58: Trigger lever 60: Control lever 62: First display operation panel 62a: Power button 62b: Status indicator lamp 62c: Panel case 64: Second display operation panel 64a: Battery level display button 64b: Battery level display lamp 64c: Panel case 66: Suspension band 68: Elastic band part 70: Non-elastic band part 72: Hook 74: Ladder lock 76: Adjuster 78: Male buckle 80: Female buckle 82: Connecting buckle 84: Hanging part 86: Loop part 88a: Ring 88b: Ring 90a: Ring 90b: Ring

Claims

1. A backpack blower, comprising: a backpack unit including a backpack frame and shoulder straps attached to the backpack frame; a housing supported by the backpack frame; a prime mover supported by the housing; a blower fan disposed within the housing and driven by the prime mover; a flexible tube extending from the housing; a blower tube extending from the front end of the flexible tube; a grip unit provided on the blower tube; a suspension band; one end of the suspension band is connected to the flexible tube, the blower tube, or the grip unit in front of at least a part of the flexible tube; the other end of the suspension band is connected to the backpack unit.

2. The backpack blower according to claim 1, wherein the suspension band includes an extendable and retractable portion.

3. The backpack blower according to claim 2, wherein the extendable and retractable portion is an elastic band portion made of an elastic material.

4. The backpack blower according to claim 3, wherein the suspension band is connected in series with the elastic band portion and further includes a non-elastic band portion made of a non-elastic material.

5. The backpack blower according to claim 4, wherein the suspension band is provided at the one end of the suspension band and further includes a loop portion made of the non-elastic band portion and an adjuster for adjusting the length of the loop portion.

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

7. The backpack unit further includes a waist belt attached to the backpack frame, The backpack blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the other end of the suspension band is connected to the waist belt.

8. The backpack blower according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one end of the suspension band is connected to the blower tube or the grip unit in front of the flexible tube.

9. The backpack blower according to claim 8, wherein the one end of the suspension band is connected to the blower tube in front of the flexible tube and behind the grip unit.

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