Snow blower and attachment

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve mounting efficiency.SOLUTION: This description discloses a snow blower. The snow blower includes a working part that blows snow off the ground, multiple direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes multiple gears that engage with each other and rotate to change the orientation of the multiple direction-changing members. This description also discloses an attachment. The attachment is used with the snow blower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to snow blowers and attachments. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a snow blower. The snow blower includes a working unit that blows snow off the ground, multiple direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes multiple rods that adjust the orientation of the multiple direction-changing members, and link plates that connect the multiple rods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114481930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the snow blower described above, the link plates are attached to the rods after each rod is attached to the direction-changing members. This makes it difficult to assemble the direction-changing members, rods, and link plates. This specification provides a technology that can improve assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a snow blower that includes a working unit that blows snow off the ground, a plurality of direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and rotate to change the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the direction-changing members and the gears can be assembled by meshing the gears with each other, which improves the ease of assembly.

[0007] This specification discloses an attachment for use with a snow removal machine. The attachment includes a working part for blowing snow off the ground, a plurality of direction-changing members for changing the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is rotatable and includes a plurality of gears for adjusting the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members by rotating the adjustment mechanism.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the snow blower described above can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a working machine 2 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a left side view of the vicinity of the motor housing portion 40 in the base unit 4 of the embodiment with the rear left housing 38 removed. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a mounting unit 18 of the working machine 2 of the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a rear operating rod 10, a mounting unit 18, and a front operating rod 60 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a front unit 64 of the attachment 6 of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the front shaft 62, the transmission unit 76, the working shaft 104, and the first member 112 of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a second member 114 of the attachment 6 of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a first member 112 of the attachment 6 of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a right bearing 108 of the attachment 6 of the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a direction-changing member 160 and an adjustment mechanism 162 according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a direction-changing member 160, a gear 180, and a positioning member 182 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the adjustment mechanism 162 in the attachment 6 of the embodiment when the handle 184 is not being pulled. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a gear 180 and a positioning member 182 according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a direction change member 160 and an adjustment mechanism 162 according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a rear view of the vicinity of a positioning rib 230 of the first front housing 82 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the adjustment mechanism 162 in the attachment 6 of the embodiment when the handle 184 is pulled. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Representative, non-limiting embodiments 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 preferred embodiments 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 in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved snow blowers and attachments, and methods of making and using the same.

[0011] Furthermore, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential to practicing the invention in its broadest sense, but are described solely to specifically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following exemplary embodiments and those described in the claims do not necessarily have to be combined in the exact embodiments described herein or in the exact order listed to provide additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0012] All features described in this 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.

[0013] This specification discloses a snow blower that includes a working unit that blows snow off the ground, a plurality of direction-changing members that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and rotate to change the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may further include a handle that is operated by a user to rotate the plurality of gears.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the orientations of the plurality of direction-changing members can be changed by a simple operation of operating the handle.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include a positioning groove and a positioning protrusion that is switched between a receiving state in which it is received in the positioning groove and a non-receiving state in which it is not received in the positioning groove by operating a handle. Each of the multiple gears may be rotatable when the positioning protrusion is in the non-receiving state and non-rotatable when the positioning protrusion is in the receiving state.

[0017] According to the above configuration, by switching the positioning protrusion between the receiving state and the non-receiving state, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the gear can rotate and a state in which the gear cannot rotate.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the positioning protrusion may be switched from an engaged state to a disengaged state when moved in a first direction by operating the handle. At least one of the plurality of gears may include a gear engaging portion. The adjustment mechanism may further include an engaged portion that is integral with the positioning protrusion and slidable in the first direction relative to the gear engaging portion, and that engages with the gear engaging portion when the positioning protrusion is in the engaged state or the disengaged state.

[0019] According to the above configuration, even when the positioning protrusion is moved in the first direction to switch from the received state to the non-received state, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the gear engaging portion and the engaged portion from being released.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of direction-changing members may include an engagement portion that engages with the gear engagement portion.

[0021] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide the gear with a separate structure that engages with the engaging portion, which makes it possible to prevent the gear structure from becoming complicated.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the positioning protrusion may switch from the receiving state to the non-receiving state when the handle is pulled towards the user.

[0023] According to the above configuration, when switching the positioning protrusion from the received state to the non-received state, the handle can be more easily operated by the user than in a configuration in which the handle is pushed away from the user.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of gears may include a plurality of first gears, each of the plurality of first gears being fixed to a respective one of the plurality of direction-changing members. The plurality of first gears may have the same shape.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism can be simplified.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of gears may include a second gear that meshes with two adjacent first gears, and the shape of the second gear may be the same as the shape of the plurality of first gears.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism can be further simplified.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the centers of rotation of the first gears may be aligned.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the assembly of the plurality of first gears can be improved.

[0030] (Example) As shown in FIG. 1, the work machine 2 is a pole-type work machine. The work machine 2 is a snow removal machine that blows snow off the ground. The work machine 2 includes a base unit 4 and an attachment 6. The attachment 6 is detachably attached to the base unit 4. The base unit 4 is configured to selectively attach either the attachment 6 or a different type of attachment.

[0031] The base unit 4 includes a rear operating rod 10, a loop handle 12, a rear unit 14, a rear rod shaft 16 (see FIG. 2), and an attachment unit 18.

[0032] The rear operating rod 10 has a long, hollow rod shape. Hereinafter, the direction in which the rear operating rod 10 extends will be referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0033] The loop handle 12 is fixed to the rear operating rod 10. The loop handle 12 is gripped by a user when working with the work machine 2.

[0034] The rear unit 14 is fixed to the rear end of the rear operating rod 10. The rear unit 14 includes a rear housing 22, a motor housing 24 (see FIG. 2), a motor 26 (see FIG. 2), a gear unit 28 (see FIG. 2), a trigger 30, a shark fin 32, and a main power switch 34.

[0035] The rear housing 22 includes a rear right housing 36 that defines the outer shape of the right half of the rear housing 22, and a rear left housing 38 that defines the outer shape of the left half of the rear housing 22. The rear housing 22 includes a motor accommodating portion 40, a grip portion 42, and a switch portion 44.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, a battery pack BP is detachably attached to the rear surface of the motor housing 40. The battery pack BP slides on the rear surface of the motor housing 40. The sliding direction of the battery pack BP is inclined with respect to the up-down direction. The battery pack BP is equipped with a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. As shown in FIG. 1, a grip 42 is disposed on the front side of the motor housing 40. When working with the work machine 2, the user holds the grip 42 with the hand opposite to the hand holding the loop handle 12. A switch 44 is disposed on the front side of the grip 42.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, the motor housing 24, the motor 26, and the gear unit 28 are arranged inside the motor accommodating section 40. In Fig. 2, the motor 26, the gear unit 28, and the rear shaft 16 are shown by dashed lines. The motor 26 is arranged inside the motor housing 24. The motor 26 is an example of a prime mover. The motor 26 is, for example, a brushless motor.

[0038] The gear unit 28 includes a first gear 28a fixed to the front end of the motor shaft 26a of the motor 26 and a second gear 28b fixed to the rear end of the rear rod shaft 16. The first gear 28a and the second gear 28b are meshed with each other. The gear unit 28 functions as a reducer. When the motor shaft 26a rotates, the first gear 28a and the second gear 28b rotate, causing the rear rod shaft 16 to rotate around the rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1. The rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1 is offset in the up-down direction from the rotation axis of the motor shaft 26a. The rear rod shaft 16 is rotatably supported by the rear operating rod 10 inside the rear operating rod 10.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the trigger 30 is retractably attached to the bottom of the switch unit 44. The shark fin 32 is pressably attached to the top of the grip unit 42. When the shark fin 32 is pressed, the user can pull the trigger 30. When the shark fin 32 is not pressed, the user cannot pull the trigger 30. The main power switch 34 is disposed on the top of the switch unit 44. The main power switch 34 switches the working machine 2 between an on state and an off state. When the working machine 2 is in the on state, if the shark fin 32 is pressed with the palm of the user holding the grip unit 42 and the trigger 30 is pulled with the fingers of the user holding the grip unit 42, the motor 26 (see FIG. 2) rotates.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting unit 18 includes a tubular member 48, a lever 50, and a pushing member 52. The tubular member 48 has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The tubular member 48 supports the pushing member 52 so that it can be pushed in. As shown in FIG. 4, the tubular member 48 has a rear notch 48a extending forward from its rear end and a front notch 48b extending rearward from its front end. The front end of the rear rod shaft 16 is inserted into the tubular member 48 from the rear side. The first rear bolt 53 narrows the width of the rear notch 48a in the left-right direction, thereby fixing the front end of the rear rod shaft 16 to the tubular member 48. Furthermore, the second rear bolt 54 passes through the rear rod shaft 16, thereby preventing the rear rod shaft 16 from rotating relative to the tubular member 48.

[0041] The lever 50 is rotatably supported on the tubular member 48 via a front bolt 55. When the lever 50 rotates so as to be pushed down, the front bolt 55 widens the width of the front cutout 48b in the left-right direction. When the lever 50 rotates so as to be pushed up, the front bolt 55 narrows the width of the front cutout 48b in the left-right direction.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment 6 includes a front operating rod 60, a front rod shaft 62 (see FIG. 3), and a front unit 64.

[0043] The front operating rod 60 has a long, hollow rod shape. The front operating rod 60 extends in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the front operating rod 60 is fixed to the front unit 64 via a third member 116 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear end of the front operating rod 60 is inserted into the tubular member 48 from the front side. When the lever 50 rotates so as to be pushed up while the rear end of the front operating rod 60 is inserted into the tubular member 48, the width of the front cutout 48b in the left-right direction narrows, and the rear end of the front operating rod 60 is fixed to the tubular member 48. In this way, the front operating rod 60 is attached to the rear operating rod 10 via the mounting unit 18.

[0044] An engagement pin 66 is slidably attached to the rear end of the front operating rod 60. When the front operating rod 60 is inserted into the tubular member 48 and the pushing member 52 is not pushed in, the engagement pin 66 is inserted into the through-hole 48c of the tubular member 48 by the biasing force of the leaf spring 67. This prevents the front operating rod 60 from rotating relative to the tubular member 48. To remove the front operating rod 60 from the rear operating rod 10, the user rotates the lever 50 by pushing it down. Next, the user pushes in the pushing member 52. The engagement pin 66 is pushed by the pushing member 52 and comes out of the through-hole 48c. Finally, the user pulls the front operating rod 60 out of the tubular member 48. Hereinafter, the front operating rod 60 and the rear operating rod 10 may be collectively referred to as the operating rod 68.

[0045] The front rod shaft 62 is rotatably supported by the front operating rod 60 inside the front operating rod 60. When the front operating rod 60 is attached to the rear operating rod 10 via the mounting unit 18, the front rod shaft 62 is fitted into the rear rod shaft 16. The front rod shaft 62 rotates integrally with the rear rod shaft 16 around the front rod shaft rotation axis AX2. The front rod shaft rotation axis AX2 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The front rod shaft rotation axis AX2 is coaxial with the rear rod shaft rotation axis AX1. Hereinafter, the front rod shaft 62 and the rear rod shaft 16 may be collectively referred to as the rod shaft 70.

[0046] 5, the front unit 64 is fixed to the front end of the front operating rod 60. The front unit 64 includes a front housing 74, a transmission unit 76 (see FIG. 6), and a working section 78.

[0047] The front housing 74 is made of, for example, a resin material. The front housing 74 is made of, for example, nylon. The front housing 74 includes a first front housing 82, a second front housing 84, and a third front housing 86. The first front housing 82 defines the outer shape of the front upper portion of the front housing 74. The second front housing 84 defines the outer shape of the rear upper portion of the front housing 74. The second front housing 84 is fixed to the rear of the first front housing 82. The third front housing 86 defines the outer shape of the lower portion of the front housing 74. The third front housing 86 is fixed to the lower portions of the first front housing 82 and the second front housing 84. The first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 define a working space 88. The working space 88 is located outside the front housing 74.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 6, the transmission unit 76 includes a transmission shaft 90, a first bevel gear 92, a second bevel gear 94, a rear pulley 96, a front pulley 98, and a belt 100. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the transmission shaft 90, the first bevel gear 92, the second bevel gear 94, the rear pulley 96, the front pulley 98, and the belt 100 are disposed inside the front housing 74.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7 , the transmission shaft 90 extends in the left-right direction. The transmission shaft 90 is approximately perpendicular to the front shaft 62. The first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94 are meshed with each other. The transmission shaft 90 is connected to the front shaft 62 via the first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94. The first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94 function as a reducer. The first bevel gear 92 is fixed to the right end of the transmission shaft 90. The second bevel gear 94 is fixed to the front end of the front shaft 62. When the front shaft 62 rotates, the first bevel gear 92 and the second bevel gear 94 rotate, causing the transmission shaft 90 to rotate around the transmission shaft rotation axis AX3. The transmission shaft rotation axis AX3 is approximately perpendicular to the front shaft rotation axis AX2.

[0050] The rear pulley 96 is fixed to the left end of the transmission shaft 90. The rear pulley 96 rotates integrally with the transmission shaft 90 around a rear pulley rotation axis AX4. The rear pulley rotation axis AX4 extends in the left-right direction. The rear pulley rotation axis AX4 is coaxial with the transmission shaft rotation axis AX3.

[0051] 8, the front pulley 98 is disposed in front of the rear pulley 96. The diameter of the front pulley 98 is larger than the diameter of the rear pulley 96.

[0052] A belt 100 is wound around the rear pulley 96 and the front pulley 98. The belt 100 connects the rear pulley 96 and the front pulley 98. The rotation of the rear pulley 96 is transmitted to the front pulley 98 via the belt 100. This causes the front pulley 98 to rotate around the front pulley rotation axis AX5. The front pulley rotation axis AX5 extends in the left-right direction. The front pulley rotation axis AX5 is approximately parallel to the rear pulley rotation axis AX4. The rear pulley 96, the front pulley 98, and the belt 100 function as a reducer.

[0053] The working unit 78 includes a working shaft 104 and a working member 106 (see FIG. 5). The working shaft 104 is disposed across the interior space of the front housing 74 and the working space 88. The left end of the working shaft 104 is fixed to the front pulley 98. The working shaft 104 extends in the left-right direction. The working shaft 104 is generally parallel to the transmission shaft 90. The working shaft 104 rotates integrally with the front pulley 98 around a working shaft rotation axis AX6. The working shaft rotation axis AX6 extends in the left-right direction. The working shaft rotation axis AX6 is coaxial with the front pulley rotation axis AX5. As shown in FIG. 9, the right end of the working shaft 104 is rotatably supported by the first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 via a right bearing 108. Therefore, vibrations caused by rotation of the working shaft 104 are suppressed compared to a configuration in which the right end of the working shaft 104 is not rotatably supported.

[0054] The working shaft 104 is inserted into the working member 106. The working member 106 is, for example, a paddle. The working member 106 is a separate member from the working shaft 104. The working member 106 is fitted onto the working shaft 104. The working member 106 rotates integrally with the working shaft 104. As shown in FIG. 5 , the working member 106 is provided with a plurality of fins 110. When the working member 106 rotates, the plurality of fins 110 blow off snow on the ground.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front unit 64 further includes a first member 112, a second member 114, and a third member .

[0056] The first member 112 is disposed inside the front housing 74. As shown in FIG. 6, the first member 112 extends in the front-rear direction. The first member 112 has a plate shape. The first member 112 is made of, for example, a metal material. The first member 112 is made of, for example, aluminum. The hardness of the first member 112 is greater than the hardness of the front housing 74. The first member 112 includes a first front support portion 120, a first rear support portion 122, and a first connection portion 124 that connects the first front support portion 120 and the first rear support portion 122.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first front support part 120 is disposed on the right side of the front pulley 98. The first front support part 120 is supported by the first front housing 82 and the third front housing 86 by being sandwiched between them in the vertical direction. The first front support part 120 has a front through-hole 126. The front through-hole 126 passes through the first front support part 120 in the left-right direction. The working shaft 104 passes through the front through-hole 126. The working shaft 104 is rotatably supported by the first front support part 120 via a first bearing 128 in the front through-hole 126.

[0058] The first rear support part 122 is disposed on the right side of the rear pulley 96. The first rear support part 122 is disposed on the rear side of the first front support part 120. The first rear support part 122 is fixed to each of the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86. The first rear support part 122 has a rear through-hole 130. The rear through-hole 130 passes through the first rear support part 122 in the left-right direction. The transmission shaft 90 passes through the rear through-hole 130. The transmission shaft 90 is rotatably supported by the first rear support part 122 via a second bearing 132 in the rear through-hole 130.

[0059] The first rear support part 122 has a cylindrical rib 134. The cylindrical rib 134 is formed on the right surface of the first rear support part 122. The cylindrical rib 134 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical rib 134 goes around the periphery of the rear through-hole 130.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second member 114 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The second member 114 extends in the left-right direction. The second member 114 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second member 114 is made of, for example, a resin material. The second member 114 is made of, for example, nylon. The material of the second member 114 is, for example, the same as the material of the front housing 74. The hardness of the second member 114 is substantially the same as the hardness of the front housing 74. The material of the second member 114 is, for example, different from the material of the first member 112. The hardness of the second member 114 is lower than the hardness of the first member 112. The second member 114 is supported by the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86 by being sandwiched between them in the vertical direction. The second member 114 surrounds the transmission shaft 90. The inner peripheral surface of the second member 114 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 90. The transmission shaft 90 passes through the second member 114. The second member 114 is disposed on the right side of the first rear support part 122. The second member 114 is fixed to the first rear support part 122. The left end of the second member 114 is inserted into the cylindrical rib 134.

[0061] The third member 116 has a substantially L-shape. The third member 116 is made of, for example, a metal material. The third member 116 is made of, for example, aluminum. The material of the third member 116 is different from the materials of the front housing 74 and the second member 114, for example. The hardness of the third member 116 is greater than the hardness of the front housing 74 and the hardness of the second member 114. The material of the third member 116 is, for example, the same as the material of the first member 112. The hardness of the third member 116 is substantially the same as the hardness of the first member 112. The third member 116 is sandwiched vertically between the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86. The third member 116 is fixed to each of the second front housing 84 and the third front housing 86. The third member 116 includes a third front support portion 138, a third rear support portion 140, and a third connection portion 142 that connects the third front support portion 138 and the third rear support portion 140.

[0062] The third front support portion 138 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The third front support portion 138 extends in the left-right direction. The third front support portion 138 has a generally cylindrical shape. The right end of the second member 114 is inserted into the third front support portion 138. The second member 114 is sandwiched between the first rear support portion 122 and the third front support portion 138. The third front support portion 138 is fixed to the second member 114. The third front support portion 138 surrounds the transmission shaft 90. The transmission shaft 90 is inserted into the third front support portion 138. The transmission shaft 90 is rotatably supported by the third front support portion 138 via a third bearing 146 within the third front support portion 138. The third bearing 146 is disposed between the first bevel gear 92 and the second member 114.

[0063] The third rear support part 140 is disposed across the interior and exterior of the front housing 74. The third rear support part 140 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The direction in which the third rear support part 140 extends is inclined, for example, approximately perpendicular, to the direction in which the third front support part 138 extends. The third rear support part 140 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The third rear support part 140 surrounds the front shaft 62. The front end of the front shaft 62 is inserted into the third rear support part 140. The front shaft 62 and the second bevel gear 94 are rotatably supported by the third rear support part 140 via a fourth bearing 148 within the third rear support part 140.

[0064] The third connecting portion 142 connects the internal space of the third front support portion 138 with the internal space of the third rear support portion 140. A portion of the front rod shaft 62, a portion of the first bevel gear 92, and a portion of the second bevel gear 94 are disposed inside the third connecting portion 142.

[0065] 10, the front unit 64 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) direction-changing members 160 and an adjustment mechanism 162. Hereinafter, of the three direction-changing members 160, the direction-changing member 160 located on the rightmost side will be referred to as the right direction-changing member 160a, the direction-changing member 160 located on the leftmost side will be referred to as the left direction-changing member 160b, and the direction-changing member 160 located between the right direction-changing member 160a and the left direction-changing member 160b will be referred to as the middle direction-changing member 160c.

[0066] The direction-changing member 160 is made of, for example, a resin material. The orientation of the direction-changing member 160 is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 162. The direction-changing member 160 changes the direction in which snow blown by the working member 106 (see FIG. 5) is blown away. The direction-changing member 160 includes a base portion 166, a fin portion 168, and an engaging portion 170 (see FIG. 11). The base portion 166, the fin portion 168, and the engaging portion 170 are integrally molded.

[0067] 1, the base portion 166 is disposed in the working space 88. The base portion 166 is disposed along the outer surface of the first front housing 82.

[0068] The fin portion 168 is disposed in the work space 88. The fin portion 168 is fixed to the base portion 166. The fin portion 168 has a plate shape. The fin portion 168 is approximately perpendicular to the base portion 166. The fin portion 168 guides snow blown by the working member 106, thereby changing the direction in which the snow is blown. When the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 changes, the orientation of the fin portion 168 changes. When the fin portion 168 is disposed along a plane including the up-down direction and the front-back direction, the fin portion 168 blows snow upward. When the fin portion 168 is inclined with respect to the plane including the up-down direction and the front-back direction so that the upper end of the fin portion 168 is located to the right of the lower end of the fin portion 168, the fin portion 168 blows snow in an upward and upper right direction. Furthermore, when the fin portion 168 is inclined with respect to a plane including the up-down and front-rear directions so that the upper end of the fin portion 168 is located to the left of the lower end of the fin portion 168, the fin portion 168 throws snow in an upper left direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11 , the engagement portion 170 is fixed to the base portion 166. The engagement portion 170 is fixed to the surface of the base portion 166 opposite to the surface to which the fin portion 168 (see FIG. 10 ) is fixed. The engagement portion 170 protrudes from the base portion 166. The engagement portion 170 includes a cylindrical portion 174 extending from the base portion 166 and a rib portion 176 extending from the cylindrical portion 174. The rib portion 176 has a cross shape. As shown in FIG. 12 , the cylindrical portion 174 penetrates the first front housing 82. The rib portion 176 is disposed inside the front housing 74. The rib portion 176 is disposed in a gear accommodating space 178 defined by the first front housing 82 and the second front housing 84. Note that in FIG. 12 , the boundary between the cylindrical portion 174 and the rib portion 176 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0070] 10, the adjustment mechanism 162 includes a plurality of gears 180 (five in this embodiment), a positioning member 182, a handle 184, and a biasing member 186. As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of gears 180, the positioning member 182, and the biasing member 186 are disposed in the gear accommodating space 178. The handle 184 is disposed outside the front housing 74.

[0071] The gears 180 are rotatably supported by the first front housing 82. As shown in Fig. 10, adjacent gears 180 mesh with each other. The five gears 180 include a plurality of (three in this embodiment) first gears 187 and one or more (two in this embodiment) second gears 188.

[0072] The three first gears 187 have the same shape. The first gears 187 are, for example, spur gears. The rotation centers of the three first gears 187 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of the first gears 187 are coaxial with the rotation axis of the direction-changing member 160. The three first gears 187 are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. The first gears 187 are fixed to the direction-changing member 160. Hereinafter, the first gear 187 fixed to the right-direction-changing member 160a may be referred to as the first gear 187a, the first gear 187 fixed to the middle-direction-changing member 160c may be referred to as the first gear 187b, and the first gear 187 fixed to the left-direction-changing member 160b may be referred to as the first gear 187c.

[0073] The two second gears 188 have the same shape. The shape of the second gear 188 is the same as the shape of the first gear 187. The second gear 188 is, for example, a spur gear. The gear type of the second gear 188 is the same as the gear type of the first gear 187. The second gear 188 is not fixed to the direction-changing member 160. The rotation centers of the two second gears 188 are aligned in a line in the left-right direction. The rotation centers of the three first gears 187 and the two second gears 188 are aligned in a line in the left-right direction. The second gear 188 is disposed between two adjacent first gears 187. The second gear 188 is in mesh with two adjacent first gears 187. Second gear 188 transmits the rotation of one of two adjacent first gears 187 to the other of the two adjacent first gears 187. Hereinafter, second gear 188 disposed between first gear 187a and first gear 187b may be referred to as second gear 188a, and second gear 188 disposed between first gear 187b and first gear 187c may be referred to as second gear 188b.

[0074] When the gear 180 rotates, the first gears 187a, 187b, and 187c rotate in a first rotational direction, and the second gears 188a and 188b rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. Therefore, the three direction-changing members 160 rotate in the same rotational direction, for example, the first rotational direction. The direction in which the direction-changing members 160 rotate is the same as the direction in which the first gear 187 rotates. Furthermore, the first gears 187a, 187b, and 187c rotate at the same speed. Therefore, when the gear 180 rotates, the orientations of the three direction-changing members 160 are the same. This makes it easier to change the direction in which snow blown by the working member 106 (see FIG. 5) is blown away.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 11 , the gear 180 includes a gear portion 190 and a gear engagement portion 192. The gear portion 190 includes a plurality of teeth. The gear engagement portion 192 is fixed to the gear portion 190. The gear engagement portion 192 protrudes rearward from the gear portion 190. The gear engagement portion 192 has a generally cross-shaped outer shape. As shown in FIG. 13 , the gear engagement portion 192 includes a gear engagement hole 194. The gear engagement hole 194 penetrates the gear engagement portion 192 in the front-rear direction. The gear engagement hole 194 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the engagement portion 170 of the direction-changing member 160. Therefore, the gear engagement hole 194 has a hole shape in which a cylindrical hole and a cross-shaped hole are connected. As shown in FIG. 14 , the engagement portion 170 is inserted into the gear engagement hole 194. The engaging portion 170 engages with the gear engaging portion 192 in the gear engaging hole 194. Therefore, the direction changing member 160 rotates integrally with the gear 180. The gear engaging portion 192 is fixed to the engaging portion 170 by a screw 196 while engaged with the engaging portion 170.

[0076] 11, the positioning member 182 is supported by the first gear 187b. The positioning member 182 includes a first positioning engagement portion 198, a flange portion 200, a second positioning engagement portion 202, and a positioning portion 204.

[0077] The first positioning engagement portion 198 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 13, the first positioning engagement portion 198 has a positioning engagement hole 208. The positioning engagement hole 208 penetrates the first positioning engagement portion 198 in the front-rear direction. The positioning engagement hole 208 has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b. Therefore, the positioning engagement hole 208 has a substantially cross shape. As shown in FIG. 14, the gear engagement portion 192 is inserted into the positioning engagement hole 208. The gear engagement portion 192 engages with the first positioning engagement portion 198 within the positioning engagement hole 208. Therefore, the positioning member 182 rotates integrally with the first gear 187b around the positioning rotation axis AX7.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 11, the flange portion 200 is fixed to the rear end of the first positioning engagement portion 198. The flange portion 200 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first positioning engagement portion 198. The flange portion 200 goes around the outer circumferential surface of the first positioning engagement portion 198. As shown in FIG. 12, the biasing member 186 is sandwiched between the flange portion 200 and the inner surface of the second front housing 84. The flange portion 200 is biased forward toward the first gear 187b by the biasing member 186. As a result, the positioning member 182 is biased toward the first gear 187b. Furthermore, the positioning member 182 is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the first gear 187b.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 11, the second positioning engagement portion 202 is fixed to the rear end of the flange portion 200. The second positioning engagement portion 202 includes a cylindrical portion 212 extending from the flange portion 200 and a rib portion 214 extending from the cylindrical portion 212. As shown in Fig. 12, the rib portion 214 engages with the handle 184. The second positioning engagement portion 202 is fixed to the handle 184 by a screw 216. Therefore, the positioning member 182 moves integrally with the handle 184.

[0080] 11, the positioning portion 204 includes a positioning base 220 and a positioning protrusion 222. The positioning base 220 extends upward from the outer peripheral surface of the first positioning engagement portion 198. The positioning protrusion 222 protrudes forward from the upper front surface of the positioning base 220.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 12 , the handle 184 is supported by the second front housing 84. The handle 184 is slidable in the front-rear direction and rotatable about the handle rotation axis AX8. The handle rotation axis AX8 extends in the front-rear direction. The direction in which the handle rotation axis AX8 extends is the same as the sliding direction of the handle 184. The handle rotation axis AX8 is coaxial with the positioning rotation axis AX7. The handle 184 is operated by a user. The user, standing behind the front unit 64, pulls the handle 184 rearward toward the user. This allows the user to easily operate the handle 184. When the handle 184 is pulled, the positioning member 182 slides rearward relative to the first gear 187b so as to move away from the first gear 187b. Furthermore, the handle 184 rotates integrally with the positioning member 182.

[0082] 15, the adjustment mechanism 162 further includes a positioning rib 230. The positioning rib 230 is disposed in the gear accommodating space 178. The positioning rib 230 protrudes rearward from the inner surface of the first front housing 82. The positioning rib 230 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) U-shaped ribs 232 and a connecting rib 234 that connects adjacent U-shaped ribs 232.

[0083] Each of the three U-shaped ribs 232 defines a positioning groove 236. The three positioning grooves 236 are spaced apart from one another. The positioning grooves 236 are capable of receiving the positioning protrusions 222. The positioning ribs 230 are capable of engaging with the positioning protrusions 222 within the positioning grooves 236. In Figure 15, the positioning protrusions 222 are shown by dashed lines.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, when the handle 184 is not operated, the positioning member 182 is pressed against the first gear 187b by the biasing force of the biasing member 186. In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 is received in the positioning groove 236. Hereinafter, this state of the positioning protrusion 222 may be referred to as the "received state." In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 is engaged with the positioning rib 230. This prevents the positioning member 182 from rotating around the positioning rotation axis AX7. In addition, in this state, the first positioning engagement portion 198 is engaged with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 16, when the handle 184 (see FIG. 12) is pulled rearward toward the user by a predetermined distance, the positioning member 182 slides rearward relative to the first gear 187b so as to move away from the first gear 187b, causing the positioning protrusion 222 to disengage from the positioning groove 236. This causes the positioning protrusion 222 to switch from the received state to the non-received state in which it is not received in the positioning groove 236. In this state, the positioning protrusion 222 does not engage with the positioning rib 230. In this embodiment, the length L1 of the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b in the front-rear direction and the length L2 of the first positioning engagement portion 198 in the front-rear direction are both longer than the length L3 of the positioning groove 236 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, even when the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the received state to the non-received state, the first positioning engagement portion 198 remains engaged with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b. This allows the positioning member 182 to rotate integrally with the first gear 187b around the positioning rotation axis AX7. The length L1 is substantially the same as the length L2. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the received state, the entire area of the first positioning engagement portion 198 in the front-to-rear direction is engaged with the gear engagement portion 192 of the first gear 187b. Therefore, the length in the front-to-rear direction of the area where the first positioning engagement portion 198 and the gear engagement portion 192 overlap is longer than the length L3 of the positioning groove 236 (see FIG. 16).

[0086] To change the orientation of the direction-changing member 160, as shown in FIG. 16 , the user first pulls the handle 184 backward toward the user. As the positioning member 182 slides backward, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the engaged state to the unengaged state. Next, while pulling the handle 184 toward the user, the user rotates the handle 184 in the desired direction around the handle rotation axis AX8 (see FIG. 12 ). The rotation of the positioning member 182 rotates the first gear 187b, thereby rotating the five gears 180. This simultaneously changes the orientation of the three direction-changing members 160. Finally, the user releases the handle 184. Due to the biasing force of the biasing member 186, the positioning member 182 slides forward together with the handle 184, away from the user. This switches the positioning protrusion 222 from the unengaged state to the engaged state. As a result, the positioning protrusion 222 engages with the positioning rib 230. As a result, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 is fixed. In this embodiment, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 can be changed in three stages. In a modified example, the orientation of the direction-changing member 160 may be changeable in two stages, or may be changeable in four or more stages.

[0087] (effect) The work machine 2 in this embodiment is a snow blower. The work machine 2 includes a working unit 78 that blows snow off the ground, a plurality of direction-changing members 160 that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism 162. The adjustment mechanism 162 includes a plurality of gears 180 that mesh with one another and change the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 by rotating.

[0088] According to the above configuration, the plurality of direction-changing members 160 and the plurality of gears 180 are assembled by meshing the plurality of gears 180 with each other, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0089] The attachment 6 of this embodiment is used in a snow blower. The attachment 6 includes a working unit 78 that blows snow off the ground, a plurality of direction-changing members 160 that change the direction in which the snow is blown, and an adjustment mechanism 162. The adjustment mechanism 162 is rotatable and includes a plurality of gears 180 that adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 by rotating them.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the work machine 2 described above can be achieved.

[0091] The adjustment mechanism 162 further includes a handle 184 that is operated by a user to rotate the plurality of gears 180 .

[0092] According to the above configuration, the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 can be changed by a simple operation of operating the handle 184.

[0093] The adjustment mechanism 162 also includes a positioning groove 236 and a positioning protrusion 222 that can be switched between a received state in which it is received in the positioning groove 236 and a non-received state in which it is not received in the positioning groove 236 by operating the handle 184. Each of the multiple gears 180 is rotatable when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the non-received state, and is non-rotatable when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the received state.

[0094] According to the above configuration, by switching the positioning protrusion 222 between the receiving state and the non-receiving state, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the gear 180 can rotate and a state in which the gear 180 cannot rotate.

[0095] Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the receiving state to the non-receiving state when it is moved in the rearward direction (an example of a first direction) by operating the handle 184. At least one of the multiple gears 180 has a gear engaging portion 192. The adjustment mechanism 162 is slidable in the rearward direction relative to the gear engaging portion 192 integrally with the positioning protrusion 222, and further has a first positioning engaging portion 198 (an example of an engaged portion) with which the gear engaging portion 192 engages when the positioning protrusion 222 is in the receiving state or the non-receiving state.

[0096] According to the above configuration, even when the positioning protrusion 222 is moved rearward to switch from the received state to the non-received state, the engagement between the gear engagement portion 192 and the first positioning engagement portion 198 can be prevented from being released.

[0097] Each of the plurality of direction-changing members 160 has an engaging portion 170 that engages with the gear engaging portion 192 .

[0098] According to the above configuration, there is no need to provide the gear 180 with a separate configuration that engages with the engaging portion 170. This makes it possible to prevent the configuration of the gear 180 from becoming complicated.

[0099] Additionally, the positioning protrusion 222 switches from the receiving state to the non-receiving state when the handle 184 is pulled toward the user.

[0100] According to the above configuration, when switching the positioning protrusion 222 from the received state to the non-received state, the handle 184 can be more easily operated by the user than in a configuration in which the handle 184 is pushed away from the user.

[0101] The plurality of gears 180 also includes a plurality of first gears 187, each of which is fixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of direction-changing members 160. The plurality of first gears 187 have the same shape.

[0102] According to the above configuration, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism 162 can be simplified.

[0103] The plurality of gears 180 also includes second gears 188 that mesh with two adjacent first gears 187. The shape of the second gears 188 is the same as the shape of the plurality of first gears 187.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the configuration of the adjustment mechanism 162 can be further simplified.

[0105] The rotation centers of the multiple first gears 187 are aligned in a row.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the assembly of the plurality of first gears 187 can be improved.

[0107] (Variation) The work machine 2 according to one embodiment is not limited to a snow blower, and may be, for example, a power brush, a power sweeper, a tiller, or a thatching device.

[0108] In one embodiment, the orientation of the direction change member 160 may be changed by an actuator (not shown).

[0109] In one embodiment, the handle 184 may rotate about the handle rotation axis AX8 while being pushed forward. When the handle 184 is pushed forward, the positioning protrusion 222 is in an unreceived state. The rotation of the positioning member 182 about the positioning rotation axis AX7 causes the plurality of gears 180 to rotate.

[0110] In one embodiment, the shape of the first gear 187 may be different from the shape of the second gear 188 .

[0111] In one embodiment, the rotation center of the second gear 188 does not have to be located on a line connecting the rotation centers of the plurality of first gears 187.

[0112] The work machine 2 according to one embodiment may be provided with an engine (not shown) instead of the motor 26.

[0113] The transmission shaft 90 according to one embodiment may be a flexible shaft that can bend. In this configuration, the transmission shaft 90 can rotate in a bent state. The transmission shaft 90 may be bent, for example, by 90 degrees.

[0114] In one embodiment, the working shaft 104 may be angled relative to the transfer shaft 90 .

[0115] In one embodiment, the working shaft 104 and working member 106 may be a unitary molded piece. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 2: Work equipment 4: Base unit 6: Attachment 10: Rear operating rod 14: Rear unit 16: Rear shaft 18: Mounting unit 26: Motor 60: Front operating rod 62: Front shaft 64: Previous unit 68: Control rod 70: Shaft 74: Front housing 76: Transmission unit 78: Working section 90: Transmission shaft 96: Rear pulley 98: Front pulley 100: Belt 104: Working shaft 106: Working material 112: First member 114: Second member 116: Third member 128: First bearing 132: Second bearing 146: Third bearing 148: 4th bearing 160: Direction change member 162: Adjustment mechanism 180: Gear 182: Positioning member 184: Handle 186: biasing member 187: 1st gear 188: 2nd gear 198: First positioning engagement portion 202: Second positioning engagement portion 222: Positioning protrusion 236: Positioning groove AX1: Rear shaft rotation axis AX2: Front shaft rotation axis AX3: Transmission shaft rotating axis AX4: Rear pulley rotating shaft AX5: Front pulley rotating shaft AX6: Working shaft rotation axis AX7: Positioning rotary axis AX8: Handle rotation axis BP: Battery pack

Claims

1. A snow blower, A working unit that blows off snow from the ground, a plurality of direction change members for changing the direction in which the snow is thrown; an adjustment mechanism; The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of gears that mesh with each other and rotate to adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members.

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

3. The adjustment mechanism includes: A positioning groove; a positioning protrusion that can be switched between a receiving state in which the protrusion is received in the positioning groove and a non-receiving state in which the protrusion is not received in the positioning groove by operating the handle; The snow blower according to claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of gears is rotatable when the positioning protrusion is in the non-receiving state and is non-rotatable when the positioning protrusion is in the receiving state.

4. the positioning protrusion is switched from the receiving state to the non-receiving state when moved in a first direction by operating the handle, At least one of the plurality of gears includes a gear engagement portion; 4. The snow blower of claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism is slidable in the first direction relative to the gear engagement portion integrally with the positioning protrusion, and further includes an engaged portion with which the gear engagement portion engages when the positioning protrusion is in the received state and the non-received state.

5. The snow blower according to claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of direction-changing members includes an engaging portion that engages with the gear engaging portion.

6. The snow blower according to claim 3 , wherein the positioning protrusion switches from the accepting state to the non-accepting state when the handle is pulled toward the user.

7. the plurality of gears include a plurality of first gears, each of the plurality of first gears being fixed to a corresponding one of the plurality of direction-changing members; The snow blower according to claim 1 , wherein the first gears have the same shape.

8. The plurality of gears includes second gears that mesh with two adjacent first gears, The snow blower according to claim 7 , wherein the shape of the second gear is the same as the shapes of the plurality of first gears.

9. 9. The snow blower according to claim 7, wherein the rotation centers of the plurality of first gears are aligned in a line.

10. An attachment used with a snow blower, A working unit that blows off snow from the ground, a plurality of direction change members for changing the direction in which the snow is thrown; an adjustment mechanism; An attachment, wherein the adjustment mechanism is rotatable and includes a plurality of gears that rotate to adjust the orientation of the plurality of direction-changing members.

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