Scrubber
The scrubber design with a detachable guard part and hook member mechanism addresses the challenge of attaching and detaching the guard part, improving usability and maintenance efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing scrubbers require a guard part that suppresses cleaning liquid scattering, which is difficult to attach and detach during maintenance and may need removal for certain cleaning tasks.
A scrubber design with a drive assembly, tool, and a detachable guard part using a hook member-based attachment/detachment mechanism, allowing easy attachment and detachment of the guard part.
Facilitates smooth and easy attachment and detachment of the guard part, enhancing usability and maintenance efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure 2026045963000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a scrubber.
Background Art
[0002] In the technical field related to scrubbers, a floor treatment machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] When cleaning a cleaning target with a scrubber, a cleaning liquid may be sprinkled on the cleaning target. When a cleaning liquid is sprinkled on the cleaning target, a guard part for suppressing the scattering of the cleaning liquid is attached to the scrubber. When maintaining the guard part, it is necessary to remove the guard part from the scrubber. Also, depending on the cleaning target, it may be preferable to clean with the guard part removed from the scrubber. Therefore, a technique that allows the guard part to be easily attached and detached is desired.
[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to attach and detach a guard part of a scrubber.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] This specification discloses a scrubber. The scrubber includes a drive assembly having a motor that rotates about a motor rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, a tool that faces the cleaning target and is rotated by the motor, a guard part at least partially disposed around the tool, and a detaching mechanism having a hook member for attaching and detaching the drive assembly and the guard part. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the technology disclosed herein, the guard portion of the scrubber can be attached and detached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from the left. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a rear view of the scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a view of the main assembly according to the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a view of the main assembly according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack removed from the battery mounting section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a method for temporarily placing a scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a method for temporarily placing a scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a provisional placement method of a scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a view of the front part of the scrubber according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the front part of the scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the front part of the scrubber according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the front part of the scrubber according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a view of the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a view of the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper left rear. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a view of the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from the lower right front. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a view of the adapter and cover according to the first embodiment as seen from the right. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a view of the tool according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the tool according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a view of the tool connected to the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from the upper right front. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a view of the tool connected to the drive assembly according to the first embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 31]Figure 31 is a view of the drive assembly and guard section according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a view of the side and guard section according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a view of the side and guard portion according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a view of the side and guard section according to the first embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing the and guard portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is an exploded view of the and guard section according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left front. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is an exploded view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper left front. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is an exploded view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper right rear. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a view of the second hook member according to the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left front. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 48]Figure 48 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a view of the front of the scrubber according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows the guard section whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the second embodiment, seen from the upper left front. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the second embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism in the engaged and disengaged states according to the second embodiment. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a view from the right of the attachment / detachment mechanism in the engaged and disengaged states according to the second embodiment. [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the third embodiment, seen from the upper left front. [Figure 57] Figure 57 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the third embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism according to the third embodiment. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is a view from above of the attachment / detachment mechanism in the engaged and disengaged states according to the third embodiment. [Figure 60] Figure 60 is a view from the right of the attachment / detachment mechanism in the engaged and disengaged states according to the third embodiment. [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 62] Figure 62 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 63] Figure 63 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 64]Figure 64 is a view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 65] Figure 65 shows the guard section whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 66] Figure 66 is a view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. [Figure 67] Figure 67 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 68] Figure 68 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 69] Figure 69 shows the guard section whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] In one or more embodiments, the scrubber may include a drive assembly having a motor that rotates around a motor rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, a tool that faces the object to be cleaned and is rotated by the motor, a guard portion that is at least partially positioned around the tool, and a detachment mechanism having a hook member for attaching and detaching the drive assembly and the guard portion.
[0010] In the above configuration, the guard portion of the scrubber can be smoothly attached and detached by the attachment / detachment mechanism having a hook member.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the attachment / detachment mechanism may be provided on one or both of the drive assembly and the guard portion.
[0012] In the above configuration, since the attachment / detachment mechanism is provided in either the drive assembly or the guard section, or both, the size of the scrubber is suppressed.
[0013] In one or more embodiments, the hook member may be movably supported in the drive assembly.
[0014] In the above configuration, the guard portion of the scrubber can be smoothly attached to and detached by a hook member movably supported in the drive assembly.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, the hook member may include a first hook member and a second hook member connected to at least a portion of the first hook member and moving synchronously with the first hook member.
[0016] In the above configuration, operating the first hook member causes the second hook member to move in conjunction with the first hook member, allowing the guard portion of the scrubber to be attached and detached with ease of operation.
[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first hook member may have a main body portion positioned around a rotating shaft connecting the motor and the tool, and a first hook portion positioned below the front of the main body portion and hooked onto a guard member.
[0018] In the above configuration, the main body is positioned around the rotating shaft, thus suppressing the need to enlarge the attachment / detachment mechanism. The first hook member allows for smooth attachment and detachment of the scrubber's guard.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first hook member may have an operating button portion provided at the front of the main body and protruding forward from the head housing of the drive assembly.
[0020] With the above configuration, the scrubber guard can be easily attached and detached simply by operating the control button.
[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first hook member may have a connecting hole provided at the rear of the main body into which at least a portion of the second hook member is inserted.
[0022] In the above configuration, the first hook member and the second hook member are connected via a connecting hole.
[0023] In one or more embodiments, the second hook member may have an insertion portion that is inserted into a connecting hole, and a second hook portion that is positioned below the insertion portion and is hooked onto a guard member.
[0024] In the above configuration, the first hook member and the second hook member are connected via a connecting hole and an insertion part inserted into the connecting hole. The second hook member allows the guard portion of the scrubber to be smoothly attached and detached.
[0025] In one or more embodiments, the second hook member may have a pivotable portion positioned between the insertion portion and the second hook portion in the vertical direction.
[0026] In the above configuration, when the first hook member moves in the front-to-back direction, the second hook member rotates, thus allowing the second hook portion to be moved.
[0027] In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis of the rotating part and the upper surface of the second hook part may overlap in a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis.
[0028] In the above configuration, the rotation of the second hook member is suppressed by the force that would cause the guard to detach from the drive assembly.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, the drive assembly has a hook cover that is inserted into an opening provided in the guard portion, and the first hook member and the second hook member may be supported by the hook cover.
[0030] In the above configuration, the first hook member and the second hook member are supported by a hook cover inserted into the opening of the guard portion, allowing the guard portion of the scrubber to be attached and detached smoothly.
[0031] In one or more embodiments, the hook cover may have a cylindrical portion that is inserted into the opening and a sliding portion provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and guided by a guide portion provided on the guard portion.
[0032] In the above configuration, the hook cover is guided by the guide section, allowing it to be smoothly inserted into the opening.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the cylindrical portion may have a first hook hole in which the first hook portion of the first hook member is movably disposed, and a second hook hole in which the second hook portion of the second hook member is movably disposed.
[0034] In the above configuration, the first hook portion can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position while being supported by the hook cover. The second hook portion can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position while being supported by the hook cover.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the attachment / detachment mechanism may include a biasing member that biases the hook member so that the hook member approaches the guard portion.
[0036] In the above configuration, the engagement between the hook member and the guard member is stable.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, the hook member may include a first hook member and a second hook member connected to at least a portion of the first hook member and moving synchronously with the first hook member. The biasing member may be positioned between the first hook member and at least a portion of a hook cover that movably supports the first hook member. The first hook member may be biased by the biasing member to approach the guard portion. The second hook member may be biased by the biasing member via the first hook member to approach the guard portion.
[0038] In the above configuration, the engagement between the hook member and the guard member is stable. Furthermore, by operating the first hook member, the second hook member moves in conjunction with the first hook member, allowing the guard member of the scrubber to be attached and detached with ease of operation.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the drive assembly has a hook cover that is inserted into an opening provided in the guard portion, and the hook cover may movably support a hook member. With the hook cover inserted into the opening, the first hook member and the second hook member are each biased by a biasing member so that the first hook portion of the first hook member and the second hook portion of the second hook member are engaged with the guard portion, and the first hook portion and the second hook portion are each released from the guard portion by operating an operating button portion provided on the first hook member against the biasing force of the biasing member.
[0040] In the above configuration, the scrubber user can attach and detach the guard with a single touch.
[0041] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.
[0042] In the embodiments, the terms "left," "right," "front," "rear," "up," and "down" are used to describe the positional relationships of each part. These terms indicate the relative position or direction with respect to the center of the scrubber 1.
[0043] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described.
[0044] <Scrubber Overview> Figure 1 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 2 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from above. Figure 3 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from below. Figure 4 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. Figure 5 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the left. Figure 6 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the front. Figure 7 is a view of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0045] Scrubber 1 is used for cleaning the object to be cleaned. A floor is an example of the object to be cleaned. Scrubber 1 is an example of a floor cleaning machine. Scrubber 1 is also called a polisher.
[0046] Scrubber 1 comprises a drive assembly 2, a tool 3, a guard section 4, a main body assembly 5, a pole 6, a pole housing section 7, a front grip 8, a light 9, a rotating section 10, a detachable mechanism 11, and an adjustment mechanism 12.
[0047] The drive assembly 2 comprises a head housing 13, a motor 14, and a power transmission mechanism 15. The motor 14 is an inner rotor type DC brushless motor. The motor 14 rotates around a motor rotation axis AX that extends in the vertical direction. The power transmission mechanism 15 transmits the rotational force generated by the motor 14 to the tool 3.
[0048] Tool 3 is a rotating cleaning body used to clean the object to be cleaned. Tool 3 faces the object to be cleaned and is rotated by motor 14. By rotating while in contact with the object to be cleaned, tool 3 rubs and polishes the object to be cleaned. In this embodiment, tool 3 includes a brush 48 (see Figure 26, etc.). Tool 3 may also include an abrasive pad.
[0049] The guard section 4 is attached to the drive assembly 2. The guard section 4 is detachable from the drive assembly 2. At least a portion of the guard section 4 is positioned around the tool 3. When cleaning an object with the scrubber 1, cleaning fluid may be sprayed onto the object. When cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the object, the guard section 4 is positioned around the tool 3 to suppress the scattering of the cleaning fluid.
[0050] The pole 6 is long in the front-to-back direction. The pole 6 connects the pole housing 7 and the rotating part 10. The pole housing 7 is fixed to the front of the main housing 16. The pole housing 7 is cylindrical. As shown in Figure 1, a sleeve 90 is arranged around the pole 6. The rear part of the sleeve 90 is positioned inside the pole housing 7. The front part of the sleeve 90 is positioned on the front side of the pole housing 7. The sleeve 90 is fixed to the pole housing 7. At least a portion of the pole 6 is positioned inside the pole housing 7 and inside the sleeve 90. The pole 6 and the pole housing 7 have a telescopic structure. The pole 6 is movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the pole housing 7 and the sleeve 90. A tightening mechanism capable of tightening the pole 6 is provided at the front of the sleeve 90. A fixing lever 23 is located at the front of the sleeve 90. When the fixing lever 23 is operated, the tightening mechanism of the sleeve 90 is activated, tightening the pole 6 and fixing the position of the pole 6 relative to the pole housing 7. When the fixing lever 23 is released, the pole 6 becomes movable relative to the pole housing 7. As the pole 6 moves, its position relative to the pole housing 7 is adjusted. By adjusting the position of the pole 6 relative to the pole housing 7, the length of the pole 6 between the pole housing 7 and the rotating part 10 is adjusted. When the pole 6 moves so that the spring pin (not shown) provided on the pole 6 and the rear end of the sleeve 90 come into contact inside the pole housing 7, the length of the pole 6 between the pole housing 7 and the rotating part 10 is adjusted to its maximum length. When the pole 6 starts so that the front end of the sleeve 90 comes into contact with the rear end of the rotating part 10, the length of the pole 6 between the pole housing 7 and the rotating part 10 is adjusted to its minimum length.
[0051] The front grip 8 is held by the user of the scrubber 1. The front grip 8 is fixed to the pole housing 7. The front grip 8 is substantially annular. The front grip 8 protrudes upward from the pole housing 7.
[0052] The front grip 8 has a fixing mechanism 24. The fixing mechanism 24 fixes the front grip 8 to the pole housing 7. The fixing mechanism 24 has a tightening mechanism positioned around the pole housing 7. When the dial 24A of the fixing mechanism 24 is rotated in one direction, the tightening mechanism is activated and tightens the pole housing 7. As the tightening mechanism tightens the pole housing 7, the front grip 8 is fixed to the pole housing 7. When the dial 24A is rotated in the other direction, the tightening mechanism releases the tightening of the pole housing 7, and the fixing mechanism 24 is released from the pole housing 7. With the fixing mechanism 24 released, the front grip 8 can rotate around the pole housing 7, move in the front-rear direction relative to the pole housing 7, and tilt in the front-rear direction.
[0053] The rotating part 10 rotatably supports the drive assembly 2. The rotating part 10 has a base 10A attached to the pole 6 and a pair of support parts 10B positioned on the left and right sides of the drive assembly 2, respectively. The rotating part 10 rotatably supports the drive assembly 2 around a first assembly rotation axis NX extending in the front-rear direction. The rotating part 10 rotatably supports the drive assembly 2 around a second assembly rotation axis BX extending in the left-right direction. The rotating part 10 is rotatable around the second assembly rotation axis BX between a first rotation position where the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the pole 6 and the motor rotation axis AX are perpendicular, and a second rotation position where it is rotated 90 degrees forward from the first rotation position. The rotating part 10 is rotatable between a third rotation position, where the second assembly rotation axis BX and the motor rotation axis AX are rotated 30 degrees to the left from a vertical position, and a fourth rotation position, where they are rotated 30 degrees to the right, around the first assembly rotation axis NX. A fixing mechanism 25 is provided between the drive assembly 2 and the rotating part 10 to restrict the rotation of the drive assembly 2. By operating the lever 25A of the fixing mechanism 25, the rotation and fixing of the drive assembly 2 around the first assembly rotation axis NX are switched. By operating the lever 25B of the fixing mechanism 25, the rotation and fixing of the drive assembly 2 around the second assembly rotation axis BX are switched.
[0054] Light 9 illuminates the object to be cleaned. Two lights 9 are provided on the rotating part 10. One light 9 is positioned on the left support part 10B. The other light 9 is positioned on the right support part 10B. Light 9 emits illumination light in front of the scrubber 1.
[0055] The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 attaches and detaches the drive assembly 2 and the guard section 4. The adjustment mechanism 12 adjusts the height of the guard section 4 relative to the drive assembly 2. The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 and the adjustment mechanism 12 will be described later.
[0056] <Main Assembly> Figure 9 is a view of the main body assembly 5 according to the first embodiment, seen from above. Figure 10 is a view of the main body assembly 5 according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. In Figure 10, the battery cover 22 is shown by dashed lines.
[0057] The main unit assembly 5 includes a main unit housing 16, a trigger lever 17, an interface panel 18, a controller 19, and a battery mounting section 20. A battery pack 21 is mounted in the battery mounting section 20. A battery cover 22 is attached to the lower part of the main unit housing 16.
[0058] The main housing 16 houses at least the controller 19. The main housing 16 has a body portion 16A, a grip portion 16B, a controller housing portion 16C, a battery holding portion 16D, and a rubber portion 16E. The body portion 16A is cylindrical and elongated in the front-to-back direction. The grip portion 16B extends rearward from the rear of the body portion 16A. The grip portion 16B is substantially annular. The grip portion 16B is held by the user of the scrubber 1. The controller housing portion 16C houses the controller 19. The controller housing portion 16C is connected to the lower rear of the body portion 16A. The controller housing portion 16C is connected to the front lower part of the grip portion 16B. The battery holding portion 16D holds the battery pack 21 via a battery mounting portion 20. The battery mounting portion 20 is located in the battery holding portion 16D. The battery holding portion 16D is located at the bottom of the body portion 16A. The rubber part 16E is positioned at the lower rear of the grip part 16B.
[0059] The trigger lever 17 is located on the grip portion 16B. The trigger lever 17 is operated by the user to start the motor 14. The controller 19 controls the motor 14 based on the operation signal generated by the operation of the trigger lever 17. The controller 19 drives or stops the motor 14 based on the operation signal from the trigger lever 17. By operating the trigger lever 17, the motor 14 is switched between being driven and stopped. The trigger lever 17 is positioned to face the inner space of the annular grip portion 16B. The trigger lever 17 protrudes downward from the top of the grip portion 16B.
[0060] The interface panel 18 is operated by the user. The interface panel 18 is located on the upper surface of the body 16A. The interface panel 18 is operated to change the settings of the motor 14. The interface panel 18 is operated to change the rotational speed of the motor 14. The interface panel 18 is operated to change the rotational direction of the motor 14. The controller 19 changes the settings of the motor 14 based on the operation signals generated by the operation of the interface panel 18.
[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the interface panel 18 includes a rotation speed change button 18A and a reverse button 18B. When the main power supply of the scrubber 1 is off, pressing and holding the rotation speed change button 18A switches the main power supply of the scrubber 1 to the ON state. When the main power supply of the scrubber 1 is ON, pressing and holding the rotation speed change button 18A switches the main power supply of the scrubber 1 to the OFF state. Each time the rotation speed change button 18A is briefly pressed, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is changed. When the rotation speed change button 18A is pressed once, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is set to the first rotation speed. When the rotation speed change button 18A is pressed again briefly, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is set to the second rotation speed, which is higher than the first rotation speed. When the rotation speed change button 18A is pressed again briefly, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is set to the third rotation speed, which is higher than the second rotation speed. When the rotation speed change button 18A is pressed again briefly, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is set to the first rotation speed. With the rotation speed of the motor 14 set by operating the rotation speed change button 18A, the motor 14 rotates at the set rotation speed when the trigger lever 17 is operated. With the trigger lever 17 operated, the rotation speed of the motor 14 is changed when the rotation speed change button 18A is pressed briefly, while the motor 14 is running.
[0062] After the rotation speed change button 18A is operated, the motor 14 rotates forward when the trigger lever 17 is operated. After the reverse rotation button 18B is operated, the motor 14 reverses for a specified time and then stops when the trigger lever 17 is operated. The specified time is, for example, between 0.1 seconds and 1 second.
[0063] The controller 19 controls at least the motor 14. The controller 19 has a circuit board and a plurality of electronic components mounted on the circuit board. Examples of electronic components include a microcomputer and a switching element. The controller 19 is located in the controller housing 16C.
[0064] The battery mounting section 20 is located below the battery holding section 16D. The battery mounting section 20 is located in front of the grip section 16B and behind the front grip 8. The battery mounting section 20 is located in front of the trigger lever 17.
[0065] The battery mounting section 20 is connected to the battery pack 21. The battery pack 21 is mounted in the battery mounting section 20. The battery pack 21 is detachable from the battery mounting section 20. In one embodiment, there is one battery mounting section 20. One battery pack 21 is mounted in the battery mounting section 20.
[0066] The battery pack 21 supplies power to the motor 14. The battery pack 21 is a general-purpose battery that can be used as a power source for various electrical devices. The battery pack 21 can be used as a power source for power tools. The battery pack 21 can be used as a power source for electrical devices other than power tools. The battery pack 21 contains a lithium-ion battery. The battery pack 21 is a rechargeable battery. The battery pack 21 may also be a battery pack for power tools.
[0067] The rated voltage of the battery pack 21 is not particularly limited. The rated voltage of the battery pack 21 may be 18V, 36V, or 72V. The rated voltage of the battery pack 21 may also be less than 18V, for example, 10.8V or 14.4V.
[0068] The battery cover 22 covers the battery pack 21 mounted in the battery mounting section 20. The battery cover 22 protects the battery pack 21 mounted in the battery mounting section 20. When cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, the battery cover 22 prevents the cleaning fluid from adhering to the battery pack 21. The battery cover 22 is made of a material that is resistant to cleaning fluid and has a low specific gravity. In an embodiment, the battery cover 22 is made of, for example, polypropylene resin.
[0069] With the battery pack 21 mounted in the battery mounting section 20, the bottom surface 21A of the battery pack 21 and the bottom surface 22A of the battery cover 22 are substantially parallel, and the rear surface 21B of the battery pack 21 and the rear surface 22B of the battery cover 22 are substantially parallel.
[0070] The bottom surface 22A and the rear surface 22B are both substantially flat surfaces. The bottom surface 22A and the rear surface 22B are substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0071] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the battery cover 22 according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the battery pack 21 removed from the battery mounting section 20 according to the first embodiment.
[0072] The front of the battery cover 22 is rotatably supported on the lower part of the main housing 16 via a hinge mechanism 22C. The rear of the battery cover 22 is detachably attached to the lower part of the main housing 16 via a latch mechanism 22D.
[0073] As shown in Figure 11, when the latch lever 22E is operated, the latch mechanism 22D releases the battery cover 22 from its fixation to the main housing 16. With the battery cover 22 released, it can rotate around the hinge mechanism 22C. As the battery cover 22 rotates, the battery pack 21 is exposed. As shown in Figure 12, the battery pack 21 is removed from the battery mounting section 20 by pulling it downward and backward. The battery pack 21 is then installed in the battery mounting section 20 by inserting it into the battery mounting section 20 from the downward and rear.
[0074] The battery pack 21 can supply power to the motor 14 by being installed in the battery mounting section 20. Power from the battery pack 21 is supplied to the motor 14 via a cable. As shown in Figure 1, a tube 26 for housing the cable is positioned between the rotating section 10 and the drive assembly 2. The tube 26 is flexible. The cable is protected by the tube 26. The motor 14 is driven based on the power supplied from the battery pack 21.
[0075] <How to temporarily place the scrubber> Figure 13 illustrates an example of a temporary placement method for the scrubber according to the first embodiment. The battery cover 22 is connected to the battery holder 16D at the bottom of the body portion 16A. 22 is positioned in front of 16B and behind 8. The battery cover 22 is positioned in front of the trigger lever 17. The bottom surface 22A and the rear surface 22B are substantially flat surfaces. The bottom surface 22A and the rear surface 22B are substantially perpendicular to each other. As shown in Figure 13, the user of the scrubber 1 can use the battery cover 22 to prop the scrubber 1 up on the top surface of a structure (e.g., the top surface of a desk).
[0076] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a temporary placement method for the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, a rubber portion 16E is positioned at the rear of the grip portion 16B. The rubber portion 16E includes a rubber plate attached to the rear of the grip portion 16B. The user can lean the scrubber 1 against the wall of a structure so that the rubber portion 16E is in contact with the wall of the structure. The rubber portion 16E helps to prevent damage to the structure.
[0077] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a temporary placement method for the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment. When a user uses the scrubber 1 to clean an object, they may move it together with the building maintenance cart 27. As shown in Figure 8, the user can hang the front grip 8 on the building maintenance cart 27. The front grip 8 is provided to protrude from the pole housing 7. Furthermore, the user can adjust the angle between the front grip 8 and the pole housing 7 while the fixing mechanism 24 is released. Therefore, the front grip 8 is easy to hang on at least a part of the building maintenance cart 27.
[0078] <Drive Assembly> Figure 16 is a view of the front of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figures 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views showing the front of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 corresponds to the view taken along line AA in Figure 16. Figure 18 corresponds to the view taken along line BB in Figure 16. Figure 19 is an exploded view of the front of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 20 is a view of the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 21 is a view of the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left rear. Figure 22 is a view of the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from the lower right front. Figure 23 is an exploded view of the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front.
[0079] The drive assembly 2 includes a motor 14, a power transmission mechanism 15, a motor case 28 housing the motor 14, a gear case 29 housing the power transmission mechanism 15, a head housing 13 housing the motor case 28 and the gear case 29, a hook member 30, a hook cover 33, and an adapter 34.
[0080] The head housing 13 has a so-called split structure. The head housing 13 is composed of a pair of split housings. The head housing 13 has a left housing 13L and a right housing 13R located to the right of the left housing. The left housing 13L and the right housing 13R constitute a pair of split housings. The left housing 13L and the right housing 13R are fixed together by a number of screws 35.
[0081] Motor 14 is an inner rotor type DC brushless motor. Motor 14 has a stator 36, a rotor 37, and a rotor shaft 38. The stator 36 is positioned around the rotor 37. The rotor 37 is positioned around the rotor shaft 38. The rotor shaft 38 is fixed to the rotor 37. The rotor 37 and rotor shaft 38 rotate around the motor rotation axis AX. As shown in Figure 17, the stator 36 has a stator core 36A, an insulator 36B, and a coil 36C. The rotor 37 has a rotor core 37A and a magnet 37B.
[0082] The stator core 36A is positioned radially outward from the motor rotation axis AX compared to the rotor 37. The stator core 36A includes multiple laminated steel plates. The steel plates are metal plates mainly composed of iron. The stator core 36A is annular in shape. The stator core 36A has multiple teeth that support the coil 36C. The stator core 36A is held on the inner surface of the motor case 28.
[0083] The insulator 36B is fixed to the stator core 36A. The insulator 36B is interposed between the stator core 36A and the coil 36C. The insulator 36B is an electrical insulating material made of synthetic resin.
[0084] The coil 36C is mounted on the stator core 36A via an insulator 36B. Multiple coils 36C are arranged. The coils 36C are positioned around the teeth of the stator core 36A via the insulator 36B. The stator core 36A and the coils 36C are electrically isolated by the insulator 36B.
[0085] The rotor core 37A is made of steel. The rotor core 37A is substantially cylindrical. The magnet 37B is located inside the rotor core 37A. The rotor 37 is an IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) type rotor.
[0086] The rotor shaft 38 is long in the vertical direction. The rotor shaft 38 is positioned inside the rotor core 37A. The rotor core 37A and the rotor shaft 38 are fixed together. The rotor 37 and rotor shaft 38 rotate around the motor rotation axis AX, which extends in the vertical direction.
[0087] The upper end of the rotor shaft 38 is rotatably supported by bearing 38A. The lower end of the rotor shaft 38 is rotatably supported by bearing 38B. Bearings 38A and 38B are held in the motor case 28.
[0088] A sensor board 39 is positioned on top of the stator 36. The sensor board 39 detects the rotation of the rotor 37. The sensor board 39 is fixed to the insulator 36B. The sensor board 39 has an annular circuit board and a magnetic sensor mounted on the circuit board. The magnetic sensor detects the rotational position of the rotor 37 by detecting the magnetic field of the magnet 37B of the rotor 37. The detection data from the sensor board 39 is transmitted to the controller 19. The controller 19 controls the motor 14 based on the detection data from the sensor board 39.
[0089] A fan 40 is fixed to the lower part of the rotor shaft 38. In the vertical direction, the fan 40 is positioned between the stator 36 and the bearing 38B. As the fan 40 rotates, air flows into the head housing 13 from the intake port 13A located at the top of the left housing 13L. The air that flows in from the intake port 13A flows into the motor case 28 through an inlet located in the motor case 28 and flows around the motor 14. The motor 14 is cooled by the air flowing around it. The air that has flowed around the motor 14 flows out from an outlet located in the motor case 28. The air that has flowed out of the motor case 28 is discharged to the outside of the head housing 13 from an exhaust port 13B located at the top of the left housing 13L.
[0090] The power transmission mechanism 15 includes a planetary gear mechanism. The power transmission mechanism 15 includes a first-stage planetary gear mechanism 151 and a second-stage planetary gear mechanism 152. The power transmission mechanism 15 is housed in a gear case 29. As shown in Figure 18, a pinion gear 15A is provided at the lower end of the rotor shaft 38. The pinion gear 15A meshes with the planetary gear 15B of the first-stage planetary gear mechanism 151. The internal gear 15C of the first-stage planetary gear mechanism 151 is arranged around the planetary gear 15B. The internal gear 15C is fixed to the inner surface of the gear case 29. The carrier 15D of the first-stage planetary gear mechanism 151 is connected to the planetary gear 15B. The carrier 15D meshes with the planetary gear 15E of the second-stage planetary gear mechanism 152. The internal gear 15F of the second-stage planetary gear mechanism 152 is positioned around the planetary gear 15E. The internal gear 15F is fixed to the inner surface of the gear case 29. The carrier 15G of the second-stage planetary gear mechanism 152 is connected to the internal gear 15F.
[0091] The power transmission mechanism 15 has a rotating shaft 41 fixed to the carrier 15G. The rotating shaft 41 is rotatably supported by a bearing 42. The bearing 42 is held in the gear case 29. The lower end of the rotating shaft 41 is fixed to the adapter 34 via an intermediate member 44 by a screw 43. A cover 45 is fixed to the lower surface of the adapter 34. The cover 45 is positioned to cover the screw 43 from below. The cover 45 is fixed to the adapter 34 by three screws 46.
[0092] The hook cover 33 is fixed to the gear case 29. The hook cover 33 is fixed to the gear case 29 by four screws 47. Screw bosses 29A are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the gear case 29. At least a portion of the gear case 29, including the screw bosses 29A, is positioned inside the hook cover 33. A screw opening 33D (see Figure 41, etc.) into which the screws 47 are inserted is provided at the bottom of the hook cover 33. The screws 47 are inserted into the screw opening 33D from below the bottom surface of the hook cover 33, and then inserted into the screw holes of the screw bosses 29A.
[0093] Figure 24 is a view of the adapter 34 and cover 45 according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter 34 and cover 45 according to the first embodiment. The adapter 34 is connected to the tool 3. The tool 3 is connected to the drive assembly 2 via the adapter 34.
[0094] The adapter 34 has a main body 34A, a projection 34D that protrudes downward from the center of the main body 34A, a claw portion 34B provided below the main body 34A, and a connecting portion 34C that connects one end of the claw portion 34B to the lower surface of the main body 34A in the circumferential direction. The claw portion 34B is arranged around the projection 34D. Three claw portions 34B are provided at equal intervals around the projection 34D. At least a part of the tool 3 is inserted into the space 34E between the lower surface of the main body 34A and the upper surface of the claw portion 34B. As shown in Figure 25, the upper surface 34F of the claw portion 34B is inclined upward toward the radially outward direction of the motor rotation axis AX.
[0095] <Tools> Figure 26 is a view of the tool 3 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 27 is an exploded view of the tool 3 according to the first embodiment, also seen from the upper right front. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool 3 according to the first embodiment. The tool 3 includes a brush 48, a base plate 49, an adapter 50, and a screw 51.
[0096] The base plate 49 has an annular base portion 49A, an annular connecting portion 49B that protrudes radially inward from the base portion 49A, and a plurality of screw holes 49C provided in the connecting portion 49B. The brush 48 is attached to the lower surface of the base portion 49A.
[0097] The adapter 50 is connected to the adapter 34. The adapter 50 has an annular body portion 50A, a peripheral wall portion 50B that protrudes upward from the center of the body portion 50A, a claw portion 50C that protrudes radially inward from the peripheral wall portion 50B, and a plurality of screw openings 50D provided on the peripheral edge of the body portion 50A.
[0098] Three screw holes 49C are provided at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the connecting portion 49B. Three screw openings 50D are provided at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the body portion 50A. The adapter 50 and the base plate 49 are fixed together by three screws 51. The screws 51 are inserted into the screw openings 50D from above the adapter 50, and then into the screw holes 49C of the base plate 49.
[0099] The claw portion 50C is hooked onto the claw portion 34B. By hooking the claw portion 50C onto the claw portion 34B, the tool 3 is fixed to the drive assembly 2.
[0100] <Connecting the drive assembly to the tool> Figure 29 is a view of the tool 3 connected to the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 30 is a view of the tool 3 connected to the drive assembly 2 according to the first embodiment, seen from below. As shown in Figure 22, etc., three claw portions 34B are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the lower part of the adapter 34. As shown in Figure 26, etc., three claw portions 50C are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the upper part of the adapter 50. When engaging the claw portions 50C with the claw portions 34B, the claw portions 50C are positioned between a pair of adjacent claw portions 34B. After the claw portions 50C are positioned between a pair of adjacent claw portions 34B, the drive assembly 2 and the tool 3 are rotated relative to each other in a first direction so that the claw portions 50C are inserted into the space 34E between the lower surface of the main body portion 34A of the adapter 34 and the upper surface of the claw portions 34B. The relative rotation of the drive assembly 2 and the tool 3 inserts the claw portions 50C into the space of the adapter 34. The tool 3 is fixed to the drive assembly 2 by the claw portion 50C being sandwiched between the main body portion 34A and the claw portion 34B of the adapter 34. As described above, the upper surface 34F of the claw portion 34B is inclined upward toward the radially outward direction of the motor rotation axis AX. Therefore, the radially outward end of the upper surface 34F of the claw portion 34B sandwiches the claw portion 50C between the main body portion 34A. Since the front part of the upper surface 34F of the claw portion 34B does not contact the claw portion 50C, and only the radially outward end of the upper surface 34F of the claw portion 34B contacts the claw portion 50C, the adapter 34 can fix the claw portion 50C with an appropriate clamping force. As the drive assembly 2 and the tool 3 are rotated relative to each other in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the claw portion 50C is removed from the space 34E, and the tool 3 is removed from the drive assembly 2.
[0101] <Guard section> Figure 31 is a view of the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 31 shows a part of the guard portion 4 with dashed lines. Figure 32 is a view of the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 33 is a view of the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment, seen from the right. Figure 34 is a view of the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment, seen from the front. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view showing the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment. Figure 36 is an exploded view of the drive assembly 2 and guard portion 4 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right front.
[0102] The guard portion 4 is detachable from the drive assembly 2. At least a portion of the guard portion 4 is positioned around the tool 3. The guard portion 4 includes a brush 52, a brush support 53, a support member 54, and a cover 55.
[0103] The brush support 53 is annular in shape. The brush support 53 is positioned around the tool 3. The brush 52 is attached to the underside of the brush support 53.
[0104] The support member 54 is annular in shape. At least a portion of the support member 54 is positioned inside the brush support 53. At least a portion of the support member 54 is positioned above the brush support 53. The support member 54 supports the cover 55 from below.
[0105] The cover 55 is disc-shaped. The cover 55 is fixed to the support member 54. An opening 59 is provided in the center of the cover 55.
[0106] The brush support 53 and brush 52 are connected to the cover 55 via a floating mechanism 57. The brush support 53 is an example of a swinging member that is swingably connected to the cover 55. The floating mechanism 57 includes a coil spring 58 positioned between the cover 55 and the brush support 53. The coil spring 58 biases the brush support 53 and brush 52 downward.
[0107] The support member 54 and the cover 55 are fixed together by screws 56. Six screws 56 are provided. The six screws 56 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support member 54. The screws 56 are inserted from below into the screw openings 54A provided in the support member 54. The threaded portion of the screws 56 is inserted into the screw holes provided in the cover 55. With the screws 56 inserted into the screw openings 54A of the support member 54, the support member 54 and the cover 55 are fixed together by the screws 56 when connected to the screw holes of the cover 55.
[0108] The coil springs 58 are positioned between the cover 55 and the brush support 53. Six coil springs 58 are provided. The six coil springs 58 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the brush support 53. The coil springs 58 are positioned between pairs of screws 56 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The lower ends of the coil springs 58 are connected to the brush support 53. The upper ends of the coil springs 58 are connected to the cover 55.
[0109] The brush support 53 and brush 52 are pivotably supported on the cover 55 via a floating mechanism 57 including a coil spring 58. The brush support 53 and brush 52 are movable vertically relative to the cover 55 parallel to the motor rotation axis AX. The brush support 53 and brush 52 are pivotable relative to the cover 55 in a rotational direction about a front-to-back axis perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX. The brush support 53 and brush 52 are pivotable relative to the cover 55 in a rotational direction about a left-to-right axis perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX. The front-to-back axis is an axis that passes through the motor rotation axis AX and extends in the front-to-back direction. The left-to-right axis is an axis that passes through the motor rotation axis AX and extends in the left-to-right direction. In other words, the brush support 53 and brush 52 are pivotable vertically, can rotate or tilt in a rotational direction about the front-to-back axis, and can rotate or tilt in a rotational direction about the left-to-right axis.
[0110] As shown in Figure 35, the brush support 53 has a support portion 53A to which the brush 52 is attached, and an engaging portion 53B that protrudes radially inward from the upper end of the support portion 53A. The support member 54 has a lower stopper portion 54S located below the engaging portion 53B. The cover 55 has an upper stopper portion 55S located above the engaging portion 53B. In the vertical direction, the engaging portion 53B is movable between the lower stopper portion 54S and the upper stopper portion 55S. The range of motion of the brush support 53 and brush 52 in the vertical direction is defined by the lower stopper portion 54S and the upper stopper portion 55S. The brush support 53 and brush 52 are movable between a lower end position where the lower surface of the engaging portion 53B and the upper surface of the lower stopper portion 54S are in contact, and an upper end position where the upper surface of the engaging portion 53B and the lower surface of the upper stopper portion 55S are in contact. The range of motion of the brush support 53 and brush 52 in the vertical direction is the range between the lower end position and the upper end position. In this embodiment, the range of motion (movable distance) of the brush support 53 and brush 52 in the vertical direction is, for example, 7 mm.
[0111] At least a portion of the drive assembly 2 is inserted into the opening 59 of the cover 55. The drive assembly 2 is secured to the cover 55. In this embodiment, the hook cover 33 is inserted into the opening 59. The hook cover 33 and the cover 55 are secured together.
[0112] The cover 55 has a protrusion 60 positioned around the opening 59. In a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX, the protrusion 60 is annular. The upper surface of the protrusion 60 includes a first support surface 61 and a second support surface 62 at a different height from the first support surface 61. The second support surface 62 is positioned lower than the first support surface 61. In the circumferential direction of the motor rotation axis AX, the first support surface 61 and the second support surface 62 are positioned separately. In a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX, the first support surface 61 and the second support surface 62 are each arc-shaped. Two first support surfaces 61 are provided around the opening 59 at intervals. Two second support surfaces 62 are provided around the opening 59 at intervals. A second support surface 62 is provided between a pair of adjacent first support surfaces 61. In other words, in the circumferential direction, the first support surfaces 61 and the second support surfaces 62 are arranged alternately. The pair of first support surfaces 61 are arranged to face each other with the motor rotation shaft AX in between. The outer shape and area of the pair of first support surfaces 61 are equal to each other. The pair of second support surfaces 62 are arranged to face each other with the motor rotation shaft AX in between. The outer shape and area of the pair of second support surfaces 62 are equal to each other.
[0113] A guide portion 63 is provided so as to connect to the first support surface 61. The guide portion 63 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 55 connected to the opening 59. The guide portion 63 is composed of a pair of vertical ribs 63A provided on the inner surface of the cover 55. The vertical ribs 63A are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction.
[0114] A guide portion 64 is provided so as to connect to the second support surface 62. The guide portion 64 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 55 connected to the opening 59. The guide portion 64 is composed of a pair of vertical ribs 64A provided on the inner surface of the cover 55. The vertical ribs 64A are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction.
[0115] <Detachable mechanism> Figure 37 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left front. Figure 38 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. Figure 39 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from above. Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment. Figure 41 is an exploded view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left front. Figure 42 is an exploded view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right rear.
[0116] The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 attaches and detaches the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4. The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 is provided on one or both of the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 is provided on the drive assembly 2. The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 has a hook member 30 provided on the drive assembly 2. The hook member 30 is movably supported on the drive assembly 2.
[0117] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 includes a hook member 30, a hook cover 33, and a biasing member 68. The hook member 30 is movably supported by the hook cover 33. The hook cover 33 is inserted into an opening 59 provided in the cover 55 of the guard portion 4. When the hook cover 33 is inserted into the opening 59 and the hook member 30 is hooked onto a hooked portion (recess) provided on the inner surface of the cover 55, the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 are fixed together. When the hook member 30 is removed from the cover 55, the fixation between the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 is released. When the hook member 30 is engaged with the cover 55, the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 are fixed together. When the hook member 30 is released from the cover 55, the fixation between the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 is released.
[0118] Figures 37 to 42 show the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 in the engaged state.
[0119] In this embodiment, the hook member 30 includes a first hook member 31 and a second hook member 32. The first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are movably supported on the hook cover 33. The second hook member 32 is connected to at least a portion of the first hook member 31. When the first hook member 31 moves, the second hook member 32 moves in sync with the first hook member 31.
[0120] The first hook member 31 has a main body portion 31A, a first hook portion 31B, an operation button portion 31C, a connecting hole 31D, a relief hole 31E, and a base portion 31G.
[0121] The main body 31A is annular in shape. The main body 31A is positioned around the rotating shaft 41 that connects the motor 14 and the tool 3. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotating shaft 41 and a portion of the gear case 29 are inserted inside the main body 31A.
[0122] A projection 31F is provided on both the left and right sides of the main body 31A. The projection 31F on the left side of the main body 31A protrudes to the left from the left end of the main body 31A. The projection 31F on the right side of the main body 31A protrudes to the left from the right end of the main body 31A. The projection 31F increases the width of the main body 31A in the left-right direction. The projection 31F improves the strength of the main body 31A.
[0123] The first hook portion 31B is positioned below the main body portion 31A. The first hook portion 31B is hooked onto the first hooked portion of the cover 55 of the guard portion 4. The first hooked portion includes a recess provided on the inner surface of the cover 55. The base portion 31G protrudes downward from the front of the lower surface of the main body portion 31A. The first hook portion 31B protrudes forward from the base portion 31G. Two first hook portions 31B are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction.
[0124] The operation button section 31C is located at the front of the main body section 31A. The operation button section 31C protrudes forward from the front of the main body section 31A. As shown in Figure 18, etc., the operation button section 31C protrudes forward from the head housing 13 of the drive assembly 2. The operation button section 31C protrudes forward from the hook cover 33 of the drive assembly 2.
[0125] The connecting hole 31D is provided at the rear of the main body 31A. The connecting hole 31D is provided so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the main body 31A. Two connecting holes 31D are provided at the rear of the main body 31A, spaced apart in the left-right direction. At least a portion of the second hook member 32 is inserted into the connecting hole 31D.
[0126] The relief hole 31E is provided in the rear of the main body 31A, forward of the connecting hole 31D. The relief hole 31E is provided so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the main body 31A. Two relief holes 31E are provided in the rear of the main body 31A, spaced apart in the left-right direction. At least a portion of the second hook member 32 is inserted into the relief hole 31E.
[0127] Figure 43 is a view of the second hook member 32 according to the first embodiment, seen from above. The second hook member 32 has a base portion 32A, a second hook portion 32B, a rotating portion 32C, an insertion portion 32D, and a projection portion 32E.
[0128] The base portion 32A is plate-shaped. The second hook portion 32B is hooked onto the second hooked portion of the cover 55 of the guard portion 4. The second hooked portion includes a recess provided on the inner surface of the cover 55. The second hook portion 32B protrudes rearward from the base portion 32A. Two second hook portions 32B are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction.
[0129] The rotating portion 32C is a rod-shaped structure that is long in the left-right direction. In the vertical direction, the rotating portion 32C is positioned between the insertion portion 32D and the second hook portion 32B. The second hook portion 32B is positioned below the insertion portion 32D. As shown in Figure 43, the pivot axis CX of the rotating portion 32C extends in the left-right direction. The rotating portion 32C is rotatably supported by the hook cover 33.
[0130] Figure 43 shows the second hook member 32 in the engaged state. As shown in Figure 43, the rotation axis CX of the rotating part 32C and the upper surface of the second hook part 32B overlap in a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX. In the engaged state, the rotation axis CX of the rotating part 32C and the upper surface of the second hook part 32B overlap.
[0131] The insertion portion 32D protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base portion 32A. Two insertion portions 32D are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The insertion portion 32D is inserted into the connecting hole 31D of the first hook member 31. By inserting the insertion portion 32D into the connecting hole 31D, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are connected.
[0132] The projection 32E protrudes forward from the front surface of the base portion 32A. Two projections 32E are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The left projection 32E protrudes forward from the upper left region of the front surface of the base portion 32A. The right projection 32E protrudes forward from the upper right region of the front surface of the base portion 32A. The projections 32E can be inserted into the relief hole 31E.
[0133] The hook cover 33 is cup-shaped. The hook cover 33 has a cylindrical portion 33A, a bottom portion 33B, a flange portion 33C, a threaded opening 33D, a first hook hole 33E, a second hook hole 33F, a support rib 33G, a support rib 33H, a support rib 33J, and a sliding portion 67.
[0134] The cylindrical portion 33A is positioned around the motor rotation shaft AX. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotating shaft 41 and a portion of the gear case 29 are inserted inside the cylindrical portion 33A. The cylindrical portion 33A is inserted into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4.
[0135] The bottom portion 33B is plate-shaped and positioned inside the cylindrical portion 33A. The bottom portion 33B is connected to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 33A so as to cover the lower part of the cylindrical portion 33A.
[0136] The flange portion 33C is positioned at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 33A. The flange portion 33C protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 33A relative to the motor rotation shaft AX.
[0137] The lower surface of the flange portion 33C includes a first supported surface 65 and a second supported surface 66 at a different height from the first supported surface 65. The second supported surface 66 is positioned higher than the first supported surface 65. In the circumferential direction of the motor rotation axis AX, the first supported surface 65 and the second supported surface 66 are positioned at different locations. In a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX, the first supported surface 65 and the second supported surface 66 are each arc-shaped. Two first supported surfaces 65 are provided around the cylindrical portion 33A at intervals. Two second supported surfaces 66 are provided around the cylindrical portion 33A at intervals. The second supported surface 66 is provided between a pair of adjacent first supported surfaces 65. That is, in the circumferential direction, the first supported surfaces 65 and the second supported surfaces 66 are arranged alternately. The pair of first supported surfaces 65 are arranged to face each other with the motor rotation shaft AX in between. The outer shape and area of the pair of first supported surfaces 65 are equal to each other. The pair of second supported surfaces 66 are arranged to face each other with the motor rotation shaft AX in between. The outer shape and area of the pair of second supported surfaces 66 are equal to each other.
[0138] The screw openings 33D are provided so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom 33B. There are four screw openings 33D in the bottom 33B. Screws 47 are inserted into the screw openings 33D. The screws 47 secure the hook cover 33 to the gear case 29. The hook cover 33 is secured to the gear case 29 by the four screws 47. Screw bosses 29A are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the gear case 29. At least a portion of the gear case 29, including the screw bosses 29A, is positioned inside the hook cover 33. The screws 47 are inserted into the screw openings 33D from below the lower surface of the hook cover 33, and then inserted into the screw holes of the screw bosses 29A.
[0139] The first hook hole 33E is provided at the front of the cylindrical portion 33A. The first hook hole 33E is provided so as to penetrate the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 33A. The first hook portion 31B of the first hook member 31 is movably positioned in the first hook hole 33E. Two first hook holes 33E are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction to match the first hook portion 31B. The base portion 31G of the first hook member 31 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 33A. The first hook portion 31B, which protrudes forward from the base portion 31G, is inserted into the first hook hole 33E from the inner side of the cylindrical portion 33A. The first hook portion 31B is movable between an engagement position outside the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A and a release position inside the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A. When the first hook portion 31B is positioned in the engagement position, the first hook portion 31B is engaged so as to hook onto the first hooked portion of the cover 55. When the first hook portion 31B is positioned in the release position, the first hook portion 31B becomes released from the first hooked portion of the cover 55.
[0140] The second hook hole 33F is provided at the rear of the cylindrical portion 33A. The second hook hole 33F is provided so as to penetrate the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion 33A. The second hook portion 32B of the second hook member 32 is movably positioned in the second hook hole 33F. Two second hook holes 33F are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction to match the second hook portion 32B. The base portion 32A of the second hook member 32 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 33A. The second hook portion 32B, which protrudes rearward from the base portion 32A, is inserted into the second hook hole 33F from the inner side of the cylindrical portion 33A. The second hook portion 32B is movable between an engagement position outside the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A and a release position inside the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A. When the second hook portion 32B is positioned in the engagement position, the second hook portion 32B is engaged with the second hooked portion of the cover 55. When the second hook portion 32B is positioned in the release position, the second hook portion 32B becomes released from the second hooked portion of the cover 55.
[0141] The support ribs 33G protrude upward from the upper surface of the bottom portion 33B. Four support ribs 33G are provided, spaced apart from each other. The first hook member 31 is supported on the upper surface of the support ribs 33G. The support ribs 33G movably support the first hook member 31. The first hook member 31 is movable in the front-rear direction while supported by the support ribs 33G. Two support ribs 33G are positioned to the left of the center of the cylindrical portion 33A in the left-right direction, and two support ribs 33G are positioned to the right of the center of the cylindrical portion 33A in the left-right direction. The two left support ribs 33G are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The two right support ribs 33G are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The left support ribs 33G support the left region of the lower surface of the main body portion 31A. The right support ribs 33G support the right region of the lower surface of the main body portion 31A.
[0142] The support ribs 33H protrude upward from the upper surface of the bottom portion 33B. Two support ribs 33H are provided at the rear of the bottom portion 33B, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The pivot portion 32C of the second hook member 32 is supported by a recess 33I provided on the upper part of the support rib 33H. The support ribs 33H rotatably support the second hook member 32. The second hook member 32 is rotatable about the pivot axis CX while supported by the support ribs 33H.
[0143] The support rib 33J protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom portion 33B. The support rib 33J is positioned opposite the base portion 31G of the first hook member 31.
[0144] The sliding portion 67 is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A. The sliding portion 67 is positioned below the first supported surface 65. The sliding portion 67 is positioned between a pair of first hook holes 33E. The sliding portion 67 is composed of a pair of vertical ribs 67A provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A. The vertical ribs 67A are provided to extend in the vertical direction. When the hook cover 33 is inserted into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4, the sliding portion 67 is guided by a guide portion 63 or guide portion 64 provided on the guard portion 4.
[0145] The biasing member 68 biases the hook member 30 so that it approaches the guard portion 4. The biasing member 68 biases the first hook portion 31B of the first hook member 31 so that it approaches the first hooked portion of the cover 55 of the guard portion 4, and the second hook portion 32B of the second hook member 32 so that it approaches the second hooked portion of the cover 55 of the guard portion 4. In other words, the biasing member 68 biases the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B so that they move to the engagement position.
[0146] The biasing member 68 is positioned between the first hook member 31 and at least a portion of the hook cover 33 that movably supports the first hook member 31. In the embodiment, the biasing member 68 is positioned between the front surface of the support rib 33J of the hook cover 33 and the rear surface of the base portion 31G of the first hook member 31. The biasing member 68 is a coil spring. The front end of the biasing member 68 is connected to the base portion 31G of the first hook member 31. The rear end of the biasing member 68 is connected to the support rib 33J of the hook cover 33. A projection 31H is provided on the rear surface of the base portion 31G. The projection 31H is inserted into the front end of the biasing member 68. The front end of the biasing member 68 is positioned by the projection 31H.
[0147] The first hook member 31 is biased by the biasing member 68 so as to approach the guard portion 4. The first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are connected via the insertion portion 32D. The second hook member 32 is biased by the biasing member 68 via the first hook member 31 so as to approach the guard portion 4.
[0148] With the hook cover 33 inserted into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are each biased by the biasing member 68, so that the first hook portion 31B of the first hook member 31 and the second hook portion 32B of the second hook member 32 are engaged with the guard portion 4.
[0149] With the hook cover 33 inserted into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4, the operation button portion 31C provided on the first hook member 31 is operated against the biasing force of the biasing member 68, causing the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B to be released and separated from the guard portion 4.
[0150] Figure 44 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left front. Figure 45 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. Figure 46 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment, seen from above. Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to the first embodiment.
[0151] Figures 44 to 47 show the detachment mechanism 11 in the released state.
[0152] To release the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 from the engaged state, the user pushes the operation button 31C backward. When the operation button 31C is pushed backward, the first hook member 31 moves backward against the biasing force of the biasing member 68. As the first hook member 31 moves backward, the first hook portion 31B also moves backward. That is, the first hook portion 31B moves from the engaged position to the released position. The first hook portion 31B, having moved to the released position, detaches from the first hooked portion provided on the cover 55 of the guard portion 4.
[0153] As the first hook member 31 moves backward, the connecting hole 31D into which the insertion portion 32D is inserted moves backward. The insertion portion 32D is pushed backward by the inner surface of the connecting hole 31D. As the insertion portion 32D moves backward, the second hook member 32 rotates around the pivot portion 32C. The insertion portion 32D is positioned above the pivot portion 32C, and the second hook portion 32B is positioned below the pivot portion 32C. As the insertion portion 32D moves backward and the second hook member 32 rotates around the pivot portion 32C, the second hook portion 32B moves forward. That is, the second hook portion 32B moves from the engaged position to the released position. The second hook portion 32B, having moved to the released position, detaches from the second hooked portion provided on the cover 55 of the guard portion 4.
[0154] Thus, when the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 is released from the engaged state, simply by pushing the operation button 31C backward, the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B each separate from the guard portion 4, transitioning from the engaged state to the released state.
[0155] When attaching the guard portion 4 to the drive assembly 2 from a state where the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 are separated, the user inserts the drive assembly 2 into the opening of the guard portion 4. When the hook cover 33 is inserted into the opening 59, the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B are each pushed against the inner surface of the cover 55. That is, by being pushed against the inner surface of the cover 55, the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B each move from the engaged position to the released position against the biasing force of the biasing member 68. When the hook cover 33 is fully inserted into the opening 59 and reaches the specified position, the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B each face the hooked portion (first hooked portion and second hooked portion) provided on the inner surface of the cover 55. When the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B face the hooked portion, the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B move from the released position to the engaged position due to the biasing force of the biasing member 68. The drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4 are fixed together when the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B are hooked onto the hooked portion.
[0156] Furthermore, if, for example, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are not properly connected, or if at least one of the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 is not properly supported by the hook cover 33, the projection 32E of the second hook member 32 will not be inserted into the relief hole 31E of the first hook member 31, and the first hook member 31 will be lifted by the projection 32E. Therefore, if, for example, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are not properly connected, or if at least one of the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 is not properly supported by the hook cover 33, the hook cover 33 will not be fixed to the gear case 29.
[0157] <Adjustment mechanism> Figure 48 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism 12 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper right front. Figure 49 is a view of the front part of the scrubber 1 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper right front.
[0158] The adjustment mechanism 12 adjusts the height of the guard portion 4 relative to the drive assembly 2 depending on the mounting position of the drive assembly 2 relative to the guard portion 4. The adjustment mechanism 12 adjusts the height of the guard portion 4 to a first height and a second height.
[0159] In this embodiment, the mounting positions of the drive assembly 2 on the guard portion 4 include the circumferential mounting positions of the motor rotation shaft AX. By mounting the drive assembly 2 to a first circumferential mounting position of the guard portion 4, the guard portion 4 is adjusted to a first height. By mounting the drive assembly 2 to a second circumferential mounting position of the guard portion 4, the guard portion 4 is adjusted to a second height.
[0160] Figure 16 shows the state in which the guard section 4 is adjusted to the first height. Figure 49 shows the state in which the guard section 4 is adjusted to the second height.
[0161] The adjustment mechanism 12 is provided on either or both of the guard portion 4 and the drive assembly 2. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 12 includes a first adjustment portion 121 provided on the guard portion 4 and a second adjustment portion 122 provided on the drive assembly 2. The first adjustment portion 121 includes the upper surface of the protrusion 60. The second adjustment portion 122 includes the lower surface of the flange portion 33C.
[0162] The first adjustment section 121 includes a first support surface 61 that supports the second adjustment section 122, and a second support surface 62 that is positioned at a different location from the first support surface 61 in the circumferential direction and is at a different height from the first support surface 61. The second support surface 62 is positioned lower than the first support surface 61. The first support surface 61 and the second support surface 62 are arranged around the opening 59 of the guard section 4. The first support surface 61 and the second support surface 62 are provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 60 arranged around the opening 59.
[0163] The second adjustment section 122 includes a first supported surface 65 supported by the first adjustment section 121, and a second supported surface 66 positioned at a different location from the first supported surface 65 in the circumferential direction and at a different height from the first supported surface 65. The second supported surface 66 is positioned higher than the first supported surface 65. The first supported surface 65 and the second supported surface 66 are provided at the upper end of the hook cover 33. The first supported surface 65 and the second supported surface 66 are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 33C provided at the upper end of the hook cover 33.
[0164] As shown in Figure 16, when adjusting the guard portion 4 to a first height, the circumferential mounting position of the drive assembly 2 relative to the guard portion 4 is determined such that the first supported surface 65 is supported by the first support surface 61 and the second supported surface 66 faces the second support surface 62. When inserting the drive assembly 2 into the opening 59 so that the guard portion 4 is at the first height, the slide portion 67 is guided by the guide portion 63 which is provided to connect to the first support surface 61.
[0165] As shown in Figure 48, when transitioning the guard portion 4 from a first height to a second height, the user removes the guard portion 4 from the drive assembly 2, rotates the guard portion 4 by 90 degrees, and then inserts the drive assembly 2 into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4.
[0166] As shown in Figure 49, when adjusting the guard portion 4 to a second height, the circumferential mounting position of the drive assembly 2 relative to the guard portion 4 is determined such that the first supported surface 65 is supported by the second supported surface 62 and the second supported surface 66 faces the first supported surface 61. When inserting the drive assembly 2 into the opening 59 so that the guard portion 4 is at the second height, the slide portion 67 is guided by the guide portion 64, which is provided to connect to the second supported surface 62.
[0167] Figure 50 shows the guard portion 4 whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 12 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 50, the scrubber 1 on the left shows the state in which the guard portion 4 is adjusted to a first height H1, and the scrubber 1 on the right shows the state in which the guard portion 4 is adjusted to a second height H2. In Figure 50, the height of the guard portion 4 (first height H1 and second height H2) indicates the vertical distance between the lower end of the head housing 13 and the upper surface of the guard portion 4. Note that the height of the guard portion 4 may also be the vertical distance between the surface to be cleaned and the lower end of the guard portion 4.
[0168] As described above, the brush support 53 and brush 52 are connected to the cover 55 via a floating mechanism 57. The brush support 53 and brush 52 are movable vertically relative to the cover 55. The difference ΔH between the first height H1 and the second height H2 is defined as the movable distance of the brush support 53 and brush 52 in the vertical direction. As described above, the movable distance of the brush support 53 and brush 52 in the vertical direction is, for example, 7 mm. The difference ΔH between the first height H1 and the second height H2 is, for example, 7 mm.
[0169] <Operation> Next, the operation of the scrubber 1 will be described. The user holds the front grip 8 with one hand and the grip portion 16B with the other hand. With the guard portion 4 attached to the drive assembly 2, when the user operates the trigger lever 17, the motor 14 is driven and the tool 3 rotates. As the tool 3 rotates with the brush 48 in contact with the object to be cleaned, the object to be cleaned is cleaned. If the tool 3 is rotated with cleaning fluid sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, the cleaning fluid may splash around the tool 3. Since the guard portion 4 is positioned around the tool 3, the splashing of cleaning fluid is suppressed.
[0170] The drive assembly 2 and the pole 6 are connected via the rotating part 10. With the tool 3 and guard part 4 in contact with the object to be cleaned, the pole 6 and the main body assembly 5 can be adjusted to any angle, allowing the user to perform cleaning work efficiently.
[0171] If tool 3 rotates and makes contact with the object to be cleaned on one side, scrubber 1 may be shaken. The cover 55 to which the drive assembly 2 is attached and the brush support 53 are connected via a floating mechanism 57. Even if scrubber 1 is about to be shaken, the brushes 52 attached to the brush support 53 can continue to contact the object to be cleaned, thus suppressing the shaking of scrubber 1.
[0172] Wear or deformation of the brush 48 may cause a change in the height of the lower end of the brush 48 that contacts the object to be cleaned. To prevent the scrubber 1 from shaking, that is, to ensure that the brush 52 of the guard section 4 is always in contact with the object to be cleaned, it is preferable that the lower end of the brush 52 of the guard section 4 is positioned lower than the lower end of the brush 48 of the tool 3. In the embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 12 for adjusting the height of the guard section 4 is provided, so that if the height of the lower end of the brush 48 changes due to wear or deformation of the brush 48, the user can adjust the height of the guard section 4 to match the height of the lower end of the brush 48 so that the brush 52 of the guard section 4 is always in contact with the object to be cleaned.
[0173] The difference ΔH between the first height H1 and the second height H2 is determined by the movable distance of the brush support 53 in the vertical direction. This ensures that even if the height of the lower end of the brush 48 changes, the brush 52 of the guard section 4 can still contact the object to be cleaned.
[0174] When changing the height of the guard section 4 or performing maintenance on the guard section 4, it is necessary to remove the guard section 4 from the drive assembly 2. The user can easily remove the guard section 4 from the drive assembly 2 simply by operating the operation button section 31C. The user can remove the guard section 4 from the drive assembly 2 with a single touch. Also, when attaching the guard section 4 to the drive assembly 2, the user can easily attach the guard section 4 to the drive assembly 2 simply by inserting the drive assembly 2 into the opening 59 of the guard section 4. The user can attach the guard section 4 to the drive assembly 2 with a single touch.
[0175] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the scrubber 1 comprises a drive assembly 2 having a motor 14 that rotates around a motor rotation axis AX extending in the vertical direction, a tool 3 facing the object to be cleaned and rotated by the motor 14, a guard portion 4 whose part is positioned around the tool 3, and a detachment mechanism 11 having a hook member 30 for attaching and detaching the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4.
[0176] In the above configuration, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 having a hook member 30 allows the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be smoothly attached and detached.
[0177] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 is provided on either or both of the drive assembly 2 and the guard portion 4.
[0178] In the above configuration, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 is provided on either or both of the drive assembly 2 and the guard section 4, thus suppressing an increase in the size of the scrubber 1.
[0179] In this embodiment, the hook member 30 is movably supported on the drive assembly 2.
[0180] In the above configuration, the hook member 30, which is movably supported by the drive assembly 2, allows the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be smoothly attached to and detached.
[0181] In this embodiment, the hook member 30 includes a first hook member 31 and a second hook member 32 that is connected to at least a portion of the first hook member 31 and moves in synchronization with the first hook member 31.
[0182] In the above configuration, operating the first hook member 31 causes the second hook member 32 to move in conjunction with the first hook member 31, allowing the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be attached and detached with ease of operation.
[0183] In this embodiment, the first hook member 31 has a main body portion 31A positioned around the rotating shaft 41 connecting the motor 14 and the tool 3, and a first hook portion 31B positioned below the front of the main body portion 31A and hooked onto the guard portion 4.
[0184] In the above configuration, the main body 31A is arranged around the rotating shaft 41, which suppresses the need to enlarge the attachment / detachment mechanism 11. The first hook member 31 allows the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be attached and detached smoothly.
[0185] In this embodiment, the first hook member 31 is provided at the front of the main body portion 31A and has an operating button portion 31C that protrudes forward from the head housing 13 of the drive assembly 2.
[0186] In the above configuration, the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 can be easily attached and detached simply by operating the operation button portion 31C.
[0187] In this embodiment, the first hook member 31 is provided at the rear of the main body portion 31A and has a connecting hole 31D into which at least a portion of the second hook member 32 is inserted.
[0188] In the above configuration, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are connected via the connecting hole 31D.
[0189] In this embodiment, the second hook member 32 has an insertion portion 32D that is inserted into the connecting hole 31D, and a second hook portion 32B that is positioned below the insertion portion 32D and is hooked onto the guard portion 4.
[0190] In the above configuration, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are connected via a connecting hole 31D and an insertion portion 32D inserted into the connecting hole 31D. The second hook member 32 allows the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be smoothly attached to and detached.
[0191] In the embodiment, the second hook member 32 has a pivot portion 32C that is positioned between the insertion portion 32D and the second hook portion 32B in the vertical direction.
[0192] In the above configuration, when the first hook member 31 moves in the front-rear direction, the second hook member 32 rotates, so the second hook portion can be moved.
[0193] In this embodiment, the rotation axis CX of the rotating part 32C and the upper surface of the second hook part 32B overlap in a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis AX.
[0194] In the above configuration, the rotation of the second hook member 32 is suppressed by the force that causes the guard portion 4 to detach from the drive assembly 2.
[0195] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 2 has a hook cover 33 that is inserted into an opening 59 provided in the guard portion 4, and the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are supported by the hook cover 33.
[0196] In the above configuration, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are supported by a hook cover 33 inserted into the opening 59 of the guard portion 4, so that the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 can be smoothly attached to and detached.
[0197] In this embodiment, the hook cover 33 has a cylindrical portion 33A that is inserted into the opening 59, and a sliding portion 67 provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 33A and guided by a guide portion 63 or guide portion 64 provided on the guard portion 4.
[0198] In the above configuration, the hook cover 33 is guided by the guide portion 63 or the guide portion 64, so that the hook cover 33 can be smoothly inserted into the opening 59.
[0199] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 33A has a first hook hole 33E in which the first hook portion 31B of the first hook member 31 is movably positioned, and a second hook hole 33F in which the second hook portion 32B of the second hook member 32 is movably positioned.
[0200] In the above configuration, the first hook portion 31B can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position while being supported by the hook cover 33. The second hook portion 32B can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position while being supported by the hook cover 33.
[0201] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 includes a biasing member 68 that biases the hook member 30 so that it approaches the guard portion 4.
[0202] In the above configuration, the engagement between the hook member 30 and the guard portion 4 is stable.
[0203] In this embodiment, the hook member 30 includes a first hook member 31 and a second hook member 32 connected to at least a portion of the first hook member 31 and moving synchronously with the first hook member 31. A biasing member 68 is positioned between the first hook member 31 and at least a portion of the hook cover 33 that movably supports the first hook member 31. The first hook member 31 is biased by the biasing member 68 to approach the guard portion 4. The second hook member 32 is biased by the biasing member 68 via the first hook member 31 to approach the guard portion 4.
[0204] In the above configuration, the engagement between the hook member 30 and the guard portion 4 is stable. Furthermore, by operating the first hook member 31, the second hook member 32 moves in conjunction with the first hook member 31, allowing the guard portion 4 of the scrubber 1 to be attached and detached with ease of operation.
[0205] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 2 has a hook cover 33 that is inserted into an opening 59 provided in the guard portion 4, and the hook cover 33 may movably support the hook member 30. With the hook cover 33 inserted into the opening 59, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 are each biased by a biasing member 68, so that the first hook portion 31B of the first hook member 31 and the second hook portion 32B of the second hook member 32 are engaged with the guard portion 4, and the operation button portion 31C provided on the first hook member 31 is operated against the biasing force of the biasing member 68, so that the first hook portion 31B and the second hook portion 32B are each released away from the guard portion 4.
[0206] In the above configuration, the user of Scrubber 1 can attach and detach the guard section 4 with a single touch.
[0207] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.
[0208] Figure 51 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 according to the second embodiment, seen from the upper left front. Figure 52 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 according to the second embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. Figure 53 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 according to the second embodiment, seen from above. Figure 54 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 in the engaged state and the disengaged state, respectively, seen from above, according to the second embodiment. Figure 55 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 in the engaged state and the disengaged state, respectively, seen from the right, according to the second embodiment.
[0209] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the second hook member 32 moves in conjunction with the first hook member 31 when the operation button portion 31C of the first hook member 31 is operated. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 132 move independently.
[0210] Each of the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 132 is supported by the hook cover 133 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The second hook member 132 is positioned rearward of the first hook member 131. The first hook member 131 has two first hook portions 131B. The second hook member 132 has two second hook portions 132B. The shape and size of the first hook member 131 and the shape and size of the second hook member 132 are substantially equal.
[0211] The front of the cylindrical portion of the hook cover 133 is provided with a first hook hole 133E in which the first hook portion 131B is movably positioned. The rear of the cylindrical portion of the hook cover 133 is provided with a second hook hole 133F in which the second hook portion 132B is movably positioned.
[0212] The hook cover 133 has a pair of support ribs 133J. A first biasing member 168 is positioned between the first hook member 131 and one of the support ribs 133J. A second biasing member 168 is positioned between the second hook member 132 and the other support rib 133J. The first biasing member 168 biases the first hook member 131 so that it approaches the guard portion 4. The second biasing member 168 biases the second hook member 132 so that it approaches the guard portion 4.
[0213] When the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 is engaged, the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 132 are positioned in the engaged position by the biasing force of the biasing member 168. To transition the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the user moves the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 132 so that they approach each other in the front-rear direction. The user can transition the attachment / detachment mechanism 111 from the engaged state to the disengaged state by bringing the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 132 closer together against the biasing force of the biasing member 168.
[0214] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.
[0215] Figure 56 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 according to the third embodiment, seen from the upper left front. Figure 57 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 according to the third embodiment, seen from the upper right rear. Figure 58 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 according to the third embodiment, seen from above. Figure 59 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 according to the third embodiment, seen from above, in the engaged state and the disengaged state. Figure 60 is a view of the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 according to the third embodiment, seen from the right, in the engaged state and the disengaged state.
[0216] In the first embodiment described above, the first hook member 31 and the second hook member 32 each move in the front-rear direction. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the first hook member 231 and the second hook member 232 each move in the left-right direction.
[0217] The attachment / detachment mechanism 211 includes an operating member 230, a first hook member 231, and a second hook member 232. The operating member 230 is supported by the hook cover 233 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The first hook member 231 and the second hook member 232 are each supported by the hook cover 233 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The second hook member 232 is positioned to the right of the first hook member 231.
[0218] A guide hole 230A is provided on the left side of the operating member 230. A guide hole 230B is provided on the right side of the operating member 230. Guide hole 230A is inclined to the left toward the rear. Guide hole 230B is inclined to the right toward the rear.
[0219] The first hook member 231 has two first hook portions 231B. The second hook member 232 has two second hook portions 232B. The shape and size of the first hook member 231 and the shape and size of the second hook member 232 are substantially equal.
[0220] The first hook member 231 has a sliding portion 231G positioned in the guide hole 230A. The second hook member 232 has a sliding portion 232G positioned in the guide hole 230B.
[0221] A first hook hole 233E is provided on the left side of the cylindrical portion of the hook cover 233, in which the first hook portion 231B is movably positioned. A second hook hole 233F is provided on the right side of the cylindrical portion of the hook cover 233, in which the second hook portion 232B is movably positioned.
[0222] The hook cover 233 has a pair of support ribs 233J. A first biasing member 268 is positioned between the first hook member 231 and one of the support ribs 233J. A second biasing member 268 is positioned between the second hook member 232 and the other support rib 233J. The first biasing member 268 biases the first hook member 231 so that it approaches the guard portion 4. The second biasing member 268 biases the second hook member 232 so that it approaches the guard portion 4.
[0223] When the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 is engaged, the first hook member 231 and the second hook member 232 are positioned in the engaged position by the biasing force of the biasing member 268. To transition the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 from the engaged state to the released state, the user moves the operating member 230 backward. When the operating member 230 moves backward, the sliding portion 231G of the first hook member 231, which is located in the guide hole 230A, is pushed against the inner surface of the guide hole 230A and moves to the right, and the sliding portion 232G of the second hook member 232, which is located in the guide hole 230B, is pushed against the inner surface of the guide hole 230B and moves to the left. As the sliding portion 231G of the first hook member 231, located in the guide hole 230A, moves to the right, the first hook member 231 moves from the engaged position to the released position. As the sliding portion 232G of the second hook member 232, which is positioned in the guide hole 230B, moves to the left, the second hook member 232 moves from the engaged position to the released position. As a result, the attachment / detachment mechanism 211 transitions from the engaged state to the released state.
[0224] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.
[0225] Figure 61 is a view of the adjustment mechanism 112 according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 62 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism 112 according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 63 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism 112 according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 64 is a view of the adjustment mechanism 112 according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 65 is a diagram showing the guard portion 104 whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 112 according to the fourth embodiment.
[0226] A sleeve 70 is positioned around the lower part of the drive assembly 2. A screw 71 is provided around the opening of the guard portion 104. The guard portion 104 is attached to the drive assembly 2 by connecting the sleeve 70 and the screw 71.
[0227] A supported surface 165 is provided on the drive assembly 2. A first support surface 161 and a second support surface 162 are provided around the opening of the guard portion 104. The second support surface 162 is positioned lower than the first support surface 161.
[0228] As shown in Figure 61, with the supported surface 165 supported by the first support surface 161, the guard portion 104 is positioned at a first height H1 by connecting the sleeve 70 and the screw 71.
[0229] To change the height of the guard portion 104 from a first height H1 to a second height H2, as shown in Figure 62, the connection between the sleeve 70 and the screw 71 is released, and then, as shown in Figure 63, the guard portion 104 is rotated 90 degrees. After inserting the drive assembly 2 into the opening of the guard portion 104 so that the supported surface 165 is supported by the second support surface 162, the sleeve 70 and the screw 71 are connected, and as shown in Figure 64, the guard portion 104 is positioned at the second height H2.
[0230] [Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.
[0231] Figure 66 is a view of the adjustment mechanism 212 according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 67 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism 212 according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 68 is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism 212 according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the upper right front. Figure 69 is a diagram showing the guard portion 204 whose height has been adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 212 according to the fifth embodiment.
[0232] In the first embodiment described above, the adjustment mechanism 12 was described in an example in which the height of the guard portion 4 is changed by changing the circumferential mounting position of the drive assembly 2 with respect to the guard portion 4. In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the height of the guard portion 204 is changed by changing the vertical mounting position of the drive assembly 2 with respect to the guard portion 204.
[0233] In this embodiment, the guard portion 204 is divided into a left guard portion 204L and a right guard portion 204R. The rear portion of the left guard portion 204L and the rear portion of the right guard portion 204R are connected via a hinge mechanism 80. The front portion of the left guard portion 204L and the front portion of the right guard portion 204R are fixed together by a fastener 81.
[0234] The outer circumferential surface of the lower part of the drive assembly 2 is provided with a first groove 265 including a first supported surface and a second groove 266 including a second supported surface. Each of the first groove 265 and the second groove 266 is provided so as to surround the motor rotation shaft AX. The second groove 266 is positioned higher than the first groove 265. The inner circumferential surface of the opening of the guard portion 204 is provided with a protrusion that is inserted into one of the first groove 265 and the second groove 266.
[0235] As shown in Figure 66, with the protrusion of the guard portion 204 inserted into the first groove 265, the front of the left guard portion 204L and the front of the right guard portion 204R are fixed by the fixing device 81, thereby positioning the guard portion 204 at a first height H1.
[0236] When changing the height of the guard portion 204 from a first height H1 to a second height H2, as shown in Figure 67, the fixing by the fixing device 81 is released to separate the left guard portion 204L and the right guard portion 204R. Then, the front parts of the left guard portion 204L and the right guard portion 204R are fixed by the fixing device 81 so that the protrusions of the guard portion 204 are inserted into the second groove 266. As a result, as shown in Figure 68, the guard portion 204 is positioned at the second height H2. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0237] 1...Scrubber, 2...Drive Assembly, 3...Tool, 4...Guard Section, 5...Main Body Assembly, 6...Pole, 7...Pole Housing Section, 8...Front Grip, 9...Light, 10...Rotating Section, 10A...Base Section, 10B...Support Section, 11...Detachable Mechanism, 12...Adjustment Mechanism, 13...Head Housing, 13A...Intake Port, 13B...Exhaust Port, 13L...Left Housing, 13R...Right Housing, 14...Motor, 15...Power Transmission Mechanism, 151...First Stage Planetary Gear Mechanism, 152...Second Stage Planetary Gear Mechanism, 15A...Pinion Gear, 15B...Planetary Gear, 15C...Internal Gear, 15D...Catcher Rear, 15E...Planetary gear, 15F...Internal gear, 15G...Carrier, 16...Main housing, 16A...Body part, 16B...Grip part, 16C...Controller housing part, 16D...Battery holder part, 16E...Rubber part, 17...Trigger lever, 18...Interface panel, 18A...Rapid change button, 18B...Reverse button, 19...Controller, 20...Battery mounting part, 21...Battery pack, 21A...Bottom, 21B...Rear, 22...Battery cover, 22A...Bottom, 22B...Rear, 22C...Hinge mechanism, 22D...Latch mechanism, 22E...Latch lever 23... bar, 24... fixing lever, 24... fixing mechanism, 24A... dial, 25... fixing mechanism, 25A... lever, 25B... lever, 26... tube, 27... building maintenance cart, 28... motor case, 29... gear case, 29A... screw boss, 30... hook member, 31... first hook member, 31A... main body, 31B... first hook part, 31C... operation button part, 31D... connecting hole, 31E... relief hole, 31F... projection, 31G... base part, 31H... projection, 32... second hook member, 32A... base part, 32B... second hook part, 32C... rotating part, 32D... insertion part, 32E... protrusion 33...Hook cover, 33A...Cylinder, 33B...Bottom, 33C...Flange, 33D...Screw opening, 33E...First hook hole, 33F...Second hook hole, 33G...Support rib, 33H...Support rib, 33I...Recess, 33J...Support rib, 34...Adapter, 34A...Main body, 34B...Claw, 34C...Connecting part, 34D...Protruding part, 34E...Space, 34F...Top surface, 35...Screw, 36...Stator, 36A...Stator core, 36B...Insulator, 36C...Coil, 37...Rotor, 37A...Rotor core, 37B...Magnet, 38...Rotor shaft, 38A...Bearing38B...Bearing, 39...Sensor board, 40...Fan, 41...Rotating shaft, 42...Bearing, 43...Screw, 44...Intermediate member, 45...Cover, 46...Screw, 47...Screw, 48...Brush, 49...Base plate, 49A...Base part, 49B...Connecting part, 49C...Screw hole, 50...Adapter, 50A...Body part, 50B...Peripheral wall part, 50C...Claw part, 50D...Screw opening, 51...Screw, 52...Brush, 53...Brush support (oscillating member), 53A...Support part, 53B...Engaging part, 54...Support member, 54A... Screw opening, 54S...Lower stopper part, 55...Cover, 55S...Upper stopper part, 56...Screw, 57...Floating mechanism, 58...Coil spring, 59...Opening, 60...Protrusion, 61...First support surface, 62...Second support surface, 63...Guide part, 63A...Longitudinal rib, 64...Guide part, 64A...Longitudinal rib, 65...First supported surface, 66...Second supported surface, 67...Slide part, 67A...Longitudinal rib, 68...Biasing member, 70...Sleeve, 71...Screw, 80...Hinge mechanism, 81...Fixing device, 90...Sleeve, 104...Gar 111... Detachable mechanism, 112... Adjustment mechanism, 121... First adjustment part, 122... Second adjustment part, 131... First hook member, 131B... First hook part, 132... Second hook member, 132B... Second hook part, 133... Hook cover, 133E... First hook hole, 133F... Second hook hole, 133J... Support rib, 161... First support surface, 162... Second support surface, 165... Supported surface, 168... Biasing member, 204... Guard part, 204L... Left guard part, 204R... Right guard part, 211... Detachable mechanism, 212... Adjustment Adjustment mechanism, 230...Operating member, 230A...Guide hole, 230B...Guide hole, 231...First hook member, 231B...First hook section, 231G...Slide section, 232...Second hook member, 232B...Second hook section, 232G...Slide section, 233...Hook cover, 233E...First hook hole, 233F...Second hook hole, 233J...Support rib, 265...First groove, 266...Second groove, 268...Biasing member, AX...Motor rotation shaft, BX...Second assembly rotation shaft, CX...Rotation shaft, NX...First assembly rotation shaft.
Claims
1. A drive assembly having a motor that rotates around a motor rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, A tool that faces the object to be cleaned and is rotated by the motor, A guard portion, at least a part of which is positioned around the tool, It includes a hook member and a detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the drive assembly and the guard portion, Scrubber.
2. The attachment / detachment mechanism is provided on one or both of the drive assembly and the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 1.
3. The hook member is movably supported in the drive assembly. The scrubber according to claim 2.
4. The hook member includes a first hook member and a second hook member connected to at least a portion of the first hook member and moving synchronously with the first hook member. The scrubber according to claim 3.
5. The first hook member has a main body portion arranged around the rotating shaft connecting the motor and the tool, and a first hook portion arranged below the front of the main body portion and hooked onto the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 4.
6. The first hook member is provided at the front of the main body and has an operating button portion that protrudes forward from the head housing of the drive assembly. The scrubber according to claim 5.
7. The first hook member is provided at the rear of the main body and has a connecting hole into which at least a portion of the second hook member is inserted. The scrubber according to claim 5.
8. The second hook member has an insertion portion that is inserted into the connecting hole, and a second hook portion that is positioned below the insertion portion and is hung on the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 7.
9. The second hook member has a rotating portion that is positioned between the insertion portion and the second hook portion in the vertical direction. The scrubber according to claim 8.
10. In a plane perpendicular to the motor rotation axis, the rotation axis of the rotating part and the upper surface of the second hook part overlap. The scrubber according to claim 9.
11. The drive assembly has a hook cover that is inserted into an opening provided in the guard portion, The first hook member and the second hook member are supported by the hook cover. The scrubber according to claim 4.
12. The hook cover has a cylindrical portion that is inserted into the opening and a sliding portion that is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion and is guided by a guide portion provided on the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 11.
13. The cylindrical portion has a first hook hole in which the first hook portion of the first hook member is movably disposed, and a second hook hole in which the second hook portion of the second hook member is movably disposed. The scrubber according to claim 12.
14. The attachment / detachment mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the hook member so that the hook member approaches the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 3.
15. The hook member includes a first hook member and a second hook member connected to at least a portion of the first hook member and moving synchronously with the first hook member. The biasing member is positioned between the first hook member and at least a portion of the hook cover that movably supports the first hook member. The first hook member is biased by the biasing member so as to approach the guard portion. The second hook member is biased towards the biasing member via the first hook member so as to approach the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 14.
16. The drive assembly has a hook cover that is inserted into an opening provided in the guard portion, The hook cover provides movable support for the hook member, With the hook cover inserted into the opening, the first hook member and the second hook member are each biased by the biasing member, so that the first hook portion of the first hook member and the second hook portion of the second hook member are engaged with the guard portion. When the operating button provided on the first hook member is operated against the biasing force of the biasing member, the first hook portion and the second hook portion each become released, separating from the guard portion. The scrubber according to claim 15.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Floor treatment machine
US5432970A