Work Machine

Abstract

To provide technologies that can reduce wobble between a handle and a housing, in a working machine in which a handle is rotatably attached to a housing.SOLUTION: This specification discloses a working machine comprising: a motor that drives the working part; a housing that supports the working part; a handle that is rotatably attached to the housing about a rotation axis and that can be gripped by a user; and a resilient member that is disposed between the housing and the handle. The housing has a first surface. The handle has a second surface facing the first surface with an interval therebetween in the rotation axis direction. The resilient member is arranged between the first surface and the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a working machine including a working unit, a prime mover for driving the working unit, a housing for supporting the working unit, and a handle that is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis and that can be held by a user. The housing has a first surface. The handle has a second surface that faces the first surface at a distance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0128837 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a work machine in which a handle is rotatably attached to a housing as disclosed in Patent Document 1, rattles may occur between the handle and the housing. This specification provides a technology capable of reducing rattles that occur between a handle and a housing in a work machine in which a handle is rotatably attached to the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The working machine disclosed in this specification may include a working unit, a prime mover that drives the working unit, a housing that supports the working unit, a handle that is rotatably attached to the housing about a rotation axis and can be held by a user, and an elastic member that is disposed between the housing and the handle. The housing may include a first surface. The handle may include a second surface that faces the first surface at a distance in the direction of the rotation axis. The elastic member may be disposed between the first surface and the second surface.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the elastic member disposed between the first surface and the second surface can suppress rattling between the handle and the housing. In a work machine in which a handle is rotatably attached to a housing, rattling occurring between the handle and the housing can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the elastic member is disposed between the first surface and the second surface that are spaced apart in the rotation axis direction, so rattling between the handle and the housing in the rotation axis direction can be suppressed.

[0007] Another working machine disclosed in this specification may include a working unit, a prime mover that drives the working unit, a housing that supports the working unit, a handle that is rotatably attached to the housing around a rotation axis and can be held by a user, and an elastic member that is arranged between the housing and the handle. The housing may have a first surface. The handle may have a second surface that faces the first surface at a distance. The elastic member may be arranged between the first surface and the second surface. The elastic member may be discretely arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, and may have a plurality of abutment portions that can abut against the first surface or the second surface.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the elastic member disposed between the first surface and the second surface can suppress rattling between the handle and the housing. In a work machine in which a handle is attached rotatably relative to the housing, rattling occurring between the handle and the housing can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce sliding resistance occurring when the handle rotates relative to the housing. This makes it easier for the user to rotate the handle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a hedge trimmer 100 according to a first embodiment, viewed from above on the front right. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view, seen from the right, of the internal structure of the hedge trimmer 100 according to Example 1 in a state in which a rear handle 18 is locked relative to a housing 14. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear handle 18 of the hedge trimmer 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the right. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view, seen from the right, of the internal structure of the hedge trimmer 100 according to Example 1 in a state in which the rear handle 18 is not locked relative to the housing 14. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the hedge trimmer 100 according to Example 1 when a locking member 34 is in an advanced position, as viewed from above and rear right. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the hedge trimmer 100 according to Example 1 when a locking member 34 is in a retracted position, as viewed from above and rear right. [Figure 7] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the housing 14 of the hedge trimmer 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the right. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a connecting portion 142, a protruding portion 182, and a rubber pin 36 in a state in which a housing 14 and a rear handle 18 are connected in the hedge trimmer 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]1 is a perspective view of a housing 14 of a hedge trimmer 100 according to a first embodiment, viewed from above and rear right. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the hedge trimmer 100 according to Example 1, viewed from above on the front right, with the rear handle 18 rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the housing 14. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a connecting portion 142 and a protruding portion 182 in a state in which a housing 14 and a rear handle 18 are connected in a hedge trimmer 100 according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the right. [Figure 12] 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state of a rubber pin 36 in a state where a housing 14 and a rear handle 18 are joined together in the hedge trimmer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic positional relationship between a connecting portion 142, a protrusion 182, and a rubber pin 36 when a housing 14 and a rear handle 18 are connected in a hedge trimmer 100 according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another positional relationship between the connecting portion 142, the protrusion 182, and the rubber pin 36 when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected in the hedge trimmer 100 according to the modified example. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of yet another positional relationship between the connecting portion 142, the protrusion 182, and the rubber pin 36 when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected in the hedge trimmer 100 according to the modified example. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of yet another positional relationship between the connecting portion 142, the protrusion 182, and the rubber pin 36 when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected in the hedge trimmer 100 according to the modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Representative and non-limiting examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or together with other features and inventions to provide further improved working machines.

[0011] In addition, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for implementing the present invention in the broadest sense, but are specifically described only to illustrate representative embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following representative embodiments and the various features described in the claims do not have to be combined in the exact manner of the embodiments described herein or in the order listed in order to provide additional and useful embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] All features described in the specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims, apart from the configuration of features described in the examples and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregate descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a working machine may include a working unit, a prime mover that drives the working unit, a housing that supports the working unit, a handle that is rotatably attached to the housing about a rotation axis and that can be held by a user, and an elastic member that is disposed between the housing and the handle. The housing may include a first surface. The handle may include a second surface that faces the first surface at a distance in the rotation axis direction. The elastic member may be disposed between the first surface and the second surface.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the elastic member disposed between the first surface and the second surface can suppress rattling between the handle and the housing. In a work machine in which a handle is rotatably attached to a housing, rattling occurring between the handle and the housing can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the elastic member is disposed between the first surface and the second surface that are spaced apart in the rotation axis direction, so rattling between the handle and the housing in the rotation axis direction can be suppressed.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, one of the housing and the handle may include a shaft portion having an outer surface that decreases in diameter toward a first direction along the rotation axis. The other of the housing and the handle may include an engagement portion that engages with the outer surface of the shaft portion in the first direction. With respect to the rotation axis direction, the first surface and the second surface may be disposed on the first direction side of the engagement portion.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the movement of one of the housing and the handle relative to the other of the housing and the handle in a first direction is suppressed by the engagement of the outer surface of the shaft portion and the engagement portion, and the movement in the direction opposite to the first direction is suppressed by the elastic member. In addition, the movement of one of the housing and the handle relative to the other of the housing and the handle in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis is suppressed by the engagement of the outer surface of the shaft portion and the engagement portion. With this configuration, rattling between the handle and the housing can be effectively reduced.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the elastic member may be discretely arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, and may include a plurality of abutment portions capable of abutting against the first surface or the second surface.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance that occurs when the handle rotates relative to the housing, making it easier for the user to rotate the handle.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a working machine may include a working unit, a prime mover that drives the working unit, a housing that supports the working unit, a handle that is rotatably attached to the housing around a rotation axis and can be held by a user, and an elastic member that is arranged between the housing and the handle. The housing may have a first surface. The handle may have a second surface that faces the first surface at a distance. The elastic member may be arranged between the first surface and the second surface. The elastic member may be discretely arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, and may include a plurality of abutting portions that can abut against the first surface or the second surface.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the elastic member disposed between the first surface and the second surface can suppress rattling between the handle and the housing. In a work machine in which a handle is attached rotatably relative to the housing, rattling occurring between the handle and the housing can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce sliding resistance occurring when the handle rotates relative to the housing. This makes it easier for the user to rotate the handle.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis, the rotation axis may be disposed inside a convex polygon having vertices at the centers of the respective contact portions.

[0022] According to the above configuration, since the multiple abutment portions are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the rotation shaft, rattle between the handle and the housing can be effectively reduced.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of abutment portions may include a rounded abutment surface.

[0024] If any of the contact portions had a flat contact surface, the contact portion would come into contact with only one side of the first surface or the second surface when the handle rotates relative to the housing, which could cause a large sliding resistance. According to the above configuration, each of the contact portions has a rounded contact surface, so that the sliding resistance generated when the handle rotates relative to the housing can be reduced. This improves user comfort.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the elastic member may include a plurality of elastic cylindrical members each having a generally cylindrical shape with an axial direction along the rotation axis, and each of the plurality of contact portions may be provided on a corresponding one of the plurality of elastic cylindrical members.

[0026] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the elastic member can be easily molded, and the elastic member can be easily assembled to the housing or the handle.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the prime mover may be an electric motor.

[0028] In a work machine that uses an electric motor as a prime mover, the vibrations caused by the drive of the prime mover are smaller than in a work machine that uses an engine as a prime mover, so any rattle between the handle and the housing has a large impact on the user's experience of use. With the above configuration, the rattle between the handle and the housing can be suppressed, improving user comfort.

[0029] Example 1 In the following, a hedge trimmer 100 will be described as an example of a working machine. The hedge trimmer 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a gardening tool used mainly for pruning hedges and plants. The hedge trimmer 100 includes a pair of shear blades 12, a housing 14 that supports the shear blades 12, a front handle 16 and a rear handle 18 that can be held by the user, and a power cord 20 for supplying power from an external source.

[0030] The pair of shear blades 12 extend linearly forward from the housing 14 and have a number of cutting edges 12a along their longitudinal direction. The pair of shear blades 12 reciprocate relative to one another to prune hedges or plants with the multiple cutting edges 12a. In the hedge trimmer 100 of this embodiment, each of the pair of shear blades 12 is configured to reciprocate.

[0031] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the pair of shear blades 12 is defined as the front-rear direction, the direction from the housing 14 toward the pair of shear blades 12 is defined as the front direction, and the direction from the pair of shear blades 12 toward the housing 14 is defined as the rear direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and parallel to the plane on which the cutting edges 12a of the pair of shear blades 12 are located is defined as the left-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is defined as the up-down direction, the direction from the pair of shear blades 12 toward the housing 14 is defined as the up direction, and the direction from the housing 14 toward the pair of shear blades 12 is defined as the down direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the front handle 16 and the rear handle 18 are attached to the housing 14. The front handle 16 is located at the front upper part of the housing 14. The rear handle 18 is located at the rear of the housing 14. The rear handle 18 is attached to the housing 14 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis X. The rotation axis X may be slightly tilted upward and downward with respect to the front-rear direction, and for example, is tilted upward and downward within a range of -20° to 45° with the clockwise direction as viewed from the right direction with respect to the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the rotation axis X is tilted upward and downward by 10° with respect to the front-rear direction with the clockwise direction as the positive direction. In the following description, for convenience, the direction toward the front along the rotation axis X may be referred to as the forward direction, and the direction toward the rear along the rotation axis X may be referred to as the rearward direction. The hedge trimmer 100 is a handheld power tool, and a user typically operates the hedge trimmer 100 by holding the front handle 16 with one hand and the rear handle 18 with the other hand. The front handle 16 extends along a plane that forms an angle with the front-to-rear direction. In the state shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear handle 18 extends along a plane that is parallel to the front-to-rear direction and the up-down direction (i.e., a plane perpendicular to the left-to-right direction).

[0033] The front handle 16 is provided with a first drive switch 21, and the rear handle 18 is provided with a second drive switch 22. The rear handle 18 is also provided with a lock switch 24. The hedge trimmer 100 is configured to drive the pair of shear blades 12 only while both the first drive switch 21 and the second drive switch 22 are simultaneously operated. The second drive switch 22 is usually mechanically locked by the lock switch 24, and is configured to be allowed to be operated only while the lock switch 24 is operated. The first drive switch 21, the second drive switch 22, and the lock switch 24 are operated by the user gripping the front handle 16 and the rear handle 18, respectively. Therefore, the hedge trimmer 100 is configured to prohibit the driving of the pair of shear blades 12 unless the user grips both the front handle 16 and the rear handle 18.

[0034] The hedge trimmer 100 further includes a motor 26 as an example of a prime mover. The motor 26 is accommodated in the housing 14 and drives the pair of shear blades 12. In this regard, the motor 26 is connected to the pair of shear blades 12 via a crank cam 28 and is configured to reciprocate each of the pair of shear blades 12. The motor 26 in this embodiment is a brushless motor. The rotation shaft of the motor 26 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pair of shear blades 12 and extends in the up-down direction.

[0035] The hedge trimmer 100 further includes an electric circuit unit 30 accommodated in the upper front portion of the housing 14. The electric circuit unit 30 is electrically connected to the power cord 20, and adjusts the power supplied from the outside via the power cord 20 and supplies it to the motor 26. When the user operates the first drive switch 21 and the second drive switch 22, the electric circuit unit 30 starts supplying power to the motor 26, and when the operation of the first drive switch 21 or the second drive switch 22 is released, the electric circuit unit 30 stops supplying power to the motor 26. Therefore, the electric circuit unit 30 can switch the motor 26 between ON and OFF. Furthermore, the electric circuit unit 30 can switch the main power supply of the hedge trimmer 100 between ON and OFF, change the rotation speed of the motor 26, drive the motor 26 in reverse rotation, etc., based on the operation state of the operation button 32 operated by the user. In this embodiment, since the motor 26 is a brushless motor, the electric circuit unit 30 further includes an inverter circuit 30a. The inverter circuit 30 a is electrically connected between the power cord 20 and the motor 26 , and converts DC power from the power cord 20 into AC power and supplies it to the motor 26 .

[0036] (Configuration of protrusion 182) As shown in FIG. 3, the rear handle 18 includes a protruding portion 182 that protrudes forward. The protruding portion 182 includes a shaft portion 182c, a base portion 182a, and a flange portion 182b. An outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c has a truncated cone shape. The outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c increases in diameter as it moves forward (second direction) along the rotation axis X, in other words, decreases in diameter as it moves rearward (first direction) along the rotation axis X. The base portion 182a has a wide circular flat plate shape and extends from the rear end of the shaft portion 182c radially outward of the rotation axis X. The front surface of the base portion 182a is the opposing surface 184a. The flange portion 182b has a wide circular flat plate shape and extends from the front end of the shaft portion 182c radially outward of the rotation axis X. The rear surface of the flange portion 182b is an opposing surface 184b. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces 184a and 184b are surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

[0037] The rear handle 18 further includes a locking member 34. The locking member 34 is held so as to be slidable in the approximately front-rear direction with respect to the rear handle 18. The locking member 34 may be slightly tilted in the up-down direction with respect to the front-rear direction, and may be tilted in the same degree as the rotation axis X with respect to the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the locking member 34 is tilted up-down by 10° with respect to the front-rear direction, with the clockwise direction as viewed from the right direction being positive. The locking member 34 is biased forward with respect to the rear handle 18 by a coil spring (not shown) housed in the rear handle 18. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user does not operate the locking member 34, the locking member 34 moves to a forward position protruding from the rear handle 18 toward the housing 14 due to the biasing force of the coil spring. As shown in FIG. 4, when the user pulls the locking member 34 backward against the biasing force of the coil spring, the locking member 34 moves to a retracted position retracted from the housing 14 into the inside of the rear handle 18. As shown in Fig. 5, the locking member 34 has an engagement protrusion 34a that protrudes forward and a stopper portion 34b that is disposed in correspondence with the second drive switch 22. When the locking member 34 is in the forward position, there is no mechanical interference between the second drive switch 22 and the stopper portion 34b of the locking member 34, and therefore operation of the second drive switch 22 is permitted. As shown in Fig. 6, when the locking member 34 is in the backward position, there is mechanical interference between the second drive switch 22 and the stopper portion 34b of the locking member 34, and therefore operation of the second drive switch 22 is prohibited.

[0038] (Configuration of coupling portion 142) As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 14 includes a coupling portion 142 that couples with the protrusion 182 of the rear handle 18. The coupling portion 142 includes an opposing surface 144a and an opposing surface 144b. As shown in FIG. 8, when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are coupled together, the opposing surface 144a is disposed opposite the opposing surface 184a at a first interval Y in the direction of the rotation axis X. The first interval Y may be 1 mm or less. In this embodiment, the first interval Y is 0.8 mm. When the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are coupled together, the opposing surface 144b is disposed opposite the opposing surface 184b at an interval in the direction of the rotation axis X. The coupling portion 142 further includes an engagement surface 144c for engaging with the shaft portion 182c. The engagement surface 144c has a shape similar to that of the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c. That is, the engagement surface 144c has a truncated cone shape. The engagement surface 144c has a diameter that increases toward the front direction (second direction) and decreases toward the rear direction (first direction). When the rear handle 18 is moved in the first direction relative to the housing 14, the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c abuts against the engagement surface 144c, and the movement of the rear handle 18 in the first direction relative to the housing 14 is suppressed. That is, the outer surface 184c and the engagement surface 144c are engaged in the first direction. When the rear handle 18 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X relative to the housing 14, the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c abuts against the engagement surface 144c, and the movement of the rear handle 18 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X relative to the housing 14 is suppressed. That is, the outer surface 184c and the engagement surface 144c are engaged in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X as well.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the coupling portion 142 has a receiving hole 146 on an opposing surface 144a into which the engaging protrusion 34a (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of the locking member 34 can be inserted in the forward direction. The receiving hole 146 has a shape that engages with the engaging protrusion 34a, so that when the engaging protrusion 34a is inserted into the receiving hole 146, the locking member 34 is fixed to the housing 14 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X. As shown in FIG. 5, when the locking member 34 is in the forward position, the engaging protrusion 34a is inserted into the receiving hole 146, so that the rear handle 18 is prevented from rotating relative to the housing 14. As shown in FIG. 6, when the locking member 34 is in the backward position, the engaging protrusion 34a is retracted inside the rear handle 18 and does not interfere with the housing 14, so that the rear handle 18 is allowed to rotate relative to the housing 14.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, the rear handle 18 can be rotated relative to the housing 14. The state in Figure 10 shows the rear handle 18 rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the housing 14. In this way, the user can appropriately change the rotation angle of the rear handle 18 relative to the housing 14, improving the operability of the hedge trimmer 100. By providing multiple receiving holes 146 in the connecting portion 142, the locking member 34 can be fixed at multiple positions. Therefore, the rear handle 18 can be fixed at multiple rotation angles relative to the housing 14.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of accommodation grooves 144d are formed in the opposing surface 144a. Each of the plurality of accommodation grooves 144d accommodates an elastic member (a plurality of rubber pins 36 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, four rubber pins 36 are provided on concentric circles around the rotation axis X. In detail, the rubber pin 36a is provided in the upper right portion of the opposing surface 144a, the rubber pin 36b is provided in the lower right portion of the opposing surface 144a, the rubber pin 36c is provided in the lower left portion of the opposing surface 144a, and the rubber pin 36d is provided in the upper left portion of the opposing surface 144a. In other words, at least one rubber pin 36 is provided in each of the four quadrants divided by the vertical and horizontal planes including the rotation axis X. As shown in FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 11, the rubber pin 36 has a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is along the rotation axis X. The rear end portion of the rubber pin 36 protrudes rearward beyond the opposing surface 144a. The rear end portion of the rubber pin 36 is rounded. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the rear end portion of the rubber pin 36 may be substantially hemispherical. When the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected, the rear end of the rubber pin 36 abuts against the opposing surface 184a. When an attempt is made to move the rear handle 18 in the forward direction (second direction) relative to the housing 14, the elastic restoring force of the rubber pin 36 suppresses the movement of the rear handle 18 in the forward direction (second direction) relative to the housing 14.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12, when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected, the rubber pin 36 is contracted in the direction of the rotation axis X by the crushing margin C from the natural state. If the crushing margin C of the rubber pin 36 does not exist, there is a possibility that the backlash of the rear handle 18 relative to the housing 14 cannot be sufficiently reduced. The first interval Y when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected has a relationship of L / 7>Y with the natural length L of the rubber pin 36. In addition, the first interval Y has a relationship of d / 5>Y with the diameter d of the rubber pin 36. If the above relationship does not hold between the natural length L, the diameter d, and the first interval Y, the elastic restoring force caused by the elastic deformation of the rubber pin 36 becomes excessive, and there is a possibility that the sliding resistance generated when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14 cannot be reduced. The natural length L of the rubber pin 36 may be within a range of 10.8 mm to 7.2 mm. In this embodiment, the natural length L is 9 mm. The crushing allowance C may be within a range of 1.0 mm to 0.2 mm. In this embodiment, the crushing allowance C is 0.6 mm. The diameter d of the rubber pin 36 may be within a range of 6.4 mm to 5.2 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter d is 5.8 mm.

[0043] When the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14, the rubber pins 36 come into sliding contact with the opposing surface 184a. As shown in Fig. 9, the rubber pins 36 are provided discretely in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X, so that the sliding resistance generated when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14 is small. In addition, because the rear end portion of the rubber pin 36 is rounded, it is possible to prevent the rear handle 18 from making one-sided contact with the opposing surface 184a when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14.

[0044] 11, the shaft portion 182c has a hollow center along the direction of the rotation axis X, and the inside of the housing 14 and the inside of the rear handle 18 are spatially connected. By appropriately arranging electrical wiring (not shown) or the like in the hollow portion of the shaft portion 182c, it is possible to electrically connect the electric circuit unit 30 housed in the upper front portion of the housing 14 and the power cord 20 provided behind the rear handle 18.

[0045] (Modification) In the above embodiment, the hedge trimmer 100 has been described as an example of the working machine. However, the working machine may be a working machine other than the hedge trimmer 100. For example, the working machine may be a chain saw, a brush cutter, or the like.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a pair of shear blades 12 are supported by the housing 14. Alternatively, the hedge trimmer 100 may further include a support rod (not shown), with the housing 14 at the rear end of the support rod, a front housing at the front end of the support rod, and the shear blades 12 supported by the front housing.

[0047] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which each of the pair of shear blades 12 reciprocates. However, a configuration in which only one of the pair of shear blades 12 reciprocates may be used instead.

[0048] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the motor 26 is provided as an example of the prime mover. However, the prime mover may be a prime mover other than the motor 26. For example, the prime mover may be an engine.

[0049] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the working machine (hedge trimmer 100) is provided with the power cord 20, and power is supplied to the hedge trimmer 100 from the outside via the power cord 20. Alternatively, the working machine (hedge trimmer 100) may be provided with a battery pack (not shown) that is detachable from the rear handle 18, and power may be supplied to the working machine (hedge trimmer 100) from the battery pack.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the prime mover (motor 26) is a brushless motor. However, the prime mover (motor 26) may be a motor other than a brushless motor. For example, the prime mover (motor 26) may be a brushed motor or the like.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the rotation axis X is slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. However, the rotation axis X may be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0052] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the number of elastic members (rubber pins 36) provided in the coupling portion 142 is four. However, the number of elastic members (rubber pins 36) provided in the coupling portion 142 is not limited to four and may be any number.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) is generally cylindrical. However, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be formed in a shape other than a generally cylindrical shape. For example, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be formed in a spherical shape.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the elastic members (rubber pins 36) are formed as separate parts. Alternatively, the elastic members (rubber pins 36) may be formed as integral parts connected at their front ends to an O-ring-shaped elastic member (not shown). In this case, the rear ends of the elastic members (rubber pins 36) form a plurality of contact portions that contact the opposing surface 184a.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the housing 14 includes the connecting portion 142, and the rear handle 18 includes the protruding portion 182. Alternatively, a configuration in which the housing 14 includes the protruding portion 182, and the rear handle 18 includes the connecting portion 142 may be used.

[0056] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c is tapered in diameter toward the rear, the opposing surface 144a is arranged opposite the opposing surface 184a at a first distance Y in the direction of the rotation axis X, and the rear end portion of the elastic member (rubber pin 36) protrudes rearward from the opposing surface 144a of the housing 14, and when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are connected, the rear end portion of the elastic member (rubber pin 36) abuts against the opposing surface 184a. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 13, the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c may be tapered toward the front (first direction), the opposing surface 144b may be disposed opposite the opposing surface 184b at a second interval Y' in the direction of the rotation axis X, and the elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be provided so that the front end portion of the elastic member protrudes forward from the opposing surface 144b of the housing 14 and contacts the opposing surface 184b when the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 are joined. The second interval Y' may be 1 mm or less. In this embodiment, the second interval Y' is 0.8 mm.

[0057] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c decreases in diameter in either direction along the rotation axis X. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 14, the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c may have a constant diameter along the rotation axis X.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) is accommodated in the accommodation groove 144d formed in the housing 14. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be accommodated in the accommodation groove 184d formed in the rear handle 18.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) is attached between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b) that face each other with a gap in the direction of the rotation axis X. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be provided between the engagement surface 144c and the outer surface 184c that face each other with a gap in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X. The elastic member (rubber pin 36) may be provided discretely in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X. In this case, if an elastic member having a continuous abutment portion in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X, such as an O-ring (not shown), is provided, the sliding resistance generated when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14 increases. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the elastic member (rubber pin 36) is provided discretely in the circumferential direction, so that the sliding resistance generated when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14 can be reduced.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the opposing surfaces 144a, 144b, 184a, and 184b are surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis X. However, the opposing surfaces 144a, 144b, 184a, and 184b may be surfaces other than surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis X.

[0061] (Correspondence) As described above, in one or more embodiments, the hedge trimmer 100 (an example of a working machine) includes a pair of shear blades 12 (an example of a working unit), a motor 26 (an example of a prime mover) that drives the pair of shear blades 12, a housing 14 that supports the pair of shear blades 12, a rear handle 18 that is rotatably attached to the housing 14 around a rotation axis X and can be held by a user, and a rubber pin 36 (an example of an elastic member) that is disposed between the housing 14 and the rear handle 18. The housing 14 includes an opposing surface 144a (or an opposing surface 144b) (an example of a first surface). The rear handle 18 includes an opposing surface 184a (or an opposing surface 184b) (an example of a second surface) that faces the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) at a distance in the direction of the rotation axis X. The rubber pin 36 is disposed between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b).

[0062] According to the above configuration, the rubber pin 36 disposed between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b) can suppress rattling between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14. In the hedge trimmer 100 in which the rear handle 18 is rotatably attached to the housing 14, rattling occurring between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 can be reduced. Also, according to the above configuration, the rubber pin 36 is disposed between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b) that are disposed at an interval in the direction of the rotation axis X, so that rattling between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 in the direction of the rotation axis X can be suppressed.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, one of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 includes a shaft portion 182c having an outer surface 184c that narrows in diameter toward a first direction (rear or front) along the rotation axis X. The other of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 includes an engagement surface 144c (an example of an engagement portion) that engages with the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c in the first direction (rear or front). With respect to the direction of the rotation axis X, the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b) are disposed on the first direction (rear or front) side of the engagement surface 144c.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the movement of one of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 in a first direction (rearward or forward) relative to the other of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 is suppressed by the engagement of the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c and the engagement surface 144c, and the movement in the direction opposite to the first direction (rearward or forward) is suppressed by the rubber pin 36. In addition, the movement of one of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X relative to the other of the housing 14 and the rear handle 18 is suppressed by the engagement of the outer surface 184c of the shaft portion 182c and the engagement surface 144c. With this configuration, rattling between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 can be effectively reduced.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the rubber pins 36 (rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) are discretely arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X, and have rear end portions (or front end portions) (examples of multiple abutment portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d that can abut against the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b) or the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b).

[0066] The above-described configuration can reduce the sliding resistance that occurs when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14. This makes it easier for the user to rotate the rear handle 18.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the hedge trimmer 100 includes a pair of shear blades 12, a motor 26 for driving the pair of shear blades 12, a housing 14 for supporting the pair of shear blades 12, a rear handle 18 that is rotatably attached to the housing 14 around a rotation axis X and can be held by a user, and a rubber pin 36 disposed between the housing 14 and the rear handle 18. The housing 14 includes an opposing surface 144a (or an opposing surface 144b, an engagement surface 144c) (an example of a first surface). The rear handle 18 includes an opposing surface 184a (or an opposing surface 184b, an outer surface 184c) (an example of a second surface) that faces the opposing surface 144a (or an opposing surface 144b, an engagement surface 144c) at a distance. The rubber pins 36 are disposed between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b, the engagement surface 144c) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b, the outer surface 184c). The rubber pins 36 are disposed discretely in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis X, and have rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d that can come into contact with the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b, the engagement surface 144c) or the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b, the outer surface 184c).

[0068] According to the above configuration, rattling between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 can be suppressed by the rubber pin 36 arranged between the opposing surface 144a (or the opposing surface 144b, the engagement surface 144c) and the opposing surface 184a (or the opposing surface 184b, the outer surface 184c). In the hedge trimmer 100 in which the rear handle 18 is attached rotatably relative to the housing 14, rattling occurring between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance occurring when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14. This makes it easier for the user to rotate the rear handle 18.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rotation axis X is disposed inside a convex polygon having vertices at the centers of the rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d are arranged to surround the periphery of the rotation axis X, thereby effectively reducing rattling between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, each of the rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d is rounded (eg, having a rounded abutment surface).

[0072] If any of the rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d has a flat shape (an example having a flat contact surface), when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14, the rear end portion (or front end portion) may come into partial contact with the opposing surface 144a (or opposing surface 144b) or the opposing surface 184a (or opposing surface 184b), which may cause a large sliding resistance. According to the above configuration, since each of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d is rounded, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance that occurs when the rear handle 18 rotates relative to the housing 14. This improves the comfort of the user.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the rubber pin 36 includes rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d (examples of multiple elastic cylindrical members) having a generally cylindrical shape with an axial direction along the rotation axis X. Each of the rear end portions (or front end portions) of the rubber pins 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d is provided on the corresponding rubber pin 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d, respectively.

[0074] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the rubber pin 36 can be easily molded, and the rubber pin 36 can be easily assembled to the housing 14 or the rear handle 18.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, motor 26 is a brushless motor (an example of an electric motor).

[0076] In a hedge trimmer 100 that uses a brushless motor as the motor 26, vibrations caused by driving the motor 26 are smaller than in a hedge trimmer 100 that uses an engine as the motor 26, so any rattle between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 has a large impact on the user's experience of use. With the above-mentioned configuration, rattle between the rear handle 18 and the housing 14 can be suppressed, improving user comfort. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 12: A pair of shear blades 12a: Multiple cutting edges 14: Housing 16: Front handle 18: Rear handle 20: Power cord 21: First drive switch 22: Second drive switch 24: Lock switch 26: Motor 28: Crank Cam 30: Electric circuit unit 30a: Inverter circuit 32: Operation button 34: Locking member 34a: Engagement protrusion 34b: Stopper part 36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d: Rubber pin 100: Hedge trimmer 142:Joining part 144a, 144b: Opposing surface 144c: Engagement surface 144d: Storage groove 146: Receiving hole 182:Protrusion 182a: Base part 182b: Flange part 182c: Shaft section 184a, 184b: Opposing surface 184c: External surface 184d: Storage groove

Claims

1. A working section; A prime mover that drives the working unit; A housing for supporting the working unit; a handle that is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis and that can be held by a user; a resilient member disposed between the housing and the handle, the housing having a first surface; The handle includes a second surface facing the first surface at a distance in the rotation axis direction, the elastic member is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, The elastic member is held by one of the housing and the handle, and the elastic member abuts against the other of the housing and the handle so as to face each other in the rotation axis direction.

2. A working section; A prime mover that drives the working unit; A housing for supporting the working unit; a handle that is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis and that can be held by a user; a resilient member disposed between the housing and the handle, the housing having a first surface; The handle includes a second surface facing the first surface at a distance in the rotation axis direction, the elastic member is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, One of the housing and the handle includes a shaft portion having an outer surface that decreases in diameter in a first direction along the rotation axis, the other of the housing and the handle has an engagement portion that engages with the outer surface of the shaft portion in the first direction; A work machine, wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed on the first direction side of the engagement portion in relation to the rotation axis direction.

3. 3. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is provided with a plurality of contact portions that are discretely arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft and are capable of contacting the first surface or the second surface.

4. A working section; A prime mover that drives the working unit; A housing for supporting the working unit; a handle that is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis and that can be held by a user; a resilient member disposed between the housing and the handle, the housing having a first surface; the handle has a second surface opposed to the first surface and spaced apart from the first surface; the elastic member is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the elastic member is provided with a plurality of contact portions that are discretely arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft and are capable of contacting the first surface or the second surface, A work machine, wherein, when viewed from the direction of the pivot axis, the pivot axis is disposed inside a convex polygon having vertices at the centers of the respective contact portions.

5. The work machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of abutment portions has a rounded abutment surface.

6. The elastic member includes a plurality of elastic cylindrical members each having a substantially cylindrical shape with an axial direction along the rotation axis, The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of abutment portions is provided on a corresponding one of the plurality of elastic cylindrical members.

7. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the prime mover is an electric motor.

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