Work equipment

Abstract

This hand-push type work machine comprises: a work part that performs prescribed work; a motor that is for driving the work part; a first holding part that has a first terminal part for connection to a terminal of a first battery and that holds the first battery is a removable manner; a second holding part that has a second terminal part for connection to a terminal of a second battery and that holds the second battery in a removable manner; and an electrical component that is for supplying power to the motor from the first battery and the second battery, wherein the electrical component is disposed between the first terminal part and the second terminal part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electric tiller to which a plurality of batteries can be attached for driving the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-42672 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When multiple batteries are installed in a work machine, electrical components are required to supply power from the multiple batteries to the motor. Because these electrical components involve high voltages, it is desirable to place them in a location where they are unlikely to come into contact with the operator while working and where they can be protected from external influences.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that can improve workability and safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a working machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a push-type working machine comprising: a working unit that performs a predetermined task; a motor for driving the working unit; a first holding unit that has a first terminal unit connected to a terminal of a first battery and detachably holds the first battery; a second holding unit that has a second terminal unit connected to a terminal of a second battery and detachably holds the second battery; and electrical components for supplying power from the first battery and the second battery to the motor, The first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged along the front-rear direction of the work machine, The electrical component is In the front-rear direction The second terminal is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that can provide a work machine that can improve workability and safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0009] [Figure 1] A side view showing an example of the configuration of a work machine [Figure 2] A front view showing an example of the configuration of a work machine [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power control unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] Top view of the work machine with the exterior cover open [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a plurality of batteries in a power control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a first holding portion; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of the first holding portion when the battery terminal and the first terminal portion are not connected. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view of the first holding portion when the battery terminal and the first terminal portion are connected. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power control unit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a modified example of the power control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The work machine 10 of this embodiment is an electric work machine equipped with multiple batteries and motors, and is configured as a push-type machine that travels when manually pushed by an operator. Examples of the work machine 10 include a tiller, a lawn mower, and a snow blower, but the following description will use a tiller as an example of the work machine 10. In addition, in each of the drawings described below, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that are perpendicular to one another, with the X direction indicating the front-to-rear direction of the work machine 10, the Y direction indicating the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the work machine 10, and the Z direction indicating the up-to-down direction of the work machine 10. Note that in this embodiment, the +X direction indicates the traveling direction of the work machine 10, and the +Y direction indicates the left direction (left side of the work machine 10) and the -Y direction indicates the right direction (right side of the work machine 10) relative to the traveling direction.

[0012] 1 and 2 show an example configuration of a work machine 10 (cultivator) according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a side view of the work machine 10, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the work machine 10. The work machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a working section 11, a drive section 12, a motor 13, a power control unit 14, a base 15, a pair of left and right wheels 16, and a handle section 17. The power control unit 14 includes an exterior member 20, and although only the exterior member 20 is visible from the outside, for ease of understanding, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the internal structure of the exterior member 20 so that it can be seen through the exterior member 20.

[0013] Working unit 11 is a unit for performing a predetermined task, and is disposed rearward of base 15 and a pair of left and right wheels 16 in the front-to-rear direction (X direction). The predetermined task is, for example, tilling if working machine 10 is a tiller, mowing if working machine 10 is a lawnmower, or removing snow if working machine 10 is a snow blower. In the present embodiment, since working machine 10 is a tiller, working unit 11 is configured to perform tilling as the predetermined task. Working unit 11 for plowing has a rotating shaft (not shown) and multiple claws (not shown) attached thereto; the rotating shaft is driven by drive unit 12 using power from motor 13, causing the multiple claws to rotate, and the ground surface (for example, the topsoil of a field) can be tilled.

[0014] The drive unit 12 is a mechanism that drives the working unit 11 using the power of the motor 13, and is disposed between the power control unit 14 and the working unit 11 in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) (preferably between the axles 16a of the pair of left and right wheels 16 and the working unit 11). The drive unit 12 may be understood as a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the motor 13 to the working unit 11. The drive unit 12 of this embodiment has a shaft 12a that rotates when power from the motor 13 is transmitted thereto, and the rotation of the shaft 12a transmits the power of the motor 13 to the working unit 11, thereby rotating the rotation axis (plurality of claws) of the working unit 11. The shaft 12a of the drive unit 12 is connected to the rotor 13a (motor shaft) of the motor 13 via a belt 18a (which may be a chain, etc.), and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 13a of the motor 13. In FIG. 1, a cover member 18 that covers a belt 18a that connects the shaft 12a of the drive unit 12 and the rotor 13a of the motor 13 is shown.

[0015] The motor 13 has a stator (not shown) and a rotor 13a, and is a drive source that generates power (rotational force) to rotate the rotor 13a by passing current through a coil provided on one of the stator and the rotor 13a. The motor 13 is disposed between the power control unit 14 and the working unit 11 in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) (preferably between the axles 16a of the pair of left and right wheels 16 and the working unit 11). The motor 13 is also disposed above (on top of) the drive unit 12.

[0016] The power control unit 14 is a mechanism that houses multiple batteries BT and controls (adjusts) the power supplied from the multiple batteries BT to the motor 13 to control the output of the motor 13. The power control unit 14 has multiple holding units 21 that respectively hold the multiple batteries BT, and electrical components for supplying power from the multiple batteries BT to the motor 13. In the present embodiment, a power supply unit 22 and a control unit 23 are provided as the electrical components.

[0017] The power control unit 14 also has an exterior member 20 that covers the multiple holding portions 21, the power supply portion 22, and the control portion 23. The exterior member 20 includes a main body portion 20a having an open portion at the top for attaching and detaching the multiple batteries BT to and from the multiple holding portions 21, and a lid portion 20b for opening and closing the top (open portion) of the main body portion 20a. The lid portion 20b is configured to be rotatable in the rotational direction around the Y axis relative to the main body portion 20a, centering on a rotation shaft 24 provided on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the upper surface of the main body portion 20a where the open portion is formed. This allows the lid portion 20b, when opened relative to the main body portion 20a, to be positioned toward the center of gravity of the work machine 10 (toward the motor 13). This stabilizes the balance of the work machine 10 when the operator attaches or detaches the battery BT to or from the power control unit 14 (holding portion 21), preventing the work machine 10 from tipping forward. Specific configuration examples of the power control unit 14 will be described later.

[0018] The base 15 supports the drive unit 12, the motor 13, and the power control unit 14. That is, the drive unit 12, the motor 13, and the power control unit 14 are disposed (fixed) on the base 15. A pair of left and right wheels 16 are rotatably supported on the base 15. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , an axle 16a extending along the left-right direction (Y direction) is rotatably supported on the underside of the base 15, and the pair of left and right wheels 16 are attached to the ends of the axle 16a. The pair of left and right wheels 16 are disposed so as to protrude outward from the drive unit 12, the motor 13, the power control unit 14, and the base 15 in the left-right direction (Y direction). In other words, the drive unit 12, the motor 13, the power control unit 14, and the base 15 are disposed so as not to protrude outward from the left and right wheels 16 in the left-right direction (Y direction) (for example, between the left and right wheels 16). Furthermore, the multiple holding portions 21 (multiple batteries BT) are arranged between (inside) the left and right wheels 16 in the left-right direction (Y direction). This makes it possible to improve the running stability of the work machine 10.

[0019] A handle portion 17 is provided at the rear of the base 15. The handle portion 17 is a bar-shaped member that extends rearward and diagonally upward from the rear of the base 15, and the end of the handle portion 17 functions as a grip portion that an operator grasps to operate the work implement 10. A work implement 10 having such a handle portion 17 (grip portion) is called a push-type work implement or a walk-behind work implement, and an operator can perform work (plowing in this embodiment) by gripping the handle portion 17 (grip portion) and pushing the work implement 10 while standing. The handle portion 17 also has an operating portion that allows the operator to operate the work implement 10. The operating portion is a unit that operates, for example, to start / stop operation of the work implement 10 (working unit 11), switch between straight travel and rotation of the work implement 10, lock / unlock the wheels 16, and brake the work implement 10. 1 and 2 show an operation unit 17a for operating to start / stop the movement of the work machine 10, and an operation unit 17b for operating to switch between moving straight and turning the work machine 10. Note that the operation unit 17a may be equipped with a controller (for example, a processor such as a CPU) and a battery (for example, a 12V battery) for controlling the work machine 10.

[0020] [Power control unit configuration] The configuration of the power control unit 14 in the work machine 10 of this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power control unit 14, and is an enlarged view of the power control unit 14 shown in FIG. 1. As with FIG. 1, FIG. 3 illustrates the internal structure of the exterior member 20 through the exterior member 20 for ease of understanding. As described above, the power control unit 14 of this embodiment includes a plurality of holding units 21 that respectively hold a plurality of batteries BT, a power supply unit 22, and a control unit 23. Here, the plurality of batteries BT have the same structure and shape. Each battery BT is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, and is a power storage device that stores power to be supplied to the motor 13.

[0021] Each of the multiple holding portions 21 has a terminal portion connected to a terminal provided on the underside of the battery BT, and detachably holds the battery BT. The power control unit 14 of this embodiment is provided with two holding portions (first holding portion 21a, second holding portion 21b) so that two batteries BT (first battery BT1, second battery BT2) can be accommodated. The first holding portion 21a and the second holding portion 21b are arranged along the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10. As a result, the first battery BT1 and the second battery BT2 are arranged along the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10, so that an operator can stand to the side of the work machine 10 as shown in FIG. 4 and detach multiple batteries (first battery BT1, second battery BT2) from the power control unit 14 all at once. In other words, this improves the ease of detaching batteries when the operator detaches them while standing to the side of the work machine 10, and also reduces the possibility that the operator will detach batteries while standing in front of the work machine 10, which may be advantageous in terms of safety. Furthermore, in the case of a tiller, when attaching or detaching batteries, the operator does not have to enter the work area in front of the implement and trample the soil, but can instead stand in a rut or the like formed on the side, and attach or detach multiple batteries all at once, which can be advantageous in terms of work quality. Figure 4 is a view of the implement 10 from above (+Z direction) with the cover 20b of the exterior member 20 open.

[0022] The first holding part 21a has a first terminal part 32a connected to a terminal provided on a lower part (lower surface) of the first battery BT1 arranged on the front side of the work machine 10, in a position offset to the front of the lower part of the first battery BT1 in the front-to-rear direction (X direction), and detachably holds the first battery BT1. On the other hand, the second holding part 21a arranged on the rear side of the work machine 10 has a structure similar to that of the first holding part 21a, and is arranged rearward of the first holding part 21a in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) in a state mirror-inverted with respect to the first holding part 21a. In other words, the second holding part 21b has a second terminal part 32b connected to a terminal provided on a lower part (lower surface) of the second battery BT2, in a position offset to the rear of the lower part of the second battery BT2 in the front-to-rear direction (X direction), and detachably holds the second battery BT2. This arrangement allows for an expansion of the space formed between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b below the first holding portion 21a (first battery BT1) and the second holding portion 21b (second battery BT2). In the example of Fig. 3, the first terminal 32a is covered by the cover 25a, and the second terminal 32b is covered by the cover 25b. The specific configurations of the first holding portion 21a and the second holding portion 21b will be described later.

[0023] The first holding unit 21a is configured to hold the first battery BT1 in a state in which the first battery BT1 is tilted backward. Similarly to the first holding unit 21a, the second holding unit 21b is also configured to hold the second battery BT2 in a state in which the second battery BT2 is tilted backward. Using the first battery BT1 as an example, the "tilted backward" state can be defined as a state in which the first battery BT1 is tilted so that the upper part of the first battery BT1 is positioned further rearward than the lower part. In the power control unit 14 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the work machine 10 is viewed from the side, the angle θ of the longitudinal direction of the first battery BT1 (front and rear side walls) held by the first holding unit 21a with respect to a reference line R passing through the rotation axis A of the motor 13 (rotor 13a) and the axis B of the shaft 12a of the drive unit 12 falls within a range of 0 to 15 degrees (preferably 0 to 10 degrees). Similarly, when the work machine 10 is viewed from the side, the angle θ of the longitudinal direction of the second battery BT2 (front and rear side walls) held by the second holding portion 21b with respect to the reference line R falls within a range of 0 to 15 degrees (preferably 0 to 10 degrees). This arrangement allows the power control unit 14 (first battery BT1, second battery BT2) to be positioned close to the drive unit 12 and motor 13, which can be advantageous for making the work machine 10 more compact. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the multiple batteries BT1 to BT2 in the power control unit 14, and is an enlarged view of the drive unit 12, motor 13, power control unit 14, and their surrounding areas in FIG. 1.

[0024] Power supply unit 22 is, for example, a junction box, and combines (integrates) the power from first battery BT1 and the power from second battery BT2 and supplies the combined power to motor 13. Specifically, power supply unit 22 is connected to first holder 21a (first terminal 32a) via cable 26a, and is supplied with power from first battery BT1 held by first holder 21a. Power supply unit 22 is also connected to second holder 21b (second terminal 32b) via cable 26b, and is supplied with power from second battery BT2 held by second holder 21b. Power supply unit 22 combines (integrates) the power supplied from first battery BT1 via cable 26a and the power supplied from second battery BT2 via cable 26b, and supplies the combined power to motor 13 via cable 26c.

[0025] Here, because the power supply unit 22 is a component that involves high voltage, it is preferable to place it in a location where it is unlikely for an operator to come into contact with it during work (for example, during installation / removal of a battery or maintenance) and where it can be protected from external influences such as rain (for example, a location with relatively high waterproofing and durability). Therefore, the power supply unit 22 of this embodiment is placed in the space between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b below the first holding unit 21a (first battery BT1) and the second holding unit 21b (second battery BT2). This can be advantageous in terms of safety because it can reduce contact between the operator and the power supply unit 22 and external influences. Furthermore, by arranging the first terminal 32a in a position offset to the front in the fore-and-aft direction (X direction) below the first battery BT1 and the second terminal 32b in a position offset to the rear in the fore-and-aft direction (X direction) below the second battery BT2 in a mirror image of each other, the space between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b is expanded, and by arranging the power supply unit 22 in this space, it can also be advantageous for making the work machine 10 more compact.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply unit 22 be disposed inside the exterior member 20 so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the exterior member 20. In the exterior member 20, fluid (e.g., water) that has entered the interior due to rain or the like may accumulate at the bottom, so by disposing the power supply unit 22 away from the bottom surface of the exterior member 20, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 22 from coming into contact with the fluid that has accumulated at the bottom of the exterior member 20. Note that, as shown in Fig. 3, the exterior member 20 (e.g., the bottom surface) may be provided with a discharge hole 20c for discharging fluid that has entered the interior of the exterior member 20 from the exterior member 20.

[0027] The control unit 23 is, for example, a PCU (Power Control Unit) and controls the power (amount of power) supplied to the motor 13 from the multiple batteries BT1-BT2 (power supply unit 22). In the example of FIG. 3, the control unit 23 is disposed to the side of the multiple batteries BT1-BT2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Like the power supply unit 22, the control unit 23 may be disposed in the space between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b below the first holding unit 21a (first battery BT1) and the second holding unit 21b (second battery BT2). However, because the power supply unit 22 generates heat, if the control unit 23 is disposed in this space, it is preferable to separate the control unit 23 as far as possible from the power supply unit 22. Furthermore, as described above, there is a possibility that fluid (water) may accumulate at the bottom of the exterior member 20. Therefore, if the control unit 23 is disposed in this space, it is preferable to separate the control unit 23 from the bottom surface of the exterior member 20.

[0028] [Configuration of the first holding part] An example configuration of the first holding unit 21a will be described below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the first holding unit 21a, showing the first holding unit 21a holding the first battery BT1. Note that the X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 6 are defined with the longitudinal direction of the first battery BT1 as the Z direction, and do not coincide with the X, Y, and Z directions based on the work machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. Also, while the configuration of the first holding unit 21a will be described here, as mentioned above, the second holding unit 21b has the same structure as the first holding unit 21a. Note that hereinafter, the first battery BT1 held by the first holding unit 21a may be simply referred to as "battery BT."

[0029] The first holding portion 21a includes, for example, a holding frame 31 that holds the battery BT, a first terminal portion 32a that is electrically connected to the power supply portion 22 via a cable 26a, and a connection mechanism that detachably connects the terminal of the battery BT to the first terminal portion 32a.

[0030] The holding frame 31 holds the battery BT inserted (mounted) in the power control unit 14 (exterior member 20). The holding frame 31 includes a first frame 31a, a second frame 31b, and a third frame 31c. The first frame 31a is a member extending in the Z direction and is fixed to, for example, the exterior member 20 (main body 20a) via a fixing member 31d. The first frames 31a are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the battery BT in the Y direction, and a mounting member 34 on which the battery BT is placed is connected to the lower ends of the pair of left and right first frames 31a. The second frame 31b is a member extending in the circumferential direction of the battery BT so as to surround the battery BT, and is fixed to the upper end of the first frame 31a. The third frame 31c is a member extending in the circumferential direction of the battery BT so as to surround the battery BT below the second frame 31b. In the example of FIG. 6, the third frame 31c is made up of frames 31c1 and 31c2 which are positioned differently in the Z direction, and the frame 31c1 is fixed to the first frame 31a, and the frame 31c2 is fixed to a fixing member 31d.

[0031] The first terminal portion 32a has, for example, a plurality of terminal pins that can be mated and connected to the terminals of the battery BT, and is configured to supply power output from the terminals of the battery BT to the power supply portion 22 via the cable 26a. The first terminal portion 32a is supported by a support member 35 that is movable in the Z direction. The support member 35 is supported by the third frame 31c1 so as to be movable (slidable) in the Z direction.

[0032] The connection mechanism has an operating lever 36 and an extension member 37. The operating lever 36 is a member for operating the attachment / detachment between the terminal of the battery BT and the first terminal portion 32a via the extension member 37, and has a grip portion 36a and an L-shaped member 36b. The grip portion 36a is a member that is held by an operator and extends along the Y direction. The L-shaped members 36b are connected to both ends of the grip portion 36a in the Y direction. The L-shaped member 36b is a member formed in a substantially L shape, and its middle position is rotatably supported by the upper end of the first frame 31a.

[0033] The extension member 37 is a member extending in the Z direction along the side surface of the battery BT, and is a link plate for moving the support member 35 in the Z direction in response to the operation of the operating lever 36. The extension members 37 are provided on the Y direction sides of the batteries BT. The upper end of the extension member 37 is rotatably attached to the end of the L-shaped member 36b of the operating lever 36 (the end opposite to the grip portion 36a), and the lower end of the extension member 37 is rotatably attached to the end of the support member 35.

[0034] Next, the connection between the terminal of the battery BT held by the first holding portion 21a and the first terminal portion 32a will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a side view of the first holding portion 21a in a state in which the terminal of the battery BT and the first terminal portion 32a are not connected. Figure 8 is a side view of the first holding portion 21a in a state in which the terminal of the battery BT and the first terminal portion 32a are connected.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 7, the battery BT is inserted into the battery storage device 30 with the operation lever 36 in a tilted state. When the operation lever 36 (grip 36a) is in a tilted state, the extension member 37 and the support member 35 are lowered in the -Z direction by the L-shaped member 36b of the operation lever 36, and the terminal of the battery BT is separated from the first terminal 32a. Then, as shown in Fig. 8, when the operator lifts (raises) the operation lever 36 (grip 36a) in the direction of the arrow, the extension member 37 and the support member 35 are moved in the +Z direction by the L-shaped member 36b of the operation lever 36, and the terminal of the battery BT can be connected to the first terminal 32a.

[0036] As described above, in the work machine 10 of this embodiment, the first holding portion 21a that holds the first battery BT1 and the second holding portion 21b that holds the second battery BT2 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction. This improves the ease of installation and removal of batteries when an operator stands to the side of the work machine 10, and reduces the possibility that an operator will install or remove batteries while standing in front of the work machine 10, which can be advantageous in terms of safety and work quality. Furthermore, in the work machine 10 of this embodiment, the electrical components (power supply unit 22 and / or control unit 23) are arranged in the front-to-rear direction between the first terminal 32a that connects to the terminals of the first battery BT1 and the second terminal 32b that connects to the terminals of the second battery BT2. This reduces contact between the operator and the electrical components and external influences on the electrical components, which is advantageous in terms of safety and can also be advantageous in making the work machine 10 more compact.

[0037] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram (XZ cross-sectional view) showing an example of the configuration of the power control unit 14 of this embodiment, showing a state in which the lid 20b of the exterior member 20 is open. Note that this embodiment basically follows on from the first embodiment, and is the same as described in the first embodiment except for the matters mentioned below.

[0038] 9, the power control unit 14 of this embodiment is provided with a first cover member 27 and a second cover member 28. The first cover member 27 is a member that covers (surrounds) the first holding portion 21a and the first terminal portion 32a, and may also be understood as a housing that houses the first battery BT1. The first cover member 27 is composed of a portion 27a that covers the first holding portion 21a (and the first battery BT1 held by the first holding portion 21a) and a portion 27b that protrudes downward from the portion 27a and covers the first terminal portion 32a. A drain hole 27c is provided on the bottom surface of the portion 27b of the first cover member 27 to drain fluid (e.g., water) from inside the first cover member 27.

[0039] Furthermore, second cover member 28 is a member that covers (surrounds) second holding portion 21b and second terminal portion 32b, and may also be understood as a housing that houses second battery BT2. Similar to first cover member 27, second cover member 28 is composed of portion 28a that covers second holding portion 21b (and second battery BTb held by second holding portion 21b) and portion 28b that protrudes downward from portion 28a and covers second terminal portion 32b. A drain hole 28c is provided in the bottom surface of portion 28b of second cover member 28 to drain fluid (e.g., water) from within second cover member 28.

[0040] A connecting member 29 is provided between the first cover member 27 and the second cover member 28, connecting the upper end of the first cover member 27 and the upper end of the second cover member 28. The upper surface of this connecting member 29 is configured to slope downward (in the -Z direction) as it extends rearward (in the -X direction). By providing the connecting member 29 in this manner, it is possible to prevent rain or the like from splashing on the power supply unit 22, which is disposed between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b in the front-rear direction (X direction), when, for example, the lid 20b is opened to attach or detach a battery during rainy weather. Furthermore, by configuring the upper surface of the connecting member 29 to be inclined, it is possible to prevent water that has accumulated on the upper surface due to rain or the like from suddenly pouring onto the first battery BT1 when, for example, an operator lifts the handle 17 to start work.

[0041] <Other embodiments> Here, modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described. Note that modifications 1 to 4 described below basically inherit the first or second embodiment, and matters other than those mentioned in each modification are the same as those described in the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, modifications 1 to 4 described below may be applied individually to the first or second embodiment, or two or more modifications may be applied in combination.

[0042] [Variation 1] In the first embodiment, the covers 25a-25b covering the terminals of the batteries may each be provided with a drain hole for draining water (fluid) that has entered the cover to the outside. In the power control unit 14 of this first modification, as shown in FIG. 10, a first drain hole Ea is provided in the lower part of the cover 25a covering the first terminal 32a of the first battery BT1, and a second drain hole Eb is provided in the lower part of the cover 25b covering the second terminal 32b of the second battery BT2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the power control unit 14, and, as with FIG. 3, the diagram is illustrated so that the internal structure of the exterior member 20 can be seen through the exterior member 20 for ease of understanding.

[0043] The first discharge hole Ea is provided on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the cover 25a and is arranged on the opposite side of the discharge hole 20c provided on the bottom surface of the exterior member 20 from the electrical components (power supply unit 22, control unit 23) in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10. That is, the first discharge hole Ea is arranged forward of the discharge hole 20c of the exterior member 20 and the electrical components in the front-to-rear direction of the work machine 10, and the discharge hole 20c of the exterior member 20 is arranged between the first discharge hole Ea and the electrical components. Furthermore, the second discharge hole Eb is provided on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the cover 25b and is arranged below the electrical components in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the work machine 10. By configuring and arranging the first discharge hole Ea and the second discharge hole Eb in this manner, it is possible to prevent (reduce) water discharged from the first discharge hole Ea and the second discharge hole Eb from getting on the electrical components.

[0044] Furthermore, the first discharge hole Ea is disposed higher than the second discharge hole Eb in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the work machine 10. Then, the discharge hole 20c of the exterior component 20 is disposed between the first discharge hole Ea and the second discharge hole Eb in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10. With this configuration and arrangement, even if the first discharge hole Ea is disposed higher than the lower ends of the electrical components in the up-down direction, water is discharged from the first discharge hole Ea and the second discharge hole Eb so as to prevent (reduce) the electrical components from getting wet, thereby improving the degree of freedom when disposing the first battery BT1 and the second battery BT2 at an angle.

[0045] Furthermore, the covers 25a and 25b may have the same shape, which allows the manufacturing processes for the covers 25a to 25b and the molds used in the manufacturing processes to be shared (commonly used), thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the covers 25a to 25b.

[0046] [Variation 2] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example has been described in which two batteries (first battery BT1, second battery BT2) are arranged along the front-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10. However, this is not limiting, and the two batteries may be arranged along the left-right direction (Y direction) of the work machine 10. For example, if the two batteries BT1 and BT2 are arranged along the left-right direction so that the first battery BT1 is located to the right of the second battery BT2, the first terminal 32a is arranged to the right of the first holding portion 21a in the left-right direction, and the second terminal 32b is arranged to the left of the second holding portion 21a in the left-right direction. The electrical components (power supply unit 22 and / or control unit 23) are arranged between the first terminal 32a and the second terminal 32b in the left-right direction. This configuration can also reduce contact between the operator and the electrical components and external influences on the electrical components, which is advantageous in terms of safety and can also be advantageous in making the work machine 10 more compact.

[0047] [Variation 3] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example of the power control unit 14 configured to accommodate two batteries (first battery BT1, second battery BT2) has been described. However, this is not limiting and the power control unit 14 may be configured to accommodate three or more batteries. For example, when accommodating four batteries, a plurality of sets each consisting of the first battery BT1 and the second battery BT2 arranged along the front-rear direction (X direction) of the work machine 10 and the electrical components (power supply unit 22 and / or control unit 23) arranged between them may be arranged along the left-right direction (Y direction). Alternatively, a plurality of sets each consisting of the first battery BT1 and the second battery BT2 arranged along the left-right direction (Y direction) of the work machine 10 and the electrical components arranged between them may be arranged along the front-rear direction (X direction). Note that only one control unit 23 may be provided for each of the plurality of sets, or one control unit 23 may be provided for each set.

[0048] [Variation 4] In the above first and second embodiments, an example of a work machine 10 provided with two wheels 16, one on the left and one on the right, has been described, but this is not limited to this, and the work machine 10 may be provided with three or more wheels 16.

[0049] <Summary of the embodiment> 1. The working machine of the above embodiment is A hand-pushed work machine (e.g., 10), a working unit (e.g., 11) that performs a predetermined task; a motor (e.g., 13) for driving the working unit; a first holding portion (e.g., 21a) having a first terminal portion (e.g., 32a) connected to a terminal of a first battery (e.g., BT1) and detachably holding the first battery; a second holding portion (e.g., 21b) having a second terminal portion (e.g., 32b) connected to a terminal of a second battery (e.g., BT2) and detachably holding the second battery; Electrical components (e.g., 22, 23) for supplying power from the first battery and the second battery to the motor; Equipped with The electrical component is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. According to this configuration, by arranging the electrical component between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, contact between the worker and the electrical component and external influences on the electrical component are reduced, thereby improving safety and making the work machine more compact.

[0050] 2. In the above configuration, The first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged along the front-rear direction of the work machine, The electrical component is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion in the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, by arranging the first holding portion and the second holding portion along the fore-and-aft direction of the work machine, workability is improved when an operator stands to the side of the work machine to attach or detach two batteries, and safety is also improved by reducing the possibility that an operator will stand in front of the work machine to attach or detach batteries.

[0051] 3. In the above configuration, the first holding portion is disposed forward of the second holding portion in the front-rear direction, the first terminal portion is provided on the front side of the first holding portion in the front-rear direction, The second terminal portion is provided on the rear side of the second holding portion in the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, a space can be formed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion below the first holding portion (first battery) and the second holding portion (second battery) in which electrical components can be arranged, thereby making the work machine more compact.

[0052] 4. In the above configuration, The first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged along the left-right direction of the work machine, The electrical component is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, by arranging the first holding portion and the second holding portion along the left-right direction of the work machine, it is possible to improve the workability when an operator stands in front of the work machine and attaches or detaches two batteries.

[0053] 5. In the above configuration, the first holding portion is disposed to the right of the second holding portion in the left-right direction, the first terminal portion is provided on the right side of the first holding portion in the left-right direction, The second terminal portion is provided on the left side of the second holding portion in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, a space can be formed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion below the first holding portion (first battery) and the second holding portion (second battery) in which electrical components can be arranged, thereby making the work machine more compact.

[0054] 6. In the above configuration, the first terminal portion is arranged to be connectable to a terminal provided on a bottom surface of the first battery, The second terminal portion is arranged so as to be connectable to a terminal provided on the bottom surface of the second battery. According to this configuration, even in a configuration in which an electrical component is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion can be electrically connected to the first battery and the second battery, respectively.

[0055] 7. In the above configuration, Further provided with left and right wheels (e.g., 16); The first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the electrical component are disposed between the left and right wheels in the left-right direction of the work machine. This configuration can improve the running stability of the work machine.

[0056] 8. In the above configuration, The electrical components include a power supply unit (for example, 22) that combines the power from the first battery and the power from the second battery and supplies the combined power to the motor. According to this configuration, by arranging the power supply unit as an electrical component between the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit, contact between the worker and the power supply unit and external influences on the power supply unit are reduced, thereby improving safety.

[0057] 9. In the above configuration, The electrical components include a control unit (for example, 23) that controls the power supplied to the motor from the first battery and the second battery. According to this configuration, by arranging the control unit as an electrical component between the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit, contact between the operator and the control unit and external influences on the control unit are reduced, thereby improving safety.

[0058] 10. In the above configuration, In the front-rear direction of the work machine, the motor is disposed rearward of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and the working portion is disposed rearward of the motor. According to this configuration, the center of gravity of the work machine can be positioned in the center of the work machine, thereby improving workability.

[0059] 11. In the above configuration, The electric machine further includes a drive unit (e.g., 12) having a shaft (e.g., 12a) that rotates when the power of the motor is transmitted thereto, and that drives the working unit by the rotation of the shaft; The axis of the motor and the axis of the shaft extend along the left-right direction of the work machine, When the work machine is viewed from the side, the longitudinal angle (e.g., θ) of the first battery held by the first holding part and the longitudinal angle (e.g., θ) of the second battery held by the second holding part are each within the range of 0 to 15 degrees relative to a reference line (e.g., R) passing through the axis of the motor (e.g., A) and the axis of the shaft (e.g., B). With this configuration, the first holding section (first battery) and the second holding section (second battery) can be disposed close to the drive section and the motor, making it possible to make the working machine more compact.

[0060] 12. In the above configuration, The device further includes a first cover member (for example, 27) that covers the first holding portion and the first terminal portion, and a second cover member (for example, 28) that covers the second holding portion and the second terminal portion. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately protect each holding portion and each battery.

[0061] 13. In the above configuration, a first drain hole (e.g., 27c) for draining fluid from inside the first cover member is provided on the bottom surface of the first cover member; A second drain hole (for example, 28c) is provided in the bottom surface of the second cover member for draining fluid from within the second cover member. According to this configuration, fluid (for example, water) that has entered the first cover member and the second cover member can be appropriately discharged to the outside.

[0062] 14. In the above configuration, The first discharge hole is provided in a bottom surface of a portion (e.g., 27b) of the first cover member that covers the first terminal portion, The second discharge hole is provided in the bottom surface of a portion (for example, 28b) of the second cover member that covers the second terminal portion. According to this configuration, fluid (for example, water) that has entered the first cover member and the second cover member can be appropriately discharged to the outside.

[0063] 15. In the above configuration, Further provided is a connecting member (e.g., 29) that connects the upper end of the first cover member and the upper end of the second cover member, The upper surface of the connecting member is inclined downward toward the rear. This configuration prevents rain and other elements from getting on the electrical components arranged between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion in the fore-and-aft direction, and also prevents water that has accumulated on the top surface of the connecting member due to rain and other elements from suddenly pouring onto the first battery when, for example, an operator lifts the handle portion of the work equipment to start work.

[0064] 16. In the above configuration, Further provided is an exterior member (e.g., 20) that covers the first holding portion and the second holding portion, The electrical components are disposed within the exterior member. This configuration can prevent rain and the like from getting on the electrical components.

[0065] 17. In the above configuration, The exterior member includes a main body portion (e.g., 20a) having an open top for attaching and detaching the first battery and the second battery to the first holding portion and the second holding portion, respectively, and a lid portion (e.g., 20b) for opening and closing the top of the main body portion. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the battery is attached and detached from the top of the main body, the lid can reduce the risk of rain or the like getting on the battery.

[0066] 18. In the above configuration, The cover is configured to be rotatable relative to the main body, with the rear side of the main body in the front-rear direction of the work machine as a rotation axis (for example, 24). With this configuration, the lid portion when open relative to the main body portion can be positioned toward the center of gravity of the work machine, thereby stabilizing the balance of the work machine when the worker attaches or detaches the battery from each holding portion and preventing the work machine from tipping forward.

[0067] 19. In the above process, The electrical components are disposed in the exterior member so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the exterior member. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the electrical components from coming into contact with fluid (water) that accumulates at the bottom of the exterior member due to rain or the like.

[0068] 20. In the above configuration, A drain hole (for example, 20c) for draining fluid from inside the exterior member is provided on the bottom surface of the exterior member. According to this configuration, fluid (water) that has entered the interior of the exterior member due to rain or the like can be appropriately discharged to the outside.

[0069] 21. In the above configuration, The discharge hole is disposed on the front side of the bottom surface of the exterior member in the front-to-rear direction of the work machine. According to this configuration, when an operator lifts the handle portion of the work machine to perform work, fluid (water) that has entered the exterior member can be appropriately discharged to the outside through the discharge hole.

[0070] 22. In the above configuration, Further provided with left and right wheels (e.g., 16); The exterior members are arranged so as not to protrude outward from the left and right wheels in the left-right direction of the work machine. This configuration can improve the running stability of the work machine.

[0071] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10: working machine, 11: working section, 12: driving section, 13: motor, 14: power control unit, 15: base, 16: wheels, 17: handle section, 21a: first holding section, 21b: second holding section, 22: power supply section, 23: control section, BT1: first battery, BT2: second battery

Claims

1. A hand-pushed work machine, a working unit that performs a predetermined work; a motor for driving the working unit; a first holding portion having a first terminal portion connected to a terminal of a first battery and detachably holding the first battery; a second holding portion having a second terminal portion connected to a terminal of a second battery and detachably holding the second battery; an electrical component for supplying electric power from the first battery and the second battery to the motor; Equipped with the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged along a front-rear direction of the work machine, The work machine, characterized in that the electrical component is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion in the front-rear direction.

2. the first holding portion is disposed forward of the second holding portion in the front-rear direction, the first terminal portion is provided on a front side of the first holding portion in the front-rear direction, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second terminal portion is provided on a rear side of the second holding portion in the front-rear direction.

3. the first terminal portion is arranged to be connectable to a terminal provided on a bottom surface of the first battery, 3. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal portion is arranged so as to be connectable to a terminal provided on a bottom surface of the second battery.

4. Further equipped with left and right wheels, 4. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the electrical component are arranged between the left and right wheels in the left-right direction of the work machine.

5. 5. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrical components include a power supply unit that combines electric power from the first battery and electric power from the second battery and supplies the combined electric power to the motor.

6. 6. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrical components include a control unit that controls the power supplied to the motor from the first battery and the second battery.

7. 7. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the motor is positioned rearward of the first holding portion and the second holding portion in the fore-and-aft direction of the work machine, and the working portion is positioned rearward of the motor.

8. a drive unit having a shaft that rotates when power from the motor is transmitted thereto, and that drives the working unit by the rotation of the shaft; The axis of the motor and the axis of the shaft extend along the left-right direction of the work machine, A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, when the work machine is viewed from the side, the longitudinal angle of the first battery held by the first holding part and the longitudinal angle of the second battery held by the second holding part are each within a range of 0 to 15 degrees with respect to a reference line passing through the axis of the motor and the axis of the shaft.

9. 9. The work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a first cover member that covers the first holding portion and the first terminal portion, and a second cover member that covers the second holding portion and the second terminal portion.

10. a first drain hole for draining fluid from inside the first cover member is provided on the bottom surface of the first cover member; 10. The work machine according to claim 9, wherein a second drain hole for draining fluid from inside the second cover member is provided in a bottom surface of the second cover member.

11. the first discharge hole is provided in a bottom surface of a portion of the first cover member that covers the first terminal portion, The work machine according to claim 10, wherein the second discharge hole is provided in a bottom surface of a portion of the second cover member that covers the second terminal portion.

12. a connecting member that connects an upper end of the first cover member and an upper end of the second cover member, 12. The work machine according to claim 9, wherein an upper surface of the connecting member is inclined downward toward the rear.

13. further comprising an exterior member covering the first holding portion and the second holding portion; 13. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrical components are disposed inside the exterior member.

14. The work machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the exterior member includes a main body portion having an open top for attaching and detaching the first battery and the second battery to the first holding portion and the second holding portion, respectively, and a lid portion for opening and closing the top of the main body portion.

15. 15. The work machine according to claim 14, wherein the cover is configured to be rotatable relative to the main body, with the rear side of the main body in the front-rear direction of the work machine as a rotation axis.

16. 16. The work machine according to claim 13, wherein the electrical components are arranged in the exterior member so as to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the exterior member.

17. 17. The work machine according to claim 13, wherein a discharge hole for discharging fluid from inside the exterior member is provided in a bottom surface of the exterior member.

18. The work machine according to claim 17, wherein the discharge hole is arranged on the front side of the bottom surface of the exterior member in the front-to-rear direction of the work machine.

19. Further equipped with left and right wheels, 19. The work machine according to claim 13, wherein the exterior member is arranged so as not to protrude outward from the left and right wheels in the left-right direction of the work machine.

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