Work machine and its stacking structure

Abstract

To provide a work machine which can achieve reduction of costs and improvement of maintainability, and to provide a stacking structure of the work machine.SOLUTION: A washer 1 includes: a lower frame 3 to which wheels 7 are attached; an upper frame 4 disposed above the lower frame 3; and a lock lever 30 which is attached to the lower frame 3 and rotatably supported by a support shaft 3a provided at the lower frame 3. The lock lever 30 is provided with: a first engagement part 37 which makes the wheel 7 unable to rotate; and a second engagement part 38 which is connected to the upper frame 4 of another washer 1 when the washer 1 is stacked on the other washer 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine and a stacking structure thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a working machine such as a washing machine having a frame is known. This washing machine has a square frame, and equipment such as an engine and a pump are mounted on a set stand provided on the frame. The front wheel axles are fixed to the front of the lower frame, and the rear wheel axles are fixed to the rear of the lower frame. When multiple washing machines are stacked, the front and rear axles of the upper washing machine are placed on the upper frame of the lower washing machine. The upper frame has two pairs of protrusions aligned in the front-to-rear direction, and the front and rear axles fit between the two pairs of protrusions, stabilizing the posture of the upper washing machine and preventing it from falling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-49507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional work machine described above, a brake lever for immobilizing or freeing the rear wheel is attached to the outer surface of the left lower frame. The brake lever engages with a pin or bolt provided on the rear wheel to immobilize the rear wheel.

[0005] As described above, a lever for preventing wheel rotation in a work machine having a frame structure and wheels attached to the frame structure is known. However, in the work machine described above, a structure is adopted in which the front and rear axles are placed between protrusions in order to stabilize the posture of the stacked work machines (to prevent misalignment due to movement). Providing the protrusions on the frame requires processes such as welding, and this structure increases the number of manufacturing steps and increases the management burden.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a work machine and its stacking structure that can reduce costs and improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a stackable work machine (1) equipped with wheels (7), comprising: a lower frame (3) to which the wheels (7) are attached; an upper frame (4) arranged above the lower frame (3); and a lock lever (30) attached to the lower frame (3) and rotatably supported by a support portion (3a) provided on the lower frame (3), wherein the lock lever (30) is provided with a first engagement portion (37) that prevents the wheels (7) from rotating, and a second engagement portion (38) that is connected to the upper frame (4) of another work machine (1) when the work machine (1) is stacked on top of the other work machine (1).

[0008] According to this work machine (1), a single component, the lock lever (30), can be used to lock the wheels (7) for rotation using the first engagement portion (37) and to lock the wheels (7) for stacking using the second engagement portion (38). The rotation lock prevents the wheels (7) from rotating, making the work machine (1) unable to travel (move) on the ground (where the work machine (1) is placed). This prevents the work machine (1) from moving in an unintended direction. Furthermore, the stack lock prevents the relative positions of the two work machines (1) from changing (being fixed), preventing the stacked work machines (1) from shifting and falling. The lock lever (30) has two types of locking functions, which reduces costs and improves maintainability.

[0009] The lock lever (30) may have an elongated hole (40) formed therein to allow it to slide relative to the support portion (3 a). In this case, by sliding the lock lever (30), rotation locking by the first engagement portion (37) and stacking locking by the second engagement portion (38) can be smoothly performed.

[0010] The lock lever (30) may be formed with a first recess (41) into which the support portion (3 a) fits when the first engagement portion (37) is engaged, and a second recess (42) into which the support portion (3 a) fits when the second engagement portion (38) is engaged, which are continuous with the elongated hole (40). The first recess (41) and second recess (42) corresponding to the first engagement portion (37) and the second engagement portion (38), respectively, can reliably maintain the engagement state of each engagement portion (without misalignment).

[0011] In the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 30, a support portion 3a may be disposed between the first engagement portion 37 and the second engagement portion 38. In this case, the lock lever 30 is rotated and / or moved in opposite directions when the first engagement portion 37 is engaged, i.e., for rotation locking, and when the second engagement portion 38 is engaged, i.e., for stacking locking. This allows the operator to easily distinguish between the locking operations, resulting in excellent operability when locking and unlocking.

[0012] The first engaging portion 37 and the second engaging portion 38 may be recesses formed at the first end and the second end of the single flat plate portion 31, respectively. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the lock lever 30 is reduced. Since the engaging operation only needs to be performed within the range of movement of the flat plate portion 31 (within the same plane), the operability when locking is also excellent.

[0013] As another aspect of the present invention, a stacked structure (100) including a plurality of working machines (1) may be provided. In this stacked structure (100), the lock lever (30) of the lowest working machine (1) among the plurality of working machines (1) prevents rotation of the wheels (7) by the first engagement portion (37), and the lock lever (30) of the working machine (1) stacked on top of the lowest working machine (1) among the plurality of working machines (1) is connected to the upper frame (4) of the lowest working machine (1) by the second engagement portion (38). With this stacked structure (100), it is possible to easily and quickly lock the rotation of the wheels (7) of the lowest working machine (1) and to lock the stacked working machines (1). The stacked plurality of working machines (1) will not move or collapse, thereby improving safety. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce costs and improve maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing two work machines stacked one on top of the other. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a lock lever attached to a work machine located above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a side view of the lock lever, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the lock lever. [Figure 6] 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) are diagrams showing the procedure when the wheel is locked. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an engagement nut and a lock lever provided on the inside of the wheel. FIG. [Figure 8] 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are diagrams showing the procedure for stacking locking. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing two work machines with their wheels locked for rotation and stacked. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) shows a state in which the lock lever is in an intermediate position, and Figures 10(b) and 10(c) are each a diagram showing an example of a state in which the lock lever is in a stop position (standby position) during normal use of the work machine. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) shows a state in which the lock lever is in an intermediate position, and Figures 11(b) and 11(c) are each diagrams showing other examples in which the lock lever is in a stop position (standby position) during normal use of the work machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" used in relation to the washer 1 are based on the state in which the normal forward direction of the work machine is defined as "forward" when the work machine is installed on a horizontal surface. In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to an engine-powered high-pressure washer.

[0017] First, a washer (work machine) 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The washer 1 is, for example, an engine-powered high-pressure washer, and is equipped with a pump 11 driven by an engine 10. The engine 10 is, for example, a single-cylinder engine. The pump 11 is, for example, a plunger pump (reciprocating pump), and is driven by the engine 10 to suck in liquid (for example, water or cleaning liquid) from an intake port 51, and discharge the liquid from a nozzle gun (neither of which are shown) via a hose connected to an outlet port 52.

[0018] The washer 1 includes a rectangular frame 2 and four wheels 7 supporting the frame 2. The frame 2 has rectangular frame bodies 2a, 2a extending vertically and longitudinally on both the left and right sides. Each frame body 2a is composed of a lower frame 3, an upper frame 4, and a front frame 5a and a rear frame 5b connecting the lower and upper frames 3, 4, respectively. The lower frame 3, the upper frame 4, the front frame 5a, and the rear frame 5b are made of, for example, steel pipes. The two upper frames 4, 4 extend parallel to each other and are connected in the center in the longitudinal direction by a single reinforcing frame 6. The two lower frames 3, 3 extend parallel to each other and are connected by, for example, three support frames 13. The upper frame 4 is positioned vertically above the lower frame 3. Therefore, the left-right distance between the lower frames 3, 3 is equal to the left-right distance between the upper frames 4, 4.

[0019] A pair of wheels 7 (front wheels) arranged on the front side are rotatably attached to both left and right ends of a single axle 17. A pair of wheels 7 (rear wheels) arranged on the rear side are rotatably attached to both left and right ends of a single axle 17. Each axle 17 is, for example, a pipe-shaped or rod-shaped steel material. The front axle 17 and the rear axle 17 each extend in the left-right direction and are parallel to each other. The front axle 17 is fixed to the lower frame 3 and the lower end of the support frame 13 arranged at the front end. The rear axle 17 is fixed to the lower frame 3 and the lower end of the support frame 13 arranged at the rear end. Each wheel 7 is arranged on the outer side of the lower frames 3,3.

[0020] A rectangular steel set base 9 is attached to two support frames 13 located at the front of the washer 1 via multiple vibration-isolating rubber members 14. Equipment such as an engine 10 is mounted on the set base 9, which is supported by the lower frames 3, 3. A pump 11 is supported on one support frame 13 located at the rear of the washer 1 via multiple vibration-isolating rubber members 14 and a bracket 16. Each piece of equipment in the washer 1 is housed in the space between the frames 2a, 2a. Although not shown, an inverted U-shaped hanging hook that protrudes above the upper frames 4, 4 is provided on the reinforcing frame 6 that connects the upper frames 4, 4.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a stacking structure 100 of the washer 1 will be described. In this embodiment, multiple washer 1s can be stacked. The washer 1 can be stacked, for example, two-tiered. The washer 1 may also be configured to be stacked three or more tiered. The stackable configuration reduces the storage space required for the washer 1. When an upper washer 1 is lowered relative to a lower washer 1 to stack them, the axles 17, 17 of the upper washer 1 (i.e., the washer 1 to be stacked) are placed on the upper frames 4, 4 of the lower washer 1. In this state, the hanging hook of the lower washer 1 is positioned in an opening (space) formed between the two front support frames 13 and the single rear support frame 13 of the upper washer 1. This prevents the hanging hook from interfering with the various components of the upper washer 1, allowing for smooth stacking. The set table 9 is compact, eliminating the need for a notch for inserting the hanging hook, as in conventional washer assemblies. The small size of the set table 9 also contributes to improving the workability when disassembling the washer 1.

[0022] The washer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotation lock mechanism that prevents one wheel 7 from rotating when the washer 1 is placed alone on the ground or when multiple washer 1 are stacked. For example, when a single washer 1 is placed outdoors and undergoing maintenance work such as cleaning, the rotation lock mechanism is used for that washer 1. When multiple washer 1 are stacked, the rotation lock mechanism is used for the bottommost washer 1, and one wheel 7 is prevented from rotating. In other words, the wheel 7 that is prevented from rotating is the wheel 7 that is in contact with the ground (the installation surface of the washer 1). Furthermore, the frame 2 of the washer 1 stacked on top of the bottommost washer 1 is connected and locked to the frame 2 of the washer 1 of the bottommost washer 1, thereby providing a stacking lock that restricts movement of the stacked washer 1.

[0023] The washer 1 is equipped with one lock lever 30 that combines both a rotation lock mechanism and a stacking lock mechanism. The configuration of the lock lever 30 and the configurations of the two types of lock mechanisms will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5. In the following description, the washer 1 on the lowest level will be simply referred to as the "lower washer 1," and the washer 1 stacked on top of the lower washer 1 will be simply referred to as the "upper washer 1."

[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the lock lever 30 attached to the upper washer 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5(a) is a side view of the lock lever 30, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the lock lever 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the washer 1 includes the lock lever 30 attached to, for example, the left (either) lower frame 3. The lock lever 30 is formed, for example, by cutting a single metal plate into a predetermined shape and bending it. The lock lever 30 is rotatably supported by a support shaft (support portion) 3a provided on the outer surface of the lower frame 3. The lock lever 30 is located, for example, near one wheel 7 (rear wheel) located on the rear left side.

[0025] 5(a) and 5(b), the lock lever 30 has a flat plate portion 31 extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5(a)), an outwardly bent plate portion 33 bent at a right angle outward at the upper end of the flat plate portion 31, a first inwardly bent plate portion 34 bent at a right angle inward at the upper end of the flat plate portion 31, and a second inwardly bent plate portion 36 bent at a right angle backward at the upper end of the flat plate portion 31. A lever position control portion 32, which is a hole extending in the longitudinal direction, is formed slightly forward in the center of the flat plate portion 31.

[0026] The lock lever 30 is rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction of the cleaning machine 1. That is, the flat plate portion 31 is rotatable along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" regarding the rotatable lock lever 30 are based on the position shown in FIG. 5(a), i.e., the position of the lock lever 30 in which the outer bent plate portion 33, the first inner bent plate portion 34, and the second inner bent plate portion 36 are all maintained horizontally and the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 31 extends in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) of the cleaning machine 1. The left side in FIG. 5(a) (i.e., the side on which the second engaging portion 38 described below is formed) corresponds to the front of the lock lever 30, and the right side in FIG. 5(a) (i.e., the side on which the first engaging portion 37 described below is formed) corresponds to the rear of the lock lever 30. The front-rear direction of the lock lever 30 is the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 31 (lock lever 30).

[0027] The lever position control section 32 includes an elongated hole 40 extending in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate section 31, a first recess 41 formed at the front end of the elongated hole 40 and protruding upward from the elongated hole 40, and a second recess 42 formed at the rear end of the elongated hole 40 and protruding upward from the elongated hole 40. The elongated hole 40 is a rectangular through-hole with a constant width. The first recess 41 and the second recess 42 are semicircular through-holes with the same size. The first recess 41 and the second recess 42 are formed contiguously at both ends of the elongated hole 40.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the lock lever 30 is attached to the lower frame 3 by sandwiching the flat portion 31 between the cylindrical portion 3b and the head 3c of the bolt 3e with the support shaft 3a inserted through the elongated hole 40. The cylindrical portion 3b, through which the bolt 3e passes, abuts the outer surface of the lower frame 3. The support shaft 3a, protruding from the outer surface of the lower frame 3, is positioned coaxially with the bolt 3e. Note that the flat portion 31 does not need to be constantly sandwiched between the cylindrical portion 3b and the head 3c; it is sufficient that the flat portion 31 be positioned between the cylindrical portion 3b and the head 3c and be able to rotate while maintaining a generally vertical position, even if its axis of rotation moves slightly. The head 3c is larger than the width of the elongated hole 40, preventing the lock lever 30 from falling off.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 5(a), the width of the elongated hole 40 and the widths of the first recess 41 and the second recess 42 (which correspond to their diameters when they are considered semicircular) are, for example, the same. These widths are set to allow the support shaft 3a to be inserted into the elongated hole 40 and to allow movement of the support shaft 3a within the support shaft 3a. Therefore, when the lock lever 30 is not engaged with anything, the support shaft 3a can move freely relative to the inside of the lever position control section 32 (the elongated hole 40, the first recess 41, and the second recess 42). This allows the elongated hole 40 to slide the lock lever 30 relative to the support shaft 3a.

[0030] Next, the rotation lock configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an engagement nut provided on the inside of the wheel 7 and a lock lever. Two engagement nuts 7a, 7a are fixed to the wheel 7 at two locations on a predetermined diameter (in other words, at two locations 180 degrees apart). The engagement nuts 7a protrude toward the inside of the wheel 7, i.e., toward the inside of the frame 2. The engagement nuts 7a extend in the left-right direction. A first engagement portion 37, which is a recess that engages with the engagement nut 7a when the wheel 7 is positioned at a predetermined rotational position, is formed at the rear end (first end; right end shown in FIG. 5(a)) of the flat portion 31. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the support shaft 3a is positioned at the front end of the elongated hole 40, the first engagement portion 37 can engage with the engagement nut 7a located, for example, at the top (12 o'clock position) or nearby. The first engagement portion 37 is large enough to accommodate the engagement nut 7a, and the engagement nut 7a enters the first engagement portion 37 (see FIG. 6(b)).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement nut 7a protrudes into the small gap formed between the wheel 7 and the bolt 3e. This gap is located at the same position as the support shaft 3a when viewed from the front. The flat portion 31 of the lock lever 30 rotates in a vertical plane that passes through this gap, and the first engagement portion 37 engages with the engagement nut 7a. This engagement causes the lock lever 30 to prevent the wheel 7 from rotating, thereby locking the wheel. Note that because the engagement nut 7a terminates within this gap, it does not interfere with the lower frame 3 as the wheel 7 rotates.

[0032] Next, the configuration related to the stacking lock will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower frame 3 is positioned directly above the upper frame 4 of the lower washer 1, with the front and rear axles 17 placed on the upper frame 4. As described above, the left-right distance between the lower frames 3, 3 is equal to the left-right distance between the upper frames 4, 4. In addition, the wheels 7 protrude outward from the lower frame 3. Therefore, the upper washer 1 can be stacked so that the pair of left and right wheels 7 are positioned outside the pair of left and right lower frames 3. With this rough alignment, the lower frame 3 is positioned directly above the upper frame 4.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a stacking engagement pin 4a is provided on the outer surface of the upper frame 4. The stacking engagement pin 4a is provided on an extension of (coaxial with) a bolt 4e that passes through the upper frame 4 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 4, the stacking engagement pin 4a protrudes slightly from the outer surface of the upper frame 4. The stacking engagement pin 4a is also located at the same position as the support shaft 3a when viewed from the front.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the front end (second end; left end shown in FIG. 5(a)) of the flat portion 31 is formed with a second engagement portion 38, which is a recess that engages with the stacking engagement pin 4a when the upper washer 1 is stacked. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the support shaft 3a is positioned at the rear end of the elongated hole 40, the second engagement portion 38 can engage with the stacking engagement pin 4a of the lower washer 1. The second engagement portion 38 has a size that can accommodate the stacking engagement pin 4a, and the stacking engagement pin 4a enters the second engagement portion 38 (see FIG. 8(b)). The diameter of the stacking engagement pin 4a and the diameter of the engagement nut 7a may be approximately the same or may be different.

[0035] The flat plate portion 31 of the lock lever 30 rotates within the vertical plane, and the second engagement portion 38 engages with the stacking engagement pin 4a. This engagement connects the lock lever 30 of the upper washer 1 to the upper frame 4 of the lower washer 1, thereby locking the stacking.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first engagement portion 37 and the second engagement portion 38 are disposed on either side of the elongated hole 40 in the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 30. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, no matter where the support shaft 3a is located within the lever position control portion 32, the support shaft 3a is disposed between the first engagement portion 37 and the second engagement portion 38 in the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 30. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the first engagement portion 37 locks the rotation of the wheel 7, the lock lever 30 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side, and the first engagement portion 37 fits into the engagement nut 7a from above. In other words, the rear portion of the flat portion 31 falls downward (in the direction of gravity), and the first engagement portion 37 engages with the engagement nut 7a. 8(b), when stacking lock is performed by the second engagement portion 38, the lock lever 30 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left side, and the second engagement portion 38 fits in from above the stacking engagement pin 4a. That is, the front portion of the flat plate portion 31 falls downward (in the direction of gravity), and the second engagement portion 38 engages with the stacking engagement pin 4a. In this way, based on the positional relationship between the support shaft 3a, which is the rotation center axis, and the first engagement portion 37 and second engagement portion 38, the rotation direction of the lock lever 30 is opposite when rotation lock is performed and when stacking lock is performed.

[0037] Next, we will explain the movement of the lock lever 30 in the rotation lock and stack lock modes during stacking, and the fixing structure of the lock lever 30 for each lock. First, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), in the lower washer 1, with the support shaft 3a positioned at an appropriate position within the elongated hole 40, the lock lever 30 is rotated clockwise and slid rearward. With the support shaft 3a positioned at the front end of the elongated hole 40, the rear portion of the lock lever 30 is lowered, and the first engagement portion 37 engages with the engagement nut 7a. At this time, the rotational position of the wheel 7 is adjusted so that one of the two engagement nuts 7a, 7a is positioned approximately in the engagement position. The wheel 7 is locked by the nut 30. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(c), the front portion of the lock lever 30 is pushed down, and the support shaft 3a fits into the first recess 41. That is, the support shaft 3a fits into the first recess 41 when the first engagement portion 37 engages. As a result, the translational movement of the lock lever 30 relative to the support shaft 3a is restricted, and the lock lever 30 is fixed.

[0038] The rotation lock is released by reversing the above steps.

[0039] Next, a lifting tool (neither of which is shown) is hooked onto a lifting hook fixed to the reinforcing frame 6 of the washer 1, and the washer 1 is hung, so that the washer 1 is stacked on top of the lower washer 1. Note that the rotation locking operation described above may be performed after the washer 1 has been stacked and the washer 1 has been moved to a predetermined location.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), in the upper washer 1, with the support shaft 3a positioned at an appropriate position within the elongated hole 40, the lock lever 30 is rotated counterclockwise and slid forward. With the support shaft 3a positioned at the rear end of the elongated hole 40, the front portion of the lock lever 30 is lowered, and the second engagement portion 38 engages with the stacking engagement pin 4a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the rear portion of the lock lever 30 is pushed down, and the support shaft 3a fits into the second recess 42. That is, when the second engagement portion 38 engages, the support shaft 3a fits into the second recess 42. This restricts the translational movement of the lock lever 30 relative to the support shaft 3a, and the lock lever 30 is fixed. If the stacked washer 1 is misaligned in the front-to-rear direction, the position of the upper washer 1 may be adjusted slightly in the state shown in FIG. 8(a) and / or FIG. 8(b). After alignment, the final state shown in FIG. 8(c) should be reached.

[0041] The stacking lock is released by reversing the above steps.

[0042] After the above two types of locking operations are completed, the two stacked washing machines 1 are left standing in a stable state (without moving or shifting) as shown in Figure 9. The two types of locking functions are preferably performed by the support shaft 3a and lock lever 30, which have the same structure in the two washing machines 1. Note that Figure 9 does not show equipment such as the engine 10 and pump 11, and only shows the configuration around the frame 2 and wheels 7.

[0043] Here, the position of the lock lever 30 during normal use of the washer 1 (when the lock lever 30 is not in use) when neither locking function is required will be described. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the lock lever 30 is in an intermediate position. FIGS. 10(b) and 10(c) are diagrams showing an example of a state in which the lock lever 30 is in a stop position (standby position) during normal use of the washer 1. During normal use of the washer 1, the lock lever 30 is further rotated counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 10(a). The lock lever 30 is rotated around a rotation center (any part of the elongated hole 40) through which the support shaft 3a is inserted. In the example shown in FIGS. 10(b) and 10(c), the support shaft 3a is located in the front part of the elongated hole 40 (forward of the center). The lock lever 30 stops when the first inner bent plate portion 34 rests on (contacts) the upper surface of the lower frame 3.

[0044] The shape and / or weight of the lock lever 30 may be adjusted to increase the counterclockwise moment (as viewed from the direction in the figure) of the lock lever 30. This increased counterclockwise moment maintains a balance between the position and weight of the lock lever 30, making it less likely to rotate toward the wheel 7 (engagement nut 7a) even if an external force is applied to the lock lever 30 due to vibration or other factors while the washer 1 is moving. When not in use (disengaged), the lock lever 30 is always positioned at the standby position P1a shown in FIG. 10(b) or the standby position P1b shown in FIG. 10(c). At the standby position P1a, the support shaft 3a is positioned at the front end of the elongated hole 40. At the standby position P1b, the support shaft 3a fits into the first recess 41. This eliminates the need for a locking mechanism or the like to hold or secure the lock lever 30 in the standby position P1a or P1b.

[0045] 11(b) and 11(c), when the lock lever 30 rotates around the rotation center (the portion of the elongated hole 40), the support shaft 3a may be located at the rear (behind the center) of the elongated hole 40. In this case as well, the lock lever 30 stops with the first inner bent plate portion 34 resting on (contacting) the upper surface of the lower frame 3.

[0046] When not in use (disengaged), the lock lever 30 is always positioned at a standby position P2a shown in FIG. 11(b) or a standby position P2b shown in FIG. 11(c). At the standby position P2a, the support shaft 3a is positioned at the rear end of the elongated hole 40. At the standby position P2b, the support shaft 3a fits into the second recess 42. This eliminates the need for a locking mechanism or the like to hold or fix the lock lever 30 in the standby position P2a or P2b.

[0047] In the lock lever 30, the counterclockwise moment becomes large regardless of which part of the lock lever 30 the support shaft 3a is inserted through, i.e., regardless of the position of the rotation center. By setting the counterclockwise moment to become large when the first inner bent plate portion 34 is in contact with the lower frame 3, a locking mechanism becomes unnecessary.

[0048] Unlike the counterclockwise rotation described above, even if the lock lever 30 is further rotated clockwise from the position shown in Figure 6(a), the second inner bent plate portion 36 will stop with the second inner bent plate portion 36 resting on the upper surface of the lower frame 3. At this time, if the support shaft 3a is fitted into the second recess 42, the lock lever 30 will not move more than necessary, and the first engagement portion 37 will not accidentally engage with the engagement nut 7a. Therefore, the rotation range of the lock lever 30 is limited by the first inner bent plate portion 34 and the second inner bent plate portion 36, and the lock lever 30 will not fall to the ground (the surface on which the washer 1 is installed).

[0049] In the washer 1 of this embodiment, the lock lever 30 is integrally provided with a first engagement portion 37 that prevents the wheels 7 from rotating and a second engagement portion 38 that connects to the upper frame 4 of another washer 1 when the washer 1 is stacked on top of another washer 1. Using the lock lever 30, which is a single component, it is possible to lock the wheels 7 for rotation using the first engagement portion 37 and to lock the washer 1 for stacking using the second engagement portion 38. The rotation lock prevents the wheels 7 from rotating, preventing the washer 1 from moving (moving) on ​​the ground (where the washer 1 is placed). This prevents the washer 1 from moving in an unintended direction. Furthermore, the stack lock prevents the relative positions of the two washer 1 from changing (being fixed), preventing the stacked washer 1 from shifting and falling. The lock lever 30 has two types of locking functions, which reduces costs and improves maintainability.

[0050] In a stacked structure 100 in which multiple cleaning machines 1 are stacked, the lock lever 30 of the lowest cleaning machine 1 prevents the wheels 7 from rotating by the first engagement portion 37, and the lock lever 30 of a cleaning machine 1 stacked on top of the lowest cleaning machine 1 is connected to the upper frame 4 of the lowest cleaning machine 1 by the second engagement portion 38. According to the stacked structure 100 of this embodiment, the rotation of the wheels 7 of the lowest cleaning machine 1 and the stacking of the stacked cleaning machines 1 can be easily and quickly locked. The stacked multiple cleaning machines 1 will not move or collapse, and safety is also improved.

[0051] The lock lever 30 is also formed with an elongated hole 40 that allows it to slide relative to the support shaft 3a. By sliding the lock lever 30, rotation locking by the first engagement portion 37 and stacking locking by the second engagement portion 38 can be smoothly performed.

[0052] The lock lever 30 has a first recess 41 into which the support shaft 3a fits when the first engagement portion 37 is engaged, and a second recess 42 into which the support shaft 3a fits when the second engagement portion 38 is engaged, which are formed continuous with the elongated hole 40. The first recess 41 and second recess 42 corresponding to the first engagement portion 37 and second engagement portion 38, respectively, can reliably maintain the engagement state of each engagement portion (without misalignment). In either lock state, the position of the lock lever 30 can be fixed without using a spring or the like.

[0053] In the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 30, the support shaft 3a is disposed between the first engagement portion 37 and the second engagement portion 38. When the first engagement portion 37 is engaged, i.e., when the rotation lock is engaged, and when the second engagement portion 38 is engaged, i.e., when the stack lock is engaged, the lock lever 30 is rotated and moved in opposite directions. That is, the locking direction (the direction of rotation of the lock lever 30) is opposite between the rotation lock and the stack lock. This allows the operator to easily distinguish between the locking operations, and provides excellent operability when locking and unlocking. In either locking operation, the lock lever 30 engages with the engaged portion (the engagement nut 7a or the stacking engagement pin 4a) from above. In this respect as well, the lock lever 30 provides excellent operability.

[0054] The first engaging portion 37 and the second engaging portion 38 are recesses respectively formed at a first end and a second end of the single flat plate portion 31. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the lock lever 30. Since the engaging operation can be performed within the same plane, which is the range in which the flat plate portion 31 moves, it also provides excellent operability when locking.

[0055] In addition, in the rotation lock operation, when pushing down the front part of the lock lever 30 as shown in Fig. 6(c), the worker may step on the outer bent plate portion 33 with his foot. Stepping on the lock lever 30 makes it easier to fix the lock lever 30 in a low position. In addition, the rotation lock can be released by kicking up the outer bent plate portion 33 with his foot.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the configuration of the engagement nut 7a and the stacked engagement pin 4a may be modified as appropriate as long as they are configured (shape, position, or size) to allow engagement with the lock lever 30. The elongated hole does not have to penetrate the lock lever in the thickness direction. The elongated hole may be formed in a groove shape (a recessed shape extending in the longitudinal direction). The elongated hole may also be referred to as a guide groove. Either or both of the first recess 41 and the second recess 42 may be omitted. The lock lever may be fixed by other fixing means without providing a recess.

[0057] The lock lever is not limited to a form formed by processing a single plate-like member, but may be a block-like member, or a rectangular or cylindrical hollow member.

[0058] The first engaging portion 37 and the second engaging portion 38 may be provided only on the same side (one side, such as the front or rear) of the support shaft 3a. Even in this case, by engaging the first engaging portion 37 and the second engaging portion 38 with different positions, rotation lock and stacking lock are respectively possible.

[0059] The lock lever 30 may not be formed with the elongated hole 40, but may simply have a round hole or the like through which the support shaft 3a is inserted. Even in this case, the lock lever 30 rotates around the support shaft 3a, allowing for rotational locking by the first engagement portion 37 and stacking locking by the second engagement portion 38.

[0060] The lock lever 30 may be attached to the right lower frame 3. The lock lever 30 is not limited to engaging with the engaged portion from above, but may also engage with the engaged portion from below. In this case, a fixing mechanism or a mechanism to prevent the engaging portion from being released by gravity may be provided.

[0061] The rotation lock mechanism is not limited to a configuration in which it is provided for one wheel 7. For example, a pair of left and right rotation lock mechanisms may be provided for a pair of left and right wheels 7. In this case, when stacking, two lock levers 30 are attached to a pair of left and right lower frames 3, 3, and these lower frames 3, 3 are connected to a pair of left and right upper frames 4, 4 by stacking lock mechanisms at two locations. The configurations relating to the lock levers 30 and each lock mechanism may be provided symmetrically on the left and right.

[0062] In the above embodiment, an engine-powered high-pressure washer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this type of washer and can be applied to other types of washer. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to washer machines, but can be applied to any work machine that has a frame and can be stacked. Furthermore, the frame is not limited to a rectangular frame.

[0063] The present invention can be described as follows. [1] A stackable working machine (1) equipped with wheels (7), a lower frame (3) to which the wheels (7) are attached; an upper frame (4) disposed above the lower frame (3); a lock lever (30) attached to the lower frame (3) and rotatably supported by a support portion (3a) provided on the lower frame (3), The lock lever (30) is provided with a first engagement portion (37) that prevents the wheels (7) from rotating, and a second engagement portion (38) that is connected to an upper frame (4) of another work machine (1) when the work machine (1) is stacked on top of the other work machine (1). [2] The work machine (1) according to [1], wherein the lock lever (30) has an elongated hole (40) formed therein that allows the lock lever (30) to slide relative to the support portion (3a). [3] The lock lever (30) has a first recess (41) into which the support portion (3a) fits when the first engagement portion (37) is engaged, and a second recess (42) into which the support portion (3a) fits when the second engagement portion (38) is engaged, which are formed continuous with the elongated hole (40). [2] The work machine (1) described in [4] The work machine (1) according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the support portion (3a) is arranged between the first engagement portion (37) and the second engagement portion (38) in the longitudinal direction of the lock lever (30). [5] The work machine (1) according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first engagement portion (37) and the second engagement portion (38) are recesses formed at a first end and a second end of a single flat plate portion (31), respectively. [6] [1] to [5], comprising a plurality of working machines (1), the lock lever (30) of the lowest working machine (1) among the plurality of working machines (1) prevents the wheel (7) from rotating by the first engagement portion (37); A stacked structure (100) of work machines (1) in which the lock lever (30) of the work machine (1) stacked on top of the lowest work machine (1) among the plurality of work machines (1) is connected to the upper frame (4) of the lowest work machine (1) at the second engagement portion (38). [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1...cleaning machine (work machine), 2...frame, 3...lower frame, 3a...support shaft (support portion), 4...upper frame, 4a...stacking engagement pin, 7...wheel, 7a...engagement nut, 17...axle, 30...lock lever, 31...flat plate portion, 32...lever position control portion, 33...outer bent plate portion, 34...first inner bent plate portion, 36...second inner bent plate portion, 37...first engagement portion, 38...second engagement portion, 40...long hole, 41...first recess, 42...second recess, 100...stacking structure.

Claims

1. A stackable working machine (1) equipped with wheels (7), a lower frame (3) on which the wheels (7) are mounted; an upper frame (4) disposed above the lower frame (3); a lock lever (30) attached to the lower frame (3) and rotatably supported by a support portion (3 a) provided on the lower frame (3); The lock lever (30) is provided with a first engagement portion (37) that prevents the wheels (7) from rotating, and a second engagement portion (38) that is connected to the upper frame (4) of another work machine (1) when the work machine (1) is stacked on top of the other work machine (1).

2. 2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock lever (30) is formed with an elongated hole (40) that allows the lock lever (30) to slide relative to the support portion (3a).

3. 3. The work machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the lock lever (30) is formed with a first recess (41) into which the support portion (3 a) fits when the first engagement portion (37) is engaged, and a second recess (42) into which the support portion (3 a) fits when the second engagement portion (38) is engaged, the first recess (41) being continuous with the elongated hole (40).

4. The work machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion (3a) is arranged between the first engagement portion (37) and the second engagement portion (38) in the longitudinal direction of the lock lever (30).

5. The work machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first engagement portion (37) and the second engagement portion (38) are recesses formed at a first end and a second end of a single flat plate portion (31), respectively.

6. A plurality of working machines (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 are provided, The lock lever (30) of the lowest working machine (1) among the plurality of working machines (1) prevents the wheel (7) from rotating by the first engagement portion (37), A stacked structure (100) of work machines (1) in which the lock lever (30) of the work machine (1) stacked on top of the lowest work machine (1) among the plurality of work machines (1) is connected to the upper frame (4) of the lowest work machine (1) at the second engagement portion (38).

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