Cutter assembly and hedge trimmer

Abstract

To provide a cutter assembly with improved workability by quickly removing twigs being caught in long holes when performing a pruning work of a hedge or a garden tree, and a hedge trimmer equipped with the cutter assembly.SOLUTION: Provided is a cutter assembly for hedge trimmer. The cutter assembly comprises a lower cutter and an upper cutter which are laminated with each other and are slidably provided along a longitudinal direction. Each of the lower cutter and the upper cutter has a cutter body and a plurality of blade parts protruded in lateral directions from the cutter body. For at least the cutter body of the lower cutter, long holes which penetrate in its thickness direction and along a longitudinal direction are formed. The long holes are exposed outside the cutter assembly. In a region along a longitudinal direction of an inner peripheral surface of the long holes, at least one removing structure having a function of contacting twigs caught in the long holes and removing them from the long holes is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutter assembly and a hedge trimmer.

Background Art

[0002] Hedge trimmers are used as horticultural tools for pruning hedges and garden plants (see Patent Document 1). This horticultural trimmer has an upper blade and a lower blade that reciprocate in the front-rear direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as "blades"). Generally, in hedge trimmers, long holes (lightening cutouts) are formed in the blades for the purpose of weight reduction. However, when pruning hedges and garden plants, especially during finishing operations, the tips of branches may enter the long holes. In this state, if the hedge trimmer is swung in the left-right direction, the branch tips remaining in the long holes of the blade get caught on the peripheral edges of the long holes, creating resistance to the swinging operation and reducing work efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a cutter assembly that improves work efficiency by quickly removing branches that have entered the long holes during pruning operations on hedges and garden plants, and a hedge trimmer equipped with such a cutter assembly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cutter assembly for a hedge trimmer is provided. This cutter assembly comprises a lower cutter and an upper cutter that are superimposed on each other and slidably mounted along their longitudinal direction. Each of the lower and upper cutters has a cutter body and a plurality of blades projecting laterally from the cutter body. At least the cutter body of the lower cutter has an elongated hole that penetrates in its thickness direction and is aligned along its longitudinal direction. The elongated hole is exposed to the outside of the cutter assembly. In a region along the longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole, there is provided at least one exclusion structure that has the function of contacting and removing branches that have entered the elongated hole.

[0006] With this configuration, branches that get stuck in the elongated holes are quickly removed, allowing workers to avoid snagging and perform hedges and shrub pruning work smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of the hedge trimmer of the first embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 2] This is an overall perspective view of the hedge trimmer of the first embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of the cross-section along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the first and second protrusions. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the cutter's travel distance and the length of the elongated hole. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the cutter's travel distance and the length of the elongated hole. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the cutter's travel distance and the length of the elongated hole. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a portion of the cutter assembly of the second embodiment, magnified and viewed from below. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. <First Embodiment> First, a first embodiment of the cutter assembly and hedge trimmer of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the hedge trimmer of the first embodiment, seen from above. Figure 2 is an overall perspective view of the hedge trimmer of the first embodiment, seen from below. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the cross-section along line AA in Figure 1. Furthermore, the direction of the hedge trimmer and each component constituting the hedge trimmer is defined based on the "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" directions shown in the diagram.

[0009] The hedge trimmer 1 shown in Figure 1 is a handheld, compact cutting machine used for trimming and pruning hedges and shrubs, and is electrically powered by a battery 100. The hedge trimmer 1 comprises a drive operation unit 2 and a cutter assembly 6 connected to the front of the drive operation unit 2. The drive operation unit 2 comprises a main body 3, a front handle 4 provided on the front side of the main body 3, and a rear handle 5 provided on the rear side of the main body 3. The hedge trimmer 1 can be operated by gripping the front handle 4 and the rear handle 5 with the hands.

[0010] The main unit 3 comprises a main unit case 31 and an electric motor 32 housed within the main unit case 31. The main case 31 is a resin box with a top surface that slopes relative to its bottom surface. The top surface of the main case 31 slopes downward from the rear to the front. In other words, the front of the main case 31 is lower than the rear. Furthermore, the main case 31 is formed in a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the side. The electric motor (power source) 32 is connected to the cutter assembly 6 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) and drives the cutter assembly 6. As will be described later, the cutter assembly 6 is equipped with a lower cutter 61 and an upper cutter 62, and the electric motor 32 slides them relative to each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] On the upper surface of the main body case 31, a battery mounting portion 33 for mounting the battery 100 is provided. The battery mounting portion 33 is inclined so as to descend from the rear portion toward the front portion in conformity with the upper surface of the main body case 31. The battery 100 is a general battery in which a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells are housed in a rectangular parallelepiped case extending in the front-rear direction to achieve a predetermined output.

[0012] Although not illustrated, an engaging portion that engages with the battery mounting portion 33 protrudes from the rear end portion of the lower surface of the battery 100. When mounting the battery 100 on the battery mounting portion 33, the lower portion of the battery 100 is fitted to the battery mounting portion 33 while sliding the battery 100 from the rear toward the front relative to the battery mounting portion 33. Then, when the battery 100 is moved to a position where the front end portion of the battery 100 is supported by the front end portion of the battery mounting portion 33, the engaging portion of the battery 100 engages with the battery mounting portion 33, and the battery 100 is fixed to the battery mounting portion 33.

[0013] The battery 100 mounted on the battery mounting portion 33 is inclined so as to descend from the rear side toward the front side, and the front portion is arranged lower than the rear portion. On the upper surface of the battery mounting portion 33, a metal connection terminal (not illustrated) is provided. The connection terminal is electrically connected to a control board (not illustrated) and the electric motor 32. Then, as the connection terminal of the battery 100 is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the battery mounting portion 33, electric power is supplied from the battery 100 to the control board and the electric motor 32.

[0014] When removing the battery 100 from the battery mounting portion 33, operating the connection lever 34 (see FIG. 2) provided at the rear end portion of the battery 100 releases the engaged state between the battery mounting portion 33 and the engaging portion, making it possible to slide the battery 100 rearward relative to the battery mounting portion 33.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, a front handle 4 is provided on the front side of the main body case 31. The front handle 4 is located in front of the battery 100 attached to the battery mounting portion 33. The front handle 4 has a horizontal portion extending in the left-right direction and vertical portions extending downward from the left and right ends of the horizontal portion, which are integrally formed. The lower ends of the two vertical portions are fixed to the front end portion of the main body case 31.

[0016] A rear handle 5 is provided on the rear side of the main body case 31. The rear handle 5 is coupled to the rear portion of the main body case 31 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction as a central axis. The rear handle 5 is formed with a grip portion 51 having an opening penetrating in the left-right direction. When an operator holds the hedge trimmer 1, the operator inserts a hand into the opening of the grip portion 51 to grip the rear handle 5.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, on the inner peripheral portion of the grip portion 51 of the rear handle 5, a throttle lever 52, which is an operation means for driving the cutter assembly 6 in a state where the operator grips it, is provided. Further, on the upper side of the grip portion 51, a lock release lever 53 for blocking and releasing the displacement (operation) of the throttle lever 52 is provided, and a power switch 54 is also provided. Further, on the lower side of the grip portion 51, a rotation lock lever 55 for blocking and releasing the rotation of the rear handle 5 relative to the main body 3 when the cutter assembly 6 is not driven is provided.

[0018] The cutter assembly 6 is connected to the front side of the main body 3, and the rear portion of the cutter assembly 6 is protected by a cover 7. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first convex portion and the second convex portion. Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the cutter movement distance and the length of the long hole, respectively. The cutter assembly (cutter assembly for hedge trimmer) 6 comprises a lower cutter 61, an upper cutter 62, a lower cutter support 63, and an upper cutter support 64. The lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 are superimposed on each other and are slidable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction). Since the configuration of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 are substantially the same, Figure 4 shows the configuration of the lower cutter 61 as seen from below.

[0019] The lower cutter support 63 is provided on the underside of the lower cutter 61. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of weight reduction, the lower cutter support 63 is provided in two parts, a front support 63a and a rear support 63b, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the cutter assembly 6 is equipped with a lower cutter support 63 on the opposite side of the lower cutter 61 from the upper cutter 62, so as to cover a part of the lower cutter 61. On the other hand, the upper cutter support 64 is provided above the upper cutter 62. Furthermore, the upper cutter support 64 extends along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the cutter assembly 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the cutter assembly 6 has a sliding sheet plate 65 provided between the upper cutter support 64 and the upper cutter 62.

[0020] Each of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 has a cutter body M and a plurality of blade portions B that protrude laterally from the cutter body M. The cutter assembly 6 of this embodiment is a double-edged design in which the plurality of blade portions B of each of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 protrude from both sides of the cutter body M. The cutter body M of the lower cutter 61 has an elongated hole 611 that penetrates in the thickness direction and is aligned along its longitudinal direction. Similarly, the cutter body M of the upper cutter 62 also has an elongated hole 621 that penetrates in the thickness direction and is aligned along its longitudinal direction. In other words, in the double-edged cutter assembly 6, the elongated holes are formed in the cutter bodies M of both the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62. Note that the elongated holes only need to be formed in the cutter body M of the lower cutter 61, and do not need to be formed in the cutter body M of the upper cutter 62.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, a through hole 641 is formed in the upper cutter support 64, and a through hole 651 is formed in the sliding sheet plate 65. Then, at a predetermined position, a bolt 81 is inserted through the washer 83, the elongated hole 611, the elongated hole 621, the through hole 651, and the through hole 641, and a nut 82 is screwed onto its end. In this way, the cutter assembly 6 is assembled. Furthermore, the bolt 81 in a predetermined position is inserted through a spacer 66 positioned between the washer 83 and the sliding sheet plate 65. This prevents overtightening of the bolt 81 and ensures smooth sliding between the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62.

[0022] The elongated holes 611 and 621 are exposed to the outside of the cutter assembly 6. In this case, when pruning hedges or shrubs, the tips of branches may get caught in the elongated holes 611 and 621. When the cutter assembly 6 is swung from side to side (working direction in Figures 1 and 4) in this state, the tips of the branches get caught on the edges of the elongated holes 611 and 621 of the lower cutter 61 and upper cutter 62, creating resistance to the swinging operation and reducing work efficiency. Therefore, in the present invention, at least one first removal structure is provided in a region along the longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated holes 611 and 621, which has the function of contacting branches that have entered the elongated holes 611 and 621 and removing them from inside the elongated holes 611 and 621. This makes it possible to prevent the tips of the inserted branches from remaining on the periphery of the elongated holes 611 and 621 of the lower cutter 61 and upper cutter 62, and furthermore, compared to the cutter assembly 6 without the first protrusion, it is possible to remove the tips of the inserted branches more quickly, thus avoiding resistance to the swing operation of the hedge trimmer 1 and thus preventing workability from being impaired.

[0023] The exclusion structure of this embodiment is composed of first protrusions PI1 and PI2 that project into the elongated holes 611 and 621. With these first protrusions PI1 and PI2, a simple configuration can be used to reliably contact branches that have entered the elongated holes 611 and 621, and the structure can reliably perform its function as a branch exclusion structure. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the first protrusions PI1 and PI2, they will be described as "first protrusion PI". Here, the mechanism by which branches can get caught in the elongated holes 611 and 621, and the mechanism for removing those branches, will be explained using Figures 5 to 7.

[0024] First, as shown in Figure 5, if the longitudinal length of the elongated holes 611 and 621 is less than or equal to the relative maximum travel distance of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, any branches that have entered the elongated holes 611 and 621 will come into contact with the end faces of the elongated holes 611 and 621 and be pushed out and removed. In contrast, as shown in Figure 6, if the longitudinal length of the elongated holes 611 and 621 exceeds the relative maximum travel distance of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, the branches that enter the elongated holes 611 and 621 will not come into contact with the end faces of the elongated holes 611 and 621, and will remain in the area indicated by the shaded lines in Figure 6. In this situation, if the hedge trimmer 1 is swung from side to side, the tips of the branches will get caught on the periphery of the elongated holes 611 and 621 of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, creating resistance to the swing operation and reducing work efficiency.

[0025] Therefore, if the longitudinal length of the elongated holes 611 and 621 exceeds the relative maximum travel distance between the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, a first protrusion PI is provided that protrudes into the elongated holes 611 and 621. This causes any branches that enter the elongated holes 611 and 621 to come into contact with the end faces of the elongated holes 611 and 621 or the first protrusion PI, thereby being removed (pushed out) from the elongated holes 611 and 621. In other words, it is preferable to provide a first protrusion PI that protrudes into the elongated holes 611 and 621 when the longitudinal length of the elongated holes 611 and 621 exceeds the relative maximum travel distance between the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the first protrusion PI1 is provided in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated holes 611 and 621 opposite to the blade portion B1 (the region on the same side as the blade portion B2), such that its protruding direction is approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion B1. The first protrusion PI2 is provided in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated holes 611 and 621 opposite to the blade portion B2 (the region on the same side as the blade portion B1), such that its protruding direction is approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion B2. By providing the first protrusions PI in this arrangement, it becomes easier to remove branches that have entered the elongated holes 611 and 621 more smoothly and reliably. Furthermore, the first protrusion PI has a triangular shape (planar shape) in a plan view of the cutter assembly 6. If the planar shape of the first protrusion PI is triangular, it becomes easier to move the branch along the inclined surface of the first protrusion PI, and it is less likely to feel the tip of the branch getting caught.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable that the angle at the vertex of the triangle (θ in Figure 4) is obtuse. In this case, it becomes easier to move the branches along the inclined surface of the first convex portion PI, and the effect of removing branches from the elongated holes 611 and 621 can be further enhanced.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the maximum length PL along the longitudinal direction between the inner circumferential surface (longitudinal end face) of the elongated holes 611 and 621 and the vertex of the triangle be less than or equal to the relative maximum travel distance D between the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62. This allows the first protrusion PI to make more reliable contact with the branches that have entered the elongated holes 611 and 621.

[0029] As described above, the lower cutter support 63 is divided into two parts, a front support 63a and a rear support 63b, for the purpose of reducing the weight of the cutter assembly 6. Therefore, the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 have areas that are not covered by the lower cutter support 63. Since branches are more likely to enter the elongated holes 611 and 621 in these areas, it is particularly effective to provide a first protrusion PI (exclusion structure). That is, it is preferable that the first protrusion PI (exclusion structure) is provided in the elongated holes 611 and 621 located in the areas not covered by the lower cutter support 63.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, each blade portion B (B1, B2) has a trapezoidal shape in plan view, with a height of tensile strength. The boundary between each blade portion B and the cutter body M is rounded. With this configuration, the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 slide in the front-rear direction, and when the blade portions B grip the object to be pruned (cut) (e.g., a branch), the object to be pruned is cut while being pushed to the side of the cutter assembly 6 for removal. Furthermore, the cutter body M is provided with at least one second removal structure between adjacent blade sections B (B1, B2) that has the function of contacting branches and removing them from between the blade sections B (B1, B2). This makes it easier to smoothly remove the pruning target in the left-right direction of the cutter assembly 6.

[0031] The second branch removal structure of this embodiment is composed of a second protrusion PO1 that protrudes in the same direction as the protruding direction of the blade portion B1, or a second protrusion PO2 that protrudes in the same direction as the protruding direction of the blade portion B2. With such second protrusions PO1 and PO2, the branch removal structure can be reliably performed. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the second protrusions PO1 and PO2, they will be described as "second protrusion PO". Furthermore, the second protrusion PO1 is positioned so that its protruding direction is approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion B1, and the second protrusion PO2 is positioned so that its protruding direction is approximately parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion B2. By providing the second protrusions PO1 and PO2 in this arrangement, it becomes easier to smoothly and reliably remove the pruning target between adjacent blade portions B (B1, B2) in the left-right direction of the cutter assembly 6. The plan view shape and configuration of the second protrusion PO may differ from those of the first protrusion PI, but in this embodiment, they are designed to be substantially the same.

[0032] In the cutter assembly 6 described above, the first protrusions PI1 and PI2 may be provided in multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated holes 611 and 621, according to the length of the elongated holes 611 and 621 along their longitudinal direction. The second protrusions PO1 and PO2 may be provided in multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the cutter body M, according to the distance between adjacent blade portions B1 and B2. In these cases, the areas between adjacent first protrusions PI1 and PI2 and the areas between adjacent second protrusions PO1 and PO2 can be considered as recesses or grooves, respectively. That is, the first and second exclusion structures can each be composed of recesses or grooves. Furthermore, although the first exclusion structure (first protrusions PI1, PI2) and the second exclusion structure (second protrusions PO1, PO2) are provided on both the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, they may be provided only on the lower cutter 61. In this case as well, the same functions and effects as described above can be obtained. That is, the first exclusion structure (first protrusions PI1, PI2) and the second exclusion structure (second protrusions PO1, PO2) should be provided at least on the lower cutter 61.

[0033] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the cutter assembly and hedge trimmer of the present invention will be described. The following description of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and similar matters will be omitted from the explanation. The cutter assembly 6 of the second embodiment is the same as the cutter assembly 6 of the first embodiment, except that it is a single-edged blade. Figure 8 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the cutter assembly of the second embodiment, seen from below.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, in the cutter assembly 6 of the second embodiment, the multiple blade portions B1 of the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62 each protrude only from one side of the cutter body M. In the single-edged cutter assembly 6, the first and second exclusion structures are provided only on the lower cutter 61. Specifically, the first exclusion structure consists of a first protrusion PI1 that projects into the elongated hole 611, and this first protrusion PI1 is provided in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole 611 opposite to the blade portion B1, such that its protruding direction is substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion B1. Furthermore, the second exclusion structure is composed of a second protrusion PO1 that protrudes in the same direction as the protrusion direction of the blade portion B1.

[0035] In this second embodiment of the cutter assembly 6 and hedge trimmer 1, the same functions and effects as those of the cutter assembly 6 and hedge trimmer 1 of the first embodiment are exhibited. Furthermore, the first and second exclusion structures may be provided on both the lower cutter 61 and the upper cutter 62, similar to the first embodiment described above. That is, the first and second exclusion structures may be provided on at least the lower cutter 61.

[0036] In the cutter assembly 6 and hedge trimmer 1 described above, at least one first exclusion structure is provided in the elongated hole in the cutter, which has the function of contacting and removing branches that have entered the elongated hole. Therefore, it is possible to suppress branches from remaining in the elongated hole during pruning work. As a result, even when the cutter assembly 6 is swung in the working direction, resistance due to branches getting caught is less likely to be felt, and a decrease in work efficiency can be prevented. Furthermore, instead of the electric motor 32, an engine may be used as the power source for the hedge trimmer 1. Furthermore, the first and second exclusion structures are not limited to being composed of rigid protrusions, but can also be composed of leaf springs (elastically deformable protrusions). Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0037] (1) A cutter assembly for a hedge trimmer, comprising a lower cutter and an upper cutter that are superimposed on each other and slidably mounted along the longitudinal direction, wherein each of the lower cutter and the upper cutter has a cutter body and a plurality of blades projecting laterally from the cutter body, and at least the cutter body of the lower cutter has an elongated hole formed therein that penetrates in the thickness direction and along the longitudinal direction, the elongated hole is exposed to the outside of the cutter assembly, and at least one exclusion structure is provided in the region along the longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole that has the function of contacting and removing branches that have entered the elongated hole from within the elongated hole.

[0038] (2) A cutter assembly as described in (1) above, wherein the length of the elongated hole along the longitudinal direction exceeds the relative maximum travel distance between the lower cutter and the upper cutter.

[0039] (3) A cutter assembly according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the exclusion structure is composed of a protrusion that protrudes into the elongated hole.

[0040] (4) A cutter assembly as described in (3) above, wherein the protrusion is provided in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole opposite to the blade, such that its protruding direction is substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the blade.

[0041] (5) A cutter assembly as described in (3) or (4) above, wherein the protrusion has a triangular shape when viewed in plan with the cutter assembly.

[0042] (6) A cutter assembly as described in (5) above, wherein the triangle has an obtuse angle at its vertex.

[0043] (7) A cutter assembly according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the maximum length along the longitudinal direction between the inner surface of the elongated hole and the vertex of the triangle is less than or equal to the maximum relative travel distance between the lower cutter and the upper cutter.

[0044] (8) A cutter assembly according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein at least the cutter body of the lower cutter is provided with at least one second exclusion structure between adjacent blade portions that has the function of contacting a branch and removing it from between the blade portions.

[0045] (9) A cutter assembly as described in (8) above, wherein the second removal structure is composed of a second protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the protrusion direction of the blade portion.

[0046] (10) A cutter assembly as described in (9) above, wherein the second protrusion has a protruding direction that is substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the blade.

[0047] (11) A cutter assembly according to any one of (8) to (10) above, wherein the cutter assembly is a single-edged type in which the plurality of blades of the lower cutter and the upper cutter each protrude only to one side of the cutter body, and in the single-edged cutter assembly, the exclusion structure and the second exclusion structure are provided at least on the lower cutter.

[0048] (12) A cutter assembly according to any one of (8) to (10) above, wherein the cutter assembly is a double-edged type in which the plurality of blades of the lower cutter and the upper cutter each protrude from both sides of the cutter body, and in the double-edged cutter assembly, the exclusion structure and the second exclusion structure are provided at least on the lower cutter.

[0049] (13) A cutter assembly according to any one of (1) to (12) above, further comprising a cutter support provided on the side of the lower cutter opposite to the upper cutter so as to cover a part of the lower cutter, wherein the exclusion structure is provided in the elongated hole located in the area not covered by the cutter support.

[0050] (14) A hedge trimmer comprising a cutter assembly described in any one of (1) to (13) above, and a power source for sliding the lower cutter and the upper cutter of the cutter assembly relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0051] Finally, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1: Hedge trimmer 2: Drive operation unit 3: Main unit 31: Main unit case 32: Electric motor 33: Battery mounting section 34: Connecting lever 4: Front handle 5: Rear handle 51: Grip part 52: Throttle lever 53: Lock release lever 54: Power switch 55: Rotation lock lever 6: Cutter assembly 61: Lower cutter 611: Long hole 62: Upper cutter 621: Long hole 63: Lower cutter support 63a: Front support 63b: Rear support 64: Upper cutter support 641: Through hole 65: Sliding sheet board 651: Through hole 66: Spacer 7: Cover 81: Bolt 82: Nut 83: Washer 100: Battery B:Blade part B1: Blade part B2:Blade part M: Cutter body PI: First convex part PI1: First convex part PI2: First convex part PO: Second convex part PO1: Second convex part PO2: Second convex part PL: maximum length D: Maximum travel distance θ: Angle

Claims

1. A cutter assembly for a hedge trimmer, It comprises a lower cutter and an upper cutter that are superimposed on each other and slidable along the longitudinal direction, Each of the lower cutter and the upper cutter has a cutter body and a plurality of blades that protrude laterally from the cutter body. At least the cutter body of the lower cutter has an elongated hole that penetrates in the thickness direction and is aligned with the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned elongated hole is exposed to the outside of the cutter assembly, In a region along the longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole, at least one exclusion structure is provided that has the function of contacting and removing branches that have entered the elongated hole. The exclusion structure is a cutter assembly comprising a protrusion that protrudes into the elongated hole.

2. In the cutter assembly described in claim 1, A cutter assembly in which the length of the elongated hole along its longitudinal direction exceeds the maximum relative travel distance between the lower cutter and the upper cutter.

3. In the cutter assembly described in claim 1, The cutter assembly is provided such that the protrusion direction is substantially parallel to the protrusion direction of the blade portion, in the region of the inner circumferential surface of the elongated hole opposite to the blade portion.

4. In the cutter assembly described in claim 1, The aforementioned protrusion is triangular in shape when viewed in plan, in the cutter assembly.

5. In the cutter assembly according to claim 4, The aforementioned triangle is a cutter assembly whose vertex angle is obtuse.

6. In the cutter assembly according to claim 4, A cutter assembly in which the maximum length along the longitudinal direction between the inner surface of the elongated hole and the vertex of the triangle is less than or equal to the maximum relative travel distance between the lower cutter and the upper cutter.

7. In the cutter assembly described in claim 1, At least the cutter body of the lower cutter is provided with at least one second exclusion structure between adjacent blades, which has the function of contacting branches and removing them from between the blades. The cutter assembly comprises a second protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the protrusion direction of the blade portion.

8. In the cutter assembly described in claim 7, The cutter assembly wherein the second protrusion has a protruding direction that is substantially parallel to the protruding direction of the blade portion.

9. In the cutter assembly described in claim 7, The cutter assembly has a single-edged design in which the multiple blades of the lower cutter and the upper cutter each protrude only from one side of the cutter body. In the cutter assembly with a single-edged blade, the removal structure and the second removal structure are provided at least on the lower cutter.

10. In the cutter assembly described in claim 7, The cutter assembly is a double-edged design in which the multiple blades of the lower cutter and the upper cutter each protrude from both sides of the cutter body. In the cutter assembly with double-edged blades, the removal structure and the second removal structure are provided at least on the lower cutter.

11. In the cutter assembly described in claim 1, Furthermore, the lower cutter is provided with a cutter support on the side opposite to the upper cutter, which covers a portion of the lower cutter. The exclusion structure is provided in the elongated hole located in an area not covered by the cutter support, and is part of a cutter assembly.

12. He is a hedge trimmer, A cutter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A hedge trimmer comprising a power source for sliding the lower cutter and the upper cutter of the cutter assembly relative to each other along the longitudinal direction.

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