Blower

Abstract

Provided is a blower offering improved convenience. A blower 10 comprises: a body part 11 having a discharge port 200 for discharging air to one side in a first direction A1; a fan that is supported by the body part 11 and generates an air flow toward the discharge port 200; a drive source that drives the fan; a first handle 12 that is disposed on one side of the discharge port 200 in a second direction A2 intersecting the first direction A1; and a battery 13 as a reaction force reduction mechanism for reducing a reaction force that the body part 11 receives when the discharge port 200 discharges air.

Description

[Supplementary based on Rule 26, 16.01.2026] Blower

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower.

[0002] Conventionally, a blower that injects air from a discharge port to blow away dust and the like is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a portable blower in which a motor and a fan are arranged in a main body housing, and the air taken in from the rear end of the main body housing is blown out from a discharge port at the front end of the main body housing.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014 - 137030

[0004] However, when the blower is miniaturized and lightened while increasing the air volume of the discharged air, the discharge port swings due to the influence of the reaction force of the discharged air. For this reason, there is a problem that the operability of the blower decreases and the convenience during work decreases.

[0005] A blower according to one embodiment comprises a main body having an outlet for discharging air on one side in a first direction, a fan supported by the main body so as to be located on an axis extending in the first direction that passes through the outlet, and which generates an airflow toward the outlet by rotating about the axis, a drive source for driving the fan, a battery for supplying power to the drive source, a handle positioned below the outlet in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction, and a reaction force suppression mechanism for suppressing the reaction force received by the main body when the outlet discharges the air, wherein the battery is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the handle, and the reaction force suppression mechanism includes the battery. Furthermore, a blower according to one embodiment includes a main body having an outlet for discharging air on one side in a first direction, a fan supported by the main body so as to be located on an axis extending in the first direction that passes through the outlet, and which generates an airflow toward the outlet by rotating about the axis, a drive source arranged on the axis for driving the fan, a handle extending to one side in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a battery for supplying power to the drive source, wherein the other end of the battery in the first direction is located on one side of the first direction than the handle, and is arranged to overlap with the handle in the first direction. Furthermore, a blower according to one embodiment comprises a main body having a discharge port for discharging air on one side in a first direction, an axial flow fan supported by the main body and generating an airflow toward the discharge port, a drive source for driving the axial flow fan, a handle positioned on one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the discharge port, and a reaction force suppression mechanism for suppressing the reaction force received by the main body when the discharge port discharges the air.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a blower with improved convenience.

[0007] This is an external perspective view of the blower of the embodiment. This is an external side view of the blower. This is an external side view of the main body and the first handle. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main body and the first handle. This is an external view of the main body and the first handle from the front. This is an external view of the main body and the first handle from the rear. This is a front perspective view of the fan and the drive source. This is a rear perspective view of the fan and the drive source. This is a diagram showing the center of gravity of the blower when the nozzle is not attached. This is a side view showing the posture of the blower during use. This is a cross-sectional view of the blower illustrating the airflow. This is an external side view of the blower of the first modified example. This is an external side view of the blower of the second modified example. This is an external side view of the blower of the third modified example. This is a cross-sectional view of the blower of the fourth modified example. This is an external side view of the blower of the fifth modified example. This is an external side view of the blower of another example of the fifth modified example. This is an external side view of the blower of another example of the fifth modified example.

[0008] <Embodiment> The blower of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The blower generates airflow by rotating a fan driven by a power source such as a motor that is powered by electricity. The blower is used for cleaning work to blow away dirt and debris from the ground by spraying the airflow from the discharge port through a nozzle. The worker holds the blower body with the handle gripping it and the nozzle pointed diagonally downward and forward, and performs the cleaning work by swinging the body from side to side to blow away dirt and debris while swinging the nozzle from side to side.

[0009] <Overall Configuration> Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the blower 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the blower 10. The blower 10 is a so-called portable blower and comprises a main body 11, a first handle 12, a battery 13, and a nozzle 14. The nozzle 14 is detachably attached to the main body 11.

[0010] Figure 3 is a side view of the blower 10 (i.e., the main body 11, the first handle 12, and the battery 13) with the nozzle 14 removed. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the main body 11 and the first handle 12. As shown in Figure 4, the main body 11 is equipped with a fan 15, a drive source 16, and a control unit 17.

[0011] <Nozzle 14> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nozzle 14 is cylindrical with axis X1 as its center. The cylindrical nozzle 14 has a nozzle discharge port 140, which is one open end, and a mounting port, which is the other open end. The side of the nozzle 14 with the mounting port is attached to the discharge port 200 formed in the cylindrical portion 20 of the main body 11, which will be described later. Specifically, the other end of the nozzle 14 has a projection that protrudes radially outward from the nozzle 14. The nozzle 14 is attached to the main body 11 by having the projection of the nozzle 14 accommodate the mounting groove 202 formed in the main body 11.

[0012] Inside the nozzle 14, the airflow generated by the fan 15 (details to be described later) moves towards the nozzle outlet 140. The air that has flowed inside the nozzle 14 is then blown out to the outside from the nozzle outlet 140.

[0013] In the following explanation, the direction that intersects (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) the opening surfaces of the mounting port and discharge port 200 is referred to as the first direction A1. Figures 1 and 2 show the case where the axis X1 and the first direction A1 are parallel or nearly parallel.

[0014] <First Handle 12> The first handle 12 is positioned near the other end of the first direction A1 relative to the main body 11 (described later) on one side of the second direction A2 which intersects the first direction A1, and is attached to the main body 11. More specifically, it is positioned on one side of the main body 11 in the second direction A2 relative to the discharge port 200 (described later). The first handle 12 extends in the second direction A2. In Figures 1 and 2, the other end of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 20.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a trigger 121 is provided on one side of the first handle 12 in the first direction A1. The operator can operate the trigger 121 while holding the first handle 12.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the first handle 12 contains a trigger switch 122 and an inverter 172 which constitutes the control unit 17, described later. When an operating force is applied to the trigger 121, the trigger switch 122 outputs an operation signal (on signal) to the controller 170 which constitutes the control unit 17. When the operating force on the trigger 121 is released, the trigger switch stops outputting the operation signal.

[0017] <Main body 11> The main body 11 has a cylindrical portion 20, a second handle 21, a battery mounting portion 22, and a connecting portion 23.

[0018] <Cylindrical section 20> The cylindrical section 20 is cylindrical with axis X1 as its central axis and extends along the first direction A1. The cylindrical section 20 has a discharge port 200 and an intake port 201. The discharge port 200 is the open end on one side of the cylindrical section 20 in the first direction A1. The intake port 201 is the open end on the other side of the cylindrical section 20 in the first direction A1. When the fan 15, which will be described later, rotates, air flows from the outside of the cylindrical section 20 into the internal space surrounded by the inner wall surface of the cylindrical section 20 via the intake port 201. The air that flows into the inside of the cylindrical section 20 moves forward in the first direction A1 and is discharged from the discharge port 200 to the nozzle 14. In other words, the cylindrical section 20 defines an air passage 203 through which air flows to the discharge port 200. In other words, the fan 15 and the discharge port 200 and intake port 201 of the cylindrical portion 20 are arranged along the first direction A1 such that the air passage 203 is defined in a straight line along the first direction A1.

[0019] A mounting groove 202 is formed on the inner wall surface of one end of the cylindrical portion 20 in the first direction A1. The mounting groove 202 is formed by a first groove 202a along the first direction A1 and a second groove 202b along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 20. One end of the first groove 202a is provided at the discharge port 200, and the other end is connected to one end of the second groove 202b.

[0020] The inner diameter of the discharge port 200 is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting port, which is the other end face of the nozzle 14 in the first direction A1. The nozzle 14 is attached to this discharge port 200. Specifically, with the position of the projection that protrudes radially outward from the nozzle 14 in the circumferential direction aligned with the position of the first groove 202a of the discharge port 200, the nozzle 14 is moved in the first direction A1 direction. As a result, the other end of the nozzle 14 in the first direction A1 is inserted into the discharge port 200. Subsequently, by rotating the nozzle 14 around the axis X1, the mounting portion is accommodated in the second groove 202b, and the nozzle 14 is attached to the cylindrical portion 20.

[0021] In the following explanation, in the first direction A1, the nozzle 14 side (one side) may be referred to as the front, and the main body 11 (cylinder 20) side (the other side) may be referred to as the rear. The first direction A1 may also be referred to as the front-back direction. Furthermore, in the second direction A2, the first handle 12 side (one side) may be referred to as the down, and the main body 11 side (the other side) may be referred to as the up. The second direction A2 may also be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0022] The cylindrical section 20 houses a fan 15 and a drive source 16, which will be described later. In other words, the fan 15 and the drive source 16 are housed within the airflow passage 203 of the airflow generated by the operation of the fan 15.

[0023] Figure 5 shows the external appearance of the main body 11 and the first handle 12 from the front. Figure 6 shows the external appearance of the main body 11 and the first handle 12 from the rear. As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, a first rib 204 and a second rib 205 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 20, i.e., in the air passage 203. The first rib 204 is provided on one side (front) of the first direction A1 from the fan 15 and the drive source 16. The first rib 204 prevents foreign objects from entering the fan 15 and the drive source 16 from the front. The second rib 205 is provided on the other side (rear) of the first direction A1 from the fan 15 and the drive source 16. The second rib 205 prevents foreign objects from entering the fan 15 and the drive source 16 from the rear.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first rib 204 and the second rib 205 are constructed in a grid pattern by combining members aligned radially and circumferentially with the cylindrical portion 20. As shown in Figure 4, the members constituting the first rib 204 and the second rib 205 have thickness along the first direction A1. This ensures the strength of the first rib 204 and the second rib 205, while also ensuring an area for air to flow.

[0025] <Second Handle 21> The second handle 21 is attached to the lower part of the cylindrical portion 20 and extends in the second direction A2. The second handle 21 is positioned in front of the first handle 12. The second handle 21 can be grasped by a different hand than the one used by the operator to grasp the first handle 12. The lower end of the second handle 21 is connected to the battery mounting portion 22, which will be described later. That is, the second handle 21 extends in the second direction A2 so as to connect the battery mounting portion 22 and the cylindrical portion 20.

[0026] <Battery Mounting Section 22> As described above, the battery mounting section 22 is located at the lower end of the second handle 21. The battery 13, which will be described later, is detachably mounted in the battery mounting section 22. The battery terminal 171 of the control unit 17, which will be described later, is provided inside the battery mounting section 22. The lower end of the battery mounting section 22 is located above the lower end of the first handle 12.

[0027] <Connection part 23> The connection part 23 extends in the first direction A1. The front of the connection part 23 is connected to the lower end on the rear side of the battery mounting part 22. The rear of the connection part 23 is connected to the front surface of the lower end surface 120, which is the outer surface of the lower end of the first handle 12. In other words, the connection part 23 connects the end of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2 to the battery mounting part 22.

[0028] A front end surface 230 is formed at the front end of the connection portion 23, and a lower end surface 231 is formed on the outer surface of the lower end. When the battery 13 is mounted in the battery mounting portion 22, the front end surface 230 faces the rear end surface 130 of the battery 13. An opening 232 is formed in the front end surface 230. The opening 232 is a through hole that penetrates the front end surface 230 in the front-rear direction. When the battery 13 is mounted in the battery mounting portion 22 in the second direction A2, the lower end surface 231 is at the same or approximately the same position (height) as the lower end surface 131 of the battery 13 and the lower end surface 120 of the first handle 12.

[0029] Inside the connection section 23, a control unit 17, controller 170, and electric wires 173 are provided, which will be described later. The electric wires 173 electrically connect the battery terminal 171 provided in the battery mounting section 22 to the inverter 172 provided in the first handle 12.

[0030] <Battery 13> The battery 13 is a DC power supply that is detachably attached to the battery mounting section 22 and supplies power to the fan 15 and the like. Electrical contacts are provided on the top of the battery 13. When the battery 13 is attached to the battery mounting section 22, the electrical contacts and the battery terminal 171 make electrical contact.

[0031] The battery 13 comprises a housing case and a plurality of battery cells housed within the housing case. The battery cells are rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries, and can be any of lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, or nickel-cadmium batteries.

[0032] As described above, the housing case (i.e., the battery 13) has a rear end surface 130, a lower end surface 131 which is the lower outer surface, and a front end surface 132. As described above, the lower end surface 131 is at the same or approximately the same height as the lower end surface 231 of the connection part 23 and the lower end surface 120 of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2. For this reason, when the blower 10 is not in use, the blower 10 can be placed on a desk or the like with the lower end surface 131 of the battery 13, the lower end surface 231 of the connection part 23, and the lower end surface 120 of the first handle 12 as the contact surface. In other words, the lower end surface 131 of the battery 13, the lower end surface 231 of the connection part 23, and the lower end surface 120 of the first handle 12 cooperate to define the contact surface.

[0033] As described above, when the battery 13 is installed, the rear end surface 130 faces the front end surface 230 of the connection portion 23. When the battery 13 is installed, the front end surface 132 is located in front of the discharge port 200, which is the front end of the cylindrical portion 20 of the main body portion 11, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the battery mounting section 22 is located at the lower end of the second handle 21, which is positioned in front of the first handle 12. Therefore, the battery 13 mounted in the battery mounting section 22 is positioned in front of the first handle 12 (on one side of the first direction A1). More specifically, the rear end of the battery 13 (the end on the other side of the first direction A1) is positioned in front of the first handle 12.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery mounting section 22 is connected to the first handle 12 by a connecting section 23 that extends in the first direction A1. Therefore, the battery 13 mounted in the battery mounting section 22 overlaps with the first handle 12 in the first direction A1.

[0036] <Fan 15> Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the fan 15 and drive source 16. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the fan 15 and drive source 16. The fan 15 is an axial flow fan that rotates due to the rotational driving force generated by the drive source 16, which will be described later, and generates an airflow toward the discharge port 200 along the first direction A1. Specifically, the fan 15 has a casing 150, a rotating shaft 151, a rotor blade 152, and a stator blade 153.

[0037] The casing 150 is cylindrical in shape, having an outer diameter equal to or approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 20, and is equipped with a rotating shaft 151, rotor blades 152, and stationary blades 153 inside. As a result, the fan 15 is supported by the main body 11 when the casing 150 is housed inside the cylindrical portion 20.

[0038] The rotating shaft 151 is located at the center of the casing 150, along a first direction A1. Specifically, the rotating shaft 151 is located on axis X1. That is, the fan 15 is supported by the main body 11 so as to be located on axis X1. The rotating shaft 151 rotates about axis X1 when a driving force is transmitted from the drive source 16. Multiple rotor blades 152 are provided at predetermined intervals on the side surface of the rotating shaft 151 on the rear side of the casing 150. The rotor blades 152 extend while inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 151 and rotate together with the rotating shaft 151, which is rotated by the drive source 16, thereby generating airflow inside the cylindrical portion 20. Multiple stationary blades 153 are provided inside the casing 150 and extend along the rotating shaft 151. The airflow generated by the rotation of the rotor blades 152 is rectified in the first direction A1 as it passes between each stationary blade 153.

[0039] <Drive Source 16> The drive source 16 is installed integrally with the fan 15 on the front side of the fan 15. The drive source 16 is, for example, a brushless motor having a rotor and a stator. The drive source 16 rotates by receiving power from the battery 13 and drives the fan 15 by transmitting the driving force to the rotation shaft 151 of the fan 15. As shown in Figure 4, the drive source 16 is electrically connected to the inverter 172 of the control unit 17 installed in the first handle 12 by an electric wire 174. The drive source 16 receives power from the battery 13 by this electric wire 174 and an electric wire 173 that connects the inverter 172 and the battery terminal 171.

[0040] An opening 206 is formed on the lower side of the side wall of the cylindrical portion 20 through which the electric wire 174 can pass, so that the electric wire 174 can be connected to the drive source 16 and the inverter 172. The opening 206 is a through hole that penetrates the side wall of the cylindrical portion 20 along the second direction A2. The opening 206 is formed on the lower side in front of the fan 15.

[0041] <Control Unit 17> As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 17 includes a controller 170, a battery terminal 171, and an inverter 172. The controller 170 is, for example, a microcomputer having an input port, an output port, an arithmetic processing unit, and a memory unit. As described above, the controller 170 is located inside the connection unit 23. The controller 170 is electrically connected to the trigger switch 122, the battery terminal 171, etc., by wiring, and controls the operation of each part of the blower 10. For example, the controller 170 supplies power from the battery 13 to the drive source 16 in response to the operator's operation of the trigger 121. In other words, the controller 170 of the control unit 17 controls the operation of the drive source 16.

[0042] As described above, the battery terminal 171 is provided on the battery mounting section 22 and has contacts and terminals for electrically connecting to the battery 13. Power from the battery 13 is supplied from the battery terminal 171 to the drive source 16 via the inverter 172.

[0043] The inverter 172 is a power supply circuit that converts the power from the battery 13 into AC power and supplies it to the drive source 16. In other words, the inverter 172 of the control unit 17 controls the operation of the drive source 16. As described above, the inverter 172 is located inside the first handle 12.

[0044] <Regarding the position of the center of gravity of the blower 10>FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the center of gravity GP1 of the blower 10 when the nozzle 14 is not attached. The battery 13 is a heavy object having a plurality of battery cells. And, as described above, when the battery 13 is attached to the battery attachment portion 22, it is disposed in front of the first handle 12 (on one side in the first direction A1) and overlaps the first handle 12 in the first direction A1. Further, the battery 13 is attached to a battery attachment portion 22 that is connected to a second handle 21 that extends downward in the second direction A2 from the cylindrical portion 20. For this reason, the center of gravity GP1 of the blower 10 is on one side (lower side) in the second direction A2 rather than the cylindrical portion 20 due to the weight of the battery 13, and is on one side (front side) in the first direction A1 rather than the first handle 12.

[0045] <Operation of the blower 10>An example of the operation of the blower 10 when an operation using the blower 10 is performed will be described.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the posture of the blower 10 during use. The blower 10 is used in an inclined state so that the nozzle discharge port 140 of the nozzle 14 approaches a work target such as the ground. That is, the blower 10 is used in a state where the first direction A1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. It can also be said that the blower 10 is used in a state where the second direction A2 is inclined with respect to the vertical (gravity) direction.

[0047] The operator holds the first handle 12 with one hand and holds the second handle 21 with the other hand as needed. In this state, when the trigger 121 is operated by the operator, the trigger switch 122 outputs an operation signal (on signal) to the controller 170. The controller 170 that has received the operation signal drives the fan 15 by causing the power of the battery 13 to be supplied to the drive source 16. By driving the fan 15, an air flow is generated, and air flows through the air passage 203 inside the cylindrical portion 20 of the main body portion 11 and the nozzle 14.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 10 explaining the air flow generated by the drive of the fan 15. When the fan 15 is driven, air flows in from the outside through the intake port 201. The inflowing air proceeds as an air flow W1 toward the front. The air flow W1 is divided into an air flow W2 and an air flow W3 on the downstream side of the fan 15 (the front side in the first direction A1).

[0049] The air flow W2 is the air flow that proceeds through the air duct 203 toward the front in the first direction A1 and is discharged from the discharge port 200 into the inside of the nozzle 14. Then, the air proceeds forward inside the nozzle 14 and is discharged to the outside from the nozzle discharge port 140.

[0050] The air flow W3 is the air flow that goes downward from the opening 206 into the inside of the first handle 12 and goes forward through the inside of the connection part 23. Since the air flows around the inverter 172 provided inside the first handle 12 and the controller 170 provided in the connection part 23 by the air flow W3, it becomes possible to cool the controller 170 and the inverter 172. That is, the opening 206 formed in the cylindrical part 20 of the main body part 11 functions as a cooling air duct for flowing air around the control part 17.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 11, a rib 208 extending in the second direction A2 is formed on the front side of the opening 206 in the first direction A1. That is, the rib 208 extends in a direction intersecting the air flow W1. Therefore, a part of the air flowing along the air duct 203 in the first direction A1 can be guided into the inside of the first handle 12 through the opening 206.

[0052] The air that has passed through the first handle 12 and the connection part 23 is discharged to the outside of the main body part 11 as an air flow W4 from the opening 232 formed in the front end face 230. As described above, the front end face 230 faces the rear end face 130 of the housing case of the battery 13. Therefore, it also becomes possible to cool the battery 13 by the air flow W4.

[0053] The air discharged from the outlet 200 exerts a reaction force F1 on the main body 11, as shown in Figure 10. The reaction force F1 is a force acting backward in the first direction A1 relative to the outlet 200. In addition, in a blower 10 used with the front tilted downward in the direction of gravity, gravity F2 acts on the center of gravity GP1, which is located in front of the first handle 12, due to the battery 13 being mounted there.

[0054] A moment F3 is generated in the main body 11 due to the reaction force F1, centered on the gripping pivot point P1 of the first handle 12 held by the operator. Moment F3 is in a clockwise direction in Figure 10. In addition, a moment F4 is generated in the main body 11 due to gravity F2, centered on the gripping pivot point P1 of the first handle 12. Moment F4 is in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 10. That is, moments F3 and F4 are forces in opposite directions. Therefore, the moment F4 due to gravity F2 cancels out or reduces the moment F3 due to the reaction force F1. In other words, the battery 13 functions as a reaction force suppression mechanism that suppresses the reaction force F1 received by the main body 11 when the discharge port 200 discharges air. Furthermore, the reaction force suppression mechanism may include positioning the center C1 of the battery 13 forward of the center line CL passing through the gripping pivot point P1 of the first handle 12. As described above, since the battery 13 is heavy, the center C1 of the battery 13 is positioned in front of the centerline CL of the first handle 12, and the center of gravity GP1 of the blower 10 is also positioned in front of the centerline CL of the first handle 12. In other words, by positioning the center C1 of the battery 13 in front of the centerline CL of the first handle 12, the battery 13 functions as a reaction force suppression mechanism. Similarly, even if the center of gravity of the battery 13 is positioned in front of the centerline CL of the first handle 12, the battery 13 also functions as a reaction force suppression mechanism.

[0055] As a result, when the blower 10 is in use, the reaction force caused by the discharge of air from the nozzle outlet 140 prevents the nozzle outlet 140 from moving upward in the second direction A2. Therefore, the operability and convenience of the blower 10 are improved.

[0056] According to the embodiments described above, at least one of the following effects can be obtained.

[0057] (1) The blower 10 comprises a main body 11, a first handle 12 positioned on one side (downward) of a second direction A2 that intersects a first direction A1 with respect to the discharge port 200 of the main body 11, and a battery 13 as a reaction force suppression mechanism that suppresses the reaction force F1 that the main body 11 receives when the discharge port 200 discharges air.

[0058] As a result, the effect of the reaction force F1 caused by the discharge of air from the outlet 200 is reduced, and the upward movement of the outlet 200 of the blower 10 in use around the gripping fulcrum P1 is suppressed. Since the position of the outlet 200 is suppressed to be affected by the reaction force F1, even if a large volume of air is generated by the fan 15, the air can be directed towards the desired dust or debris. As a result, the operability and convenience of the blower 10 can be improved.

[0059] (2) The center of gravity GP1 is located on one side of the first direction A1 with respect to the first handle 12. As a result, the moment F4 due to gravity F2 cancels out or reduces the moment F3 due to the reaction force F1 of the air discharged from the outlet 200. As a result, the effect of the reaction force F1 is suppressed, and a blower 10 with improved operability and convenience can be obtained.

[0060] (3) The fan 15 is an axial flow fan. This allows for a large airflow and also aligns the direction in which the rotating shaft 151 and the cylindrical section 20 through which the air flows are aligned, thereby preventing the blower 10 from becoming too large.

[0061] (4) The main body 11 has an opening 206 which serves as a cooling air passage for air to flow around the controller 170 and inverter 172 of the control unit 17. This eliminates the need to provide a separate structure for cooling the control unit 17 and prevents the blower 10 from becoming larger.

[0062] (5) The battery 13 is positioned on one side (forward side) of the first direction A1 relative to the first handle 12. This makes it possible to position the center of gravity GP1 in front of the first handle 12.

[0063] (6) The battery 13 overlaps with the first handle 12 in the first direction A1. That is, the battery 13 and the first handle 12 are provided along the first direction A1 (front-to-back direction). This makes it possible to miniaturize the blower 10 in the second direction A2 (up-down direction) compared to the case in which the battery 13 is provided at the lower end of the first handle 12.

[0064] (7) The main body 11 has a cylindrical portion 20 that houses the fan 15 and the drive source 16 inside and defines an air passage 203 through which air flows to the discharge port 200, a battery mounting portion 22 into which the battery 13 is mounted, and a second handle 21 that extends in the second direction A2 and connects the cylindrical portion 20 and the battery mounting portion 22. This makes it possible to use the same member for the operator to grip and the member that connects the battery mounting portion 22 and the main body 11, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the blower 10.

[0065] (8) The main body 11 has a lower end surface 120, which is one end of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the battery mounting portion 22. The connecting portion 23, the first handle 12, and the lower end surfaces 120, 231, 131, which are the outer surfaces of the first handle 12 and the battery 13 in the second direction A2, work together to define a contact surface. As a result, when the blower 10 is not in use, it can be stably placed on the lower end surfaces 120, 231, 131.

[0066] (9) The front end surface 132 of the battery 13, which is one end in the first direction A1, is located on one side (forward side) of the first direction A1 than the discharge port 200. As a result, the battery 13 can be positioned on the forward side of the first direction A1, so that the center of gravity GP1 can be positioned in front of the first handle 12. As a result, the effect of the reaction force F1 of the air discharged from the discharge port 200 can be reduced. In addition, when the battery 13 is removed, it becomes possible to miniaturize the blower 10 in the first direction A1.

[0067] <First Modified Example> Figure 12 is an external side view of the blower 10 of the first modified example. In the first modified example, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or substantially the same as those in the embodiment of the blower 10, and the differences from the embodiment will be explained primarily. Components that are not specifically explained are the same as in the embodiment.

[0068] The first modified blower 10 differs from the embodiment in its main body 11 and first handle 12. The other components are the same as in the embodiment.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the main body 11 has a cylindrical portion 20, a battery mounting portion 22, and a connecting portion 23. However, the main body 11 does not have a second handle 21. That is, the upper part of the battery mounting portion 22 is connected to the lower side of the side wall surface of the cylindrical portion 20. Also, the rear end of the battery mounting portion 22 is located behind the rear end of the cylindrical portion 20 (i.e., the air intake port 201).

[0070] The first handle 12 has the same shape as in the embodiment and extends in the second direction A2. The first handle 12 is connected to the connecting portion 23 at the lower end surface 120 in the second direction A2. The first handle 12 is positioned on one side (downward) of the second direction A2 relative to the discharge port 200, as in the embodiment. However, the first handle 12 is located behind the cylindrical portion 20. That is, the upper end of the first handle 12 is not attached below the cylindrical portion 20. Therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the blower 10 in the second direction A2.

[0071] Even in the first modified example, since the battery 13 is positioned on one side (forward side) of the first direction A1 relative to the first handle 12, the center of gravity is located in front of the first handle 12. For this reason, as in the embodiment, the moment at the gripping fulcrum of the first handle 12 caused by the reaction force generated by the discharge of air is canceled out or reduced by the moment due to gravity.

[0072] As a result, even in the first modified example, when the blower 10 is in use, the movement of the nozzle outlet 140 upward in the second direction A2 due to the reaction force from the discharge of air is suppressed, thereby improving the operability and convenience of the blower 10. Even when the blower 10 has a first handle 12 extending to one side of the second direction A2, the effect of the reaction force from the discharge of air from the outlet 200 is reduced, as in the embodiment. As a result, the position of the outlet 200 is suppressed to waver due to the reaction force, so even if a large volume of air is generated by the fan 15, the air can be sent to the desired position, improving the operability and convenience of the blower 10. Furthermore, it becomes possible to miniaturize the blower 10 in the second direction A2.

[0073] <Second Modification> Figure 13 is an external side view of the blower 10 of the second modification. In the first modification, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or substantially the same as those in the embodiment of the blower 10, and the differences from the embodiment will be explained mainly. Components that are not specifically explained are the same as in the embodiment.

[0074] The second modified blower 10 is equipped with a detachable nozzle 18 having a different shape from the nozzle 14 of the embodiment. The other configurations are the same as in the embodiment.

[0075] The nozzle 18 has a first portion 180 and a second portion 181. The first portion 180 extends along a first direction A1. The nozzle 18 is attached to the discharge port 200 of the main body 11 at the rear end of the first portion 180, similar to the embodiment.

[0076] The second part 181 is located on the front side of the first part 180 and is inclined such that one side in the first direction A1 (the front side) is directed toward one side in the second direction A2 (the downward side). A nozzle outlet 140 is formed on the downward-sloping end face. Because the nozzle 18 has the above shape, the air discharged from the outlet 200 travels through the first part 180 toward the front side in the first direction A1, and then travels along the shape of the second part 181. As a result, the air discharged from the outlet 200 is discharged from the nozzle outlet 140 toward a direction downward from the outlet 200.

[0077] The nozzle 14 has a first portion 180 extending in a first direction A1, and a second portion 181 which is inclined such that one side of the first direction A1 (the forward side) is directed toward one side of the second direction A2 (the downward side). Even when the blower 10 is fitted with a nozzle 14 having a different shape from that of the embodiment, it can obtain the same effects and advantages (1) to (9) as those obtained in the embodiment.

[0078] <Third Modification> Figure 14 is an external side view of the blower 10 of the third modification. In the third modification, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or substantially the same as those in the embodiment of the blower 10, and the differences from the embodiment will be explained mainly. Components that are not specifically explained are the same as in the embodiment.

[0079] The main body 11 of the blower 10 in the third modified example has a cylindrical portion 24 that has a different shape from the cylindrical portion 20 of the embodiment. The other configurations are the same as in the embodiment.

[0080] In the cylindrical portion 24, the axis X1 perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the opening surface of the discharge port 200 and the axis X2 perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the opening surface of the intake port 201 do not coincide. In the third modified example, the direction parallel to axis X2 is called the front-rear direction, and the direction intersecting axis X2 is called the up-down direction. That is, in the third modified example, the first direction A1 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, and the second direction A2 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, the cylindrical portion 24 has a shape inclined downwards on the front side. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 24 has a first cylindrical portion 240 and a second cylindrical portion 241. The first cylindrical portion 240 extends along a first direction A1 that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. The discharge port 200 is formed on one side of the first cylindrical portion 240 in the first direction A1. The discharge port 200 is located lower than the other side of the first cylindrical portion 240 in the first direction A1.

[0082] The second cylindrical section 241 is connected to the other side (rear side) of the first cylindrical section 240 in the first direction A1. The second cylindrical section 241 extends in the front-rear direction along the axis X2. Therefore, the intake port 201 is located on the other side of the first direction A1, on one side of the second direction A2 with respect to the axis X1. In other words, the cylindrical section 24 defines an air passage 203 that is inclined such that the other side of the first direction A1 is directed toward one side of the second direction with respect to the axis X1 along the first direction A1.

[0083] Because the cylindrical portion 24 has the shape described above, the air entering from the intake port 201 moves forward in the front-to-back direction within the second cylindrical portion 241, and then moves along the shape of the first cylindrical portion 240. As a result, the air discharged from the discharge port 200 is discharged downward from the discharge port 200, below the intake port 201.

[0084] The cylindrical portion 24 defines an air passage 203 that is inclined with respect to an axis X1 extending in the first direction A1 such that one side in the first direction A1 is directed toward one side in the second direction A2. Even if the blower 10 has a cylindrical portion 24 that has a different shape from the cylindrical portion 20 of the embodiment, it can obtain the same effects and advantages (1) to (9) as obtained in the embodiment.

[0085] <Fourth Modification> Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 10 of the fourth modification, illustrating the airflow generated by the drive of the fan 15. In the fourth modification, the same reference numerals are used for components that are identical or substantially identical to those in the embodiment of the blower 10, and the differences from the embodiment will be explained primarily. Components that are not specifically explained are the same as in the embodiment.

[0086] In the fourth modification, an opening 207 is formed on the lower side of the side wall surface of the cylindrical portion 20, separate from the opening 206 through which the electric wire 174 passes. The opening 207 is a through hole that penetrates the side wall surface of the cylindrical portion 20 along the second direction A2. The opening 207 is formed on the lower side of the rear of the fan 15. That is, the opening 207 is formed on the upstream side of the fan 15.

[0087] In the fourth modified example, when the fan 15 is driven, air flows in from the outside through the intake port 201, just as in the embodiment. Furthermore, the opening 207 communicates with the outside through the inside of the first handle 12, the inside of the connecting portion 23, and the opening 232 formed on the front end surface 230 of the connecting portion 23. Therefore, when the fan 15 is driven, airflows W13 and W14 are generated that reach inside the cylindrical portion 20, separate from the airflow W1.

[0088] Airflow W13 is the flow of air that flows into the main body 11 from outside the main body 11 through the opening 232. Airflow W14 is the flow of air that passes from the opening 232 through the inside of the connection part 23 and the inside of the first handle 12 and reaches the upstream side of the fan 15 in the air passage 203 from the opening 207. Airflow W14 makes it possible to cool the controller 170 inside the connection part 23 and the inverter 172 inside the first handle 12. In other words, in the fourth modified example, the opening 207 is a cooling air passage that flows air around the control unit 17.

[0089] Airflows W1 and W14 become airflow W2 downstream of the fan 15. Airflow W2 is the same airflow as in the embodiment. As a result, the air is discharged from the discharge port 200, flows inside the nozzle 14, and is discharged to the outside from the nozzle discharge port 140.

[0090] Therefore, in the fourth modified example, the same effects and benefits as those obtained in the embodiment (1) to (9) can be obtained.

[0091] <Fifth Modification> In the embodiment, the battery 13 was described as functioning as a reaction force suppression mechanism, but the invention is not limited to this example.

[0092] Figure 16 is an external side view of the blower 10 when the fan 15 and drive source 16 function as a reaction force suppression mechanism. Components identical or substantially identical to those in the embodiment of the blower 10 are given the same reference numerals, and the differences from the embodiment will be explained primarily. Components not specifically explained are the same as in the embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Figure 16, the main body 11 has a cylindrical portion 25 and a connecting portion 26. The cylindrical portion 25 is composed of a first cylindrical portion 250 having a side wall surface along a first direction A1 and a second cylindrical portion 251 having a side wall surface along a second direction A2. An outlet 200 is formed on one end face (front side) of the first cylindrical portion 250 in the first direction A1. An intake port 201 is formed on one end face (downward side) of the second cylindrical portion 251 in the second direction A2.

[0094] The first cylindrical section 250 is connected to the upper side of the second cylindrical section 251 in the second direction A2 at the rear side in the first direction A1. That is, the inside of the cylindrical section 25 defines an air passage 203 that extends upward from the intake port 201 and then bends forward to reach the discharge port 200.

[0095] Inside the second cylindrical section 251, a fan 15 and a drive source 16 are arranged on the lower side in the second direction A2. The fan 15 and the drive source 16 are arranged such that the rotation axis 151 of the fan 15 is aligned with the second direction A2.

[0096] The connecting portion 26 is provided on the rear side of the side wall surface of the second cylindrical portion 251 and connects the first handle 12 and the cylindrical portion 25. Specifically, the connecting portion 26 has a first connecting portion 261 and a second connecting portion 262. The first connecting portion 261 extends rearward from the second cylindrical portion 251 and connects to the upper end of the first handle 12. The second connecting portion 262 extends rearward from the second cylindrical portion 251 below the first connecting portion 261 and connects to the lower end of the first handle 12.

[0097] Because the blower 10 has the shape described above, the first handle 12 is positioned on the rear side of the cylindrical portion 25. Therefore, the fan 15 and drive source 16, which are located inside the second cylindrical portion 251, are positioned forward in the first direction A1 relative to the first handle 12. Due to the weight of the fan 15 and drive source 16, the center of gravity GP2 of the blower 10 is located near the position where the first connection portion 261 and the second cylindrical portion 251 are connected. That is, the center of gravity GP2 is located on one side (forward side) of the first direction A1 relative to the first handle 12.

[0098] The blower 10 is used with the discharge port 200 tilted downward, as in the embodiment. Therefore, as in the embodiment, the moment caused by the reaction force generated by the discharge of air is canceled out or reduced by the moment due to gravity. In other words, the fan 15 and the drive source 16 function as a reaction force suppression mechanism that suppresses the reaction force received by the main body 11 when the discharge port 200 discharges air. As a result, the blower 10 shown in Figure 16 of the fifth modified example can also obtain the same effects and benefits (1) as obtained in the embodiment.

[0099] Figure 17 is an external side view of a blower 10 having a reaction force suppression mechanism of another example. In addition to the cylindrical portion 20, fan 15, and drive source 16 of the embodiment, the blower 10 shown in Figure 17 includes an auxiliary cylindrical portion 27, an auxiliary fan 28, and an auxiliary drive source 29.

[0100] The auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 has the same shape as the cylindrical portion 20, and is provided such that its axis X3 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction A1. That is, the side wall surface of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 extends along the first direction A1. An outlet 270 is formed on one end face (front side) of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 in the first direction A1, and an intake port 271 is formed on the other end face (rear side) in the first direction A1. That is, the outlet 270 of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 discharges air in the same direction as the air discharged from the outlet 200 of the cylindrical portion 20.

[0101] The auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 is positioned on one side (downward) of the cylindrical portion 20 in the second direction A2. The auxiliary cylindrical portion 27 is connected to the cylindrical portion 20 by the first handle 12. Specifically, the upper end of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2 is connected to the side wall surface of the cylindrical portion 20, and the lower end of the first handle 12 in the second direction A2 is connected to the side wall surface of the auxiliary cylindrical portion 27.

[0102] The auxiliary fan 28 and the auxiliary drive source 29 have the same configuration and shape as the fan 15 and drive source 16, respectively, and are mounted inside the auxiliary cylindrical section 27. The rotation axis 280 of the auxiliary fan 28 extends along axis X3. That is, the rotation axis 280 of the auxiliary fan 28 and the rotation axis 151 of the fan 15 are parallel or approximately parallel. When the auxiliary fan 28 is driven, air drawn in from the intake port 271 flows through the inside of the auxiliary cylindrical section 27 toward the front in the first direction A1 and is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 270. The discharge port 270 of the auxiliary cylindrical section 27 is also called the second discharge port.

[0103] Furthermore, the airflow generated by the auxiliary fan 28 may be equal to the airflow generated by the fan 15, or it may be weaker than the airflow generated by the fan 15.

[0104] The battery 13 is positioned forward of the first handle 12 in the first direction A1 and above the auxiliary cylinder portion 27 in the second direction A2, supplying power to the drive source 16 and the auxiliary drive source 29. Therefore, the center of gravity GP3 of the blower 10 is located at the battery 13, as shown in Figure 17. In other words, the center of gravity GP3 is located forward of the first handle 12 and above the auxiliary cylinder portion 27.

[0105] When the operator operates the trigger 121, the fan 15 and the auxiliary fan 28 are driven. When air is discharged from the discharge port 200 due to the operation of the fan 15, a moment F3 is generated around the gripping pivot point P2 of the first handle 12 due to the reaction force F1, as in the embodiment. This moment F3 is a force in the clockwise direction (one side in the direction of rotation) in Figure 17. Also, when air is discharged from the discharge port 270 due to the operation of the auxiliary fan 28, a moment F11 is generated around the gripping pivot point P2 of the first handle 12 due to the reaction force F10. This moment F11 is a force in the counterclockwise direction (the other side in the direction of rotation) in Figure 17. Moment F3 is also called the first moment, and moment F11 is also called the second moment.

[0106] In other words, moments F3 and F11 are in opposite directions. Therefore, moment F11 cancels out or reduces moment F3. To put it another way, the auxiliary cylinder 27, auxiliary fan 28, and auxiliary drive source 29 function as a reaction force suppression mechanism that suppresses the reaction force received by the main body 11 when the discharge port 200 discharges air. To put it another way, the main body 11 receives a first moment in the rotational direction around the gripping fulcrum P2 of the first handle 12 due to the reaction force F1, and the reaction force suppression mechanism includes a second discharge port (discharge port 270) that gives the main body 11 a second moment in the rotational direction to the other side. As a result, the blower 10 shown in Figure 17 of the fifth modified example can also obtain the same effects and advantages as the effects (1) obtained in the embodiment.

[0107] Figure 18 is an external side view of a blower 10 having a reaction force suppression mechanism in another example. The blower 10 shown in Figure 18 does not have a battery 13 and receives power from a commercial power source via a power cord 210. For this reason, the main body 11 of the blower 10 in Figure 18 has the cylindrical part 20, second handle 21 and connecting part 23 of the embodiment, but does not have a battery mounting part 22. That is, the lower end of the second handle 21 of the main body 11 in the second direction A2 is connected to the front end of the connecting part 23 in the first direction A1.

[0108] The center of gravity GP4 of the blower 10 is located between the first handle 12 and the second handle 21 in the first direction A1. That is, the center of gravity GP4 is located on one side (forward side) of the first direction A1 relative to the first handle 12.

[0109] This blower 10 is also used with the discharge port 200 tilted downward, similar to the embodiment. Therefore, similar to the embodiment, the moment caused by the reaction force generated by the discharge of air is canceled out or reduced by the moment due to gravity. In other words, the power cord 210 functions as a reaction force suppression mechanism that suppresses the reaction force received by the main body 11 when the discharge port 200 discharges air. As a result, the blower 10 shown in Figure 18 of the fifth modified example can also obtain the same effects and benefits (1) as obtained in the embodiment.

[0110] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0111] 10 Blower, 11 Main body, 12 First handle, 13 Battery, 14, 18 Nozzles, 15 Fan, 16 Drive source, 17 Control unit, 20, 24, 25 Cylinder section, 21 Second handle, 22 Battery mounting section, 23, 26 Connection section, 27 Auxiliary cylinder section, 28 Auxiliary fan, 29 Auxiliary drive source, 120 Lower end surface, 131 Lower end surface, 170 Controller, 171 Battery terminal, 172 Inverter, 180 First part, 18 1 second part, 200, 270 discharge port, 203 air passage, 206, 207 opening, 210 power cord, 231 lower end surface, 232 opening, 240, 250 first cylinder part, 241, 251 second cylinder part, A1 first side direction, A2 second direction, F1 reaction force, GP1, GP2, GP3, GP4 center of gravity, P1, P2 gripping fulcrum, W1, W2, W3, W4, W13, W14 air flow, X1, X2, X3 axis, C1 center point, CL center line

Claims

1. A blower comprising: a main body having an air outlet on one side in a first direction; a fan supported by the main body so as to be located on an axis extending in the first direction passing through the air outlet, and which rotates about the axis to generate an airflow toward the air outlet; a drive source for driving the fan; a battery for supplying power to the drive source; a handle positioned below the air outlet in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction; and a reaction force suppression mechanism for suppressing the reaction force received by the main body when the air outlet discharges the air, wherein the battery is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the handle, and the reaction force suppression mechanism includes the battery.

2. A blower according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity is located on one side in the first direction relative to the handle.

3. A blower according to claim 1, wherein the fan is an axial flow fan.

4. A blower according to claim 1, comprising a control unit for controlling the drive of the drive source, wherein the main body has a cooling air passage for flowing the air around the control unit.

5. A blower according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the battery in the first direction is positioned on one side in the first direction relative to the handle.

6. The blower according to claim 5, wherein the battery overlaps with the handle in the first direction.

7. A blower according to claim 5, wherein the main body comprises: a cylindrical portion that houses the fan and the drive source inside and defines an air passage inside through which the air flows to the discharge port; a battery mounting portion into which the battery is mounted; and a second handle that extends in the vertical direction to connect the cylindrical portion and the battery mounting portion.

8. A blower according to claim 7, wherein the main body has a connecting portion that connects the lower end of the handle to the battery mounting portion, and the connecting portion, the handle, and the lower outer surface of the battery cooperate to define a ground contact surface.

9. A blower according to claim 7, wherein the cylindrical portion defines an air passage that is inclined such that the other side in the first direction is toward the downward direction with respect to an axis extending in the first direction.

10. A blower according to claim 5, wherein a nozzle is detachably attached to the discharge port, and the battery has one end in the first direction located on one side of the discharge port in the first direction.

11. A blower according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle has a first portion extending in the first direction and a second portion inclined such that one side in the first direction is toward the downward side.

12. A blower according to claim 1, wherein the main body receives a first moment in the rotational direction about the gripping fulcrum of the handle due to the reaction force, and the reaction force suppression mechanism includes a second discharge port that gives the main body a second moment in the rotational direction to the other side.

13. A blower comprising: a main body having an air outlet on one side in a first direction; a fan supported by the main body so as to be located on an axis extending in the first direction passing through the air outlet, and which rotates about the axis to generate an airflow toward the air outlet; a drive source arranged on the axis to drive the fan; a handle extending to one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a battery supplying power to the drive source, wherein the battery's other end in the first direction is located on one side of the first direction than the handle, and is positioned to overlap with the handle in the first direction.

14. A blower according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a cylindrical portion that houses the fan and the drive source inside and defines an air passage through which the air flows, the cylindrical portion having an air intake port for the airflow on the other side of the first direction relative to the fan, and the discharge port, the fan and the air intake port are arranged along the first direction such that the air passage is defined in a straight line along the first direction.

15. A blower according to claim 14, wherein the upper end of the handle in the vertical direction is connected to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion.

16. A blower comprising: a main body having an air outlet on one side in a first direction; an axial fan supported by the main body and generating an airflow toward the air outlet; a drive source for driving the axial fan; a handle positioned on one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the air outlet; and a reaction force suppression mechanism for suppressing the reaction force received by the main body when the air outlet discharges the air.

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