Walking type work machine

Abstract

To provide a walking type work machine that allows the width of a ridging mat for tilled soil to be adjusted easily.SOLUTION: A walking type work machine includes: a flexible ridging mat 50 disposed behind a tilling claw; a first regulation member 60 provided behind a right and left central part of the ridging mat 50 for regulating backward deformation of the ridging mat 50; a second regulation member 70 arranged on the right and left outside of the first regulation member 60 behind the ridging mat 50, which can move accompanying the deformation of the ridging mat 50; and a switching mechanism 80 capable of performing regulation of the backward movement of the second regulation members 70 arranged on the right and left outside the first regulation member 60, and release of the regulation in a collective manner respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for a walk-behind work machine equipped with a ridge-forming mat for forming ridges. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for a walk-behind work machine equipped with a ridge-forming mat for forming ridges has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The walk-behind working machine described in Patent Document 1 comprises a ridge-making mat and a regulating mechanism. The ridge-making mat is made of a flexible plate-like member. The regulating mechanism is configured to be able to regulate the left and right central parts of the ridge-making mat from deforming (moving) backward. The left and right central parts of the ridge-making mat act on the tilled soil when the walk-behind working machine moves forward, and can guide the tilled soil to the left and right while pressing it. Meanwhile, the left and right side parts of the ridge-making mat are deformed by the action of the tilled soil so as to bend backward. In this way, ridges can be formed on both the left and right sides of the ridge-making mat.

[0004] The regulating mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes a first selection unit and a second selection unit that can adjust the spacing between adjacent ridges on the left and right (the width of the ridge-making mat acting on the tilled soil). An operator can adjust the spacing between the ridges by operating the first selection unit and the second selection unit, respectively.

[0005] As such, the spacing between the ridges is generally adjusted by an operator, and there is a continuing need for technology that allows such adjustment to be made easily. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6936056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described situation, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a walk-behind working machine that can easily adjust the width of the ridge-forming mat that acts on the tilled soil. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problem to be solved by one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tilling apparatus comprises a flexible ridge-making mat arranged behind the tilling tines, a first regulating member provided behind the left and right central portions of the ridge-making mat and restricting rearward deformation of the ridge-making mat, second regulating members arranged respectively on the left and right outside of the first regulating member behind the ridge-making mat and movable in response to deformation of the ridge-making mat, and a switching mechanism capable of collectively restricting the rearward movement of the second regulating members arranged respectively on the left and right outside of the first regulating member and releasing said restriction. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the ridge-making mat acting on the tilled soil can be easily adjusted.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the switching mechanism includes a pair of left and right advancing / retreating members that can move forward and backward behind the second regulating member, a pair of left and right arms that are respectively connected to the pair of left and right advancing / retreating members, and an operating unit that moves the pair of left and right arms together. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the switching mechanism can have a simple configuration.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the operating unit is configured to be rotatable, and moves the pair of left and right arms together in response to rotation of the operating unit. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the ridge mat can be adjusted with a simple operation.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the arm converts a rotational movement of the operating portion into a linear movement of the advancing and retreating member. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the switching mechanism can have a simple configuration.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of left and right arms are formed in arc shapes that are point-symmetric with each other with the rotation shaft as the center of symmetry when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the operating unit. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the switching mechanism can have a simple configuration.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the tiller further includes a leveling plate that can swing between a use position in which the soil tilled by the tilling tines can be leveled and a non-use position in which the soil cannot be leveled, and the leveling plate has a recess in the use position in which the switching mechanism can be accommodated. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the leveling board is used, it is possible to prevent the switching mechanism from interfering with the leveling board. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the ridge-making mat acting on the tilled soil can be easily adjusted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a walk-behind working machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] Also, rear view. [Figure 4] 4 is a rear view showing the ridge-forming mat, the first regulating member, the second regulating member, and the switching mechanism. FIG. [Diagram 5] (a) is an enlarged rear view showing the switching mechanism, (b) is an enlarged rear view showing the arms, collars, etc. [Figure 6](a) Enlarged cross-sectional view along line AA. (b) Enlarged cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 7] 1A is a rear view showing a state in which the operation pin is placed in a restricted position, and FIG. 1B is a rear view showing a state in which the operation pin is placed in a released position. [Figure 8] (a) A schematic diagram showing how a furrow having a relatively large width is formed, and (b) A schematic diagram showing how a furrow having a relatively small width is formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the switching mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a switching mechanism according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In the following description, the directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L and R in the figures are defined as upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward and rightward, respectively.

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, a walk-behind working machine (walk-behind management machine) 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] The walk-behind work machine 1 comprises a machine frame 2, wheels 3, an engine 4, a bonnet 5, a cover 6, a transmission case 7, tillage tines 8, a tillage cover 9, a clutch mechanism 10, and a steering handle 11, etc.

[0020] The vehicle frame 2 is a member formed by appropriately bending a plate material. The vehicle frame 2 is supported by a pair of left and right wheels 3. The engine 4 is mounted on the vehicle frame 2. The engine 4 is covered by a bonnet 5. A cover 6 is provided on the left side of the engine 4, which covers a clutch mechanism 10 that transmits the power of the engine 4 to a transmission case 7.

[0021] The transmission case 7 has a rotating shaft 7a that rotates when power is transmitted from the engine 4. The tillage tines 8 are fixed to the rotating shaft 7a. The upper part of the tillage tines 8 is covered with a tillage cover 9. The clutch mechanism 10 is for switching between rotating and stopping the rotation of the wheels 3 and the tillage tines 8. The clutch mechanism 10 in this embodiment is assumed to be a so-called belt tension clutch that can transmit power by applying tension to a belt wound around a pulley.

[0022] A control handle 11 is disposed above the tillage cover 9. The control handle 11 is for an operator to control the tillage cover 9. The control handle 11 includes an operable lever 11a, and the lever 11a is connected to the clutch mechanism 10 via a cable.

[0023] In the walk-behind work machine 1 configured as described above, when the lever 11a of the steering handle 11 is operated, tension is applied to the belt and the clutch mechanism 10 is actuated. This transmits power from the engine 4 to the wheels 3 and the rotating shaft 7a. This enables the walk-behind work machine 1 to rotate the wheels 3 and the tilling tines 8 to till the field.

[0024] Furthermore, in the walk-behind work machine 1, when the operation of the lever 11a is released, the application of tension to the belt is stopped and the operation of the clutch mechanism 10 is stopped. This causes the rotation of the wheels 3 and the tiller tines 8 to stop.

[0025] The walk-behind working machine 1 is provided with appropriate members in the rear lower part (cultivation cover 9) to perform tasks such as leveling the soil (cultivated soil) that has been tilled with the tilling tines 8, and ridge making tasks such as shaping the tilled soil to create ridges U. Specifically, the rear lower part of the walk-behind working machine 1 is provided with an attachment part 20, a resistance rod 30, a ground leveling plate 40, a ridge making mat 50, a first stop member 60, a second stop member 70, a switching mechanism 80, and the like. These members will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0026] The mounting part 20 shown in Fig. 2 is for mounting a resistance rod 30 and an attachment, which will be described later. The mounting part 20 is formed in a generally rectangular tubular shape with its axis oriented in the vertical direction. The lower end of the mounting part 20 is fixed to the left-right center of the rear part of the tillage cover 9. The mounting part 20 includes a holding part 21.

[0027] The holding portion 21 is a portion for holding the leveling board 40 described later. The holding portion 21 is provided at the upper end portion of the mounting portion 20. The holding portion 21 is formed in a concave shape recessed downward so that the hook portion 43 of the leveling board 40 can be hooked thereon.

[0028] The resistance rod 30 is inserted into a farm field to generate resistance and adjust the forward speed of the walk-behind work machine 1. The resistance rod 30 is formed in a generally rectangular column shape. An upper portion of the resistance rod 30 is attached to the mounting part 20. The resistance rod 30 extends downward from the mounting part 20. A protrusion 31 that protrudes rearward is formed at the lower end of the resistance rod 30.

[0029] The leveling board 40 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is for performing leveling work. The leveling board 40 is composed of a metal plate-shaped member. The leveling board 40 is formed so as to extend from the left end to the right end of the tilling cover 9. The leveling board 40 is connected to the rear end of the tilling cover 9 so as to be swingable up and down. The leveling board 40 is disposed behind the tilling tines 8. Note that in Figure 2, the leveling board 40 in a state where it is swung upward is shown by a solid line, and the leveling board 40 in a state where it is swung downward is shown by a two-dot chain line. The leveling board 40 has an inner surface 41, an outer surface 42, a hook portion 43, and a recess 44.

[0030] The inner surface 41 is a surface that faces the front side (toward the tiller tines 8) when the ground leveling plate 40 is swung downward. The outer surface 42 is a surface that faces the rear side when the ground leveling plate 40 is swung downward.

[0031] The hook portion 43 is a portion that can engage with the holding portion 21 of the mounting portion 20. The hook portion 43 is provided at the upper and lower midpoints of the outer surface 42, and can be hooked onto the holding portion 21 (concave portion). This allows the leveling board 40 to be held by the mounting portion 20 in a state in which it is swung upward.

[0032] The recess 44 is a portion recessed from the inner surface 41 toward the outer surface 42. The recess 44 is provided in the middle of the top and bottom of the leveling board 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the recess 44 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in rear view with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left-right direction.

[0033] When the leveling board 40 configured as described above is swung downward, the leveling board 40 is positioned adjacent to the rear side of a ridge-making mat 50 (described later), as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 2. When the walk-behind working machine 1 moves forward in this state, the leveling board 40 can level the tilled soil. Hereinafter, the position where leveling work can be performed in this manner (the swinging position of the leveling board 40) is referred to as the "use position."

[0034] As shown by the solid line in Fig. 2, when the leveling board 40 is swung upward, the leveling board 40 leaves the ground and cannot level the tilled soil. Hereinafter, this position where leveling work cannot be performed (the swing position of the leveling board 40) is referred to as the "non-use position."

[0035] The ridge forming mat 50 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is for performing ridge forming work. The ridge forming mat 50 is composed of a flexible plate-like member such as rubber. The ridge forming mat 50 is formed so as to extend from the left end to the right end of the tillage cover 9. The upper end of the ridge forming mat 50 is connected to the rear end of the tillage cover 9 so as to be able to swing up and down. The ridge forming mat 50 is positioned behind the tillage tines 8.

[0036] The ridge making mat 50 can be swung upward relative to the tillage cover 9 to the vicinity of the leveling board 40 that has been swung upward. The ridge making mat 50 is held in the mounting section 20 in an upwardly swung state by a first stop member 60 (described later) engaging with the leveling board 40. The ridge making mat 50 can also be swung downward relative to the tillage cover 9 to the vicinity of the protruding portion 31 of the resistance rod 30, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 2. The ridge making mat 50 is held on the resistance rod 30 in a downwardly swung state by the first stop member 60 being fixed to the protruding portion 31.

[0037] Since the ridge-forming mat 50 is flexible, it can be swung up and down and can also be deformed to bend.

[0038] The first restricting member 60 shown in FIG. 4 is for restricting deformation of the ridge-forming mat 50 toward the rear. The first restricting member 60 is constituted by a metal plate-shaped member. The first restricting member 60 is formed so as to extend from the upper end to the lower end of the ridge-forming mat 50. The first restricting member 60 is provided adjacent to (behind) the left-right central portion of the ridge-forming mat 50 from the rear side, with its plate surface facing in the same direction as the plate surface of the ridge-forming mat 50. The first restricting member 60 comprises a first plate portion 61, a second plate portion 62, a third plate portion 63, a guide portion 64, an engagement portion 65 and a fixing pin 66.

[0039] The first plate portion 61 is a portion that forms the upper portion of the first restricting member 60. The first plate portion 61 is formed in a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from behind. Both left and right ends of the first plate portion 61 are formed so as to extend left and right inward as they extend downward. The first plate portion 61 is fixed to the left and right central portion of the upper end portion of the ridge-making mat 50.

[0040] The second plate portion 62 is a portion that forms the lower portion of the first restricting member 60. The second plate portion 62 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in rear view with its longitudinal direction oriented in the left-right direction. The left-right width of the second plate portion 62 is smaller than the left-right width of the first plate portion 61. The second plate portion 62 is fixed to the left-right center portion of the lower end portion of the ridge-making mat 50. The second plate portion 62 is formed with a tubular portion 62a whose axial direction is oriented in the up-down direction.

[0041] The third plate portion 63 is a portion that forms a vertical middle portion of the first stop member 60. The third plate portion 63 is formed so as to connect the first plate portion 61 and the second plate portion 62.

[0042] The guide portion 64 is a portion for guiding an operation pin 85 of the switching mechanism 80, which will be described later. The guide portion 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction oriented in the left-right direction. A pair of guide portions 64 are provided on the first plate portion 61, one on the left and one on the right.

[0043] The engaging portion 65 is a portion that can engage with the leveling board 40. The engaging portion 65 is provided below the first plate portion 61 (at the boundary between the second plate portion 62 and the third plate portion 63). The engaging portion 65 is formed by appropriately bending a shaft-shaped member.

[0044] 3 and 4 is for fixing the first stop member 60 to the protruding portion 31 of the resistance rod 30. The fixing pin 66 is provided on the cylindrical portion 62a of the second plate portion 62 so as to be slidable in the up and down direction.

[0045] The first stop member 60 can swing integrally with the ridge making mat 50 when the ridge making mat 50 swings relative to the tillage cover 9. The first stop member 60 is held on the ground leveling board 40 by an engagement portion 65 engaging with the ground leveling board 40 (the ground leveling board 40 in the unused position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) when the ridge making mat 50 is swung upward.

[0046] Furthermore, the first restricting member 60 is held (fixed) to the resistance rod 30 by inserting the fixing pin 66 into the protruding portion 31 of the resistance rod 30 while the ridge-making mat 50 is swung downward. With the first restricting member 60 held by the resistance rod 30 in this manner, the rearward deformation of the ridge-making mat 50 is restricted by the first plate portion 61, the second plate portion 62 and the third plate portion 63. More specifically, the left and right central portions of the ridge-making mat 50 are restricted from bending backward with the upper end portion of the ridge-making mat 50 as a fulcrum.

[0047] The walk-behind working machine 1 can form a ridge U (perform ridge-making work) by moving forward while restricting the backward deformation of the ridge-making mat 50 and with the leveling board 40 positioned in the unused position (the position shown by the solid line in Figure 2).

[0048] More specifically, as the walk-behind working machine 1 moves forward, the left and right central parts of the ridge forming mat 50 act on the tilled soil, guiding it left and right while pushing it forward. Meanwhile, the left and right side parts of the ridge forming mat 50 are deformed (moved backward) by the action of the tilled soil, so as to bend backward. This allows ridges U to be formed on both the left and right sides of the ridge forming mat 50 (see Figure 8). In the following, the distance between adjacent ridges U on the left and right is referred to as the "ridge furrow width W." In this embodiment, the distance between the upper ends of the left and right ridges U is the ridge furrow width W.

[0049] The second restricting member 70 shown in FIG. 4 is capable of restricting deformation of the ridge-forming mat 50 toward the rear. The second restricting member 70 is formed of a metal plate-shaped member. The second restricting member 70 is provided adjacent to the ridge-forming mat 50 from the rear side with its plate surface facing in the same direction as the plate surface of the ridge-forming mat 50. The second restricting members 70 are respectively disposed on the left and right outer sides of the first restricting member 60. The left second restricting member 70 is formed so as to extend downward to the right from the upper end. The right second restricting member 70 is formed so as to extend downward to the left from the upper end. The pair of left and right second restricting members 70 are fixed to the ridge-forming mat 50 and are formed so as to extend from the upper end of the ridge-forming mat 50 to the middle part above and below.

[0050] The second restricting member 70 is not connected (fixed) to any member other than the ridge-forming mat 50, and therefore when both the left and right side portions of the ridge-forming mat 50 are deformed, the second restricting member 70 can move integrally with the ridge-forming mat 50. For example, the second restricting member 70 can move backward integrally with the ridge-forming mat 50 during ridge-forming work.

[0051] The switching mechanism 80 is for switching between restricting and releasing the restriction on the rearward movement of the second restricting member 70. As shown in FIG 5, the switching mechanism 80 includes an operating portion 81, a rotating shaft 82, an arm 83, a first connecting shaft 84, an operating pin 85, and a second connecting shaft 86.

[0052] The operating portion 81 is a plate-like portion that can be operated by an operator. The operating portion 81 is arranged with its plate surface facing in the same direction as the plate surface of the ridge-making mat 50. The operating portion 81 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from behind with its longitudinal direction facing the left-right direction. The operating portion 81 is arranged between a pair of left and right guide portions 64 of the first restricting member 60. The operating portion 81 has a protrusion 81a, a first through hole 81b, and a second through hole 81c.

[0053] 5(a) and 6 are portions that protrude rearward from the upper and lower ends of the operation unit 81. The protrusions 81a are covered with trims 81d made of rubber, resin, or the like.

[0054] The first through hole 81b shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a) is a hole that penetrates the operating unit 81 in the thickness direction. Note that since the ridge-forming mat 50 is arranged so as to incline downward toward the rear (see Figure 2), the thickness direction of the ridge-forming mat 50, operating unit 81, etc. inclines up and down with respect to the front-to-rear direction. However, for the sake of convenience in Figure 6, various components are depicted as if the thickness direction of the ridge-forming mat 50 were oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The first through hole 81b is formed in the left-to-right center of the operating unit 81. A collar 81e is fitted into the first through hole 81b. The operating unit 81 is positioned rearward and away from the first stop member 60 by the collar 81e.

[0055] 5(a) and 6(b) are holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the operation portion 81. The second through holes 81c are formed on the left and right outer sides of the first through holes 81b, respectively.

[0056] The rotating shaft 82 shown in Figs. 5 and 6(a) is for rotatably supporting the operating part 81. The rotating shaft 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axial direction facing the thickness direction of the ridge-forming mat 50. In this embodiment, a bolt that can be inserted into the operating part 81 (first through hole 81b) via a collar 81e is used as the rotating shaft 82. The rotating shaft 82 is inserted through the collar 81e, the first stop member 60, and the ridge-forming mat 50. The tip of the rotating shaft 82 (front end of the bolt) is fastened to a nut 82a. The operating part 81 can rotate about the rotating shaft 82 relative to the first stop member 60 and the ridge-forming mat 50.

[0057] 5 is for connecting the operation part 81 and the operation pin 85. The arm 83 is made of a plate-shaped member. The arm 83 is arranged with the plate surface facing in the same direction as the plate surface of the ridge-making mat 50. The arms 83 are provided in a pair on the left and right sides with the rotation shaft 82 at the center.

[0058] In this embodiment, the pair of left and right arms 83 are formed in a generally arc shape in rear view. The left arm 83L is provided so as to be convex upward (so that the opening faces downward). The right arm 83R is provided so as to be convex downward. The right arm 83R is formed in a shape that is obtained by rotating the left arm 83L by 180 degrees around the rotation shaft 82 (a shape that is point-symmetrical when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft 82). With this configuration, the pair of left and right arms 83 can be configured using common members, so that the configuration can be simplified. As shown in FIG. 6, the pair of left and right arms 83 are each disposed between the operation unit 81 and the first stop member 60 in the front-rear direction.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6(b), the pair of left and right arms 83 include through holes 83a and rotation restricting portions 83b. The through holes 83a are formed so as to penetrate the arm 83 in the thickness direction. The through holes 83a are formed at the left and right inner ends and the left and right outer ends of the arm 83, respectively. The rotation restricting portions 83b are portions for restricting the rotation of the operating portion 81. The rotation restricting portions 83b are formed so as to protrude from the left and right inner ends of the arm 83 toward the left and right inner sides.

[0060] The first connecting shaft 84 is for connecting the operation part 81 and the arm 83. The first connecting shaft 84 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the axial direction directed in the thickness direction of the operation part 81. A pair of the first connecting shafts 84 is provided on the left and right. In this embodiment, a bolt that can be inserted into the operation part 81 (second through hole 81c) and the arm 83 (through hole 83a on the left and right inner sides) is used as the first connecting shaft 84. The first connecting shaft 84 is inserted into the operation part 81 and the arm 83. The tip end portion (rear end portion of the bolt) of the first connecting shaft 84 is fitted into the bush nut 84a. The pair of left and right arms 83 can rotate about the first connecting shaft 84 relative to the first stop member 60 and the ridge-making mat 50.

[0061] The operation pin 85 shown in Fig. 5 is a member whose left and right position is operated (adjusted) in response to the rotation of the operation part 81. The operation pin 85 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axis oriented in the left and right direction. A pair of operation pins 85 are provided on the left and right. Holes 85a penetrating the operation pins 85 in the front and rear direction are formed at the left and right inner ends of the pair of left and right operation pins 85.

[0062] The pair of left and right operation pins 85 are inserted into the pair of left and right guide portions 64 of the first stop member 60, respectively. This allows the pair of left and right operation pins 85 to slide in the left-right direction along the guide portions 64. Note that Figs. 3 to 5 show the operation pin 85 in a state in which it has slid to its left-right outermost position relative to the guide portions 64. In this state, the pair of left and right operation pins 85 (left and right outer end portions) are disposed behind the pair of left and right second stop members 70, so that when the second stop member 70 attempts to move rearward, it comes into contact with the operation pin 85, and the movement is restricted.

[0063] The second connecting shaft 86 is for connecting the arm 83 and the operation pin 85. The second connecting shaft 86 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axial direction directed in the thickness direction of the operation portion 81. A pair of second connecting shafts 86 are provided on the left and right. In this embodiment, a pin that can be inserted into the arm 83 (through holes 83a on the left and right outer sides) and the operation pin 85 (hole portion 85a) is used as the second connecting shaft 86. The second connecting shaft 86 is inserted into the arm 83 and the operation pin 85. The pair of left and right arms 83 can rotate relatively to the operation pin 85 around the second connecting shaft 86.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switching mechanism 80 can move a pair of left and right operation pins 85 in the left and right direction in response to the rotation of the operation part 81. This allows the switching mechanism 80 to switch between restricting and releasing the rearward movement of the second regulating member 70, thereby adjusting the width W of the ridge furrow. Below, the operation of the switching mechanism 80 will be described using as an example the case where the operation pin 85 located on the outermost left and right side shown in Figure 7(a) is moved inward left and right. Note that in Figure 7, for the sake of convenience, the ridge-making mat 50 is omitted.

[0065] First, the width W of the ridge furrow in the state before the operation pin 85 is moved (the state shown in Figures 7(a) and 8(a)) will be described. As described above, when the pair of left and right operation pins 85 are positioned at the outermost left and right positions, the rearward movement of the pair of left and right second regulating members 70 is regulated by the pair of left and right operation pins 85. When ridge-forming work is performed in this state, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 8(a), the ridge-forming mat 50 deforms so as to bend rearward with the pair of left and right second regulating members 70 as fulcrums. In this case, ridges U are formed on both the left and right sides of the pair of left and right second regulating members 70, and therefore the width W of the ridge furrow becomes a width corresponding to the second regulating members 70.

[0066] Next, an operation for moving the operation pin 85 will be described. An operator grasps the operation unit 81 shown in Fig. 7(a) and rotates the operation unit 81 clockwise as viewed from the rear about the rotation shaft 82. In this embodiment, the operator rotates the operation unit 81 clockwise by 90° as viewed from the rear.

[0067] When the operation unit 81 rotates, the pair of left and right arms 83 are pulled inwardly to the left and right. The arms 83 pull the pair of left and right operation pins 85 inwardly to the left and right while rotating relative to the operation unit 81 and the pair of left and right operation pins 85. In this way, the rotational movement of the operation unit 81 is converted into linear movement of the pair of left and right operation pins 85, and the pair of left and right operation pins 85 slide inwardly to the left and right on the guide portions 64 of the first stop member 60. Due to this sliding, the pair of left and right operation pins 85 move inwardly to the left and right from the pair of left and right second stop members 70, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0068] This enables the switching mechanism 80 to release the restriction on the rearward movement of the second restricting member 70. When ridge forming work is performed in this state, the pair of left and right second restricting members 70 move rearward together as a unit with deformation of both left and right side portions of the ridge forming mat 50. This makes it possible to narrow the area over which the ridge forming mat 50 presses against the tilled soil (acts on the tilled soil) and reduce the width W of the ridge furrow, compared to when the operating pin 85 is positioned on the outer left and right sides (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0069] The worker can restrict the rearward movement of the second restricting member 70 by performing the procedure opposite to that described above. More specifically, the worker can move the pair of left and right operation pins 85 outward to the left and right by rotating the operation unit 81 shown in FIG. 7(b) counterclockwise by 90° when viewed from behind, thereby disposing the pair of left and right operation pins 85 behind the pair of left and right second restricting members 70.

[0070] In this way, the pair of left and right operating pins 85 can advance and retreat behind the pair of left and right second stop members 70 by operating the operating unit 81. More specifically, the pair of left and right operating pins 85 can reciprocate between a restricted position (see FIG. 7(a)) where at least a portion is disposed behind the pair of left and right second stop members 70, and a non-restricted position (see FIG. 7(b)) where at least a portion is not disposed behind the pair of left and right second stop members 70.

[0071] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right arms 83 are formed with rotation restricting portions 83b (see FIG. 5(b)). The rotation restricting portions 83b come into contact with the collar 81e when the operation unit 81 shown in FIG. 7(b) is rotated 90° counterclockwise in rear view (the state shown in FIG. 5(b)). This allows the pair of left and right operation pins 85 to be stopped at appropriate positions (restricted positions).

[0072] 7, the switching mechanism 80 of this embodiment can move a pair of left and right arms 83 and a pair of left and right operation pins 85 collectively by operating (rotating) a single operation part 81. This eliminates the need to operate the left and right arms 83 and operation pins 85 separately, making it easy to adjust the furrow width W.

[0073] As described above, the operating unit 81 is provided with the protruding portion 81a (trim 81d) that protrudes rearward (see FIG. 6). By partially protruding the operating unit 81 in this manner, the operator can hook his / her finger on the protruding portion to rotate the operating unit 81, thereby improving the operability of the operating unit 81.

[0074] Here, when the ground leveling board 40 shown in Fig. 2 engages with the engagement portion 65 of the first stop member 60, the ground leveling board 40 is positioned adjacent to the ridge-forming mat 50. For example, taking the ridge-forming mat 50 shown in solid lines in Fig. 2 as an example, the ground leveling board 40 that has been moved to the usage position (the position shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 2) is positioned adjacent to the rear of the ridge-forming mat 50.

[0075] The recess 44 of the ground leveling board 40 is appropriately positioned and sized (left and right width, etc.) so as to be able to accommodate the switching mechanism 80 when the ridge-making mat 50 and the ground leveling board 40 are adjacent to each other in this manner. With this configuration, the recess 44 prevents interference between the switching mechanism 80 and the ground leveling board 40, and allows the ground leveling board 40 to be brought closer to the ridge-making mat 50.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first connecting shaft 84 and the second connecting shaft 86 are arranged to be aligned in the left-right direction in the restricted position shown in FIG. 7(a). Therefore, unlike this embodiment, if the pair of left and right arms 83 are formed in a straight line connecting the first connecting shaft 84 and the second connecting shaft 86, the operation pin 85 may be difficult to move even when the operation unit 81 rotates. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right arms 83 are formed in a substantially arc shape (a shape different from a straight line) when viewed from the rear, so that it is possible to make it easier to move the operation pin 85 when the operation unit 81 rotates in the restricted position. This can improve the operability of the operation unit 81.

[0077] As described above, the walk-behind working machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a flexible ridge-forming mat 50 arranged behind the tiller tines 8, a first regulating member 60 provided behind the left and right central portions of the ridge-forming mat 50 and restricting rearward deformation of the ridge-forming mat 50, second regulating members 70 arranged respectively on the left and right outer sides of the first regulating member 60 behind the ridge-forming mat 50 and capable of moving as the ridge-forming mat 50 deforms, and a switching mechanism 80 capable of restricting the rearward movement of the second regulating members 70 arranged respectively on the left and right outer sides of the first regulating member 60 and releasing said restriction, all at once.

[0078] With this configuration, the width W of the ridge furrow (the width of the ridge forming mat 50 acting on the tilled soil) can be easily adjusted.

[0079] In addition, the switching mechanism 80 includes a pair of left and right operating pins 85 (advancing and retreating members) that can be advanced and retreated behind the second regulating member 70, a pair of left and right arms 83 that are respectively connected to the pair of left and right operating pins 85, and an operating unit 81 that moves the pair of left and right arms 83 together.

[0080] By configuring in this way, the switching mechanism 80 can be made to have a simple configuration.

[0081] The operation unit 81 is configured to be rotatable, and moves the pair of left and right arms 83 together in association with the rotation of the operation unit 81 (see FIG. 7).

[0082] By configuring in this manner, the width W of the ridges and furrows can be adjusted with a simple operation.

[0083] Moreover, the arm 83 converts the rotational movement of the operation portion 81 into a linear movement of the operation pin 85 (see FIG. 7).

[0084] By configuring in this way, the switching mechanism 80 can be made to have a simple configuration.

[0085] Further, the pair of left and right arms 83 are formed in arc shapes that are point-symmetrical with each other with the rotation shaft as the center of symmetry when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the operation unit 81 (see FIG. 5).

[0086] By configuring in this way, the switching mechanism 80 can be made to have a simple configuration.

[0087] The tiller further includes a leveling plate 40 that can swing between a use position (the position of the leveling plate 40 shown by the dotted line in Figure 2) in which the tilled soil tilled by the tilling tines 8 can be leveled, and a non-use position (the position of the leveling plate 40 shown by the solid line in Figure 2) in which the tilled soil cannot be leveled, and the leveling plate 40 has a recess 44 that can accommodate the switching mechanism 80 in the use position.

[0088] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the switching mechanism 80 from interfering with the leveling board 40 when the leveling board 40 is in use (when switched to the use position).

[0089] The operation pin 85 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the advance / retract member according to the present invention.

[0090] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0091] For example, the switching mechanism 80 of the present embodiment includes the operation portion 81, the arm 83, the operation pin 85, etc., but the specific structure of the switching mechanism 80 is not limited as long as it collectively moves the pair of left and right second restriction members 70 rearward and releases the movement. Below, modified examples of the switching mechanism 80 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0092] 9 is configured to allow a pair of left and right operation pins 185 to swing by vertical sliding movement of an operation unit 181. The switching mechanism 180 includes an operation unit 181, a pair of left and right arms 183, and a pair of left and right operation pins 185.

[0093] The operation portion 181 is configured to be slidable in the up-down direction relative to the first stop member 60. The pair of left and right arms 183 connect the operation portion 181 to the pair of left and right operation pins 185. The pair of left and right arms 183 are configured to be swingable relative to the operation portion 181 and the pair of left and right operation pins 185. The pair of left and right operation pins 185 are arranged to extend downward as they move toward the left and right outer sides. The pair of left and right operation pins 185 are configured to be swingable in the up-down direction around the left and right inner end portions.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 9, when the operating portion 181 is slid vertically, a pair of left and right operating pins 185 are swung vertically via a pair of left and right arms 183, and can move to a restricted position shown by a solid line in FIG. 9 (rear of the pair of left and right second regulating members 70) and a released position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 9 (below the pair of left and right second regulating members 70).

[0095] The switching mechanism 280 shown in FIG. 10 is configured such that a pair of left and right operation pins 285 can be slid up and down by vertical sliding movement of the operation unit 281. The switching mechanism 280 includes the operation unit 281 and the operation pin 285. The operation unit 281 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction oriented in the left-right direction. The operation unit 281 is configured to be slidable up and down relative to the first stop member 60. The operation pin 285 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction oriented in the left-right direction. The operation pin 285 is inserted into the operation unit 281 and is provided so as to protrude from the operation unit 281 on both the left and right sides.

[0096] As shown by two-dot chain lines in Fig. 10, the pair of left and right operation pins 285 can be moved to the restriction release position by sliding the operation portion 281 upward. Also, as shown by solid lines in Fig. 10, the pair of left and right operation pins 285 can be moved to the restriction position by sliding the operation portion 281 downward. In this way, the switching mechanisms 180 and 280 can also collectively move the pair of left and right second restriction members 70 rearward and release the movement by an operation other than rotation (for example, a sliding operation).

[0097] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 80 moves the pair of left and right operation pins 85 by the arm 83 that operates in conjunction with the rotation of the operation unit 81 (see FIG. 7), but it is also possible to move the operation pin 85 by using a spring instead of the arm 83. For example, it is also possible to move the operation pin 85 by using a spring to exert a biasing force when a push button or the like (operation unit) is operated.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, by providing a pair of left and right second regulating members 70, the width W of the ridge furrow can be adjusted in two stages (see Figure 8), but by providing multiple sets of second regulating members 70, it is also possible to adjust the width W of the ridge furrow in three or more stages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Walk-behind work machine 8 Cultivating Claws 50 Ridge Mat 60 First control member 70 Second regulating member 80 Switching Mechanism

Claims

1. A flexible ridge-making mat is disposed behind the tilling tines; A first restricting member provided behind the left and right central portions of the ridge mat and restricting rearward deformation of the ridge mat; a second restricting member disposed on each of the left and right outer sides of the first restricting member behind the ridge mat and movable in accordance with deformation of the ridge mat; a switching mechanism capable of simultaneously restricting rearward movement of the second stop members disposed on the left and right outer sides of the first stop member and releasing the restriction; A walk-behind work machine equipped with the above.

2. The switching mechanism includes: A pair of left and right advancing / retracting members that can be advanced and retreated behind the second stop member; A pair of left and right arms respectively connected to the pair of left and right advancing and retreating members; an operating unit for collectively moving the pair of left and right arms; Equipped with The walk-behind work machine according to claim 1.

3. The operation unit includes: The operation unit is configured to be rotatable, and the pair of left and right arms are moved together in response to the rotation of the operation unit. The walk-behind work machine according to claim 2.

4. The arm is A rotational movement of the operating unit is converted into a linear movement of the advancing and retreating member. The walk-behind work machine according to claim 2.

5. The pair of left and right arms are When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the operation unit, the operation units are formed in a point-symmetrical arc shape with the rotation shaft as a center of symmetry. The walk-behind work machine according to claim 4.

6. The tilling machine further includes a leveling plate that can be swung between a use position where the tilled soil cultivated by the tilling claws can be leveled and a non-use position where the tilled soil cannot be leveled; The ground leveling plate is A recess capable of accommodating the switching mechanism in the use position is provided. The walk-behind working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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