Electric lawn mower

Abstract

To provide an electric lawn mower capable of solving clogging of lawn grass by reverse rotation of only a mower and a blower.SOLUTION: An electric lawn mower according to an aspect of an embodiment includes: a travel vehicle body; a mower that mows lawn grass in front of the travel vehicle body; a blower that blows and conveys lawn grass mowed by the mower; a PTO motor that drives the mower and the blower; a pump clutch provided between the PTO motor and a hydraulic pump; and a control part that controls on and off of the pump clutch. The control part turns off the pump clutch when the PTO motor performs reverse rotation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric lawnmower. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, riding lawn mowers have been known that include a traveling body, a mower that cuts grass in front of the traveling body, and a blower that blows and transports the grass cut by the mower (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] During maintenance of riding lawn mowers, the front of the mower is lifted and fixed in an upright position, and the blades are manually cleaned and maintained. Also, when grass gets stuck in the blower's conveying path, the grass is removed to clean it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-109914 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, there are electric riding lawn mowers. These electric lawn mowers are equipped with an electric motor (PTO motor) that drives a mower, a blower, and a hydraulic pump. It is conceivable to reverse the rotation of the PTO motor to reverse the rotation of the mower and the blower and clear grass blockages. However, in such electric lawn mowers, if the rotational power of the reverse-rotating PTO motor is transmitted to the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump may rotate in reverse, causing a malfunction.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide an electric lawnmower that can clear grass clogging by rotating only the mower and blower in reverse. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the lawn mower includes a traveling body (2), a mower (3) that cuts grass in front of the traveling body (2), a blower (35) that blows and transports the grass cut by the mower (3), a PTO motor (72) that drives the mower (3) and the blower (35), a pump clutch (16C) provided between the PTO motor (72) and a hydraulic pump (73), and a control unit (70) that controls the on / off of the pump clutch (16C), and the control unit (70) disengages the pump clutch (16C) when the PTO motor (72) is rotated in the reverse direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the electric lawnmower of the embodiment, it is possible to remove clogging of grass by rotating only the mower and the blower in reverse. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of an electric lawnmower according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a power transmission diagram showing the power transmission configuration of the electric lawnmower according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system in the electric lawnmower according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the vehicle speed of a traveling vehicle body and a threshold value. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the charging inlet. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the charging inlet configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the charging inlet. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear view showing the charging inlet configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view showing the charging inlet configuration. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the charging inlet. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a charging inlet with a dedicated plug inserted therein. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing the charging inlet with the dedicated plug inserted therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an electric lawn mower disclosed in the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0011] <Overall configuration of electric lawn mower> The overall configuration of an electric lawnmower according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of an electric lawnmower 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 also shows a schematic side (left side) view of the electric lawnmower 1.

[0012] 1 also shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z-axis whose positive direction is vertically upward (upward). For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis will be defined as the left, the negative direction of the X-axis as the right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the forward direction, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as the backward direction, with the X-axis direction being referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis as the up-down direction.

[0013] The electric lawnmower 1 is driven by a driver to cut grass and collect the cut grass. Note that, below, the electric lawnmower 1 or the traveling vehicle body 2, which will be described later, may be referred to as the "machine body."

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric lawnmower 1 includes a traveling body 2, a lawn mower (hereinafter referred to as a mower) 3, a mower lifting mechanism 4, and a grass collection container (hereinafter referred to as a collector) 5. The traveling body 2 includes a body frame 21, a pair of left and right front wheels 22, and a pair of left and right rear wheels 23. The body frame 21 forms the body framework of the traveling body 2. A travel motor 71 and a PTO motor 72 (both of which are described below; see FIG. 3) are mounted on the body frame 21. The body frame 21 supports the pair of left and right front wheels 22 via a front axle case, and supports the pair of left and right rear wheels 23 via a chain case.

[0015] In the electric lawnmower 1, the rotational power of the travel motor 71 is transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 23 via a transmission mechanism housed in the chain case, and is also transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22 via a transmission mechanism housed in the front axle case.

[0016] The traveling vehicle body 2 also includes a floor step 25 , a driver's seat 26 , a steering column 271 , a steering wheel 272 , various operating tools 281 , various operating pedals 282 , and a safety frame 29 .

[0017] The floor step 25 is provided at the front of the traveling vehicle body 2. The driver's seat 26 is a seat where the driver sits, and is provided at the rear of the floor step 25. The steering column 271 is provided at the front of the floor step 25. In other words, the steering column 271 is provided in front of the driver's seat 26. The steering wheel 272 is an operating tool for steering the vehicle body, and is provided at the top of the steering column 271.

[0018] The various operating devices 281 include an operating unit 283 (see FIG. 3), a mower lifting / lowering lever, a collector lifting / lowering lever, a dump lever, etc., and are provided on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 26. The various operating pedals 282 include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, etc., and are provided above the floor step 25 and on the left and right sides of the steering column 271. The operating unit 283 is a switch-like operating device, but is not particularly limited thereto, and can be a lever-like operating device of any other shape.

[0019] The safety frame 29 is a member for ensuring the safety of the driver in the event of the machine tipping over, and is provided behind the driver's seat 26. The safety frame 29 is provided in an arch shape spanning the left and right directions of the machine when viewed from the front or rear.

[0020] The mower 3 is provided in front of the traveling vehicle body 2. In this way, the electric lawnmower 1 is a so-called front mower type, in which the mower 3 is provided at the front of the machine body. However, the electric lawnmower 1 may also be a so-called mid-mower type, in which the mower 3 is provided at the center of the machine body, for example.

[0021] The mower 3 is a work machine that cuts grass growing in front of the mower 3, and is equipped with a mower deck 31 and a cutting blade (not shown). The electric lawnmower 1 transports grass cut with a cutting unit (not shown) equipped with a cutting blade to a collector 5 (described below) via a transport path that includes the cutting unit, duct 33, and chute 34. At this time, the electric lawnmower 1 uses a blower 35 to blow air through the grass.

[0022] The mower lifting mechanism 4 includes a mower lifting cylinder 41 and a lift arm 42. The mower lifting cylinder 41 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, and drives the mower 3 to move up and down. The lift arm 42 is provided between the mower lifting cylinder 41 and the mower deck 31. The mower lifting mechanism 4 transmits the driving force of the mower lifting cylinder 41 to the lift arm 42, thereby driving the lift arm 42. The mower lifting mechanism 4 drives the lift arm 42 to raise and lower the mower 3 (mower deck 31).

[0023] The collector 5 is provided at the rear of the traveling vehicle body 2. The collector 5 is a container that stores grass cut by the mower 3. The collector 5 is made up of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped frame, and the front, rear, left, right, and top surfaces of the frame are made up of plate members with ventilation holes. A grass intake (not shown) that communicates with the chute 34 is formed in the front of the collector 5.

[0024] The collector 5 includes a lid 51. The lid 51 is formed by integrating the rear and top surfaces of the collector 5. The lid 51 is configured to move away from the main body of the collector 5 in conjunction with the dump of the collector 5, leaving the rear of the collector 5 widely open. In this way, the collector 5 discharges grass that has accumulated by dumping. The electric lawnmower 1 basically discharges grass when the collector 5 is full of grass. When discharging grass, the electric lawnmower 1 moves to a specified discharge location and discharges the grass at the specified discharge location.

[0025] The electric lawnmower 1 also includes a travel motor 71 (see FIG. 3), a PTO motor 72 (see FIG. 3), a battery (not shown), and a control unit 70 (see FIG. 3). As described above, the travel motor 71 and the PTO motor 72 are mounted on the vehicle body frame 21. The travel motor 71 drives the front wheels 22 and the rear wheels 23 with rotational power. The PTO motor 72 drives the cutting blades of the mower 3 with rotational power. The PTO motor 72 also drives the blower 35 with rotational power. The battery supplies power to the travel motor 71 and the PTO motor 72.

[0026] The control unit 70 is capable of controlling each part through electronic control, and is equipped with a processing unit (not shown) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, as well as a memory unit (not shown) consisting of a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., in which various programs and necessary data are stored.

[0027] <Riding lawn mower transmission configuration> Next, the power transmission configuration of the electric lawnmower 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a power transmission diagram showing the power transmission configuration of the electric lawnmower 1 according to the embodiment.

[0028] 2, in the electric lawnmower 1, the power (rotational power) output from the PTO motor 72 is transmitted to a first PTO shaft (Power Take-off) (also referred to as a blower PTO shaft) 12A via a blower clutch 16A. The rotational power output from the blower PTO shaft 12A is transmitted to the blower 35, for example, via a blower transmission device (such as a gear transmission device).

[0029] Furthermore, the rotational power output from the PTO motor 72 is transmitted to a second PTO shaft (Power Take-off) (also referred to as an implement drive PTO shaft) 12B via a mower clutch 16B. The rotational power output from the implement drive PTO shaft 12B is transmitted to the cutting blade via a mower input shaft (not shown) and a mower transmission (not shown) in the mower deck 31 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] Furthermore, the rotational power output from the PTO motor 72 is transmitted via the pump clutch 16C to the hydraulic pump 73. The hydraulic pump 73 supplies hydraulic oil to hydraulic cylinders such as the mower lifting cylinder 41.

[0031] Furthermore, the rotational power output from the travel motor 71 is transmitted to the drive wheels via a travel transmission device. The electric lawnmower 1 is configured to be switchable between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). Therefore, when the electric lawnmower 1 is in 2WD mode, the drive wheels are either the left or right front wheels 22 or the left or right rear wheels 23 (for example, the left or right front wheels 22), and when the electric lawnmower 1 is in 4WD mode, the drive wheels are the left or right front wheels 22 or the left or right rear wheels 23.

[0032] In the case of 4WD, the rotational power output from the traveling motor 71 is transmitted to the front wheels 22 via the gear transmission device 14a and the differential mechanism 14b in the differential case 14. In addition, the rotational power output from the traveling motor 71 is transmitted to the rear wheels 23 via the gear transmission device 15a and the differential mechanism 15b in the differential case 15.

[0033] <Control content of the electric lawnmower control system and control unit> Next, the control system of the electric lawnmower 1 according to this embodiment and the control details of the control unit 70 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of the electric lawnmower 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 2 and a threshold value.

[0034] 3, the control unit 70 is connected to an operation unit 283 and various other operation tools 281. The control unit 70 can acquire signals from the operation unit 283 and various operation tools 281, and control the operation of each part of the machine based on the acquired signals.

[0035] Furthermore, various other sensors 700, including a vehicle speed sensor 701, are connected to the control unit 70. The vehicle speed sensor 701 is a sensor that calculates the traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle, and derives an actual measurement value of the vehicle speed from the rotation speed of the front wheels 22 and rear wheels 23 (both see FIG. 2). The control unit 70 is capable of acquiring various data from each part and controlling the operation of each part of the vehicle based on the acquired data and results calculated from the data.

[0036] The control unit 70 is also capable of electronically controlling the drive of various parts of the electric lawnmower 1, including the travel motor 71, PTO motor 72, and various actuators 500. The control unit 70 also controls solenoid valves that turn on and off the blower clutch 16A, mower clutch 16B, and pump clutch 16C (all see FIG. 2), and can also control the mower lifting / lowering cylinder 41 to control the lifting and lowering of the mower 3.

[0037] When the operator presses the operating unit 283, the control unit 70 disengages the pump clutch 16C and controls the PTO motor 72 to rotate in reverse. Currently, when grass becomes clogged in the conveying path, the operator manually clears the clog. The electric lawnmower 1 of the present application is efficient because it can semi-automatically clear clogs when grass becomes clogged in the conveying path. Furthermore, because the electric lawnmower 1 can automatically clear clogs instead of manually, safety is improved.

[0038] Specifically, when the operator presses the operation unit 283, the control unit 70 sets the control value for the rotation speed of the PTO motor 72 to 0, stopping the rotation of the PTO motor 72. After the rotation speed of the PTO motor 72 reaches 0, or falls below a specified value close to 0, the control unit 70 disengages the pump clutch 16C. With the pump clutch 16C disengaged, the electric lawnmower 1 no longer transmits the rotational power of the PTO motor 72 to the hydraulic pump 73.

[0039] The control unit 70 then outputs a control value to rotate the PTO motor 72 in the reverse direction, thereby rotating the mower 3 and blower 35 in the reverse direction and blowing air to expel grass stuck in the conveying path toward the cutting section. This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to expel grass stuck in the conveying path toward the cutting section and also spread it out with the cutting blades so that it does not form clumps. Furthermore, because the electric lawnmower 1 can prevent the hydraulic pump 73 from rotating in the reverse direction, it can prevent breakdowns in the hydraulic pump 73.

[0040] The control unit 70 may install a clogging detection device on the conveying path, and if the clogging detection device detects a grass clogging for a certain period of time or longer, it may automatically control the PTO motor 72 to stop and then reverse rotation. This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to automatically clear clogging, thereby improving efficiency.

[0041] After disengaging the mower clutch 16B, the control unit 70 may output a control value to cause the PTO motor 72 to rotate in reverse, thereby rotating the blower 35 in reverse and blowing air so that grass stuck in the conveying path is expelled toward the cutting unit. This improves safety by stopping the mower 3 and blowing air.

[0042] When the load value of the PTO motor 72 reaches a threshold value, the control unit 70 may disengage the pump clutch 16C and reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72. Since the control unit 70 predicts that the load on the PTO motor 72 will increase if the conveying path is clogged, the control unit 70 can clear the clog in the mower deck 31 by rotating the PTO motor 72 in the reverse direction.

[0043] For example, the load on the PTO motor 72 is calculated based on the actual rotation speed of the PTO motor 72 relative to the control value of the rotation speed of the PTO motor 72. The actual rotation speed of the PTO motor 72 is acquired from the control unit of the PTO motor 72. The smaller the actual rotation speed of the PTO motor 72 relative to the control value of the rotation speed of the PTO motor 72, the greater the load on the PTO motor 72.

[0044] The control unit 70 may vary the threshold value depending on the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 70 may vary the threshold value so that the threshold value increases as the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 2 increases. This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to distinguish between an increase in the load on the PTO motor 72 due to an increase in vehicle speed and an increase in the load on the PTO motor 72 due to clogging of the lawn grass, and to reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72 accordingly.

[0045] The control unit 70 may periodically and automatically disengage the pump clutch 16C and then reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72. For example, the control unit 70 may disengage the pump clutch 16C and then reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72 for a predetermined number of seconds every minute. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may disengage the pump clutch 16C and then reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72 when the traveling vehicle body 2 comes to a stop. In this way, by periodically reversing the rotation of the PTO motor 72, the electric lawnmower 1 can prevent grass from clogging the conveying path.

[0046] <Electric lawn mower with charging inlet configuration> Next, an electric lawnmower 1 equipped with a charging inlet configuration will be described using Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the charging inlet configuration. Figure 6 is a side view showing the charging inlet configuration. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the charging inlet configuration. Figure 8 is an enlarged rear view showing the charging inlet configuration. Figure 9 is an enlarged side view showing the charging inlet configuration. Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the charging inlet configuration.

[0047] The electric lawnmower 1 is a multi-purpose machine that can be fitted with multiple implements, including a mower 3 (see Figure 1). The electric lawnmower 1 is equipped with a power battery (not shown) for driving the machine body, and multiple electric motors, including a traction motor 71 (see Figure 3), which is driven by the power battery.

[0048] 5 and 6, the electric lawnmower 1 is equipped with a charging unit 80 that charges the power battery. The electric lawnmower 1 also has a monitor 90 that displays the charging status during charging. The electric lawnmower 1 is also equipped with a radiator 91 that cools the machine body.

[0049] The electric lawnmower 1 has a vehicle charging inlet 81 attached to the side of the body, forward of the rear wheels 23, behind the front wheels 22, and in front of the radiator 91. By locating the charging inlet 81 on the same side as the radiator 91, which requires daily maintenance, the electric lawnmower 1 can be made easier to maintain. Furthermore, by locating the charging inlet 81 between the front wheels 22 and rear wheels 23, the orientation of the electric lawnmower 1 during charging is less likely to be limited. Furthermore, when the charging inlet 81 is connected, the operator can check the monitor 90 to confirm that the charging inlet 81 is connected.

[0050] Charging inlet 81 is configured so that the periphery of charging inlet 81 is protected by case 82, which also serves as a mounting stay for charging inlet 81. This allows electric lawnmower 1 to protect the electric cable of charging inlet 81 from water and dust, preventing breakdowns.

[0051] 8, the top surface 82a of the case 82 is angled leftward at an angle θ with the ground contact surface of the vehicle. This prevents dust from accumulating on the top surface 82a of the case 82, improving the cleanability of the electric lawnmower 1.

[0052] 9 and 10, electric lawnmower 1 has a switch 83 on the front surface 82b of case 82 that prompts the machine to switch to a charging state when charging the power battery via charging inlet 81. Electric lawnmower 1 is highly safe because the charging equipment is connected to charging inlet 81 via a charging harness, and charging begins when the operator presses switch 83 after confirming the connection, and the location of switch 83 close to charging inlet 81 makes it easy to use.

[0053] Switch 83 is located to the upper right of the center of charging inlet 81. By locating switch 83 away from body frame 21 of the vehicle and higher than charging inlet 81, the electric lawnmower 1 makes it easier for the operator to press and see, improving operability.

[0054] The switch 83 has an internal light that is used to notify the user of the charging status. For example, the switch 83 is configured so that the light is always on while charging and flashes if an abnormality occurs. This allows the switch 83 to double as a warning light, reducing the number of parts in the electric lawnmower 1, and providing a warning light close to the charging inlet 81 allows the operator to confirm at a glance that the electric lawnmower 1 is in charging mode. Furthermore, the electric lawnmower 1 also improves safety by making it easier for the operator to check for abnormalities when charging ends due to some kind of error.

[0055] Next, an electric lawnmower 1 equipped with a charging inlet configuration into which a dedicated plug is inserted will be described using Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing charging inlet 81 into which dedicated plug 84 is inserted. Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing charging inlet 81 into which dedicated plug 84 is inserted. Figure 13 is a side view showing outlet 84A.

[0056] The electric lawnmower 1 has a V2L (vehicle to load) function that supplies power from the power battery to an external device. For example, the electric lawnmower 1 can be connected to household appliances via a power supply harness. This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to use household appliances outdoors, improving convenience and enabling it to be used as an emergency power source in the event of a disaster.

[0057] The charging inlet 81 functions not only as a charging port but also as a V2L power supply port. This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to use the same inlet as both the charging port and the power supply port, reducing the number of parts and preventing mistakes when inserting the charging port and the power supply port.

[0058] Switch 83 also serves as a switch that prompts the transition to V2L power supply mode. This reduces the number of parts in the electric lawnmower 1, and by configuring charging and power supply to be performed with the same operation, it improves the intuitiveness of operation. Furthermore, the electric lawnmower 1 is safer because power is not supplied to the outside unless switch 83 is pressed.

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the V2L function is activated by inserting a dedicated plug 84 into the charging inlet 81, and the dedicated plug 84 is equipped with an outlet used for household appliances. This makes the electric lawnmower 1 safer because it only supplies power when the dedicated plug 84 is inserted. Furthermore, by replacing the dedicated plug 84, the electric lawnmower 1 can be used with outlets in various countries, improving versatility. Note that Figure 13 shows a general outlet 84A used in Europe. For example, the charging inlet 81 of this embodiment is inserted into a dedicated plug 84 equipped with an outlet 84A.

[0060] The light of the switch 83 can emit light in multiple colors, and emits different colors depending on whether the electric lawnmower 1 is in a charging state or a power supply state. For example, it emits orange light when charging and green light when power is being supplied. This makes it easier for the operator to determine whether the electric lawnmower 1 is in a charging state or a power supply state.

[0061] As described above, the electric lawnmower 1 of this embodiment comprises a traveling body 2, a mower 3 that cuts the grass in front of the traveling body 2, a blower 35 that blows and transports the grass cut by the mower 3, a PTO motor 72 that drives the mower 3 and the blower 35, a pump clutch 16C provided between the PTO motor 72 and the hydraulic pump 73, and a control unit 70 that controls the on / off of the pump clutch 16C, and the control unit 70 disengages the pump clutch 16C when the PTO motor 72 is rotated in reverse.

[0062] As a result, when the electric lawnmower 1 disengages the pump clutch 16C, the power transmission path to the hydraulic pump 73 is cut off, so the hydraulic pump 73 is not affected by the PTO motor 72, and the hydraulic pump 73 does not rotate in reverse even when the PTO motor 72 is rotated in reverse. Additionally, the electric lawnmower 1 can clear grass blockages by rotating only the mower 3 and blower 35 in reverse.

[0063] Furthermore, in the electric lawnmower 1, when the load value of the PTO motor 72 reaches a threshold value, the control unit 70 disengages the pump clutch 16C and then rotates the PTO motor 72 in the reverse direction.

[0064] In the electric lawnmower 1, it is predicted that the load on the PTO motor 72 will increase if the transport path becomes clogged, so the PTO motor 72 can be rotated in the reverse direction to clear the transport path clog.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 70 changes the threshold value depending on the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 2.

[0066] This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to distinguish between an increase in the load on the PTO motor 72 due to an increase in vehicle speed and an increase in the load due to clogging with grass, and to reverse the rotation of the PTO motor 72 accordingly.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 70 periodically and automatically disengages the pump clutch 16C and then rotates the PTO motor 72 in the reverse direction.

[0068] This allows the electric lawnmower 1 to periodically rotate the PTO motor 72 in reverse to prevent grass from clogging the conveyance path.

[0069] The control unit 70 also includes an operating unit 283 provided on the traveling vehicle body 2, and when a predetermined operation is performed using the operating unit 283, the control unit 70 disengages the pump clutch 16C and then rotates the PTO motor 72 in the reverse direction.

[0070] As a result, the electric lawnmower 1 is configured so that the PTO motor 72 can be manually operated to rotate in reverse, allowing the PTO motor 72 to rotate in reverse at any time.

[0071] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 electric lawn mower 2 Running vehicle 3 Moore 16C pump clutch 35 Blower 70 Control Unit 72 PTO motor 73 Hydraulic Pump 283 Operation section

Claims

1. A running vehicle body, a mower that cuts grass in front of the traveling vehicle body; a blower for blowing and transporting the grass cut by the mower; a PTO motor that drives the mower and the blower; a pump clutch provided between the PTO motor and the hydraulic pump; a control unit that controls the on / off of the pump clutch, The control unit disengages the pump clutch when the PTO motor is rotated in reverse.

2. 2. The electric lawnmower according to claim 1, wherein the control unit disengages the pump clutch and then rotates the PTO motor in reverse when a load value of the PTO motor reaches a threshold value.

3. The electric lawnmower according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes the threshold value depending on the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body.

4. The electric lawnmower according to claim 1, wherein the control unit periodically automatically disengages the pump clutch and then reverses the rotation of the PTO motor.

5. An operation unit is provided on the traveling vehicle body, 5. The electric lawnmower according to claim 1, wherein the control unit disengages the pump clutch and then reverses the rotation of the PTO motor when a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit.

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