Mower

Abstract

To provide a mower capable of easily adjusting the position in the vertical direction of a reaping part according to the state of a grassland.SOLUTION: Solution to Problem A mower according to an embodiment of the present invention is a mower that mows grass while being self-propelled, the mower including: a mowing unit having a mowing blade; and a position adjustment mechanism including a vertical translation mechanism that translates the mowing unit in a vertical direction in accordance with a shape of a ground surface that a mowing surface of the mowing unit faces. The position adjustment mechanism may further include a left-right direction parallel movement mechanism that moves the mowing unit in parallel in the left-right direction. The up-and-down direction parallel translation mechanism includes the left-and-right direction parallel translation mechanism and a link arm that is disposed parallel or substantially parallel to the left-and-right direction parallel translation mechanism and forms a link mechanism together with the left-and-right direction parallel translation mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grass cutter. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mowing work has been carried out periodically using a mower to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the top surface or slopes of ridges. Patent Document 1 discloses a self-propelled mower that is remotely controlled via wireless communication and moves over the ridge to mow the top surface and slopes. The mower described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a cutting blade unit that has a horizontal cutting blade and an inclined cutting blade at the front of the machine body, and while moving, it is able to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the top surface of the ridge using the horizontal cutting blade and to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the slopes of the ridge using the inclined cutting blade. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-176153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When mowing grass, the conditions of the grass to be worked on vary widely. In particular, mowers used for mowing ridges are required to have the ability to easily adjust the position of the mower up and down or left and right to follow changes in the condition of the ridge's top surface and slope. Furthermore, when mowing is not being performed on a mower, it is preferable to move the cutting blade away from the grass and store the mower's cutting unit. The mower described in Patent Document 1 does not clearly state how to store the cutting unit.

[0005] One of the objectives of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a mower that can easily adjust the position of the cutting unit according to the condition of the grassland (for example, the height and undulation of the ridges). Another objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a mower that can safely store the cutting unit without damaging the cutting blade. In particular, one of the objectives of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a mower for ridges that has the above-mentioned functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A grass mower according to one embodiment of the present invention is a self-propelled mower that cuts grass, and includes a cutting unit having a cutting blade, and a position adjustment mechanism including an up-and-down parallel movement mechanism that moves the cutting unit in parallel up and down in accordance with the shape of the ground that the cutting surface of the cutting unit faces.

[0007] In the mower according to one embodiment of the present invention, the position adjustment mechanism may further include a left-right translation mechanism that translates the cutting part in the left-right direction.

[0008] In a grass mower according to one embodiment of the present invention, the up-down translation mechanism may include a left-right translation mechanism and a link arm that is arranged parallel or approximately parallel to the left-right translation mechanism and forms a link mechanism together with the left-right translation mechanism.

[0009] A brush cutter according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, in which the vertical parallel movement mechanism is connected to a position adjustment mechanism connecting part provided on the body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and the vertical rotation of the vertical parallel movement mechanism may be restricted by a rotation restriction means provided on the position adjustment mechanism connecting part.

[0010] A grass mower according to one embodiment of the present invention may be capable of rotating the vertical movement mechanism and storing the cutting unit by superimposing it on the body of the machine by releasing the restriction on the rotation of the vertical parallel movement mechanism imposed by the rotation restriction means.

[0011] The mower according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an elastic member that applies an upward biasing force to the cutting part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mower that can easily adjust the position of the mowing unit according to the condition of the grass. Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mower that can safely store the mowing unit without damaging the cutting blade. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mower for ridges that has the above-mentioned functions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a left side view showing the configuration of a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a rear view showing the configuration of a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a slope cutting unit, a position adjustment mechanism, and an angle adjustment mechanism in a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a slope cutting unit, a position adjustment mechanism, and an angle adjustment mechanism in a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a slope cutting unit, a position adjustment mechanism, and an angle adjustment mechanism in a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a slope cutting unit, a position adjustment mechanism, and an angle adjustment mechanism in a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a position adjustment mechanism in a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the position adjustment mechanism in the grass mower according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the position adjustment mechanism in the mower according to the shape of the ridges in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating a method for storing the slope mowing unit in the mower according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of a vertical translation mechanism of a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following describes the brush mower of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the brush mower of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the examples shown below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated with the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals followed by an alphabet, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when identical or similar parts are provided on the left and right sides of the direction of travel, the reference numerals of the parts are followed by L (left-side member) or R (right-side member). When there is no particular distinction between left and right members, the parts may be described using only the reference numerals, omitting L and R.

[0015] In the specification and claims of this application, "up" refers to the direction vertically away from the grass when the mower is moving forward while mowing a ridge or other grass area, and "down" refers to the opposite direction from "up." For ease of explanation, "front" refers to the direction in which the top cutting unit is positioned relative to the traveling unit, and "rear" refers to the opposite direction from "front." Furthermore, "left" and "right" refer to the left and right in a rear view of the mower as seen from the rear of the mower.

[0016] Furthermore, when the center line of the mower in a plan view (a line parallel to the direction of travel and passing through the center of the mower) is used as a reference, the side closer to the center line is called the "inside" and the side farther from the center line is called the "outside."

[0017] In the present specification, ridges, flat land and other grasslands where grass is cut by a mower are collectively referred to as grasslands.

[0018] First Embodiment [Configuration of the grass cutter 100] The mower 100 is a mower that performs mowing work while self-propelled. Specifically, the mower 100 is remotely controlled by a remote controller, and is a mower that performs mowing work while self-propelled on grass.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the configuration of a mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a state in which, when the mower is traveling on a ridge, the slope mowing unit 80 (only the left slope mowing unit 80L is shown) described below is adjusted to a position parallel or approximately parallel to a horizontal plane 203 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 3 is a rear view showing, in a simplified form, the configuration of a mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a state in which, when the mower 100 is traveling on a ridge, the slope mowing unit 80 is adjusted to an oblique position in accordance with the inclination of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mower 100 includes a machine body 10, a traveling unit 20, a mowing unit 120 including a top surface mowing unit 30 and a slope surface mowing unit 80, a position adjustment mechanism 90, an angle adjustment mechanism 130, an engine 60, an alternator 70, a battery 40, and an anti-tip mechanism 300. The drive of each unit is controlled by a control unit 50. The mower 100 is self-propelled by the traveling unit 20 and controls the drive of the mowing unit 120, so that it can mow the top surface 201 and slope surface 202 of a ridge 200 in a single run, as shown in FIG. 3. Note that in FIG. 3, for the sake of simplicity, parts other than the slope surface mowing unit 80, the position adjustment mechanism 90, and the angle adjustment mechanism 130 have been omitted or simplified.

[0021] 1 and 2, the machine body 10 includes a machine body 14, which is a frame forming the skeleton of the mower 100, and a support case 15 attached to the machine body 14 and extending forward. The support case 15 may be supported on the machine body 14 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. Mounting members 11 for mounting the top surface mowing unit 30 are provided facing downward on the support case 15. A pair of left and right slope mowing units 80 are also provided at the rear of the machine body 14. As will be described in detail later, the slope mowing units 80 are supported by a position adjustment mechanism 90 and an angle adjustment mechanism 130 that adjust the position of the slope mowing units 80 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, rotation stop frames 280L and 280R are provided on the outer sides of the machine body 14 against which slope mowing unit mounting units 98, described later, abut when the slope mowing units 80 are placed in the stored state, described later. The airframe 10 can be made of a metal material (for example, steel or aluminum), a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) material, or the like, but is not limited to these examples.

[0022] The travel unit 20 includes a pair of left and right travel units 20L and 20R, and functions as travel means for the mower 100. When viewed from behind, the travel unit 20L is the left travel unit when facing the direction of travel of the mower 100, and the travel unit 20R is the right travel unit. Note that the structure of the travel unit 20R is the same as that of the travel unit 20L, so the following description will focus on the travel unit 20L.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the traveling unit 20L includes a crawler belt 21L, drive wheels 22L, driven wheels 23L, a crawler frame 24L, and a drive unit 54L. The crawler belt 21L is spanned between the drive wheels 22L and the driven wheels 23L and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive wheels 22L. The drive unit 54L is driven by power supplied from an alternator 70 or a battery 40. The drive wheels 22L rotate by power transmitted from the drive unit 54L. Power generated by the rotation of the drive wheels 22L is transmitted to the driven wheels 23L via the crawler belt 21L. The crawler frame 24L rotatably supports the drive wheels 22L and the driven wheels 23L. In this embodiment, the crawler belt 21L is made of an elastic member (specifically, rubber) and has a plurality of lugs (protrusions), and a motor is used as the drive unit 54L.

[0024] As described above, in FIG. 1 , the mowing unit 120 includes the top surface mowing unit 30 provided in front of the traveling unit 20 and the slope surface mowing unit 80 (specifically, a pair of left and right slope surface mowing units 80L and 80R) provided behind the traveling unit 20. As will be described in detail later, the top surface mowing unit 30 is provided in front of the machine body 10 and functions as a mowing unit that mows weeds and other grass that grow on the top surface (mowing work) when mowing ridges. The slope surface mowing unit 80 is provided behind the machine body 10 and functions as a mowing unit that mainly mows weeds and other grass that grow on slopes when mowing ridges. For example, when mowing the top surface of a ridge and the left and right slopes simultaneously, the top surface mowing unit 30 will be located between the left slope surface mowing unit 80L and the right slope surface mowing unit 80R in the left-right direction in a rear view. The positional relationship between the top surface reaping unit 30 and the slope surface reaping unit 80 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and for example, the positions of the top surface reaping unit 30 and the slope surface reaping unit 80 may be reversed.

[0025] The work that can be performed by the slope mowing unit 80 is not limited to mowing on slopes, but it is also possible to perform mowing on grasslands other than slopes (for example, flat grasslands). For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, if the slope mowing unit 80 is adjusted to a position parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 (see Figure 3), it can perform mowing on a flat surface that is parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203.

[0026] The control unit 50 is provided, for example, above the machine body 10, and has the function of controlling the traveling unit 20, the cutting unit 120, the engine 60, the alternator 70, or the battery 40. The control unit 50 has, for example, an electronic circuit board equipped with a calculation unit, memory, a communication circuit, etc. In this case, a control program for controlling each part of the mower 100 is stored in the memory, and the calculation unit reads the control program from the memory and controls each part, such as the traveling unit 20, based on the control program.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the engine 60 is provided above the machine body 10. The engine 60 functions as a power source for the drive unit 33 that drives the top surface reaping unit 30, and as a power source for the alternator 70. The power generated by the engine 60 is transmitted to the drive unit 33 and the alternator 70 via power transmission means (not shown) formed of a belt or the like.

[0028] The alternator 70 is provided below the support case 15. The alternator 70 generates electric power by receiving power from the engine 60. The alternator 70 supplies the generated electric power to the battery 40 and also functions as a power source for the drive unit 83 that drives the slope reaping unit 80 and the drive unit 54 (see FIG. 2) that drives the traveling unit 20.

[0029] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the engine 60 is used as the power source for driving the top surface reaping unit 30, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, an alternator 70 can also be used as the power source for driving the top surface reaping unit 30. In other words, the top surface reaping unit 30, the slope reaping unit 80, and the traveling unit 20 can all be driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 or the battery 40.

[0030] The alternator 70 of this embodiment is equipped with a power generation control circuit (not shown) for controlling power generation. The mower 100 has a sensor that detects the battery voltage of the battery 40, and the power generation control circuit monitors the results detected by the sensor, allowing the alternator 70 to control its power generation state itself. The power generation control circuit controls the alternator 70 so that if the battery voltage of the battery 40 falls below a predetermined value, the alternator 70 generates power and enters a power supply state, and if the battery voltage of the battery 40 exceeds the predetermined value, the alternator 70 enters a power supply stopped state.

[0031] The battery 40 is disposed on the machine body 10 and is provided at a position behind the control unit 50. The battery 40 stores the electric power generated by the alternator 70. The battery 40 may function as a power source that supplies the stored electric power to the drive unit 83 that drives the slope reaping unit 80 and the drive unit 54 that drives the traveling unit 20.

[0032] Although not shown in the drawings, the mower 100 may include a cover member that covers the battery 40, the control unit 50, and the engine 60 and serves to protect each part. The cover member may be configured to cover only a portion of the battery 40, the control unit 50, and the engine 60.

[0033] The tip-over prevention means 300L and 300R are arranged side by side on each of the left and right running sections 20L and 20R so as to protrude laterally (outwardly) from the machine body 10, and prevent the mower 100 from tipping over in the left-right direction during mowing work. The tip-over prevention means 300 includes a support frame 310, a main arm 320, and an auxiliary arm 330. The support frame 310 is attached to the side of the running section 20 by an attachment member 17 (see Figure 2; however, only attachment member 17L is shown in Figure 2) that is connected to the machine body 14 and the crawler frame 24.

[0034] One end of the front side of the main arm 320 is rotatably connected to the support frame 310, and the main arm 320 is rotatably supported by the support frame 310. The auxiliary arm 330 is an extendable member that spans between the support frame 310 and the main arm 320 and is configured so that it can be fixed at a predetermined length. The main arm 320 can be rotated by extending or contracting the auxiliary arm 330. Specifically, when the auxiliary arm 330 is extended, the main arm 320 rotates downward and juts outward, and when the auxiliary arm 330 is retracted, the main arm 320 rotates upward and is held by the aircraft body. When mowing, the auxiliary arm 330 is extended, the main arm 320 is rotated downward, and the auxiliary arm 330 is fixed at a predetermined length. This allows the outward-hanging main arm 320 to come into contact with the field or grass and support the mower 100 when the mower 100 tilts. It is also possible to place a member that can ensure a large contact area at the part of the main arm 320 that comes into contact with the field. For example, if a plate-shaped member is attached to the rear end of the main arm 320, the plate-shaped member will function as a contact part with the field when the mower 100 tilts, making it possible to distribute the load (weight of the mower 100) on the main arm 320.

[0035] The configuration of the reaping unit 120 (specifically, the top surface reaping unit 30 and the slope surface reaping unit 80) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0036] [Configuration of top surface reaping unit 30] The structure of the top surface reaping unit 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface reaping unit 30 includes a casing 31, two blade units 32L and 32R arranged side by side, and drive units 33L and 33R corresponding to the blade units 32L and 32R, respectively. The drive units 33L and 33R are each connected to a mounting member 11. The casing 31 covers the top and sides of the blade unit 32 to prevent soil, pebbles, grass, and the like from scattering to the surrounding area. The casing 31 is sometimes referred to as a cover unit, and the side of the blade unit 32 not covered by the casing 31 faces the top surface 201 of the ridge 200. The structures of the blade unit 32R and drive unit 33R are the same as those of the blade unit 32L and drive unit 33L, respectively.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the top surface cutting unit 30 is supported so as to be suspended from the support case 15 via the mounting member 11. The blade unit 32 is made up of multiple mowing blades. The blade unit 32 is connected to the rotating shaft of the drive unit 33, and rotation of the rotating shaft of the drive unit 33 causes the blade unit 32, which includes multiple mowing blades, to rotate. These rotating mowing blades perform the work of mowing the grass. The drive unit 33 uses the driving force of the engine 60 transmitted via power transmission means (not shown) including a belt (not shown) as the driving force (rotational power) for the blade unit 32.

[0038] In this embodiment, the two blade sections 32L and 32R are provided symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line 110 of the machine body 10, and are arranged with a phase shift so that the mowing blades do not interfere with each other when the machine is stationary. The power transmission means is designed to transmit the driving force of the engine 60, transmitted via a belt, evenly or approximately evenly to both drive sections 33L and 33R. Therefore, the multiple mowing blades of blade section 32L and the multiple mowing blades of blade section 32R rotate at the same timing and the same speed.

[0039] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the engine 60 is used as the power source for rotating the blade section 32 of the top surface cutting section 30. However, when the alternator 70 is used as the power source for rotating the blade section 32, a motor can be used as the drive section 33. In this case, the control section 50 may be used to independently control the drive sections 33L and 33R, and independently drive the blade sections 32L and 32R. Furthermore, in this case, the power for driving the motor can be supplied from the alternator 70 or the battery 40.

[0040] [Configuration of the slope reaping unit 80] The structure of the slope reaping unit 80 will now be described. The slope reaping unit 80 includes a pair of left and right slope reaping units 80L and 80R. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slope reaping units 80L and 80R each include casings 81L and 81R, blade units 82L and 82R, drive units 83L and 83R corresponding to the blade units 82L and 82R, and grippers 140L and 140R. The casing 81, like the casing 31 of the top surface reaping unit 30, is sometimes referred to as a cover unit. It covers the top and sides of the blade units 82 and prevents soil, pebbles, grass, and the like from scattering into the surrounding area. The structure of the slope reaping unit 80R is the same as that of the slope reaping unit 80L. In addition, the casing 81R has cover members 150R (see FIGS. 4 to 6) that are provided to cover the periphery (four sides) of the blade portion 82R (see FIG. 1) in a plan view, thereby reducing the scattering of cut grass in all directions. Of the cover members 150R provided to cover the periphery (four sides) of the blade portion 82R, the cover members 150R that are provided on the front side, back side, and left side (inside) of the blade portion 82R are made of rubber. In this way, by constructing the cover members 150R located on the front, back, and left side (inside) of the blade portion 82R from a flexible material such as rubber, even if cut grass accumulates inside the casing 81R, the cover member 150R will turn over (deform) to allow the accumulated grass to be discharged. This reduces the load on the drive unit 83R (motor) and prevents problems such as grass getting stuck between the roller 410R and the roller support portions 420aR and 420bR (described later) and interfering with the rotation of the roller 410R (described later). Furthermore, the cover member 150R on the back side of the casing 81R is positioned so as not to overlap with the roller 410R (described later) when viewed from behind, so that its lower end does not interfere with the roller 410R (described later) during mowing. However, the length of the cover member 150R on the back side of the casing 81R can be set to any length as long as it does not interfere with the roller 410R (described later) during mowing.Furthermore, in this embodiment, the underside of the cover member 150R made of rubber and located on the front, back, and left side of the blade portion 82R has multiple notches (for example, in this embodiment, two notches are provided in the cover member 150R on the back side), making the cover member 150R more deformable and allowing grass to be smoothly discharged from inside the casing 81R. Also, in this embodiment, the cover member 150R is provided so that there is a predetermined gap between the cover member 150R and the ground (work surface), and because a roller 410R (described later) is disposed behind the blade portion 82R and the cover member 150R in a side view, grass that is scattered rearward from the gap between the cover member 150R and the ground (work surface) can be stopped by the roller 410R (described later) without hitting the cover member 150R. In the mower 100 of this embodiment, the cover member 150R located on the right side (outside) of the casing 81R is made of an iron plate (see Figure 5), which makes it difficult for cut grass to be discharged into the field. However, this is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6, and when constructing the casing 81R, it is possible to change as appropriate which side the cover member 150R is provided on and is arbitrary.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the blade unit 82 has a plurality of mowing blades. The blade unit 82 is connected to and rotates on the rotary shaft of the drive unit 83, which is driven by power from the alternator 70 or the battery 40. That is, the rotation of the rotary shaft of the drive unit 83 causes the blade unit 82, which includes a plurality of mowing blades, to rotate, and the blade unit 82 performs grass cutting work. A motor, for example, can be used as the drive unit 83. The drive units 83L and 83R can be driven independently. That is, the mower 100 can perform grass cutting work by independently controlling the slope cutting units 80L and 80R.

[0042] 1 and 3, the slope reaping units 80L and 80R are supported on the machine body 14 via position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R and angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R, respectively. Because the position adjustment mechanism 90 is rotatably connected to the machine body 14, the slope reaping units 80 can also rotate relative to the machine body 14.

[0043] The detailed structure of the position adjustment mechanism 90 will be described later, but the position adjustment mechanism 90 is a mechanism for moving the slope mowing unit 80 to follow the shape of the ridge (width, height, undulations, etc.) when the slope mowing unit 80 mows the slope, adjusting the left-right position of the slope mowing unit 80 to match the thickness of the ridge (ridge width) and adjusting the up-down position of the slope mowing unit 80 to match the height, undulations, etc. The position adjustment mechanism 90 is equipped with a parallel link mechanism for moving the slope mowing unit 80 in parallel up and down relative to the machine body 14, and a parallel link mechanism for moving the slope mowing unit 80 in parallel left and right directions; these two parallel link mechanisms allow the slope mowing unit 80 to move in parallel up, down, left and right without changing its attitude. That is, when the position adjustment mechanism 90 operates in response to changes in ridge width, height, or undulation, the slope mowing unit 80 moves parallel in the up, down, left, and right directions using the two parallel link mechanisms, so its posture relative to the slope does not change and mowing work can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, even when performing flat mowing with the slope mowing unit 80, because the slope mowing unit 80 moves parallel in the up and down direction, the rear of the slope mowing unit 80 does not become higher than the front, which prevents stones from flying backward, or so-called flying stones.

[0044] The detailed structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 130 will be described later; however, the angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R are connected to the position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R and the slope reaping units 80L and 80R, respectively. The slope reaping unit 80 can change its inclination relative to the machine body 14 by operating the angle adjustment mechanism 130. Specifically, the angle adjustment mechanism 130 is configured to adjust the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surface 204 of the slope reaping unit 80 and the underside of the machine body 14 (the same plane as the plane 206 shown in FIG. 3) in accordance with the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200. In the following description, the "underside of the machine body 14" is synonymous with the plane 206 shown in FIG. 3. The "cutting surface 204" is a surface (shown by a dashed line in Figure 3) that includes the trajectory of the blade portion 82 (see Figure 2) of the slope cutting section 80 when cutting grass, and can also be said to be the cut surface of the grass during grass cutting work.

[0045] 1 and 2, the slope mowing units 80L and 80R each include a mowing height adjustment unit 400L and 400R at their rear. The mowing height adjustment unit 400L includes a roller 410L and a pair of left and right roller support units 420aL and 420bL that rotatably support the roller 410L. Similarly, the mowing height adjustment unit 400R includes a roller 410R and a pair of left and right roller support units 420aR and 420bR that rotatably support the roller 410R.

[0046] The roller 410 is a cylindrical or rod-shaped rotating body that rotates in the direction of travel of the mower 100. The roller 410 of this embodiment has a rotation axis 411 (see FIG. 2 ; however, only the rotation axis 411L is shown in FIG. 2 ) that is parallel or substantially parallel to the mowing surface 204 of the slope mowing unit 80. As described above, the slope mowing unit 80 is configured to move in accordance with the shape (height and undulation) of the ridge by the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 90. As shown in FIG. 3 , the slope mowing unit 80 is configured so that the roller 410 comes into contact with the slope 202 of the ridge 200 and can maintain the distance (corresponding to the mowing height) from the mowing surface 204 to the slope 202 at a predetermined distance H1. In other words, the slope mowing unit 80 can maintain a constant mowing height of grass growing on the slope 202 according to the shape (height and undulation) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0047] As described above, the mower 100 of this embodiment can translate the slope mowing unit 80 in the up, down, left, and right directions by operating the position adjustment mechanism 90, allowing mowing work to be performed without changing the posture of the slope mowing unit 80 in response to changes in ridge width, height, and undulations of the ridge. Providing a cutting height adjustment unit 400 on the slope mowing unit 80 is extremely useful for effectively operating the position adjustment mechanism 90. The mower 100 can maintain a predetermined distance from the mowing surface 204 to the slope 202 using the cutting height adjustment unit 400, preventing the casing 81 of the slope mowing unit 80 from contacting the ridge 200 and enabling smooth translation of the slope mowing unit 80 by the position adjustment mechanism 90.

[0048] [Configuration of angle adjustment mechanism 130] The position adjustment mechanism 90 and angle adjustment mechanism 130 of the slope mowing unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIGS. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing the configurations of the slope mowing unit 80R, position adjustment mechanism 90R, and angle adjustment mechanism 130R in the mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the slope mowing unit 80R as viewed from the diagonally rear left, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the slope mowing unit 80R as viewed from the diagonally rear right. Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the slope mowing unit 80R as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the mowing surface 204R (see FIG. 3) while mowing work is being performed on the slope. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the slope mowing unit 80R as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the mowing surface 204R with the mowing surface 204R facing inward and the slope mowing unit 80R rotated upward until the mowing height adjustment unit 400R is positioned at the top.

[0049] 4 to 7 illustrate the slope reaping unit 80R, position adjustment mechanism 90R, and angle adjustment mechanism 130R, but the slope reaping unit 80L, position adjustment mechanism 90L, and angle adjustment mechanism 130L also have similar configurations. Note that, to simplify the drawings, some components are omitted from FIGS. 4 to 7. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 omit the spring 94R ​​of the position adjustment mechanism 90R. Also, FIGS. 4 to 7 omit the coil spring 224R and operating lever 222R that assist the movement of the rotation limiting pin 220R attached to a position adjustment mechanism connecting portion 260R (described later) to which the position adjustment mechanism 90R is connected.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the angle adjustment mechanism 130R includes a lock plate 131R, a slope cutting unit mounting shaft 132R, a disengaging and moving member 184R (see FIGS. 6 and 7), a disengaging and moving member mounting shaft 188R, and a slope cutting unit connecting portion 134R.

[0051] The slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R is a pair of plates erected on the slope mowing unit support portion 89R fixed to the top of the casing 81R of the slope mowing unit 80R, and is formed with an insertion hole through which the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R passes, an insertion hole through which the engaging / disengaging moving member mounting shaft 188R passes, and an opening 185R (see FIG. 5) through which an angle adjustment pin 133R (described later) provided on the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R passes (see FIG. 5). As described later, the slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R is rotatably supported on the lock plate 131R around the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R as a pivot axis. Furthermore, as described later, the slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R rotatably connects the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R around the engaging / disengaging operating member mounting shaft 188R as a pivot axis.

[0052] The lock plate 131R is a generally U-shaped member having a pair of lock plate portions (see FIGS. 4 and 6) arranged opposite each other, and is supported (fixed) by a slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R of the position adjustment mechanism 90R, which will be described later. The pair of lock plate portions of the lock plate 131R are formed with insertion holes for inserting the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R. The outer edge of the lock plate 131R is also formed with two recesses 131cR, which engage with an angle adjustment pin 133R (described later) provided on the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R to position and fix the angle of the mowing surface 204R (see FIG. 3), as well as an arc-shaped intermediate portion 131dR formed between the two recesses 131cR. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state in which the angle adjustment pin 133R is engaged with the outermost of the two recesses 131cR. The lock plate 131R is rotatably connected to the slope surface mowing unit connecting part 134R, with the slope surface mowing unit mounting shaft 132R as a rotation axis. That is, the slope surface mowing unit 80R is rotatably connected to the lock plate 131R.

[0053] The slope mowing unit 80R can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in the direction of travel of the mower 100, using the grip 140R installed on the top of the casing 81R, with the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R as the rotation axis. When storing the slope mowing unit 80R, the angle of the mowing surface 204R relative to the top surface 201 of the ridge 200 can be fixed at approximately 90 degrees by engaging the angle adjustment pin 133R with the inner recess 131cR. When performing flat mowing with the slope mowing unit 80R, the angle of the mowing surface 204R relative to the top surface 201 of the ridge 200 can be fixed at approximately 0 degrees by engaging the angle adjustment pin 133R with the outer recess 131cR. In addition, by freely moving the angle adjustment pin 133R while it is in contact (abutting) with the intermediate portion 131dR, the slope cutting unit 80R can freely adjust the angle of the cutting surface 204R (angle α2: see Figure 3) according to the inclination angle (angle α: see Figure 3) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0054] 4 to 7, the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R is provided with an angle adjustment pin 133R that engages with a recess 131cR in the lock plate 131R or abuts against an intermediate portion 131dR in the lock plate 131R, and an operating lever portion 187R that can be operated by an operator and that is formed to protrude to the side of the slope cutting unit connecting portion 134R. The engaging / disengaging moving member 184R is a member for moving the angle adjustment pin 133R that is engaged with the recess 131cR of the lock plate 131R in a direction to release the engagement with the recess 131cR (or in a direction to move the angle adjustment pin 133R that is in contact with the intermediate portion 131dR of the lock plate 131R away from the intermediate portion 131dR). Although not shown in the figure, a spring is arranged between the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R and the slope cutting section support portion 89R, and the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R is biased in the direction in which the angle adjustment pin 133R engages with the recess 131cR (or in the direction in which it abuts against the intermediate portion 131dR).

[0055] Further, an insertion hole is formed in the engaging / disengaging moving member 184R for inserting the engaging / disengaging operating member mounting shaft 188R. The engaging / disengaging moving member 184R is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting part 134R, with the engaging / disengaging moving member mounting shaft 188R inserted through the insertion hole and an insertion hole formed in the slope mowing unit connecting part 134R as a rotation axis.

[0056] The angle adjustment pin 133R is inserted into an opening 185R (see FIG. 5) provided in the slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R, and can move inside the opening 185R to engage with or separate from the recess 131cR of the lock plate 131R (or abut against or separate from the intermediate portion 131dR of the lock plate 131R). When the operating lever portion 187R is operated against the biasing force of a spring (not shown) disposed between the engagement / disengagement moving member 184R and the slope mowing unit support portion 89R, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R rotates about the engagement / disengagement moving member mounting shaft 188R, and the angle adjustment pin 133R moves inside the opening 185R, thereby allowing the angle adjustment pin 133R to separate from the recess 131cR or separate from the intermediate portion 131dR.

[0057] The lock plate 131R is fixed to a slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R included in the position adjustment mechanism 90R. The lock plate 131R is also connected to a slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R, which is connected to the slope mowing unit support portion 89R. This connects the slope mowing unit 80R and the position adjustment mechanism 90R to each other. The lock plate 131R and the slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R have insertion holes formed therein for inserting the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R. The slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R inserted through the insertion hole connects the lock plate 131R and the slope mowing unit connecting portion 134R, and the slope mowing unit 80R is rotatably connected to the position adjustment mechanism 90R.

[0058] Next, the angle adjustment operation of the slope mowing unit 80R using the angle adjustment mechanism 130R will be described. First, the operating lever 187R provided on the aforementioned engaging / disengaging moving member 184R (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is operated (rotated upward) to disengage the angle adjustment pin 133R from the recess 131cR. Next, with the angle adjustment pin 133R and the recess 131cR still disengaged, the handle 140R is grasped and the slope mowing unit 80R is rotated around the slope mowing unit mounting shaft 132R as the rotation axis. At this time, the slope mowing unit connecting part 134R and the slope mowing unit support part 89R rotate together with the angle adjustment pin 133R relative to the lock plate 131R. Thereafter, when the angle adjustment pin 133R comes into contact with the middle section 131dR, the operation of the operating lever section 187R is stopped and the angle adjustment pin 133R is brought into contact with the middle section 131dR. This makes it possible to freely move the slope cutting section 80R within a predetermined range of inclination angles, and to freely adjust the angle of the cutting surface 204R (angle α2) according to the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0059] As explained above, in the mower 100, the lock plate 131R can be used to adjust the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surface 204R of the slope mowing unit 80R and the underside of the machine body 14. Similarly, like the lock plate 131R, the lock plate 131L can be used to adjust the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surface 204L of the slope mowing unit 80L and the underside of the machine body 14. Therefore, the mower 100 can perform mowing work that is suited to the inclination of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0060] The mower 100 can also perform mowing work on a surface parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 (also called flat mowing) with the angle α2 of each of the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R adjusted to be symmetrical and approximately 0 degrees relative to the underside of the machine body 14 (the state shown in FIG. 1). Furthermore, the mower 100 can also perform mowing work by adjusting the angle α2 of the slope mowing parts 80L and 80R to different angles.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which two recesses 131cR are formed in the lock plate 131R, but three or more recesses 131cR may be formed, which allows the slope cutting part 80R to be fixed at more angles (angle α2).

[0062] [Configuration of position adjustment mechanism 90] Next, we will explain the position adjustment mechanism 90. By operating the position adjustment mechanism 90, the mower 100 can adjust the position of the slope cutting unit 80 in the up, down, left, and right directions, particularly when mowing ridges, depending on the condition of the ridge (including the height and undulations of the ridge on which the slope cutting unit 80 acts, changes in ridge width, etc.).

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the position adjustment mechanism 90R is connected to the aircraft body 14 (specifically, the rear right end of the aircraft body 14) via a position adjustment mechanism connecting part 260R. Similarly, although not shown, the position adjustment mechanism 90L is connected to the rear left end of the aircraft body 14 via a position adjustment mechanism connecting part 260L. The position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R are connected to the rear of the aircraft body 14 at positions symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with respect to the center line 110 (see FIG. 1). The position adjustment mechanism connecting part 260R has two plate-like members 260aR and 260bR connected to the aircraft body 14 and a rotation shaft 261R attached to the two plate-like members 260aR and 260bR. Each of the two plate-like members 260aR and 260bR has an insertion hole through which a rotation limiting pin 220R, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0064] The position adjustment mechanism 90R has a connecting portion 99R, a connecting auxiliary member 210R, a first link arm 91R, a second link arm 92R, a third link arm 230R, a sloped surface mowing unit mounting portion 98R, a sloped surface mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R, and a connecting auxiliary member 245R. Furthermore, although not shown in Figures 6 and 7, the position adjustment mechanism 90R has a spring 94R ​​stretched between the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R (see Figures 4 and 5). The position adjustment mechanism 90R of this embodiment has a left-right parallel movement mechanism comprising a connecting portion 99R, a first link arm 91R, a second link arm 92R, a slope cutting unit mounting portion 98R and a spring 94R, and a up-down parallel movement mechanism comprising a connecting portion 99R, a connecting auxiliary member 210R, a first link arm 91R, a second link arm 92R, a third link arm 230R, a slope cutting unit mounting portion 98R, a slope cutting unit mounting auxiliary member 240R and a connecting auxiliary member 245R.

[0065] First, the left-right translation mechanism will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 99R has a pair of connecting structures composed of an upper connecting portion 99aR, which is a member bent into a substantially L-shape, and a lower connecting portion 99bR, which is a member bent into a substantially U-shape. The upper connecting portion 99aR and the lower connecting portion 99bR are arranged facing each other vertically. The connecting portion 99R is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 261R of the position adjustment mechanism connecting portion 260R. More specifically, the lower connecting portion 99bR is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 261R of the position adjustment mechanism connecting portion 260R. An upper portion of the lower connecting portion 99bR is provided with an up-regulation pin 250R (described later). A lowering regulation pin 252R (described later) is provided at a lower portion of the lower connecting portion 99bR. The connecting portion 99R also pivotally supports the front ends of the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R so that they can rotate freely in the left-right direction. The second link arm 92R is disposed inside the first link arm 91R. Furthermore, one end on the rear side of the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R is connected to a slope cutting unit mounting portion 98R.

[0066] The slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R has a pair of connecting structures composed of an upper slope mowing unit mounting portion 98aR, which is a member bent into a substantially L-shape, and a lower slope mowing unit mounting portion 98bR, which is a member bent into a substantially U-shape. The upper slope mowing unit mounting portion 98aR and the lower slope mowing unit mounting portion 98bR are arranged facing each other vertically. The slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R is rotatably connected to a slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R. More specifically, the lower slope mowing unit mounting portion 98bR is rotatably supported by the slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R. In addition, a connecting auxiliary member 245R (described later) is provided on the underside of the lower slope mowing unit mounting portion 98bR. Furthermore, the slope reaping unit mounting portion 98R pivotally supports one end of the rear side of the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R so that they can rotate freely in the left-right direction.

[0067] The slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R is a member bent into a substantially U-shape and is connected to the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R so that the bent portions on both sides of the U-shape sandwich the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R. The slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R is connected to the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R in a state where it can rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the member that pivotally supports the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R at the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R. The slope mowing unit mounting portions 98aR and 98bR are connected to the slope mowing unit 80R via the slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R.

[0068] The connecting portion 99R and the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R are arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other by the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R. The first link arm 91R is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second link arm 92R. In this way, a left-right parallel movement mechanism is formed by the parallel link mechanism formed by the connecting portion 99R, the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R, the first link arm 91R, and the second link arm 92R. A spring 94R ​​(see Figures 4 and 5) is stretched between the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R, and the elastic force of the spring 94R ​​acts to bias the slope mowing unit 80R inward.

[0069] Here, the operation of the left-right translation mechanism will be described. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the position adjustment mechanism 90L in the mower 100 of one embodiment of the present invention. However, to simplify the drawing, the third link arm 230L is not shown. Also, in Figure 8, the left-right translation mechanism will be described using the position adjustment mechanism 90L as an example, but the position adjustment mechanism 90R has a similar structure.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8 , in the left-right translation mechanism, a spring 94L is spanned between the first link arm 91L and the second link arm 92L. Specifically, the spring 94L is disposed between the end of the first link arm 91L closer to the slope mowing unit 80L and the end of the second link arm 92L closer to the machine body 14. The spring 94L is a tension spring and generates a force that pulls the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98L inward, i.e., a force that pulls the slope mowing unit 80L inward. However, the spring 94L is merely one example of a biasing body and is not limited to this example. In other words, any member that can bias the slope mowing unit 80L inward may be used as the biasing body.

[0071] When the left-right translation mechanism deforms outward (i.e., when the slope mowing unit 80L moves in a direction away from the machine body 14), the action of the spring 94L acts to apply an inward biasing force to the slope mowing unit 80L. For example, if the width of the ridge narrows (if the position of the slope 202 shifts inward) or if the traveling position shifts to the left, the first link arm 91L is pulled inward by the spring 94L, the left-right translation mechanism slides in the direction of the arrow on the left, and the slope mowing unit 80L moves inward.

[0072] On the other hand, if the width of the ridge widens (if the position of the slope 202 shifts outward) or if the traveling position shifts to the right, the left-right translation mechanism receives a force from the ridge 200 that is greater than the inward pulling force of the spring 94L. When a force greater than the inward pulling force is applied to the spring 94L, the spring 94L expands and is pulled outward, and the left-right translation mechanism slides in the direction of the arrow on the right. At this time, the slope reaping unit 80L moves to a point where the force from the ridge 200 balances the pulling force of the spring 94L.

[0073] As described above, the left-right parallel movement mechanism includes a parallel link mechanism consisting of the connecting part 99R, the first link arm 91R, the second link arm 92R and the slope cutting part mounting part 98R, and by the action of the left-right parallel movement mechanism biased by the spring 94, the mower 100 can move the slope cutting part 80 in parallel left-right directions without changing the posture of the slope cutting part 80 according to the width of the slope 202 of the ridge 200, and can follow the width of the ridge 200.

[0074] Returning to Figures 6 and 7, before describing the vertical translation mechanism, the rotation of the connection auxiliary member 210R relative to the position adjustment mechanism connection portion 260R will be described. The connection auxiliary member 210R is a member installed between the connection portion 99R and the position adjustment mechanism connection portion 260R, and is rotatable around a rotation shaft 261R connected to the position adjustment mechanism connection portion 260R as a central axis. The connection auxiliary member 210R and the connection portion 99R are each rotatable independently around the rotation shaft 261R as a central axis. The connection auxiliary member 210R is a member bent into a substantially L-shape, and has a vertical surface portion 216R that is substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction, and a horizontal surface portion 215R that is connected to the vertical surface portion 216R and extends in the left-right direction.

[0075] The vertical surface 216R has an insertion hole through which the rotation shaft 261R is inserted, making the entire connection assisting member 210R rotatable around the rotation shaft 261R as a central axis. The vertical surface 216R has a recessed front cutout, with its upper portion forming an upper limit position limiter 212R that protrudes forward and its lower portion forming a lower limit position limiter 214R. A ball stud 231R is attached to the horizontal surface 215R. The ball stud 231R forms a ball joint in combination with a socket 232R (described later) provided at one end of the third link arm 230R.

[0076] 6, a rotation limiting pin 220R is attached to the position adjustment mechanism coupling portion 260R so as to bridge between the plate-shaped members 260aR and 260bR. The rotation limiting pin 220R is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the two plate-shaped members 260aR and 260bR, and is configured to be movable between a limiting position where the rotation limiting pin 220R abuts against the upper limit position limiting portion 212R of the connection auxiliary member 210R (see FIG. 8; however, FIG. 8 illustrates the operation lever 222L) and a non-limiting position where the rotation limiting pin 220R does not abut against the upper limit position limiting portion 212R of the connection auxiliary member 210R (specifically, a position where the outer end of the rotation limiting pin 220R does not protrude from the outer surface of the outer plate-shaped member 260aR) by operation of an operating lever 222R (see FIG. 8; however, FIG. 8 illustrates the operating lever 222L) by an operator. When the rotation limiting pin 220R is positioned in the limiting position, the upper limit position limiting portion 212R of the auxiliary connection member 210R, which rotates upward, abuts against the rotation limiting pin 220R, restricting the upward rotation of the auxiliary connection member 210R. Note that a rotation limiting pin 270R, which can be abutted by the lower limit position limiting portion 214R of the auxiliary connection member 210R, is fixed to the position adjustment mechanism coupling portion 260R in order to restrict the downward rotation of the auxiliary connection member 210R.

[0077] The operation of the rotation limiting pin 220 will now be described with reference to Figure 8. In Figure 8, the rotation limiting pin 220L will be described as an example, but the rotation limiting pin 220R shown in Figures 5 and 6 has a similar configuration. However, in order to simplify the drawings, an operating lever 222R and a coil spring 224R, which will be described later, are not shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8, the inner end of the rotation-limiting pin 220L protrudes inward beyond the inner plate-shaped member 260bL, and the operating lever 222L is rotatably connected to this end. Furthermore, the rotation-limiting pin 220L is inserted through a coil spring 224L that is disposed between the plate-shaped members 260aL and 260bL. The coil spring 224L applies a biasing force to the rotation-limiting pin 220L such that the rotation-limiting pin 220L moves outward (i.e., in the direction protruding from the plate-shaped member 260aL). When the operating lever 222L is rotated in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8), the rotation-limiting pin 220L moves inward (to the non-restricted position, i.e., in the direction protruding inward from the plate-shaped member 260bL) against the biasing force of the coil spring 224L. Furthermore, when the operating lever 222L is rotated in a second direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8 ) opposite to the first direction, the rotation limiting pin 220L moves outward to the restricted position. At this time, the biasing force of the coil spring 224L acts, so the operating lever 222L can be operated with a light force to move the rotation limiting pin 220L from the non-restricted position to the restricted position. Thus, the rotation limiting pin 220L is configured to be movable in the direction in which the central axis of the rotation limiting pin 220L extends (i.e., left and right) by the operating lever 222L and the coil spring 224L. Therefore, by operating the operating lever 222L and moving the rotation limiting pin 220L from the restricted position to the non-restricted position, the slope reaping unit 80, which is connected to the connection auxiliary member 210 via the position adjustment mechanism 90 and the angle adjustment mechanism 130, can be moved to the stowed state described below. Furthermore, by operating the operating lever 222 and moving the rotation limiting pin 220 from the non-restricting position to the restricting position, the vertical rotation of the connection assisting member 210 is restricted.

[0079] In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the rotation limiting pin 220 is moved in the left-right direction using the operating lever 222 and the coil spring 224, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the rotation limiting pin 220 may be configured to be manually movable in the longitudinal direction without using the coil spring 224, or the rotation limiting pin 220 may be configured to be insertable and removable.

[0080] Returning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotation limiting pin 220R limits clockwise rotation of the connection assisting member 210R in a right side view. Specifically, when the rotation limiting pin 220R is in the limiting position, the upper limit position limiting portion 212R of the connection assisting member 210R abuts against the rotation limiting pin 220R, thereby limiting upward rotation of the connection assisting member 210R. Furthermore, the rotation limiting pin 270R limits counterclockwise, i.e., downward, rotation of the connection assisting member 210R in a right side view. Specifically, the lower limit position limiting portion 214R of the connection assisting member 210R abuts against the rotation limiting pin 270R, thereby limiting rotation of the connection assisting member 210R. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 6, rotation of the connection assisting member 210R is limited in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. However, by moving the rotation limiting pin 220R inward and shifting it to a non-restricted position where it cannot come into contact with the upper limit position limiting portion 212R, it becomes possible to rotate the connection assisting member 210R freely (without restriction) in the clockwise direction.

[0081] Next, the vertical translation mechanism will be described. As described above, a lift-up restricting pin 250R is provided on the upper part of the lower connecting portion 99bR of the connecting portion 99R. The lift-up restricting pin 250R is a member that restricts clockwise rotation of the connecting portion 99R about the rotation axis 261R as a rotation axis in a right side view. Specifically, when the connecting portion 99R rotates clockwise in a right side view about the rotation axis 261R, the lift-up restricting pin 250R abuts against an upper limit position restricting portion 212R provided on the connection auxiliary member 210R, thereby restricting clockwise rotation of the connecting portion 99R about the rotation axis 261R as a rotation axis within a certain range as a right side view. Furthermore, as described above, a lower-down restricting pin 252R is provided on the lower part of the lower connecting portion 99bR of the connecting portion 99R. The lowering restriction pin 252R is a member that restricts counterclockwise rotation of the connecting portion 99R about the rotation axis 261R as the rotation axis in a right side view. Specifically, when the connecting portion 99R rotates counterclockwise in a right side view about the rotation axis 261R, the lowering restriction pin 252R abuts against the connection auxiliary member 210R, and the counterclockwise rotation of the connecting portion 99R about the rotation axis 261R as the rotation axis is restricted to a certain range as viewed from the right side. In other words, the rotation range of the connecting portion 99R relative to the connection auxiliary member 210R is restricted to a certain range.

[0082] A ball stud 231R, which forms a ball joint with a socket 232R provided at one end of the third link arm 230R, is attached to the horizontal surface portion 215R of the auxiliary connecting member 210R. A connecting member 245R is provided on the underside of the auxiliary connecting member 240R. A ball stud 234R, which forms a ball joint with a socket 235R provided at the other end of the third link arm 230R, is attached to the auxiliary connecting member 245R. Although the auxiliary connecting member 240R and the auxiliary connecting member 245R are configured as separate members in the above embodiment, they may also be configured as a single member. The third link arm 230R has one end attached to a socket 232R that forms a ball joint with a ball stud 231R attached to the horizontal surface portion 215R of the auxiliary connection member 210R, and the other end attached to a socket 235R that forms a ball joint with a ball stud 234R attached to the auxiliary connection member 245R, and is disposed longitudinally parallel or approximately parallel to but spaced apart from the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R. In other words, the third link arm 230R is provided between the auxiliary connection member 210R and the auxiliary connection member 245R, and is capable of moving up, down, left, and right with the ball studs 231R and 234R as fulcrums. In other words, the third link arm 230R is a member for vertically translating the slope mowing unit 80R, and is combined with the connecting portion 99R, the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R, the auxiliary connecting member 210R, the slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240R, and the auxiliary connecting member 245R and the left-right translation mechanism (effectively, the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R) to form a vertical translation mechanism. In other words, the third link arm 230R can follow the movement of the left-right translation mechanism formed by the connecting portion 99R, the first link arm 91R, the second link arm 92R, the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R, and the spring 94R, and can translate the slope mowing unit 80R in the vertical direction in combination with the first link arm 91R and the second link arm 92R.

[0083] As described above, the vertical parallel movement mechanism includes a parallel link mechanism consisting of a connecting auxiliary member 210R, a connecting portion 99R, a first link arm 91R, a second link arm 92R, a slope cutting unit mounting portion 98R, a slope cutting unit mounting auxiliary member 240R, a connecting auxiliary member 245R and a third link arm 230R, and can move the slope cutting unit 80R in parallel in the vertical direction without changing its posture, regardless of the shape of the ridge (height or undulations).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, the connection auxiliary member 210R has an upper limit position limiter 212R formed on its upper side, as described above. The upper limit position limiter 212R is provided on the position adjustment mechanism connecting member 260R and abuts against the rotation limiting pin 220R positioned in the limiting position, thereby limiting clockwise rotation of the connection auxiliary member 210R in a right side view. Furthermore, the connection auxiliary member 210R also has a lower limit position limiter 214R formed on its lower side. The lower limit position limiter 214R abuts against the rotation limiting pin 270R provided on the position adjustment mechanism connecting member 260R, thereby limiting counterclockwise rotation of the connection auxiliary member 210R in a right side view. These structures limit the range of rotation of the connection auxiliary member 210R in the up-down direction around the rotation shaft 261R as the central axis.

[0085] An upper portion of the connecting portion 99R, specifically, an upper portion of the lower connecting portion 99bR, is provided with a raising restriction pin 250R. A lower portion of the connecting portion 99R, specifically, a lower portion of the lower connecting portion 99bR, is provided with a lowering restriction pin 252R. When the connecting portion 99R rotates clockwise in a right side view, the raising restriction pin 250R abuts against an upper limit position limiter 212R provided on the connecting auxiliary member 210R, thereby limiting the clockwise rotation of the vertical translation mechanism in a right side view to a certain range. When the connecting portion 99R rotates counterclockwise in a right side view, the lowering restriction pin 252R abuts against the connecting auxiliary member 210R, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation of the vertical translation mechanism in a right side view to a certain range.

[0086] As described above, the connection auxiliary member 210R and the connecting portion 99R can each independently rotate within a certain range around the rotation shaft 261R as the central axis, but as described above, the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the connection auxiliary member 210R in right side view is limited by the rotation limiting pin 220R and the rotation limiting pin 270R. Therefore, the vertical movement of the slope mowing unit 80R shown in Figure 6 is not caused by rotation around the rotation shaft 261R of the connection auxiliary member 210R as the rotation axis, but by translation caused by the parallel link mechanism of the vertical translation mechanism that accompanies rotation of the connecting portion 99R around the rotation shaft 261R as the rotation axis.

[0087] [Operation of position adjustment mechanism 90] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 90 in the mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 9 shows the change in the position adjustment mechanism 90R when the slope cutting unit 80R, which is located in the position shown in Figure 9(A) (above the slope 202 of the ridge 200), is moved to the position shown in Figure 9(B) (below the slope 202). Note that, to simplify the drawing, the spring 94R ​​of the position adjustment mechanism 90R, and the operating lever 222R and coil spring 224R for moving the rotation limiting pin 220R are not shown.

[0088] When the slope reaping unit 80R is in the position shown in Figure 9(A) in rear view, the slope reaping unit mounting portion 98R, which constitutes the position adjustment mechanism 90R, is located slightly outside and below the connecting portion 99R. When the slope reaping unit 80R moves from the state shown in Figure 9(A) to the position shown in Figure 9(B), the parallel link mechanisms of both the left-right translation mechanism and the up-down translation mechanism are deformed, and the slope reaping unit 80R translates diagonally downward to the right without changing its posture. In this way, the slope reaping unit 80R can be moved along the slope of the slope 202 of the ridge 200 without changing the angle of the mowing surface 204R.

[0089] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the position adjustment mechanism 90 in the mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention in accordance with the shape of the ridge. Specifically, Figures 10(A) to 10(D) each show a form in which the position of the position adjustment mechanism 90 is adjusted in accordance with changes in the width and height of the ridge.

[0090] 10(A) shows a case where the height of the ridge has increased and the width of the ridge has narrowed. In this case, the angle adjustment mechanism 130 adjusts the cutting surface 204 (see FIG. 3) of the slope cutting unit 80 to the angle of the slope, while the position adjustment mechanism 90 translates the slope cutting unit 80 inward and downward, thereby adjusting the position of the slope cutting unit 80 to the shape of the ridge.

[0091] 10(B) shows a case where the height of the ridge is high and the width of the ridge has changed widely. In this case, the angle adjustment mechanism 130 adjusts the cutting surface 204 of the slope cutting unit 80 to the angle of the slope, while the position adjustment mechanism 90 translates the slope cutting unit 80 outward and downward, thereby adjusting the position of the slope cutting unit 80 to the shape of the ridge.

[0092] 10(C) shows a case where the height of the ridge is low and the width of the ridge is narrowed. In this case, the angle adjustment mechanism 130 adjusts the cutting surface 204 of the slope cutting unit 80 to the angle of the slope, while the position adjustment mechanism 90 translates the slope cutting unit 80 inward and upward, thereby adjusting the position of the slope cutting unit 80 to the shape of the ridge.

[0093] 10(D) shows a case where the height of the ridge is low and the width of the ridge has changed widely. In this case, the angle adjustment mechanism 130 adjusts the cutting surface 204 of the slope cutting unit 80 to the angle of the slope, while the position adjustment mechanism 90 translates the slope cutting unit 80 outward and upward, thereby adjusting the position of the slope cutting unit 80 to the shape of the ridge.

[0094] As described above, the mower 100 of this embodiment can translate the slope mowing unit 80 in all directions, up, down, left, and right directions, while maintaining its posture, by operating the position adjustment mechanism 90. Therefore, even if the width or height of the ridge changes, the mower 100 can adjust the position of the slope mowing unit 80 to follow these changes.

[0095] [Escape mechanism of the slope reaping unit 80] The parallel link mechanism of the vertical parallel movement mechanism also functions as an escape mechanism when the mower 100 moves the slope mowing unit 80 up and down in accordance with the undulations of the slope 202 of the ridge 200. Even if the slope mowing unit 80 of the mower 100 comes into contact with an obstacle such as a lump of earth or a stone, the vertical parallel movement mechanism allows the slope mowing unit 80 to escape upward, preventing damage to the slope mowing unit 80. Furthermore, the slope mowing unit 80 of this embodiment can mow by following the undulations of the slope of the ridge.

[0096] [How to store the slope reaping unit 80] Next, a method for storing the slope mowing unit 80 will be described using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a right side view illustrating a method for storing the slope mowing unit 80 in the mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the method for storing the slope mowing unit 80L is the same as that for the slope mowing unit 80R, so the method for storing the slope mowing unit 80R will be described as an example here, and a description of the method for storing the slope mowing unit 80L will be omitted.

[0097] Figure 11(A) shows a state in which the mowing surface 204 of the slope mowing unit 80R faces inward within a plane approximately perpendicular to the underside (plane 206) of the machine body 14. Specifically, Figure 11(A) corresponds to a state in which the angle adjustment mechanism 130R shown in Figures 4 and 5 is operated to engage the angle adjustment pin 133R with the inner recess 131cR provided in the lock plate 131R. The method of operating the angle adjustment mechanism 130R has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0098] Next, the slope mowing unit 80R is rotated upward. As described above, during mowing work, the slope mowing unit 80R is configured to move vertically in a parallel movement manner using the vertical parallel movement mechanism, and the upward rotation of the slope mowing unit 80R is restricted by abutting the rotation limiting pin 220R against the upper limit position limiter 212R. Therefore, in order to rotate the slope mowing unit 80R upward, it is necessary to operate the operating lever 222R (not shown) to first move the rotation limiting pin 220R, which is in the restricted position shown in FIG. 6, to the inner non-restricted position so that it does not abut against the upper limit position limiter 212R of the connecting auxiliary member 210R.

[0099] After the rotation limiting pin 220R is moved to the non-restricted position, the slope mowing unit 80R is moved outward and lifted, thereby rotating the slope mowing unit 80R clockwise through the state shown in Fig. 11(B) and then to the state shown in Fig. 11(C). Fig. 11(B) shows the state in which the slope mowing unit 80R has been rotated upward 90 degrees from the state shown in Fig. 11(A), and Fig. 11(C) shows the state in which the slope mowing unit 80R has been rotated a further 90 degrees from the state shown in Fig. 11(B). In the state shown in Fig. 11(C), a part of the slope mowing unit 80R (specifically, the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R) abuts against the rotation stop frame 280R provided on the machine body 14. When a part of the slope mowing unit 80R abuts against the rotation prevention frame 280R, clockwise rotation of the slope mowing unit 80R in a right side view is restricted, and the slope mowing unit 80R is placed in a stored state. In addition, when a part of the member constituting the rotation shaft of the slope mowing unit mounting part 98R engages with an engaging part provided on the rotation prevention frame 280R, counterclockwise rotation of the slope mowing unit 80R in a right side view is restricted.

[0100] In Figure 11(A), the cutting surface 204 of the slope cutting unit 80R is shown facing inward in a plane approximately perpendicular to the underside (plane 206) of the machine body 14, but on the ridge 200, the slope 202 may get in the way and it may not be possible to lower the slope cutting unit 80R to the position shown in Figure 11(A). In this case, the angle adjustment pin 133R can be engaged with the outer recess 131cR provided on the lock plate 131R (i.e., the cutting surface 204 of the slope cutting unit 80R is facing downward in a plane approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203), and the slope cutting unit 80R can be rotated as shown in Figures 11(B) and 11(C) until it is rotated to a position where it does not hit the slope 202, after which the angle adjustment pin 133R can be engaged with the inner recess 131cR provided on the lock plate 131R.

[0101] Furthermore, in the mower 100 of this embodiment, when both the slope mowing units 80L and 80R are stored, the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R of both units face inward in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the underside (plane 206) of the machine body 14. However, this is not a limitation, and the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R of the slope mowing units 80L and 80R, respectively, may be inclined with respect to the underside (plane 206) of the machine body 14.

[0102] Furthermore, when the slope mowing unit 80 is stored, the slope mowing units 80L and 80R are each superimposed on the machine body 10, and the battery 40 and the control unit 50 are disposed between the slope mowing unit 80L and the slope mowing unit 80R. In this way, the grass mower 100 can store the slope mowing unit 80 compactly, and when the slope mowing unit 80 is stored, the weight balance can be improved compared to when the slope mowing unit 80 is not superimposed on the machine body 10.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the mower 100 is provided with the top surface mowing unit 30 at the front of the machine body 10, and the slope surface mowing unit 80R and the slope surface mowing unit 80L at the rear of the machine body 10, symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line 110. The battery 40, the control unit 50, and the engine 60 are arranged above the machine body 10, on the center line 110. This configuration prevents the weight of the machine body 14 from concentrating at a specific position on the mower 100, even when the mower 100 is traveling with either the slope surface mowing unit 80R or 80L stored or when the other slope surface mowing unit 80 is performing mowing work. In other words, the weight balance of the machine body 10 is less likely to be disrupted when the mower 100 is traveling or performing mowing work, and the weight balance of the machine body 10 can be stabilized when traveling or performing mowing work.

[0104] In this specification, the top surface mowing unit 30 and the slope surface mowing unit 80 are shown as specific components of the mowing unit 120. However, the top surface mowing unit 30 and the slope surface mowing unit 80 are names used to indicate parts that have shapes suitable for mowing grass on the top surface and slope surface of a ridge, respectively, when the mower 100 travels along the ridge, and do not limit the location where grass is mowed. For example, the slope surface mowing unit 80 may be used to mow grass on the top surface of a ridge or on flat ground. Furthermore, the mowing unit 120 is not necessarily limited to having both the top surface mowing unit 30 and the slope surface mowing unit 80; for example, it may have only one of the top surface mowing unit 30 and the slope surface mowing unit 80. Furthermore, a mechanism may be provided that allows the top surface mowing unit 30 to move parallel in the vertical direction.

[0105] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a mechanism is added to assist the upward movement of the slope mowing unit 80 by the vertical parallel movement mechanism of the first embodiment. The basic configuration of the mower 100 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and duplicated explanations may be omitted. Note that in this embodiment, the slope mowing unit 80L will be described as an example, but the slope mowing unit 80R also has a similar structure.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vicinity of the vertical translation mechanism of the mower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the vertical translation mechanism as viewed from the right rear. As in the first embodiment, the vertical translation mechanism includes a parallel link mechanism consisting of a connecting auxiliary member 510L, a connecting portion 99L, a left-right translation mechanism (a first link arm (not shown), a second link arm 92L), a slope mowing unit mounting portion 98L, a slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240L, a connecting auxiliary member 245L, and a third link arm 230L. However, the connecting auxiliary member 510L of this embodiment has a different shape from the connecting auxiliary member 210 of the first embodiment. This embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that an elastic member 520L is provided adjacent to the vertical translation mechanism to apply an upward biasing force to the slope mowing unit 80L. An upper bracket 522L that rotatably supports an upper support member 523L (described later) is fixed to the connecting portion 99L, and a lower bracket 511L that rotatably supports a lower support member 521L (described later) is fixed to the connecting auxiliary member 510L. The elastic member 520L is disposed between the upper support member 523L and the lower support member 521L, and its biasing force is adjusted by the upper support member 523L and the lower support member 521L.

[0107] The upper bracket 522L is fixed to the connecting portion 99L. Specifically, the upper bracket 522L is fixed to the rear surface of the upper connecting portion 99aL and the rear surface of the lower connecting portion 99bL so as to bridge the upper connecting portion 99aL and the lower connecting portion 99bL. The upper bracket 522L is provided with a rotation shaft that is inserted into the upper support member 523L. The upper support member 523L is a substantially T-shaped member that has a rotation portion through which the rotation shaft provided in the upper bracket 522L can be inserted, and a rod-shaped support portion that is fixed to the rotation portion, extends downward, and is inserted into insertion holes (described below) provided in the elastic member 520L and the lower support member 521L. The rotation shaft provided in the upper bracket 522L is inserted into the rotation portion of the upper support member 523L, so that the upper support member 523L is rotatably supported by the upper bracket 522L.

[0108] A lower bracket 511L, which is a substantially U-shaped member, is fixed to the rear of the lower part of the connection assisting member 510L. Insertion holes into which the lower support member 521L can be inserted are provided in left and right wall portions of the lower bracket 511L. Left and right ends of the lower support member 521L are inserted into the insertion holes provided in the lower bracket 511L, and the lower support member 521L is rotatably supported by the lower bracket 511L. Further, an insertion hole is formed in the lower support member 521L, and a lower end of a support portion of the upper support member 523L is inserted into the insertion hole of the lower support member 521L.

[0109] The elastic member 520L is inserted through a support portion of the upper support member 523L and is interposed between the upper support member 523L and the lower support member 521L, and is indirectly supported by the connecting portion 99L and the auxiliary connecting member 510L. The upper end position of the elastic member 520L is limited by the upper support member 523L, and the lower end position is limited by the lower support member 521L. In the mower 100 of this embodiment, when the slope mowing part 80L moves downward, the connecting part 99L rotates counterclockwise in right side view about the rotating shaft 261L.

[0110] As in the first embodiment, when the parallel link mechanism of the vertical translation mechanism operates, the connection auxiliary member 510L is restricted from rotating about the rotation axis 261L. In this state, if the slope mowing unit 80L attempts to move downward due to its own weight or the like, the connection portion 99L, the first link arm (not shown), the second link arm 92L, the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98L, the slope mowing unit mounting auxiliary member 240L, and the third link arm 230L rotate downward relative to the connection auxiliary member 510L. That is, when the slope mowing unit 80L attempts to move downward while the parallel link mechanism of the vertical translation mechanism is operating, the upper bracket 522L fixed to the connecting portion 99L and the upper support member 523L connected to the upper bracket 522L also rotate, and the upper support member 523L slides its support portion into the insertion hole of the lower support member 521L and moves so as to press down on the elastic member 520L. As a result, the gap between the upper support member 523L and the lower support member 521L narrows, and the elastic member 520L is compressed. As a result, a reaction force due to the compression of the elastic member 520L acts on the slope mowing unit 80L, and a biasing force that assists the slope mowing unit 80L in its upward movement (i.e., a biasing force that opposes the downward movement of the slope mowing unit 80L) acts on the slope mowing unit 80L.

[0111] In this way, in the mower 100 of this embodiment, when the slope mowing unit 80 is translated downward by the vertical translation mechanism, the elastic member 520 acts as a biasing force to move the slope mowing unit 80 upward against the force that tries to move the slope mowing unit 80 downward due to its own weight, etc., preventing the slope mowing unit 80 from moving too far downward and digging into the soil. Furthermore, even when the height of the ridge is reduced, the elastic member 520 acts as a biasing force to move the slope mowing unit 80 upward, preventing the slope mowing unit 80 from digging into the soil. In this embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the elastic member 520L, but the present invention is not limited to this example and other elastic members can also be used.

[0112] The brush cutter of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a person skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify components as appropriate based on the embodiments, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as there are no mutual contradictions, and technical matters common to the embodiments are included in each configuration even if not explicitly stated.

[0113] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10...machine body, 11...mounting member, 12...rotating shaft, 14...machine body, 15...support case, 17...mounting member, 20...traveling unit, 21...crawler belt, 22...drive wheel, 23...driven wheel, 24...crawler frame, 30...top surface mowing unit, 31...casing, 32...blade unit, 33...drive unit, 40...battery, 50...control unit, 54...drive unit, 60...engine, 70...alternator, 80...slope mowing unit, 81...casing, 82...blade unit, 83...drive unit, 89R...slope mowing unit support unit, 90...position adjustment mechanism, 91...second 1 link arm, 92...second link arm, 95a...left-right parallel movement mechanism, 95b...up-down parallel movement mechanism, 98...slope mowing unit mounting portion, 99a...upper connecting portion, 99b...lower connecting portion, 99...connecting portion, 100...grass cutter, 110...center line, 120...mowing unit, 130...angle adjustment mechanism, 131c...recess, 131d...middle portion, 131...lock plate, 132...slope mowing unit mounting shaft, 133...angle adjustment pin, 134...slope mowing unit connecting portion, 140...gripping portion, 184...engagement / disengagement operating member, 185...opening, 187...Operation lever portion, 188...Attachment shaft of engagement / disengagement operation member, 200...Furrow, 201...Top surface, 202...Slope surface, 203...Horizontal surface, 204...Mowing surface, 206...Flat surface, 210...Connection auxiliary member, 212...Upper limit position limit portion, 214...Lower limit position limit portion, 215...Horizontal surface portion, 216...Vertical surface portion, 220...Pivot limit pin, 222...Operation lever, 224...Coil spring, 230...Third link arm, 231...Ball stud, 232...Socket, 234...Ball stud, 235...Socket, 240...Slope mowing portion attachment auxiliary portion member, 245...connection auxiliary member, 250...raising restriction pin, 252...lowering restriction pin, 260a, 260b...plate-shaped member, 260...position adjustment mechanism connection portion, 270...rotation restriction pin, 280...rotation stop frame, 300...fall-over prevention means, 310...support frame, 320...main arm, 330...auxiliary arm, 400...cutting height adjustment portion, 410...roller, 420a...roller support portion, 510...connection auxiliary member, 511...lower end portion, 520...elastic member, 521...lower support member, 522...bracket, 523...upper support member

Claims

1. A self-propelled grass mower that cuts grass, a cutting unit having a cutting blade; a position adjustment mechanism including a vertical translation mechanism that translates the reaping unit in the vertical direction in accordance with the shape of the ground that the reaping surface of the reaping unit faces; Including, grass trimmer.

2. The mower according to claim 1 , wherein the position adjustment mechanism further includes a left-right translation mechanism that translates the cutting unit in the left-right direction.

3. 3. The mower according to claim 2, wherein the up-down translation mechanism includes the left-right translation mechanism and a link arm that is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the left-right translation mechanism and forms a link mechanism together with the left-right translation mechanism.

4. The mower further includes a body, the vertical translation mechanism is connected to a position adjustment mechanism connecting portion provided on the machine body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction; The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vertical rotation of the vertical translation mechanism is limited by a rotation limiting means provided at the position adjustment mechanism connecting portion.

5. The mower according to claim 4, wherein the restriction on the rotation of the vertical parallel movement mechanism by the rotation restricting means is released, thereby allowing the vertical parallel movement mechanism to rotate and the cutting unit to be stored by being superimposed on the body of the mower.

6. The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an elastic member that applies an upward biasing force to the cutting part.

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