Walk-behind self-propelled sprayer

Abstract

To provide a walking-type self-propelled sprayer that operates entirely electrically while reducing the cost required for a power source. [Solution] This walking-type self-propelled sprayer 1 comprises a battery 4, a motor 5 that uses power supplied from the battery 4 to rotate a rotating shaft 51 to output rotational power, a spraying device 8 having a drive wheel 62 that rotates around a first axis L1, a storage section 81 that stores granular material, and a rotating body 82 that rotates around a second axis L2 that intersects with the first axis L1 to spread the granular material stored in the storage section 81 over a predetermined area, and a transmission device 9 that has an input section 91a to which the rotational power output by the motor 5 is input, a first output section 91c connected to the drive wheel 62, and a second output section 91d connected to the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8, and distributes and transmits the rotational power of the motor 5 input from the input section 91a to the first output section 91c and the second output section 91d.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walk-behind self-propelled sprayer, and more specifically to a walk-behind self-propelled sprayer that can move or stop moving by an operator holding a handle that serves as a movement direction control member provided at the rear and operating a power change control member while walking, and can spread granular material while moving. [Background technology]

[0002] To evenly spread granular materials such as fertilizers and pesticides, a sprayer is used that includes a rotating body and a power source for the rotating body, rotates the rotating body using the power from the power source for the rotating body, and scatters the granular materials placed in a container such as a hopper over a predetermined area using the rotating body. In particular, when spraying over a relatively large area, a self-propelled sprayer is used that includes running wheels and a power source for running, and is capable of spreading the granular materials while self-propelled by rotating the running wheels using the power from the power source for running. Among these, so-called walk-behind self-propelled sprayers are widely used, which further include a movement direction control member such as a handle and a power change control member for controlling the output of the power source, and the operator grips the movement direction control member while walking and operates the power change control member to move or stop the sprayer. Traditionally, walk-behind self-propelled sprayers have used internal combustion engines as their power source, but due to the recent trend toward decarbonization, some have been proposed that replace at least a portion of the power source with a motor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a walking self-propelled sprayer (drug sprayer (1)) that runs using a motor (electric motor (14)) as a power source and rotates a rotating body (fan) in a fan case (31) using an internal combustion engine (engine (32)) as a power source to spray a drug.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a walking self-propelled sprayer (electric fertilizer sprayer) that uses a traveling motor as a power source to travel and a spraying motor as a power source to drive a rotating body (impeller) to spray fertilizer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-345387 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Product introduction website for the electric fertilizer spreader KT-860XEL (https: / / lp.kaz-corp.com / kt-860xel / ) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the walking-behind self-propelled sprayer disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an internal combustion engine as a power source for the rotors in addition to a motor as a power source for propulsion, while the walking-behind self-propelled sprayer disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is equipped with two motors, one as a power source for the rotors and another motor as a power source for propulsion, which tends to increase product costs due to the impact of the cost of the power sources.In addition, the walking-behind self-propelled sprayer disclosed in Patent Document 1 also uses an internal combustion engine as a power source, and further electrification is desired from the perspective of decarbonization.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer that operates entirely electrically, while reducing the cost of the power source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a walk-behind self-propelled sprayer in which an operator grips a handle as a movement direction operating member provided at the rear and operates a power change operating member while walking, thereby moving or stopping the sprayer and spraying granular material while moving, and the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer is capable of: A rechargeable battery; a motor having a rotating shaft, electrically connected to a battery, and configured to rotate the rotating shaft using power supplied from the battery to output rotational power; a drive wheel that contacts the ground and rotates around a first axis extending along the contact surface; a spraying device having a storage section that stores the granular material that has been introduced, and a rotating body that is disposed below the storage section and rotates around a second axis that intersects with the first axis to spray the granular material stored in the storage section over a predetermined area on the ground surface; a transmission device having an input section to which the rotational power output by the motor is input, a first output section connected to the drive wheel, and a second output section connected to the rotating body of the spraying device, and which distributes and transmits the rotational power of the motor input from the input section to the first output section and the second output section; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0010] In some embodiments of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The transmission device transmits the rotation of the rotary shaft of the motor to the first output section and the second output section in conjunction with each other without allowing the rotary shaft to spin freely.

[0011] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The spraying device further includes a shutter that can appropriately block the flow path between the storage section and the rotating body.

[0012] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, a control unit electrically connected to the battery and the motor, including a variable resistance element whose resistance value can be changed by external knob rotation input, and having a rotation speed control function that increases or decreases the power supplied from the battery to the motor according to the rotation position of the variable resistance element; a knob rotation input conversion member that converts an external force into a knob rotation input to a variable resistance element of a control unit; an acceleration instruction member that is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member and is operated as one of the power change operation members when an operator instructs the motor to accelerate rotation, and that, when operated, applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member so that the knob rotation input conversion member rotates the variable resistance element in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor; a deceleration instruction member that is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member, and that is operated as another power change operation member by an operator when instructing the operator to decelerate the rotation of the motor, and that, when operated, applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member so that the knob rotation input conversion member rotates the variable resistance element in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor; Further provided with:

[0013] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The handle is a bar handle that extends in a rod shape and can be held at both ends by the operator with both hands. the knob rotation input conversion member has a swing arm that is connected to the variable resistance element, the acceleration instruction member, and the deceleration instruction member, and swings around a connection position with the variable resistance element when an external force is applied from the acceleration instruction member or the deceleration instruction member; The acceleration instruction member has an acceleration lever attached to one end of the bar handle and rotating around a fulcrum, and an acceleration side wire connecting the acceleration lever and the swing arm, and inputting a tensile force to the swing arm so that the variable resistance element rotates in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor in response to input to the acceleration lever by the operator; The deceleration instruction member has a deceleration lever attached to the other end of the bar handle and rotating around a fulcrum, and a deceleration side wire that connects the deceleration lever and the swing arm and inputs a tensile force to the swing arm so that the variable resistance element rotates in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor in response to input to the deceleration lever by the operator.

[0014] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The acceleration lever and deceleration lever are linked to each other so that force is transmitted to each other via the acceleration side wire, the deceleration side wire, and the swing arm, and when force is input to the acceleration lever, the deceleration lever rotates in the opposite direction to when force is input to the deceleration lever, and when force is input to the deceleration lever, the acceleration lever rotates in the opposite direction to when force is input to the acceleration lever.

[0015] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The knob rotation input conversion member further includes a biasing member that constantly biases the swing arm in a direction that causes the swing arm to rotate the variable resistance element in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor.

[0016] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, The acceleration lever is attached at a position off one end of the bar handle so that the operator can operate it with their index finger extended, The deceleration lever is attached to the other end of the bar handle at a position that allows the operator to grip the deceleration lever together with the other end of the bar handle.

[0017] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, a direction indicating member electrically connected to the control unit, operated by an operator when instructing a direction of travel, and configured to send a direction indicating signal to the control unit; The control unit further has a rotation direction control function for rotating the motor forward or backward in response to a direction indicating signal from the direction indicating member.

[0018] In addition, in some aspects of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to the present invention, An emergency stop instruction member is electrically connected to the control unit, is operated by an operator when an emergency stop is to be instructed, and sends an emergency stop signal to the control unit; The control unit further has a power supply cutoff function for cutting off the power supplied from the battery when an emergency stop signal is input from the emergency stop instruction member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer that operates entirely electrically, while reducing the cost of the power source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1 with the exterior panels removed, as seen from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external view of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1 with the exterior panels removed, as seen from the rear. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external view of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1 with the exterior panels removed, as seen from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an external view of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1, seen from the side, with the exterior panel and left front wheel removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic diagram of the relationship between the functional parts of the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a partial view of a knob rotation input conversion member in the walk-behind self-propelled sprayer of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A walk-behind self-propelled sprayer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "self-propelled sprayer 1") as one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings do not necessarily strictly show all of the specific forms and configurations.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a self-propelled sprayer 1 according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2 to 5 are external views of the self-propelled sprayer 1 as seen from the front, rear, above, and side (left side), respectively, with the exterior panel P removed (and with the left front wheel removed in the case of FIG. 5). FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram that schematically shows the relationship between the various functional parts of the self-propelled sprayer 1. FIG. 7 is a partial view of the knob rotation input conversion member 21 in the self-propelled sprayer 1. The self-propelled sprayer 1 will be described with reference to these figures.

[0023] The self-propelled sprayer 1 is an electric machine for moving and evenly spreading granular materials such as fertilizer or pesticides over a fairly wide area. The operator of the self-propelled sprayer 1 grips a handle 3, which serves as a movement direction control member provided at the rear, and operates a power change control member while walking to move or stop the sprayer, thereby spreading granular materials while moving. For ease of explanation, the present specification uses terms indicating directions such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "upper," and "lower." However, these directions are those as seen by the operator during use, and in the drawings, the left-right direction is indicated by X (X1 on the left side, X2 on the right side), the front-rear direction by Y (Y1 on the front side, Y2 on the rear side), and the up-down direction by Z (Z1 on the top side, Z2 on the bottom side).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the self-propelled sprayer 1 has a propelling function unit 1A that performs propulsion-related functions, and a spraying function unit 1B that performs spraying-related functions and is fixed to the upper front part of the propelling function unit 1A. The self-propelled sprayer 1 includes a handle 3 for the operator to grip, wheels 6 that rotate while in contact with the ground, a stand 7 that can be grounded to the ground as needed to prevent inadvertent movement when stopped, an instruction input unit 20 for the operator to input instructions, an information output unit 30 for providing the operator with necessary information (see FIGS. 3 and 6 ), and an inlet 81a of the spraying device 8 that opens to input granular material to be sprayed, all of which are exposed, but are mostly covered by an exterior panel P. The exterior panel P of the self-propelled sprayer 1 of this embodiment is primarily made of a thin metal plate and has the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . However, the attachment position, size, shape, material, etc. of the exterior panel can be appropriately determined taking into consideration design, protection of internal components, small item storage capacity, waterproofness, dustproofness, internal cooling, ease of maintenance, etc. In the self-propelled sprayer 1, some of the switches of the command input unit 20 and the information output unit 30 are attached to the operation panel CP and face rearward. By holding the handle 3 from the rear of the self-propelled sprayer 1 and operating the command input unit 20, the operator can move the self-propelled sprayer 1 using the traveling function unit 1A while evenly spreading granular material over a fairly wide area using the spreading function unit 1B.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the self-propelled sprayer 1 has a frame 2 that forms the skeleton. The self-propelled sprayer 1 also has many other mechanical and electronic components that are fixed directly or indirectly to the frame 2. As its main mechanical and electronic components, the self-propelled sprayer 1 has a handle 3, a battery 4, a motor 5, wheels 6, a stand 7, a spraying device 8, a transmission device 9, a control unit 10, an instruction input unit 20, and an information output unit 30.

[0026] The frame 2 is a structure made of metal, carbon, or other strong rod-shaped or plate-shaped materials assembled into a three-dimensional frame, and is a base for fixing each component element.

[0027] The handle 3 is a movement direction control member that the operator grasps when driving the self-propelled sprayer 1, and inputs a force to determine the direction of movement. The handle 3 is attached to the frame 2 or provided as an extension of a member that constitutes the frame 2, and protrudes rearward from the upper rear of the frame 2. The shape of the handle is not particularly limited as long as it can control the direction of movement, but the handle 3 in this embodiment is a bar handle that extends in the shape of a rod, and both ends of which can be held by the operator with each hand.

[0028] The battery 4 is a rechargeable battery capable of storing the power required to drive the motor 5 (described later) and is selected from various types such as lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lithium-ion batteries, taking into consideration specifications and costs. The battery 4 is periodically charged from a power supply connected to a charging plug electrically connected thereto.

[0029] The motor 5 is, for example, a brushless DC rotary motor, has a rotary shaft 51, and is attached to the frame 2 in an orientation in which the rotation axis of the rotary shaft 51 extends along the left-right direction X. The motor 5 is electrically connected to the battery 4 via the control unit 10 (described later), and outputs rotational power by rotating the rotary shaft 51 with power supplied from the battery 4. At this time, power is supplied to the motor 5 under the control of the control unit 10 (described later), and the rotary shaft 51 rotates with its rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotational torque adjusted.

[0030] The wheels 6 have an annular outer periphery and are rotatably fixed to the lower part of the frame 2 via axles 61, with their bottom surfaces capable of contacting the ground. The wheels 6 rotate as the self-propelled sprayer 1 moves. The wheels 6 have drive wheels 62 at the front of each of the left and right sides, which are connected to each other via front wheel axles 61F that extend along a first axis L1 (see FIG. 2; in FIG. 2, these extend in the left-right direction X) that extends along the ground surface. The front wheel axles 61F of the left and right drive wheels 62 are connected to the motor 5 via a transmission device 9 described below, and the rotational power of the motor 5 is transmitted to the wheels 6, causing them to rotate in conjunction with the motor 5. The wheels 6 also have auxiliary wheels 63 that are fixed to a link member near the rear center of the frame 2 that is rotatable about the vertical direction Z and are rotatably attached to rear wheel axles 61R that extend perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The left and right drive wheels 62 and auxiliary wheels 63 stabilize the entire self-propelled sprayer 1 at their respective bottom surfaces and provide three-point support.

[0031] The stand 7 is a support member whose one end is rotatably fixed to the lower portion of the frame 2 near the center in the fore-and-aft direction Y, and whose other end extends downward in the first configuration shown in the figure. The stand 7 transforms from the first configuration to a second configuration in which the one end serves as the center of rotation and the other end extends rearward. In the first configuration, the other end of the stand 7 contacts the ground, thereby lifting a portion of the three-point support of the wheels 6 or reducing the ground load and providing alternative support, thereby more firmly supporting the parked self-propelled sprayer 1 to prevent it from moving due to its own weight on an incline, etc. By transforming into the second configuration, the stand 7 releases its support for the self-propelled sprayer 1, allowing the self-propelled sprayer 1 to move.

[0032] The spraying device 8 has a storage section 81 that stores the granular material that has been added, a rotating body 82 that is rotatably arranged below the storage section 81, and a shutter 83 that is arranged between the storage section 81 and the rotating body 82.

[0033] The storage section 81 is a container with a cone-shaped inner wall surface that is fixed to a base extending from the frame 2 and by stays at the front upper part of the frame 2, and has an inlet 81a that opens wide at the top and a drop port 81b that opens narrower in diameter than the inlet 81a at the bottom. Granular material put into the storage section 81 through the inlet 81a will fall if the drop port 81b is not blocked.

[0034] The rotor 82 is made of metal or resin and has a configuration in which radially protruding fins are provided on the upper surface of a substantially disk-shaped plate, and rotates around a second axis L2 (see FIG. 2; extending in the vertical direction Z in FIG. 2) that intersects with a first axis L1 (see FIG. 2) that is along the axle 61F of the drive wheel 62. More specifically, the rotor 82 has its central axis of rotation fixed to an output shaft extending in the vertical direction Z of a transmission device 9 described below, and is connected to the motor 5 via the transmission device 9, and rotates in conjunction with the motor 5 by transmitting the rotational power of the motor 5. The rotor 82 rotates upon receiving granular material that falls from the drop port 81b of the storage section 81, thereby being able to scatter the granular material over a predetermined area on the ground surface.

[0035] The shutter 83 is a thin plate made of metal or resin, and is disposed directly below the drop inlet 81b of the storage unit 81 so as to be movable between a state in which the drop inlet 81b is blocked and a state in which the drop inlet 81b is exposed. A portion of the shutter 83 is shaped like a lever and extends rearward (see FIG. 3), and an operator operates the lever from behind to move the shutter 83 between a closed state (a state in which the drop inlet 81b is blocked) and an open state (a state in which the drop inlet 81b is exposed). By moving the shutter 83 to the closed state, the flow path between the storage unit 81 and the rotor 82 can be appropriately blocked.

[0036] In the spraying device 8 configured in this manner, when the self-propelled sprayer 1 is moving, that is, when the motor 5 is rotating, the rotating body 82 rotates in conjunction with the motor 5, and when the operator operates the lever in this state to move the shutter 83 to an open position, opening the flow path between the storage section 81 and the rotating body 82, the granular material in the storage section 81 falls onto the rotating body 82, and the rotation of the rotating body 82 causes the granular material to be sprayed over a wide area.

[0037] The transmission device 9 includes a transmission device main body mechanism 91 that distributes and transmits the input rotational power into rotational outputs to multiple locations, and a transmission device input mechanism 92 that connects the motor 5 located at a distance to the transmission device main body mechanism 91 so that the rotational power of the motor 5 can be input to the transmission device main body mechanism 91.

[0038] The transmission device main body mechanism 91 is disposed between the left and right drive wheels 62 at the front of the frame 2, and transmits the rotational power of the motor 5 to the drive wheels 62 of the wheels 6 and the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8 at an appropriately set rotation speed and rotational torque. The transmission device main body mechanism 91 has an input section 91a to which rotational force (rotational power output by the motor 5) is input, a transmission section 91b that divides the rotational force input from the input section 91a and transmits it to different output positions, and a first output section 91c and a second output section 91d that output the rotational force transmitted from the transmission section 91b. The input unit 91a, the first output unit 91c, and the second output unit 91d have an axial structure or a bearing structure to which a rotating object is connected, and the input unit 91a is connected to the rotating shaft 51 of the motor 5 via a transmission device input mechanism 92 described below, the first output unit 91c is connected to the drive wheels 62 via the front wheel axle 61F, and the second output unit 91d is connected to the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8. The input unit 91a is set so that its input shaft is parallel to the rotating shaft 51 of the motor 5. The first output unit 91c is set so that its output shaft extends on the first axis L1 (see FIG. 2), that is, parallel to the rotation center axis of the input unit 91a and coincides with the rotation center of the front wheel axle 61F, and rotatably fixes the front wheel axle 61F. The second output unit 91d is set so that its output axis extends on a second axis L2 (see FIG. 2) that intersects with the first axis L1 (see FIG. 2). That is, it intersects with the rotation center axis of the input unit 91a (orthogonal in the drawing) and coincides with the rotation center of the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8, rotatably fixing the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8. The transmission unit 91b has a gear mechanism in which multiple gears such as spur gears and bevel gears are combined inside, taking into consideration the output shaft position, output axial direction, gear ratio, etc., and converts the input to the input unit 91a into an output from the first output unit 91c at a rotation speed and rotational torque suitable for rotation of the drive wheel 62, and an output from the second output unit 91d at a rotation speed and rotational torque suitable for rotation of the rotating body 82.

[0039] The transmission device input mechanism 92 has a disk-shaped main body side pulley 92a fixed to the input shaft of the input part 91a of the transmission device main body mechanism 91, a disk-shaped motor side pulley 92b fixed to the rotating shaft 51 of the motor 5, and a transmission belt 92c that spans the outer circumferential surfaces of the main body side pulley 92a and the motor side pulley 92b. In the transmission device input mechanism 92, the diameters of the main body side pulley 92a and the motor side pulley 92b are set appropriately to achieve the required speed change ratio, taking into account the transmission speed and transmission torque.

[0040] The transmission device 9 configured in this manner does not include a mechanism for cutting off power transmission midway, such as a clutch mechanism, and transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft 51 of the motor 5 to the first output part 91c and the second output part 91d in an interlocking manner without allowing it to spin freely. As a result, in the self-propelled sprayer 1, the rotation of the rotating shaft 51 of the motor 5 is always interlocked with the rotation of the drive wheels 62 and the rotating body 82 of the spraying device 8.

[0041] The control unit 10 is disposed at the rear upper portion of the frame 2. The control unit 10 includes an electronic board 11 on which electronic components are mounted. As shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 10 is electrically connected to the battery 4, the motor 5, the information output unit 30 (described later), and various other electrical components (e.g., 25-28) such as sensors, switches, buttons, and connectors. The control unit 10 controls various electronic devices, including regulating the charge of the battery 4, outputting the motor 5, and outputting information from the information output unit 30 (described later). For example, the control unit 10 has a power supply function that supplies power from the battery 4 to the electronic devices, such as the motor 5, to enable them to operate, or stops the supply of power from the battery 4 to disable them. The control unit 10 also includes a variable resistance element 12 with a protruding knob whose resistance value can be changed by external knob rotation input, and has a rotation speed control function that increases or decreases the power supplied from the battery 4 to the motor 5 depending on the rotation position of the variable resistance element 12. The control unit 10 also has a rotation direction control function that changes the direction of current supplied to the motor 5 to rotate the motor 5 forward or reverse. The control unit 10 also has a power supply cutoff function that cuts off the power supplied from the battery 4 when an emergency stop signal is input. The control unit 10 also has a cruise function that supplies a constant amount of power to the motor 5 and rotates the motor 5 at a constant speed.

[0042] The instruction input unit 20 includes an input interface that is operated by the operator to cause the self-propelled sprayer 1 to perform its functions, and a member that transmits instructions from the input interface to the control unit 10. The instruction input unit 20 of the self-propelled sprayer 1 includes a knob rotation input conversion member 21 that converts an external force into a knob rotation input for the variable resistance element 12 of the control unit 10, an acceleration instruction member 22 that instructs acceleration in the travel function, a deceleration instruction member 23 that instructs deceleration (including stopping) in the travel function, a start instruction member 24 that instructs start, a travel direction instruction member 25 that instructs the direction of travel, an emergency stop instruction member 26 that instructs an emergency stop, and a cruise travel instruction member 27 that instructs cruise travel.

[0043] The knob rotation input conversion member 21 is disposed at the upper rear part of the frame 2, and is a member that applies a rotational force to the variable resistance element 12 of the control unit 10. As shown in Fig. 7, the knob rotation input conversion member 21 has a base member 21a that serves as a foundation, a swingable swing arm 21b that is connected to the variable resistance element 12, a stopper 21c that prevents the swing arm 21b from swinging more than a predetermined amount, and a biasing member 21d that constantly biases the swing arm 21b.

[0044] The base member 21a has a bent structure of a thin metal plate, and is formed in a gate-like shape with flange-like ends when viewed from the thickness direction. The variable resistance element 12 is attached to the center of the base member 21a so that its knob penetrates a through-hole formed in the base member 21a from the underside and protrudes to the upper side.

[0045] The swing arm 21b is fixed to the upper surface of the center of the base member 21a. The swing arm 21b is made of metal or resin and has an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. One end of the swing arm 21b is fixed to the knob of the variable resistance element 12 and is rotatable around the rotation center of the variable resistance element 12 integrally with the knob. The swing arm 21b is connected at its center to an acceleration instruction member 22 (described later) from one widthwise side (the right side in FIG. 7) so that a tensile force from the acceleration instruction member 22 can be input thereto. The swing arm 21b is also connected at its center to a deceleration instruction member 23 (described later) so that a tensile force from the deceleration instruction member 23 can be input thereto from the other widthwise side (the left side in FIG. 7). This allows the swing arm 21b to swing around the connection position with the variable resistance element 12 when receiving an external force (tensile force) from the acceleration instruction member 22 or the deceleration instruction member 23.

[0046] The stopper 21c protrudes from the upper surface of the base member 21a. The stopper 21c is disposed on the other widthwise side of the swing arm 21b (the left side in FIG. 7), i.e., on the side where the deceleration instruction member 23 applies a tensile force to the swing arm 21b, and protrudes from the base member 21a at a height that interferes with the swing arm 21b so that the swing arm 21b does not swing more than a predetermined amount on the side where the deceleration instruction member 23 applies a tensile force.

[0047] The biasing device 21d is, for example, a tension spring, and has one end attached to the other end of the swing arm 21b opposite the rotation center side, and the other end attached to the side (left side in FIG. 7 ) on the upper surface of the base member 21a where the deceleration instruction member 23 applies a tensile force to the swing arm 21b. In this way, the biasing device 21d constantly biases the swing arm 21b toward the side where the deceleration instruction member 23 applies a tensile force. In other words, the biasing device 21d constantly biases the swing arm 21b in a direction that causes the swing arm 21b to rotate the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor 5.

[0048] The acceleration instruction member 22 is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member 21, and is one of the power change operation members that is operated by the operator when instructing the operator to accelerate the rotation of the motor 5. When operated, the acceleration instruction member 22 applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member 21 so that the knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor 5. Specifically, the acceleration instruction member 22 has an acceleration lever 22a through which the operator inputs an acceleration instruction, and an acceleration-side wire 22b that transmits the acceleration instruction input to the acceleration lever 22a to the knob rotation input conversion member 21.

[0049] The acceleration lever 22a has a gently curved shape, is attached to one end of the handle 3 (the right end in the figure), and rotates around a fulcrum located slightly toward the center from the base end. The acceleration lever 22a is attached in a position away from the grip portion, which is the portion that the operator holds at one end of the handle 3, so that the operator can operate it by extending their index finger from the fulcrum toward the tip end.

[0050] The acceleration-side wire 22b includes a cylindrical guide and a strand of metal wire that passes through the guide, with one end of the strand connected to the base end of the acceleration lever 22a and the other end connected to one widthwise side (the right side in the figure) of the swing arm 21b. Thus, the acceleration-side wire 22b connects the acceleration lever 22a and the swing arm 21b, and inputs a tensile force to the swing arm 21b in response to an input to the acceleration lever 22a by the operator. The swing arm 21b, to which the tensile force is input from the acceleration-side wire 22b, swings so as to rotate the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor 5.

[0051] The deceleration instruction member 23 is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member 21, and is another power change operation member that is operated by the operator to instruct the knob rotation input conversion member 21 to decelerate the rotation of the motor 5. When operated, the deceleration instruction member 23 applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member 21 so that the knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor 5. Specifically, the deceleration instruction member 23 has a deceleration lever 23a through which the operator inputs a deceleration instruction, and a deceleration-side wire 23b that transmits the deceleration instruction input to the deceleration lever 23a to the knob rotation input conversion member 21.

[0052] The deceleration lever 23a has a gently curved shape, is attached to the other end of the handle 3 (the left end in the figure), and rotates around a fulcrum located slightly toward the center from the base end. The deceleration lever 23a is attached to the grip portion, which is the portion that the operator holds at the other end of the handle 3, so that the operator can grip the tip side of the fulcrum together with the grip portion.

[0053] The deceleration-side wire 23b includes a cylindrical guide and a strand of metal wire that passes through the guide, with one end of the strand connected to the base end of the deceleration lever 23a and the other end connected to the other widthwise side (the left side in the figure) of the swing arm 21b. This allows the deceleration-side wire 23b to connect the deceleration lever 23a and the swing arm 21b, and applies a tensile force to the swing arm 21b when the operator applies an input to the deceleration lever 23a. The swing arm 21b, to which the tensile force is applied from the deceleration-side wire 23b, swings to rotate the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor 5.

[0054] Here, acceleration-side wire 22b and deceleration-side wire 23b are connected to swing arm 21b so as to input tensile forces in directions opposite to each other. Therefore, force is transmitted between acceleration lever 22a and deceleration lever 23a via acceleration-side wire 22b, deceleration-side wire 23b, and swing arm 21b. In other words, acceleration lever 22a and deceleration lever 23a are linked to each other, so that when an input is made to acceleration lever 22a, deceleration lever 23a rotates in the opposite direction to the input to deceleration lever 23a, and when an input is made to deceleration lever 23a, acceleration lever 22a rotates in the opposite direction to the input to acceleration lever 22a.

[0055] In this way, in self-propelled sprayer 1 configured with knob rotation input conversion member 21, acceleration instruction member 22, and deceleration instruction member 23, when the operator operates acceleration lever 22a of acceleration instruction member 22 to issue an acceleration instruction, swing arm 21b of knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates variable resistance element 12 in a direction to accelerate motor 5, thereby accelerating motor 5. On the other hand, in self-propelled sprayer 1, when the operator operates deceleration lever 23a of deceleration instruction member 23 to issue a deceleration instruction, swing arm 21b of knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates variable resistance element 12 in a direction to decelerate motor 5, thereby slowing down or stopping motor 5. In knob rotation input conversion member 21, biasing member 21d constantly biases swing arm 21b toward the side where deceleration instruction member 23 applies a pulling force, so when the input to acceleration lever 22a is released, acceleration lever 22a is pulled by swing arm 21b and rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation when input is made, automatically returning to the no-input position. In addition, in knob rotation input conversion member 21, biasing member 21d constantly biases swing arm 21b toward the side where deceleration instruction member 23 applies a pulling force, so that the input to deceleration lever 23a can be made with a weaker force than the input to acceleration lever 22a.

[0056] The start instruction member 24 is a key switch that is operated by the operator to issue a start instruction to operate the motor 5 etc., or a stop instruction to stop the operation of the motor 5 etc., and is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The start instruction member 24 sends a start instruction signal to the control unit 10 when the operator inserts a key and turns it to the start side, and sends a stop instruction signal to the control unit 10 when the operator turns the inserted key to the stop side. When a start instruction signal is input from the start instruction member 24, the control unit 10 supplies power from the battery 4 to the electronic devices such as the motor 5 by means of the power supply function described above so that the electronic devices can be operated, and when a stop instruction signal is input from the start instruction member 24, the control unit 10 stops the supply of power from the battery 4 so that the electronic devices such as the motor 5 do not operate.

[0057] The direction indicating member 25 is a toggle switch that is operated by the operator to indicate whether the self-propelled sprayer 1 should move forward or backward when traveling, and is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The direction indicating member 25 sends a direction indicating signal to the control unit 10 to indicate either a forward or reverse direction, depending on its tilted state. When an acceleration instruction is input from the acceleration instruction member 22, the control unit 10 uses the rotation direction control function described above to rotate the motor 5 forward or reverse in accordance with the direction indicating signal from the direction indicating member 25. As a result, the self-propelled sprayer 1 moves forward or backward depending on the rotation direction of the motor 5.

[0058] Emergency stop instruction member 26 is a push button switch that is operated by the operator to issue an emergency stop command and remains depressed until released, and is electrically connected to control unit 10. When emergency stop instruction member 26 detects that it has been pressed, it sends an emergency stop signal to control unit 10. When the emergency stop signal is input from emergency stop instruction member 26, control unit 10 cuts off the power supplied from battery 4 using the power supply cutoff function described above. As a result, operation of electronic devices such as motor 5 stops, and self-propelled sprayer 1 comes to an emergency stop.

[0059] Cruise travel instruction member 27 is a push button switch that is operated by the operator to instruct cruise travel at a constant speed and remains pressed in until released, and is electrically connected to control unit 10. When cruise travel instruction member 27 detects that it has been pressed, it sends a cruise start signal to control unit 10. When the control unit 10 receives a cruise start signal from cruise travel instruction member 27, it supplies a constant amount of power to motor 5 using the cruise function described above. As a result, motor 5 rotates at a constant speed, and self-propelled sprayer 1 travels at a constant speed.

[0060] The information output unit 30 is a device appropriately selected from information output devices such as an LED indicator, buzzer, speaker, display, etc., and is electrically connected to the control unit 10. Based on signals sent from the control unit 10, the information output unit 30 presents the status of the self-propelled sprayer 1 to the operator.

[0061] The self-propelled sprayer 1 configured in this manner can be driven by operating the driving function unit 1A, which transmits the rotational power of the motor 5 to the drive wheels 62 of the wheels 6 via the transmission device 9, and by an operator holding the handle 3 and walking, giving instructions via the instruction input unit 20. The self-propelled sprayer 1 also operates the spraying function unit 1B, which transmits the rotational power of the motor 5 to the rotor 82 of the spraying device 8 via the transmission device 9, and by distributing a portion of the rotational power of the motor 5 used for driving, the rotor 82 rotates when the sprayer is in a driving state, and by opening the shutter 83 when the sprayer is driving, the rotor 82 can scatter granular material over a wide area and spray it fairly evenly.

[0062] (Actions and Effects) The self-propelled sprayer 1 is equipped with a rechargeable battery 4, a motor 5 that uses power supplied from the battery 4 to rotate a rotary shaft 51 to output rotational power, a drive wheel 62 that rotates about a first axis L1 parallel to the ground surface, and a spraying device 8 having a storage section 81 that stores granular material and a rotor 82 that rotates about a second axis L2 that intersects with the first axis L1 to spray the granular material stored in the storage section 81 over a predetermined area. The self-propelled sprayer 1 is also equipped with a transmission device 9 that has an input section 91a connected to the rotary shaft 51 of the motor 5, a first output section 91c connected to the drive wheel 62, and a second output section 91d connected to the rotor 82 of the spraying device 8, and that distributes and transmits the rotational power of the motor 5 input from the input section 91a to the first output section 91c and the second output section 91d. With this configuration, in self-propelled sprayer 1, the rotational power of motor 5 is distributed and transmitted via transmission device 9 to drive wheels 62 and rotating body 82 of spraying device 8, and electric power generated from one motor 5 can be supplied to traveling function unit 1A and spraying function unit 1B. Therefore, with self-propelled sprayer 1, costs for power sources can be kept down and all operations can be performed electrically.

[0063] Furthermore, in the self-propelled sprayer 1, the transmission device 9 transmits the rotation of the rotary shaft 51 of the motor 5 to the first output part 91c and the second output part 91d in an interlocking manner without allowing it to spin freely. In other words, by slowing down and stopping the rotation of the motor 5, the self-propelled sprayer 1 also stops. Therefore, with the self-propelled sprayer 1, there is no need to separately install a brake device that forcibly stops the rotation of the drive wheels 62, which helps to reduce costs.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the self-propelled sprayer 1, the spraying device 8 has a shutter 83 that can appropriately block the flow path between the storage section 81 and the rotating body 82, so that granular material can be sprayed over the area where it is required according to the operator's request.

[0065] The self-propelled sprayer 1 also includes a control unit 10 that includes a variable resistance element 12 whose resistance value can be changed by an external knob rotation input and has a rotation speed control function that increases or decreases the power supplied to the motor 5 according to the rotation position of the variable resistance element 12, and a knob rotation input conversion member 21 that converts an external force into a knob rotation input to the variable resistance element 12. The self-propelled sprayer 1 further includes an acceleration instruction member 22 that is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member 21 and that, when operated, applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member 21 so that the knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor 5, and a deceleration instruction member 23 that applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member 21 so that the knob rotation input conversion member 21 rotates the variable resistance element 12 in a direction that decreases the power supplied to the motor 5. With this configuration, the self-propelled sprayer 1 can travel at a designated travel speed between a stop and a high speed in response to a request from the operator.

[0066] Specifically, in self-propelled sprayer 1, a rod-shaped bar handle is used as handle 3, and knob rotation input conversion member 21 is configured to have a swing arm 21b that swings around the connection position with variable resistance element 12 in response to an external force. Also, in self-propelled sprayer 1, acceleration instruction member 22 is configured to have acceleration lever 22a attached to one end of handle 3 and acceleration-side wire 22b that inputs a pulling force to swing arm 21b so that variable resistance element 12 rotates in a direction to increase the power supplied to motor 5 in response to input to acceleration lever 22a by the operator. Also, in self-propelled sprayer 1, deceleration instruction member 23 is configured to have deceleration lever 23a attached to the other end of handle 3 and deceleration-side wire 23b that inputs a pulling force to swing arm 21b so that variable resistance element 12 rotates in a direction to decrease the power supplied to motor 5 in response to input to deceleration lever 23a by the operator. With the self-propelled sprayer 1, by way of example, with such a specific configuration, it is possible to travel at a designated travel speed between a stop and a high speed in response to a request from the operator.

[0067] Furthermore, in self-propelled sprayer 1, when an input is made to acceleration lever 22a, deceleration lever 23a rotates in the opposite direction to when an input is made to deceleration lever 23a, and when an input is made to deceleration lever 23a, acceleration lever 22a rotates in the opposite direction to when an input is made to acceleration lever 22a, so that the two levers are interlocked. Therefore, according to self-propelled sprayer 1, when an acceleration command is received, it can quickly accelerate, and when a deceleration command is received, it can quickly decelerate or stop.

[0068] Furthermore, in self-propelled sprayer 1, knob rotation input conversion member 21 has biasing device 21d that constantly biases swing arm 21b in a direction that rotates swing arm 21b in a direction that reduces the power supplied by variable resistance element 12 to motor 5. Therefore, with self-propelled sprayer 1, a deceleration command is automatically issued when no acceleration command is issued, and the operator can issue a deceleration command with less force, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertent acceleration or a delay in issuing a deceleration command, allowing for safer use.

[0069] Furthermore, in self-propelled sprayer 1, acceleration lever 22a is attached to a position away from one grip portion of handle 3 so that the operator can operate it with an extended index finger, while deceleration lever 23a is attached to the other grip portion of handle 3 so that the operator can operate it by grasping it together with the grip portion. That is, in self-propelled sprayer 1, acceleration lever 22a is located in a position that requires the operator to consciously operate it, while deceleration lever 23a is located in a position that allows the operator to operate it instantly. Therefore, self-propelled sprayer 1 reduces the risk that the operator will inadvertently issue an acceleration command or mistakenly issue an acceleration command for a deceleration command in an emergency, allowing for safer use.

[0070] Furthermore, the self-propelled sprayer 1 is provided with a direction indicating member 25 that sends a direction indicating signal to the control unit 10, and the control unit 10 has a rotation direction control function that rotates the motor 5 forward or backward in response to the direction indicating signal from the direction indicating member 25, so that the sprayer can move not only forward but also backward according to the operator's request.

[0071] Furthermore, the self-propelled sprayer 1 is provided with an emergency stop instruction member 26 that sends an emergency stop signal to the control unit 10, and the control unit 10 has a power supply cut-off function that cuts off the power supply when an emergency stop signal is input from the emergency stop instruction member 26, so that the operator can quickly stop the sprayer in an emergency if he or she wishes to stop the sprayer.

[0072] (Other forms) Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0073] (1) The number, material, position, orientation, size, shape, function, etc. of the components described in the above embodiment are examples and can be changed within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0074] (2) In the above embodiment, the wheels 6 are described as being composed of three wheels, namely, the front left and right drive wheels 62 and the rear auxiliary wheels 63, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the wheels may be composed of only one drive wheel, or may be composed of four wheels, namely, the front left and right drive wheels and the rear left and right auxiliary wheels, or the drive wheels may be arranged at the rear, or the drive wheels may be arranged at the front and the rear.

[0075] (3) In the above embodiment, the transmission device main mechanism 91 is described as distributing the rotational power input from the input portion 91a to the first output portion 91c and the second output portion 91d at a predetermined gear ratio, but the present invention is not limited to this. The transmission device main mechanism may be configured to have a mechanism inside that can change the meshing of gears so that the gear ratio can be changed.

[0076] (4) In the above embodiment, the transmission device input mechanism 92 has been described as having a structure in which the transmission belt 92c is stretched between the main body-side pulley 92a and the motor-side pulley 92b, each of which has one stage, and the gear ratio is fixed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The transmission device input mechanism may be configured so that at least one of the main body-side pulley and the motor-side pulley has multiple stages, and is equipped with a mechanism that can change the position at which the transmission belt is stretched, thereby allowing the gear ratio to be changed.

[0077] (5) In the above embodiment, the transmission device input mechanism 92 has been described as having a so-called belt transmission structure in which the transmission belt 92c is stretched between the main body pulley 92a and the motor side pulley 92b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The transmission device input mechanism may have a so-called chain transmission structure in which a main body side sprocket and a motor side sprocket are used instead of the main body side pulley and the motor side pulley, and a transmission chain is used instead of the transmission belt.

[0078] (6) In the above embodiment, the biasing device 21d is a tension spring, and the deceleration instruction member 23 is attached to the side of the swing arm 21b where the tension force is applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a compression spring may be used as the biasing device, and the acceleration instruction member may be attached to the side of the swing arm where the tension force is applied, so that the swing arm is biased toward the side where the deceleration instruction member applies the tension force. Furthermore, for example, a torsion spring may be used as the biasing device, so that the swing arm is biased toward the side where the deceleration instruction member applies the tension force.

[0079] (7) In the above embodiment, the self-propelled sprayer 1 is described as not being equipped with a brake device that stops the motor 5 by operating the deceleration instruction member 23 and forcibly stops the rotation of the drive wheels 62. However, in addition to the stopping means that stops the motor 5, a brake device that forcibly stops the rotation of the drive wheels may be equipped to enable more sudden stops. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...self-propelled sprayer, 1A...travel function unit, 1B...spraying function unit, 2...frame, 3...handle, 4...battery, 5...motor, 6...wheels, 7...stand, 8...spraying device, 9...transmission device, 10...control unit, 11...electronic board, 12...variable resistance element, 20...command input unit, 21...knob rotation input conversion member, 21a...base member, 21b...oscillating arm, 21c...stopper, 21d...urging device, 22...acceleration command member, 22a...acceleration lever, 22b...acceleration side wire, 23...deceleration command member, 23a...deceleration lever, 23b...deceleration side wire, 24...start command member, 25...travel direction command member , 26...emergency stop instruction member, 27...cruise driving instruction member, 30...information output unit, 51...rotating shaft, 61, 61F, 61R...axle, 62...drive wheel, 63...training wheel, 81...storage section, 81a...feed inlet, 81b...drop inlet, 82...rotating body, 83...shutter, 91...transmission device main body mechanism, 91a...input section, 91b...transmission section, 91c...first output section, 91d...second output section, 92...transmission device input mechanism, 92a...main body side pulley, 92b...motor side pulley, 92c...transmission belt, CP...operation panel, L1...first axis, L2...second axis, P...exterior panel, X...left-right direction, Y...front-back direction, Z...up-down direction

Claims

1. A walk-behind self-propelled sprayer in which an operator grips a handle as a movement direction operating member provided at the rear and operates a power change operating member while walking to move or stop the sprayer, and the sprayer can spray granular material while moving, A rechargeable battery; a motor having a rotating shaft, electrically connected to the battery, and configured to rotate the rotating shaft using electric power supplied from the battery to output rotational power; a drive wheel that contacts the ground and rotates around a first axis extending along the contact surface; a spraying device having a storage section that stores granular material that has been introduced, and a rotating body that is disposed below the storage section and rotates around a second axis that intersects with the first axis to spray the granular material stored in the storage section over a predetermined area on the ground surface; A transmission device having an input section to which the rotational power output by the motor is input, a first output section connected to the drive wheel, and a second output section connected to the rotating body of the spraying device, and distributing and transmitting the rotational power of the motor input from the input section to the first output section and the second output section; A walking-type self-propelled sprayer characterized by comprising:

2. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 1, The transmission device transmits the rotation of the rotary shaft of the motor to the first output section and the second output section in conjunction with each other without allowing the rotation to idle.

3. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 2, The spraying device further has a shutter that can appropriately block a flow path between the storage unit and the rotating body. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

4. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 1, a control unit electrically connected to the battery and the motor, including a variable resistance element whose resistance value can be changed by an external knob rotation input, and having a rotation speed control function of increasing or decreasing the power supplied from the battery to the motor according to the rotation position of the variable resistance element; a knob rotation input conversion member that converts an external force into a knob rotation input to the variable resistance element of the control unit; an acceleration instruction member that is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member, and that is operated as one of the power change operation members when an operator instructs the motor to accelerate rotation, and that, when operated, applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member so that the knob rotation input conversion member rotates the variable resistance element in a direction that increases the power supplied to the motor; a deceleration instruction member that is mechanically connected to the knob rotation input conversion member, and that is operated as another one of the power change operation members by an operator when instructing the operator to decelerate the rotation of the motor, and that, when operated, applies an external force to the knob rotation input conversion member so that the knob rotation input conversion member rotates the variable resistance element in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor; A walking-type self-propelled sprayer further comprising:

5. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 4, The handle is a bar handle that extends in a rod shape and can be held at both ends by the operator with both hands, the knob rotation input conversion member has a swing arm that is connected to the variable resistance element, the acceleration instruction member, and the deceleration instruction member, and swings around a connection position with the variable resistance element when an external force is applied from the acceleration instruction member or the deceleration instruction member; the acceleration instruction member includes an acceleration lever attached to one end of the bar handle and rotating around a fulcrum, and an acceleration-side wire connecting the acceleration lever and the swing arm, for inputting a tensile force to the swing arm so that the variable resistance element rotates in a direction increasing the power supplied to the motor in response to an input to the acceleration lever by an operator; The deceleration instruction member includes a deceleration lever attached to the other end of the bar handle and rotating around a fulcrum, and a deceleration-side wire connecting the deceleration lever and the swing arm, for inputting a tensile force to the swing arm so that the variable resistance element rotates in a direction to reduce the power supplied to the motor in response to an input to the deceleration lever by an operator. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

6. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 5, The acceleration lever and the deceleration lever are linked to each other so that force is transmitted to each other via the acceleration side wire, the deceleration side wire, and the swing arm, and the deceleration lever rotates in the opposite direction to the input to the deceleration lever in response to input to the acceleration lever, and the acceleration lever rotates in the opposite direction to the input to the deceleration lever in response to input to the acceleration lever. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

7. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 5, The knob rotation input conversion member further includes a biasing tool that constantly biases the swing arm in a direction that causes the swing arm to rotate the variable resistance element in a direction that reduces the power supplied to the motor. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

8. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 5, The acceleration lever is attached at a position spaced apart from one end of the bar handle so that an operator can operate it with an extended index finger, The deceleration lever is attached to the other end of the bar handle so that an operator can grip the deceleration lever together with the other end of the bar handle. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

9. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 4, a direction indicating member electrically connected to the control unit, operated by an operator when the operator indicates a direction of travel, and configured to send a direction indicating signal to the control unit; The control unit further has a rotation direction control function of rotating the motor forward or backward in response to the travel direction indication signal from the travel direction indicating member. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

10. The walk-behind self-propelled sprayer according to claim 4, An emergency stop instruction member is electrically connected to the control unit, is operated by an operator when an emergency stop is to be instructed, and sends an emergency stop signal to the control unit. the control unit further has a power supply cut-off function of cutting off power supplied from the battery when the emergency stop signal is input from the emergency stop instruction member. A walk-behind, self-propelled sprayer.

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