Work equipment

Abstract

To provide a work machine with improved operability via the control panel. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, a work machine is provided, comprising a main body and an operating unit, wherein the main body has at least one mounting portion and is configured to move based on rotational power from a travel motor, the mounting portion has a rotating body and is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by a predetermined operation, the first state is a state in which the rotating body is allowed to rotate about its central axis, and the second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body about the central axis is restricted, and the operating unit is connected to the main body via the mounting portion and is configured to be gripped in order to assist in the movement of the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an unmanned work vehicle that enables an operator to easily move the unmanned work vehicle manually when it gets stuck and cannot move.

[0003] This unmanned work vehicle includes a traveling device that is operated by power from a prime mover, a switching device that switches the transmission state from the prime mover to the traveling device, and a control system that includes a control unit that controls the operation of the switching device. It also includes an artificial operation tool that can be switched to a usage state that enables manual assist for traveling, and a notification means that notifies the control system of the switching to the usage state of the artificial operation tool. When the control system detects the switching to the usage state of the artificial operation tool based on the notification of the notification means, it includes an auxiliary control unit that controls the operation of the switching device with priority over the control unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the unmanned work vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a working machine premised on traveling by remote operation, and the artificial operation tool is for assisting a stopped working machine. Therefore, it does not consider improving the operability with a traveling assist handle for a working machine during traveling.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a working machine with improved operability by an operation unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a work machine is provided, comprising a main body and an operating unit, wherein the main body has at least one mounting portion and is configured to move based on rotational power from a travel motor, the mounting portion has a rotating body and is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by a predetermined operation, the first state is a state in which the rotating body is allowed to rotate about its central axis, and the second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body about the central axis is restricted, and the operating unit is connected to the main body via the mounting portion and is configured to be gripped in order to assist in the movement of the main body.

[0008] This configuration can further improve the operability of the work machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the overall configuration of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the external appearance of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 4] This is a left side view showing the external appearance of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 5] This is a rear view showing the external appearance of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 6] This is a top view showing the external appearance of the lawnmower 11. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of the lawnmower 11, with some parts omitted. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the lawnmower 11 with some parts omitted. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the lawnmower 11, with some parts omitted. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the mounting section 28, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged perspective view of the brush cutter 11, showing an example of a switching operation in the switching unit 281. [Figure 12] It is a top view showing an example in which the rotating body 282 rotates about the central axis AX1. [Figure 13] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the hinge structure 286. [Figure 14] It is an exploded top view showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 281 and the rotating body 282. [Figure 15] It is an exploded top view showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 281 and the rotating body 282. [Figure 16] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a modified example of the hinge structure 286. [Figure 17] It is a top view for explaining the displaceable mounting portion 28, showing a part of the parts of the lawn mower 11 omitted. [Figure 18] It is a top view for explaining the lawn mower 11 provided with a plurality of mounting portions 28, showing a part of the parts of the lawn mower 11 omitted.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic matters shown in the embodiments shown below can be combined with each other.

[0011] By the way, a program for realizing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-temporary computer-readable medium that can be read by a computer, may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its function is realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] Also, in various information processing according to an embodiment, an input and an output corresponding to the input can be realized. Here, if an output is obtained as a result of the input, the form of information (hereinafter referred to as reference information) referred to in such information processing is not limited. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, a predetermined function (including a judgment formula such as a regression formula constructed by a statistical method), a learned model in which the correlation between the input and the output is learned in advance, or a large language model capable of outputting a desired result by inputting a prompt.

[0013] Also, in one embodiment, the "unit" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense and information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Also, in one embodiment, various information is handled, and these information are represented, for example, by physical values of signal values representing voltage and current, the high and low of signal values as a set of binary bits composed of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be executed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0014] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining at least a circuit (Circuit), circuitry (Circuitry), a processor (Processor), a memory (Memory), etc. Also, the processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0015] 1. Overall Structure Chapter 1 describes a work implement 1 according to one embodiment. The work implement 1 is configured to travel in order to perform a predetermined task. In the following description, we will consider the case where the work implement 1 is a grass cutter 11.

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the brush cutter 11. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the brush cutter 11. Figure 3 is a front view showing the external appearance of the brush cutter 11. Figure 4 is a left side view showing the external appearance of the brush cutter 11. Figure 5 is a rear view showing the external appearance of the brush cutter 11. Figure 6 is a top view showing the external appearance of the brush cutter 11. Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the brush cutter 11 with some parts omitted. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the brush cutter 11 with some parts omitted. Figure 9 is a top view showing the brush cutter 11 with some parts omitted. Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the mounting part 28, with some parts of the brush cutter 11 omitted. Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the brush cutter 11 showing an example of switching operation in the switching part 281. Figure 12 is a top view showing an example of the rotating body 282 rotating about the central axis AX1. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the hinge structure 286. Figure 14 is an exploded top view showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 281 and the rotating body 282.

[0017] In the following explanation, the directions of the lawnmower 11 and each component of the lawnmower 11 are defined based on "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" as shown in Figures 2 to 14 (and similarly in Figures 15 to 18). Furthermore, in the following explanation, "up" will also be referred to as "upper side" or "upward," and "down" will also be referred to as "lower side" or "downward." The direction formed by "up" and "down" will be referred to as "up and down" or "up and down direction." These also apply to "left," "right," "front," and "back."

[0018] (Grass trimmer 11) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work machine 1, a grass trimmer 11, comprises a main body 2, an operating unit 3, a battery 4, and a remote control 5. The grass trimmer 11 has both a driving function and a working function, and performs grass trimming work while driving.

[0019] (Main body 2) As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the main body 2 comprises a travel motor 21, a travel unit 22, a work motor 23, a work unit 24, an operation control unit 25, a transmitting / receiving unit 26, a communication bus 27, a mounting unit 28, and a mounting unit 29. In other words, the main body 2 has at least one mounting unit 28.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the main body 2 has an upper cover 2a and a lower support plate 2c. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the upper cover 2a is lid-shaped and is provided to cover the various parts constituting the main body 2 mounted on the lower support plate 2c from above. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the upper cover 2a has an openable / closable part 2b. By opening the openable / closable part 2b, the various parts constituting the main body 2 that are covered by the upper cover 2a can be checked or operated. In other words, the openable / closable part 2b allows the various parts to be checked or operated without removing the upper cover 2a from the brush cutter 11. The lower support plate 2c is plate-shaped and is located below the upper cover 2a. The various parts constituting the main body 2, namely the travel motor 21, travel unit 22, work motor 23, work unit 24, operation control unit 25, transmitting / receiving unit 26, communication bus 27, mounting unit 28, and mounting unit 29, are mechanically connected to the lower support plate 2c. Of these, the mounting portion 28 is provided so as to protrude from the upper cover 2a. The mounting portion 28 will be described in the section on the operating portion 3.

[0021] The travel motor 21 is an electric motor configured to generate rotational power for the main body 2 to move. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, in the grass trimmer 11, two travel motors 21 are arranged, one on the left and one on the right, behind the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. The travel motors 21 are mechanically connected to the travel unit 22 via chains, gears, etc. (not shown) or directly. The travel unit 22 is supplied with rotational power from the travel motors 21 to move the grass trimmer 11. In other words, the main body 2 is configured to move based on the rotational power from the travel motors 21. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the travel unit 22 in the grass trimmer 11 is a continuous track, such as a so-called caterpillar (registered trademark). Note that the travel unit 22 is not limited to a continuous track and may be, for example, tires.

[0022] The work motor 23 is an electric motor configured to generate rotational power for mowing grass. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, in the grass trimmer 11, two work motors 23 are arranged, one on the left and one on the right, approximately in the center of the front-to-back direction on the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. The work motors 23 are mechanically connected to the work unit 24 via chains, gears, etc. (not shown) or directly. The work unit 24 performs predetermined tasks by receiving rotational power from the work motors 23. As shown in Figure 7, in the grass trimmer 11, the work unit 24 is configured to cut grass and other plants by rotating with the rotational power of the work motors 23. Specifically, the work unit 24 comprises a cutting blade 24a, a cutting blade shaft 24b, a cutting blade mounting part 24c, and a rotating shaft 24d, and is a free-knife type work unit 24. In detail, the cutting blade 24a is plate-shaped and rotates around the rotation axis 24d via the cutting blade mounting part 24c, cutting down grass and other vegetation as the grass trimmer 11 moves along it. The cutting blade mounting part 24c is elliptical in shape, with the rotation axis 24d connected approximately to its center, and rotates in a plane defined by the front / rear and left / right directions. The cutting blade mounting part 24c is also equipped with cutting blade shafts 24b at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The cutting blade 24a is connected to the upper and lower sides of each cutting blade shaft 24b. Furthermore, the cutting blade 24a is attached to the cutting blade shafts 24b of the cutting blade mounting part 24c so as to rotate within a predetermined range around the cutting blade shafts 24b. The working part 24 is not limited to a free-knife type, and for example, a bar knife type, cross knife type, or hammer knife type may be adopted. In addition, resin cords such as nylon cord, metal blades (reel blades, carbide-tipped saw blades, shredder blades, etc.), resin blades, reciprocating blades, etc. may be adopted.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the drive motor 21 and the work motor 23 are controlled by the operation control unit 25, which receives power from the battery 4. In other words, the operation control unit 25 is electrically connected to the drive motor 21, the work motor 23, and the battery 4 by wiring and connectors, and controls the power supply from the battery 4 to the drive motor 21 and the work motor 23. Thus, the operation control unit 25 is configured to electrically control the rotation of the drive motor 21 and the work motor 23. Furthermore, the operation control unit 25 and the transceiver unit 26 are electrically connected via a communication bus 27. The transceiver unit 26 has a wireless communication function and communicates wirelessly with the remote control 5. Details of the battery 4 and the remote control 5 will be described later.

[0024] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the mounting portion 28 has a box shape and is positioned approximately in the center of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the mounting portion 28 includes a switching portion 281, a rotating body 282, a case 283, an operating rod fixing portion 284, and a hinge structure 286.

[0025] As shown in Figure 11, the switching unit 281 includes a shaft portion 281a. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the shaft portion 281a is configured to be insertable into the positioning through hole 282a via a case through hole 283c. The case through hole 283c is a through hole provided in the case 283, and the positioning through hole 282a is a through hole provided in the rotating body 282. The switching unit 281 is configured to be removable from the mounting portion 28 by moving it upward from its state attached to the case 283.

[0026] As shown in Figure 13, the rotating body 282 is equipped with a plurality of positioning through holes 282a and a bearing 282b. The positioning through holes 282a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in a disc-shaped region located on the lower side of the rotating body 282. Specifically, 12 positioning through holes 282a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The bearing 282b has two plate pieces projecting upward from the upper center of the rotating body 282. This forms a groove between the two plate pieces. The plate pieces are provided with bearing through holes 282c.

[0027] As shown in Figure 10, the case 283 has a front case 283a and a rear case 283b. The case 283 houses the rotating body 282 so that it can rotate around a vertical axis, i.e., a central axis AX1. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the rear case 283b is provided with a case through hole 283c.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the mounting portion 28 is configured to switch between a first state S1 and a second state S2 by attaching and detaching the switching portion 281 to the rotating body 282 and the case 283 as a predetermined operation. In this case, the first state S1 is a state in which the rotating body 282 is allowed to rotate about its central axis AX1. The second state S2 is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body 282 about the central axis AX1 is restricted.

[0029] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11B and 12, when the switching unit 281 is removed from the mounting unit 28, the rotating body 282 is rotatable relative to the case 283. In other words, the state of the mounting unit 28 is such that rotation of the rotating body 282 around its central axis AX1 is permitted, i.e., the first state S1.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the positioning through-hole 282a of the rotating body 282 moves relative to the case through-hole 283c of the case 283 as the rotating body 282 rotates. As a result, the rotating body 282 and the case 283 are configured to align the positioning through-hole 282a and the case through-hole 283c at predetermined positions. Specifically, the rotating body 282 and the case 283 are configured to align the positioning through-hole 282a and the case through-hole 283c at positions with a rotation angle of 30° around the central axis AX1, based on the 12 positioning through-holes 282a. The rotation angle is preferably set to 5 to 60°, more preferably to 10 to 45°, and more preferably to 15 to 30°. Specifically, for example, the rotation angles are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60°, and may also be within the range of any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0031] When the positioning through-hole 282a of the rotating body 282 and the case through-hole 283c of the case 283 are aligned, the switching unit 281 can be attached to the mounting unit 28. When the switching unit 281 is attached to the mounting unit 28, the rotation of the rotating body 282 is restricted relative to the case 283. In other words, the state of the mounting unit 28 is such that the rotation of the rotating body 282 is restricted around its central axis AX1, i.e., the second state S2. Specifically, the shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281 is inserted into the positioning through-hole 282a of the rotating body 282 via the case through-hole 283c of the case 283, thereby restricting the movement of the rotating body 282 relative to the case 283.

[0032] In this configuration, it is possible to switch between a first state S1, in which the operating unit 3 rotates around the central axis AX1 relative to the main body 2, and a second state S2, in which this rotation is restricted. In other words, it is possible to switch between the first state S1 and the second state S2 as needed, depending on the work situation, and operate the machine using the operating unit 3. In the first state S1, the operator can hold the operating unit 3 and rotate the brush cutter 11 360 degrees in the front-rear and left-right directions without changing the position of the operating unit 3. This enables turning in place (super-tight turning) and assistance in driving with a high degree of freedom in the direction of travel. In the second state S2, the operator can also adjust the operating unit 3 to a desired position, and assistance in driving can be provided while maintaining a constant angle between the operator and the brush cutter 11. In this way, the operability of the brush cutter 11 can be further improved by adjusting the state of the operating unit 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the mounting section 28 is configured to switch between a first state S1 and a second state S2 by attaching or detaching the switching section 281 as a switching operation. In other words, the switching section 281 is configured to switch between the first state S1 and the second state S2 in accordance with the switching operation. With this configuration, switching between the first state S1 and the second state S2 can be easily performed by operating the switching section 281. The switching section 281 may also be configured to switch between the first state S1 and the second state S2 in accordance with a switching operation via an electrical signal. Specifically, in this case, the switching section 281 may be equipped with an actuator (electric motor, electromagnetic solenoid, etc.) that operates in accordance with the control of the operation control section 25. The switching section 281 allows or limits the rotational movement of the rotating body 282 relative to the case 283 by the actuator that operates in accordance with the control of the operation control section 25. With this configuration, the operation of the switching section 281 can be made even easier. For example, the actuator can be operated by input from the remote control 5 by the operator. Further details about remote control 5 will be provided later.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the mounting portion 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the main body 2 in a plan view, that is, in the plane defined by the front-rear and left-right directions. In other words, the mounting portion 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the main body 2 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, with the central axis AX1 located along the vertical direction of the main body 2. With this configuration, a compact pivot turn can be performed compared to when the mounting portion 28 is positioned at the edge of the main body 2 in the horizontal plane. Specifically, the brush cutter 11 can turn with a smaller turning radius without spreading out, thus shortening the maximum distance from the central axis to the tip of the main body 2 in the horizontal plane. As a result, even when the operator is gripping the operating unit 3, the brush cutter 11 does not come into contact with the operator, enabling safe operation. Therefore, operation when performing a pivot turn can be made easier.

[0035] In the second state S2, the mounting portion 28 is preferably in a state where the rotation of the rotating body 282 around the central axis AX1 is restricted within a predetermined angle range. In other words, the second state S2 is preferably in a state where the rotation of the rotating body 282 is fixed with a predetermined amount of play. In this case, the predetermined angle is, for example, 1 to 15°, preferably 2 to 10°, and more preferably 3 to 7°. Specifically, for example, the predetermined angle is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15°, and may be within the range of any two of the values ​​exemplified here. Furthermore, in order to restrict the rotation of the mounting portion 28 within a predetermined angle range, a predetermined gap is preferably formed between the switching portion 281, the rotating body 282, and the case 283. Specifically, for example, the predetermined gap may be formed by the relative sizes of the shaft diameter of the shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281, the diameter of the positioning through hole 282a of the rotating body 282, and the diameter of the case through hole 283c of the case 283. Alternatively, the predetermined gap may be formed by the fact that, with respect to the circular shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281, at least one of the positioning through hole 282a of the rotating body 282 and the case through hole 283c of the case 283 is substantially elliptical. As shown in Figure 14, specifically, to have the predetermined gap, the shaft diameter of the shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281 is smaller than the diameter of the positioning through hole 282a of the rotating body 282. With this configuration, since the rotation of the rotating body 282 is permitted within a predetermined angle range, it is possible to mitigate unnecessary input transmitted from the main body 2 to the operating unit 3. For example, it is possible to mitigate input to the operating unit 3 due to meandering that occurs when the work machine 1 travels on rough roads. As a result, the operability in the second state S2 can be further improved.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10, the operating rod fixing part 284 is cylindrical and is provided above the mounting part 28, and is configured to allow the operating part 3 to be attached and detached. In other words, the mounting part 28 is configured to allow the operating part 3 to be attached and detached. With this configuration, it is possible to attach and detach the operating part 3 depending on the work situation. It is also possible to select an operating part 3 of a suitable length and shape for the work and attach it to the main body 2. Furthermore, it is possible to work with the operating part 3 removed depending on the work. For example, when working on rough roads, slopes, or near water, attaching the operating part 3 allows the worker to assist in the movement of the brush cutter 11. On the other hand, when working in narrow spaces or places with many obstacles where it is difficult for people to enter, removing the operating part 3 prevents the operating part 3 from getting in the way of the work. As a result, work can be performed in a state that is easier to operate.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the operating rod fixing part 284 has a bearing 284a on its lower side. The bearing 284a is formed in a plate shape and is rotatably attached to the bearing 282b of the rotating body 282 via an insertion bolt 285. The bearing 282b of the rotating body 282, the bearing 284a of the operating rod fixing part 284 and the insertion bolt 285 form a hinge structure 286. The insertion bolt 285 has threaded shafts 285b at both ends of its shaft and a shaft portion 285a between the threaded shafts 285b. The shaft portion 285a is inserted through the bearing through hole 282c provided in the rotating body 282 and the bearing through hole 284b provided in the operating rod fixing part 284, and a nut (not shown) or the like is screwed onto the threaded shaft 285b protruding from the bearing 282b.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the hinge structure 286 has a predetermined axis AX2 perpendicular to the central axis AX1, which is the vertical axis. The predetermined axis AX2 is an axis located in one of the planes defined as front-rear and left-right, depending on the rotation around the central axis AX1. Specifically, in Figure 10, the predetermined axis AX2 is located in the left-right direction. The rotating body 282 and the operating rod fixing part 284 are configured to be displaceable relative to each other with the predetermined axis AX2 as the pivot point. In other words, the mounting part 28 and the operating part 3 are connected via the hinge structure 286 and are configured to be rotatable around the predetermined axis AX2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, when the operating rod fixing part 284 rotates around the predetermined axis AX2, the operating part 3 connected to the operating rod fixing part 284 moves forward or backward. With this configuration, the range of motion of the operating part 3 is widened by the hinge structure 286, and the degree of freedom of the operating position of the brush cutter 11 can be further improved. Specifically, the operating unit 3 can be displaced in three dimensions, not only in the horizontal plane by the rotating body 282, but also in the vertical plane by the hinge structure 286.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the mounting portion 29 is plate-shaped and is configured to detachably accommodate a battery 4 for supplying power to the travel motor 21. The mounting portion 29 is positioned near the center in the left-right direction, in front of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. The mounting portion 29 is inclined to approach the lower support plate 2c from front to rear. Details of the battery 4 will be described later.

[0040] (Operation unit 3) The main body 2 is configured to be connected to the operating unit 3 via a mounting portion 28. This allows the operating unit 3 to be connected to the mounting portion 28 and operated to assist in the movement of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 2, the operating unit 3 is specifically an operating rod 31. In this configuration, the main body 2 can be directly operated via the operating rod 31. The operating rod 31 also has a gripping portion 31a and a connecting portion 31b.

[0041] The gripping portion 31a, when integrated with the remote control 5, forms a ring shape, and the operator's hand is inserted into the inside of this ring to grip it. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 31b is connected below the gripping portion 31a. The connecting portion 31b is pipe-shaped and connects the mounting portion 28 and the gripping portion 31a. In other words, the operating portion 3 is connected to the main body 2 via the mounting portion 28 (rotating body 282) and is configured to be grippable in order to assist in the movement of the main body 2. The connecting portion 31b shown in Figure 2 is fixed in length and cannot be extended or retracted, but is not limited to this, and may, for example, be equipped with an extendable or retractable mechanism. With this configuration, even if the appropriate sense of distance differs depending on the operator's height, the length of the operating portion 3 can be adjusted to allow each operator to work in a comfortable posture. Details of the remote control 5 will be described later.

[0042] (Battery 4) As shown in Figure 8, the battery 4 is detachably attached to the mounting section 29 of the main body 2 at the front of the main body 2. The battery 4 is constructed by housing a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, in a rectangular parallelepiped case. The battery 4 is a battery pack that can be attached and detached by sliding it in the front-rear direction relative to the mounting section 29. In the brush cutter 11, two batteries 4 are installed, but this is not limited to this; the device may have one or more mounting sections 29, and batteries 4 may be installed in the mounting section 29.

[0043] (Remote control 5) As shown in Figure 1, the remote control 5 comprises a transmitting / receiving unit 51 and an input unit 52. The transmitting / receiving unit 51 and the input unit 52 are electrically connected via a communication bus 53. As shown in Figure 2, the remote control 5 is integrated with the gripping unit 31a of the operating unit 3. The remote control 5 is a controller with wireless communication functionality and is configured to control the grass trimmer 11 based on user input. The remote control 5 may also be configured to be detachable from the gripping unit 31a of the operating unit 3.

[0044] The transmitting / receiving unit 51 in the remote control 5 transmits the signal generated by the input unit 52 to the transmitting / receiving unit 26 in the main unit 2 via wireless communication. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 26 receives the signal generated by the input unit 52 from the transmitting / receiving unit 51 via wireless communication. The operation control unit 25 executes control according to the signal received by the transmitting / receiving unit 26.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the input unit 52 has a travel input lever 52a, a direction input lever 52b, and a cutting blade input lever 52c. The travel input lever 52a is an operating means for increasing or decreasing the travel speed of the main unit 2. The travel input lever 52a is configured to control the travel speed of the main unit 2 via a drive switch (not shown). The direction input lever 52b is an operating means for controlling the travel direction of the main unit 2. Furthermore, the cutting blade input lever 52c is an operating means for switching the working unit 24 on / off to rotate it.

[0046] [others] The work machine 1 according to one embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the case where the work machine 1 is a grass cutter 11 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the work machine 1 may be a grass cutter 11, a collection machine (not shown) for collecting rubbish, golf balls, etc. that have fallen on the ground, or a sprayer (not shown). With such an embodiment, predetermined tasks can be performed using a collection machine or sprayer with improved operability.

[0048] Figure 15 is an exploded top view showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 281 and the rotating body 282.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the case in the second state S2 was described as one in which rotation around the central axis AX1 is restricted to a predetermined angle range, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second state S2 may be a state in which the rotation of the rotating body 282 is prevented. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the axial diameter of the shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281 and the diameter of the positioning through hole 282a of the rotating body 282 should be such that the rotation of the rotating body 282 is prevented, and the shaft portion 281a of the switching unit 281 can be inserted into and removed from the positioning through hole 282a. With this configuration, since the rotation of the rotating body 282 is prevented, the operation of the main body 2 by the operating unit 3 can be performed without delay. As a result, the operability in the second state S2 can be further improved.

[0050] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified configuration of the hinge structure 286.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the case in which an insertion bolt 285 is used in the hinge structure 286 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 16, a hinge switching part 287 may be used in the hinge structure 286. In this case, the mounting part 28 is equipped with a hinge switching part 287. The hinge switching part 287 has a shaft portion 287b and a screw shaft 287c, similar to the insertion bolt 285. In the hinge switching part 287, the shaft portion 287b is inserted through the bearing through hole 282c of the rotating body 282 and the bearing through hole 284b of the operating rod fixing part 284, and a nut (not shown) or the like is screwed onto the screw shaft 287c that protrudes from the bearing 282b. Furthermore, the hinge switching section 287 is equipped with a lever section 287a, and is configured to limit the relative displacement between the rotating body 282 and the operating rod fixing section 284 by rotating it to tighten the screw shaft 287c and the nut. With this configuration, the hinge structure 286 is configured to switch between a third state S3 and a fourth state S4 by operating the hinge switching section 287. In this case, the third state S3 is a state in which the mounting section 28 and the operating section 3 are allowed to rotate around a predetermined axis AX2. The fourth state S4 is a state in which the rotation of the mounting section 28 and the operating section 3 around the predetermined axis AX2 is restricted. With this configuration, the operability of the work machine 1 can be further improved by selecting a fixing state of the operating section 3 that is more suitable for the working conditions. In other words, the mounting section 28 is configured to switch between the third state S3 and the fourth state S4 by rotating the hinge switching section 287 as a switching operation. In other words, the hinge switching unit 287 is configured to switch between the third state S3 and the fourth state S4 in accordance with the switching operation. With this configuration, the switching between the third state S3 and the fourth state S4 can be easily performed by operating the hinge switching unit 287.

[0052] Furthermore, the switching unit 281 and the hinge switching unit 287 may be configured to operate in conjunction. Specifically, the mounting unit 28 may be configured to operate in the second state S2, and the hinge switching unit 287 in the fourth state S4. In this configuration, the states of the switching unit 281 and the hinge switching unit 287 can be switched in conjunction. As a result, the switching of the operating state can be performed more smoothly.

[0053] Figure 17 is a top view illustrating a displaceable mounting section 28 of the lawnmower 11, with some parts omitted.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 28 was described as being positioned approximately in the center of the plane defined by the front, rear and left and right sides of the main body 2, but it is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 28 may be provided so as to be displaceable along the direction of travel of the main body 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the mounting portion 28 may be provided so as to be displaceable in the front-rear direction. With such an embodiment, by distributing the mounting portion 28 unevenly depending on the work situation, it is possible to work in a state that is easier to operate. For example, if the mounting portion 28 is positioned at the end of the main body 2, it is possible to easily lift one end, such as pushing up or pulling up the brush cutter 11 on a slope with a large angle of inclination.

[0055] Figure 18 is a top view illustrating a lawnmower 11 that has multiple mounting parts 28, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the case in which one mounting portion 28 is arranged on the main body portion 2 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, at least one mounting portion 28 may include multiple mounting portions 28, and the multiple mounting portions 28 may be arranged with space between them along the direction of travel of the main body portion 2. As shown in Figure 18, the mounting portions 28 may be arranged approximately in the center and rear along the front-rear direction, which is the direction of travel of the main body portion 2. With this configuration, it is possible to select the mounting portion 28 to which the operating portion 3 is connected from among the multiple mounting portions 28 depending on the work situation. As a result, work can be performed in a state that is easier to operate.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the case in which the remote control 5 controls the main unit 2 via wireless communication was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the remote control 5 and the operation control unit 25 may be electrically connected by a wire.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the rotating body 282 and the case 283 are configured to align the positions of the positioning through holes 282a and the case through holes 283c at 30° intervals in terms of rotation angle around the central axis AX1, based on 12 positioning through holes 282a. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the rotation angle around the central axis AX1 may be configured to be infinitely adjustable.

[0059] Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0060] (1) A work machine comprising a main body and an operating unit, wherein the main body has at least one mounting portion and is configured to move based on rotational power from a travel motor, the mounting portion has a rotating body and is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by a predetermined operation, wherein the first state is a state in which the rotating body is allowed to rotate about its central axis, and the second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body about the central axis is restricted, and the operating unit is connected to the main body via the mounting portion and is configured to be gripped in order to assist in the movement of the main body.

[0061] In this configuration, the first state and the second state can be switched depending on the work situation, and operation can be performed by the control unit. As a result, the operability of the work machine can be further improved.

[0062] (2) The work machine described in (1) above, wherein the mounting portion is positioned such that the central axis is aligned with the vertical direction of the main body and is located approximately in the center of the main body in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0063] This configuration makes it easier to operate the aircraft when performing a pivot turn.

[0064] (3) A work machine as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body is fixed with a predetermined amount of play.

[0065] In this configuration, by allowing the rotation of the rotating body to be within a predetermined angle range, it is possible to mitigate unnecessary inputs transmitted from the main body to the operating section. For example, it is possible to mitigate inputs to the operating section caused by meandering when the work machine is traveling on rough roads. As a result, operability in the second state can be further improved.

[0066] (4) In the work machine described in (1) or (2) above, the second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body is prevented.

[0067] In this configuration, since the rotation of the rotating body is prevented, the main body can be operated by the operating unit without delay. As a result, the operability in the second state can be further improved.

[0068] (5) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the mounting part is equipped with a switching part, and the switching part is configured to switch between the first state and the second state in accordance with the switching operation.

[0069] According to this embodiment, switching between the first state and the second state can be easily performed by operating the switching unit.

[0070] (6) The work machine described in (5) above, wherein the switching unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state in response to the switching operation via an electrical signal.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the operation of the switching unit can be made even easier.

[0072] (7) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the mounting portion further comprises a hinge structure, the hinge structure has a predetermined axis in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, the mounting portion and the operating portion are connected via the hinge structure and configured to be rotatable about the predetermined axis.

[0073] In this configuration, the hinge structure expands the range of motion of the operating part, further improving the degree of freedom in the operating position of the work machine.

[0074] (8) A work machine as described in (7) above, wherein the hinge structure is configured to be switchable between a third state and a fourth state, where the third state is a state in which the mounting portion and the operating portion are allowed to rotate about the predetermined axis, and the fourth state is a state in which the rotation of the mounting portion and the operating portion about the predetermined axis is restricted.

[0075] In this configuration, the operability of the work machine can be further improved by selecting a fixing state for the control unit that is more suitable for the work situation.

[0076] (9) The work machine described in (8) above, wherein the mounting portion further comprises a hinge switching portion, and the hinge switching portion is configured to switch between the third state and the fourth state in accordance with the switching operation.

[0077] According to this embodiment, switching between the third state and the fourth state can be easily performed by operating the hinge switching unit.

[0078] (10) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the mounting portion is provided so as to be displaceable along the direction of travel of the main body.

[0079] With this configuration, the mounting parts can be unevenly distributed depending on the work situation, making it easier to operate the device.

[0080] (11) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the mounting part is configured to detachably connect to the operating part.

[0081] In this configuration, the operating unit can be attached and detached depending on the work situation, allowing for easier operation during the work.

[0082] (12) A work machine as described in (11) above, wherein the at least one mounting portion includes a plurality of mounting portions, and the plurality of mounting portions are spaced apart from each other along the direction of travel of the main body.

[0083] In this configuration, it becomes possible to select the mounting part to which the operating unit is connected from among multiple mounting parts, depending on the work situation. As a result, work can be performed in a way that makes it easier to operate.

[0084] (13) A work machine described in any one of (1) to (12) above, which is a grass cutter, a collection machine, or a sprayer.

[0085] In this configuration, the predetermined tasks can be performed using a brush cutter, collection machine, or watering machine with improved operability. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0086] As previously described, various embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1: Work machine 11: Lawn mower 2: Main body 2a: Top cover 2b: Opening / closing part 2c: Lower support plate 21: Driving motor 22: Running section 23: Work motor 24: Work Unit 24a: Cutting blade 24b:Cutter blade shaft 24c: Cutting blade mounting section 24d: Rotation axis 25: Operation Control Unit 26: Transceiver Unit 27: Communications bus 28: Mounting part 281: Switching section 281a: Shaft 282: Solid of revolution 282a: Positioning through hole 282b: Bearing 282c: Bearing through hole 283: Case 283a: Front case 283b: Rear case 283c: Case through-hole 284: Operation stick fixing part 284a: Bearing 284b: Bearing through hole 285: Through bolt 285a:Shaft part 285b: Screw shaft 286: Hinge structure 287: Hinge switching section 287a: Lever part 287b:Shaft part 287c: Screw shaft 29: Mounting part 3 :Operation section 31: Operation stick 31a: Grip part 31b: Connection part 4: Battery 5: Remote control 51: Transmitter / Receiver 52: Input section 52a: Drive input lever 52b: Directional input lever 52c: Cutting blade input lever 53: Communications bus AX1: Central axis AX2: Predetermined axis S1: First state S2: Second state S3: Third state S4: The fourth state

Claims

1. It is a work machine, It comprises a main unit and an operating unit. The main body has at least one mounting portion and is configured to move based on rotational power from a travel motor. The mounting portion has a rotating body and is configured to be switchable between a first state and a second state by a predetermined operation, where, The first state described above is a state in which the rotating body is allowed to rotate about its central axis, The second state is a state in which the rotation of the rotating body on the central axis is restricted. The operating unit is connected to the main body via the mounting unit and is configured to be grippable in order to assist in the movement of the main body, in a work machine.

2. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion is positioned such that the central axis is aligned with the vertical direction of the main body and is located approximately in the center of the main body in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

3. In the work machine described in claim 1, The second state is a working machine in which the rotation of the rotating body is fixed with a predetermined amount of play.

4. In the work machine described in claim 1, The second state is a work machine in which the rotation of the rotating body is prevented.

5. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion includes a switching portion, The switching unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state in accordance with the switching operation, in a work machine.

6. In the work machine described in claim 5, The switching unit is configured to switch between the first state and the second state in response to the switching operation via an electrical signal, in a work machine.

7. In the work machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned mounting portion further comprises a hinge structure, The hinge structure has a predetermined axis perpendicular to the central axis, The mounting portion and the operating portion are connected via the hinge structure, and the work machine is configured to be rotatable about the predetermined axis.

8. In the work machine described in claim 7, The aforementioned hinge structure is configured to be switchable between a third state and a fourth state, where, The third state is a state in which the mounting portion and the operating portion are allowed to rotate about the predetermined axis, The fourth state is a work machine in which the rotation of the mounting part and the operating part around the predetermined axis is restricted.

9. In the work machine described in claim 8, The aforementioned mounting portion further comprises a hinge switching portion, The hinge switching unit is configured to switch between the third state and the fourth state in accordance with the switching operation, in a work machine.

10. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion is provided so as to be displaceable along the direction of travel of the main body of the work machine.

11. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion is configured to detachably connect to the operating portion of the work machine.

12. In the work machine according to claim 11, The at least one mounting portion includes a plurality of the mounting portions, The plurality of mounting parts are arranged at intervals from each other along the direction of travel of the main body of the work machine.

13. In the work machine described in claim 1, A work machine that is a grass cutter, collection machine, or sprayer.

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