Work equipment

Abstract

The aim is to provide a work machine that improves stability while in motion and allows for operator assistance during operation. [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 comprises a travel motor, a mounting unit and an attachment unit, the travel motor is configured to generate rotational power for the main body to travel, the mounting unit is configured to detachably hold a battery for supplying power to the travel motor, the attachment unit is positioned inside a predetermined area formed in a plan view of the main body, the predetermined area is a region formed between a first straight line and a second straight line, the first straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the travel motor in the front-rear direction, which is the travel direction of the main body, in a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the second straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the attachment unit in the front-rear direction in a left-right direction, and the operating unit is connected to the attachment unit and configured to be operable in order to assist the travel of the main body.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an unmanned work vehicle that enables an operator to easily perform a movement operation of the unmanned work vehicle by manpower when the unmanned work vehicle 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 having 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 assistance 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] The work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is intended for an operator to lift the work machine when it cannot move, but does not disclose improving the stability of the work machine during traveling or providing assistance during traveling by an operator.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a work machine that can improve the stability of the work machine during traveling and enable an operator to provide assistance during traveling.

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 comprises a travel motor, a mounting unit and a mounting unit, the travel motor is configured to generate rotational power for the main body to travel, the mounting unit is configured to detachably hold a battery for supplying power to the travel motor, the mounting unit is positioned inside a predetermined area formed in a plan view of the main body, the predetermined area is a region formed between a first straight line and a second straight line, the first straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the travel motor in the front-rear direction, which is the travel direction of the main body, in a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the second straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the mounting unit in the front-rear direction in a left-right direction, and the operating unit is connected to the mounting unit and configured to be operable in order to assist the travel of the main body.

[0008] This configuration improves the stability of the work machine while it is in motion and allows for assistance from the operator while it is moving. [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 illustrating a predetermined region AR, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 10]This is a top view illustrating a predetermined area AR and a predetermined width D, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 11] This is a top view of the lawnmower 11, with some parts omitted. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the mounting portion 28. [Figure 13] This is a top view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the mounting section 29, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 14] This is a top view illustrating an example of a lawnmower 11 with a dummy battery BB installed, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 15] This is a top view illustrating an example of displacement of the mounting portion 29, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted. [Figure 16] This is a top view illustrating an example of a weight mounting section 293, with some parts of the brush cutter 11 omitted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0011] Incidentally, the program for implementing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are 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 judgment expressions such as regression equations constructed by statistical methods), a learned model in which the correlation between the input and the output has been 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, circuitry, a processor, and a memory, etc. Also, the processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (for example, simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

[0015] 1. Overall Structure In Chapter 1, the working machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described. The working machine 1 is configured to travel in order to perform a predetermined operation. Hereinafter, the case where the working machine 1 is the lawn mower 11 will be taken up and described.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall structure of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 6 is a top view showing the appearance of the lawn mower 11. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the lawn mower 11 with some parts omitted. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the lawn mower 11 with some parts omitted. FIG. 9 is a top view showing a predetermined area AR for explaining the lawn mower 11 with some parts omitted. FIG. 10 is a top view showing the predetermined area AR and a predetermined width D for explaining the lawn mower 11 with some parts omitted. FIG. 11 is a top view showing the lawn mower 11 with some parts omitted. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 28.

[0017] In the following description, based on "up", "down", "left", "right", "front" and "rear" shown in FIGS. 2 to 12 (the same applies to FIGS. 13 to 16), the directions of the lawn mower 11 and each member constituting the lawn mower 11 are defined. Further, in the following description, "up" is also referred to as "upper side" or "above", and "down" is also referred to as "lower side" or "below". Also, the direction formed by up and down is referred to as "vertical" or "vertical direction". The same applies to "left", "right", "front" and "rear".

[0018] (Lawn Mower 11) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lawn mower 11 which is the working machine 1 includes a main body portion 2, an operation portion 3, a battery 4, and a remote control 5. The lawn mower 11 has a traveling function and a working function, and performs lawn mowing work while traveling.

[0019] (Main Body Portion 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.

[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. 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. Furthermore, 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 inspected or operated. In other words, the openable / closable part 2b allows inspection or operation of these parts 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.

[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 lawnmower 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 motor 21 has an output shaft and is mechanically connected to the travel unit 22 via a chain, gears, etc. (not shown) or directly from the output shaft. The travel unit 22 is supplied with rotational power from the travel motor 21 to move the lawnmower 11. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the travel unit 22 in the lawnmower 11 is a continuous track, also known as a caterpillar (registered trademark). Note that the travel unit 22 is not limited to a continuous track and may be, for example, a tire.

[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, and 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 shaft 24b of the cutting blade mounting part 24c so as to rotate within a predetermined range around the cutting blade shaft 24b. Note that the working part 24 is not limited to a free-knife type, and may be of other types, such as a resin cord such as nylon cord, a metal blade (reel blade, carbide-tipped saw, shredder blade, etc.), or a reciprocating blade.

[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 Figure 9, the mounting portion 28 has a box shape and is positioned inside a predetermined region AR formed in a plan view of the main body 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the mounting portion 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c within the predetermined region AR. Note that the mounting portion 28 is not limited to being positioned approximately in the center of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c, but may be off-center in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, etc., as long as it is within the predetermined region AR. Also, the predetermined region AR in Figure 9 is formed between the first straight line LN1 and the second straight line LN2. In other words, the predetermined region AR in this case is the region formed between the first straight line LN1 and the second straight line LN2. Here, the first straight line LN1 is a straight line that passes through the center position of the travel motor 21 in the front-rear direction, which is the travel direction of the main body 2, in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The second straight line LN2 is a straight line that passes through the center position of the mounting portion 29 in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction. This configuration improves the stability of the mower 11 while it is in motion and allows the operator to provide assistance while it is moving. The battery and the drive motor are both heavy components that affect the center of gravity of the entire body of the mower 11. In this embodiment, these components are arranged to be distributed between the front and rear of the body. In a mower 11 with the work unit 24 located in the center of the body, this arrangement prevents the body from lifting up regardless of the direction of travel. More specifically, by using the drive motor 21 and battery 4 as the drive source, the rotation direction of the drive motor 21 can be easily switched between forward and reverse to enable reciprocating movement (generally, in engine-driven systems, the direction of the output shaft cannot be changed, so the transmission structure becomes complex in order to switch between forward and reverse). The ability of the mower 11 to easily move in any direction is a major advantage, but if heavy components are placed in the center of the body as in Patent Document 1, the body may lift up depending on the direction of travel. In this embodiment of the self-propelled lawnmower 11, heavy objects are positioned in front of and behind the working section 24 in the direction of travel, thereby effectively preventing the vehicle from lifting up and ensuring stable lawnmowering regardless of the direction of travel.Given this arrangement, when considering the position of the mounting portion 28, depending on its position, the burden on the operator gripping the end of the operating portion 3 may increase. This is particularly noticeable when the brush cutter 11 is used on a slope. For example, as in Patent Document 1, if the mounting portion 28 is provided at the end of the main body portion 2, the burden on the operator providing assistance increases. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 28 is provided inside a predetermined area AR defined by the center position of the travel motor 21 and the center position of the battery 4, thereby reducing the burden on the operator gripping the operating portion 3 regardless of the direction of travel or the environment (slope).

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the predetermined region AR is preferably configured to have a predetermined width D in the left and right directions from the center line in the left-right direction. In this case, each predetermined width D is preferably 20% or less of the width D2 of the main body 2 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the stability of the lawnmower 11 while driving can be further improved, especially when performing super-tight turns, and assistance from the operator while driving can be provided.

[0026] As shown in Figure 12, the mounting section 28 includes a switching section 281, a rotating body 282, a case 283, and an operating rod fixing section 284.

[0027] The switching unit 281 is configured to be removable from the mounting unit 28 by moving it upward from its position attached to the case 283. By removing the switching unit 281, the mounting angle of the mounting unit 28 can be changed around its central axis AX1. On the other hand, by attaching the switching unit 281, the mounting unit 28 is fixed around its central axis AX1. The central axis AX1 is the vertical axis.

[0028] Furthermore, the rotating body 282 is disc-shaped and is configured to be rotatable while housed in the case 283. The rotation of the rotating body 282 can be permitted or restricted by attaching or detaching the switching unit 281. As shown in Figure 12, the case 283 has a front case 283a and a rear case 283b. The rotating body 282 is housed in the case 283 so as to be rotatable around the central axis AX1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 12, the operating rod fixing part 284 is cylindrical and is provided above the mounting part 28, and is configured to be connected to the operating part 3. The operating rod fixing part 284 is also connected to the rotating body 282 so as to rotate around a predetermined axis AX2. This forms a hinge structure 285. In other words, the hinge structure 285 is configured so that the operating part 3 connected to the mounting part 28 rotates with the predetermined axis AX2 as the pivot point.

[0030] 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 also has a first mounting portion 291 and a second mounting portion 292. The first mounting portion 291 and the second mounting portion 292 are positioned near the approximate center in the left-right direction, in front of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. The first mounting portion 291 and the second mounting portion 292 are inclined so as they move closer to the lower support plate 2c from front to rear. Details of the battery 4 will be described later.

[0031] (Operation unit 3) As shown in Figure 2, 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. The operating unit 3 is an operating rod 31. In this configuration, the main body 2 can be directly operated via the operating rod 31. Furthermore, due to the high rigidity of the operating rod 31, it can handle various operation patterns of the main body 2 without increasing the operator's load, such as pulling the main body 2 as an auxiliary operation of the operating rod 31, pushing the main body 2 from the rear, or maintaining only the pivot point during rotation without moving the operating unit. The operating rod 31 also has a gripping portion 31a and a connecting portion 31b.

[0032] 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 rod 31 is connected to the main body 2 via the mounting portion 28 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. Details of the remote control 5 will be described later.

[0033] (Battery 4) As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the battery 4 is detachably attached to the first mounting section 291 and the second mounting section 292 (mounting section 29). That is, the battery 4 is positioned near the approximate center in the left-right direction, in front of the upper surface of the lower support plate 2c. 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 brush cutter may have one or more mounting sections 29, and batteries 4 may be installed in the mounting sections 29.

[0034] Furthermore, the grass trimmer 11 is configured to allow the battery 4 to be attached and detached by opening and closing the opening / closing section 2b on the upper cover 2a. In other words, the grass trimmer 11 is configured to allow the battery 4 to be attached and detached by opening and closing the opening / closing section 2b without removing the upper cover 2a from the grass trimmer 11.

[0035] (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.

[0036] The transmitting / receiving unit 51 transmits the signal generated by the input unit 52 to the transmitting / receiving unit 26 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 performs control according to the signal received by the transmitting / receiving unit 26.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 2. Position of the center of gravity in the main body 2 This section describes the position of the center of gravity in the main body 2 according to one embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 11, the main body 2 has its center of gravity at position 2d when the battery 4 is mounted on the mounting part 29. The mounting part 28 is positioned so as to encompass position 2d inside the main body 2 or the lower support plate 2c in a plan view (hereinafter also simply referred to as "plan view"). In other words, the mounting part 28 is positioned at or near the center of gravity of the main body 2 in a plan view of the main body 2 when the battery 4 is mounted on the mounting part 29. In this specification, the vicinity of the center of gravity is defined as the area inside a circle having a predetermined radius centered at the position of the center of gravity. The predetermined radius may be a value obtained by multiplying the length L of the diagonal of the main body 2 by a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 15%, preferably 7%, and more preferably 2%. Specifically, for example, the predetermined percentages are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15%, and may be within the range of any two of the values ​​exemplified here. Also, the mounting part 28 may be positioned within the range inside the circle, without including position 2d. According to this embodiment, the operability of the brush cutter 11 can be improved by making it possible to connect (mount) the operating part 3 for assisting the movement of the main body 2 to a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the main body 2. Note that position 2d shown in Figure 11 is approximately the center of the main body 2 in a plan view, but is not limited to this, and may be unevenly distributed in the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction, or the diagonal direction within the aforementioned range.

[0040] As shown in Figure 11, the main body 2 is approximately square in plan view, and its center of gravity is preferably located approximately in the center of the square (for example, at the intersection of the diagonals). In other words, the main body 2 is configured such that, with the battery 4 attached to the mounting part 29, its center of gravity is located approximately in the center of the main body 2 in a plan view. In this case, the mounting part 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the main body 2. With this configuration, when traveling, especially when traveling on an inclined surface, it becomes easier to operate the main body 2 with the control unit 3 without increasing the burden on the operator. As a result, the stability of the lawnmower 11 during travel can be improved.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the travel motor 21 is positioned biasedly to the rear of the lower support plate 2c in a plan view. The mounting parts 29, namely the first mounting part 291 and the second mounting part 292, are positioned biased to the front of the lower support plate 2c in a plan view. In other words, the travel motor 21 is positioned biased to one side in the front-rear direction, which is the direction of travel of the main body 2, and the mounting parts 29 are positioned biased to the other side in the front-rear direction. This configuration optimizes the weight balance of the lawnmower 11 and effectively prevents the body from lifting regardless of the direction of travel of the lawnmower 11.

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, the first mounting section 291 and the second mounting section 292 are positioned close to the center in the left-right direction. This configuration makes it possible to optimize the weight balance of the brush cutter 11. As a result, the brush cutter 11 can be driven more stably. In addition, by positioning the battery 4 close by, the opening and closing section 2b can be made compact while making it easy to attach and detach the battery 4.

[0043] [others] The work machine 1 according to one embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the case in which the implement 1 is a grass cutter 11 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, the implement 1 may be a collection machine (not shown) or a spreader (not shown). With such an embodiment, the predetermined work can be performed using a collection machine or spreader with improved operability.

[0045] Figure 13 is a top view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the mounting section 29, with some parts of the brush cutter 11 omitted.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the first mounting portion 291 and the second mounting portion 292 are described as being located close to the center in the left-right direction, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first mounting portion 291 and the second mounting portion 292 may be located far apart in the left-right direction in a plan view of the main body portion 2. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when accommodating a large battery 4 or when a configuration is made that allows for the attachment of multiple batteries 4 of different sizes.

[0047] Figure 14 is a top view illustrating an example in which a dummy battery BB is installed, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the case in which the grass trimmer 11 is equipped with two batteries 4 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, a dummy battery BB may be mounted on the mounting section 29. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, a battery 4 may be mounted on the first mounting section 291, and a dummy battery BB may be mounted on the second mounting section 292. The dummy battery BB is designed to have the same weight as the battery 4. In other words, the battery 4 may be mounted on one of the first mounting section 291 and the second mounting section 292, and a dummy battery BB with the same weight as the battery 4 may be mounted on the other. With this configuration, the position of the center of gravity of the main body 2 can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number of batteries 4 mounted. As a result, the operability of the grass trimmer 11 can be maintained.

[0049] Figure 15 is a top view illustrating an example of displacement of the mounting portion 29, with some parts of the lawnmower 11 omitted.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the case in which the position of the mounting part 29 is fixed was described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the position of the mounting part 29 may be configured to be displaceable depending on the number, shape, weight, etc. of the batteries 4 to be mounted on the mounting part 29. In other words, the main body 2 may be configured to allow the position of the mounting part 29 to be displaceable. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the mounting part 29 may be displaced to the right when batteries 4 are mounted only on the first mounting part 291. With this configuration, the position of the center of gravity of the main body 2 can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number, shape, and weight of the batteries 4 to be mounted. As a result, the operability of the brush cutter 11 can be maintained.

[0051] Figure 16 is a top view illustrating an example of a weight mounting section 293 of the lawnmower 11, with some parts omitted.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the case in which two batteries 4 are attached to the brush cutter 11 is described as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, weights may be attached to the main body 2 depending on the number, shape, weight, etc. of the batteries 4 that are attached. These weights are used to adjust the center of gravity of the main body 2. In other words, the main body 2 may be equipped with a weight attachment section 293 to which weights for adjusting the center of gravity can be attached and detached. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, when batteries 4 are attached only to the first attachment section 291, weights may be attached to the weight attachment section 293. With this configuration, the center of gravity of the main body 2 can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number, shape, weight, etc. of the batteries 4 that are attached. As a result, the operability of the brush cutter 11 can be maintained.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the case in which the operating unit 3 is an operating rod 31 was described as an example, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the operating unit 3 may be a string connected to the mounting part 28. In this case, the grass trimmer 11 is preferably operated using a remote control 5 detached from the gripping part 31a of the operating unit 3. With this configuration, the working range of the grass trimmer 11 can be easily changed.

[0054] Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0055] (1) A work machine comprising a main body and an operating unit, wherein the main body comprises a travel motor, a mounting unit and a mounting unit, the travel motor is configured to generate rotational power for the main body to travel, the mounting unit is configured to detachably hold a battery for supplying power to the travel motor, the mounting unit is positioned inside a predetermined area formed in a plan view of the main body, the predetermined area is a region formed between a first straight line and a second straight line, the first straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the travel motor in the front-rear direction, which is the travel direction of the main body, in a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the second straight line is a straight line passing through the center position of the mounting unit in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction, and the operating unit is connected to the mounting unit and configured to be operable in order to assist the travel of the main body.

[0056] This configuration improves the stability of the work machine while it is in motion and allows for assistance from the operator while it is moving.

[0057] (2) The work machine described in (1) above, wherein the predetermined area has a predetermined width in the left and right directions from the center line in the left-right direction, and each predetermined width is 20% or less of the width of the main body in the left-right direction.

[0058] This configuration improves the stability of the work machine while it is in motion and allows for assistance from the operator while it is moving.

[0059] (3) In the work machine described in (1) or (2) above, the mounting portion is positioned at or near the center of gravity of the main body in a plan view of the main body when the battery is mounted on the mounting portion.

[0060] In this configuration, the operability of the work machine can be improved by connecting (attaching) the operating unit for assisting the movement of the main unit to a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the main unit.

[0061] (4) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the main body is configured such that, with the battery attached to the mounting part, the center of gravity of the main body is located approximately in the center of the main body in a plan view of the main body.

[0062] With this configuration, even when traveling on an inclined surface, the operation of the main unit by the control unit becomes easier without significantly increasing the burden on the operator. As a result, the stability of the work machine during travel can be improved.

[0063] (5) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the travel motor is arranged to be biased toward one side in the front-rear direction, and the mounting part is arranged to be biased toward the other side in the front-rear direction.

[0064] This configuration allows for a more optimal weight balance of the lawnmower and effectively prevents the vehicle from lifting off the ground regardless of the direction of travel.

[0065] (6) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the mounting part has a first mounting part and a second mounting part, and the first mounting part and the second mounting part are arranged apart in the left-right direction in a plan view of the main body.

[0066] This configuration is particularly advantageous when a large battery is to be installed, or when a configuration is needed that allows for the installation of multiple batteries of different sizes.

[0067] (7) A work machine as described in (6) above, wherein the first mounting part and the second mounting part are arranged close to the center in the left-right direction.

[0068] This configuration makes it possible to optimize the weight balance of the implement. As a result, the implement can be driven more stably. In addition, because the batteries are positioned close together, the attachment and detachment of multiple batteries can be easily performed.

[0069] (8) A work machine as described in (6) or (7) above, wherein the battery is mounted on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and a dummy battery of the same weight as the battery is mounted on the other.

[0070] In this configuration, the center of gravity of the main unit can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number of batteries installed. As a result, the operability of the work machine can be maintained.

[0071] (9) A work machine described in any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the main body is configured to be able to move the position of the mounting part.

[0072] In this configuration, the center of gravity of the main unit can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number, shape, weight, etc., of the batteries installed. As a result, the operability of the work machine can be maintained.

[0073] (10) A work machine according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the main body further comprises a weight attachment part to which a weight for adjusting the position of its center of gravity can be attached and detached.

[0074] In this configuration, the center of gravity of the main unit can be adjusted to a predetermined position regardless of the number, shape, weight, etc., of the batteries installed. As a result, the operability of the work machine can be maintained.

[0075] (11) A work machine described in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the operating part is an operating rod.

[0076] In this configuration, the main body can be operated directly via the operating rod.

[0077] (12) A work machine described in any one of (1) to (11) above, which is a grass cutter, a collection machine, or a sprayer.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the predetermined tasks in each can be performed using a grass trimmer, collection machine, or sprayer with improved operability. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0079] 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]

[0080] 1: Work machine 11: Lawn mower 2: Main body 2a: Top cover 2b: Opening / closing part 2c: Lower support plate 2d :Position 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 282: Solid of revolution 283: Case 283a: Front case 283b: Rear case 284: Operation stick fixing part 285: Hinge structure 29: Mounting part 291: First mounting part 292: Second mounting part 293: Weight attachment section 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 AR: predetermined area AX1: Central axis AX2: Predetermined axis BB: Dummy battery D: Predetermined width D2: Width L: Length LN1: First straight line LN2: Second straight line

Claims

1. It is a work machine, It comprises a main unit and an operating unit. The main body comprises a travel motor, a mounting part, and a mounting part. The aforementioned travel motor is configured to generate rotational power for the main body to move, The aforementioned mounting section is configured to detachably accommodate a battery for supplying power to the drive motor. The mounting portion is positioned inside a predetermined area formed in a plan view of the main body. The predetermined region is the region formed between the first straight line and the second straight line. The first straight line is a straight line that passes through the center position of the travel motor in the front-rear direction, which is the travel direction of the main body, in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The second straight line is a straight line that passes through the center position of the mounting portion in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction, The operating unit is connected to the mounting unit and configured to be operable in order to assist the movement of the main unit, and is a work machine.

2. In the work machine described in claim 1, The predetermined region has a predetermined width in the left and right directions from the center line in the left-right direction, Each predetermined width is 20% or less of the width of the main body in the left-right direction, in a work machine.

3. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion is positioned at or near the center of gravity of the main body in a plan view of the main body when the battery is mounted on the mounting portion of the work machine.

4. In the work machine described in claim 1, The main body is configured such that, with the battery attached to the mounting portion, the center of gravity of the main body is located approximately in the center of the main body in a plan view.

5. In the work machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned travel motor is arranged to be biased towards one side in the front-rear direction, The mounting portion is positioned on the other side in the front-rear direction, and is part of the work machine.

6. In the work machine described in claim 1, The mounting portion has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged apart in the left-right direction in a plan view of the main body of the work machine.

7. In the work machine described in claim 6, The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned close to the center in the left-right direction of the work machine.

8. In the work machine described in claim 6, The work machine is configured such that the battery is mounted on one of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and a dummy battery of the same weight as the battery is mounted on the other.

9. In the work machine described in claim 1, The main body is configured to allow the position of the mounting portion to be displaced, thereby providing a work machine.

10. In the work machine described in claim 1, The main body further includes a weight attachment section for attaching and detaching weights to adjust its center of gravity, thus providing a work machine.

11. In the work machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned operating part is an operating rod, which is part of the work machine.

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

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