Brush-cutting device and brush-cutting system

Abstract

To provide a device and a system capable of performing undergrowth mowing operation with a simple constitution.SOLUTION: A brush cutting device suspended on a wire includes a body part, a columnar support member, and a moving mechanism connected to the support member and moving along the wire. In the brush cutting device, the body part includes a cylindrical frame, a mower blade provided on one end of the frame, an engine fixed to the frame, and a connection part positioned between one end of the frame and a fixing portion of the engine, for connecting the frame to the support member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brush cutting device and a brush cutting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies related to so-called undergrowth cutting (or weed cutting) have been developed to cut weeds that hinder the growth of planted trees. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a brush cutting system in which an overhead wire is wound up using a hoisting device, a brush cutter suspended from the wire is moved, and undergrowth is cut using the brush cutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-136919 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, in order to move the brush cutter along the slopes of mountainous areas, it is necessary to stretch a long overhead wire. This poses the problem that the hoist that winds up the overhead wire becomes large. In addition, the brush cutter described in Patent Document 1 is columnar in shape and is provided with a disk-shaped brush cutter blade that rotates around an axis along the longitudinal direction. This poses the problem that the angle of the brush cutter blade cannot be adjusted according to the angle of the mountain slope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of a brush cutting device according to the present invention is a brush cutting device suspended from a wire, comprising a main body, a columnar support member, and a moving mechanism connected to the support member and moving along the wire, wherein the main body comprises a cylindrical frame, a brush cutting blade provided at one end of the frame, a motor fixed to the frame, and a connecting part located on the frame between the one end and a fixed point of the motor, connecting the frame to the support member.

[0006] One embodiment of a brush cutting system according to the present invention comprises a brush cutting device, a first support post, a second support post, a third support post, a fourth support post, a first wire stretched between the first support post and the second support post, a second wire stretched between the third support post and the fourth support post, a first self-propelled device that propels itself along the first wire, a second self-propelled device that propels itself along the second wire, and a conveying wire that is stretched between the first self-propelled device and the second self-propelled device, wherein the wire is the conveying wire. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The brush cutting device according to the present invention is provided with a connecting part, so the angle of the brush cutter can be adjusted according to the angle of the mountain slope. Also, the brush cutting system according to the present invention allows the first and second self-propelled devices to be self-propelled without using a winch, so the entire system can be made compact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a brush-cutting system Sys according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a brush cutter 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion between the angle adjustment mechanism 240 and the vehicle body 221. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an enlarged view for explaining the configuration of a rotation mechanism 340 and a connecting portion 105. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a brush cutter 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic diagram of the main body 100 in FIG. 2 when viewed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged view for explaining the configuration of a protective cover 122. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main body 100 viewed from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram of a connection point between angle adjustment mechanism 240 and body 221 when viewed in a plan view from the +Y direction to the -Y direction. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic diagram of a connection point between angle adjustment mechanism 240 and car body 221 when viewed in a plan view from the +X direction to the -X direction. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram of a connection point between angle adjustment mechanism 240 and car body 221 when viewed in a plan view from the +X direction to the -X direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a brush cutting system SysA according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown diagrammatically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited thereto.

[0010] 1. First embodiment In the first embodiment, the brush cutting device 1 and the brush cutting system Sys according to the present invention will be described by way of example, which includes a brush cutting device 1 equipped with a moving mechanism 200 capable of self-propelling along the wires W1 and W2, and a first self-propelled device V1 and a second self-propelled device V2 that transport the wires W1 and W2 on which the brush cutting device 1 is suspended. In this specification, "self-propelled" means that the mechanism or device is provided with a power source required for movement.

[0011] 1.1. Overview of the brush cutting system 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a brush-cutting system Sys according to a first embodiment. The brush-cutting system Sys includes a brush-cutting device 1 that cuts undergrowth Gr, posts P1 to P4, wires W1 and W2, wires W3 and W4, and a first self-propelled device V1 and a second self-propelled device V2.

[0012] The wire W3 is stretched between the support P1 and the support P2. The wire W4 is stretched between the support P3 and the support P4. The first self-propelled device V1 moves along the wire W3. The second self-propelled device V2 moves along the wire W4. In this embodiment, the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2 are each equipped with a motor, a generator, a battery, a motor, and wheels. The generator generates electricity using the driving force of the motor. The generator charges the battery. The motor drives the wheels by using the battery as a power source. This allows the first self-propelled device V1 to self-propel along the wire W3. The second self-propelled device V2 can self-propel along the wire W4. The wire W1 and the wire W2 are stretched between the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2. In other words, the wires W1 and W2 are hung between the wires W3 and W4 via the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2. For this reason, it is preferable that the wires W3 and W4 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. When the wires W3 and W4 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, the wires W1 and W2 are less likely to bend, and excessive tension is less likely to be applied to the wires W1 and W2. The brush cutter 1 is suspended on the wires W1 and W2. The brush cutter 1 includes a moving mechanism 200. The moving mechanism 200 moves the brush cutter 1 along the wires W1 and W2. For this reason, it is preferable that the wires W1 and W2 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In the following, for convenience, it is assumed that the wires W1 and W2 are hung between the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2 in parallel to each other.

[0013] The brush cutter 1 can move within the area surrounded by the posts P1 to P4 by the movement mechanism 200 moving along the wires W1 and W2, the first self-propelled device V1 moving along the wire W3, and the second self-propelled device V2 moving along the wire W4. In other words, by moving the brush cutter 1 within the area surrounded by the posts P1 to P4, the user can cut the undergrowth Gr within the area surrounded by the posts P1 to P4 while avoiding the trees Tr.

[0014] 1.2. Configuration and Function of Brushcutter The structure and functions of the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment. The brush cutter 1 includes a main body 100, a moving mechanism 200, and a support member 300. The moving mechanism 200 includes a transport mechanism 220, an angle adjustment mechanism 240, and a vertical adjustment mechanism 260. The angle adjustment mechanism 240 is provided on a vehicle body 221 on which the transport mechanism 220 is mounted. The vertical adjustment mechanism 260 is connected to the angle adjustment mechanism 240. The support member 300 includes a first member 320, a rotation mechanism 340, and a second member 360. The rotation mechanism 340 connects the first member 320 and the second member 360. The second member 360 is a columnar member. The support member 300 is connected to the vertical adjustment mechanism 260. That is, the support member 300 is connected to the moving mechanism 200.

[0016] The main body 100 includes a frame 101, a motor 102, a generator 103, a connecting portion 105, and a brush cutter 120. The frame 101 is a hollow, columnar member. The connecting portion 105 connects the main body 100 to the support member 300. More specifically, the connecting portion 105 connects the frame 101 to the second member 360. In this embodiment, the first member 320, the rotation mechanism 340, the second member 360, and the connecting portion 105 are aligned on the same axis. The support member 300 is connected to the moving mechanism 200, and thus the main body 100 is connected to the moving mechanism 200 via the support member 300.

[0017] The motor 102 includes an internal combustion engine and uses, for example, kerosene as fuel. The motor 102 is fixed to the frame 101. The generator 103 converts the driving force of the motor 102 into electric power. The generator 103 also functions as a power source for the multiple motors included in the brush cutter 1. The generator 103 is also fixed to the frame 101, and is located between the motor 102 and the connecting part 105.

[0018] The transport mechanism 220 includes a car body 221, wheels 222-225, a transport motor 226, and a transport motor 227. The wheels 222-225 are disk-shaped members and have a V-shaped groove along the circumferential direction of the side surface. The wheels 222-225 are provided on one surface of the car body 221. In the following, the surface of the car body 221 on which the wheels 222-225 are not provided may be referred to as the "bottom surface of the car body 221". The car body 221 supports the wheels 222-225 so as to be rotatable. The transport mechanism 220 is suspended from the wires W1 and W2 via the wheels 222-225. Specifically, the wheels 222 and 224 are suspended from the wire W2, and the wheels 223 and 225 are suspended from the wire W1. The transport motor 226 and the transport motor 227 are fixed to the vehicle body 221. The transport motor 226 uses the generator 103 as a power source to drive the wheels 222 and 223. The transport motor 227 uses the generator 103 as a power source to drive the wheels 224 and 225. In this way, the movement mechanism 200 including the transport mechanism 220 can move the brush cutter 1 along the wires W1 and W2.

[0019] In this embodiment, the plane including the bottom surface of the car body 221 is referred to as the XY plane. An axis included in the XY plane and parallel to the wires W1 and W2 is referred to as the X axis. Here, among the directions parallel to the X axis, the direction from the wheel 224 to the wheel 222 is set as the +X direction, and the direction opposite to the +X direction is set as the -X direction. An axis included in the XY plane and perpendicular to the X axis is referred to as the Y axis. Here, among the directions parallel to the Y axis, the direction from the wheel 222 to the wheel 223 is set as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is set as the -Y direction. An axis parallel to the normal to the XY plane is referred to as the Z axis. Here, among the directions parallel to the Z axis, the direction from the bottom surface of the car body 221 to the surface on which the wheels 222 to 225 are provided is set as the +Z direction, and the direction opposite to the +Z direction is set as the -Z direction. 2, the first member 320, the rotation mechanism 340, the second member 360, and the connecting portion 105 each extend parallel to the Z axis. In other words, in FIG. 2, the support member 300 and the connecting portion 105 are parallel to the Z axis.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection portion between the angle adjustment mechanism 240 and the vehicle body 221. The angle adjustment mechanism 240 includes a motor 241, a motor 242, a connection member 243, and a connection member 244. The angle adjustment mechanism 240 is connected to the vertical adjustment mechanism 260. The vertical adjustment mechanism 260 includes a motor 261, two guides 262, and a gear box 263. The gear box 263 is connected to the motor 261. The motors 241, 242, and 261 use the generator 103 as a power source, similar to the transport motors 226 and 227. The vertical adjustment mechanism 260 is connected to the first member 320. That is, the first member 320 is connected to the moving mechanism 200. The first member 320 includes a driving pole 321, two poles 322, and a fixing member 323. 3, the first member 320 is parallel to the Z axis. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the motor 241 is parallel to the Y axis. An axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 241 and an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 242 are perpendicular to each other. An axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 242 and the first member 320 are perpendicular to each other. In other words, an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 242 and the support member 300 are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] The motor 241 is fixed to the vehicle body 221. The connection member 243 connects the motor 241 and the motor 242. The connection member 244 connects the motor 242 and the gear box 263. The guide 262 is a cylindrical member and is fixed to the connection member 244. The guide 262 has two holes penetrating the bottom surfaces. In FIG. 3, the two bottom surfaces of the guide 262 are parallel to the XY plane. The hole of the guide 262 penetrates the guide 262 parallel to the Z axis. The pole 322 is inserted into the hole of the guide 262. The pole 322 is a columnar member. In FIG. 3, the pole 322 extends parallel to the Z axis. The gear box 263 includes a gear and transmits the driving force of the motor 261 to the driving pole 321. In FIG. 3, the gear box 263 transmits the driving force of the motor 261 to the driving pole 321, thereby moving the driving pole 321 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The driving pole 321 is a so-called rack gear, and has a plurality of teeth on its side that mesh with the gear of the gear box 263. In FIG. 3, the driving pole 321 is a columnar member extending parallel to the Z axis, and is moved in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by being driven by the motor 261 via the gear box 263. The fixing member 323 is a plate-like member that fixes the driving pole 321 and the two poles 322. That is, the fixing member 323 is moved in the same direction as the driving pole 321 by the driving pole 321 being driven by the motor 261. In addition, when the fixing member 323 is moved together with the driving pole 321, it moves the pole 322 in the same direction as the driving pole 321. The pole 322 is inserted into the guide 262 and is supported by the guide 262 so as to be capable of reciprocating motion. The driving pole 321 and the pole 322 connect the fixed member 323 and the rotation mechanism 340 together.

[0022] 3, the gear box 263 transmits the driving force of the motor 261 to the first member 320 to move the first member 320 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. That is, the up-down adjustment mechanism 260 can move the support member 300 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the driving force of the motor 261.

[0023] 4 is an enlarged view for explaining the configuration of the rotation mechanism 340 and the connecting portion 105. The rotation mechanism 340 includes a motor 341 and a torque limiter 342.

[0024] The motor 341 uses the generator 103 as a power source to rotate the second member 360 about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the second member 360 via the torque limiter 342. That is, the motor 341 uses the generator 103 as a power source to rotate the main body 100 connected to the second member 360 via the connecting portion 105 about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the support member 300.

[0025] The torque limiter 342 is a type of coupling (shaft joint) and has a function of cutting off transmission of torque when an overload is applied. The torque limiter 342 rotates the second member 360 by transmitting the driving force of the motor 341 to the second member 360. In addition, in a situation where the driving force of the motor 341 is transmitted to the second member 360, if a torque greater than a predetermined value is applied to the torque limiter 342, the torque limiter 342 can maintain the driving force (torque) transmitted to the second member 360 at a predetermined value or less. For example, in a situation where the motor 341 transmits a driving force to the main body unit 100 via the torque limiter 342 and the second member 360, if the main body unit 100 comes into contact with an obstacle and cannot rotate normally, the torque limiter 342 can prevent a breakdown of the motor 341 and a damage to the main body unit 100 by cutting off transmission of torque to the main body unit 100.

[0026] The connecting portion 105 includes an angle adjustment shaft 151, a fixing screw 152, a fixing screw 153, two U-bolts 154, an upper member 155, and a lower member 156. The U-bolt 154 is a U-shaped member. The two U-bolts 154 and the lower member 156 are fixed by sandwiching the frame 101. The upper member 155 is fixed to a second member 360. The angle adjustment shaft 151 connects the upper member 155 and the lower member 156. In addition, the upper member 155 and the lower member 156 rotate around the axis of the angle adjustment shaft 151. The fixing screw 152 and the fixing screw 153 fix the upper member 155 and the lower member 156 at any position. That is, the angle between the second member 360 and the frame 101 can be changed arbitrarily by loosening the fixing screws 152 and 153, rotating the upper member 155 and the lower member 156, and then retightening the fixing screws 152 and 153.

[0027] 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment. The brush cutter 1 includes a motor 241, a motor 242, a motor 261, a motor 341, a transport motor 226, a transport motor 227, a measuring unit 106, a control unit 400, and a communication unit 500.

[0028] The measurement unit 106 measures the current flowing through the motor 341. Then, the measurement unit 106 outputs the measurement value of the current flowing through the motor 341 to the control unit 400.

[0029] The control unit 400 includes a memory unit that stores various information such as the control program for the brush cutter 1 and operation information based on control operations by the user, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various other circuits. The control unit 400 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of the CPU. The control unit 400 is electrically connected to the motor 241, the motor 242, the motor 261, the motor 341, the transport motor 226, the transport motor 227, the measurement unit 106, and the communication device 500. The control unit 400 controls the operation of each part of the brush cutter 1 by the CPU operating in accordance with the control program stored in the memory unit. Specifically, the control unit 400 controls the operation of the motor 241, the motor 242, the motor 261, the motor 341, the transport motor 226, and the transport motor 227.

[0030] The control unit 400 acquires a measurement value of the current flowing through the motor 341 from the measurement unit 106. The control unit 400 controls the operation of the motor 341 based on the measurement value. In other words, the control unit 400 controls the rotation of the second member 360 based on the measurement value. The current flowing through the motor 341 varies depending on the load on the motor 341. For this reason, for example, in a state in which the load on the motor 341 is overloaded, the control unit 400 reduces the load on the motor 341 by controlling the operation of the motor 341 based on the measurement value of the current flowing through the motor 341. Note that, in a state in which the load on the motor 341 is overloaded, the control unit 400 may reduce the load on the motor 341 by controlling the operation of each unit other than the motor 341 based on the measurement value of the current flowing through the motor 341.

[0031] The communication device 500 communicates with an external device such as a controller. The communication may be wired or wireless, with wireless communication being preferred. For example, when a user of the brush cutter 1 uses a controller to operate the brush cutter 1, the controller transmits control information indicating the content of the operation performed on the brush cutter 1 in response to the user's operation. The communication device 500 receives the control information transmitted from the controller. The control unit 400 controls the operation of each part of the brush cutter 1 based on the control information.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the main body 100 in Fig. 2 when viewed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction in a plan view. The main body 100 includes a frame 101, a motor 102, a generator 103, a connecting part 105, a brush-cutting part 120, and a shaft 104. The brush-cutting part 120 includes a transmission mechanism 121, a protective cover 122, and a brush-cutting blade 123.

[0033] The shaft 104 is a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force of the motor 102 to the brush cutting unit 120. The shaft 104 is inserted into the frame 101. The shaft 104 is driven by the motor 102 to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 104. The shaft 104 transmits the driving force of the motor 102 to the brush cutting blade 123 via a transmission mechanism 121 provided in the brush cutting unit 120. In other words, the motor 102 rotates the brush cutting blade 123 via the shaft 104 and the transmission mechanism 121. The shaft 104 also transmits the driving force of the motor 102 to the generator 103. This allows the generator 103 to generate electricity using the driving force of the motor 102.

[0034] The transmission mechanism 121 is composed of, for example, a plurality of gears. The transmission mechanism 121 drives the brush cutter blade 123 by transmitting the driving force of the engine 102 to the brush cutter blade 123. In other words, the transmission mechanism 121 rotates the brush cutter blade 123 by transmitting the rotation of the shaft 104 to the brush cutter blade 123. In other words, the transmission mechanism 121 converts the rotation of the shaft 104 into the rotation of the brush cutter blade 123.

[0035] The protective cover 122 is a cover for protecting the cutting blade 123 from obstacles such as stones and for protecting the user of the brush cutter 1 from the cutting blade 123. The protective cover 122 is disposed between the cutting blade 123 and the frame 101.

[0036] The cutting blade 123 is a disc-shaped cutting blade for cutting undergrowth Gr. The cutting blade 123 rotates when the driving force of the engine 102 is transmitted to it via the shaft 104 and the transmission mechanism 121. In Figure 6, the cutting blade 123 rotates about the Z axis. The brush cutter 1 cuts the undergrowth Gr by bringing the rotating cutting blade 123 into contact with the undergrowth Gr.

[0037] The cutting unit 120 is provided at end L1 of the frame 101. That is, the cutting blade 123 is provided at end L1 of the frame 101. Furthermore, the engine 102 is fixed to end L2 of the frame 101. Ends L1 and L2 are each located at a tip of the frame 101, but at different tips. Furthermore, the connecting unit 105 is provided at position L3 between end L1 and end L2.

[0038] The connecting portion 105 is preferably provided at a position where the force that rotates the frame 101 in one direction and the force that rotates the frame 101 in the opposite direction are approximately equal. In other words, it is preferable that the moment of the force acting on the frame 101 is approximately balanced with the connecting portion 105 as the center of rotation. Specifically, in FIG. 6, the connecting portion 105 is preferably provided at a position where the force that rotates the frame 101 in the clockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis and the force that rotates the frame 101 in the counterclockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis are approximately equal. This stabilizes the posture of the main body 100, and can reduce shaking that occurs during, for example, brush cutting work or movement. In this embodiment, the position L3 is a position where the force that rotates the frame 101 in the clockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis and the force that rotates the frame 101 in the counterclockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis are approximately equal. In addition, the angle adjustment shaft 151 is parallel to the Y axis.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view for explaining the configuration of the protective cover 122. The protective cover 122 has a plurality of plates PT. The plates PT are formed in a plate shape. The plurality of plates PT are provided on the protective cover 122 so as to be perpendicular to a plane including the upper surface of the brush cutting blade 123. The plurality of plates PT are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. This allows the brush cutting unit 120 to cut the undergrowth Gr while protecting the brush cutting blade 123 from obstacles such as stones and protecting the user of the brush cutting device 1 from the brush cutting blade 123. The plurality of plates PT are preferably arranged at an interval of 1 cm or more and 2 cm or less from each other. When the interval is 1 cm or more and 2 cm or less, the protective cover 122 can more effectively protect the brush cutting blade 123 from obstacles and protect the user from the brush cutting blade 123.

[0040] 8 is a schematic diagram of the main body 100 when viewed from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. As described above, the motor 341 included in the rotation mechanism 340 uses the generator 103 as a power source to rotate the main body 100, which is connected to the second member 360 via the connecting part 105, around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the support member 300 (here, an axis parallel to the Z axis). In other words, the motor 341 rotates the cutting unit 120 provided at the end L1 of the frame 101 around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the support member 300. This enables the brush cutting device 1 to cut undergrowth Gr over a wide range.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the connection portion between the angle adjustment mechanism 240 and the vehicle body 221 when viewed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction in a plan view. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the motor 241. The motor 241 included in the angle adjustment mechanism 240 changes the inclination of the first member 320 with respect to the vehicle body 221. Specifically, in FIG. 9, the motor 241 changes the inclination of the first member 320 with respect to the vehicle body 221 by rotating the first member 320 by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis of the motor 241. That is, the angle adjustment mechanism 240 adjusts the angle between the bottom surface of the vehicle body 221 and a plane including an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 241 and the central axis of the support member 300 by rotating the support member 300 around the rotation axis of the motor 241 by the driving force of the motor 241. Therefore, the angle adjustment mechanism 240 changes the attitude of the main body 100 connected to the support member 300 via the connection part 105 by the driving force of the motor 241. This allows the brush cutter 1 to change the angle of the brush cutting part 120 in accordance with the angle of the slope when undercutting the slope. In this embodiment, a plane including an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 241 and the central axis of the support member 300 is sometimes referred to as a "first plane". The angle between the bottom surface of the vehicle body 221 and the first plane is sometimes referred to as a "first angle".

[0042] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of the connection points of the angle adjustment mechanism 240 and the vehicle body 221 when viewed from the +X direction to the -X direction in a plan view. In addition, in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the motor 241 and the motor 242 are omitted. Also, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the motor 242. The motor 242 included in the angle adjustment mechanism 240 changes the inclination of the first member 320 with respect to the vehicle body 221. Specifically, in FIG. 10, the motor 242 (not shown) changes the inclination of the first member 320 with respect to the vehicle body 221 by rotating the first member 320 by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis of the motor 242. That is, the angle adjustment mechanism 240 changes the attitude of the main body 100 connected to the support member 300 via the connection part 105 by rotating the support member 300 around the rotation axis of the motor 242 by the driving force of the motor 242. This allows the brush cutter 1 to change the angle of the cutting part 120 in accordance with the angle of the slope when undercutting the slope.

[0043] 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the motor 261. As described above, the gear box 263 transmits the driving force of the motor 261 to the first member 320, thereby moving the first member 320 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. That is, the vertical adjustment mechanism 260 moves the support member 300 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the driving force of the motor 261. Therefore, the vertical adjustment mechanism 260 moves the main body 100 connected to the support member 300 via the connecting part 105 in the +Z direction or the -Z direction by the driving force of the motor 261. In this way, the brush cutter 1 can change the height of the brush cutter 120 depending on the distance to the ground, for example, when cutting undergrowth in a place with a difference in elevation.

[0044] In this embodiment, the +Z direction may be referred to as the upward direction, and the −Z direction may be referred to as the downward direction. That is, the vertical adjustment mechanism 260 moves the support member 300 upward or downward by the driving force of the motor 261.

[0045] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the brush cutter 1 can be moved along the wires W1 and W2 by the movement mechanism 200. Furthermore, the wires W1 and W2 can move within the area surrounded by the posts P1 to P4 as the first self-propelled apparatus V1 and the second self-propelled apparatus V2 move. In other words, the brush cutter system Sys can move the brush cutter 1 within a predetermined area without using a winch.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the brush cutter 1 can change the attitude of the main body 100 and the height of the main body 100 from the ground. In other words, the brush cutter 1 can adjust the angle of the cutting blade 123 and the distance to the ground according to the terrain to be cut.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when an excessive load is placed on the motor 341, the brush cutter 1 is able to reduce the load on the motor 341. In other words, the brush cutter 1 is able to prevent the motor 341 from breaking down.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the cutting unit 120 is provided with a protective cover 122 having a number of plates that are arranged at specified intervals and each perpendicular to a plane that includes the upper surface of the cutting blade 123. In other words, the cutting device 1 can cut undergrowth Gr while protecting the cutting blade 123 from obstacles such as stones and also protecting the user of the cutting device 1 from the cutting blade 123.

[0049] As described above, the brush cutter 1 of the first embodiment is a brush cutter 1 suspended from wires W1 and W2, and comprises a main body 100, a columnar support member 300, and a moving mechanism 200 connected to the support member 300 and moving along the wires W1 and W2. The main body 100 comprises a cylindrical frame 101, a brush cutter blade 123 provided at end L1 of the frame 101, a motor 102 fixed to the frame 101, and a connecting part 105 located between end L1 and end L2 of the frame 101 and connecting the frame 101 to the support member 300.

[0050] In addition, the brush cutting system Sys of the first embodiment includes a brush cutting device 1, a support P1, a support P2, a support P3, a support P4, a wire W3 stretched between the support P1 and the support P2, a wire W4 stretched between the support P3 and the support P4, a first self-propelled device V1 moving along the wire W3, a second self-propelled device V2 moving along the wire W4, and a conveying wire stretched between the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2, and the wire W1 and the wire W2 are conveying wires.

[0051] That is, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can move autonomously along the wire, which allows the brush cutter system Sys to perform underbrush cutting work with a simple configuration without using a winch device.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the brush cutter 1 is an example of a "brush cutter", the main body 100 is an example of a "main body", the support member 300 is an example of a "support member", the moving mechanism 200 is an example of a "moving mechanism", the frame 101 is an example of a "frame", the end L1 is an example of a "one end", the brush cutter blade 123 is an example of a "brush cutter blade", the motor 102 is an example of a "motor", the end L2 is an example of a "fixing point of the motor", the connecting part 105 is an example of a "connecting part", the support P1 is an example of a "first support", the support P2 is an example of a "second support", the support P3 is an example of a "third support", the support P4 is an example of a "fourth support", the wire W3 is an example of a "first wire", and the wire W4 is an example of a "second wire". In the first embodiment, the "wire" and the "carrier wire" are exemplified by the wire W1 and the wire W2, respectively.

[0053] Furthermore, in the brush cutter 1 of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 105 is provided at a position L3 where the force rotating the frame 101 in a first direction is approximately equal to the force rotating the frame 101 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0054] That is, in the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment, the posture of the main body 100 is stabilized and shaking that occurs during brush cutting work, movement, etc. is reduced. As a result, the brush cutter 1 can reduce the possibility of the cutting unit 120 coming into contact with obstacles, etc., when performing brush cutting work.

[0055] In the first embodiment, position L3 is an example of a "position." In the first embodiment, the "force for rotating in a first direction" is, for example, a force for rotating the frame 101 in a clockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis in Fig. 6. In the second direction opposite to the first direction, the "force for rotating in a second direction" is, for example, a force for rotating the frame 101 in a counterclockwise direction about an axis parallel to the Y axis in Fig. 6.

[0056] The brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a shaft 104 inserted into the frame 101 and driven by the engine 102 , and a transmission mechanism 121 that transmits the rotation of the shaft 104 to the brush cutter blade 123 .

[0057] That is, in the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment, the shaft 104 that transmits driving force to the brush cutter blade 123 via the transmission mechanism 121 is not exposed from the device. This enables the brush cutter 1 to, for example, reduce the risk of the user being caught in the rotation of the shaft 104.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the shaft 104 is an example of a "rotating shaft", and the transmission mechanism 121 is an example of a "transmission mechanism".

[0059] The brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a generator 103 that generates electricity using the driving force of the engine 102, and N motors (N is an integer of 1 or more).

[0060] As a result, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can operate each section by using the generator 103 as the power source for each motor, without requiring an external power supply.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the generator 103 is an example of a “generator.” In the first embodiment, the “N motors (N is an integer of 1 or more)” are, for example, the carry motor 226, the carry motor 227, the motor 241, the motor 242, the motor 261, and the motor 341.

[0062] In addition, in the brush cutter device 1 of the first embodiment, the N motors include a motor 341, and the support member 300 is equipped with a first member 320 connected to the moving mechanism 200, a second member 360 connected to the connecting portion 105, and a rotation mechanism 340 provided between the first member 320 and the second member 360 and having the motor 341 that rotates the second member 360 around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the second member 360.

[0063] That is, by using the motor 341, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can rotate the cutting blade 123 of the main body 100, which is connected to the second member 360 via the connecting part 105, around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the second member 360. This enables the brush cutter 1 to cut a wide range of undergrowth Gr in one go.

[0064] In the first embodiment, motor 341 is an example of a "first motor," first member 320 is an example of a "first member," second member 360 is an example of a "second member," and rotation mechanism 340 is an example of a "rotation mechanism."

[0065] In addition, the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a measuring unit 106 that measures the current flowing through the motor 341, and a control unit 400 that controls the rotation of the second member 360 based on the measured value of the current flowing through the motor 341.

[0066] That is, for example, when the load on the motor 341 is overloaded, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the load on the motor 341 by controlling the operation of the motor 341 based on the measured value of the current flowing through the motor 341. This allows the brush cutter 1 to prevent, for example, the motor 341 from breaking down.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the measurement unit 106 is an example of a "measurement unit," and the control unit 400 is an example of a "control unit."

[0068] Furthermore, in the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment, the N motors include a motor 241, and the moving mechanism 200 has an angle adjustment mechanism 240 which has the motor 241 and adjusts the first angle by rotating the support member 300 around the rotation axis of the motor 241 using the driving force of the motor 241. Here, the first angle is the angle between the bottom surface of the moving mechanism 200 and a first plane which includes an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the motor 241 and the central axis of the support member 300.

[0069] That is, when, for example, cutting undergrowth on a slope, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can tilt the cutting blade 123 of the main body 100 connected to the support member 300 in accordance with the angle of the slope. This allows the brush cutter 1 to cut undergrowth in line with the terrain, reducing the risk of the cutting blade 123 coming into contact with the ground.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the motor 241 is an example of a "second motor", the rotation shaft of the motor 241 is an example of a "first shaft", and the angle adjustment mechanism 240 is an example of an "angle adjustment mechanism".

[0071] Furthermore, in the brush cutter 1 according to the first embodiment, the N motors include a motor 261, and the movement mechanism 200 has a vertical adjustment mechanism 260 which has the motor 261 and moves the support member 300 in the vertical direction by the driving force of the motor 261.

[0072] That is, when, for example, mowing undergrowth in an area with a difference in elevation, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can adjust the distance to the ground of the cutting blade 123 of the main body 100 connected to the support member 300. This allows the brush cutter 1 to change the height of the cutting blade 123 to suit the terrain, thereby mowing undergrowth Gr from near the roots.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the motor 261 is an example of a "third motor", and the vertical adjustment mechanism 260 is an example of a "vertical adjustment mechanism".

[0074] In addition, the brush cutter 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a protective cover 122 arranged between the brush cutter blade 123 and the frame 101, and the protective cover 122 has a plurality of plates PT each perpendicular to a plane including the upper surface of the brush cutter blade 123 and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0075] That is, by being equipped with a protective cover 122 having a plurality of plates PT, the brush cutter 1 according to this embodiment can cut undergrowth Gr while protecting the cutting blade 123 from obstacles such as stones and also protecting the user of the brush cutter 1 from the cutting blade 123. This allows the brush cutter 1 to safely perform cutting work.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the protective cover 122 is an example of a "protective cover", and the plate PT is an example of a "plate".

[0077] 2. Variations The above embodiment may be modified in various ways. Specific modified aspects are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, the elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the above embodiment will be appropriately omitted by using the symbols used in the above explanation.

[0078] 2.1. Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the two wires on which the brush cutter 1 is suspended are stretched between the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two wires on which the brush cutter 1 is suspended may be stretched between two posts.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a brush cutting system SysA according to the first modification. The brush cutting system SysA differs from the brush cutting system Sys according to the first embodiment in that it has support posts P5 and P6 instead of the support posts P1 to P4, has wires W5 and W6 instead of the wires W1 and W2, and does not have wires W3, W4, first self-propelled device V1 and second self-propelled device V2. In this modification, the brush cutting device 1 is suspended on the wires W5 and W6. The movement mechanism 200 moves the brush cutting device 1 along the wires W5 and W6. The wires W5 and W6 are suspended between the support posts P5 and P6. In other words, the brush cutting system SysA differs from the brush cutting system Sys of the first embodiment in that the two wires on which the brush cutting device 1 is suspended are suspended between two pillars (pillars P5 and P6) instead of between the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2.

[0080] As described above, according to the first modification, the brush cutter 1 is suspended on wires W5 and W6 that are suspended between the posts P5 and P6. The brush cutter 1 can be moved along the wires W5 and W6 by the movement mechanism 200. In other words, the brush cutter system SysA can perform undergrowth cutting work with a simpler configuration than the brush cutter system Sys.

[0081] 2.2. Variation 2 In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the brush cutter 1 controls the operation of each part of the brush cutter 1 based on operation information indicating the content of a control operation from a user, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a plurality of sensors capable of detecting the degree of tilt may be provided, and the operation of each part may be controlled based on information indicating the degree of tilt output from the sensors. Examples of sensors capable of detecting the degree of tilt include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0082] For example, acceleration sensors may be provided in the vehicle body 221 and the connecting part 105. When acceleration sensors are provided in the vehicle body 221 and the connecting part 105, the operation of the motor 241 and the motor 242 can be controlled based on information indicating the degree of inclination output from each of the acceleration sensors provided in the vehicle body 221 and the connecting part 105. This makes it possible to easily control the inclination of the support member 300 even when the vehicle body 221 is not in a horizontal state, and allows the underbrush cutting work to be performed appropriately. In addition, the load on the driving parts such as the motor 341 during underbrush cutting varies depending on, for example, the angle between the cutting blade 123 and the object to be cut. Therefore, the load on the driving parts such as the motor 341 can be reduced by controlling the inclination of the cutting blade 123 based on information indicating the degree of inclination output from the acceleration sensor.

[0083] 2.3. Variation 3 In the above embodiment and modified example, the control information is obtained from the user by using wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, information indicating the current position may be obtained by receiving radio waves emitted from a satellite of the GPS (Global Positioning System). In such a case, it is preferable to have an antenna compatible with the GPS function.

[0084] For example, the brush cutter 1, the first self-propelled device V1, and the second self-propelled device V2 are provided with an antenna compatible with GPS functions and an antenna compatible with wireless communication conforming to a predetermined wireless communication standard. The brush cutter 1, the first self-propelled device V1, and the second self-propelled device V2 acquire information indicating their respective current positions from a GPS satellite. The brush cutter 1 acquires information indicating the current position of the first self-propelled device V1 from the first self-propelled device V1, and acquires information indicating the current position of the second self-propelled device V2 from the second self-propelled device V2, using wireless communication. The brush cutter 1 also calculates the number of rotations of the motor required to reach the destination point based on the position information of the destination point of the brush cutter 1, information indicating the current position of the brush cutter 1, information indicating the current position of the first self-propelled device V1, and information indicating the current position of the second self-propelled device V2. The brush cutter 1 then notifies the first self-propelled device V1 and the second self-propelled device V2 of the number of rotations of each motor using wireless communication. The brush cutter 1, the first self-propelled apparatus V1 and the second self-propelled apparatus V2 can each drive their motors at the calculated rotation speeds to cause the brush cutter 1 to arrive at the destination. Note that position information of the destination of the brush cutter 1 may be stored in advance in a memory unit included in the control unit 400, for example, or may be obtained from the user via wireless communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...brush cutter, 100...main body, 101...frame, 102...engine, 103...generator, 104...shaft, 105...connecting portion, 106...measuring portion, 120...brush cutter, 121...transmission mechanism, 122...protective cover, 123...brush cutter blade, 151...angle adjustment shaft, 152...fixing screw, 154...U-bolt, 155...upper member, 156...lower member, 200...movement mechanism, 220...transport mechanism, 221...body, 222-225...wheels, 226...transport motor, 240...angle adjustment mechanism, 241...motor, 242...motor, 243...connection connecting member, 260...up and down adjustment mechanism, 261...motor, 262...guide, 263...gearbox, 300...support member, 320...first member, 321...driving pole, 322...pole, 323...fixed member, 340...rotation mechanism, 341...motor, 342...torque limiter, 360...second member, 400...control unit, 500...communication device, L1...end, L3...position, P1 to P6...support, PT...plate, V1...first self-propelled device, V2...second self-propelled device, W1 to W6...wire, Gr...undergrowth, Tr...trees, Sys...brush cutting system.

Claims

1. A brush cutter suspended on a wire, The device includes a main body, a columnar support member, and a moving mechanism that is connected to the support member and moves along the wire, The main body portion is A cylindrical frame and a cutting blade provided at one end of the frame; A motor fixed to the frame; a connecting portion located in the frame between the one end portion and a fixing portion of the engine, the connecting portion connecting the frame and the support member; Equipped with Mowing equipment.

2. The connecting portion is provided at a position where a force rotating the frame in a first direction and a force rotating the frame in a second direction opposite to the first direction are substantially equal to each other. A brush cutter as claimed in claim 1.

3. A rotating shaft inserted in the frame and driven by the engine; a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the rotary shaft to the brush cutting blade; Equipped with A brush cutter as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. A generator that generates electricity using the driving force of the engine; N motors (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1); Equipped with A brush cutter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The N motors include a first motor, The support member is A first member connected to the moving mechanism; A second member connected to the connecting portion; a rotation mechanism including the first motor provided between the first member and the second member and configured to rotate the second member around an axis along a longitudinal direction of the second member; Equipped with A brush cutting device according to claim 4.

6. A measurement unit that measures a current flowing through the first motor; A control unit that controls rotation of the second member based on the measurement value of the current; Equipped with A brush cutter as claimed in claim 5.

7. The N motors include a second motor, the moving mechanism includes an angle adjustment mechanism that has the second motor and adjusts a first angle by rotating the support member around a first axis by a driving force of the second motor; The first angle is an angle between a bottom surface of the moving mechanism and a first plane including an axis parallel to the first axis and a central axis of the support member. A brush cutter as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. the N motors include a third motor, the moving mechanism includes a vertical adjustment mechanism that has the third motor and moves the support member in a vertical direction by a driving force of the third motor; A brush cutter as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. a protective cover disposed between the brush cutting blade and the frame; The protective cover has a plurality of plates that are arranged at predetermined intervals and each plate is perpendicular to a plane that includes an upper surface of the brush cutting blade. A brush cutter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A brush cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A first support, a second support, a third support, and a fourth support, a first wire stretched between the first support and the second support; a second wire stretched between the third strut and the fourth strut; A first self-propelled device that moves along the first wire; A second self-propelled device that moves along the second wire; a conveyor wire stretched between the first self-propelled device and the second self-propelled device; The wire is the carrier wire. Mowing system.

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