Riding lawn mower

Abstract

To suppress an operation error by easily performing each operation of lifting of a collector and lifting of a dump and a mower device.SOLUTION: A sulky lawn mower according to an embodiment comprises: a mower device; a collector; a mower lift cylinder; a mower lift valve; a collector lift cylinder; a collector lift valve; a dump cylinder; a dump valve; a mower operation connection part; a collector operation connection part; and a joy stick lever. The mower device reaps lawn grass. The collector stores the lawn grass. The mower lift valve controls the mower lift cylinder. The collector lift valve controls the collector lift cylinder and the dump valve controls the dump cylinder. The mower operation connection part is tilted in a case of mower lifting. The collector operation connection part is tilted in a case of collector lifting or dumping, and the tilting directions are different between the collector lifting and the dumping. By switching between the mower operation state and the collector operation state, the lever is operated when the mower device or collector is driven.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a riding lawnmower. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, riding lawnmowers have been known which are equipped with a collector mounted on the running body to collect grass cut by a mower device (hereinafter referred to as grass), and which raise and lower the collector and dump the grass accumulated in the collector by discharging it. The lifting and dumping operations of the collector are performed by a switch (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, among such riding lawn mowers, there are known ones in which the mower device is disposed below the center of the running body and is equipped with a switch for operating a cylinder for raising and lowering the mower deck of the mower device (also called a mid-mower) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-94773 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-65114 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional riding lawnmowers as described above, the lifting and dumping of the collector is performed by switches, and so in the case of push-button type switches, for example, operational errors such as pressing the wrong switch can easily occur. Also, if the lifting and lowering of the mower unit (the mower deck) is also performed by switches, the number and variety of switches increases, making operation even more complicated.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a riding lawnmower that allows easy operation of raising and lowering the collector, and raising and lowering the dump and mower devices, and reduces operating errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a riding lawnmower (1) according to an embodiment includes a traveling body (2), a mower device (3) disposed below the traveling body (2) for cutting grass, a collector (4) for storing the grass cut by the mower device (3), a mower lift cylinder (51) for driving the mower device (3) to move up and down, a mower lift valve (62) for controlling the mower lift cylinder (51), a collector lift cylinder (52) for driving the collector (4) to move up and down, a collector lift valve (63) for controlling the collector lift cylinder (52), a dump cylinder (53) for dumping the collector (4), a dump valve (64) for controlling the dump cylinder (53), and the mower lift valve (65). a mower operation coupling part (72) connected to the collector lift valve (62) and tilted when the mower device (3) is raised and lowered, a collector operation coupling part (73) connected to the collector lift valve (63) and the dump valve (64) and tilted when the collector (4) is raised and lowered or dumped, the tilting direction when the collector (4) is raised and lowered and the tilting direction when the collector (4) is dumped being different directions, and a joystick lever (71) operated to switch between a mower operation state connected to the mower operation coupling part (72) and a collector operation state connected to the collector operation coupling part (73) to drive the mower device (3) or the collector (4). Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the riding lawnmower of the embodiment, the operations of raising and lowering the collector, and raising and lowering the dump and mower devices can be easily performed, and operational errors can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a riding lawnmower according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the valve drive. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view (part 1) showing the joystick device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the joystick device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a universal joint in a joystick lever. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation target switching operation by the operation target switching unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view (part 1) showing a collector operation connecting portion stay. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view (part 2) showing the collector operation connecting portion stay. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view (part 3) showing the collector operation connecting portion stay. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a riding lawnmower disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0011] <Overview of riding lawn mowers> First, an overview of a riding lawnmower 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a riding lawnmower 1 according to an embodiment.

[0012] Also, each figure including Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z-axis whose positive direction is vertically upward (upward). For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as the left, the negative direction of the X-axis as the right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the front, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as the rear, and the X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0013] In the following description, the riding lawnmower 1 may be referred to as the "machine body."

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the riding lawnmower 1 comprises a running body 2, a mower device (hereinafter referred to as mower) 3, a mower lifting mechanism (not shown), a collector 4 which is a grass collection container, a mower lifting cylinder 51 (see Figure 2), a collector lifting cylinder 52 (see Figure 2), a dump cylinder 53 (see Figure 2), a valve unit 6, and a joystick device 7.

[0015] The traveling vehicle body 2 includes a vehicle body frame 21, a pair of left and right front wheels 22, a pair of left and right rear wheels 23, and a steering unit 24. An engine is mounted on the front part of the vehicle body frame 21. The vehicle body frame 21 supports the front wheels 22 below the engine via a front axle case.

[0016] The vehicle body frame 21 also supports, at its center, a transmission case that houses an HST (Hydro Static Transmission) as a travel transmission, and supports a rear wheel 23 via a chain case that extends rearward.

[0017] In this way, in the riding lawnmower 1, the rotational power of the engine is appropriately changed via the HST and transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 23 via a transmission mechanism housed in the transmission case and chain case, and power is extracted from the front of the transmission case and transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22.

[0018] The control section 24 includes a cockpit, a floor step, and a steering wheel (none of which are shown). The cockpit is a seat for the pilot (also called the operator) of the aircraft to sit in. In addition, to the side (for example, to the right) of the cockpit, a valve unit 6 and a joystick device 7 including a joystick lever 71 (described later) are disposed.

[0019] The floor step is disposed in front of the cockpit, and a steering column (not shown) supporting a steering wheel is erected in front of the floor step. Various operation pedals 241 such as an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal are disposed on the left and right of the steering column. The steering wheel is disposed on the top of the steering column. In addition to the steering wheel, an operation panel, various operation levers, various operation switches, etc. are disposed on the steering column.

[0020] Additionally, to ensure the safety of the pilot in the event that the aircraft rolls over, a safety frame (not shown) that is arch-shaped when viewed from the front of the aircraft is disposed behind the control unit 24.

[0021] The mower 3 is disposed below the center of the traveling body 2. In this manner, the riding lawnmower 1 is a so-called mid-mower type riding lawnmower that has the mower 3 in the center of the machine body. Note that the riding lawnmower 1 may also be a so-called front-mower type riding lawnmower that has the mower 3 in the front of the machine body, for example.

[0022] The mower 3 includes a mower deck, a motor, and a cutting blade (none of which are shown). In this manner, in the riding lawnmower 1, grass cut by the cutting blade is transported to the collector 4 (described later) via a duct and a chute (none of which are shown).

[0023] The mower lifting mechanism includes a mower lifting cylinder 51 (see FIG. 2), which is a hydraulic cylinder that drives the mower deck of the mower 3 to lift and lower, and a lift arm (not shown). The mower lifting mechanism transmits power from the mower lifting cylinder 51 to the lift arm to drive the lift arm to lift and lower. The mower lifting mechanism drives the lift arm to lift and lower the mower deck of the mower 3.

[0024] The collector 4 is mounted on the rear of the traveling body 2 and stores the grass cut by the mower 3. The collector 4 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box, and its front, back, left and right sides and top are made of plate members with ventilation holes. The front of the collector 4 is formed with a grass intake port that communicates with the chute.

[0025] The collector 4 also includes a lid (not shown) that is formed, for example, by integrating the rear surface and the top surface of the collector 4. The lid is configured to move away from the main body of the collector 4 in conjunction with the dump of the collector 4, to widely open the rear of the collector 4.

[0026] In addition, link arms extending rearward are supported rotatably in a vertical line on the upper part of the safety frame. The link arms (not shown) have their tips connected to a vertical dump frame (not shown) to form a pair of left and right four-side link mechanisms.

[0027] The collector lifting cylinder 52 (see FIG. 2) is a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the collector 4, and is disposed between the lower link arm and the lower end of the safety frame. The dump cylinder 53 (see FIG. 2) is a hydraulic cylinder that dumps the collector 4, and is disposed between the collector 4 and the dump frame. The collector 4 is rotatably attached to a left-right rotating shaft (not shown) provided on the dump frame.

[0028] In this way, in the riding lawnmower 1, when the rod of the collector lifting cylinder 52 is extended, the link arm rotates upward to raise the collector 4, and when the rod of the collector lifting cylinder 52 is shortened, the link arm rotates downward to lower the collector 4.

[0029] In addition, in the riding lawnmower 1, when the rod of the dump cylinder 53 is extended, the collector 4 rotates rearward from an approximately horizontal state around the pivot axis to a dump state, and when the rod of the dump cylinder 53 is shortened, the collector 4 returns from the dump state to an approximately horizontal state.

[0030] In addition, in the riding lawnmower 1, for example, a lifting position sensor such as a potentiometer that detects the lifting position of the collector 4 may be disposed at the base of the lower link arm that constitutes the above-mentioned four-side link mechanism, and the lifting position sensor may be configured to output lifting position information of the collector 4 to a control device (not shown) that is disposed, for example, near the steering unit 24.

[0031] The valve unit 6 is disposed, for example, on the right side of the body frame 21. The valve unit 6 includes a valve unit case 61, a mower lifting valve 62, a collector lifting valve 63, and a dump valve 64.

[0032] The valve unit case 61 accommodates therein a mower lift valve 62, a collector lift valve 63, and a dump valve 64. The mower lift valve 62 drives and controls the mower lift cylinder 51 to raise and lower the mower deck of the mower 3. The collector lift valve 63 drives and controls the collector lift cylinder 52 to raise and lower the collector 4. The dump valve 64 drives and controls the dump cylinder 53 to dump the collector 4.

[0033] The joystick device 7 is disposed near the valve unit 6 (for example, directly above the valve unit 6). The joystick device 7 includes a joystick lever 71 which is an operating lever. The joystick device 7 enables the mower lifting valve 62, the collector lifting valve 63, and the dump valve 64 to be driven by tilting the joystick lever 71 in the forward / backward and left / right directions. The configuration of the joystick device 7 will be described later with reference to Figure 3 onwards.

[0034] <Example of valve drive configuration> Next, a configuration example of a valve drive including the mower lift valve 62, the collector lift valve 63, and the dump valve 64 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration example of the valve drive.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the joystick lever 71 of the joystick device 7 is connected to the mower lift valve 62, the collector lift valve 63, and the dump valve 64 of the valve unit 6 via link mechanisms 723, 733a, and 733b (see FIG. 3 for all of them).

[0036] In a mower operating state described below, tilting the joystick lever 71, for example, forward or backward, mechanically drives the mower lift valve 62 via a mower lift valve drive unit 724 (see FIG. 3) to drive the mower lift cylinder 51. In this case, when the joystick lever 71 is tilted, for example, forward, the mower deck of the mower 3 (see FIG. 1) rises, and when it is tilted, for example, backward, the mower deck descends.

[0037] When the joystick lever 71 is operated, the lifting and lowering speed of the mower deck varies depending on the amount of operation of the joystick lever 71. That is, the greater the joystick lever 71 is operated forward or backward, the faster the lifting and lowering speed of the mower deck becomes, and the smaller the joystick lever 71 is operated, the slower the lifting and lowering speed of the mower deck becomes.

[0038] In a collector operation state described later, by tilting the joystick lever 71, for example, forward or backward, the collector lift valve 63 is mechanically driven via the collector lift valve drive unit 734a (see FIG. 3) to drive the collector lift cylinder 52. In this case, when the joystick lever 71 is tilted, for example, forward, the collector 4 (see FIG. 1) rises, and when it is tilted backward, the collector 4 descends.

[0039] In addition, in a collector operation state described later, by tilting the joystick lever 71, for example, to the left or right, the dump valve 64 is mechanically driven via the dump valve driving section 734b (see FIG. 3) to drive the dump cylinder 53. In this case, when the joystick lever 71 is tilted, for example, to the left, the collector 4 is dumped, and when the joystick lever 71 is tilted, for example, to the right, the collector 4 returns from the dump state to its original state.

[0040] In this way, the joystick lever 71 is tilted in a direction different from that in which the collector 4 is lifted or lowered and that in which the collector 4 is dumped.

[0041] When the joystick lever 71 is operated, the lifting / lowering speed and dumping (or return from dumping) speed of the collector 4 vary according to the amount of operation of the joystick lever 71. That is, the greater the joystick lever 71 is operated forward, backward, left or right, the faster the lifting / lowering speed and dumping (or return from dumping) speed of the collector 4 becomes, and the smaller the joystick lever 71 is operated, the slower the lifting / lowering speed and dumping (or return from dumping) speed of the collector 4 becomes.

[0042] <Joystick device> Next, the joystick device 7 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 10. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the joystick device 7. Fig. 3 shows the joystick device 7 in a mower operating state, and Fig. 4 shows the joystick device 7 in a collector operating state. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a universal joint 712 in a joystick lever 71.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the joystick device 7 includes the above-mentioned joystick lever 71, a sliding portion 713, an elastic member 714, a mower operation connection portion 72, a collector operation connection portion 73, an operation target switching portion 74, a collector operation connection portion stay 75, and a locking mechanism 76.

[0044] As described above, the joystick lever 71 is an operating lever that is operated, for example, by the operator of the machine when raising and lowering the mower deck of the mower 3 (see FIG. 1) and raising and lowering and dumping the collector 4 (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, the joystick lever 71 can be tilted in the forward / backward and left / right directions and can also be slid in the up / down direction.

[0045] The joystick lever 71 includes a lever portion 711 and a universal joint 712 (see FIG. 5). The lever portion 711 is a rod-shaped member, and a grip (not shown) is provided at the upper end thereof. The grip is the part that the operator holds with his / her hand when operating the lever portion 711 (joystick lever 71).

[0046] The lever portion 711 is connected to a mower lifting valve driving portion 724, a collector lifting valve driving portion 734a, and a dump valve driving portion 734b via link mechanisms 723, 733a, and 733b, which will be described later.

[0047] The mower lift valve driver 724 is connected to the mower lift valve 62 housed in the valve unit case 61 of the valve unit 6 and drives the mower lift valve 62. The collector lift valve driver 734a is connected to the collector lift valve 63 housed in the valve unit case 61 and drives the collector lift valve 63. The dump valve driver 734b is connected to the dump valve 64 housed in the valve unit case 61 and drives the dump valve 64.

[0048] The universal joint 712 is a movable part of the joystick lever 71. For example, the lever part 711 is moved from an upright state to a rotation fulcrum O J It is possible to tilt 360° in the same plane (for example, the XY plane which is a substantially horizontal plane) with the joystick 71 at the center. Note that the tilt direction of the lever portion 711 (joystick lever 71) is actually restricted by the mower operation connecting portion 72 and the collector operation connecting portion 73 described later, and the lever portion 711 can be tilted in the forward / backward and left / right directions.

[0049] Sliding portion 713 is a pipe-shaped member, through which lever portion 711 is inserted. Sliding portion 713 is disposed on the outer periphery of lever portion 711. Sliding portion 713 slides lever portion 711 in the up-down direction when a force (for example, a downward force F by the operator or a biasing force of elastic member 714 described later) is applied to lever portion 711 in the axial direction of lever portion 711. As lever portion 711 slides, universal joint 712 also moves in the up-down direction.

[0050] The elastic member 714 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and is disposed inside the sliding portion 713. The elastic member 714 biases the joystick lever 71 upward. Therefore, when applying a downward force F to the joystick lever 71, the operator presses the joystick lever 71 downward while resisting the biasing force of the elastic member 714.

[0051] The mower operation connecting part 72 is connected to the mower lifting valve 62 housed in the valve unit case 61, and is a part that tilts when raising and lowering the mower deck of the mower 3 (see FIG. 1). The mower operation connecting part 72 includes a main body part 721, a rotating part 722, a link mechanism 723, and a mower lifting valve driving part 724. The main body part 721 is a plate-like member bent so as to form a U-shape when viewed from the front (or from the rear). The main body part 721 has a fitting part 721a that fits with the operation target switching part 74, which will be described later. The fitting part 721a is a hole part formed in the upper surface of the main body part 721.

[0052] The rotating portion 722 is provided on both the left and right sides of the main body 721. The rotating portion 722 is inserted in the left-right direction relative to a mower operation rotation shaft 725, and the main body 721 is rotatable about the mower operation rotation shaft 725, thereby enabling it to rotate (tilt) in the front-rear direction.

[0053] One end of the link mechanism 723 is connected to one side plate (for example, the right side plate) of the main body 721, and the other end is connected to the mower lifting valve driving unit 724. The link mechanism 723 transmits the driving force generated by tilting the main body 721 in the front-rear direction to the mower lifting valve driving unit 724.

[0054] The collector operation connecting part 73 is connected to the collector lifting / lowering valve 63 and the dump valve 64 housed in the valve unit case 61, and is a component that tilts when lifting / lowering the collector 4 (see FIG. 1) or dumping the collector 4. The collector operation connecting part 73 includes a main body part 731, stay parts 732a, 732b, link mechanisms 733a, 733b, a collector lifting / lowering valve driving part 734a, and a dump valve driving part 734b.

[0055] The main body 731 is a cylindrical member, and has a fitting portion 731a that fits with the operation target switching portion 74 described later. The fitting portion 731a is inside the main body 731 (inside the cylinder).

[0056] The stay portions 732a and 732b are, for example, plate-shaped members, and are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 731. The stay portions 732a and 732b have a phase difference of 90°. That is, the stay portions 732a and 732b are disposed so as to be shifted from each other by 90° in a plan view.

[0057] One end of the link mechanism 733a is connected to the stay portion 732a, and the other end is connected to the collector lift valve drive portion 734a. The link mechanism 733a transmits the driving force generated by the tilting of the main body portion 731 in the front-rear direction to the collector lift valve drive portion 734a. One end of the link mechanism 733b is connected to the stay portion 732b, and the other end is connected to the dump valve drive portion 734b. The link mechanism 733b transmits the driving force generated by the tilting of the main body portion 731 in the left-right direction to the dump valve drive portion 734b.

[0058] That is, the collector operation connecting part 73 tilts in the front-rear direction when raising and lowering the collector 4, and tilts in the left-right direction when dumping the collector 4. In this way, the collector operation connecting part 73 tilts in a different direction when raising and lowering the collector 4 and when dumping the collector 4.

[0059] The operation object switching unit 74 is a cylindrical member, and is provided on the lever portion 711 of the joystick lever 71. The operation object switching unit 74 is disposed between the main body portion 721 of the mower operation connecting portion 72 and the main body portion 731 of the collector operation connecting portion 73. The operation object switching unit 74 includes a first fitting portion 741 and a second fitting portion 742.

[0060] The first fitting portion 741 is a cylindrical member having a diameter capable of fitting with the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation connecting portion 72. The second fitting portion 742 is provided below the first fitting portion 741, has a diameter capable of fitting with the fitting portion 731a of the collector operation connecting portion 73, and is a cylindrical member having a larger diameter than the first fitting portion. The first fitting portion 741 and the second fitting portion 742 are provided coaxially and integrally formed. The upper edge portion of the first fitting portion 741 is tapered to smoothly fit into the fitting portion 721a.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3, the operation object switching unit 74 enables the drive operation of the mower operation connecting part 72 by engaging the first fitting portion 741 with the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation connecting part 72. As shown in Fig. 4, the operation object switching unit 74 enables the drive operation of the collector operation connecting part 73 by engaging the second fitting portion 742 with the fitting portion 731a of the collector operation connecting part 73. In this way, the operation object switching unit 74 switches the operation object to either the mower 3 or the collector 4.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, when the first fitting portion 741 of the operation object switching portion 74 is fitted into the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation connection portion 72 and the mower operation connection portion 72 can be driven (mower operation state), the mower operation connection portion 72 can be tilted in conjunction with the operation of the joystick lever 71 in the forward / backward direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, when the second insertion portion 742 of the operation object switching portion 74 is engaged with the engagement portion 731a of the collector operation connection portion 73 and the collector operation connection portion 73 can be driven (collector operation state), the collector operation connection portion 73 can be tilted in conjunction with the operation of the joystick lever 71 in the forward / backward and left / right directions.

[0064] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation target switching operation by the operation target switching unit 74. Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view (rear cross-sectional view) of the joystick device 7 as seen from the rear. In Fig. 6, the right side of the figure shows the mower operation state, and the left side of the figure shows the collector operation state.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 6 (right side in the figure), when the lever portion 711 is not pressed down by the operator, the operation object switching portion 74 is urged upward by the elastic member 714 (see Fig. 3) and enters the mower operation state. In the mower operation state, the first fitting portion 741 of the operation object switching portion 74 fits into the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation connecting portion 72, allowing the mower operation connecting portion 72 to tilt in the front-rear direction.

[0066] Furthermore, in the mower operating state, the operation target switching portion 74 is disengaged from the collector operation connecting portion 73 , and therefore does not transmit the operation of the lever portion 711 to the collector operation connecting portion 73 .

[0067] In the mower operating state, the operation target switching unit 74 enables the mower operation connecting unit 72 to be tilted in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the forward-rear tilting operation of the lever unit 711. When the mower operation connecting unit 72 is tilted in the front-rear direction, the mower lifting valve 62 is actuated to drive the mower lifting cylinder 51 (see FIG. 2), and the mower deck of the mower 3 (see FIG. 1) is raised and lowered.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 6 (left side in the figure), when the lever portion 711 is pressed down by the operator with a predetermined downward force F, the operation object switching portion 74 enters the collector operation state. In the collector operation state, the second fitting portion 742 of the operation object switching portion 74 fits into the fitting portion 731a of the collector operation connecting portion 73, allowing the collector operation connecting portion 73 to tilt in the front-rear and left-right directions. In this case, a gap (play) exists between the lever portion 711 and the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation connecting portion 72, allowing the lever portion 711 to tilt.

[0069] Furthermore, in the collector operating state, operation target switching unit 74 is disengaged from mower operation connecting unit 72 , and therefore does not transmit the operation of lever unit 711 to mower operation connecting unit 72 .

[0070] In the collector operation state, the operation target switching unit 74 enables the collector operation connecting unit 73 to tilt in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the front-rear tilting operation of the lever unit 711. When the collector operation connecting unit 73 tilts in the front-rear direction, the collector lift valve 63 is actuated to drive the collector lift cylinder 52 (see FIG. 2), and the collector 4 (see FIG. 1) is lifted or lowered.

[0071] In addition, in the collector operation state, the operation target switching unit 74 enables the collector operation connecting unit 73 to be tilted left and right in conjunction with the left and right tilting operation of the lever unit 711. When the collector operation connecting unit 73 is tilted left and right, the dump valve 64 is driven to drive the dump cylinder 53 (see FIG. 2), and the collector 4 is raised and lowered.

[0072] According to this configuration, the joystick lever 71 can be switched between a mower operation state in which it is connected to the mower operation connector 72 and a collector operation state in which it is connected to the collector operation connector 73, and since the operation of lifting and lowering the collector 4, the dump operation, and the operation of lifting and lowering the mower 3 can be distinguished depending on the operation (tilting) direction of the joystick lever 71, it becomes possible to operate the lifting and lowering of the collector 4, the dump operation, and the lifting and lowering of the mower 3 with one joystick lever 71. This makes it possible to easily perform the lifting and lowering operation of the collector 4, the dump operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower deck of the mower 3, and to prevent operational errors.

[0073] Furthermore, in the mower operation state, the operation target switching unit 74 engages with the mower operation coupling unit 72, allowing the mower operation coupling unit 72 to be tilted by operating the joystick lever 71, and in the collector operation state, the operation target switching unit 74 engages with the collector operation coupling unit 73, allowing the collector operation coupling unit 73 to be tilted by operating the joystick lever 71, enabling operation with a single joystick lever 71 for raising and lowering the collector 4 and raising and lowering the dump truck and mower 3. This makes it possible to easily perform operations for raising and lowering the collector 4, dump truck operation, and raising and lowering the mower deck of the mower 3, and reduces operational errors.

[0074] In addition, in the mower operation state, the operation of the joystick lever 71 is not transmitted to the collector operation connecting portion 73, making it possible to switch the operation target by the operation target switching portion 74. Also, malfunction of the mower deck of the mower 3 can be suppressed. In addition, in the collector operation state, the operation of the joystick lever 71 is not transmitted to the mower operation connecting portion 72, making it possible to suppress malfunction of the collector 4.

[0075] Returning to Figs. 3 to 5, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the collector operation connection part stay 75 is disposed at a predetermined position on the lever part 711. The collector operation connection part stay 75 is a cylindrical member, and in the mower operating state, the main body part 731 of the collector operation connection part 73 is fitted into the inside of the collector operation connection part stay 75 (inside the cylinder). In the mower operating state, the collector operation connection part stay 75 supports the main body part 731 of the collector operation connection part 73 from below. In this way, in the mower operating state, the collector operation connection part stay 75 stabilizes the position of the collector operation connection part 73 and regulates the collector operation connection part 73. The collector operation connection part stay 75 will be described later with reference to Figs. 7 to 9.

[0076] 3 and 4, the lock mechanism 76 locks the operator from pushing the lever portion 711 (joystick lever 71) downward. The lock mechanism 76 also locks the operator from tilting the lever portion 711 (joystick lever 71) forward or backward. The lock mechanism 76 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0077] <Collector operation connection stay> 7 to 9 are perspective views showing the collector operation connecting portion stay 75. All of Figs. 7 to 9 are perspective views of the joystick device 7 as seen from the rear, with Figs. 7 and 8 showing the mower operation state and Fig. 9 showing the collector operation state.

[0078] 7 and 8, in the mower operating state where the first fitting portion 741 of the operation target switching portion 74 is fitted into the fitting portion 721a of the mower operation coupling portion 72, the main body portion 731 of the collector operation coupling portion 73 is fitted into the inside (inside the cylinder) of the collector operation coupling portion stay 75. Therefore, in the mower operating state, the main body portion 731 of the collector operation coupling portion 73 is supported from below by the collector operation coupling portion stay 75. Note that, in the mower operating state, the lever portion 711 of the joystick lever 71 is slidable in the up and down direction, but tilting in a substantially horizontal plane including the left and right direction is restricted.

[0079] 9, in the mower operating state where the second fitting portion 742 of the operation target switching portion 74 is fitted into the fitting portion 731a of the collector operation connecting portion 73, the collector operation connecting portion stay 75 retracts downward so as to escape from the fitting portion 731a of the collector operation connecting portion 73 in conjunction with the downward movement of the lever portion 711. Therefore, in the collector operating state, the collector operation connecting portion 73 can be tilted in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0080] According to this configuration, even when the engagement between the operation target switching unit 74 and the collector operation connecting unit 73 is released and the collector operation connecting unit 73 is set in a free state, the position of the collector operation connecting unit 73 can be maintained at a predetermined position. This prevents the collector 4 from operating (malfunctioning) when the mower 3 (the mower deck) is operated, thereby making it possible to suppress malfunction of the collector 4.

[0081] <Lock mechanism> Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism 76. Note that Fig. 10 shows the joystick device 7 as viewed from the front.

[0082] 10, the lock mechanism 76 is disposed on the front surface of the joystick device 7. The lock mechanism 76 includes an operating lever 761, a lock pin 763, a lever guide portion 764, and a pin guide portion 765. The operating lever 761 is configured to be rotatable in the front-rear direction about a rotation portion 762 fixed on a base portion 77 that forms the front surface of the joystick device 7. The operating lever 761 includes a grip 761a at its upper end portion.

[0083] The lock pin 763 is provided at the lower end of the operating lever 761. The lock pin 763 has a base end 763a side closer to the operating lever 761 extending in a direction perpendicular to the operating lever 761 (left-right direction), a middle part 763b extending in a direction perpendicular to the base end 763a, and a tip end 763c side farther from the operating lever 761 extending parallel to the base end 763a. The tip end 763c of the lock pin 763 is formed in the lever portion 711 and can be inserted into an insertion hole 711a penetrating the lever portion 711 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the lever portion 711 (left-right direction).

[0084] The lever guide portion 764 is a plate-like member in which guide grooves (first guide groove 764a, second guide groove 764b) are formed. The lever guide portion 764 is provided on the upper end portion of the base portion 77. The lever guide portion 764 is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the operating lever 761 with the operating lever 761 inserted through the guide grooves (first guide groove 764a, second guide groove 764b).

[0085] The first guide groove 764a extends in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the operating lever 761. When the operating lever 761 moves along the first guide groove 764a, the lock pin 763 slides left-right.

[0086] The second guide groove 764b communicates with the first guide groove 764a in a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the extending direction of the first guide groove 764a. The second guide groove 764b extends parallel to the first guide groove 764a. The second guide groove 764b is shorter in the extending direction than the first guide groove 764a. The second guide groove 764b holds the lock pin 763 by fitting the operating lever 761 into the groove.

[0087] The pin guide portion 765 includes a first guide 765a and a second guide 765b. The first guide 765a is fixed onto the base portion 77 and guides the rotation and left-right sliding movement of the base end portion 763a of the lock pin 763. The second guide 765b is fixed onto the main body portion 721 of the mower operation connecting portion 72 and guides the left-right sliding movement of the tip end portion 763c of the lock pin 763.

[0088] The lock mechanism 76 locks each operation while maintaining the mower operating state. That is, the lock mechanism 76 inserts the tip 763c of the lock pin 763 into the insertion hole 711a of the lever portion 711 from the left-right direction (right side) to lock the lever portion 711 against being pressed down and against being tilted forward and backward. Note that the lock mechanism 76 restricts the rotation and sliding movement of the operating lever 761 by holding the operating lever 761 in the second guide groove 764b.

[0089] According to this configuration, the locking mechanism 76 locks the joystick lever 71 against being pressed downward and against being tilted forward and backward. That is, the locking mechanism 76 locks the lifting and lowering and dumping operations of the collector 4. In this case, because the tilting of the mower operation connecting part 72 forward and backward is restricted, the lifting and lowering operation of the mower deck of the mower 3 (see FIG. 1) is locked. This makes it possible to lock the lifting and lowering operation of the collector 4, the dumping operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower 3 (the mower deck) by the joystick lever 71, thereby making it possible to prevent operational errors.

[0090] According to the embodiment described above, the riding lawnmower 1 described below is realized.

[0091] (1) A traveling body 2, a mower device (mower) 3 disposed below the traveling body 2 and used to cut grass, a collector 4 for storing grass cut by the mower device 3, a mower lift cylinder 51 for driving the mower device 3 to move up and down, a mower lift valve 62 for controlling the mower lift cylinder 51, a collector lift cylinder 52 for driving the collector 4 to move up and down, a collector lift valve 63 for controlling the collector lift cylinder 52, a dump cylinder 53 for dumping the collector 4, a dump valve 64 for controlling the dump cylinder 53, and a valve 65 connected to the mower lift valve 62 for lifting and lowering the mower device 3. a collector operation connection part 73 connected to a collector lifting / lowering valve 63 and a dump valve 64, which tilts when the collector 4 is raised / lowered or dumped, and which tilts in different directions when the collector 4 is raised / lowered and when the collector 4 is dumped; and a joystick lever 71 which is operated to switch between a mower operation state connected to the mower operation connection part 72 and a collector operation state connected to the collector operation connection part 73 to drive the mower device 3 or the collector 4.

[0092] With this riding lawnmower 1, the lifting and lowering operation of the collector 4, the dumping operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower device 3 can be distinguished depending on the operation (tilting) direction of the joystick lever 71, which is the operating lever, so that the lifting and lowering operation of the collector 4, the dumping operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower device 3 can be performed with a single joystick lever 71. This makes it possible to easily perform the lifting and lowering operation of the collector 4, the dumping operation, and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower device 3 (the mower deck), and reduces operational errors.

[0093] (2) In the above (1), the riding lawnmower 1 is provided with a joystick device 7 having a mower operation connection part 72, a collector operation connection part 73, and a joystick lever 71, the joystick device 7 being provided on the joystick lever 71 and having a sliding part 713 for sliding the joystick lever 71 up and down, an elastic member 714 for urging the joystick lever 71 upward, and an operation object switching part 74 that is engageable with the mower operation connection part 72 and the collector operation connection part 73 and for switching the operation object to either the mower unit 3 or the collector 4, wherein in the mower operation state, the operation object switching part 74 engages with the mower operation connection part 72 so that the mower operation connection part 72 tilts in conjunction with the operation of the joystick lever 71, and in the collector operation state, the operation object switching part 74 engages with the collector operation connection part 73 so that the collector operation connection part 73 tilts in conjunction with the operation of the joystick lever 71.

[0094] With such a riding lawnmower 1, in addition to the effect of (1) above, in the mower operation state, the operation object switching unit 74 engages with the mower operation coupling unit 72, allowing the mower operation coupling unit 72 to be tilted by operating the joystick lever 71, and in the collector operation state, the operation object switching unit 74 engages with the collector operation coupling unit 73, allowing the collector operation coupling unit 73 to be tilted by operating the joystick lever 71, making it possible to operate the collector 4 up and down, the dump, and the mower unit 3 up and down with a single joystick lever 71. This makes it possible to easily perform operations for raising and lowering the collector 4, dumping, and raising and lowering the mower unit 3 (the mower deck), and reduces operational errors.

[0095] (3) In the above (2), the mower operation connecting portion 72 is connected to the universal joint 712 of the joystick lever 71 at a pivot point O J a mower operation pivot shaft 725 having a height substantially equal to the height of the joystick lever 71 is inserted in the left-right direction, and in the mower operating state, the mower operation pivot shaft 725 pivots about the mower operation pivot shaft 725, and in the mower operating state, the operation target switching unit 74 is released from engagement with the collector operation connecting unit 73 so as not to transmit the operation of the joystick lever 71 to the collector operation connecting unit 73.

[0096] According to such a riding lawnmower 1, in addition to the effect of (2) above, in the mower operating state, the operation of the joystick lever 71 is not transmitted to the collector operation coupling part 73, i.e., the operation of the joystick lever 71 is transmitted to the mower operation coupling part 72 but not to the collector operation coupling part 73, making it possible to switch the operation target by the operation target switching part 74. Also, malfunction of the mower unit 3 (the mower deck) can be suppressed.

[0097] (4) In the riding lawnmower 1 described above in (3), the joystick device 7 has a collector operation connector stay 75 that supports the collector operation connector 73 so as to restrict the collector operation connector 73 in the mower operating state.

[0098] In addition to the effect of (3) above, such a riding lawnmower 1 can hold the collector operation coupling part 73 in a predetermined position even when the engagement between the operation target switching part 74 and the collector operation coupling part 73 is released and the collector operation coupling part 73 is in a free state. This prevents the collector 4 from operating (misoperating) when the mower unit 3 (the mower deck) is operated, thereby making it possible to suppress malfunction of the collector 4.

[0099] (5) In the riding lawnmower 1 described above in (3) or (4), the mower operating connection 72 can tilt in the forward / rearward direction while being restricted from tilting in the left / right direction, and the joystick device 7 has a locking mechanism 76 that locks the joystick lever 71 against being pushed downward and also locks the joystick lever 71 against being tilted in the forward / rearward direction.

[0100] According to such a riding lawnmower 1, in addition to the above effects (3) or (4), the lock mechanism 76 locks the joystick lever 71 from being pressed downward and from being tilted forward and backward. That is, the lock mechanism 76 locks the lifting and dumping operations of the collector 4. In this case, because the mower operation connecting part 72 is restricted from being tilted forward and backward, the lifting and lowering operation of the mower unit 3 (its mower deck) is locked. This makes it possible to lock the lifting and lowering operation and dumping operation of the collector 4 and the lifting and lowering operation of the mower unit 3 (its mower deck) by the joystick lever 71, thereby making it possible to prevent operational errors.

[0101] (6) In any of (2) to (5) above, the collector operation connection part 73, in the collector operation state, enables the collector lifting valve 63 and the dump valve 64 to operate in conjunction with the operation of a joystick lever 71 that can be operated in the forward / backward and left / right directions, and the operation target switching part 74, in the collector operation state, is disengaged from the mower operation connection part 72 and does not transmit the operation of the joystick lever 71 to the mower operation connection part 72.

[0102] According to such a riding lawnmower 1, in addition to any of the effects (2) to (5) above, in the collector operation state, the operation of the joystick lever 71 is not transmitted to the mower operation connection part 72, that is, the operation of the joystick lever 71 is transmitted to the collector operation connection part 73, but not to the mower operation connection part 72, thereby suppressing malfunction of the collector 4.

[0103] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Riding lawn mower 2 Running vehicle 3 Mower device (Mower) 4 Collector 7 Joystick Device 51 Mower lifting cylinder 52 Collector lifting cylinder 53 Dump cylinder 62 Mower lift valve 63 Collector lift valve 64 Dump valve 71 Joystick Lever 72 Mower operating connection 73 Collector operation connection 74 Operation target switching section 75 Collector operation connection stay 76 Locking mechanism 712 Universal joint 713 Sliding Part 714 Elastic Members 725 Mower operation pivot shaft O J Pivot point

Claims

1. A running vehicle body, a mower device disposed under the traveling vehicle body for cutting grass; a collector for collecting grass cut by the mower device; a mower lifting cylinder for lifting and lowering the mower device; a mower lift valve for controlling the mower lift cylinder; a collector lifting cylinder for lifting and lowering the collector; a collector lift valve for controlling the collector lift cylinder; A dump cylinder for driving the collector to dump; a dump valve for controlling the dump cylinder; a mower operation coupling connected to the mower lifting valve and tilted when the mower device is lifted and lowered; a collector operation coupling portion connected to the collector lifting / lowering valve and the dump valve, which is tilted when the collector is lifted / lowered or dumped, and in which the tilting direction when the collector is lifted / lowered is different from the tilting direction when the collector is dumped; a joystick lever which is operated when driving the mower device or the collector by switching between a mower operation state in which the mower operation connector is connected to the mower operation connector and a collector operation state in which the collector operation connector is connected to the collector operation connector; Equipped A riding lawn mower characterized by:

2. a joystick device having the mower operating connector, the collector operating connector, and the joystick lever; Equipped with The joystick device comprises: a sliding portion provided on the joystick lever for sliding the joystick lever in an up-down direction; an elastic member that urges the joystick lever upward; an operation object switching portion that can be fitted to the mower operation connecting portion and the collector operation connecting portion and that switches an operation object to either the mower device or the collector; having In the mower operating state, the operation target switching unit is engaged with the mower operating connector, so that the mower operating connector tilts in response to the operation of the joystick lever, In the collector operation state, the operation target switching portion is fitted into the collector operation connecting portion, so that the collector operation connecting portion tilts in conjunction with the operation of the joystick lever.

2. The riding lawn mower according to claim 1.

3. The mower operating connector is a mower operation pivot shaft having a height substantially equal to the height of a pivot point of the universal joint of the joystick lever is inserted in the left-right direction, and in the mower operating state, the joystick lever rotates about the mower operation pivot shaft; The operation target switching unit is In the mower operating state, the engagement with the collector operation connecting portion is released, and the operation of the joystick lever is not transmitted to the collector operation connecting portion.

3. The riding lawn mower according to claim 2.

4. The joystick device comprises: a collector operation connector stay for supporting the collector operation connector so as to restrict the collector operation connector in the mower operating state; have 4. The riding lawnmower according to claim 3.

5. The mower operating connector is The vehicle can tilt forward and backward, while the left and right tilts are restricted. The joystick device comprises: A lock mechanism that locks the joystick lever against pushing it downward and also locks the joystick lever against tilting it forward and backward. have 5. The riding lawnmower according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The collector operation connection is In the collector operating state, the collector lift valve and the dump valve are operable in conjunction with the operation of a joystick lever that can be operated in the forward / backward and left / right directions; The operation target switching unit is In the collector operating state, the engagement with the mower operating connector is released, and the operation of the joystick lever is not transmitted to the mower operating connector.

6. The riding lawnmower according to claim 2, wherein the first and second components are arranged in a same direction.

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