agricultural machinery
The working machine addresses load imbalance and component stress in offset-type mowers by using a stopper connected at non-overlapping positions, ensuring safer operation and easier alignment, thus reducing maintenance burdens.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023212117
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2038-05-24
AI Technical Summary
Offset-type mowers face issues with load imbalance and potential component deformation or damage due to the weight of the working unit when stored, particularly when using electric hydraulic cylinders to offset and tilt the working unit, leading to tipping over and alignment challenges during locking.
A working machine with a working unit that rotates around two axes, featuring a stopper connected to the working unit at non-overlapping positions, reducing the load on components by distributing the connection points to minimize stress and allowing for easier alignment during locking and unlocking.
The solution reduces the load on components, preventing deformation and damage, and simplifies the alignment process, enhancing operational safety and maintenance efficiency.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine, and more particularly to a work machine that rotates around two rotation axes extending in different directions. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, mowers have been known as working machines used to remove weeds from farm roads and wastelands. These mowers mow while being towed by a traveling machine body such as a tractor. In recent years, offset-type mowers have become known, in which the working unit that performs the mowing can be moved to the side of the traveling machine body and performs the mowing work on the side of the traveling machine body (see Patent Document 1). Such offset-type mowers are equipped with a function for tilting the working unit in an offset state so that they can work on ground that is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, such as a bank. In other words, the above-mentioned working machine rotates about a first pivot axis extending in a first direction to offset the working unit to the side, and rotates about a second pivot axis extending in a second direction different from the first direction to tilt the working unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-35029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In offset-type mowers such as those described above, when the mower is removed from the traveling body and stored, a load is applied due to the weight of the working unit. For example, in mowers that use electric hydraulic cylinders to offset and tilt the working unit, the load due to the weight of the working unit extends and contracts these electric hydraulic cylinders. If the electric hydraulic cylinders extend and contract while the mower is being stored, the balance of the mower may be lost, causing the mower to tip over.
[0005] To prevent such problems, for example, in Patent Document 1, a fixing pin 810' is inserted and fixed into a grass-cutting working unit engagement plate 814 provided on the grass-cutting working unit 5 and a rotating arm engagement plate 813 provided on the offset mechanism unit 6, thereby preventing the grass-cutting working unit 5 from moving horizontally to the side. In addition, the grass-cutting working unit engagement plate 814 is placed between the two forks of the bifurcated rotating arm engagement plate 813, and these are fixed together with a fixing pin 810', thereby preventing the grass-cutting working unit 5 from rotating downward.
[0006] However, in the brush cutter shown in Patent Document 1, in order to restrict the rotation of the mowing unit 5, the fixing pin 810' must be inserted when the mowing unit engagement plate 814 and the pivoting arm engagement plate 813 are overlapping in a top view. Therefore, the fixing pin 810', the mowing unit engagement plate 814, and the pivoting arm engagement plate 813 come into contact at a position close to the center of rotation of the mowing unit 5. This places a heavy load on these components when the mowing unit 5 attempts to rotate, potentially causing deformation or damage to these components. Furthermore, in order to insert the fixing pin 810', it is necessary to precisely align the through-holes in the mowing unit engagement plate 814 and the pivoting arm engagement plate 813 in a top view. This alignment task places a significant burden on the operator.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to solve the problem of reducing the load on a member restricting the rotation of a working unit when the working unit tries to rotate in a locked state in which the operation of the working unit is restricted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a work machine that can reduce the load on the worker, or to provide a work machine that can reduce the burden on the worker when locked. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The working machine (grass trimmer 10) in one embodiment of the present invention has a working unit (working unit 400) that rotates around a first rotating shaft (rotating shaft 401) extending in a first direction (D1 direction) and has a first connecting portion (connecting portion 460), a rotating mechanism unit (offset mechanism unit 200) that rotates the working unit around a second rotating shaft (rotating shaft 211) extending in a second direction (D2 direction) that intersects the first direction and has a second connecting portion (connecting portion 250), and a stopper (stopper 500) that is connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion at a position where the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion do not overlap when viewed from the second direction.
[0009] The stopper may have a through hole (through hole 501) through which the first connection portion can pass, and the shape of the through hole may be a shape having a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction (L1 direction) of the stopper.
[0010] The working unit has a third connection part (connection part 481) that connects the stopper at a position different from the first connection part, and a power part (power part 450) that rotates the working unit around the first rotation axis, and when the stopper is connected to the first connection part and the third connection part, the stopper may overlap with the power part when viewed from the first direction.
[0011] The fixing member (fixing member 253A) may have a length and may have a first member (locking pin 255A) and a second member (locking portion 257A) at different positions in the length direction, and in a first state in which the stopper (stopper 500A) and the second connection portion (connection portion 250A) are between the first member and the second member, the stopper and the second connection portion are connected, and in a second state in which the stopper and the third connection portion (connection portion 481A) are between the first member and the second member, the stopper and the third connection portion are connected, and the distance between the first member and the second member in the second state may be smaller than the distance between the first member and the second member in the first state.
[0012] The working machine (grass trimmer 10) in one embodiment of the present invention has a working unit (working unit 400) that rotates around a first rotation axis (rotation axis 401) extending in a first direction (D1 direction), a rotation mechanism (offset mechanism 200) that rotates the working unit around a second rotation axis (rotation axis 211) extending in a second direction (D2 direction) that intersects the first direction, and a stopper (stopper 500) that has a longitudinal direction and regulates the rotation of the working unit both around the first rotation axis and around the second axis. [Effects of the Invention]
[0013] According to the working machine of the embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a working machine that can reduce the load on the member that restricts the rotation of the working unit when the working unit tries to rotate in a locked state in which the operation of the working unit is restricted. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a brush cutter that can reduce the burden on the operator when the working unit is locked. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a traveling machine body and a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an enlarged top view of a portion of a mower (locked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a front view showing the configuration of a grass mower (locked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a front view and a top view showing the configuration of a stopper of a grass mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an enlarged top view of a portion of a grass mower (in an unlocked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a grass mower (in an unlocked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a grass mower (offset state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a front view showing a state in which the working unit of a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention has been rotated downward. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the structure of a fixing member used in a brush cutter according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a work machine of the present invention will be described using an offset-type brush cutter with reference to the drawings. However, the work machine of the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the example shown below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals followed by alphabets, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.
[0016] For ease of explanation, terms indicating directions such as up, down, forward, backward, right, and left are used, but the direction in which gravity acts is downward, and the opposite is upward. Also, the direction in which the traveling body moves is forward, and the opposite is backward. Furthermore, facing forward, the right side is right, and the left side is left. When there is no particular distinction between right and left, they may simply be referred to as side.
[0017] The work machine according to this embodiment can be applied to an offset-type brush cutter as well as to other work machines that rotate about two rotation axes extending in different directions. For example, the work machine according to this embodiment can be applied to a work machine in which a working unit that rotates about a first rotation axis extending in a first direction has a rotation mechanism that rotates the working unit about a second rotation axis extending in a second direction different from the first direction.
[0018] First Embodiment [Configuration of the grass mower 10 in the locked state] The general configuration of a mower 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Figs. 1 to 3 show the configuration of the mower 10 in a locked state, which will be described later. Fig. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a traveling machine body and a mower according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a top view showing an enlarged portion of a mower (locked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of a mower (locked state) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the mower 10 in this embodiment includes a mounting unit 100, an offset mechanism 200, a power transmission unit 300, a working unit 400, and a stopper 500. The mower 10 is connected to a traveling machine body 20 such as a tractor by the mounting unit 100. The mounting unit 100 and the working unit 400 are connected via the offset mechanism 200 and the power transmission unit 300. With this configuration, the mower 10 is pulled as the traveling machine body 20 travels, and the working unit 400 performs grass cutting work.
[0020] The mounting part 100 is connected to a three-point linkage 23 (however, only the lower link is shown in FIG. 1) provided between the two rear tires 21 of the traveling machine body 20. The three-point linkage 23 is usually composed of a top link, a lift rod, and a lower link. Three-point link The mechanism 23 is a known mechanism, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.
[0021] The mounting section 100 is equipped with a hitch frame 110 that extends in the left-right direction, which is the width direction of the traveling body 20. The hitch frame 110 is configured to be connectable to a three-point linkage mechanism 23 provided at the rear of the traveling body 20. A gearbox (not shown) is provided at the lower center of the hitch frame 110, and an input shaft (not shown) that receives power from the traveling body 20 is provided in this gearbox. Power is transmitted to the input shaft from a PTO shaft 25 provided on the traveling body 20 via a universal joint (not shown).
[0022] The offset mechanism 200 (rotation mechanism) is a rotation mechanism for offsetting the working unit 400. The offset mechanism 200 can move the working unit 400 to a position offset laterally with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body 20. The offset mechanism 200 of this embodiment has an offset frame 210, a link rod 220, a support frame 230, and a power unit 240. The offset frame 210 is rotatably connected to the mounting unit 100 at a rotation shaft 211 and rotates about the rotation shaft 211. The link rod 220 is rotatably connected to the mounting unit 100 at a rotation shaft 221 provided at a position different from the rotation shaft 211 and rotates about the rotation shaft 221. The offset frame 210 and the link rod 220 rotate about the rotation shafts 211 and 221, respectively, so that the working unit 400 moves laterally with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body 20. 1, the offset mechanism unit 200 is rotated to the left (clockwise) with respect to the forward direction of the traveling body 20. In this state, the working unit 400 is located behind the traveling body 20. This state is called the "storage state."
[0023] The offset frame 210 is a long frame made of a hollow member, and is disposed below the power transmission unit 300 (see FIG. 3 ). As described above, one end of the offset frame 210 is rotatably connected to the hitch frame 110 at the rotation shaft 211. Meanwhile, the other end of the offset frame 210 is rotatably connected to the working unit 400 and the support frame 230 at the rotation shaft 213. The offset frame 210 rotates on a horizontal plane relative to the hitch frame 110 around the rotation shaft 211. The working unit 400 rotates on a horizontal plane relative to the offset frame 210 around the rotation shaft 213. With this configuration, the working unit 400 rotates on a horizontal plane relative to the mounting unit 100. The offset frame 210 is connected to the power transmission unit 300 and moves together with the power transmission unit 300. The rotation shaft 213 is supported by the rotation shaft frame 260.
[0024] Link rod 220 is a long member made of a cylindrical member, and has a length approximately equal to that of offset frame 210. As described above, one end of link rod 220 is rotatably connected to hitch frame 110 at pivot shaft 221. Meanwhile, the other end of link rod 220 is rotatably connected to support frame 230 at pivot shaft 223.
[0025] The support frame 230 is formed of a cylindrical member, is a member that is shorter than the offset frame 210 and the link rod 220, and is a member that interconnects the offset frame 210 and the link rod 220. As described above, the offset frame 210 and the link rod 220 are both rotatably connected to the support frame 230. The support frame 230 is connected to the working unit 400, and moves integrally with the working unit 400 when the working unit 400 performs an offset operation. In other words, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the support frame 230 and the longitudinal direction of the working unit 400 is maintained constant.
[0026] The shape connecting the four points of the rotation axes 211, 213, 221, and 223 is approximately a parallelogram. With this configuration, the hitch frame 110, the offset frame 210, the link rod 220, and the support frame 230 form a rotation mechanism of a parallelogram with each rotation axis as its vertex. With this rotation mechanism, the offset mechanism unit 200 can offset and move the working unit 400 while maintaining the angle of the working unit 400 relative to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body 20.
[0027] The power unit 240 is a power source (actuator) for the offset mechanism unit 200, and is an expandable member formed of, for example, a gas cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like. One end of the power unit 240 is connected to the hitch frame 110, and the other end is connected to the rear side of the offset frame 210. The expansion and contraction of the power unit 240 drives the offset mechanism unit 200, which can control the offset amount (amount of movement in the offset direction) of the working unit 400. In other words, the offset mechanism unit 200 rotates the working unit 400 around the rotation shaft 211 by the expansion and contraction of the power unit 240.
[0028] The power transmission unit 300 is a mechanism for transmitting power from the traveling machine body 20 received by the input shaft (not shown) of the mounting unit 100 to the working unit 400. A chain drive mechanism is used as the power transmission unit 300. Specifically, the power transmission unit 300 includes at least a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a roller chain. The roller chain is wound around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, and the power of the drive sprocket is transmitted to the driven sprocket via the roller chain. The working unit 400 receives power from the driven sprocket to perform grass cutting work.
[0029] The working unit 400 is a part that performs grass cutting work. The working unit 400 has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the traveling direction of the traveling body 20. In this embodiment, the working unit 400 has a longitudinal direction that intersects with the traveling direction of the traveling body 20. The working unit 400 has a work rotor 410 (see FIG. 3), a rotor cover 420, two side plates 430, a cutting blade drive unit 440, a power unit 450, a connection unit 460 (first connection unit), a connection unit 470 (see FIG. 3), a link arm 480 (see FIG. 3), and a connection unit 490 (see FIG. 3). The working unit 400 performs grass cutting work by having the cutting blade drive unit 440 drive the work rotor 410 by receiving power transmitted from the power transmission unit 300.
[0030] One end of the power unit 450 is rotatably connected to the connection unit 460. Because the connection unit 460 is fixed to the rotor cover 420, it can also be said that the power unit 450 is rotatably connected to the rotor cover 420. The other end of the power unit 450 is rotatably connected to the connection unit 470, which will be described later. As will be described in detail later, the working unit 400 rotates about a rotation shaft 401 (first rotation shaft) as the power unit 450 expands and contracts. The extension direction of the rotation shaft 401 intersects with the extension direction of the rotation shaft 211 (second rotation shaft). In this embodiment, the extension direction D1 (first direction) of the rotation shaft 401 is approximately perpendicular to the extension direction D2 (second direction) of the rotation shaft 211. The rotation shaft 401 is supported by the rotation shaft frame 260. The details of each component of the working unit 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0031] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the mower 10 in Fig. 1. The mower 10 shown in Fig. 2 is in a state in which the stopper 500 restricts both rotation of the working unit 400 about the rotation axis 211 (the operation of offsetting the working unit 400) and rotation about the rotation axis 401 (the operation of tilting the working unit 400 relative to a horizontal plane). This state is referred to as the "locked state." Meanwhile, as will be described in detail later, the state in which the restriction on the rotation of the working unit 400 is released is referred to as the "unlocked state." In the following explanation, in order to explain the states of the mower 10 in the "locked state" and "unlocked state," a portion of the offset frame 210 (cutout area 215) is shown cut out.
[0032] A connecting portion 460 is provided on the rotor cover 420. The connecting portion 460 has a mounting seat 461, a pin 463, a stopper locking portion 465, a pin fixing portion 467, and a pin locking portion 469. The mounting seat 461 is fixed to the rotor cover 420. A cylindrical member is provided on the mounting seat 461, and the pin 463 is inserted into the hollow portion of the cylindrical member. Through holes that penetrate the pin 463 are provided near both ends of the pin 463, and the stopper locking portions 465 and the pin locking portions 469 are disposed in these through holes. The stopper 500 can be removed from the connecting portion 460 by removing the stopper locking portion 465 from the pin 463. Furthermore, the pin 463 can be removed from the mounting seat 461 by removing the pin locking portion 469 from the pin 463. The pin fixing portion 467 is inserted into a window provided in the cylindrical member of the mounting seat 461 and abuts against the pin 463 inserted into the hollow portion of the cylindrical member. The position of the pin 463 is fixed by the pin fixing portion 467 abutting against the pin 463.
[0033] A connecting portion 250 (second connecting portion) is provided on the offset frame 210. The connecting portion 250 has a mounting seat 251, and a fixing member 253 is arranged on the mounting seat 251. The mounting seat 251 is fixed to the offset frame 210. The mounting seat 251 is a bifurcated protruding portion that protrudes from the offset frame 210. A through hole is provided in the protruding portion of the mounting seat 251, and a fixing member 253 is inserted into the through hole. When inserted into the through hole of the mounting seat 251, the fixing member 253 is fixed so that it does not come out of the through hole. Note that the stopper 500 can be removed from the connecting portion 250 by removing the fixing member 253 from the mounting seat 251.
[0034] The stopper 500 is a member having a longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the stopper 500 is a flat plate-shaped member. As will be described in detail later, through holes penetrating the stopper 500 are provided near both ends of the stopper 500. In the locked state, a pin 463 is inserted into the through hole (through hole 501 in FIG. 4) at one end of the stopper 500, thereby connecting the stopper 500 to the connecting portion 460. Similarly, with the through hole (through hole 503 in FIG. 4) at the other end of the stopper 500 aligned with the through hole of the mounting seat 251, the fixing member 253 is inserted into these through holes, thereby connecting the stopper 500 to the connecting portion 250.
[0035] In the arc direction centered on the rotation shaft 211, the pin 463 and the fixing member 253 each come into contact with the inner wall of the through-hole of the stopper 500, thereby locking the stopper 500. With this configuration, the stopper 500 restricts the working unit 400 from rotating about the rotation shaft 211. In addition, in the locked state, the stopper 500 is connected to the connecting unit 460 and the connecting unit 250 at a position where the connecting unit 460 and the connecting unit 250 do not overlap when viewed from the top. In other words, the above configuration means that the stopper 500 is connected to the connecting unit 460 and the connecting unit 250 at a position where the connecting unit 460 and the connecting unit 250 do not overlap when viewed from the direction D2 along which the rotation shaft 211 extends.
[0036] Figure 3 is a front view of the mower 10 of Figure 1 as seen from the traveling body 20 side. The work rotor 410 has a rotation shaft between the side plates 430 at both ends. A plurality of cutting blades 411 are provided on the rotation shaft. The rotation shaft is provided in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the traveling body 20. The work rotor 410 cuts weeds and the like by rotating the rotation shaft to rotate the cutting blades 411. Note that the mounting unit 100, link rod 220, support frame 230, and power unit 240 are omitted from Figure 3.
[0037] The rotor cover 420 is a cover member that covers the top of the work rotor 410. The rotor cover 420 prevents weeds cut by the cutting blade 411, soil adhering to the weeds, and pebbles that have fallen to the work surface (ground surface) from scattering, and also has the effect of returning the cut weeds to the cutting blade 411 and crushing them into small pieces. The cover member 421 prevents small stones and the like that are thrown off by the cutting blade 411 from scattering forward.
[0038] The side plate 430 rotatably supports the rotation shaft of the work rotor 410 via ball bearings or the like, and also supports the rotor cover 420. In this embodiment, a cutting blade drive unit 440 is provided on the side plate 430 at the left end in the traveling direction.
[0039] The blade drive unit 440 transmits the rotational power transmitted from the traveling machine body 20 via the power transmission unit 300 to the rotation shaft of the work rotor 410. Although not shown, the blade drive unit 440 includes a drive pulley, a driven pulley, a belt, and a tensioner. The belt is wound between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The tensioner is disposed inside the belt wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, and applies tension to the belt from the inside to the outside of the belt. However, the blade drive unit 440 may have a configuration other than that described above.
[0040] In the blade drive unit 440 having the above-described structure, the drive pulley rotates by the rotational power transmitted from the power transmission unit 300, and transmits the rotational power to the driven pulley via the belt. The driven pulley transmits the rotational power provided by the drive pulley to the rotation shaft of the work rotor 410, thereby driving the work rotor 410.
[0041] The power unit 450 is provided between the connection unit 460 and the connection unit 470 and is rotatably connected thereto. The connection unit 470 is fixed to the pivot frame 260. In other words, the connection unit 470 is connected to the pivot frame 260 so as not to be rotatable therewith. In other words, even when the working unit 400 rotates around the pivot shaft 401, the connection unit 470 does not rotate together with the working unit 400.
[0042] The link arm 480 is connected to the connection portion 460 and fixed to the connection portion 490. The link arm 480 has a connection portion 481 (third connection portion) and a holding portion 483. The connection portion 481 has a shape in which a through-hole 4813 is provided in a protruding portion 4811 that protrudes downward from the link arm 480. In other words, the protruding portion 4811 protrudes toward the power unit 450 more than the link arm 480, and the through-hole 4813 is provided between the link arm 480 and the power unit 450. As will be described in detail later, in the unlocked state, the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 481. Specifically, with the through-hole (through-hole 503 in FIG. 4) of the stopper 500 aligned with the through-hole 4813, the fixing member 253 is inserted into these through-holes, thereby connecting the stopper 500 to the connection portion 481. Holding portion 483 is provided between the point where link arm 480 is connected to connecting portion 460 (i.e., the rotation center of link arm 480 with respect to connecting portion 460) and connecting portion 481. In other words, holding portion 483 is provided between connecting portion 460 and connecting portion 481. As will be described in detail later, in the unlocked state, holding portion 483 holds stopper 500.
[0043] The connection part 490 is fixed to the rotor cover 420 and the link arm 480. That is, when the working part 400 rotates around the rotation shaft 401, the link arm 480 and the connection part 490 rotate together with the working part 400.
[0044] With the above configuration, when the power unit 450 contracts, the power unit 450 acts on the connection unit 460 and the connection unit 470, and the connection unit 460 is pulled toward the connection unit 470. This action generates a rotational force in the counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis 401 in the working unit 400 via the connection unit 460, the link arm 480, and the connection unit 490. However, in the locked state shown in FIG. 3, the pin 463 and the fixing member 253 each come into contact with the inner wall of the through-hole of the stopper 500 in the arc direction about the rotation axis 401, thereby locking the stopper 500. With this configuration, the stopper 500 prevents the working unit 400 from rotating. Rotation around the shaft 401 is restricted. In the locked state, the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 250 at a position where the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 250 do not overlap when viewed from the front. In other words, the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 250 at a position where the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 250 do not overlap when viewed from the direction D1 in which the rotation shaft 401 extends.
[0045] As described above, in the brush cutter 10 according to this embodiment, when an attempt is made to rotate the working unit 400 in the locked state, a strong load is applied to the pin 463, the fixing member 253, and the stopper 500, which may cause deformation or damage to these components. However, because these components are easily replaceable, even if these components are deformed or damaged, the burden of maintenance can be reduced. Furthermore, the stopper 500 is connected to the connecting portion 460 and the connecting portion 250 at a position where the connecting portion 460 and the connecting portion 250 do not overlap in a top or front view, thereby improving the design flexibility of the connecting portions 250, 460 for connecting the stopper 500 and the stopper 500. In particular, in this embodiment, the stopper 500 restricts the rotation of the working unit 400 at a position away from the rotation center of the working unit 400. Therefore, when an attempt is made to rotate the working unit 400, the load applied to the stopper 500, the pin 463, and the fixing member 253 is reduced, thereby preventing deformation or damage to these components.
[0046] [Configuration of stopper 500] The configuration of the stopper 500 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view (A) and a top view (B) showing the configuration of a stopper for a brush cutter according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(B) is a view seen from the direction of the arrow in Figure 4(A). The stopper 500 has a longitudinal direction in the L1 direction. The stopper 500 is provided with through holes 501 and 503 that penetrate the stopper 500. As shown in Figure 4(A), the through hole 501 has a shape that has a longitudinal direction in the L1 direction. As shown in Figure 4(B), the pin 463 penetrates the through hole 501 in the D1 direction. In this state, the pin 463 restricts the movement range of the stopper 500. In other words, the connection portion 460 restricts the movement range of the stopper 500 when connected to the connection portion 460. In a state in which the movement range of the stopper 500 is restricted by the pin 463, the movement range of the stopper 500 in the L1 direction is greater than the movement range of the stopper 500 in the L2 direction perpendicular to the L1 direction.
[0047] A washer 466 is provided around the pin 463 on the D1 direction side of the stopper 500. The size of the washer 466 is larger than the size of the through hole 501 in the short direction (L2 direction) of the through hole 501. On the D1 direction side of the washer 466, the stopper locking portion 465 penetrates the pin 463, thereby restricting movement of the washer 466 in the D1 direction. As described above, the stopper locking portion 465 and the washer 466 restrict the pin 463 from being detached from the through hole 501. On the other hand, because the through hole 501 has a longitudinal direction in the L1 direction, the stopper 500 is movable in the L1 direction relative to the pin 463.
[0048] The shape of the through hole 503 is circular, similar to the cross-sectional shape of the fixing member 253. Because the size of the through hole 503 is larger than the size of the fixing member 253, the fixing member 253 can be inserted into the through hole 503 from an oblique direction of the stopper 500, as shown in FIG. 4(B). A locking pin 255 is provided on the fixing member 253 in a state in which the fixing member 253 passes through the through hole of the mounting seat 251 and the through hole 503. The locking pin 255 prevents the fixing member 253 from detaching from the through hole of the mounting seat 251 and the through hole 503.
[0049] In this embodiment, the through-hole 503 has a circular shape, but is not limited to this. The shape of the through-hole 503 can be adjusted appropriately to match the cross-sectional shape of the fixing member 253. Furthermore, the through-hole 503 may have a shape having a longitudinal direction in the L1 direction.
[0050] As described above, with the mower 10 and stopper 500 according to this embodiment, when the pin 463 is inserted into the through-hole 501, the stopper 500 can move in the L1 direction relative to the pin 463. Therefore, referring to FIG. 2, the mower 10 can be locked when the rotation angle of the working unit 400 about the rotation shaft 211 is within a predetermined range. Similarly, referring to FIG. 3, the mower 10 can be locked when the rotation angle of the working unit 400 about the rotation shaft 401 is within a predetermined range. In other words, there is a greater degree of freedom in aligning the connection part 250 with the connection part 460 to achieve the locked state.
[0051] [Configuration of the grass mower 10 in the unlocked state] The configuration of the mower 10 in the unlocked state will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the mower (unlocked state) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a front view showing the configuration of the mower (unlocked state) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the unlocked state, the stopper 500 is connected to a connection part 481 provided on the link arm 480, rather than to the connection part 250, and the working part 400 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 211 and the rotation shaft 401.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 481. The connection portion 481 is provided at a position on the working unit 400 that is different from the connection portion 460. Thus, in the unlocked state, the stopper 500 is connected to two connection portions provided at different positions on the working unit 400. In this state, the fixing member 253 passes through the through-hole 503 (see FIG. 4 ) of the stopper 500 and the through-hole 4813 (see FIG. 3 ) of the connection portion 481. The stopper 500 rotates together with the working unit 400 because both ends of the stopper 500 are connected to the link arm 480. In this state, the holding portion 483 holds the stopper 500. The holding portion 483 is made of flexible metal, and holds the stopper 500 in a wrapped manner when the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 481.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 6 , when the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 481, a portion of the stopper 500 is located below the link arm 480. In other words, when the stopper 500 is connected to the connection portion 460 and the connection portion 481, the stopper 500 overlaps the area of the power unit 450 exposed from the link arm 480 in a front view. In this state, the longitudinal direction of the stopper 500 extends in the direction in which the power unit 450 extends. In other words, the component of the longitudinal direction of the stopper that is parallel to the movement direction of the power unit 450 is larger than the component that is perpendicular to the movement direction of the power unit 450. With the above configuration, the area of the power unit 450 that is covered by both the link arm 480 and the stopper 500 is larger than the area of the power unit 450 that the link arm 480 covers in a front view. With this configuration, the power unit 450 can be protected from pebbles and the like that fly toward the power unit 450 from the front side. Furthermore, since the longitudinal direction of stopper 500 extends in the direction in which power unit 450 expands and contracts, the probability that small stones or the like will fly and reach power unit 450 can be reduced.
[0054] Note that stopper 500 may be connected to connection portion 481 at a position lower than that shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., closer to power unit 450). To achieve this configuration, the length of protrusion 4811 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the shape of stopper 500 may be modified depending on the area to be protected. For example, stopper 500 may have a protrusion that extends downward.
[0055] As described above, in the unlocked state, the working unit 400 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 211 and the rotation shaft 401. FIG. 7 shows a brush cutter (offset state) according to one embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a top view showing the configuration of the traveling machine body 20. As shown in Fig. 7, when the power unit 240 is extended in the unlocked state, the offset mechanism unit 200 operates to rotate the working unit 400 around the rotation shaft 211, and the working unit 400 moves to the side of the traveling machine body 20 in the direction of travel (direction D1). The state shown in Fig. 7 is called the offset state.
[0056] Fig. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the working unit of the brush mower according to one embodiment of the present invention has been rotated downward. As shown in Fig. 8, when power unit 450 is retracted in the offset state, power unit 450 acts on connecting unit 460 and connecting unit 470, and connecting unit 460 is pulled toward connecting unit 470. This action generates counterclockwise rotational force about rotating shaft 401 in working unit 400 via connecting unit 460, link arm 480, and connecting unit 490. In this way, working unit 400 can be tilted along inclined surface 31 of working area 30.
[0057] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the connection part 481 is provided on the working unit 400 side and the stopper 500 is stored on the working unit 400 side in the unlocked state has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connection part 481 may be provided on the offset mechanism part 200 side (for example, the offset frame 210) and the stopper 500 may be stored on the offset mechanism part 200 side in the unlocked state.
[0058] Second Embodiment The general configuration of a mower 10A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a fixing member used in a mower according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the mower 10A according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the fixing member 253A differs from the fixing member 253 of the mower 10 according to the first embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 9(A) is a view similar to a portion of FIG. 4(B). FIG. 9(B) is a view of fixing member 253A viewed from the longitudinal direction. FIG. 9(C) is a view of fixing member 253A viewed from the side in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 9(C), fixing member 253A has two through-holes 2531A and 2533A penetrating fixing member 253A, and a locking portion 257A is provided at one end of fixing member 253A. The two through-holes are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of fixing member 253A. When locking pin 255A is inserted into these through-holes 2531A and 2533A, stopper 500A is connected to connecting portion 250A or connecting portion 481A between locking pin 255A and locking portion 257A. Locking pin 255A is made of elastic metal and is a component known as an R-pin or snap pin. Locking pin 255A is attached to fixing member 253A by utilizing its elasticity. Locking pin 255A may be referred to as a "first member." Similarly, locking portion 257A may be referred to as a "second member."
[0060] 9(A), with the fixing member 253A passing through the through-hole of the mounting seat 251A and the through-hole 503A of the stopper 500A, the locking pin 255A is inserted into the through-hole 2531A, thereby connecting the stopper 500A to the connecting portion 250A. In this state, the mounting seat 251A is locked by the locking pin 255A and the locking portion 257A. In other words, the stopper 500A and the connecting portion 250A are connected in a state (first state) in which the stopper 500A and the connecting portion 250A are located between the locking pin 255A and the locking portion 257A. In the locked state, the stopper 500A is positioned between the bifurcated portions of the mounting seat 251A in a state inclined with respect to the protruding direction of the mounting seat 251A. Therefore, the width of the bifurcated portion of the mounting seat 251A is designed to be sufficiently large relative to the width of the stopper 500A. Therefore, the locking pin 255A is disposed in the through-hole 2531A on the side closer to the tip of the fixing member 253A.
[0061] FIG. 9(D) is a view similar to a part of FIG. 5. FIG. 9(E) shows the state of FIG. 9(D). 9(D) is a view of fixing member 253A viewed from the side in the longitudinal direction. In the state of FIG. 9(D), fixing member 253A passes through through hole 503A (see FIG. 4) of stopper 500A and through hole 4813A (see FIG. 3) of connecting portion 481A, and locking pin 255A is inserted into through hole 2533A, thereby connecting stopper 500A to connecting portion 481A. In this state, stopper 500A and link arm 480A are locked with locking pin 255A and locking portion 257A. In other words, stopper 500A and connecting portion 481A are connected in a state (second state) in which stopper 500A and connecting portion 481A are located between locking pin 255A and locking portion 257A. In the first state, locking pin 255A is disposed in through-hole 2531A, and in the second state, locking pin 255A is disposed in through-hole 2533A. Therefore, the distance between locking pin 255A and locking portion 257A in the second state is smaller than the distance between locking pin 255A and locking portion 257A in the first state. In the unlocked state, stopper 500A is connected to connection portion 481A in a state substantially parallel to link arm 480A. Therefore, in the unlocked state, stopper 500A can be brought close to link arm 480A.
[0062] Here, by disposing locking pin 255A in through-hole 2533A, the movable range of stopper 500A in the unlocked state can be narrowed. As a result, rattle of stopper 500A in the unlocked state can be suppressed. In the state shown in FIG. 9(D), by holding stopper 500A by holding portion 483A when stopper 500A is closest to link arm 480A, rattle of stopper 500A can be further suppressed.
[0063] While the present embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which a pin-shaped member is used as the "first member," the first member may be a member other than a pin (e.g., a plate-shaped member) as long as it can lock the connecting portion (250A or 481A) and the stopper 500A. Furthermore, the present embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which the connecting portion (250A or 481A) and the stopper 500A are formed by inserting the locking pin 255A into a through-hole (2531A, 2533A) formed in the fixing member 253A, but the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, a groove may be formed in the fixing member 253A, and a member equivalent to the locking pin 255A may be fitted into the groove. Alternatively, the fixing member 253A may not be formed with a through-hole or groove, and the locking pin 255A may be replaced by a ring-shaped member surrounding the fixing member 253A and fastened to the fixing member 253A with a screw or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration in which a protrusion fixed to the end of fixing member 253A is used as the "second member" has been exemplified, but similar to the first member, the second member may be a member having a shape other than that described above as long as it locks connecting portion (250A or 481A) and stopper 500A. For example, the configuration of locking pin 255A may be applied instead of locking portion 257A.
[0064] As described above, with the mower 10A according to this embodiment, rattle of the stopper 500A can be suppressed in the unlocked state.
[0065] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a person skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify components based on the coupling position adjustment mechanism and work machine of the present embodiment, and such modifications will also be included in the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as there are no mutual contradictions, and technical matters common to the embodiments are included in each embodiment even if not explicitly stated.
[0066] Furthermore, even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, if they are clear from the description in this specification or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0067] 10: grass mower, 20: traveling body, 21: rear tire, 23: three-point linkage mechanism, 25: PTO shaft, 30: work area, 31: inclined surface, 100: mounting part, 110: hitch frame, 200: offset mechanism part, 210: offset frame, 211, 213, 221, 223, 401: rotating shaft, 220: link rod, 230: support frame, 240, 450: power part, 250, 460, 470, 481, 490: connection part, 251, 461: mounting seat, 253: fixing member, 255: locking pin, 257A: locking part, 260: rotating shaft frame, 300: power transmission part, 400: working part, 410: working rotor, 411: cutting blade, 420: rotor cover, 421: cover member, 430: Side plate; 440: Cutting blade drive unit; 463: Pin; 465: Stopper engagement unit; 466: Washer, 467: Pin fixing portion, 469: Pin locking portion, 480: Link arm, 483: Holding portion, 500: Stopper, 501, 503, 2531A, 2533A, 4813: Through hole, 4811: Protrusion
Claims
1. A mounting unit having an input shaft connected to the traveling machine body and receiving power from the traveling machine body; a power transmission unit that is rotatable relative to the mounting unit; a transmission part that is rotatable relative to the power transmission part; A working rotor is provided with a cutting blade and is movable between a rear position of the traveling machine body and an offset position offset laterally with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body, the power transmission unit transmits the power received by the input shaft to the transmission unit, the transmission unit transmits the power received from the power transmission unit to the work rotor; the work rotor is rotatable about a rotation axis located on the opposite side to the direction in which the work rotor is offset moved so that the work rotor is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane; The agricultural work machine, wherein the rotation shaft is located in front of the transmission part.
2. a rotor cover that covers the upper part of the working rotor; a side plate provided on a side of the rotor cover and rotatably supporting the work rotor; the transmission unit includes a cutting blade drive unit provided on the side plate, The agricultural work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the blade drive unit transmits the power received from the power transmission unit.
3. The agricultural work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission part is aligned with the rotation shaft in a direction of travel of the traveling machine body in a top view.
4. The agricultural work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission part overlaps with the rotation shaft in a front view.
5. The working rotor is a first connection portion that rotates about the rotation axis relative to the mounting portion; a second connection portion that does not rotate about the rotation axis relative to the mounting portion; a power unit connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion, The agricultural work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second connection portion is provided at a position overlapping the rotation shaft in a top view.
6. A mounting unit having an input shaft connected to the traveling machine body and receiving power from the traveling machine body; a power transmission unit that is rotatable relative to the mounting unit; a transmission part that is rotatable relative to the power transmission part; A working rotor is provided with a cutting blade and is movable between a rear position of the traveling machine body and an offset position offset laterally with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body, the power transmission unit transmits the power received by the input shaft to the transmission unit, the transmission unit transmits the power received from the power transmission unit to the work rotor; the work rotor is rotatable about a rotation axis located on the opposite side to the direction in which the work rotor is offset moved so that the work rotor is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane; The agricultural work machine, wherein the transmission part overlaps with the rotation shaft in a front view.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Mowing work machine
JP2017035029A