lawnmower

Abstract

To provide a mower that can safely retract mowing blades without damage to the mowing blades.SOLUTION: A mower mows grass while traveling on a ridge, and comprises: a machine body connected to a traveling part; a pair of left and right mowing parts provided in front of or behind the traveling part; a connecting part constituted rotatably with respect to the machine body, and for connecting the machine body and the pair of left and right mowing parts; and a folding mechanism for rotating the pair of left and right mowing parts via the connecting part, and fixing the mowing parts at predetermined fixing positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grass mower, and more particularly to a method for storing a self-propelled grass mower. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mowing work on ridges has been carried out periodically using a mower to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the top surface (top surface) or slopes of ridges. Patent Document 1 discloses a self-propelled mower that is remotely controlled via wireless communication and moves over the ridge to mow the top surface and slopes. The mower described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a cutting blade unit that has a horizontal cutting blade and an inclined cutting blade at the front of the machine body, and while moving, it is able to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the top surface of the ridge using the horizontal cutting blade and to remove weeds and the like that have grown on the slopes of the ridge using the inclined cutting blade. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-176153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the mower is not in use, it is preferable to store the cutting blade away from the top surface of the ridge and the slope. However, the mower described in Patent Document 1 does not clearly state how to store the mower.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a grass mower that can safely store a cutting blade without damaging the cutting blade. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A grass mower according to one embodiment of the present invention is a mower that cuts grass while traveling on a ridge, and comprises a body connected to a running section, a pair of left and right cutting sections provided in front of or behind the running section, a connecting section that is configured to be rotatable relative to the body and that connects the body to the pair of left and right cutting sections, and a folding mechanism that rotates the pair of left and right cutting sections via the connecting section and fixes the cutting sections at a predetermined fixed position.

[0007] The cutting unit includes an angle adjustment mechanism that can adjust the angle of each cutting surface of the pair of left and right cutting units relative to a horizontal plane, and the angle adjustment mechanism may be capable of adjusting the angle of the cutting surfaces relative to the connecting unit so that the cutting surfaces of the pair of left and right cutting units face toward the center of the mower.

[0008] The predetermined fixed position may be a position where at least a portion of the pair of left and right reaping parts overlaps with the machine body in a plan view.

[0009] The folding mechanism may have an engaging member provided on the body and an engaged member provided on the connecting portion, and by rotating the connecting portion upward, the engaged member engages with the engaging member, thereby fixing the pair of left and right cutting portions at the predetermined fixed position.

[0010] The connecting section may further include a connecting member rotatably supported on the body, a pair of left and right support members rotatably supported on the connecting member and supporting the left slope cutting section and the right slope cutting section included in the cutting section, respectively, and a retaining member that abuts against the pair of left and right support members when the connecting section rotates to a predetermined position, thereby limiting the rotation of the support members relative to the connecting member.

[0011] The pair of left and right cutting units may each include a left-right position adjustment mechanism that can adjust the left-right positions of the pair of left and right cutting units according to the width of the furrow, and the connecting unit may include a left connecting unit and a right connecting unit that rotatably support the left-right position adjustment mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a grass mower that can safely store a cutting blade without damaging the cutting blade. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a mower according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a left side view showing the configuration of a mower according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a left side view showing the configuration of a mower according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a mower according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a mower according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the configuration of a mower according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of a mower according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14]10(A), (B), and (C) are perspective views for explaining adjustment of the left-right position of a slope reaping unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the configuration of a mower according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a left side view illustrating the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a rear view illustrating the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a left side view illustrating the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a rear view illustrating the transition from the working state to the storage state of the slope reaping unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a part of a perspective view for explaining adjustment of the rightward position of the right-side slope mowing unit in FIG. 14(B) or (C). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The mower of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the mower of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the examples shown below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated with the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals followed by an alphabet, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, when identical or similar parts are provided on the left and right sides of the direction of travel, the reference numerals of the parts are followed by L (left-side part) or R (right-side part). When there is no particular distinction between left and right parts, the L and R may be omitted in the description.

[0015] In the specification and claims of this application, "up" refers to the direction perpendicularly away from the ridge when the mower is moving forward while mowing the ridge, and "down" refers to the opposite direction from "up." For ease of explanation, "front" refers to the direction in which the top cutting unit is positioned relative to the traveling unit, and "rear" refers to the opposite direction from "front." Furthermore, "left" and "right" refer to the left and right in a rear view of the mower as seen from the rear of the mower.

[0016] Furthermore, when the center line of the mower in a plan view (a line parallel to the direction of travel and passing through the center of the mower in the left-right direction) is used as a reference, the side closer to the center line is called the "inside" and the side farther from the center line is called the "outside."

[0017] First Embodiment [Configuration of the grass cutter 100] The mower 100 is a self-propelled mower that mows ridges while traveling. Specifically, it is a mower that is remotely controlled by a remote controller and mows ridges while traveling on its own.

[0018] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the working state of the slope mowing unit 80, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80. The state of the slope mowing unit 80 of the mower 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a state in which it is adjusted to a position parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 (see FIG. 4) and to a position where its length (width) in the left-right direction is at its maximum. The state of the slope mowing unit 80 of the mower 100 shown in FIG. 3 is a state in which the angle α has been adjusted in accordance with the inclination of the slope 202 of the ridge 200. The state of the mower 100 shown in FIG. 4 is a state in which the coupling member 90 has rotated 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the connecting member 88 from the state shown in FIG. 2, so that the blade 82L included in the left slope mowing unit 80L and the blade 82R included in the right slope mowing unit 80R face each other.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 or 2, the mower 100 includes a machine body 10, a traveling unit 20, a mowing unit 120 having a top surface mowing unit 30 and a slope surface mowing unit 80, a control unit 40, link mechanisms 50L and 50R, an engine 60, an alternator 70, and a battery 41. The drive of each unit is controlled by the control unit 40. The mower 100 is self-propelled by the traveling unit 20, and by controlling the drive of the top surface mowing unit 30 and the slope surface mowing unit 80, it is possible to mow the top surface 201 and slope surface 202 of a ridge 200 in a single run (see Figure 3).

[0020] The machine body 10 is a frame that forms the skeleton of the mower 100, and includes a machine body 14 and a support plate 15 that is fixed to the machine body 14 and extends forward. Mounting members 11L and 11R are provided on the support plate 15 for attaching the top surface mowing unit 30. In addition, a slope mowing unit mounting member 12 for connecting the slope mowing unit 80 is provided at the rear of the machine body 14. The machine body 10 can be made of a metal material (e.g., steel or aluminum), fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) material, or the like, but is not limited to these examples.

[0021] The travel unit 20 has a pair of left and right crawlers 20L and 20R, and functions as travel means for the mower 100. In a rear view, the crawler 20L is the travel means on the left side when facing the direction of travel of the mower 100, and the crawler 20R is the travel means on the right side. Note that the structure of the crawler 20R is the same as that of the crawler 20L, so the following description will focus on the crawler 20L.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the crawler 20L includes a crawler belt 21L, drive wheels 22L, driven wheels 23L, a crawler frame 24L, and a drive unit 54L. The crawler belt 21L is spanned between the drive wheels 22L and the driven wheels 23L and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive wheels 22L. The drive unit 54L is driven by power supplied from an alternator 70 and a battery 41. The drive wheels 22L rotate by power transmitted from the drive unit 54L (FIG. 3). Power generated by the rotation of the drive wheels 22L is transmitted to the driven wheels 23L via the crawler belt 21L. The crawler frame 24L rotatably supports the drive wheels 22L and the driven wheels 23L. In this embodiment, the crawler belt 21L is made of an elastic member (specifically, rubber) and has a plurality of lugs (protrusions), and a motor is used as the drive unit 54L.

[0023] The mowing unit 120 has a top surface mowing unit 30 provided forward of the traveling unit 20, and a slope mowing unit 80 provided rearward of the traveling unit 20. The slope mowing unit 80 has a pair of left and right slope mowing units, a left slope mowing unit 80L and a right slope mowing unit 80R. As will be described in detail later, the top surface mowing unit 30 is provided in the direction (forward) in which the machine body 10 travels and functions as a mowing means for mowing grass such as weeds growing on ridges (grass cutting work). The top surface mowing unit 30 is provided between the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R in the left-right direction. Note that in the mower 100, the slope mowing unit 80 may be provided forward of the traveling unit 20, and the top surface mowing unit 30 may be provided rearward of the traveling unit 20. In this case, left and right correspond to left and right when viewed from the front.

[0024] The control unit 40 is provided above the machine body 10 and has the function of controlling the traveling unit 20, the mowing unit 120, and the battery 41. The control unit 40 has, for example, an electronic circuit board equipped with a calculation device, memory, a communication circuit, etc. For example, the memory stores a control program for controlling each part of the mower 100, and the calculation device reads the control program from the memory and controls the traveling unit 20, the top surface mowing unit 30, and the slope mowing unit 80 based on the control program.

[0025] The link mechanisms 50L and 50R connect the machine body 10 and the traveling section 20 and have the function of relatively changing the positional relationship between the machine body 10 and the traveling section 20. The link mechanism 50L is the link mechanism on the left side when facing the direction of travel of the mower 100, and is connected to the crawler 20L. The link mechanism 50R is the link mechanism on the right side when facing the direction of travel of the mower 100, and is connected to the crawler 20R.

[0026] The link mechanism 50L includes a link arm 51L, a link arm 52L, and an electric cylinder 53L. The link mechanism 50R includes a link arm 51R, a link arm 52R, and an electric cylinder 53R. Note that the structure of the link mechanism 50R is the same as that of the link mechanism 50L, and therefore the following description will focus on the link mechanism 50L.

[0027] In the link mechanism 50L, one end of the link arm 51L is rotatably connected to the crawler frame 24L, and the other end is rotatably connected to the electric cylinder 53L. The link arm 51L also has a bent portion, and is rotatably connected to the machine body 10 at the bent portion. The link arm 52L has one end connected to the crawler frame 24L, and the other end connected to the machine body 10. A parallel link is formed by the link arm 51L, the link arm 52L, the crawler frame 24L, and the machine body 10. The mower 100 is configured to change the vertical positional relationship between the machine body 10 and the traveling unit 20 in accordance with the unevenness of the ground, thereby allowing the machine body 10 to travel while keeping it horizontal.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 or 4, the engine 60 is provided above the machine body 10. The engine 60 functions as a power source for the drive units 33L and 33R that drive the blade units 32L and 32R included in the top surface mowing unit 30, and as a power source for the alternator 70. The power generated by the engine 60 is transmitted to the drive units 33L and 33R and the separately provided alternator 70 via power transmission means (not shown) formed of a belt or the like. The power transmission means includes a first power transmission means (not shown) for transmitting power to the alternator 70 and a second power transmission means (not shown) for transmitting power to the top surface mowing unit 30.

[0029] The alternator 70 is provided above the machine body 10. A belt (not shown) of a first power transmission means is stretched between the alternator 70 and the engine 60. The power of the engine is transmitted to the alternator 70 via the belt, causing the alternator 70 to generate electric power. The alternator 70 supplies the generated electric power to the battery 41 and also functions as a power source for the drive units 83L and 83R (FIGS. 1 and 3) that drive the blade units 82L and 82R included in the slope reaping unit 80, and the drive units 54L and 54R (FIG. 3) that drive the traveling unit 20. The electric power generated by the alternator 70 is supplied to the drive units 83L and 83R, the drive units 54L and 54R, the drive units 33L and 33R, and the battery 41 via a power supply means (not shown), which supplies at least one of electric power and a control signal (electrical signal), such as a wire harness or harness cable.

[0030] The alternator 70 is equipped with a power generation control circuit (not shown) for controlling power generation. The mower 100 is provided with a sensor that detects battery voltage, and the power generation control circuit monitors the results detected by the sensor, and the alternator 70 itself controls its power generation state. In other words, the power generation control circuit monitors the battery voltage and controls the alternator 70 so that if the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value, it generates power and enters a power supply state, and if the battery voltage exceeds the predetermined value, it stops power supply.

[0031] The battery 41 is located behind the alternator 70 and is provided above the machine body 10 and behind the engine 60. The battery 41 stores the electric power generated by the alternator 70. The battery 41 functions as a power source that supplies the stored electric power to the drive units 83L and 83R (FIGS. 1 and 2) that drive the blade units 82L and 82R included in the slope reaping unit 80, and the drive units 54L and 54R (FIG. 3) that drive the traveling unit 20 back and forth. The battery 41 also functions as a power source that supplies the stored electric power to the electric cylinders 53L and 53R that operate the link mechanisms 50L and 50R that change the vertical positional relationship between the machine body 10 and the traveling unit 20. The electric power stored in the battery 41 is supplied to the drive units 83L and 83R, the drive units 54L and 54R, and the electric cylinders 53L and 53R via a power supply means similar to the alternator 70.

[0032] The mower 100 may include a cover member. The cover member has the role of covering and protecting the battery 41, the control unit 40, the alternator 70, and the engine 60. The cover member may also be configured to cover parts of the battery 41, the control unit 40, the alternator 70, and the engine 60.

[0033] The configuration of the top surface reaping unit 30 and the configuration of the slope surface reaping unit 80 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0034] [Configuration of top surface reaping unit 30] First, the configuration of the top surface reaping unit 30 will be described. The top surface reaping unit 30 is supported so as to be suspended from the support plate 15 via the mounting member 11 (see, for example, FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the top surface reaping unit 30 includes a casing 31, two blade units 32L and 32R arranged side by side, and drive units 33L and 33R. The casing 31 covers the top and sides of the blade units 32L and 32R to prevent soil, pebbles, grass, and the like from scattering into the surrounding area. The structures of the blade unit 32R and the drive unit 33R are the same as those of the blade unit 32L and the drive unit 33L, so the following description will focus on the blade unit 32L and the drive unit 33L.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the blade unit 32L has a plurality of mowing blades 32La and a blade attachment portion 32Lb to which the plurality of mowing blades 32La are attached. The blade attachment portion 32Lb is connected to a rotation shaft 32Lc of the drive unit 33L and rotates using power from the engine 60. Rotation of the blade attachment portion 32Lb also rotates the plurality of mowing blades 32La, causing the blade unit 32L to cut grass. The drive unit 33L has a second power transmission means (not shown) including a belt (not shown) that transmits power from the engine 60 to the plurality of mowing blades 32La via the blade attachment portion 32Lb. A (electric) clutch (not shown) is incorporated into the second power transmission means, and the control unit 40 controls the clutch to determine whether or not power from the engine 60 is transmitted to the top surface mowing unit 30. In this embodiment, the mowing blade is referred to as the "cutting blade."

[0036] In this embodiment, the blade sections 32L and 32R are provided symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line 110 of the machine body 10, and are arranged out of phase with each other so as not to interfere with each other when stationary, and the second power transmission means has multiple gears (not shown) that branch the rotational force of the belt and transmit it to both drive sections 33L and 33R. The multiple gears are designed so that the driving force of the engine 60 transmitted via the belt is transmitted (approximately) evenly to both drive sections 33L and 33R. Therefore, the multiple mowing blades 32La of the blade section 32L and the multiple mowing blades 32Ra of the blade section 32R rotate at the same timing and the same speed.

[0037] In the mower 100 according to this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the engine 60 is used as the power source for rotating the blade portion 32 of the top surface cutting portion 30. However, this is not limiting, and a motor may also be used as the power source for rotating the blade portions 32L and 32R. In this case, the control unit 40 may be used to independently control the drive units 33L and 33R, and independently drive the blade portions 32L and 32R.

[0038] In the example of the mower 100, the blade sections 32L and 32R of the top surface cutting section 30 are composed of a plurality of rotating mowing blades 32La and 32Ra. However, this is not limited to the example described here. The blade sections 32L and 32R may be composed of two blade-shaped members each having a plurality of mountain-shaped blades, stacked with the mountain-shaped blades of the blade-shaped members offset, with one of the two blade-shaped members repeatedly moving left and then right, and the other moving right and then left (i.e., moving in different directions, left and right), or the two blade-shaped members may rotate in different directions to allow the mower 100 to cut grass. In this case, the blade sections 32L and 32R are similar to the blade sections provided on, for example, clippers.

[0039] [Configuration of the slope reaping unit 80] Next, the configuration of the slope reaping unit 80 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 1, a slope reaping unit mounting member 12 is fixed to the rear of the machine body 10 at a position that passes through the center line 110, and the slope reaping unit 80 is connected to and supported by the machine body 14 via the slope reaping unit mounting member 12. The slope reaping unit 80 includes a pair of left and right slope reaping units, a left slope reaping unit 80L and a right slope reaping unit 80R.

[0040] Details will be described later, but when the mower 100 is in the working state, the left-side slope mowing unit 80L and the right-side slope mowing unit 80R are configured so that the angle of the multiple mowing blades 82La and 82Ra can be adjusted from a horizontal position to an angle that matches the inclination of the slope of the ridge, and they are configured so that not only can they perform flat mowing together with the top surface mowing unit 30, but they can also cut grass such as weeds that grow on the slope. Also, when the mower 100 transitions from the working state to the stored state, the mowing surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra are configured to face backward once and then face the center line (toward the center).

[0041] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the mower 100 has a folding mechanism 150 for folding the slope cutting section 80 into a storage state, and is configured to rotate the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a rearward-facing state, and then face the center line, so that it can transition from an operating state to a storage state.

[0042] In this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is a surface that includes the trajectory of grass cutting by the slope cutting unit 80 (the mowing blade 82La of the left slope cutting unit 80L and the mowing blade 82Ra of the right slope cutting unit 80R). For example, in the case of a rotating blade unit as in this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is a surface that includes the rotation trajectory of the blade unit, and in the case of a blade unit that includes two blade-shaped members that move back and forth in different left and right directions, such as the above-mentioned clippers, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is a surface that includes the movement trajectory of the blade unit moving left and right.

[0043] 1, 2 or 4, the slope mowing unit 80 includes a connecting member 88 that connects to the machine body 14, a connecting member 90 that is rotatably supported by the connecting member 88, a lever 96 that is fixed to the connecting member 90 and extends rearward from the connecting member 90, a pair of left and right support members 86L and 86R that extend left and right from the connecting member 90 and are supported by the connecting member 90, a pair of left and right slope mowing units 80L and 80R that each have a blade, a pair of left and right angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R that are provided to adjust the angle α (angle γ) of the left slope mowing unit 80L (grass cutting blade 82La) and the right slope mowing unit 80R (grass cutting blade 82Ra), and a folding mechanism 150 that moves the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R from the working state to the stored state. In this embodiment, the connecting member 90, the lever 96, and the support members 86L and 86R may be collectively referred to as a connecting portion.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2 or 4, the connecting member 88 supports the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R via a connecting member 90. The front portion of the connecting member 88 is configured to be insertable into and detachable from the slope mowing unit mounting member 12 of the machine body 14. A protrusion 88a is provided at the rear portion of the connecting member 88. The protrusion 88a has an insertion hole formed therein through which a pin-shaped member 88b is inserted. The pin-shaped member 88b is inserted into the insertion hole and an insertion hole formed in the other end of the arm portion 90b, rotatably connecting the connecting member 88 and the linking member 90. The protrusion 88a supports the linking member 90 (arm portion 90b) rotatably relative to the connecting member 88, with the center point of the pin-shaped member 88b serving as the rotation fulcrum (the central axis serving as the rotation axis). A rear end 88c of the protruding portion 88a abuts against an engaged member 90a (described later) provided on the connecting member 90, and functions as a member that limits the lower limit position of the connecting member 90, and is sometimes referred to as a lower limiting portion. In this embodiment, the connecting member 88, the slope cutting unit mounting member 12, and the protruding portion 88a are sometimes collectively referred to as the connecting portion.

[0045] The connecting member 90 has an arm portion 90b having an insertion hole at one front end (front end) through which the pin-shaped member 88b is inserted, and an attachment member 90c provided at one rear end (rear end) of the arm portion 90b for attaching the support members 86L and 86R. A pin-shaped engaged member 90a that engages with the rear end 88c of the protrusion 88a is protruding from the arm portion 90b. A lever 96 is connected to the rear of the arm portion 90b. The attachment member 90c supports the support members 86L and 86R so that they can rotate about rotation shafts 170L and 170R, respectively. Therefore, when the left slope mowing part 80L (grass cutting blade 82La) and the right slope mowing part 80R (grass cutting blade 82Ra) receive force from the ground due to unevenness such as stones during mowing work, the support members 86L and 86R rotate upward around the pivots 170L and 170R as pivot fulcrums (the central axis serves as the pivot axis), and the left slope mowing part 80L and the right slope mowing part 80R follow the unevenness of the ground. In addition, downward limiting pins 171L and 171R are provided on the left and right sides of the mounting member 90c to limit the downward rotation of the support members 86L and 86R, respectively. The downward limiting pins 171L and 171R abut against the lower ends of the support members 86L and 86R to limit the downward rotation of the support members 86L and 86R, and have the function of maintaining a predetermined distance between the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R and the ground. The connecting member 90 is connected to an engaging member mounting pin 88d inserted into a protruding portion 88a of the connecting member 88 via a first folding member 93 and a second folding member 94 of a folding mechanism 150 (described later). An insertion hole for inserting the second folding member mounting pin 93b is formed between the front and rear ends of the arm portion 90b and behind the engaged member 90a.

[0046] In this embodiment, an angle detection means (not shown) such as a potentiometer is provided to detect the rotation angle of the linking member 90 (arm portion 90b) relative to the connecting member 88. When the linking member 90 rotates upward and the angle with the connecting member 88 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit 40 electrically cuts off the motors and controls the supply of power to the motors so that the mowing blades 82La, 82Ra of the left slope mowing part 80L and the right slope mowing part 80R are not rotated by the motors.

[0047] 1 and 3, the left-side slope mowing unit 80L and the right-side slope mowing unit 80R each include casings 81L and 81R, blade units 82L and 82R, and drive units 83L and 83R. Similar to the blade units 32L and 32R of the top surface mowing unit 30, the blade units 82L and 82R are made up of multiple mowing blades 82La and 82Ra, mowing blade attachment units 82Lb and 82Rb, and rotating shafts 82Lc and 82Rc, and the rotation of the multiple mowing blades 82La and 82Ra cuts grass that grows on the ridges. Furthermore, blade section 82L and blade section 82R, like blade sections 32L and 32R of top surface mowing section 30, are configured by stacking two blade-shaped members with multiple mountain-shaped blades, with the mountain-shaped blades of the blade-shaped members offset, and the two blade-shaped members may move back and forth in different left and right directions, or may rotate in different rotational directions, giving mower 100 the function of mowing grass. Note that the structure of right slope mowing section 80R is the same as that of left slope mowing section 80L, so the following description will focus on left slope mowing section 80L.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, in the left-side slope mowing unit 80L, a casing 81L covers the blade unit 82L and, like the casing 31 of the top-surface mowing unit 30, prevents dirt, pebbles, grass, and the like from scattering to the surrounding area. As shown in FIG. 3, one end of a spring 97L is connected to the casing 81L, which is stretched between the casing 81L and a lock plate 84L of an angle adjustment mechanism 160L (described later). The casing 81L also includes a pair of support members 89L that connect a support member 86L to a movably configured slider 85L. The casing 81L is connected to the lock plate 84L via the spring 97L and to the slider 85L via the support member 89L. As a result, the left-side slope mowing unit 80L is supported by the support member 86L. The casing 81L also includes a handle 140L that serves as a grip for adjusting the angle of the left-side slope mowing unit 80L. The drive unit 83L is a part for rotating the blade unit 82L, and has a motor driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 and the battery 41.

[0049] In this embodiment, the battery 41 and the drive units 83L and 83R, and the alternator 70 and the drive units 83L and 83R are connected by, for example, a wire harness. The brush mower 100 uses the battery 41 or the alternator 70 as the power source for the blade units 82L and 82R and the drive units 83L and 83R, and is configured so that the drive units 83L and 83R are connected to the battery 41 or the alternator 70 by a wire harness, and power for rotating the blade units 82L and 82R can be transmitted to the blade units 82L and 82R using the wire harness. In other words, the brush mower 100 does not require a power transmission means that would be required if the power source were an engine, and is capable of supplying power (with a simple configuration) to the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R, whose positions change.

[0050] Next, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 (160L and 160R) connects the support member 86L to the left slope mowing part 80L and connects the support member 86R to the right slope mowing part 80R. Because the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160R is the same as the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160L, the following description will focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 160L. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L has the function of adjusting the angle of the blade part 82L included in the left slope mowing part 80L from a horizontal position to a position that matches the inclination of the slope when the mower 100 is in operation. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L adjusts the angle of the blade part 82L by maintaining the position of the left slope mowing part 80L that has rotated about the mowing part mounting pin 89La. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L includes, for example, a lock plate 84L, a slider 85L that can slide the support member 86L in the left-right direction, a support member 89L connected to the slider 85L, and a spring 97L that is stretched between the lock plate 84L and the left slope cutting section 80L.

[0051] The lock plate 84L connects the support member 86L and the left slope mowing unit 80L. As shown in FIG. 5, the lock plate 84L includes a pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld arranged facing each other from front to back, and a connecting pin 84Le that connects the pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld at their upper ends. Each of the lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld is elongated and has a comb-shaped long groove 84Lca formed therein. The long groove 84Lca has multiple positioning recesses 84Lcf (five in this embodiment) that engage with the angle adjustment pin 84Lb fixed to the slider 85L to position and fix the angle of the left slope mowing unit 80L (blade unit 82L). The positioning recesses 84Lcf are configured to tilt diagonally upward in rear view when the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is engaged so that the engaged angle adjustment pin 84Lb is less likely to fall off. The lower ends of the lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld are rotatably connected to a support member 89L fixed to the left slope mowing part 80L. A spring 97L is connected between the lower ends of the long grooves 84Lca of the lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld and the connection part with the support member 89L. The spring 97L is a tension spring and functions to bias the lock plate 84L to prevent the angle adjustment pin 84Lb engaged with the positioning recess 84Lcf from falling off.

[0052] The sliders 85L and 85R function to independently adjust the position of the left-side slope reaping unit 80L in the left-right direction to match the width of the ridge (top surface). The slider 85L is inserted into a support member 86L, ​​and a reaping unit attachment part 98L for attaching a support member 89L is fixed to the slider 85L. The reaping unit attachment part 98L is connected to the support member 89L via a reaping unit attachment pin 89La, allowing the support member 89L to rotate relative to the reaping unit attachment part 98L. An angle adjustment pin 84Lcb is fixed to the slider. The angle adjustment pin 84Lcb engages with a positioning recess 84Lcf formed in a pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld to position and fix the angle of the left-side slope reaping unit 80L (blade part 82L).

[0053] As will be described in detail later, the angle adjustment mechanism 160L has the function of aligning the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra with respect to the center line 110 when the mower 100 transitions from the working state to the storage state. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L rotates the left-side slope mowing unit 80L about the mowing unit mounting pin 89La and rotates the right-side slope mowing unit 80R about the mowing unit mounting pin 89Ra, thereby aligning the blades 82L and 82R with respect to the center line 110. At this time, the mowing surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra rotate from facing downward to facing rearward. When the mower 100 transitions from the working state to the storage state, the angle adjustment mechanism can adjust the angle γ ( FIG. 3 ) between the mowing surface 204L or 204R and the plane 205 including the support members 86L and 86R. The angle γ (FIG. 3) is the same as or approximately the same as the angle α (FIG. 3).

[0054] Next, the folding mechanism 150 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2 or 4, the folding mechanism 150 connects the connecting member 88 and the coupling member 90. The folding mechanism 150 has the function of fixing the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra in a state in which they have been rotated from a state facing downward (a state facing the horizontal plane 203) to a state facing rearward when the mower 100 transitions from the working state to the storage state. The folding mechanism 150 includes, for example, an engaging member 95, a first folding member 93, a second folding member 94, a connecting member 88, and a coupling member 90. The protrusion 88a, the arm portion 90b, the first folding member 93, and the second folding member 94 form a link mechanism. Details will be described later, but in the brush cutter 100, the link mechanism and engaging member 95 are used so that the first folding member 93 abuts against and presses down on the support members 86L and 86R that support the slope cutting section 80 (left slope cutting section 80L and right slope cutting section 80R), and the engaging member 95 engages with the engaged member 90a, thereby restricting the upward rotational movement of the slope cutting section 80.

[0055] The engaging member 95 is rotatably fixed to the protruding portion 88a via the engaging member mounting pin 88d. The engaging member 95 has a receiving portion 95b that receives the engaged member 90a. The receiving portion 95b includes a hook-shaped portion having an engaging recess 95a that engages with the engaged member 90a. The engaging member 95 also has an upper rotation limiting portion 95c that protrudes forward. The lower end of the upper rotation limiting portion 95c abuts against the upper end of the protruding portion 88a, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation of the engaging member 95. The engaging member 95 also has a lower rotation limiting portion 88f. The lower rotation limiting portion 88f abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the protruding portion 88a, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation of the engaging member 95. Note that FIG. 7 shows a state in which counterclockwise rotation is limited by the lower rotation limiting portion 88f.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the first folding member 93 connects the arm portion 90b and the second folding member 94. The first folding member 93 is a member formed, for example, from a member 93aa extending laterally and a member 93ab extending downward from approximately the center of the member 93aa. The member 93aa has pressing members 93al and 93ar at both left and right ends that press down the rotation of the support members 86L and 86R around the rotation shafts 170L and 170R as rotation fulcrums (the central axis serves as the rotation axis). The pressing members 93al and 93ar are pads made of rubber or the like. An insertion hole (not shown) is formed in one upper end (part of member 93aa) of the first folding member 93, through which a first folding member mounting pin 93a for coupling to the second folding member 94 is inserted, and an insertion hole is formed in the other lower end (end of member 93ab) of the first folding member 93, through which a second folding member mounting pin 93b for coupling to the arm portion 90b is inserted. The second folding member 94 couples the first folding member 93 to the protrusion 88a. An insertion hole is formed in one rear end of the second folding member 94, through which the first folding member mounting pin 93a is inserted. Then, an insertion hole is formed in the other front end of the second folding member 94, through which an engagement member mounting pin 88d for coupling to the protrusion 88a is inserted, and the second folding member 94 is connected to the protrusion 88a via the engagement member mounting pin 88d. An insertion hole for inserting an engaging member mounting pin 88d is formed in the protruding portion 88a. Note that one end of the engaging member 95 that engages with the engaged member 90a is formed with an insertion hole for inserting the engaging member mounting pin 88d, and the engaging member 95, together with the second folding member 94, is connected to the protruding portion 88a via the engaging member mounting pin 88d.

[0057] The second folding member mounting pin 93b is inserted through a through-hole formed in one end of the lower part of the first folding member 93 and a through-hole formed in the arm portion 90b, rotatably connecting one end of the first folding member 93 and the arm portion 90b. The first folding member mounting pin 93a is inserted through a through-hole formed above the first folding member 93 and a through-hole formed in one end of the rear side of the second folding member 94, rotatably connecting the first folding member 93 and the second folding member 94. The engagement member mounting pin 88d is inserted through a through-hole formed on the front side of the engagement member 95, a through-hole formed in the front end of the second folding member 94, and a through-hole formed on the upper end side of the protrusion 88a, rotatably connecting the engagement member 95 and the second folding member 94 to the protrusion 88a.

[0058] [Storage method of the slope reaping unit 80] Here, using the diagrams shown in Figures 5 to 9, a method for storing the slope mowing unit 80 to put the slope mowing unit 80 into the stored state shown in Figure 4 will be described. Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams that mainly show the slope mowing unit 80 extracted from the connecting member 88 of the entire mower 100 shown in Figure 1, and are used to explain the state in which the mower 100 transitions from the working state of the slope mowing unit 80 shown in Figure 2 to the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80 shown in Figure 4.

[0059] In the storage method of the slope cutting unit 80 shown in Figures 5 to 9, an example is shown in which the cutting surface 204L or 204R faces downward (facing the horizontal plane 203) and the angle α (Figure 3) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the horizontal plane 203 is 180 degrees (Figure 2) or approximately 180 degrees. 5 to 9 show an example of a method of storing the slope mowing unit 80 in which the folding mechanism 150 is used to rotate the connecting member 90 counterclockwise by 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees relative to the connecting member 88, thereby transitioning (fixing) the mowing surface 204L or 204R from a state in which it faces downward (a state in which it faces the horizontal plane 203) to a state (position) in which it faces backward, and then the angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R are used to transition (fix) the angle γ between the mowing surface 204L or 204R and the support member 86L or 86R from a state in which it faces 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees to a state (position) in which it faces 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, thereby transitioning (fixing) the blade 82L included in the left slope mowing unit 80L and the blade 82R included in the right slope mowing unit 80R to an opposing state (position) (FIG. 4). However, the method of storing the slope mowing unit 80 is not limited to the method shown here.

[0060] Note that a state in which the cutting surface 204L or 204R faces downward means that the cutting surface 204L or 204R is (substantially) horizontal, that is, the angle α (FIG. 3) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the horizontal plane 203 is 180 degrees (FIG. 2) or approximately 180 degrees. In this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L is an exposed surface on which the blade portion 82L that is not covered by the casing 81L is exposed, and the cutting surface 204R is an exposed surface on which the blade portion 82R that is not covered by the casing 81R is exposed.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting member 88 supports the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R via the connecting member 90. The connecting member 88 is included in the connecting portion, and the connecting member 90 is included in the connecting portion. Therefore, rotating the connecting member 90 relative to the connecting member 88 using the folding mechanism 150 can be said to be rotating the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R, which are supported (connected) to the connecting portion via the connecting portion using the folding mechanism 150, relative to the connecting portion. In this embodiment, the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra included in the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R, can be fixed at multiple positions. Therefore, the folding mechanism 150 can rotate the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R via the connecting portion, and fix the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R at predetermined fixed positions.

[0062] For example, when the mower 100 is in an operating state, the angle α may be the angle shown in Figure 3, and the connecting member 90 may be rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees relative to the connecting member 88, causing the cutting surface 204L or 204R to transition from a state in which it faces downward at the angle α shown in Figure 3 to a state in which it faces backward.After that, the angle γ between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 may be changed from the state shown in Figure 3 to an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees using the angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R, causing the blade portion 82L included in the left slope cutting section 80L and the blade portion 82R included in the right slope cutting section 80R to transition to an opposing state (Figure 4).

[0063] First, using Figures 5 to 7, we will explain an example in which the connecting member 90 rotates 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the connecting member 88, and the cutting surface 204L or 204R transitions from a state in which it faces downward (a state in which it faces the horizontal plane 203) to a state in which it faces backward.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, when the lever 96 is held and moved upward (rotated counterclockwise), the arm portion 90b of the connecting member 90 connected to the lever 96 rotates 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the connecting member 88, with the pin-shaped member 88b as the pivot point (the central axis as the pivot axis), and the cutting surface 204L or 204R moves from a state facing downward (a state facing the horizontal plane 203) to a state facing backward.

[0065] When arm portion 90b rotates, first folding member 93 connected to arm portion 90b also moves in accordance with the movement of arm portion 90b. As a result, second folding member 94 rotates counterclockwise relative to protrusion 88a with engagement member mounting pin 88d as the rotation fulcrum (the central axis as the rotation axis), and the angle formed between first folding member 93 and second folding member 94 decreases so that first folding member 93 and second folding member 94 approach each other in side view.

[0066] When the arm portion 90b rotates to a predetermined position, the engaged member 90a protruding from the arm portion 90b abuts against the receiving portion 95b of the engaging member 95 and engages (fits into) the engaging recess 95a. In this state, if the connecting member 90 is further rotated upward, the engaging member 95 also rotates counterclockwise. When the lower end of the upper rotation limiting portion 95c abuts against the upper end of the protruding portion 88a as the engaging member 95 rotates counterclockwise, the rotation of the engaging member 95 and the connecting member 90 are both restricted. In other words, the upward rotation of the slope reaping part 80 is restricted. If the lever 96 is released while the engaged member 90a is engaged with the engaging recess 95a, the weight of the connecting member 90 and the slope reaping part 80 acts on the engaging member 95, causing a clockwise force to act on the engaging member 95. As a result, the engaging member 95 is held in a position where its lower rotation restricting portion 88f abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion 88a, and the slope cutting part 80 is fixed in a predetermined position.

[0067] Furthermore, as arm portion 90b rotates, mounting member 90c fixed to arm portion 90b also rotates. As a result, the extension direction of rotation shafts 170L and 170R changes from horizontal to vertical, and the rotation direction of support members 86L and 86R changes from up-down to front-back (rotation within a horizontal plane). Furthermore, as arm portion 90b rotates, first folding member 93 also moves while rotating relative to second folding member 94, with first folding member mounting pin 93a as the rotation fulcrum (the central axis serving as the rotation axis). First folding member 93 is configured so that pressing members 98al and 98ar abut against support members 86L and 86R at the position of arm portion 90b when engaged member 90a engages with engaging member 95 and is fixed in a predetermined position. The contact of the pressing members 98al and 98ar restricts the rotation of the support members 86L and 86R in a horizontal plane around the rotation shafts 170L and 170R as rotation fulcrums (rotation shafts with the central axes as rotation shafts). This restricts the movement of the slope mowing unit 80 in a horizontal plane when the arm unit 90b is fixed in a predetermined position.

[0068] In this way, the mowing surface 204L or 204R rotates 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise from a state facing downward (a state facing the horizontal plane 203), transitions to a state facing backward, and is fixed in that state. As described above, in this embodiment, the link mechanism including the protrusion 88a, the arm 90b, the first folding member 93, and the second folding member 94, and the engaging member 95 are used to limit the upward rotational movement of the slope mowing unit 80 and to limit its movement in the horizontal plane, so that the slope mowing unit 80 can be fixed in the storage position.

[0069] When the arm 90b rotates upward beyond a predetermined angle between the connecting member 88 and the arm 90b, the motor driving the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra of the slope mowing unit 80 is electrically disconnected from the power source. This prevents the mowing blades 82La and 82Ra from driving when the slope mowing unit 80 exceeds a predetermined height, improving the safety of the mower 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 40 switches the power supply to the motor based on the angle detection means, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, a switch that can directly switch the power supply to the motor on and off depending on the angle of the arm 90b may be used. In this case, the switch is turned on to turn on the power supply to the motor until the arm 90b rotates upward to a predetermined position. When the arm 90b rotates upward beyond the predetermined position, the switch is turned off to turn off the power supply to the motor. For example, a switch changeover unit for turning the switch ON / OFF is fixed to the arm portion 90b, and a switch to be operated by the switch changeover unit is provided on the protrusion 88a. The switch changeover unit is configured in a shape that, when rotated together with the arm portion 90b, keeps the switch in the ON state (by abutting on the switch) until the arm portion 90b rotates upward to a predetermined position, and when the arm portion 90b rotates upward beyond the predetermined position, the switch changeover unit disengages from the switch, and the switch turns OFF.

[0070] Next, using Figures 7 to 9, we will explain an example in which the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R, including the trajectory of the blades of the left slope cutting section 80L and the right slope cutting section 80R, transition from a state in which they face backward to a state in which they face each other.

[0071] When the mowing surface 204L or 204R of the left slope mowing unit 80L or the right slope mowing unit 80R is fixed in a position facing backward as shown in Fig. 7, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 (160L and 160R) causes the angle γ between the mowing surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 of the left slope mowing unit 80L or the right slope mowing unit 80R to change from an angle of 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees to an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees. Note that the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160R is the same as the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160L, and therefore the following description will focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 160L.

[0072] 7 and 8, the handle 140L is held and the lock plate 84L is operated to move the lock plate 84L so that the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is released from the positioning recess 84Lcf. At this time, the lock plate 84L rotates relative to the support member 89L, and the support member 89L rotates relative to the slider 85L around the cutting unit mounting pin 89La as the rotation fulcrum (the central axis of the rotation axis). Next, the lock plate 84L is further moved and the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fitted into a positioning recess 84Lcf different from the one it was initially fitted into, thereby changing the angle γ between the cutting surface 204L and the horizontal plane 203.

[0073] 9, the angle α becomes smaller as the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fitted into the positioning recess 84Lcf located further forward, and when the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fitted into the positioning recess 84Lcg located most forward, the angle γ becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, i.e., the cutting surface 204L becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203. As with the lock plate 84L, when the angle adjustment pin 84Rcb is fitted into the positioning recess 84Rcg located most forward among the positioning recesses 84Rcf by holding the handle 140R and operating the lock plate 84R, the angle γ becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, i.e., the cutting surface 204R, including the rotation trajectory of the blade portion 82R, becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the support member 86R. As a result, the cutting surfaces 204L and 204R, which include the trajectories of the blades of the left slope cutting part 80L and the right slope cutting part 80R, are shifted to an opposing state and fixed in the opposing state.

[0074] As explained above, the mower 100 can transition from the working state to the stored state (see FIG. 4) using the folding mechanism 150 and the angle adjustment mechanism 160. When the mower 100 transitions to the stored state, the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R face each other, making the blades less visible from the outside. This makes the mower 100 a very safe mower.

[0075] The state of the mower 100 shown in FIG. 4 is the stored state, and the machine body 10 has been moved upward relative to the traveling unit 20 using the link mechanisms 50L and 50R and the electric cylinders 53L and 53R. The angle (departure angle) between the horizontal plane 203 and a tangent line connecting the rear end of the slope mowing unit 80 and the rear ground contact surface of the traveling unit 20 is maintained at a predetermined angle β so that the rear end of the slope mowing unit 80 does not come into contact with the ground (horizontal plane 203). By maintaining this state, the mower 100 makes it difficult to see the blade from the outside during movement or transportation, and also suppresses contact of the slope mowing unit 80 with the ground, preventing damage to the slope mowing unit 80. Therefore, the mower 100 is a highly safe mower.

[0076] Second Embodiment In the mower 100B according to the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, in the stored state, the slope mowing unit 80 of the mower 100 according to the first embodiment is further rotated counterclockwise (forward) by 90 degrees so that the slope mowing unit 80 overlaps with the machine body 10. The mower 100B according to the second embodiment differs from the mower 100 according to the first embodiment in that, in the stored state, the slope mowing unit 80 overlaps with the machine body 10. Therefore, in the description of the mower 100B according to the second embodiment, the differences from the mower 100 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0077] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the mower 100B in the working state, Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of the mower 100B in the stored state, and Fig. 12 is a left side view showing the configuration of the mower 100B in the stored state.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the mower 100B has a slope mowing unit mounting member 12b and a third folding member 88e. One end of the slope mowing unit mounting member 12b is attached and connected to the machine body 10, and the other end of the slope mowing unit mounting member 12b has an insertion hole through which a third folding member mounting pin 93c is inserted. The third folding member mounting pin 93c is inserted into the insertion hole and an insertion hole formed in one end of the third folding member 88e, rotatably connecting one end of the third folding member 88e to the slope mowing unit mounting member 12b. The other end of the third folding member 88e is attached and connected to the protruding portion 88a. In the second embodiment, the third folding member 88e, the slope mowing unit mounting member 12b, and the protruding portion 88a may be collectively referred to as the connecting portion.

[0079] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the mower 100B does not include the alternator 70 and engine 60 that are mounted on the mower 100, and instead uses the control unit 40 and battery 41 to supply power to each drive unit and mow the grass. Furthermore, by not including the alternator 70 and engine 60, the mower 100B ensures space for the slope mowing unit 80 to overlap the machine body 10, and is configured to be able to be stored more compactly than the mower 100.

[0080] In the mower 100B, as in the mower 100, the folding mechanism 150 is used to rotate the connecting member 90 counterclockwise by 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees relative to the connection part, causing the cutting surface 204L or 204R (Figure 3) to transition from a state in which it faces downward (a state in which it faces the horizontal plane 203) to a state in which it faces backward, and then the angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R are used to change the angle γ (Figure 3) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 from a state in which it faces 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees to a state in which it faces 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, causing the blade 82L included in the left slope mowing section 80L and the blade 82R included in the right slope mowing section 80R to transition to an opposing state (Figure 4). As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the folding mechanism 150 can rotate the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R via the connecting unit and fix the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R at a predetermined fixed position. The predetermined fixed position may be, for example, a position where the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R face backward, a position where the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R face upward, a position where the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R face each other, or a position where the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R overlap with the machine body 10.

[0081] In the mower 100B, from a state in which the blade section 82L included in the left slope mowing section 80L and the blade section 82R included in the right slope mowing section 80R are opposed to each other, one end of the third folding member 88e can be rotated 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise (forward) relative to the slope mowing section mounting member 12b, with the center point of the third folding member mounting pin 93c as the rotation fulcrum (the central axis as the rotation axis), to overlap the slope mowing sections 80 (left slope mowing section 80L and right slope mowing section 80R) with the machine body 10 (FIGS. 11 and 12). As a result, the slope mowing sections 80 of the mower 100B can be stored more compactly than those of the mower 100.

[0082] <Third embodiment> In the mower 100C according to the third embodiment, the configuration of the area surrounding the slope mowing unit 80 relative to the machine body 10, and the configuration of the folding mechanism 150 and angle adjustment mechanism 160 are different from those of the mower 100 according to the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same as those of the mower 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, the mower 100C according to this embodiment will be mainly described in terms of the differences from the mower 100 according to the first embodiment. In the mower 100C, the mower unit 120C has a top surface mowing unit 30 and a slope surface mowing unit 80C. The top surface mowing unit 30 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0083] [Configuration of slope reaping section 80C] 13 is a plan view of a mower 100C according to a third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the slope mowing unit 80C includes a pair of left and right slope mowing units, a left slope mowing unit 80CL and a right slope mowing unit 80CR. At the rear of the machine body 10, slope mowing unit connectors 12L and 12R are fixed to the rear left end 15L and the rear right end 15R of the machine body 14, at positions symmetrical or approximately symmetrical with respect to the center line 110. The left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR are connected to and supported by the machine body 14 via the slope mowing unit connectors 12L and 12R.

[0084] A pair of storage engagement members 181CL, 181CR for storing the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR in predetermined storage positions are fixed to the machine body 14. The storage engagement members 181CL, 181CR are configured to engage with mowing unit mounting portions 98CLa, 98CRa included in the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90C, which will be described later, and have the function of holding the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR in a predetermined storage position (first storage state, see FIG. 18). The storage engagement members 181CL, 181CR are formed with holes 182CL, 182CR, respectively, into which connecting bolts 183CL, 183CR, which will be described later, fit.

[0085] The slope mowing unit 80C includes a pair of left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR rotatably supported on the slope mowing unit connecting portions 12L and 12R, a pair of left and right angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR supported by the left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR, and a pair of left and right slope mowing units 80CL and 80CR having blades 82CL and 82CR supported by the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR. The pair of left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR are mechanisms for adjusting the width of the slope mowing unit 80C (adjusting the left and right positions of the left and right slope mowing unit 80CL and 80CR) according to the width of the ridge (the position of the slope on which the left and right slope mowing unit 80CL and 80CR act).

[0086] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the mower 100C is configured to move the slope cutting section 80 to a predetermined storage position using angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR and left / right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR, and the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR and left / right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR form the folding mechanism of the third embodiment.

[0087] The left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting portion 12L. The angle adjustment mechanism 130CL is connected between the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL and the left slope mowing unit 80CL. Therefore, the left slope mowing unit 80CL is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting portion 12L and is configured to be movable between a rear working position and a front storage position. Similar to the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL, the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting portion 12R, and the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR is connected between the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR and the right slope mowing unit 80CR. Therefore, the right slope mowing unit 80CR is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting portion 12R.

[0088] The left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR each include casings 81CL and 81CR, blade units 82CL and 82CR, drive units 83CL and 83CR, slope mowing unit support units 89CL and 89CR, and handles 140CL and 140CR. Note that the structure of the left slope mowing unit 80CL is similar to the structure of the right slope mowing unit 80CR, so the following description will focus on the right slope mowing unit 80CR.

[0089] A slope reaping unit support portion 89CR is erected on the top surface of the casing 81CR, and the casing 81CR is rotatably connected to the slope reaping unit connecting portion 134CR via the slope reaping unit support portion 89CR. The slope reaping unit support portion 89CR is fitted with an operating lever portion 187CR that is integral with the angle adjustment pin 133CR (described later) of the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR, and is also formed with a pin movement recess 185CR that allows the angle adjustment pin 133CR to move out of the positioning recess 131CRc. The casing 81CR covers the blade portion 82CR and, like the casing 31 of the top surface reaping unit 30, prevents soil, pebbles, grass, and other debris from scattering into the surrounding area. A handle 140CR is attached to the casing 81CR. The handle 140CR serves as a grip when adjusting the angle of the right slope reaping unit 80CR. The drive unit 83CR is connected to the blade portion 82CR and serves to rotate the blade portion 82CR, and includes a motor driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 and the battery 41.

[0090] [Angle adjustment mechanism 130C for slope reaping unit 80C] The mower 100C has an angle adjustment mechanism 130C (130CL and 130CR), which allows for independent adjustment of the angle α2 between the horizontal plane 203 and the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR of the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL and the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR, whose positions are adjusted according to the width of the top surface 201 of the ridge 200 (the position of the slope) (see FIG. 15). The structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 130L is similar to that of the angle adjustment mechanism 130R, so the following description will focus mainly on the angle adjustment mechanism 130R, using FIG. 14(A), FIG. 15, and FIG. 22. Regarding the configuration shown in FIG. 15, a description of the same or similar components as those described using FIG. 13 may be omitted. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the configuration around the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR in the perspective view of the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR shown in FIG. 14(B) or (C).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 14(A) or 15, the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR includes, for example, a lock plate 131CR, an engagement / disengagement operation member 184CR having an angle adjustment pin 133CR, and a slope cutting unit connecting portion 134CR.

[0092] As shown in Figure 14(A) or 22, the lock plate 131CR is composed of a pair of lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb arranged facing each other from front to back and is rotatably fixed to the cutting unit mounting part 98CR (cutting unit mounting part 98CRb). The outer edges of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb are formed with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd that engage with the angle adjustment pin 133CR to position and fix the angle of the cutting surface 204CR. The plurality of positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd are arranged in an arc shape and engage with the angle adjustment pin 133CR provided on the right slope cutting part 80CR (slope cutting part support part 89CR) to position and fix the right slope cutting part 80CR. A slope reaping unit lower limit positioning pin 186CR is connected to the pair of lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb so as to span between them. The slope reaping unit lower limit positioning pin 186CR abuts against a reaping unit mounting portion 98CRa (described later) to limit the rotation of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb.

[0093] The engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR engages and disengages the angle adjustment pin 133CR with the lock plate 131CR (positioning recesses 131CRc, 131CRd) to switch between a locked state, in which the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR is held at a predetermined angle relative to the slope, and a released state, in which the locked state is released. As shown in FIG. 22 , the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR via a shaft 188CR. In a plan view, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR includes an operating lever portion 187CR that protrudes outward from the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR and is operated by the user, and an angle adjustment pin 133CR that engages with the positioning recesses 131CRc, 131CRd and locks the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR at a predetermined angle relative to the slope. Although not shown, a spring is provided between the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR and the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR. The spring biases the engagement / disengagement operation member 184CR, applying a force in a direction that causes the angle adjustment pin 133CR to engage with the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb. When the operation lever 187CR is operated upward against the bias of the spring, the engagement / disengagement operation member 184CR rotates about the shaft 188CR. This moves the angle adjustment pin 133CR into the pin movement recess 185CR, and the locked state with the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb is released.

[0094] The slope mowing unit connecting portion 134CR is fixed to the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR and connects the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR to the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR, thereby connecting the right slope mowing unit 80CR and the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR. The lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb, the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR, and the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR have insertion holes formed therein for inserting the slope mowing unit mounting pin 132CR. The slope mowing unit support portion 89CR, the lock plate 131CR, and the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR are connected via the slope mowing unit mounting pin 132CR inserted through the insertion hole, and the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR is rotatably connected to the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR and the lock plate 131CR.

[0095] Referring to Figure 15, the angle adjustment operation of the right slope mowing unit 80R using the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR will be described. First, the operating lever 187CR of the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR is operated to disengage the angle adjustment pin 133CR from the positioning recess 131CRc. Next, the handle 140CR is grasped and the right slope mowing unit 80CR is operated and moved. At this time, the slope mowing unit support part 89CR together with the angle adjustment pin 133CR rotates around the slope mowing unit mounting pin 132CR relative to the mowing unit mounting part 98CR and the lock plate 131CR. By fitting the angle adjustment pin 133CR into positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd different from the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd into which it was originally fitted, the angle α2 of the mowing surface 204CR can be changed.

[0096] When viewed from the rear of the mower 100C, the angle α2 increases as the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd located on the right are fitted together. By changing the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd that the angle adjustment pin 133CR fits into, depending on the inclination of the slope 202, the angle α2 can be adjusted to an angle that corresponds to the inclination of the slope 202.

[0097] In the third embodiment, when viewed from the rear of the mower 100C, when the angle adjustment pin 133CR is fitted into the leftmost positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd, the angle α2 is 90 degrees, i.e., the cutting surface 204CR is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203, and when the angle adjustment pin 133CR is fitted into the rightmost positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd, the angle α2 is 180 degrees, i.e., the cutting surface 204CL is parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203.

[0098] As explained above, in the mower 100C, the lock plate 131CR can be used to adjust the angle α2 between the mowing surface 204CR of the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR and the horizontal plane 203. Like the lock plate 131CR, the lock plate 131CL can be used to adjust the angle α2 between the mowing surface 204CL of the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL and the horizontal plane 203. Therefore, the mower 100 can perform mowing work that is suited to the inclination of the slope 202.

[0099] Furthermore, with the mower 100C, the angle α2 of the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R adjusted to be symmetrical and 180 degrees (see Figure 13), it is also possible to mow a surface that is parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the mower 100C can also perform mowing work by adjusting the angle α2 asymmetrically (to different angles).

[0100] [Adjustment mechanism for the left-right position of the slope reaping unit 80] The mower 100C has a left-right position adjustment mechanism 90C (90CR and 90CL) that can adjust the positions of the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL and the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR according to the width of the ridge (the position of the slope on which the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL and the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR act). The structure of the left-side position adjustment mechanism 90CL is similar to that of the left-side position adjustment mechanism 90CR, and therefore, the following description will focus on the left-side position adjustment mechanism 90CR, which is the right-side position adjustment mechanism, using Figures 14(A) to 14(C). In the configuration shown in Figures 14(A) to 14(C), descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figures 13, 15, and 16 may be omitted.

[0101] Figures 14(A) to 14(C) are perspective views of the slope mowing unit 80C included in the mower 100C as seen from the rear right side, and are enlarged views of the area around the slope mowing unit 80C. In the example shown in Figure 14(A), for example, the width of the top surface 201 is width W1, and the angle of the mowing surface 204CR is angle α2. The distance (height) from the mowing surface 204CR to the slope 202 corresponds to the height at which the grass is mowed (grass-mowing height), and this height is height H1.

[0102] The rightward left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR includes a parallel link 95CR and a spring 94CR. The parallel link 95CR has a connecting portion 99CR, a link arm 91CR, a link arm 92CR, and a cutting unit mounting portion 98CR. The connecting portion 99CR has a pair of connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb arranged vertically facing each other, a pivoting member 99CRc rotatably supported on the slope cutting unit connecting portion 12R fixed to the machine body 14 and connected to the pair of connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb, and a left-right position limiting pin 93CR inserted through an insertion hole formed in the connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb. The cutting unit mounting portion 98CR has cutting unit mounting portions 98CRa and 98CRb arranged vertically facing each other.

[0103] In the mower 100C of this embodiment, too, the motor that shares power with the mowing blade 82Ra of the right-side slope mowing part 80CR is configured to be electrically disconnected from the power source when the rotation angle of the rotating member 99CRc relative to the slope mowing part connecting part 12R exceeds a predetermined angle. As in the first embodiment, the connection between the motor and the power source may be disconnected based on an angle detection sensor such as a potentiometer that detects when the rotation angle of the rotating member 99CRc relative to the slope mowing part connecting part 12R reaches a predetermined angle, or a switch may be turned on and off as the rotating member 99CRc rotates.

[0104] The rightward left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR is connected to the slope cutting unit connecting portion 12R using a connecting portion 99CR (rotating member 99CRc) and to the slope cutting unit connecting portion 134CR using a cutting unit mounting portion 98CR. The link arms 91CR and 92CR are pivotally connected to the connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb. The other ends of the link arms 91CR and 92CR are pivotally connected to cutting unit mounting portions 98CRa and 98CRb included in the cutting unit mounting portion 98CR. As shown in Figures 13 and 17, a connecting bolt 183CR protrudes from the top of the cutting unit mounting portion 98CRa to connect the cutting unit mounting portion 98CRa to the link arms 91CR and 92CR.

[0105] Additionally, the reaping unit mounting portion 98CRb is longer than the reaping unit mounting portion 98CRa, and its left end protrudes toward the center compared to the reaping unit mounting portion 98CRa in a plan view. This protruding portion toward the center of the reaping unit mounting portion 98CRb abuts against the slope reaping unit lower limit positioning pin 186CR, which connects the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb, limiting the rotation of the lock plate 131CR. As a result, under normal conditions, the lower limit position of the right-side slope reaping unit 80CR is limited to a predetermined position. On the other hand, when the right-side slope reaping unit 80CR receives a force from below due to an obstacle or the like, the lock plate 131CR rotates, and the slope reaping unit lower limit positioning pin 186CR moves away from the reaping unit mounting portion 98CRb.

[0106] The link arm 92CR is positioned more inward (closer to the center) than the link arm 91CR. The link arm 92CL is positioned more inward (closer to the center) than the link arm 91CL. The connecting portion 99CR and the cutting part mounting portion 98CR are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The link arms 91CR and 92CR are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The link arms 91CR and 92CR may be referred to as the first link arm and the second link arm.

[0107] The spring 94CR is connected between a spring mounting portion 99CRd provided at the lower end of the pivot member 99CRc of the connecting portion 99CRa and a spring mounting portion 91CRa (FIG. 14(B)) provided at the lower end of the link arm 91CR. The spring 94CR is a tension spring, and exerts a tensile force inward. When the parallel link 95CR is deformed by the action of the spring 94CR, the right slope mowing unit 80CR is urged inward with respect to the center line 110, and the right slope mowing unit 80CR is pressed against the slope 202. The urging force associated with the action of the spring 94CR acts from the spring mounting portion 91CRa toward the spring mounting portion 99CRd and is resolved into a force acting inward with respect to the link arm 91CR and a force acting forward with respect to the link arm 91CR. The force acting inward with respect to the link arm 91CR is the urging force that presses the right slope mowing unit 80CR against the slope 202.

[0108] For example, if the ridge (slope width) narrows (slope 202 moves inward) or if the traveling position shifts to the right, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the link arm 91CR is pulled inward by the action of the spring 94CR, and the parallel link 95CR deforms in the direction of the black arrow. The leftward movement of the link arm 91CR is limited by a left-right position limiting pin 93CR located between one end of the link arm 91CR and one end of the link arm 92CR. For example, if the ridge width (slope width) becomes too narrow, the side of the link arm 91CR closer to one end moves leftward and abuts against the left-right position limiting pin 93CR, limiting the deformation of the parallel link and limiting the leftward movement of the right-side slope reaping unit 80CR.

[0109] On the other hand, if the ridge (slope width) becomes wider (slope 202 moves outward), or if the traveling position shifts to the left, as shown in Figure 14(C), the link arm 91CR receives a force from the ridge. As a result, if a force greater than the inward pulling force is generated on the spring, the spring 94CR expands and is pulled outward, causing the parallel link 95CR (link arms 91CR and 92CR) to deform in the direction indicated by the black arrow. The right-side slope mowing unit 80CR moves outward (to the right in the figure) until the force from the ridge balances the pulling force of the spring 94R. Specifically, if the ridge width (slope width) becomes wider than a predetermined value, the side of the link arm 92CR near one end abuts against the left-right position limiting pin 93CR, limiting the deformation of the parallel link and limiting the rightward movement of the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR.

[0110] When the mower 100C is placed on the ridge 200, the right slope mowing unit 80CR can be slid left and right by the right-side left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR. In other words, the mowing surface 204CR can be moved to follow the slope.

[0111] As described above, the mower 100C of the third embodiment can easily adjust the left-right position of the slope cutting section 80C according to the width of the ridge, and can perform mowing work while adapting to changes in ridge width.

[0112] [How to fold the slope harvesting section 80C] Next, a folding (storing) method for the slope mowing unit 80C according to the third embodiment will be described using the diagrams shown in Fig. 13 and Figs. 17 to 21. The folding method for the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR is the same as that for the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL, so the following description will focus mainly on the folding method for the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL. Figs. 18 to 21 are diagrams for explaining the transition of the mower 100C from the working state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Fig. 13 to the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Fig. 21. In the configurations shown in Figs. 13 and 17 to 21, descriptions of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figs. 13 to 16 may be omitted.

[0113] The states shown in FIGS. 13 and 17 show a state in which the angle α2 between the cutting surface 204CL or 204CR and the horizontal plane 203 is 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees when the cutting surface 204CL or 204CR faces downward. Here, we will explain a storage method in which, from the state shown in Figures 13 and 17, when viewed from the left side as shown in Figure 18, the slope mowing unit 80C is rotated 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees counterclockwise relative to the body 14, transitioning the cutting surfaces 204CL and 204CR from facing downward (facing the horizontal plane 203) to facing upward (first storage state), and then using the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR, transition the angle α3 between the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR and the body 14 (including the surface 206) from an angle of 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees (a state in which the mowing surfaces 204CL and the body 14 (including the surface 206) are horizontal or approximately horizontal) to an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 20, thereby transitioning the blade portions 82CL and 82CR to a state in which they face each other (second storage state). In addition, the blade portions 82CL and 82CR in the stored state may be in a state in which they face inward (in a V-shape or an inverted V-shape). In addition, the method of storing the slope mowing unit 80C is not limited to the method shown here. For example, the mower 100C may transition the slope mowing unit 80C from the working state in which it is at angle α2 as shown in FIG. 15 to a state in which the blade portions 82CL and 82CR face each other (the state shown in FIGS. 20 and 21) after rotating the slope mowing unit 80C (approximately) 180 degrees. In addition, the angle α2 is the same as or approximately the same as the angle α3.

[0114] First, we will explain an example of transition from a state in which the cutting surfaces 204CL and 204CR face downward (a state in which they face the horizontal plane 203, the state shown in Figure 13) to a state in which the cutting surfaces 204CL and 204CR face upward (the state shown in Figures 18 and 19).

[0115] As described above in the third embodiment, the left slope mowing unit 80CL is rotatably connected to the slope mowing unit connecting part 12L via the pivoting member 99CLc of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL. When the left slope mowing unit 80CL is moved upward by holding the handle 140CL on the left side shown in Figure 17, the left slope mowing unit 80CL can be pivoted upward via the pivoting member 99CLc.

[0116] If the left slope mowing unit 80CL continues to rotate further, the left slope mowing unit 80CL can transition to a state in which the angle α3 between the mowing surface 204CL and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees (the mowing surface 204CL and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) are horizontal or approximately horizontal (the state shown in Figure 18).In other words, the mowing surface 204CL transitions from a state facing downward to a state facing upward.

[0117] 18 shows the slope mowing unit 80C in the first storage state, with the mowing surface 204CL of the left slope mowing unit 80CL facing upward and parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203. In the mower 100C of this embodiment, when the left slope mowing unit 80CL is not subjected to force from the ridge, the spring 94CL of the angle adjustment mechanism 130CL acts to maintain the angle of the parallel link 95CL (link arms 91CL and 92CL) relative to the connecting unit 99CR at a predetermined angle in a plan view. As a result, the left-right position of the above-mentioned mowing unit attachment part 98CLa in a rear view is set to a predetermined position (approximately) corresponding to the position of the storage engagement member 181CL. In the first storage state, the mowing unit attachment part 98CLa engages with the storage engagement member 181CL provided on the machine body 14, and the connecting bolt 183CL also engages with the hole 182CL formed in the storage engagement member 181CL. This limits the rotation of the parallel link 95CL of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL in the horizontal plane, fixing the position of the left slope mowing unit 80CL. Note that the black arrow in Figure 18 indicates the direction in which the left slope mowing unit 80CL can rotate.

[0118] Next, an example of transition from a state in which the cutting surfaces 204CL and 204CR face upward (first stored state) to a state in which they face each other (second stored state) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0119] Figure 19 is a rear view of the mower 100C in the first storage state. First, with the mower 100C in the first storage state, operate the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CL (operation lever portion 187CL) to remove the angle adjustment pin 133CL from the lock plate 131CL (the outermost (left) positioning recess 131CLc in Figure 19) and release the lock. Next, grasp the handle 140CL and rotate the left slope mowing unit 80CL. At this time, the angle adjustment pin 133CL rotates together with the slope mowing unit support portion 89CL relative to the mowing unit mounting portion 98CL and the lock plate 131CL.

[0120] When the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL is rotated and the angle adjustment pin 133CL is fitted into the center-most (right-side) positioning recesses 131CLc and 131CLd in FIG. 19, the angles α2 and α3 of the mowing surface 204CL become 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, and the mowing surface 204CL becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203 (entering the second stored state shown in FIG. 21). As with the left-side slope mowing unit 80CL, when the right-side slope mowing unit 80CR is operated, the mowing surface 204CR becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203. As a result, the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR transition to an opposing state and are fixed in the opposing state.

[0121] 20 or 21, the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR overlap the machine body 14, and the battery 41 and the alternator 70 are sandwiched and disposed between the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR. In addition, when viewed from the left side of the mower 100C in the stored state, the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR are stored within the width W3 in the front-to-rear direction of the mower 100C (the width between the tip of the top surface mowing unit 30 and the rear end (rotation limiting pins 97CL and 97CR) of the left-to-right position adjustment mechanism 90C). In addition, when viewed from the rear of the mower 100C in the stored state, the left slope mowing unit 80CL and the right slope mowing unit 80CR are stored within the width W2 in the left-to-right direction of the traveling unit 20 of the mower 100 (the width between the left end of the crawler 20L and the right end of the crawler 20R). As a result, in the mower 100, the slope mowing unit 80 can be stored more compactly in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and the weight balance can be improved compared to a configuration in which the slope mowing unit 80C is not overlapped with the body when stored.

[0122] Furthermore, the mower 100C is provided with the top surface mowing unit 30 at the front of the machine body 10, and the right slope mowing unit 80CR and the left slope mowing unit 80CL at the rear of the machine body 10, symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line 110. The control unit 40, alternator 70, and engine 60 are also arranged above the machine body 10, on the center line 110. This configuration prevents the weight of the mower 100C from concentrating at a specific location on the mower 100C, even when the mower 100 is traveling or mowing with either the right slope mowing unit 80CR or the left slope mowing unit 80CL in the retracted state and the other in the working state. In other words, the weight balance of the machine body 10 is less likely to be disrupted when the mower 100C is traveling or mowing, and the weight balance of the machine body 10 can be stabilized when traveling or mowing.

[0123] The brush cutters 100, 100B, and 100C of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art adds, deletes, or modifies components based on the embodiments, these modifications are within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations of 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 configuration even if not explicitly stated.

[0124] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10: machine body, 11, 11L, 11R: mounting members, 12, 12b: slope cutting unit mounting members, 12L, 12R: slope cutting unit connecting portion, 14: machine body, 15: support plate, 15L: rear left end, 15R: rear right end, 20: running unit, 20L, 20R: crawler, 21L, 21R: crawler belt, 22L: driving wheel, 23L: driven wheel, 24L: crawler frame, 30: top cutting unit, 31: casing, 32, 32L, 32R: blade portion, 32La, 32Ra: grass cutting blade, 32Lb, 32Rb: cutting blade mounting portion, 32Lc, 32Rc: rotating shaft, 33L, 33R: drive Drive unit, 40: Control unit, 41: Battery, 50, 50L, 50R: Link mechanism, 51L, 51R, 52L, 52R: Link arm, 53L, 53R: Electric cylinder, 54L, 54R: Drive unit, 60: Engine, 70: Alternator, 80, 80C: Slope mowing unit, 80CL, 80L: Left side slope mowing unit, 80CR, 80R: Right side slope mowing unit, 81CL, 81CR, 81L, 81R: Casing, 82CL, 82CR, 82L, 82R: Blade unit, 82La, 82Ra: Grass cutting blade, 82Lb, 82Rb: Blade attachment unit, 82Lc, 82Rc: Rotating shaft, 83CL, 83 CR, 83L, 83R: drive unit, 84L, 84R: lock plate, 84Lb, 84Rb: angle adjustment pin, 84Lc, 84Ld, 84Rc, 84Rd: lock plate member, 84Lca, 84Lda, 84Rca, 84Rda: long groove, 84Le, 84Re: connecting pin, 84Lcf, 84Ldf, 84Rcf, 84Rdf: positioning recess, 84Lcg, 84Rcg: positioning recess, 85L, 85R: slider, 86L, ​​86R: support member, 88: connection member, 88a: protrusion, 88b: pin-shaped member, 88c: rear end, 88d: engagement member mounting pin, 88e: third folding member, 88f: downward rotation limiting portion, 89CL, 89CR: slope reaping portion support portion, 89L, 89R: support member, 89La, 89Ra: reaping portion mounting pin, 90C, 90CL, 90CR: left-right position adjusting mechanism, 90: connecting member, 90a: engaged member, 90b: arm portion, 90c: mounting member, 91CL, 91CR, 92CL, 92CR: link arm, 91CRa: spring mounting portion, 93: first folding member, 93a: first folding member mounting pin, 93CR: left-right position limiting pin, 93aa, 93ab: member, 93al, 93ar pressing member, 93b: second folding member mounting pin,93c: third folding member mounting pin, 94: second folding member, 94CL, 94CR: spring, 95CR: parallel link, 95: engaging member, 95a: engaging recess, 95b: receiving portion, 95c: upper rotation limiting portion, 96: lever, 97CL, 97CR: rotation limiting pin, 97L, 97R: spring, 98CL, 98CLa, 98CR, 98CRa, 98CRb, 98L, 98R: reaping portion mounting portion, 99CR: connecting portion, 99CRa, 99CRb: connecting portion, 99CL c, 99CRc: rotating member, 99CRd: spring mounting portion, 100: grass cutter, 100B: grass cutter, 100C: grass cutter, 110: center line, 120: cutting portion, 120C: cutting portion, 130C, 130CL, 130CR: angle adjustment mechanism, 131CL: lock plate, 131CLc: positioning recess, 131CLd: positioning recess, 131CR: lock plate, 131CRa: lock plate member, 131CRb: lock plate member, 1 31CRc: positioning recess, 131CRd: positioning recess, 132CR: slope reaping unit mounting pin, 133CL: angle adjustment pin, 133CR: angle adjustment pin, 134CR: slope reaping unit connecting part, 140CL, 140CR, 140L, 140R: handle, 150: folding mechanism, 160, 160L, 160R: angle adjustment mechanism, 170L: rotating shaft, 170R: rotating shaft, 171L: lower limit pin, 171R: lower limit pin, 181CL, 181CR : Storage engagement member, 182CL, 182CR: Hole, 183CL, 183CR: Connecting bolt, 184CL, 184CR: Engagement / disengagement operation member, 185CL, 185CR: Pin movement recess, 186CL, 186CR: Slope cutting part lower limit positioning pin, 187CR, 187CL: Operation lever part, 188CR: Shaft, 200: Ridge, 201: Top surface, 202: Slope surface, 203: Horizontal surface, 204CL, 204CR, 204L, 204R: Cutting surface, 205: Surface, 206: Surface,

Claims

1. A mower capable of mowing grass while traveling on a ridge, A machine body connected to a running section; A reaping unit provided in front of or behind the traveling unit and rotatable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the machine body; a connecting part that connects the machine body and the reaping part and is rotatable in the front-rear direction relative to the machine body together with the reaping part; Equipped with the fuselage has an engagement member; the connecting part has an engaged member that can be engaged with the engaging member on the side to which the reaping part is connected, When the reaping unit rotates relative to the machine body, the engaged member engages with the engaging member, so that the reaping unit can be fixed at a predetermined fixed position. Lawnmower.

2. The engaging member has a recess, the engaged member is engageable with the recess, The reaping unit can be fixed at a predetermined fixed position by the rotation relative to the machine body, and the engaged member engages with the recess.

2. The mower according to claim 1.

3. The engaging member has a hole, the engaged member has a connecting bolt that fits into and can be engaged with the hole, The reaping unit can be fixed at a predetermined fixed position by the rotation relative to the machine body and the connecting bolt engaging with the hole.

2. The mower according to claim 1.

4. The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined fixing position is a position where at least a part of the cutting part overlaps with the machine body in a plan view.

5. The reaping unit has a pair of left and right reaping units, The connecting portion is a connecting member rotatably supported on the airframe; A pair of left and right support members that respectively support the pair of left and right cutting units; a pressing member that contacts the pair of left and right support members when the connecting member rotates to a predetermined position, thereby restricting the rotation of the support members relative to the connecting member, The pair of left and right support members are each rotatably supported by the connecting member.

3. The mower according to claim 2.

6. The reaping unit has a pair of left and right reaping units, Each of the pair of left and right cutting units includes an angle adjustment mechanism that can adjust the angle of the cutting surface relative to a horizontal plane, The angle adjustment mechanism is capable of adjusting the angle of the cutting surfaces so that the cutting surfaces of the pair of left and right cutting units face toward the center of the mower. A grass mower according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The reaping unit has a pair of left and right reaping units, A left-right position adjustment mechanism is provided that can adjust the left and right positions of the pair of left and right reaping units, A grass mower according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The mowing unit has the mowing surface facing the center of the mower and transitions from a working state to a stored state by the rotation.

7. A grass mower according to claim 6.

Images