Lawn mower

Abstract

To provide a mower capable of facilitating angle adjustment of a reaping part for reaping grass in a slope surface.SOLUTION: A mower for reaping grass while traveling on a furror, comprises: a machine body coupled to a travel part; a reaping part for reaping grass on a slope surface of the furrow; a support part supported by the machine body; a fitting part for rotatably supporting the reaping part with respect to the support part; and an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting a rotation angle of the reaping part with respect to the support part. The angle adjusting mechanism comprises: an engaged part provided on one of the support part and the reaping part; and an engaging part engaged with the engaged part, and for holding an angle to a horizontal surface of a reaping surface which is a surface including a locus at which the reaping part cuts the grass, at a prescribed angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lawn mower. In particular, it relates to a method for storing a self-propelled lawn mower.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to remove weeds and the like growing on the upper surface (top surface) or the side surface of a ridge, a lawn mower is used to periodically perform lawn mowing work on the ridge. Patent Document 1 discloses a self-propelled lawn mower that performs lawn mowing work on the top surface and the side surface while traveling on the ridge by remote control using wireless communication. The lawn mower described in Patent Document 1 includes a cutting blade portion having a horizontal cutting blade and an inclined cutting blade at the front portion of the machine body. While traveling, it can remove weeds and the like growing on the top surface of the ridge using the horizontal cutting blade and remove weeds and the like growing on the side surface of the ridge using the inclined cutting blade.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The lawn mower described in Patent Document 1 includes an inclined cutting blade for cutting grass on the side surface at the front portion of the machine body. In the lawn mower described in Patent Document 1, in order to adjust the inclination angle of the inclined cutting blade, it is necessary to change the position of the mounting hole for attaching the rotation pin provided on the first arm and the position of the mounting hole for attaching the rotation pin provided on the second arm with respect to a plurality of mounting holes provided on the fixed arm. Since it is necessary to replace a plurality of rotation pins with respect to the plurality of mounting holes, the adjustment becomes complicated and time-consuming.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, in an agricultural implement where the mowing section for cutting grass on an embankment is supported by a wire, when the implement cuts grass on an uneven embankment, the slack in the wire of the mowing section allows the implement to follow the uneven surface. However, with frequent use of the implement, or repeated work on significantly uneven terrain, the wire slackens and tightens repeatedly, which may damage the wire, and this damage may cause damage to the mowing section or the implement.

[0006] One of the challenges of this embodiment is to simplify the angle adjustment of the mowing section used to cut grass on slopes. Another challenge of this embodiment is to suppress damage to the mowing section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lawnmower according to one embodiment of the present invention is a lawnmower that cuts grass while traveling on a ridge, comprising: a machine body connected to a travel unit; a cutting unit for cutting grass on the slope of the ridge; a support unit supported by the machine body; a mounting unit for rotatably supporting the cutting unit with respect to the support unit; and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the rotation angle of the cutting unit with respect to the support unit, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism has an engaged portion provided on one of the support unit and the cutting unit; and an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion and maintains the angle of the cutting surface, which is the surface including the trajectory of the cutting unit cutting grass, with respect to the horizontal plane at a predetermined angle.

[0008] The engaged portion is provided on the support portion, and the engaged portion has a long groove including a plurality of recesses, is connected to the cutting portion, and the angle of the cutting surface with respect to the horizontal plane, which is the surface including the trajectory of the cutting portion cutting grass, may be adjustable depending on the position of the recess in which the engaged portion is engaged among the plurality of recesses.

[0009] The engaged portion is provided on the cutting portion, and the engaged portion has a plurality of recesses and is connected to the support portion, and the angle of the cutting surface with respect to the horizontal plane may be adjustable according to the position of the recess in which the engaged portion is engaged.

[0010] The cutting unit is attached to the left and right sides with respect to the direction of travel of the traveling unit, and the angles of the cutting surfaces of the cutting units attached to the left and right sides with respect to the horizontal plane may be independently adjustable.

[0011] The system may further include a biasing means for relatively biasing the engaged portion with respect to the engaging portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle adjustment of the mowing section for cutting grass on slopes can be simplified. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, damage to the mowing section can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a left side view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope mowing section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a left side view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of the slope mowing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of the slope mowing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of the slope mowing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of the slope mowing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of the slope mowing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the lawn mower according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the lawn mower according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a left side view showing the configuration of the lawn mower according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a plan view showing the configuration of the lawn mower according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] (A), (B) and (C) are perspective views for explaining the adjustment of the position in the left - right direction of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a rear view showing the configuration of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a left side view showing the configuration of the lawn mower according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a left side view for explaining the transition of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment from the working state to the stored state. [Figure 19] It is a rear view for explaining the transition of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment from the working state to the stored state. [Figure 20] It is a left side view for explaining the transition of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment from the working state to the stored state. [Figure 21] It is a rear view for explaining the transition of the slope cutting part according to the third embodiment from the working state to the stored state. [Figure 22] It is an enlarged view of a part of a perspective view for explaining the adjustment of the right - hand direction position of the right - hand slope cutting part in FIG. 14(B) or (C). [[ID=4 ]]

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The lawnmower of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the lawnmower of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the examples shown below. In the drawings referenced in this embodiment, the same part or part having a similar function will be given the same reference numeral or the same reference numeral followed by an alphabet letter, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Also, if the same or similar members are provided on the left and right sides in the direction of travel, L (left-side member) or R (right-side member) will be added after the reference numeral of the member. If the left and right members are not particularly distinguished, L and R may be omitted in the explanation.

[0015] In the specification and claims of this application, "up" refers to the direction away from the ridge perpendicularly when the lawnmower is moving along the ridge while performing mowing work, and "down" refers to the opposite direction to "up". Also, for the sake of explanation, "front" refers to the direction in which the top mowing section is located relative to the traveling section, and "rear" refers to the opposite direction to "front". Furthermore, "left" or "right" refers to the left or right of the lawnmower as viewed from the rear of the lawnmower.

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

[0017] <First Embodiment> [Components of Lawn Mower 100] The 100 grass cutter is a self-propelled grass cutter that performs grass cutting work on ridges while moving. Specifically, it is remotely controlled by a remote controller and performs grass cutting work by moving along the ridges.

[0018] Figures 1 to 3 show the working state of the slope mowing unit 80, and Figure 4 shows the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80. In Figure 1, the state of the slope mowing unit 80 of the grass cutter 100 is adjusted to a position parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 (see Figure 4), and adjusted to a position where the length (width) in the left-right direction is maximized. In Figure 3, the state of the slope mowing unit 80 of the grass cutter 100 is adjusted to a position where the angle (angle γ) with respect to the surface 205 including the support members 86L and 86R is adjusted according to the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200. The state of the grass cutter 100 shown in Figure 4 is such that, compared to the state shown in Figure 2, the connecting member 90 is rotated 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the connecting member 88, and 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 are facing each other.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the grass cutter 100 includes a body 10, a driving unit 20, a cutting unit 120 having a top surface cutting unit 30 and a slope cutting unit 80, a control unit 40, linkage mechanisms 50L and 50R, an engine 60, an alternator 70, and a battery 41. The drive of each part is controlled by the control unit 40. The grass cutter 100 is able to perform grass cutting work on the top surface 201 and slope 202 of the ridge 200 in a single run by driving and controlling the top surface cutting unit 30 and the slope cutting unit 80 while self-propelled by the driving unit 20 (see Figure 3).

[0020] The machine body 10 is the frame that forms the skeleton of the grass cutter 100, and includes the machine body 14 and a support plate 15 fixed to the machine body 14 and extending forward. The support plate 15 is provided with mounting members 11L and 11R for attaching the top surface cutting section 30. In addition, a slope cutting section mounting member 12 for connecting the slope cutting section 80 is provided at the rear of the machine body 14. The machine body 10 can be constructed using metal materials (e.g., steel, aluminum), fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), etc., but is not limited to this example.

[0021] The running section 20 has a pair of left and right crawlers 20L and 20R, and functions as the means of travel for the lawnmower 100. In a rear view, crawler 20L is the left-side running means in the direction of travel of the lawnmower 100, and crawler 20R is the right-side running means. Since the structure of crawler 20R is the same as that of crawler 20L, the explanation here will focus on crawler 20L.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the crawler 20L includes a crawler belt 21L, a drive wheel 22L, a driven wheel 23L, a crawler frame 24L, and a drive unit 54L. The crawler belt 21L is stretched over the drive wheel 22L and the driven wheel 23L and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive wheel 22L. The drive unit 54L is driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 and the battery 41. The drive wheel 22L rotates due to the power transmitted from the drive unit 54L. The power from the rotation of the drive wheel 22L is transmitted to the driven wheel 23L via the crawler belt 21L. The crawler frame 24L rotatably supports the drive wheel 22L and the driven wheel 23L, respectively. In this embodiment, the crawler belt 21L is made of an elastic material (specifically rubber) and has a plurality of lugs (protrusions), and a motor is used as the drive unit 54L.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mowing unit 120 has a top mowing unit 30 located in front of the traveling unit 20, and a slope mowing unit 80 located behind the traveling unit 20. The slope mowing unit 80 has a pair of left and right slope mowing units 80L and 80R. As will be described in detail later, the top mowing unit 30 is located in the direction in which the machine body 10 moves (forward) and functions as a mowing means for cutting weeds and other grass growing on the top of the ridges (grass cutting work). The top mowing unit 30 is located between the left slope mowing unit 80L and the right slope mowing unit 80R in the left-right direction (front view). In addition, in the lawnmower 100, the slope mowing section 80 may be provided in front of the travel section 20, and the top surface mowing section 30 may be provided behind the travel section 20. In this case, left and right correspond to left and right when viewed from the front.

[0024] The control unit 40 is located above the machine body 10 and has the function of controlling the travel unit 20, the cutting unit 120, and the battery 41. The control unit 40 has an electronic circuit board equipped with, for example, a computing device, memory, and communication circuits. For example, the memory stores control programs for controlling various parts of the grass cutter 100, and the computing device reads the control programs from the memory and controls the travel unit 20, the top cutting unit 30, and the slope cutting unit 80 based on the control programs.

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

[0026] The link mechanism 50L includes link arms 51L and 52L, and an electric cylinder 53L. The link mechanism 50R includes link arms 51R and 52R, and an electric cylinder 53R. Since the structure of the link mechanism 50R is the same as that of the link mechanism 50L, this explanation 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 machine body 10. The link arm 51L and the machine body 10 are connected via a connecting shaft (not shown), to which an electric cylinder 53L is rotatably connected. One end of the link arm 52L is connected to the crawler frame 24L, and the other end is connected to the machine body 10. The link arm 51L, the link arm 52L, the crawler frame 24L, and the machine body 10 constitute the first parallel link. The lawnmower 100 is configured to operate the first parallel link by extending and retracting the electric cylinder 53L in accordance with the unevenness of the ground, thereby changing the vertical positional relationship between the machine body 10 and the running section 20, and allowing the machine body 10 to run while being kept horizontal.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4, the engine 60 is mounted above the machine body 10. The engine 60 functions as a power source for the drive units 33L and 33R that drive the blades 32L and 32R included in the top surface cutting 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 a power transmission means (not shown) consisting 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 cutting unit 30.

[0029] The alternator 70 is located above the machine body 10. A belt (not shown), which is a first power transmission means, is stretched between the alternator 70 and the engine 60. Power from the engine is transmitted via the belt, causing the alternator 70 to generate electricity. The alternator 70 supplies the generated electricity to the battery 41 and also functions as a power source for the drive units 83L and 83R (Figures 1 and 3) that drive the blades 82L and 82R included in the slope mowing unit 80, and the drive units 54L and 54R (Figure 3) that drive the travel unit 20. The electricity generated by the alternator 70 is also supplied to the drive units 83L and 83R, drive units 54L and 54R, drive units 33L and 33R, and the battery 41 via a power supply means (not shown) that supplies at least one of electricity and control signals (electrical signals), 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 lawnmower 100 is equipped with a sensor that detects the battery voltage, and the power generation control circuit monitors the results detected by the sensor, so that the alternator 70 itself controls the power generation state. In other words, the power generation control circuit monitors the battery voltage and controls the alternator 70 so that it generates power and supplies power when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value, and stops supplying power when the battery voltage exceeds the predetermined value.

[0031] The battery 41 is located behind the alternator 70, above the machine body 10 and behind the engine 60. The battery 41 stores the electricity generated by the alternator 70. The battery 41 functions as a power source that supplies the stored electricity to the drive units 83L and 83R (Figures 1 and 2) that drive the blades 82L and 82R included in the slope mowing unit 80, and to the drive units 54L and 54R (Figure 3) that drive the running unit 20 back and forth. The battery 41 also functions as a power source that supplies the stored electricity 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 running unit 20. The 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 that of the alternator 70.

[0032] The lawnmower 100 may include a cover member. The cover member serves to cover and protect the battery 41, control unit 40, alternator 70, and engine 60. The cover member may also be configured to cover only a portion of the battery 41, control unit 40, alternator 70, and engine 60.

[0033] The configuration of the top surface mowing section 30 and the slope mowing section 80 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0034] [Configuration of the top surface trimming section 30] First, the configuration of the top cutting unit 30 will be described. The top cutting unit 30 is supported so as to be suspended from the support plate 15 via the mounting member 11 (see, for example, Figure 2). Also, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the top cutting unit 30 includes a casing 31, two blades 32L and 32R arranged side by side, and drive units 33L and 33R. The casing 31 covers the top and sides of the blades 32L and 32R to prevent soil, pebbles, grass, etc. from scattering into the surrounding area. Since the structure of the blade 32R and the drive unit 33R is the same as that of the blade 32L and the drive unit 33L, the explanation here will focus on the blade 32L and the drive unit 33L.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the blade section 32L has a plurality of grass cutting blades 32La and a cutting blade mounting section 32Lb that mounts the plurality of grass cutting blades 32La. The cutting blade mounting section 32Lb is connected to the rotating shaft 32Lc of the drive unit 33L and rotates with power from the engine 60. The rotation of the cutting blade mounting section 32Lb also rotates the plurality of grass cutting blades 32La, and the blade section 32L is configured to cut grass. The drive unit 33L has a second power transmission means (not shown) including a belt (not shown), which transmits power from the engine 60 to the plurality of grass cutting blades 32La via the cutting blade mounting section 32Lb. The second power transmission means incorporates an (electric) clutch (not shown), and the control unit 40 is configured to control whether or not to transmit power from the engine 60 to the top surface cutting section 30 by controlling the clutch. In this embodiment, the grass cutting blades are referred to as cutting blades.

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

[0037] In this embodiment of the grass trimmer 100, an example is shown in which an engine 60 is used as the power source for rotating the blade portion 32 of the top cutting portion 30. However, it is not limited to the example described here, and it is also possible to use a motor 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 to drive the blade portions 32L and 32R independently.

[0038] In the example of the grass trimmer 100, the blade sections 32L and 32R of the top cutting section 30 are shown to be composed of multiple rotating grass cutting blades 32La and 32Ra. However, the blade sections 32L and 32R are not limited to the example described here, and may be composed of two blade-shaped members, each having multiple V-shaped blades, which are overlapped with the V-shaped blades of the blade-shaped members offset from each other. One of the two blade-shaped members moves to the left and then to the right, and the other moves to the right and then to the left (i.e., they move in mutually different directions to the left and right), and so on. Alternatively, the grass trimmer 100 may have the function of cutting grass by having the two blade-shaped members rotate in mutually different rotational directions. In this case, the blade sections 32L and 32R are, for example, blade sections similar to those provided in a clipper.

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

[0040] As will be described in more detail later, in the working state of the grass cutter 100, the left slope cutting section 80L and the right slope cutting section 80R are configured to allow the angle of multiple grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra to be adjusted from a horizontal position to an angle that matches the slope of the embankment. This configuration allows for not only flat mowing together with the top surface cutting section 30, but also the cutting of weeds and other grasses growing on the embankment. Furthermore, when the grass cutter 100 transitions from the working state to the stored state, the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra are configured to first face backward, and then to face the center line (towards the center).

[0041] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the grass cutter 100 has a folding mechanism 150 for folding the slope cutting section 80 into a stored state. The cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra are rotated from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a rearward-facing state, and then positioned opposite the centerline, allowing the machine to transition from the working state to the stored state.

[0042] In this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is the surface that includes the trajectory of the grass cutting by the slope cutting section 80 (the grass cutting blade 82La of the left slope cutting section 80L and the grass cutting blade 82Ra of the right slope cutting section 80R). For example, in the case of a rotating blade section as in this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is the surface that includes the rotation trajectory of the blade section, and in the case of a blade section including two blade-shaped members that reciprocate in different left-right directions, such as a clipper as described above, the cutting surface 204L or 204R is the surface that includes the movement trajectory of the blade section moving in the left-right direction.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1, 2, or 4, the slope mowing unit 80 includes a connecting member 88 connected to the main body 14, a connecting member 90 rotatably supported by the connecting member 88, a lever 96 fixed to the connecting member 90 and extending rearward from the connecting member 90 in the working state, a pair of left and right support members 86L and 86R extending left and right from the connecting member 90 and supported by the connecting member 90, a pair of left and right slope mowing units 80L and 80R each having a blade, a pair of left and right angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R provided to adjust the angle (angle γ) of the left slope mowing unit 80L (grass cutting blade 82La) and the right slope mowing unit 80R (grass cutting blade 82Ra) with respect to the surface 205 including the support members 86L and 86R, and a folding mechanism 150 for moving 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, lever 96, and support members 86L and 86R may be collectively referred to as the connecting section.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4, the connecting member 88 supports the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R via the connecting member 90. The front part of the connecting member 88 is configured to be detachably inserted into and removed from the slope mowing section mounting member 12 of the machine body 14. A protruding portion 88a is provided at the rear of the connecting member 88. The protruding portion 88a has an insertion hole through which a pin-shaped member 88b is inserted. The pin-shaped member 88b is inserted through the insertion hole and an insertion hole formed at the other end of the arm section 90b, connecting the connecting member 88 and the connecting member 90. The protruding portion 88a rotatably supports the connecting member 90 (arm section 90b) relative to the connecting member 88, with the center point of the pin-shaped member 88b as the pivot point (the central axis as the axis of rotation). The rear end 88c of the protruding portion 88a abuts against the engaged member 90a, described later, which is 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 the lower limit portion. In this embodiment, the connecting member 88, the slope mowing section mounting member 12, and the protruding portion 88a may all be collectively referred to as the connecting portion.

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

[0046] In this embodiment, angle detection means such as a potentiometer (not shown) is provided to detect the rotation angle of the connecting member 90 (arm portion 90b) relative to the connecting member 88. When the connecting member 90 rotates upward and the angle with the connecting member 88 exceeds a predetermined angle, the control unit 40 electrically shuts off the motor and controls the motor so that the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are not rotated by the motor, thereby preventing power from being supplied to the motor.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R each include casings 81L and 81R, blade sections 82L and 82R, and drive sections 83L and 83R, respectively. The blade sections 82L and 82R, like the blade sections 32L and 32R of the top surface mowing section 30, are composed of multiple mowing blades 82La and 82Ra, blade mounting sections 82Lb and 82Rb, and rotating shafts 82Lc and 82Rc, and the multiple mowing blades 82La and 82Ra rotate to cut the grass growing on the ridge. Furthermore, the blade sections 82L and 82R, like the blade sections 32L and 32R of the top surface cutting section 30, may be constructed by overlapping two blade-shaped members, each equipped with multiple V-shaped blades, with the V-shaped blades of the blade-shaped members offset from each other. The two blade-shaped members may reciprocate in opposite left and right directions, or rotate in opposite rotational directions, thereby enabling the grass cutter 100 to cut grass. Note that the structure of the right slope cutting section 80R is the same as that of the left slope cutting section 80L, so here we will focus on the left slope cutting section 80L in our explanation.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, in the left slope mowing section 80L, the casing 81L covers the blade section 82L and, similar to the casing 31 of the top surface mowing section 30, prevents soil, pebbles, grass, etc. from scattering to the surroundings. As shown in Figure 3, one end of a spring 97L, which is stretched between the casing 81L and the lock plate 84L of the angle adjustment mechanism 160L described later, is connected to the casing 81L. The casing 81L is also provided with a pair of support members 89L, which are connected to a slider 85L configured to allow movement of the support member 86L. The casing 81L is connected to the lock plate 84L via the spring 97L and to the slider 85L via the support members 89L. As a result, the left slope mowing section 80L is supported by the support member 86L. The casing 81L is also provided with a handle 140L, which serves as a gripping part when adjusting the angle of the left slope mowing section 80L. Furthermore, the drive unit 83L is the part for rotating the blade unit 82L and has a motor that is 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, for example, by a wire harness. The grass trimmer 100 is configured to use 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 to connect the drive units 83L and 83R to the battery 41 or the alternator 70 with a wire harness, thereby transmitting power to rotate the blade units 82L and 82R using the wire harness. In other words, the grass trimmer 100 does not require the power transmission means necessary when the power source is an engine, and can supply power (with a simple configuration) to the left slope cutting unit 80L and the right slope cutting unit 80R, where the position of the drive units 83L and 83R changes.

[0050] Next, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 (160L and 160R) connects the support member 86L to the left slope mowing section 80L, and connects the support member 86R to the right slope mowing section 80R. Since the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160R is the same as that of the angle adjustment mechanism 160L, the explanation here will focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 160L. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L has the function of adjusting the blade section 82L included in the left slope mowing section 80L from a horizontal state to an angle that matches the slope of the embankment when the grass cutter 100 is in operation. It adjusts the angle of the blade section 82L by maintaining the position of the left slope mowing section 80L which has rotated around the mowing section mounting pin 89La. The angle adjustment mechanism 160L includes, for example, a lock plate 84L, a slider 85L that can slide a support member 86L in the left-right direction, a support member 89L connected to the slider 85L, and a spring 97L stretched between the lock plate 84L and the left slope mowing section 80L.

[0051] The lock plate 84L connects the support member 86L and the left slope mowing section 80L. As shown in Figure 5, the lock plate 84L has a pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld arranged facing each other front and back, and a connecting pin 84Le that connects the pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld at their upper ends. Each lock plate member 84Lc and 84Ld is formed in an elongated shape and has a comb-shaped groove 84Lca. The groove 84Lca has a plurality (five in this embodiment) of positioning recesses 84Lcf that engage with the angle adjustment pin 84Lb fixed to the slider 85L to position and fix the angle of the left slope mowing section 80L (blade section 82L). The positioning recesses 84Lcf are configured to tilt diagonally upward when the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is engaged, so that the engaged angle adjustment pin 84Lb is less likely to fall out. Furthermore, the lower ends of each lock plate member 84Lc and 84Ld are rotatably connected to a support member 89L fixed to the left slope mowing section 80L. The spring 97L is connected between the lower ends of the lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld and the slope mowing section 80 (casing 81). The spring 97L is a tension spring and has the function of biasing the lock plate 84L so that the angle adjustment pin 84Lb, which is engaged with the positioning recess 84Lcf, does not fall out.

[0052] Sliders 85L and 85R have the function of independently adjusting the position of the left slope cutting section 80L in the left-right direction to match the width of the ridge (top surface). Slider 85L is inserted through support member 86L, ​​and a cutting section mounting section 98L for attaching support member 89L is fixed to it. The cutting section mounting section 98L is connected to support member 89L via cutting section mounting pin 89La, and the support member 89L is configured to be rotatable relative to the cutting section mounting section 98L. An angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fixed to the slider, which engages with positioning recesses 84Lcf formed in a pair of lock plate members 84Lc and 84Ld to position and fix the angle of the left slope cutting section 80L (blade section 82L).

[0053] As will be described in more detail later, the angle adjustment mechanism 160L has the function of facing the center line 110 toward the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the cutting blades 82La and 82Ra when the grass trimmer 100 is transitioning from the working state to the stored state. By rotating the left slope cutting section 80L around the cutting section mounting pin 89La and rotating the right slope cutting section 80R around the cutting section mounting pin 89Ra, the blades 82L and 82R are brought toward the center line 110. At this time, the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the cutting blades 82La and 82Ra are rotated from facing downwards to facing backwards. Here, when the grass trimmer 100 is transitioning from the working state to the stored state, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 can adjust the angle γ (Figure 3) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 including the support members 86L and 86R. Angle γ (Figure 3) is the same as or approximately the same as angle α (Figure 3).

[0054] Next, the folding mechanism 150 will be described. As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4, the folding mechanism 150 connects the connecting member 88 and the linking member 90. The folding mechanism 150 has the function of fixing the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R of the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra in a state where they are rotated from facing downward (facing the horizontal plane 203) to facing backward when the grass cutter 100 transitions from the working state to the stored 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 linking member 90. A link mechanism is formed by the protruding portion 88a, the arm portion 90b, the first folding member 93, and the second folding member 94. As will be described in more detail later, in the lawnmower 100, the link mechanism and engaging member 95 are used to cause the first folding member 93 to contact and press against the support members 86L and 86R that support the slope mowing section 80 (left slope mowing section 80L and right slope mowing section 80R), and the engaging member 95 engages with the engaged member 90a, thereby restricting the upward rotational movement of the slope mowing section 80.

[0055] The engaging member 95 is rotatably fixed to the projection 88a via the engaging member mounting pin 88d described above. The engaging member 95 has a receiving portion 95b that receives the engaged member 90a. The receiving portion 95b includes a hook-shaped portion in which an engaging recess 95a is formed to engage with the engaged member 90a. The engaging member 95 also has an upward rotation limiting portion 95c that protrudes forward, and the lower end of the upward rotation limiting portion 95c abuts against the upper end of the projection 88a, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation position of the engaging member 95. The engaging member 95 is also provided with a downward rotation limiting portion 88f, and the downward rotation limiting portion 88f abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the projection 88a, thereby limiting the counterclockwise rotation of the engaging member 95. Figure 7 shows the state in which the counterclockwise rotation is limited by the downward rotation limiting portion 88f.

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

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

[0058] [Method for storing the slope mowing unit 80] Here, using the diagrams shown in Figures 5 to 9, we will explain the method for storing the slope mowing unit 80 to the stored state shown in Figure 4. Figures 5 to 9 are diagrams that explain the transition of the grass mower 100 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, mainly by extracting the slope mowing unit 80 from the entire grass mower 100 shown in Figure 1, from the connecting member 88.

[0059] In the storage method of the slope mowing section 80 shown in Figures 5 to 9, an example is shown where the state in which the mowing surface 204L or 204R is facing downward (facing the horizontal plane 203) is such that the angle (angle γ) between the mowing surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 including the support members 86L and 86R is 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees (see Figure 2). Furthermore, in the method of storing the slope mowing unit 80 shown in Figures 5 to 9, the folding mechanism 150 is used to rotate the connecting member 90 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the connecting member 88, thereby transitioning (fixing) the mowing surface 204L or 204R from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a rearward-facing state (position) (see Figure 7). 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 an angle of 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees to an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees (position), thereby transitioning (fixing) the blade portion 82L included in the left slope mowing unit 80L and the blade portion 82R included in the right slope mowing unit 80R to an opposing state (position) (Figure 4). However, the method of storing the slope mowing unit 80 is not limited to the method shown here.

[0060] In this embodiment, the state in which the cutting surface 204L or 204R is facing downwards means that the cutting surface 204L or 204R is (approximately) horizontal, that is, the angle (angle γ) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 including the support members 86L and 86R is 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees (see Figure 2). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting surface 204L is an exposed surface in which the blade portion 82L not covered by the casing 81L is exposed, and the cutting surface 204R is an exposed surface in which the blade portion 82R not covered by the casing 81R is exposed.

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

[0062] For example, in the working state of the grass cutter 100, the angle γ may be the angle shown in Figure 3, and the connecting member 90 rotates 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the connecting member 88, transitioning the cutting surface 204L or 204R from a state facing downward at the angle γ shown in Figure 3 to a state facing backward. Then, the angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R may be used to transition the angle γ between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 from the state shown in Figure 3 to a state of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, transitioning 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 a state where they face each other (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 where it is facing downwards (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a state where it is facing backwards.

[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 axis of rotation), and the cutting surface 204L or 204R moves from a state facing downward (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a state facing backward.

[0065] As the arm portion 90b rotates, the first folding member 93 connected to the arm portion 90b also moves in accordance with the movement of the arm portion 90b. As a result, the second folding member 94 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the protruding portion 88a, using the engaging member mounting pin 88d as the pivot point (the central axis as the axis of rotation), and the angle between the first folding member 93 and the second folding member 94 decreases so that, in a side view, the second folding member mounting pin 93b and the second folding member 94 move closer to each other.

[0066] When the arm portion 90b rotates to a predetermined position, the engaged member 90a protruding from the arm portion 90b comes into contact with 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. Then, as the engaging member 95 rotates counterclockwise, the lower end of the upward rotation limiting portion 95c comes into contact with the upper end of the protruding portion 88a, and the rotation of the connecting member 90 is restricted along with the rotation of the engaging member 95. In other words, the upward rotational movement of the slope mowing unit 80 is restricted. When the hand is released from the lever 96 while the engaged member 90a is engaged with the engaging recess 95a, the weight of the connecting member 90 and the slope mowing unit 80 is applied to the engaging member 95, so a clockwise force acts on it. As a result, the engaging member 95 is held in a position where its downward rotation limiting portion 88f abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the protruding portion 88a, and the slope mowing portion 80 is fixed in a predetermined position.

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

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

[0069] Furthermore, when the upward rotation of the arm portion 90b exceeds a predetermined angle between the connecting member 88 and the arm portion 90b, the motor that drives the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra of the slope mowing portion 80 is electrically disconnected from the power source. As a result, when the slope mowing portion 80 exceeds a predetermined height position, the grass cutting blades 82La and 82Ra are not driven, improving the safety of the grass mower 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 40 switches the power supply to the motor based on the angle detection means, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to use a switch that can directly switch the power supply to the motor ON / OFF according to the angle of the arm portion 90b. In this case, the switch is ON and the power supply to the motor is ON 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 is OFF and the power supply to the motor is OFF. For example, a switch switching unit for switching the switch ON / OFF is fixed to the arm portion 90b, and a switch operated by the switch switching unit is provided on the protruding portion 88a. The switch switching unit is configured such that when it rotates together with the arm portion 90b, it contacts the switch and keeps the switch ON until the arm portion 90b rotates upward to a predetermined position. When the arm portion 90b rotates upward beyond the predetermined position, the switch switching unit disengages from the switch and the switch turns OFF.

[0070] Next, using Figures 7 to 9, we will explain an example of the transition from a state where the mowing surface 204L or 204R, which includes the trajectory of the blades of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R cutting grass, is facing backward to a state where it is facing forward.

[0071] When the mowing surfaces 204L or 204R of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are fixed facing backward as shown in Figure 7, the angle adjustment mechanism 160 (160L and 160R) causes the angle γ between the mowing surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 to transition from 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees (see Figure 7) to 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees (see Figure 9). Since the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 160R is the same as that of the angle adjustment mechanism 160L, the explanation here will focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 160L.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lock plate 84L is operated by holding the handle 140L and moving the lock plate 84L so that the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is disengaged 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 with the cutting section mounting pin 89La as the pivot point (the central axis as the axis of rotation). Subsequently, the lock plate 84L is moved further, and the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fitted into a positioning recess 84Lcf different from the positioning recess 84Lcf in which it was initially fitted, thereby changing the angle γ between the cutting surface 204L and the surface 205.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, the angle γ decreases as the positioning recess 84Lcf is fitted to a positioning recess 84Lcf located further forward. When the angle adjustment pin 84Lb is fitted to the positioning recess 84Lcg located furthest forward, the angle γ becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204L becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the surface 205. Similarly to the lock plate 84L, by operating the lock plate 84R with the handle 140R, the angle adjustment pin 84Rcb is fitted to the positioning recess 84Rcg located furthest forward among the positioning recesses 84Rcf. When this is done, the angle γ becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204R including the rotational trajectory of the blade 82R becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the support member 86R. As a result, the mowing surfaces 204L or 204R, which include the trajectory of the blades of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R as they cut the grass, transition to an opposing state and are fixed in that opposing state.

[0074] As explained above, the grass trimmer 100 can transition from the working state to the stored state (see Figure 4) using the folding mechanism 150 and the angle adjustment mechanism 160. When the grass trimmer 100 transitions to the stored state, the cutting surfaces 204L or 204R are positioned opposite each other, making the blades less visible from the outside. Therefore, the grass trimmer 100 is a highly safe grass trimmer.

[0075] Furthermore, the state of the grass cutter 100 shown in Figure 4 is the stored state, and the machine body 10 is moved upward relative to the travel unit 20 using the linkage mechanisms 50L and 50R and the electric cylinders 53L and 53R. The angle (departure angle) between the tangent line connecting the rear end of the slope cutting unit 80 and the rear contact surface of the travel unit 20 and the horizontal plane 203 is maintained at a predetermined angle β, so that the rear end of the slope cutting unit 80 does not come into contact with the ground (horizontal plane 203). By ensuring this state, the grass cutter 100 can make the blade less visible from the outside during movement or transport, suppress contact of the slope cutting unit 80 with the ground, and prevent damage to the slope cutting unit 80. Therefore, the grass cutter 100 is a highly safe grass cutter.

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

[0077] Figure 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the lawnmower 100B in the working state. Figure 11 is a plan view showing the configuration of the lawnmower 100B in the stored state. Figure 12 is a left side view showing the configuration of the lawnmower 100B in the stored state.

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

[0079] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the lawnmower 100B does not include the alternator 70 and engine 60 mounted on the lawnmower 100, and can cut grass by supplying power to each drive unit using the control unit 40 and battery 41. Furthermore, by not including the alternator 70 and engine 60, the lawnmower 100B secures space to overlap the slope cutting unit 80 with the machine body 10, and is configured to be more compactly stored compared to the lawnmower 100.

[0080] In the lawnmower 100B, similar to the lawnmower 100, the folding mechanism 150 is used to rotate the connecting member 90 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the connection part, transitioning the cutting surface 204L or 204R (Figure 3) from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to a rearward-facing state. Then, the angle adjustment mechanisms 160L and 160R are used to transition the angle γ (Figure 3) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R and the surface 205 from an angle of 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees to an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, transitioning 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 a state where they face each other (Figure 4). Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment as well, the folding mechanism 150 can rotate the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R via the connecting section, and fix the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R in a predetermined fixed position. The predetermined fixed position may be, for example, a position where the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R face backward, a position where the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R face upward, a position where the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R face each other, or a position where the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R overlap with the machine body 10.

[0081] In the lawnmower 100B, the blade 82L included in the left slope mowing section 80L and the blade 82R included in the right slope mowing section 80R are positioned opposite each other. Using the center point of the third folding member mounting pin 93c as the pivot point (the central axis as the pivot axis), one end of the third folding member 88e is rotated 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise (forward) relative to the slope mowing section mounting member 12b, allowing the slope mowing section 80 (left slope mowing section 80L and right slope mowing section 80R) to be superimposed on the machine body 10 (Figures 11 and 12). As a result, the lawnmower 100B can store the slope mowing section 80 more compactly than the lawnmower 100.

[0082] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment of the grass mower 100C, the configuration of the slope mowing section 80 relative to the machine body 10, the configuration of the folding mechanism 150 and the angle adjustment mechanism 160 differ from those of the grass mower 100 in the first embodiment, while the other configurations are the same as those of the grass mower 100 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the grass mower 100C mainly differs from the grass mower 100 in the first embodiment. In the grass mower 100C, the mowing section 120C has a top surface mowing section 30 and a slope mowing section 80C. The top surface mowing section 30 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and its description is omitted here.

[0083] [Configuration of the slope mowing section 80C] Figure 13 is a plan view of the grass mower 100C according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the slope mowing section 80C includes a pair of left and right slope mowing sections 80CL and 80CR. At the rear of the machine body 10, slope mowing section connecting sections 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 substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line 110. The left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR are connected to and supported by the machine body 14 via the slope mowing section connecting sections 12L and 12R.

[0084] Furthermore, a pair of storage engagement members 181CL and 181CR are fixed to the main body 14 for storing the left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR in predetermined storage positions. The storage engagement members 181CL and 181CR are configured to engage with the mowing section mounting sections 98CLa and 98CRa included in the left / right position adjustment mechanism 90C described later, and have the function of holding the left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR in predetermined (first storage state, see Figure 18) storage positions. The storage engagement members 181CL and 181CR each have holes 182CL and 182CR into which the connecting bolts 183CL and 183CR described later are fitted.

[0085] The slope mowing section 80C has a pair of left and right left-right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR rotatably supported by the slope mowing section connecting sections 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 sections 80CL and 80CR, each having blades 82CL and 82CR, supported by the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR. The pair of left and right left-right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR are mechanisms for adjusting the width of the slope mowing section 80C (adjusting the left and right positions of the left and right slope mowing section 80CL and 80CR) according to the width of the ridge (the position of the slope on which the left and right slope mowing section 80CL and 80CR operate).

[0086] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the lawnmower 100C is configured to move the slope mowing 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 folding mechanism of the third embodiment is composed of the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR and the left / right position adjustment mechanisms 90CL and 90CR.

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

[0088] The left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR each include a casing 81CL and 81CR, a blade section 82CL and 82CR, a drive section 83CL and 83CR, a slope mowing section support section 89CL and 89CR, and a handle 140CL and 140CR, respectively. Since the structure of the left slope mowing section 80CL is the same as that of the right slope mowing section 80CR, this explanation will focus on the right slope mowing section 80CR.

[0089] A slope mowing section support section 89CR is erected on the upper surface of the casing 81CR, and the casing 81CR is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section connecting section 134CR via the slope mowing section support section 89CR. The slope mowing section support section 89CR is equipped with an operating lever section 187CR which is integrated with the angle adjustment pin 133CR (described later) of the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR, and a pin movement recess 185CR is formed so that the angle adjustment pin 133CR can move away from the positioning recess 131CRc. The casing 81CR covers the blade section 82CR and, like the casing 31 of the top surface mowing section 30, prevents soil, pebbles, grass, etc. from scattering to the surroundings. A handle 140CR is attached to the casing 81CR. The handle 140CR serves as a gripping part when adjusting the angle of the right-side slope mowing section 80CR. The drive unit 83CR is connected to the blade unit 82CR and is the part that rotates the blade unit 82CR. It has a motor that is driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 and the battery 41.

[0090] [Angle adjustment mechanism 130C for slope mowing section 80C] The grass cutter 100C has an angle adjustment mechanism 130C (130CL and 130CR), which allows the angle γ2 between the cutting surfaces 204CL and 204CR of the left slope cutting section 80CL and the right slope cutting section 80CR, which are positioned according to the width of the top surface 201 of the ridge 200 (position of the slope), and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206), to be adjusted independently according to the angle α2 of the slope of the ridge (see Figure 15). Note that the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 130L is the same as the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 130R, so here we will mainly focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 130R and explain it using Figures 14(A), 15, or 22. In the configuration shown in Figure 15, explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to those explained using Figure 13 may be omitted. Figure 22 is an enlarged view of a part of the surrounding configuration of the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR in the perspective view of the right slope mowing section 80CR shown in Figure 14(B) or (C).

[0091] As shown in Figure 14(A) or Figure 15, the angle adjustment mechanism 130CR includes, for example, a locking plate 131CR, an engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR having an angle adjustment pin 133CR, and a slope mowing section connecting part 134CR.

[0092] As shown in Figure 14(A) or Figure 22, the lock plate 131CR consists of a pair of lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb arranged facing each other front to back, and is rotatably fixed to the mowing section mounting portion 98CR (mowing section mounting portion 98CRb). Multiple (four in this embodiment) positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd are formed on the outer edges of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb, which engage with the angle adjustment pin 133CR to position and fix the angle of the mowing surface 204CR. The multiple positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd are arranged in an arc shape and engage with the angle adjustment pin 133CR provided on the right slope mowing section 80CR (slope mowing section support portion 89CR) to position and fix the right slope mowing section 80CR. Furthermore, a lower limit positioning pin 186CR is connected to the pair of lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb so as to span across them. The lower limit positioning pin 186CR contacts the mowing section mounting portion 98CRb, which will be described later, and restricts the rotation of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb.

[0093] The engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR is a member for switching between a locked state, in which the right slope mowing section 80CR is held at a predetermined angle with respect to the slope, and a released state, by engaging and disengaging the angle adjustment pin 133CR with the lock plate 131CR (positioning recesses 131CRc, 131CRd), and releasing the locked state. As shown in Figure 22, it is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section support section 89CR via the shaft 188CR. In plan view, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR includes an operating lever section 187CR for user operation, which is formed to protrude outward from the slope mowing section support section 89CR, and an angle adjustment pin 133CR that engages with the positioning recesses 131CRc, 131CRd to lock the right slope mowing section 80CR at a predetermined angle with respect to the slope. Although not shown, a spring is disposed between the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR and the slope mowing section support section 89CR. The spring biases the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR, applying force in the direction that the angle adjustment pin 133CR engages with the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd of the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb. When the operating lever portion 187CR is operated upward against the spring bias, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR rotates around the axis 188CR. As a result, the angle adjustment pin 133CR moves to the pin movement recess 185CR, and the locked state with respect to the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb is released.

[0094] The slope mowing section connecting section 134CR is fixed to the mowing section mounting section 98CR, connecting the mowing section mounting section 98CR and the slope mowing section support section 89CR, thereby connecting the right slope mowing section 80CR and the left / right position adjustment mechanism 90CR. The lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb, the slope mowing section support section 89CR, and the mowing section mounting section 98CR have through holes for inserting the slope mowing section mounting pin 132CR. The slope mowing section support section 89CR, the lock plate 131CR, and the mowing section mounting section 98CR are connected via the slope mowing section mounting pin 132CR inserted through these through holes, and the slope mowing section support section 89CR is rotatably connected to the mowing section mounting section 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 explained. First, the angle adjustment pin 133CR is released from engagement with the positioning recess 131CRc by operating the operating lever portion 187CR of the engagement / disengagement operating member 184CR. Next, the right slope mowing unit 80CR is moved by operating it using the handle 140CR. At this time, the slope mowing unit support portion 89CR rotates together with the angle adjustment pin 133CR around the slope mowing unit mounting pin 132CR relative to the mowing unit mounting portion 98CR and the lock plate 131CR. By inserting the angle adjustment pin 133CR into positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd that are different from the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd that were initially fitted, the angle γ2 between the mowing surface 204CR and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) can be changed.

[0096] In a rear view of the lawnmower 100C, the angle γ2 decreases as it engages with the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd located on the right. By changing the positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd that fit into the angle adjustment pin 133CR according to the slope of the embankment 202, the angle γ2 can be adjusted to an angle corresponding to the slope of the embankment 202.

[0097] In the third embodiment, when the angle adjustment pin 133CR is fitted into the leftmost positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd in a rear view of the brush cutter 100C, the angle γ2 becomes 90 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204CR becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the machine body 14 (including the surface 206). When the angle adjustment pin 133CR is fitted into the rightmost positioning recesses 131CRc and 131CRd, the angle γ2 becomes 0 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204CL becomes parallel or approximately parallel to the machine body 14 (including the surface 206).

[0098] As explained above, in the lawnmower 100C, the angle γ2 between the cutting surface 204CR of the right slope mowing section 80CR and the main body 14 (including the surface 206) can be adjusted using the lock plate 131CR. Similarly, the angle γ2 between the cutting surface 204CL of the left slope mowing section 80CL and the main body 14 (including the surface 206) can be adjusted using the lock plate 131CL. Therefore, the lawnmower 100 can perform mowing work suitable for the slope of the embankment 202.

[0099] Furthermore, the brush cutter 100C can also perform grass cutting on surfaces parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 when the angle γ2 between the cutting surfaces 204L and 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is adjusted symmetrically to 0 degrees (see Figure 13). In addition, as shown in Figure 16, the brush cutter 100C can also perform grass cutting by adjusting the angle γ2 asymmetrically (to different angles).

[0100] [Adjustment mechanism for the left-right position of the slope mowing unit 80] The grass trimmer 100C has a left-right position adjustment mechanism 90C (90CR and 90CL), which allows the positions of the left-side slope trimming section 80CL and the right-side slope trimming section 80CR to be adjusted according to the width of the ridge (the position of the slope on which the left-side slope trimming section 80CL and the right-side slope trimming section 80CR operate). Since the structure of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL is the same as that of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR, this explanation will focus on the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR, which is the right-side position adjustment mechanism, using Figures 14(A) to 14(C). In the configurations shown in Figures 14(A) to 14(C), explanations 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 section 80C included in the grass mower 100C, viewed from the right rear, and show an enlarged view of the area around the slope mowing section 80C. In the example shown in Figure 14(A), for example, the width of the top surface 201 is width W1, and the angle γ2 between the mowing surface 204CR and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is an angle corresponding to the slope angle α2 of the ridge. Also, the distance (height) from the mowing surface 204CR to the slope 202 corresponds to the height at which the grass is mowed (mowing height), and that height is height H1.

[0102] The rightward left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR includes a second parallel link 95CR and a spring 94CR. The second parallel link 95CR has a connecting portion 99CR, a link arm 91CR, a link arm 92CR, and a cutting portion mounting portion 98CR. The connecting portion 99CR has a pair of connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb arranged vertically opposite each other, a rotating member 99CRc rotatably supported by a slope cutting portion 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 insertion holes formed in the connecting portions 99CRa and 99CRb. The cutting portion mounting portion 98CR has cutting portion mounting portions 98CRa and 98CRb arranged vertically opposite each other.

[0103] In addition, in the grass trimmer 100C of this embodiment, when the rotation angle of the rotating member 99CRc relative to the slope trimming section connecting part 12R exceeds a predetermined angle, the motor that supplies power to the grass cutting blade 82Ra of the right slope trimming section 80CR is electrically disconnected from the power source. Similar to 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 when the rotation angle of the rotating member 99CRc relative to the slope trimming section connecting part 12R exceeds a predetermined angle, or a switch may be switched ON / OFF in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member 99CRc.

[0104] The left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CR for the right direction is connected to the slope mowing section connecting section 12R using the connecting section 99CR (rotating member 99CRc), and is connected to the slope mowing section connecting section 134CR using the mowing section mounting section 98CR. The link arms 91CR and 92CR are rotatably connected to the connecting sections 99CRa and 99CRb. The other ends of the link arms 91CR and 92CR are rotatably connected to the mowing section mounting sections 98CRa and 98CRb included in the mowing section mounting section 98CR. As shown in Figures 13 and 17, a connecting bolt 183CR for connecting the mowing section mounting section 98CRa with the link arms 91CR and 92CR protrudes from the upper part of the mowing section mounting section 98CRa.

[0105] Furthermore, the mowing attachment portion 98CRb is longer than the mowing attachment portion 98CRa, and in a plan view, its left end protrudes towards the center compared to the mowing attachment portion 98CRa. This protrusion toward the center of the mowing attachment portion 98CRb abuts against the slope mowing lower limit positioning pin 186CR, which connects the lock plate members 131CRa and 131CRb, thereby restricting the rotation of the lock plate 131CR. As a result, under normal conditions, the lower limit position of the right slope mowing portion 80CR is restricted to a predetermined position. On the other hand, if the right slope mowing portion 80CR is subjected to a force from below by an obstacle or the like, the lock plate 131CR rotates, and the slope mowing lower limit positioning pin 186CR moves away from the mowing attachment portion 98CRb.

[0106] Link arm 92CR is positioned inward (towards the center) than link arm 91CR. Link arm 92CL is positioned inward (towards the center) than link arm 91CL. The connecting section 99CR and the cutting section mounting section 98CR are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other. Link arms 91CR and 92CR are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other.

[0107] The spring 94CR is connected between the spring mounting portion 99CRd, which is provided at the lower end of the rotating member 99CRc of the connecting portion 99CRa, and the spring mounting portion 91CRa (Figure 14(B)), which is provided at the lower end of the link arm 91CR. The spring 94CR is a tension spring, and a tensile force acts inward. When the second parallel link 95CR is deformed outward with respect to the center line 110, the action of the spring 94CR biases the right slope mowing portion 80CR inward with respect to the center line 110, and the right slope mowing portion 80CR is pressed against the slope 202. The biasing force due to the action of the spring 94CR is a force acting from the spring mounting portion 91CRa toward the spring mounting portion 99CRd, and can be decomposed into a force acting inward toward the link arm 91CR and a force acting forward toward the link arm 91CR. The inward force acting on the link arm 91CR is a biasing force that presses the right slope mowing section 80CR against the slope 202.

[0108] For example, if the width of the ridge (slope) becomes narrower (the slope 202 moves inward) or if the driving position shifts to the right, as shown in Figure 14(B), the link arm 91CR is pulled inward by the action of the spring 94CR, and the second parallel link 95CR deforms in the direction of the black arrow. The leftward movement of the link arm 91CR is restricted by the left-right position limiting pin 93CR, which is positioned between one end of the link arm 91CR and one end of the link arm 92CR. For example, if the width of the ridge (slope) becomes too narrow compared to a predetermined width, the side of the link arm 91CR closer to one end moves to the left and comes into contact with the left-right position limiting pin 93CR, restricting the deformation of the second parallel link and restricting the leftward movement of the right slope cutting section 80CR.

[0109] On the other hand, if the width of the ridge (slope) widens (the slope 202 moves outward), or if the driving position shifts to the left, the link arm 91CR receives force from the ridge, as shown in Figure 14(C). As a result, if a force greater than the inward pulling force is generated in the spring, the spring 94CR stretches and is pulled outward, and the second parallel link 95CR (link arms 91CR and 92CR) deforms in the direction of the black arrow. The right slope mowing section 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 width of the ridge (slope) widens beyond a predetermined width, the side of the link arm 92CR closer to one end comes into contact with the left / right position limiting pin 93CR, restricting the deformation of the second parallel link and restricting the rightward movement of the right slope mowing section 80CR.

[0110] When the grass cutter 100C is placed on the ridge 200, the slope cutting section 80C can be slid left and right by the rightward left and right position adjustment mechanism 90CR described above. In other words, the cutting surface 204CR can be moved to follow the slope.

[0111] As described above, the grass cutter 100C according to the third embodiment allows for easy adjustment of the left-right position of the slope cutting section 80C according to the width of the ridge, enabling grass cutting work to be performed while responding to changes in the width of the ridge.

[0112] [How to fold the slope mowing unit 80C] Next, the folding (storage) method of the slope mowing unit 80C according to the third embodiment will be explained using the diagrams shown in Figures 13 and 17 to 21. Note that the folding method of the right slope mowing unit 80CR is the same as that of the left slope mowing unit 80CL, so here we will mainly focus on the folding method of the left slope mowing unit 80CL. Figures 18 to 21 are diagrams that illustrate the transition of the grass mower 100C from the working state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Figure 13 to the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Figure 21. In the configurations shown in Figures 13 and 17 to 21, explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figures 13 to 16 may be omitted.

[0113] The states shown in Figures 13 and 17 indicate a state where the cutting surface 204CL or 204CR is facing downwards, and the angle γ2 between the cutting surface 204CL or 204CR and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees. Here, we will explain the storage method for the case where, starting from the states shown in Figures 13 and 17, the slope mowing section 80C is rotated 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees counterclockwise relative to the main body 14 in a side view from the left side as shown in Figure 18, transitioning the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to an upward-facing state (first storage state). Then, using the angle adjustment mechanisms 130CL and 130CR, the angle γ2 between the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR and the main body 14 (including the surface 206) is transitioned from an angle of 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees (the mowing surface 204CL and the main 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, transitioning the blades 82CL and 82CR to a state where they face each other (second storage state). In addition, the blades 82CL and 82CR in the stored state may be facing each other inward (in a "V" shape or an inverted "V" shape). Furthermore, the method of storing the slope mowing unit 80C is not limited to the method shown here. For example, the grass cutter 100C may transition from the working state where the slope mowing unit 80C is at an angle γ2 as shown in Figure 15 to a state where the blades 82CL and 82CR are facing each other (as shown in Figures 20 and 21) by rotating the slope mowing unit 80C by (approximately) 180 degrees. Note that angle α2 is the same as or approximately the same as angle γ2.

[0114] First, we will explain an example of the transition from a state where the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR are facing downwards (facing the horizontal plane 203, as shown in Figure 13) to a state where the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR are facing upwards (as shown in Figures 18 and 19).

[0115] As described above in the third embodiment, the left slope mowing section 80CL is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section connecting section 12L via the rotating member 99CLc of the left / right position adjustment mechanism 90CL. On the left side shown in Figure 17, by holding the handle 140CL and moving the left slope mowing section 80CL upward, the left slope mowing section 80CL can be rotated upward via the rotating member 99CLc.

[0116] If the left slope mowing unit 80CL is continued to rotate further, the left slope mowing unit 80CL will transition from a downward-facing state to an upward-facing state (as shown in Figure 18).

[0117] Figure 18 shows the slope mowing unit 80C in the first stowed state, where the mowing surface 204CL of the left slope mowing unit 80CL is parallel or nearly parallel to the main body 14 (including the surface 206) and pointed upward. In the grass mower 100C of this embodiment, when the left slope mowing unit 80CL is not subjected to force from the ridge, the angle of the second parallel link 95CL (link arms 91CL and 92CL) with respect to the connecting part 99CR in a plan view is maintained at a predetermined angle by the action of the spring 94CL of the angle adjustment mechanism 130CL. As a result, the left-right position of the aforementioned harvesting unit mounting portion 98CLa in a rear view becomes a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the storage engagement member 181CL, and in the first storage state, the harvesting unit mounting portion 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. As a result, the rotation of the second parallel link 95CL of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90CL in the horizontal plane is restricted, and the position of the left slope harvesting unit 80CL is fixed. Note that the black arrow in Figure 18 indicates the direction in which the left slope harvesting unit 80CL can rotate.

[0118] Next, using Figures 19 to 21, we will explain an example of the transition from a state where the mowing surfaces 204CL and 204CR are facing upward (first storage state) to a state where they are facing each other (second storage state).

[0119] Figure 19 is a rear view of the grass trimmer 100C in its first stored state. First, in the grass trimmer 100C in its first stored state, the locking / disengaging member 184CL (operating lever portion 187CL) is operated to remove the angle adjustment pin 133CL from the lock plate 131CL (the outermost (leftmost) positioning recess 131CLc in Figure 19), thereby releasing the lock. Next, the handle 140CL is used to rotate the left slope mowing section 80CL. At this time, the angle adjustment pin 133CL rotates together with the slope mowing section support portion 89CL relative to the mowing section mounting portion 98CL and the lock plate 131CL.

[0120] When the left slope mowing section 80CL is rotated and the angle adjustment pin 133CL is fitted into the central (rightmost) positioning recesses 131CLc and 131CLd in Figure 19, the angle γ2 between the mowing surface 204CL and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, and the mowing surface 204CL becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203 (resulting in the second storage state shown in Figure 21). Similarly to the left slope mowing section 80CL, when the right slope mowing section 80CR is operated, the mowing surface 204CR becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203. As a result, the mowing surfaces 204CL or 204CR transition to an opposing state and are fixed in that opposing state.

[0121] As shown in Figure 20 or Figure 21, the left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR are superimposed on the main body 14, and the battery 41 and alternator 70 are sandwiched and positioned between the left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR. Furthermore, in a left side view of the mower 100C in its stored state, the left slope mowing section 80CL and the right slope mowing section 80CR are stored inside the front-to-back width W3 of the mower 100C (the width between the tip of the top surface mowing section 30 and the rear end of the left-to-right position adjustment mechanism 90C (rotation limiting pins 97CL and 97CR)). In addition, in a rear view of the mower 100 in its stored state, they are stored inside the left-to-right width W2 of the running section 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, the lawnmower 100 allows the slope mowing unit 80 to be stored more compactly in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and improves the weight balance compared to a configuration in which the slope mowing unit 80C is not superimposed on the machine body when stored.

[0122] Furthermore, the lawnmower 100C is equipped with a top cutting section 30 at the front of the main body 10, and a right slope cutting section 80CR and a left slope cutting section 80CL are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the main body 10 with respect to the center line 110. In addition, the control unit 40, alternator 70, and engine 60 are positioned above the main body 10 on the center line 110. With this configuration, even when the lawnmower 100 is driven or performing grass cutting work with either the right slope cutting section 80CR or the left slope cutting section 80CL in a retracted state and the other in an operating state, the weight of the lawnmower 100C is prevented from concentrating in a specific position on the lawnmower 100C. In other words, the weight balance of the main body 10 of the lawnmower 100C is less likely to be disrupted when driving or performing grass cutting work, and the weight balance of the main body 10 can be stabilized when driving or performing grass cutting work.

[0123] Although the lawnmowers 100, 100B, and 100C of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, any additions, deletions, or design changes made by a person skilled in the art based on each embodiment are also included in the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations of each embodiment described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each configuration even without explicit description.

[0124] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to a person skilled in the art, are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10: Main body, 11, 11L, 11R: Mounting members, 12, 12b: Mounting members for slope mowing section, 12L, 12R: Slope mowing section connecting section, 14: Main body, 15: Support plate, 15L: Rear left end, 15R: Rear right end, 20: Running section, 20L, 20R: Crawler, 21L, 21R: Crawler belt, 22L: Drive wheel, 23L: Driven wheel, 24L: Crawler frame, 30: Top surface mowing section, 31: Casing, 32, 32L, 32R: Blade section, 32La, 32Ra: Mowing blade, 32Lb, 32Rb: Cutting blade mounting section, 32Lc, 32Rc: Rotating shaft, 33L, 33R: Drive 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 slope mowing unit, 80CR, 80R: Right slope mowing unit, 81CL, 81CR, 81L, 81R: Casing, 82CL, 82CR, 82L, 82R: Blade unit, 82La, 82Ra: Grass cutting blade, 82Lb, 82Rb: Cutting blade mounting 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: Connecting member, 88a: Protrusion, 88b: Pin-shaped member, 88c: Rear end, 88d: Engagement member mounting pin, 88e: Third folding 90: Connecting member, 88f: Downward rotation limiting part, 89CL, 89CR: Slope mowing part support part, 89L, 89R: Support member, 89La, 89Ra: Mowing part mounting pin, 90C, 90CL, 90CR: Left / right position adjustment mechanism, 90: Connecting member, 90a: Engaged member, 90b: Arm part, 90c: Mounting member, 91CL, 91CR, 92CL, 92CR: Link arm, 91CRa: Spring mounting part, 93: First folding member, 93a: First folding member mounting pin, 93CR: Left / right position limiting pin, 93aa, 93ab: Member, 93al, 93ar: Retaining member, 93b: Second folding member mounting pin,93c: Third folding member mounting pin, 94: Second folding member, 94CL, 94CR: Spring, 95CL, 95CR: Second parallel link, 95: Engaging member, 95a: Engaging recess, 95b: Receiving part, 95c: Upward rotation limiting part, 96: Lever, 97CL, 97CR: Rotation limiting pin, 97L, 97R: Spring, 98CL, 98CLa, 98CR, 98CRa, 98CRb, 98L, 98R: Harvesting part mounting part, 99CR: Connecting part, 99CRa, 99CRb: Connection Part, 99CLc, 99CRc: Rotating member, 99CRd: Spring mounting part, 100: Lawn mower, 100B: Lawn mower, 100C: Lawn mower, 110: Centerline, 120: Cutting part, 120C: Cutting part, 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 Components, 131CRc: Positioning recess, 131CRd: Positioning recess, 132CR: Slope mowing section mounting pin, 133CL: Angle adjustment pin, 133CR: Angle adjustment pin, 134CR: Slope mowing section connecting section, 140CL, 140CR, 140L, 140R: Handle, 150: Folding mechanism, 160, 160L, 160R: Angle adjustment mechanism, 170L: Rotating shaft, 170R: Rotating shaft, 171L: Downward limiting pin, 171R: Downward limiting pin, 181CL, 181 CR: Storage engaging member, 182CL, 182CR: Hole, 183CL, 183CR: Connecting bolt, 184CL, 184CR: Engagement / disengagement operating member, 185CL, 185CR: Pin moving recess, 186CL, 186CR: Lower limit positioning pin for slope mowing section, 187CR, 187CL: Operating lever section, 188CR: Shaft, 200: Ridge, 201: Top surface, 202: Slope, 203: Horizontal surface, 204CL, 204CR, 204L, 204R: Mowing surface, 205: Surface, 206: Surface,

Claims

1. It is a grass cutter that cuts grass while driving along the top of the ridge, The aircraft body is connected to the running gear, A pair of cutting units that can rotate upward relative to the machine body and cut grass on the slope of the ridge, The machine comprises a pair of angle adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the rotation angle of the pair of cutting sections relative to the machine body, Each of the pair of angle adjustment mechanisms is A engaged portion supported on either the machine body or the harvesting section, The machine body and the other of the cutting unit are supported by an engaging portion which engages with the engaged portion and maintains the angle of the cutting surface, which is the surface including the trajectory of the cutting unit cutting grass, with respect to the horizontal plane at a predetermined angle, A grass trimmer in which the pair of cutting sections can be fixed by the pair of angle adjustment mechanisms so that the cutting surfaces of the pair of cutting sections face each other.

2. The engaged portion is supported by the machine body, The engagement portion has a long groove including a plurality of recesses and is connected to the cutting portion. Of the plurality of recesses, the angle of the cutting surface of the cutting part with respect to the horizontal plane can be adjusted according to the position of the recess in which the engaged part is engaged. The lawnmower according to claim 1.

3. The engaged portion is supported by the cutting portion, The engagement portion has a plurality of recesses and is connected to the machine body. Of the plurality of recesses, the angle of the cutting surface of the cutting part with respect to the horizontal plane can be adjusted according to the position of the recess in which the engaged part is engaged. The lawnmower according to claim 1.

4. The pair of cutting units are located on the left and right sides, respectively, with respect to the direction in which the traveling unit travels. The lawnmower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angles of the cutting surfaces of the cutting sections located on the left and right sides with respect to the horizontal plane are adjustable independently of each other.

5. The engaging portion is further provided with a biasing means for relatively biasing the engaged portion with respect to the engaging portion. A lawnmower according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The machine body and the pair of cutting units further have a mounting portion that rotatably supports the pair of cutting units. A lawnmower according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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