Levees and methods for forming levees

Abstract

To provide a ridge and a method for forming the ridge, which is excellent in application to a self-propelled mower and can promote mechanization of weeding work.SOLUTION: A ridge 41 forming a boundary between divided fields has a triangular cross section. Further, it includes a flat core member 42 whose lower portion is buried in the ground, and a ridge main body portion 43 formed by embanking so as to cover a protruding portion of the core member 42 above the ground. The ridge main body portion 43 has flat slopes 43a, 43a that slope downward from an upper edge 42a of the core member 42 toward the ground. The cross section is formed in a triangular shape with the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 as the apex.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ridge and a method for forming a ridge, and more particularly to a ridge for partitioning a paddy field into a predetermined size and a method for forming the ridge.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, ridge weeding in paddy rice cultivation needs to be carried out about 3 to 4 times a year, and particularly, grass cutting in summer is heavy labor. In addition, with the decrease in the number of farmers in recent years, it has become a great burden for farmer households with a small number of people to manage many fields. Furthermore, since ridge weeds also become a source of pests and diseases, weeding work is essential, and in some cases, it is dealt with by spraying herbicides. However, spraying herbicides not only increases costs and environmental burdens but also raises concerns such as the vulnerability of ridges. At present, many farmers are forced to carry out manual weeding with a mower.

[0003] In recent years, as next-generation agriculture, the introduction of smart agriculture utilizing ICT (Information and Communication Technology), IoT (Internet of Things), and RT (Robot Technology) has been promoted. Also in the field of ridge weeding, for example, a self-propelled mower capable of remote operation such as radio control has been developed and put into operation. Such a self-propelled mower can reduce the burden of weeding work because there is no need to push or pull it by hand compared with the conventional method using a mower (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The self-propelled mower described in Patent Document 1 is commercially available as a set of a traveling unit and a mowing attachment (manufactured by Sasaki Corporation, product model RS400 + M700). In the case of this product, the recommended width of the ridge top surface is 59 cm or more, and the operation on a sloping ground is 35 degrees or less.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] In general field improvement projects, the levees constructed are, in principle, earthen structures, and their cross-sections are typically trapezoidal, with a height (H) of 30 cm, a top width (W) of 30 cm, and a slope gradient of approximately 1:1, as shown in Figure 11. However, because such levees do not provide a road wide enough for the stable operation of self-propelled mowers, as described in Patent Document 1, manual mowing remains the dominant method, and sufficient labor savings in weeding work have not yet been achieved.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a levee and a method for forming a levee that is excellent for the application of self-propelled lawnmowers and can promote the mechanization of weeding work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the first configuration of the present invention is characterized in that the levee forming the boundary of a partitioned field has a triangular cross-section.

[0008] Furthermore, the second configuration of the levee comprises a flat core member whose lower part is buried in the ground, and a levee body formed by embankment so as to cover the portion of the core member that protrudes above ground, wherein the levee body has a flat slope that slopes downward from the upper edge of the core member toward the ground, and its cross-section is formed in a triangular shape with the upper edge of the core member as its apex.

[0009] Furthermore, it is characterized by being equipped with a flat plate-shaped area defining member that defines the area occupied by the main body of the levee within the field.

[0010] In addition, the first configuration of the present invention is a method for forming a levee that forms the boundary of a partitioned field, characterized in that, when cutting an existing levee with a trapezoidal cross-section to form a levee with a triangular cross-section, the upper surface of the existing levee is set as the cutting start position, and a flat slope is formed that slopes downward from the cutting start position toward the ground.

[0011] Furthermore, the second configuration of the method for forming a levee is characterized by embedding a flat core member in the existing levee, aligning the upper edge of the embedded core member with the upper surface of the existing levee in the vertical direction, and setting the upper edge of the core member as the starting position for excavation.

[0012] Furthermore, an arm-type work machine with a slope bucket attached to the tip of the arm is prepared, and when forming the slope using the arm-type work machine, the slope bucket is moved in the downward direction from the cut start position while the inclination angle of the bottom plate of the slope bucket corresponds to the inclination angle of the slope. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the first configuration of the present invention, since the cross-section is formed in a triangular shape, it is possible to reduce the number of weeding work surfaces from three in conventional trapezoidal levees to two. This makes it possible to create a larger, gently sloping flat surface necessary for the running stability of a self-propelled lawnmower without expanding the area of ​​the levee (non-agricultural land). In the second configuration, the levee body is formed by a flat plate-shaped core member with its lower part buried in the ground and an embankment covering the part of the core member that protrudes above ground. In the cross-section of the levee body, it is formed in a triangular shape with the upper edge of the core member as the apex, so commercially available sheet material (for example, plastic sheet) can be used as the flat plate-shaped core member, which has the advantage of not only improving linearity during construction but also providing a water leakage prevention effect during irrigation. In particular, the triangular-shaped ridge is effective in preventing collapse because it reduces the corners that are prone to collapse in conventional designs. Moreover, even if it does collapse and its shape changes, the core member has a constant height (top) that can be used as a guide, making embankment repair easy and thus highly maintainable.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the method for forming a levee of the present invention, in the first configuration, the upper surface of an existing trapezoidal levee is set as the starting position for excavation, so a triangular levee can be easily formed by utilizing the existing levee as is. In this case, by using an arm-type work machine (e.g., a backhoe) that can move the slope bucket in the direction along the slope, construction can be carried out efficiently while viewing the starting position for excavation (e.g., a staking (temporary structure)) from the driver's seat. In particular, since the bottom plate of the slope bucket can be used to perform smooth excavation and shaping of the slope, it contributes to the formation of a stable triangular levee. Furthermore, in the second configuration, a flat core member is embedded in the existing levee, and with the upper edge of the embedded core member aligned vertically with the upper surface of the existing levee, the upper edge of the core member is set as the starting point for excavation. Therefore, after embedding the core member in the existing levee, a slope (shaped surface) can be obtained with a simple construction method that uses this as a guide to excavate the soil on both sides of the core member. In this case as well, by using an arm-type work machine (for example, a backhoe), construction can be carried out efficiently while observing the position of the core member from the driver's seat, contributing to the formation of a stable triangular levee.

[0015] Therefore, in the preparation of ridges when planning plot consolidation or large-scale zoning, by introducing ridges based on a triangular shape and a method for forming ridges, mechanical weeding by a self-propelled lawn mower is promoted, and sufficient labor saving in weeding work can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a ridge showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is also a cross-sectional view of the ridge. [Figure 3] [[ID=**16**]]It is also a view showing a state where a backhoe is operated to form a ridge. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory view showing a step of cutting the existing ridge to form a slope in the method for forming a ridge in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing a step of cutting the existing ridge that divides fields with a height difference to form a slope in the method for forming a ridge in a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a ridge showing a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is also a cross-sectional view of the ridge. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a ridge showing a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view showing a step of cutting the existing ridge to form a slope in the method for forming a ridge in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory view showing a step of cutting the existing ridge to form a slope in the method for forming a ridge in a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of a general ridge showing the prior art.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Figs. 1 to 5 are diagrams showing a ridge and a method for forming the same in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the ridge 11 is an earth ridge that forms the boundary of a field (for example, a paddy field divided into a rectangular shape with a long side of 100 m) partitioned in a field maintenance project. The entire field is leveled to a horizontal state, and the adjacent fields A and B are each managed by the same cultivator (organization). As such field management progresses, the function as a ridge path (a movement path for people, wheelbarrows, etc.) provided in the existing trapezoidal ridge (Fig. 11) is being lost. And as shown in Fig. 1, the ridge 11 of the present invention has a triangular shape without a ridge top (flat part) peculiar to a ridge, and at first glance, it is formed such that its height is smaller than its width, and has a top 11a and flat slopes 11b, 11b on both sides thereof.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the specific shape of the ridge 11 is formed into a substantially isosceles triangular shape composed of two triangular shapes symmetrically arranged about a vertical line CL passing through the top 11a in a cross section. Here, in the triangular shape, the ratio of the vertical length L1 corresponding to the height from the ground (field surface) G to the top 11a and the horizontal length L2 from the vertical line CL to the outer edge of the slope 11b is formed to be about 1:2.

[0019] When the height (L1) of the ridge 11 having such a triangular shape is set to 30 cm corresponding to the height (H) of the conventional trapezoidal ridge (see also Fig. 11), the number of surfaces forming the surface of the ridge 11 is reduced from 3 to 2, and further, the inclination of the slope 11b with respect to the horizontal direction becomes an inclination angle θ of 30 degrees from 45 degrees, and the inclination becomes gentle. Thereby, from the ratio of the three sides of a right triangle including an interior angle of 30 degrees, the width L3 of the slope 11b corresponding to the length of the hypotenuse is obtained as 60 cm. That is, a traveling road surface (weed control work surface) having a width (L3) necessary for the stability of a self-propelled lawn mower and a gentle inclination (θ) of the traveling road surface as described in Patent Document 1 are ensured.

[0020] Here, for example, a backhoe is used to construct the levee 11. As shown in Figure 3, the backhoe 12 is a well-known arm-type work machine (excavator) and comprises a lower tracked vehicle 13 and an upper slewing vehicle 14 that is rotatably mounted above the lower tracked vehicle 13. The upper slewing vehicle 14 is equipped with a work arm 15 that can be raised and lowered and swung horizontally, and the lower tracked vehicle 13 is equipped with a blade (dozer blade) 16 that can swing up and down on the front side of the direction of travel (towards the viewer). The work arm 15 is attached to the tip side of the upper slewing vehicle 14 and is roughly composed of a boom 17 driven by a boom cylinder 17a and a swing cylinder (not shown), an arm 18 that is rotatably mounted on the tip side of the boom 17 and driven by an arm cylinder 18a, and a slope bucket 19 that is rotatably mounted on the tip side of the arm 18 and driven by a bucket cylinder 19a.

[0021] The slope bucket 19 is a type of attachment that is mounted on the tip of the arm 18, and is mainly used to excavate and compact embankments and levees to form slopes on inclined surfaces. The bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19 has a flat, wide rectangular surface, and the front and rear plate ends (left and right plate ends in Figure 3) in the direction of oscillation are sharpened, making it possible to excavate soil using these blade-like portions at the front and rear ends.

[0022] When constructing a levee 11 using the backhoe 12 configured in this way, although not shown in the illustration, staking work is performed based on the construction drawings to determine the reference position, height, and angle of the slope 11b when forming the levee 11. Alternatively, or in addition to staking work, machine guidance that displays the positional relationship between the planned levee 11 and the backhoe 12 on a monitor, or machine control that semi-automatically controls the backhoe 12 according to the deviation between the position of the planned levee 11 and the backhoe 12 may be performed. Such dimensional management means include, for example, a system that uses a well-known laser level to measure the height and position of the slope bucket 19.

[0023] After preparing the necessary amount of soil (embankment material) near the planned construction site (release area) for the levee 11, the embankment is carried out according to the above-mentioned standard height and standard angle. At this time, in the operation of the backhoe 12, with the lower traveling body 13 positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the levee 11 (Figure 3), the boom cylinder 17a and arm cylinder 18a are driven to position the arm 18 approximately directly above the planned construction site. Then, the bucket cylinder 19a is driven to discharge the soil in the slope bucket 19 onto the planned construction site.

[0024] When pressing or cutting the bulging portion of the embankment, the clamping angle between the boom 17 and the arm 18, and the inclination angle of the slope bucket 19 are adjusted by the operation. As a result, on both sides of the top 11a of the embankment, compacted slopes (shaped surfaces) 11b, 11b are formed by the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19, resulting in a smooth and aesthetically pleasing levee 11. By continuously performing this series of operations while moving the lower traveling body 13 along the longitudinal direction of the levee 11, a triangular levee 11 approximately 100m long is formed.

[0025] Thus, according to the first configuration of the levee 11 of the present invention, since the cross-section is formed in a triangular shape, it is possible to reduce the number of weeding work surfaces from three in conventional trapezoidal levees to two. As a result, without expanding the area of ​​the levee (non-agricultural land), it is possible to make the flat surface necessary for the driving stability of a self-propelled lawnmower larger and the slopes 11b, 11b gentler.

[0026] Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of a field levee, showing a method for forming levees 21 and 31 using existing levees in a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a case where there is no difference in elevation between adjacent fields separated by levee 21, and the land is leveled evenly. On the other hand, Figure 5 shows a case where there is a difference in elevation between adjacent fields separated by levee 31, for example, 10 cm or more. Figure 5 also shows a case where, due to the difference in elevation between the fields, it is difficult to dismantle the existing levee when proceeding with the enlargement of the fields. In the following description, components identical to those shown in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0027] The existing levee is a typical levee with a trapezoidal cross-section (see also Figure 11), as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 4 and 5. The starting position CP for cutting is set at the center of the upper surface (Figure 4) or at an appropriate position according to the levee structure (Figure 5). When cutting the existing levee to form triangular levees 21 and 31, flat slopes 11b and 11b are formed that slope downward from the cutting starting position CP towards the ground G.

[0028] In cutting existing levees like this, for example, the same backhoe 12 as in the above example is used. The backhoe 12 is prepared with a slope bucket 19 attached to the tip of the arm 18. When forming the slope 11b through operation, the slope bucket 19 is moved alternately left and right from the cutting start position CP in the downward slope direction (arrow direction in Figures 4 and 5), with the inclination angle of the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19 corresponding to the inclination angle of the slope 11b (for example, 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal). Specifically, the blade-shaped parts at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19 are used alternately, and the bottom plate 19b is advanced in a straight line toward the soil to be cut. As a result, the two corners (shoulders) on the left and right of the existing levee are removed, reducing the number of surfaces forming the levees 21, 31 from three to two, and further, the slope of the slope 11b with respect to the horizontal direction becomes gentler.

[0029] Here, as can be seen by comparing the sizes of the two triangular shapes on the left and right, including the dotted lines (ridges) in Figures 4 and 5, that is, the two cutting cross-sectional shapes, the amount of soil removed to form the slope 11b is usually equal on both sides, as shown in Figure 4. However, when there is a large difference in elevation between adjacent fields, it is conceivable that the amount of soil removed on the lower side (left side) will be greater than that on the higher side (right side), as shown in Figure 5. Therefore, the width of the slope 11b will also be similar, and it is conceivable that it may be the same width on both sides (Figure 4) or of different widths on both sides (Figure 5).

[0030] By performing this series of driving operations continuously while moving the lower traveling body 13 along the longitudinal direction of the levees 21 and 31, triangular levees 21 and 31 with a length of approximately 100m are formed. A uniform and wide slope 11b is obtained in the longitudinal direction, ensuring a travel surface (weeding work surface) of the necessary width for the stability of the self-propelled lawnmower and a gentle slope of the travel surface. In addition, the two formed slopes 11b, 11b are smooth and aesthetically pleasing.

[0031] Thus, according to the first configuration of the method for forming the levees 21 and 31 of the present invention, the upper surface of the trapezoidal existing levee is set as the excavation start position CP, so a triangular levee can be easily formed by utilizing the existing levee as is. In this case, by using an arm-type work machine (e.g., a backhoe 12) that can move the slope bucket 19 in the direction along the slope 11b, construction can be carried out efficiently while viewing the excavation start position (e.g., a staking (temporary structure)) CP from the driver's seat. In particular, since the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19 can perform smooth excavation and shaping of the slope 11b, it contributes to the formation of a stable triangular levee.

[0032] Incidentally, in the staking work performed when constructing a levee, it is expected that temporary structures such as string lines will be installed, but it is also possible to use construction members that allow for dimensional control. In this case, by using the construction members that form part of the levee as indicators for construction management, a levee with substantially the same shape (triangular) as the levee in the above example can be obtained. Below, a levee using construction members 42 and 52 and the method of forming it will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

[0033] Figures 6 and 7 show a levee 41 in a second embodiment of the present invention. The levee 41 basically has the same external dimensions as the levee 11 of the first embodiment and comprises a flat core member (construction member) 42 whose lower part is buried in the ground, and a levee body 43 formed by filling the area with soil so as to cover the portion of the core member 42 that protrudes above ground. For example, the core member 42 is made of a plastic sheet formed by molding a long rectangular surface to a certain thickness (for example, about 3 to 5 mm), and is buried in a straight line continuously while standing upright on the field boundary lines as a preliminary step to the embankment. The depth to which the core member 42 is buried in the ground can be appropriately set according to the soil type and construction conditions, but for example, 10 to 15 cm is appropriate.

[0034] The main body of the levee 43 has flat slopes 43a, 43a that slope downward from the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 toward the ground G, and its cross-section is formed in a triangular shape with the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 as its apex. In other words, it is formed in a roughly isosceles triangle shape consisting of two triangular shapes arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the core member in the thickness direction (corresponding to the position of the vertical line CL). Furthermore, the ratio of the vertical length L4 of the protruding portion of the core member 42 in the cross-section to the horizontal length L5 from the plate surface of the core member 42 to the outer edge of the slope 43a is formed to be approximately 1:2.

[0035] Furthermore, in the second configuration of this embodiment, the same effects as the levee 11 in the previous embodiment can be achieved, namely, the effect of securing a running surface (weeding work surface) with a width (L6) necessary for the stability of the self-propelled lawnmower and a gentle slope (θ) of the running surface. Moreover, in the case of the second configuration, it comprises a flat core member 42 with its lower part buried in the ground and a levee body 43 formed of embankment covering the part of the core member 42 that protrudes above ground. In the cross-section of the levee body 43, it is formed in a triangular shape with the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 as its apex. Therefore, commercially available sheet material (for example, plastic sheet) can be used as the flat core member 42, which not only improves linearity during construction but also has the advantage of preventing water leakage during irrigation. In particular, the triangular-shaped levee 41 is effective in preventing collapse because it reduces the corners that are prone to collapse in conventional designs. Furthermore, even if it does collapse and its shape changes, the core member 42, which has an unchanging height (top), can be used as a guide to easily repair the embankment, thus offering excellent maintainability.

[0036] When constructing the levee 41 using the backhoe 12, the necessary amount of soil (embankment material) is prepared near the planned construction site (release area), and the embankment is constructed over the core member 42, which is constructed in a straight line, so as to cover the portion of the core member 42 that protrudes above the ground. At this time, when operating the backhoe 12, with the lower traveling body 13 positioned parallel to the core member 42 (see also Figure 3), the boom cylinder 17a and arm cylinder 18a are driven to position the arm 18 almost directly above the core member 42. Then, the bucket cylinder 19a is driven to discharge the soil in the slope bucket 19 onto the core member 42, that is, onto the planned construction site of the levee 41.

[0037] When pressing or cutting the bulging portion of the embankment, the clamping angle between the boom 17 and the arm 18, and the inclination angle of the slope bucket 19 are adjusted by the operation. As a result, on both sides of the core member 42, slopes (shaped surfaces) 43a, 43a are formed, compacted by the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19, resulting in a smooth and aesthetically pleasing levee 41. By continuously performing this series of operation while moving the lower traveling body 13 along the longitudinal direction of the levee 41, a triangular levee 41 approximately 100m in length is formed.

[0038] Although not shown in the diagram here, regarding the working posture of the backhoe 12, if the upper slewing body 14 is facing the core member 42 (see also Figure 3), and then the boom 17 is swung in the opposite direction at the same slewing angle, as can be seen from Figure 6, the construction site can be viewed from an oblique angle. In other words, the operator can perceive the depth of the ridge 41, making it easier to position and move the slope bucket 19, and ultimately contributing to improved construction accuracy and efficiency.

[0039] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, specifically a levee 51. In the following description, components identical to those shown in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted. This modified example includes a flat plate-shaped area defining member (construction member) 52 that has substantially the same shape (triangular) as the levee 41 of the previous embodiment and defines the area occupied by the levee body 43 in the field. The area occupied by the levee body 43 corresponds to the area where the levee 51 is to be constructed (non-agricultural land), and is rectangular in plan view. The area defining member 52 has a rectangular surface of a size corresponding to the occupied area, and for example, a plastic sheet made of the same material as the core member 42 (a natural material sheet such as wood may also be used) is used, and is configured as a set of two sheets that are laid on both sides of the core member 42 when the core member 42 is buried.

[0040] When laying the area defining member 52, if one end of the plate on the longitudinal side is brought into contact with the plate surface of the core member 42 and placed on the ground G, the boundary line between the planned site for the levee 51 and the agricultural land is defined by the other end of the plate 52a on the longitudinal side. In this modified configuration, the same functions and effects as the levee 41 in the above-described example are achieved. Furthermore, in this example, the interaction between the core member 42 and the area defining member 52 enhances the visual effect, making it easier to visualize the triangular shape obtained by connecting the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 and the ends 52a, 52a of the area defining member 52, thus making it easier to perform soil removal and slope formation using work machinery. In particular, such a flat plate-shaped area defining member 52 is easier to identify visually than string and does not require retrieval after construction, making it convenient.

[0041] Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of a levee, showing a method for forming levees 61 and 71 using existing levees in a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a case where there is no difference in elevation between adjacent fields separated by levee 61 and the land is leveled (see also Figure 4). On the other hand, Figure 10 shows a case where there is a difference in elevation between adjacent fields separated by levee 71, for example, 10 cm or more (see also Figure 5). In the following description, components identical to those shown in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0042] The existing levee is a typical levee with a trapezoidal cross-section (see also Figure 11), as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 9 and 10, and the core member 42 is embedded at the center of the upper surface (Figure 9) or at an appropriate position according to the levee structure (Figure 10). In this case, for example, an embedding groove (vertical groove) can be formed in the existing levee, and the core member 42 can be inserted into it for embedding. When embedding the core member 42, the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 and the upper surface of the existing levee are aligned vertically, and in this state, the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 is set as the cut start position CP. Then, when cutting the existing levee to form triangular levees 61, 71, flat slopes 43a, 43a are formed that slope downward from the cut start position CP towards the ground G.

[0043] In cutting existing embankments like this, for example, the same backhoe 12 as in the above example is used. The backhoe 12 is prepared with a slope bucket 19 attached to the tip of the arm 18. When forming the slope 43a through operation, the slope bucket 19 is moved alternately left and right from the cutting start position CP, that is, from the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 in the downward sloping direction (arrow direction in Figures 9 and 10), with the inclination angle of the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19 corresponding to the inclination angle of the slope 43a (for example, 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction). Specifically, the cutting is performed by alternately using the blade-shaped portions at the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 19b of the slope bucket 19, and advancing the bottom plate 19b in a straight line toward the soil to be cut. As a result, the two corners (shoulders) on the left and right sides of the existing levee are removed, reducing the number of surfaces forming the levee 61,71 from three to two, and further, the horizontal slope of the slope 43a becomes gentler.

[0044] By performing this series of driving operations continuously while moving the lower traveling body 13 along the longitudinal direction of the levees 61 and 71, triangular levees 61 and 71 with a length of approximately 100m are formed. A uniform and wide slope 43a is obtained in the longitudinal direction, and a driving surface (weeding work surface) of the width necessary for the stability of the self-propelled lawnmower is secured. In addition, the two formed slopes 43a, 43a are smooth and aesthetically pleasing.

[0045] Furthermore, in the second configuration of this embodiment, the same effect as the levees 21 and 31 in the previous embodiment can be achieved, that is, the effect of easily forming a triangular levee by utilizing the existing levee as is. Moreover, in the case of the second configuration, a flat core member 42 is embedded in the existing levee, and with the upper edge 42a of the embedded core member 42 and the upper surface of the existing levee aligned vertically, the upper edge 42a of the core member 42 is set as the cutting start position CP. After embedding the core member 42 in the existing levee, slopes (shaped surfaces) 43a, 43a can be obtained by a simple construction method in which the soil on both sides of the core member 42 is cut using this as an indicator. In this case as well, by using an arm-type work machine (for example, a backhoe 12), the position of the core member 42 can be viewed from the driver's seat and construction can be carried out efficiently, contributing to the formation of a stable triangular levee.

[0046] Therefore, when developing levees for land consolidation or enlargement, introducing levees and levee formation methods based on the triangular shape of each of the above-mentioned examples will promote mechanical weeding using self-propelled mowers, thereby significantly reducing the labor required for weeding.

[0047] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The levee can be any earthen levee that is easy to maintain and environmentally friendly, and various structures with a triangular cross-section are conceivable. For example, from the viewpoint of ensuring the workability of a self-propelled lawnmower, it is preferable that the slope angle is 35 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction, and it is even more preferable that the slope angle is gently set to about 30 degrees, as in the levee in the embodiment. In this case, not only is the work of the self-propelled lawnmower easier, but the movement (walking) of people is also easier, and troubles with the self-propelled lawnmower on the levee can be dealt with quickly and easily. Furthermore, the material, shape, and construction method of the construction members are arbitrary, and for example, the burial depth of the core member only needs to be the minimum depth necessary for it to be self-supporting. On the other hand, if the board material used as the area-defining member is made of a natural material such as wood, it is also beneficial from an environmental conservation standpoint. Furthermore, while a general-purpose machine, such as a backhoe equipped with a slope bucket, was used to form the embankment slope in the embodiment, the efficiency of embankment maintenance can be further improved by using a dedicated machine that can perform a series of processes, such as burying core members, embankment, and shaping the slope, in a continuous manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 11...Ridge, 11a...Top, 11b...Slope, 12...Backhoe, 13...Lower traveling body, 14...Upper slewing body, 15...Working arm, 16...Blade, 17...Boom, 17a...Boom cylinder, 18...Arm, 18a...Arm cylinder, 19...Slope bucket, 19a...Bucket cylinder, 19b...Bottom plate, 21,31,41...Ridge, 42...Core member (construction member), 42a...Upper edge, 43...Ridge main body, 43a...Slope, 51...Ridge, 52...Area defining member (construction member), 52a...Plate end, 61,71...Ridge

Claims

1. In a method for forming levees that define the boundaries of partitioned fields, A method for forming a levee, characterized in that, when cutting an existing levee with a trapezoidal cross-section to form a levee with a triangular cross-section, a flat core member is embedded in the existing levee, the upper edge of the embedded core member and the upper surface of the existing levee are aligned in the vertical direction, the upper edge of the core member is set as the cutting start position, and a flat slope is formed that slopes downward from the cutting start position toward the ground.

2. Prepare an arm-type work machine with a slope bucket attached to the end of the arm, The method for forming a levee according to claim 1, characterized in that, when forming the slope using the arm-type work machine, the slope bucket is moved in the downward direction from the starting position of the cut, with the inclination angle of the bottom plate of the slope bucket corresponding to the inclination angle of the slope.

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