Lawn mower

Abstract

To provide a mower allowing a user to easily adjust a horizontal position of a slope mowing part according to the width of a top surface of a ridge.SOLUTION: A mower for mowing grass while traveling on a ridge, includes a mower body connected to a traveling part, a slope mowing part having a mowing blade, and a horizontal position adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position in a horizontal direction of the slope mowing part according to a position of a slope face of the ridge. The horizontal position adjusting mechanism includes a parallel link to be connected between the mower body and the slope mowing part, and an energizing body for energizing the parallel link toward the inside of the mower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lawn mower.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to remove weeds and the like growing on the top surface or side surface of a ridge, a lawn mower is used to periodically mow the grass on the ridge. Patent Document 1 discloses a self-propelled lawn mower that performs mowing work on the top surface and 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, and while traveling, uses the horizontal cutting blade to remove weeds and the like growing on the top surface of the ridge, and uses the inclined cutting blade to remove weeds and the like growing on the side surface of the ridge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the side surface mowing work, the position of the side surface cutting portion of the lawn mower is adjusted in the left-right direction according to the width of the top surface of the ridge. In the lawn mower described in Patent Document 1, since the position of the side surface cutting portion in the left-right direction is manually adjusted, for example, when mowing work is performed on a curved ridge or when mowing work is performed on a ridge with a changing width in the middle, it is difficult to adjust the position of the side surface cutting portion in the left-right direction. Also, in the lawn mower, when mowing work is not being performed, it is preferable to separate the cutting blade for mowing the grass from the top surface and side surface of the ridge and store the lawn mower. In the lawn mower described in Patent Document 1, the storage of the lawn mower is not clearly described.

[0005] One of the challenges of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a grass cutter that can easily adjust the left-right position of the slope cutting section according to the width of the top surface of the ridge. Another challenge of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a grass cutter that can safely store the cutting blade without damaging it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A lawnmower according to one embodiment of the present invention is a lawnmower that cuts grass while traveling on a ridge, and includes a machine body connected to a travel unit, a slope cutting unit having a cutting blade, and a left-right position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the left-right position of the slope cutting unit according to the position of the slope of the ridge.

[0007] The left-right position adjustment mechanism may include a parallel link connected between the machine body and the slope mowing section, and a biasing body that biases the parallel link toward the inside of the grass cutter.

[0008] The biasing member may be fixed at one end to the machine body and at the other end to the parallel link.

[0009] The parallel link has a first link arm and a second link arm arranged parallel to each other, the second link arm being positioned inward of the first link arm, and the other end of the biasing body may be fixed to the first link arm.

[0010] The system may further include restricting means for restricting the lateral movement of the first link arm and the second link arm.

[0011] The limiting means may include a position limiting member positioned between one end of the first link arm and one end of the second link arm.

[0012] The limiting means may be configured to allow adjustment of the amount of movement of the slope mowing section in the left-right direction by adjusting the position of the position limiting member.

[0013] The left-right position adjustment mechanism is connected to the slope mowing attachment part provided on the machine body via a connecting part so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and its downward rotation may be restricted by a rotation limiting member fixed to the connecting part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a grass cutter can be provided that allows for easy adjustment of the left-right position of the slope cutting section according to the width of the top surface of the ridge, and can also be provided that allows for safe storage of the cutting blade without damaging it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a left side view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the configuration of a lawnmower according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a slope mowing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a slope mowing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] (A), (B), and (C) are perspective views illustrating the adjustment of the left-right position of the slope mowing section according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are perspective views from the upper left to illustrate the vertical escape mechanism of the slope mowing section according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a left side view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of a slope mowing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a rear view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of a slope mowing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a left side view illustrating the transition from the working state to the stored state of a slope mowing unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 11]It is a rear view for explaining the transition of the working state of the slope cutting part according to an embodiment to the storage state. [Figure 12] It is an enlarged view of a part of a perspective view for explaining the adjustment of the rightward position of the right slope cutting part in FIG. 6(B) or (C).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the lawn mower of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the lawn mower of the present invention can be implemented in many different modes and is not construed as being limited to the description of the examples shown below. In the drawings referred to in the present embodiment, the same parts or parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals followed by an alphabet, and the repeated description thereof is omitted. Further, when the same or similar members are provided at the left and right positions with respect to the traveling direction, L (left member) or R (right member) is added after the reference numeral of the member. When the left and right members are not particularly distinguished, L and R may be omitted in the description.

[0017] In the specification and claims of the present application, "up" indicates a direction vertically away from the ridge in a state where the lawn mower is performing a lawn mowing operation with respect to the ridge, and "down" indicates a direction opposite to "up". Also, for the sake of convenience of explanation, "front" indicates the direction in which the top surface cutting part is located with respect to the traveling part, and "rear" indicates a direction opposite to "front". Also, "left" or "right" indicates "left" or "right" in a rear view of the lawn mower seen from the "rear" of the lawn mower.

[0018] Also, when based on the center line of the lawn mower in a plan view (a line parallel to the traveling direction and passing through the center of the lawn mower), relatively, the side closer to the center line is called "inside", and the side farther from the center line is called "outside". <C

[0019] <First Embodiment> [Configuration 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.

[0020] The state of the slope mowing section 80 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is adjusted to a position parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 (see Figure 4). The state of the slope mowing section 80 of the grass cutter 100 shown in Figures 3 to 7(B) is adjusted so that the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is adjusted according to the slope of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0021] In this embodiment, the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R are surfaces (Figure 4) that include the trajectory of the blades 82L (including the grass-cutting blades) and 82R (including the grass-cutting blades) of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R as they cut the grass. The grass-cutting blades are sometimes referred to as cutting blades.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the grass cutter 100 includes a body 10, a travel unit 20, a cutting unit 120 having a top surface cutting unit 30 and a slope cutting unit 80, linkage mechanisms 50L and 50R, an engine 60, an alternator 70, and a battery 40. The drive of each part is controlled by a control unit (not shown). 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 travel unit 20 (see Figure 4).

[0023] The machine body 10 is the frame that forms the skeleton of the lawnmower 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 top surface mowing attachment parts 11L and 11R for attaching the top surface mowing part 30. In addition, the rear of the machine body 14 is provided with slope mowing attachment parts 12L and 12R for connecting the slope mowing part 80. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 40. 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.

[0026] 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 slope mowing units 80L and right slope mowing units 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 ridges (grass cutting work). Also, in a rear view, 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.

[0027] The control unit (not shown) is, for example, located above the machine body 10 and has the function of controlling the travel unit 20, the cutting unit 120, and the battery 40. The control unit 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.

[0028] 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 brush cutter 100 and is connected to the crawler 20L. Link mechanism 50R is the link mechanism on the right side and is connected to the crawler 20R.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 40 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 (Figures 1 and 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 40 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.

[0033] The alternator 70 is equipped with a power generation control circuit (not shown) for controlling power generation. The brush cutter 100 is equipped with a sensor that detects the battery voltage, and the power generation control circuit monitors the results detected by the sensor, allowing the alternator 70 itself to control the power generation state. 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.

[0034] The battery 40 is located behind the alternator 70, above the machine body 10 and behind the engine 60. The battery 40 stores the electricity generated by the alternator 70. The battery 40 functions as a power source that supplies the stored electricity to the drive units 83L and 83R (see 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 (see Figure 3) that drive the running unit 20 back and forth. The battery 40 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.

[0035] The lawnmower 100 may include a cover member. The cover member serves to cover and protect the battery 40, alternator 70, and engine 60. The cover member may also be configured to cover only a portion of the battery 40, alternator 70, and engine 60.

[0036] 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.

[0037] [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 a support plate 15 via a mounting member 11, as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 1, 3, or 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 drive units 33L and 33R are connected to the top cutting unit mounting parts 11L and 11R. The casing 31 covers the top and sides of the blades 32L and 32R, preventing 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.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the blade section 32L has multiple grass-cutting blades. The blade section 32L is connected to the rotating shaft of the drive section 33L and rotates with power from the engine 60. The rotation of the rotating shaft of the drive section 33L also rotates the multiple grass-cutting blades, and the blade section 32L is configured to cut grass. The drive section 33L has a second power transmission means (not shown) including a belt (not shown) that transmits power from the engine 60 to the blade section 32L.

[0039] In this embodiment, the blade sections 32L and 32R are provided symmetrically or substantially symmetrically with respect to the center line 110 of the machine body 10, and are arranged with a phase difference so as not to interfere with each other when stationary. The second power transmission means is designed to transmit the driving force of the engine 60, transmitted via a belt, equally or substantially equally to both the drive units 33L and 33R. Therefore, the multiple grass-cutting blades of blade section 32L and the multiple grass-cutting blades of blade section 32R rotate at the same timing and speed.

[0040] In the lawnmower 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 section 30. However, it is also possible to use a motor as the power source for rotating the blade portions 32L and 32R, not limited to the example described here. In this case, a control unit may be used to independently control the drive units 33L and 33R and drive the blade portions 32L and 32R independently.

[0041] [Configuration of the slope mowing section 80] Next, the configuration of the slope mowing section 80 will be described. The slope mowing section 80 includes a pair of left and right slope mowing sections: a left slope mowing section 80L and a right slope mowing section 80R. As shown in Figure 1, at the rear of the machine body 10, slope mowing section mounting 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 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are connected to and supported by the machine body 14 via the slope mowing section mounting sections 12L and 12R.

[0042] As will be described in more detail later, the grass cutter 100 has a pair of left and right angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R, and the left slope cutting section 80L and the right slope cutting section 80R are configured to adjust the angle (angle α2) between their cutting surfaces 204L and 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) according to the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202 of the ridge 200.

[0043] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the grass cutter 100 has a pair of left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R, and is configured to maintain a predetermined distance H1 from the cutting surface 204L and 204R to the slope 202 according to the width W1 of the top surface 201 of the ridge (see Figure 6(A)).

[0044] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the grass cutter 100 has a relief mechanism that can be adjusted vertically, and the left slope cutting section 80L and the right slope cutting section 80R are configured to move vertically according to the shape of the ridge being worked on (shape of the slope 202 or top surface 201).

[0045] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the lawnmower 100 is configured to rotate the mowing surface 204L or 204R from a downward-facing position (facing the horizontal plane 203) to an upward-facing position using angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R, and left-right position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R, and then to face the center line 110. As a result, the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are superimposed on the main body 14, and the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R of the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are in a stored state facing inward.

[0046] The slope mowing section 80 has a pair of left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R rotatably supported by the slope mowing section mounting sections 12L and 12R, a pair of left and right angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R supported by the left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R, and a pair of left and right slope mowing sections 80L and 80R supported by the angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R, each having a blade portion 82. For the sake of explanation, the blade portion 82 of the left slope mowing section 80L will be referred to as blade portion 82L, and the blade portion 82 of the right slope mowing section 80R will be referred to as 82R.

[0047] The left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L is rotatably connected to the slope mowing attachment part 12L, with a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (left-right direction) as its pivot point. The angle adjustment mechanism 130L is connected between the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L and the left slope mowing part 80L. Therefore, the left slope mowing part 80L is rotatable relative to the slope mowing attachment part 12L via the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L and is configured to rotate in the vertical direction. Similarly to the left slope mowing part 80L and the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L, the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R is rotatably connected to the slope mowing attachment part 12R, and the angle adjustment mechanism 130R is connected between the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R and the right slope mowing part 80R. Therefore, the right slope mowing part 80R is also configured to rotate in the vertical direction via the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R.

[0048] The left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R each include casings 81L and 81R, blade sections 82L and 82R, drive sections 83L and 83R, slope mowing section support sections 89L and 89R, and handles 140L and 140R, respectively. The blade sections 82L and 82R have multiple grass-cutting blades, similar to the blade sections 32L and 32R of the top surface mowing section 30, and the grass growing on the ridge is cut by the rotation of the blade sections 82L and 82R, which have multiple grass-cutting blades. Since the structure of the left slope mowing section 80L is the same as the structure of the right slope mowing section 80R, the explanation here will focus on the right slope mowing section 80R.

[0049] The slope mowing support section 89R is attached to the casing 81R. The casing 81R is connected to the slope mowing connecting section 134R via the slope mowing support section 89R. The casing 81R covers the blade section 82R and, like the casing 31 of the top surface mowing section 30, prevents soil, pebbles, grass, etc. from scattering to the surroundings. In addition, a sled section 190R is provided at the lower end of the outer side of the casing 81R. When the sled section 190R contacts the slope, the distance between the slope (or ground) and the blade section 82R is maintained at a predetermined distance H1. As shown in Figure 2, etc., the front end of the sled section 190R is configured to rise up so as to be separated from the ground, making it easier to follow the unevenness of the ridge and obstacles during grass cutting work. A handle 140R is attached to the top surface of the casing 81R. The handle 140R serves as a gripping part when adjusting the angle of the right slope cutting section 80R. The blade section 82R, like the top surface cutting section 30, has multiple grass-cutting blades. The blade section 82R is connected to the drive section 83R, and the power from the drive section 83R rotates the multiple grass-cutting blades to cut grass. The drive section 83R has a motor that is driven by power supplied from the alternator 70 and the battery 40. In this embodiment, the casing 81R may be called the cover section, and the blade section 82R on the side not covered by the casing 81R faces the ridge 200.

[0050] In the lawnmower 100, the drive units 83L and 83R are independently controlled by the control unit. The drive units 83L and 83R supply power from the alternator 70 or the battery 40 to the blade units 82L and 82R. In this embodiment, when the blade units 82L and 82R are driven, under normal circumstances (when the battery voltage is above a predetermined value), the alternator 70 is in a state where it has stopped generating power (supplying power), and power is supplied to the blade units 82L and 82R only from the battery 40. On the other hand, if the power supply from the battery 40 is insufficient (when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value), the alternator 70 generates power and enters a power supply state, and in addition to the power supplied from the battery 40, the power generated by the alternator 70 is also supplied to the blade units 82L and 82R.

[0051] [Angle adjustment mechanism 130 for slope mowing section 80] The grass trimmer 100 has an angle adjustment mechanism 130 (130L and 130R) that allows for independent adjustment of the angle (angle α2) between the cutting surface 204L or 204R of the left slope cutting section 80L and the right slope cutting section 80R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) (see Figure 4). Since the structure of the angle adjustment mechanism 130L is the same as that of the angle adjustment mechanism 130R, this explanation will mainly focus on the angle adjustment mechanism 130R, using Figures 4, 6(A), and 12. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, explanations of configurations that are the same or similar as those explained using Figure 4, and configurations that are the same or similar as those in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 may be omitted.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6(A), the angle adjustment mechanism 130R includes, for example, a lock plate 131R, a locking / disengaging member 184R, an angle adjustment pin 133R, and a slope mowing section connecting part 134R.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6(A) or Figure 12, the lock plate 131R consists of a pair of lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb arranged facing each other front to back, and is fixed to the slope mowing section connecting section 134R so as to be rotatable around the slope mowing section mounting pin 132R as the pivot point. Multiple (four in this embodiment) positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd are formed on the outer edges of the lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb, which engage with the angle adjustment pin 133R to position and fix the angle of the mowing surface 204R. The multiple positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd are arranged in an arc shape. The right slope mowing section 80R is configured to rotate around the slope mowing section mounting pin 132R as the pivot point. By rotating the right slope mowing section 80R using the handle 140R, the angle adjustment pin 133R provided on the right slope mowing section 80R (slope mowing section support section 89R) engages with the positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd, thereby positioning and fixing the right slope mowing section 80R. A pair of lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb are connected by a slope mowing section lower limit positioning pin 186R spanning across them. The slope mowing section lower limit positioning pin 186R abuts against the slope mowing section mounting section 98Rb, described later, to restrict the rotation of the lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb. Normally, the angle adjustment of the right-side slope mowing section 80R is performed with the lower limit positioning pin 186R of the slope mowing section in contact with the mounting section 98Rb of the slope mowing section.

[0054] The engagement / disengagement operating member 184R is a member for operating the angle adjustment pin 133R in the release direction, which engages with the lock plate 131R (positioning recess 131Rc) to lock the right slope mowing section 80R so that it is at a predetermined angle with respect to the slope. It is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section support section 89R via a shaft 188R. In plan view, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R is provided with an operating lever portion 187R formed to protrude outward from the slope mowing section support section 89R, and the angle adjustment pin 133R that engages with the positioning recess 131Rc is provided on the center side (left side in the figure). Although not shown, a spring is disposed between the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R and the slope mowing section support section 89R, and the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R is biased in the direction in which the angle adjustment pin 133R engages with the positioning recess 131Rc of the lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb. When the operating lever portion 187R is operated upward against the biasing force of the spring, the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R rotates around the shaft 188R. As a result, the angle adjustment pin 133R moves to the pin movement recess 185R, and the locked state with respect to the lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb is released.

[0055] The slope mowing section connecting section 134R is fixed to the slope mowing section mounting section 98R, connecting the slope mowing section mounting section 98R and the slope mowing section support section 89R, thereby connecting the right-side slope mowing section 80R and the left / right position adjustment mechanism 90R. The lock plate members 131Ra and 131Rb, the slope mowing section support section 89R, and the slope mowing section mounting section 98R have through holes for inserting the slope mowing section mounting pin 132R. The slope mowing section support section 89R, the lock plate 131R, and the slope mowing section mounting section 98R are connected via the slope mowing section mounting pin 132R inserted through these through holes, and the slope mowing section support section 89R is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section mounting section 98R and the lock plate 131R.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, the angle adjustment operation of the right slope mowing unit 80R using the angle adjustment mechanism 130R will be explained. First, the angle adjustment pin 133R is released from engagement with the positioning recess 131Rc by operating the operating lever portion 187R of the engagement / disengagement operating member 184R. Next, the right slope mowing unit 80R is moved by operating it using the handle 140R. At this time, the slope mowing unit support portion 89R rotates together with the angle adjustment pin 133R around the slope mowing unit mounting pin 132R relative to the slope mowing unit mounting portion 98R and the lock plate 131R. By inserting the angle adjustment pin 133R into positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd that are different from the positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd that were initially fitted, the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surface 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) can be changed.

[0057] In a rear view of the lawnmower 100, the angle α decreases as it is fitted with the positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd located on the right. By changing the positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd that are fitted into the angle adjustment pin 133R according to the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202, the angle (angle α2) between the mowing surface 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) can be adjusted to an angle corresponding to the inclination angle (angle α) of the slope 202.

[0058] In the rear view of the lawnmower 100 shown in Figure 4, when the angle adjustment pin 133R is fitted into the leftmost positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd, the angle α2 becomes 90 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204R becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the machine body 14 (including the surface 206). When the angle adjustment pin 133R is fitted into the rightmost positioning recesses 131Rc and 131Rd, the angle α2 becomes 0 degrees, that is, the cutting surface 204L becomes parallel or approximately parallel to the machine body 14 (including the surface 206).

[0059] As explained above, the lawnmower 100 allows adjustment of the angle (angle α2) between the cutting surface 204R of the right slope mowing section 80R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) using the lock plate 131R. Similarly, the angle (angle α2) between the cutting surface 204L of the left slope mowing section 80L and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) can be adjusted using the lock plate 131L. Therefore, the lawnmower 100 can perform mowing work suitable for the slope of the embankment 202.

[0060] Furthermore, the grass cutter 100 can also perform grass cutting on surfaces parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane 203 when the angle α2 of the cutting surfaces 204L and 204R is adjusted symmetrically and to 0 degrees (see Figure 1). In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the grass cutter 100 can also perform grass cutting by adjusting the angle α2 asymmetrically (to different angles).

[0061] [Adjustment mechanism for the left-right position of the slope mowing unit 80] Next, the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the grass cutter 100 has a left-right position adjustment mechanism 90 (90R and 90L), which allows the positions of the left slope cutting section 80CL and the right slope cutting section 80CR to be adjusted according to the width of the ridge (the position of the slope on which the left slope cutting section 80CL and the right slope cutting section 80CR operate). Then, through the action of the sled sections 190L and 190R, the distance from the cutting surface 204L and 204R to the slope 202 can be adjusted to maintain a predetermined distance H1. Note that the structure of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L is the same as the structure of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R, so here we will focus on the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R, which is the rightward position adjustment mechanism, using Figures 6(A) to 6(C). In the configurations shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(C), explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figures 1 to 5 may be omitted.

[0062] Figures 6(A) to 6(C) are perspective views of the slope mowing section 80 included in the grass mower 100, viewed from the right rear, and show an enlarged view of the area around the slope mowing section 80. In the example shown in Figure 6(A), for example, the width of the top surface 201 is width W1, and the angle between the mowing surface 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is angle α2, which corresponds to the slope angle (angle α) of the ridge 200. Also, the distance (height) from the mowing surface 204R to the slope 202 corresponds to the height at which the grass is mowed (mowing height), and that height is height H1.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R in the rightward direction includes a second parallel link 95R and a spring 94R. The second parallel link 95R has a connecting portion 99R, a link arm 91R (first link arm), a link arm 92R (second link arm), and a slope mowing attachment portion 98R.

[0064] The connecting portion 99R has a pair of connecting portions (upper connecting portion 99Ra and lower connecting portion 99Rb) arranged facing each other vertically, a rotating member 99Rc that is rotatably supported by the slope mowing portion mounting portion 12R and connected to the connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb, and left and right position limiting pins 93R that are inserted through position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb formed in the connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb. The connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb rotatably support one end of the front side of the link arms 91R and 92R. The connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb have protrusions 192Ra and 192Rb that project backward from the position where the link arms 91R and 92R are pivotally supported. Multiple position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb are formed in these protrusions 192Ra and 192Rb, arranged in the left-right direction (width direction of the ridge) (two in this embodiment) for inserting the left-right position limiting pin 93R. In a rear view, the link arm 91R is located to the right of the position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb, and the link arm 92R is located to the left of the position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb. However, the positional relationship between the link arm 91R, the link arm 92R, and the position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb is not limited to the positional relationship described herein. The left and right position limiting pins 93R are fixed to position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb formed in the connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb, and restrict the movement of the link arms 91R and 92R, which rotate relative to the connecting portions 99Ra and 99Rb, by contacting them. By changing the insertion position of the left and right position limiting pins 93R relative to the position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb, the range of rotation of the link arms 91R and 92R, i.e., the offset range of the right slope mowing portion 80CR, can be changed.

[0065] For example, if the left-right position limiting pin 93R is inserted into the inner position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb so that it is located outside the link arm 92R, the right slope mowing section 80R is set to have a small outward offset and a large inward offset (setting 1). For example, setting 1 is effective when the width of the ridge 200 becomes narrower than when the slope mowing section 80 is set to the ridge 200. Also, if the left-right position limiting pin 93R is inserted into the outer position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb so that it is located outside the link arm 92R, the right slope mowing section 80R is set to have a large outward offset and a small inward offset (setting 2). For example, setting 2 is effective when the width of the ridge 200 becomes wider than when the slope mowing section 80 is set to the ridge 200. Furthermore, if the left-right position limiting pin 93R is inserted into the outer position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb so that it is located inside the link arm 92R, the right slope mowing section 80R is fixed in its most outwardly offset state (setting 3). For example, if the right slope mowing section 80R is in the state of setting 3, and the left slope mowing section 80L is also fixed in the most outwardly offset state, similar to the right slope mowing section 80R (setting 3), the width (mowing width) that the grass mower 100 mows on a flat surface can be set to the maximum width (maximum mowing width). Also, if the left-right position limiting pin 93R is inserted into the inner position adjustment holes 191Ra and 191Rb so that it is located inside the link arm 92R, the right slope mowing section 80R is fixed in an outwardly offset state (setting 4). Setting 4 has a smaller offset amount than Setting 3. For example, when using the brush cutter 100 to mow grass on a flat surface with a cutting width narrower than the maximum cutting width, Setting 4 is effective.

[0066] The slope mowing attachment portion 98R is a member that pivotably supports one end of the rear side of the link arms 91R and 92R, and has a pair of slope mowing attachment portions 98Ra and 98Rb that are arranged facing each other vertically.

[0067] In this embodiment, as an example, the left-right position limiting pin 93R is positioned between the link arms 91R and 92R, and the (single) left-right position limiting pin 93R is configured to limit the movement of both the link arms 91R and 92R. However, the arrangement of the left-right position limiting pin 93R is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate. The left-right position limiting pin 93 should be positioned in a location that can limit the movement of the link arms 91R and / or 92R, depending on the circumstances. For example, in a plan view, it is also possible to provide two left-right position limiting pins in the width direction so as to sandwich the link arms 91R and 92R, with the left-right position limiting pin located on the inside limiting the amount of inward movement (range of movement) of the link arm 92R located on the inside, and the left-right position limiting pin located on the outside limiting the amount of outward movement (range of movement) of the link arm 91R located on the outside. Furthermore, the elements that restrict the movement of the link arms 91R and 92R are not limited to left-right position limiting pins, but may also be used. Stopper members that protrude toward the link arms 91R and 92R and contact the rotating link arms 91R and 92R at predetermined positions may also be used. In this embodiment, the left-right position limiting pin 93R (93L), stopper members, etc., can limit the amount of left-right movement of the link arms 91R and 92R, and are therefore referred to as limiting means, for example.

[0068] The left-right position adjustment mechanism 90R is connected to the slope mowing attachment part 12R using the connecting part 99R (rotating member 99Rc), and is connected to the slope mowing connecting part 134R using the slope mowing attachment part 98R. The link arm 92R is positioned inward (to the left) of the link arm 91R. The link arm 92L is positioned inward (to the right) of the link arm 91L. The connecting part 99R and the slope mowing attachment part 98R are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The link arms 91R and 92R are positioned parallel or approximately parallel to each other.

[0069] The spring 94R ​​is connected between the spring mounting portion 99Rd, which is provided at the lower end of the rotating member 99Rc of the connecting portion 99Ra, and the spring mounting portion 91Ra, which is provided at the lower end of the link arm 91R. The spring 94R ​​is a tension spring, and a tensile force acts inward. When the second parallel link 95R is deformed by the action of the spring 94R, the right slope mowing portion 80R is biased inward relative to the center line 110, and the right slope mowing portion 80R is pressed against the slope 202. The biasing force due to the action of the spring 94R ​​is a force acting from the spring mounting portion 91Ra toward the spring mounting portion 99Rd, and can be decomposed into a force acting inward relative to the link arm 91R and a force acting forward relative to the link arm 91R. The force acting inward relative to the link arm 91R is the biasing force that presses the right slope mowing portion 80R against the slope 202. In this embodiment, the spring 94R ​​(94L) can bias the second parallel link 95R (95L) toward the inside of the lawnmower 100, and is called a biasing body, for example. In this embodiment, the spring 94R ​​(94L) is used as an example of a biasing body, but the biasing body can be any member that can bias toward the inside of the lawnmower 100.

[0070] For example, if the width of the ridge (slope) narrows (the slope 202 moves inward) or if the driving position shifts to the right, as shown in Figure 6(B), the link arm 91R is pulled inward by the spring 94R, and the second parallel link 95R (link arms 91R and 92R) rotates in the direction of the black arrow, causing the right slope mowing section 80R to move towards the slope. At this time, the sled section 190R maintains contact with the slope, and the distance from the mowing surface 204R to the slope 202 is maintained at a predetermined distance H1. The amount of leftward movement (range of movement) of the link arm 91R is limited by the left-right position limiting pin 93R located between one end of the link arm 91R and one end of the link arm 92R. For example, if the width of the slope 202 is narrower than a predetermined width, or if the travel position is too far to the right, the left end (inner end) of the rotating link arm 91R will come into contact with the left-right position limiting pin 93R, restricting its rotation and limiting the amount of leftward movement (range of movement) of the right slope mowing section 80R.

[0071] 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, as shown in Figure 6(C), the link arm 91R receives a force from the ridge (greater than the inward pulling force on the spring 94R) via the sled portion 190R. As a result, when a force greater than the inward pulling force is generated on the spring 94R, the spring 94R ​​stretches and is pulled outward, and the second parallel link 95R (link arms 91R and 92R) deforms in the direction of the black arrow. The right-side slope mowing section 80R moves outward (to the right in the figure) in accordance with the width of the ridge, while maintaining the distance from the mowing surface 204R to the slope 202 at a predetermined distance H1, until the force from the ridge balances the pulling force on the spring 94R. The amount of movement (range of movement) of the link arm 92R to the right is limited by the left / right position limiting pin 93R. In other words, if the width of the ridge 200 becomes wider than a predetermined width, or if the travel position shifts too far to the left, the right end (inner end) of the link arm 92R comes into contact with the left / right position limiting pin 93R, restricting the deformation of the second parallel link 95R and limiting the amount of rightward movement (range of movement) of the right slope mowing section 80R.

[0072] In this way, when the grass cutter 100 is placed on the ridge 200, the right slope cutting section 80R can be slid left and right according to the width of the slope 202, while maintaining the distance from the cutting surface 204R to the slope 202 at a predetermined distance H1, thanks to the action of the left and right position adjustment mechanism 90R and the sled section 190R, thereby allowing the right slope cutting section 80R to follow the slope 202.

[0073] As described above, the lawnmower 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention allows for easy adjustment of the left-right position of the slope mowing section 80 according to the width of the ridge, while maintaining the distance from the mowing surfaces 204R and 204L to the slope surface 202 at a predetermined distance H1, simply by placing the lawnmower 100 on the ridge 200.

[0074] [Escape mechanism for slope mowing section 80] The grass cutter 100 has a relief mechanism that moves the slope cutting section 80 vertically according to the shape of the slope 202 of the ridge 200 (the shape of the ground on which the blade section 82L acts). Since the structure of the relief mechanism of the left slope cutting section 80L is the same as that of the right slope cutting section 80R, the explanation here will focus on the relief mechanism of the right slope cutting section 80R using Figures 7(A) and 7(B). In the configurations shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figures 1 to 6(C) may be omitted.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the right slope mowing section 80R is connected to the machine body 14 (slope mowing section mounting section 12R) so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction by the aforementioned connecting section 99R (rotating member 99Rc). The upper connecting section 99Ra that constitutes the connecting section 99R has its front end bent downward, and a rotation limiting pin 97R is fixed to this bent front end. The rotation limiting pin 97R protrudes from the connecting section 99Ra toward the slope mowing section mounting section 12R. The portion of the rotation limiting pin 97R that protrudes toward the slope mowing section mounting section 12R comes into contact with the lower mounting section 12Ra that is connected below the slope mowing section mounting section 12R when the connecting section 99R rotates downward relative to the slope mowing section mounting section 12R, and has the function of limiting the downward rotation of the right slope mowing section 80R (see Figure 7(A)).

[0076] When the lawnmower 100 performs grass cutting work, if the slope cutting unit 80 collides with an obstacle such as a clod of soil or a stone, an upward force acts on the slope cutting unit 80 from the slope 202 or the top surface 201. The right slope cutting unit 80R rotates clockwise (in the direction of the clockwise black arrow around the dotted line in Figure 7(B)) with the rotating member 99Rc as the pivot point (rotation axis, dotted line in Figure 7(B)) in response to the upward force from the slope 202 or the top surface 201. At this time, the rotation limiting pin 97R moves away from the lower mounting part 12Ra.

[0077] When the grass cutter 100 moves away from the obstacle, the rotation limiting pin 97R rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of the counterclockwise black arrow around the dotted line in Figure 7(B)) around the rotating member 99Rc as the pivot point (rotation axis, dotted line in Figure 7(B)) by its own weight, and returns to the position where it abuts the lower mounting part 12Ra. In other words, the right slope mowing part 80R rotates upward or downward relative to the machine body 10 (machine body main body 14), and its downward rotation relative to the machine body 10 is limited by the rotation limiting pin 97R.

[0078] As explained above, in the lawnmower 100, even if obstacles such as soil clumps or stones come into contact with the slope mowing section 80, the slope mowing section 80 can escape from below to above, preventing damage to the slope mowing section 80. Furthermore, the slope mowing section 80 of this embodiment can follow the unevenness of the ridge while performing the mowing work.

[0079] [How to fold the slope mowing unit 80C] Next, the folding (storage) method of the slope mowing unit 80C will be explained using the diagrams shown in Figures 1, 2 to 11. Note that the folding method of the right slope mowing unit 80R is the same as that of the left slope mowing unit 80L, so here we will mainly focus on the folding method of the left slope mowing unit 80L. Figures 8 to 11 are diagrams that illustrate the transition of the grass mower 100 from the working state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Figure 1 to the stored state of the slope mowing unit 80C shown in Figure 11. In the configurations shown in Figures 1, 2 to 11, explanations of configurations that are the same as or similar to those in Figures 1 to 5 may be omitted.

[0080] The states shown in Figures 1 and 2 indicate that the angle α2 between the downward-facing mowing surface 204L or 204R and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) is 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees. Here, we will explain the storage method for a case where, starting from the state shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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 8, transitioning the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R from a downward-facing state (facing the horizontal plane 203) to an upward-facing state (first storage state). Then, using the angle adjustment mechanisms 130L and 130R, the angle α2 between the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R and the main body 14 (including the surface 206) is transitioned from a state of 0 degrees or approximately 0 degrees (the mowing surface 204L and the main body 14 (including the surface 206) are horizontal or approximately horizontal) to a state of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees as shown in Figure 10, transitioning the blades 82L and 82R to a state where they face each other (second storage state). In addition, the blades 82L and 82R 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 herein. For example, the grass cutter 100 may move the slope mowing unit 80C from a working state at an angle α as shown in Figure 4 to a state where the blades 82L and 82R face each other (as shown in Figures 10 and 11) by rotating the slope mowing unit 80C by (approximately) 180 degrees. Note that angle α is the same as or approximately the same as angle α2.

[0081] First, we will explain an example of the transition from a state where the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R are facing downwards (facing the horizontal plane 203, as shown in Figure 1) to a state where the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R are facing upwards (as shown in Figures 8 and 9).

[0082] As described above, the left slope mowing section 80L is rotatably connected to the slope mowing section mounting section 12L via the rotating member 99Lc of the left / right position adjustment mechanism 90L. On the left side shown in Figure 2, by holding the handle 140L and moving the left slope mowing section 80L upward, the left slope mowing section 80L can be rotated upward via the rotating member 99Lc.

[0083] If the left slope mowing unit 80L is rotated further, the left slope mowing unit 80L will transition from a downward-facing position to an upward-facing position (as shown in Figure 8).

[0084] Figure 8 shows the slope mowing unit 80C in the first stowed state, where the mowing surface 204L of the left slope mowing unit 80L is parallel or nearly parallel to the horizontal plane 203 and pointed upward. In the grass mower 100 of this embodiment, when the left slope mowing unit 80L is not subjected to force from the ridge, the spring 94L of the angle adjustment mechanism 130L maintains the angle of the second parallel link 95L (link arms 91L and 92L) with respect to the connecting part 99R in a plan view at a predetermined angle. As a result, the left-right position of the mowing unit mounting part 98La in a rear view becomes a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the storage engagement member 181L, and in the first stowed state, the mowing unit mounting part 98La engages with the storage engagement member 181L provided on the machine body 14, and the connecting bolt 183L also engages with the hole 182L formed in the storage engagement member 181L. This restricts the rotation of the second parallel link 95L of the left-right position adjustment mechanism 90L in the horizontal plane, fixing the position of the left slope mowing section 80L. The black arrow in Figure 8 indicates the direction in which the left slope mowing section 80L can rotate.

[0085] Next, using Figures 9 to 11, we will explain an example of the transition from a state where the mowing surfaces 204L and 204R are facing upward (first storage state) to a state where they are facing each other (second storage state).

[0086] Figure 9 is a rear view of the lawnmower 100 in the first storage state. First, in the lawnmower 100 in the first storage state, the locking / disengaging member 184R (operating lever part 187R) is operated to remove the angle adjustment pin 133L from the lock plate 131L (the outermost (leftmost) positioning recess 131Lc in Figure 9) and release the lock. Next, the handle 140L is used to rotate the left slope mowing section 80L. At this time, the angle adjustment pin 133L rotates together with the slope mowing section support part 89L relative to the slope mowing section mounting part 98L and the lock plate 131L.

[0087] When the left slope mowing section 80L is rotated and the angle adjustment pin 133L is fitted into the central (rightmost) positioning recesses 131Lc and 131Ld in Figure 9, the angle α2 between the mowing surface 204L and the machine body 14 (including the surface 206) becomes 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, and the mowing surface 204L becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203 (representing the second storage state shown in Figure 11). Similarly to the left slope mowing section 80L, when the right slope mowing section 80R is operated, the mowing surface 204R becomes perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the horizontal plane 203. As a result, the mowing surfaces 204L or 204R transition to an opposing state and are fixed in that opposing state.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10 or Figure 11, the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are superimposed on the main body 14, and the battery 40 and alternator 70 are sandwiched and positioned between the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R. Furthermore, in a left side view of the mower 100 in its stored state, the left slope mowing section 80L and the right slope mowing section 80R are stored inside the front-to-back width W3 of the mower 100 (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 97L and 97R)). 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 80C 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.

[0089] Furthermore, the lawnmower 100 is equipped with a top cutting section 30 at the front of the main body 10, and a right slope cutting section 80R and a left slope cutting section 80L are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of the rear of the main body 10 with respect to the center line 110. In addition, the control unit, 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 80R or the left slope cutting section 80L in a retracted state and the other in an operating state, the weight of the lawnmower 100 is prevented from concentrating in a specific position on the lawnmower 100. In other words, the weight balance of the main body 10 of the lawnmower 100 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.

[0090] Although the lawnmower 100 of the present invention has 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 if not explicitly described.

[0091] 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]

[0092] 10: Machine body, 11L, 11R: Top cutting section mounting section, 12L, 12R: Slope cutting section mounting section, 12Ra: Lower mounting section, 14: Machine 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: Drive wheel, 24L: Crawler frame, 30: Top cutting section, 31: Casing, 32, 32L, 32R: Blade section, 33L, 33R: Drive section, 40: Battery, 50L, 50R: Link mechanism, 51L, 51R, 52L, 52R: Link arm, 53L, 53R: Electric cylinder, 54L, 54R: Drive unit, 60: Engine, 70: Alternator, 80: Slope mowing unit, 80L: Left slope mowing unit, 80R: Right slope mowing unit, 81L, 81R: Casing, 82L, 82R: Blade unit, 83L, 83R: Drive unit, 89L, 89R: Slope mowing unit support unit, 90, 90L, 90R: Left / right position adjustment mechanism, 91L, 91R: Link arm, 91Ra: Spring mounting unit, 92L, 92R: Link arm, 93L, 93R: Left / right position limiting pin, 94L, 94R: Spring, 95R: Second parallel link, 97L, 97R: Rotation control Limit pin, 98L, 98R, 98Ra, 98Rb: Slope mowing section mounting part, 99Lc: Rotating member, 99L, 99La, 99Lb, 99R, 99Ra, 99Rb: Connecting part, 99Rc: Rotating member, 99Rd: Spring mounting part, 100: Grass cutter, 110: Centerline, 120: Mowing section, 130, 130L, 130R: Angle adjustment mechanism, 131Lc, 131Ld: Positioning recess, 131L, 131R: Lock plate, 131Ra, 131Rb: Lock plate member, 131Rc, 131Rd: Positioning recess, 132L, 132R: Slope mowing section mounting pin, 133, 133L ,133R:Angle adjustment pin, 134R:Slope mowing section connecting part, 140L, 140R:Handle, 181L, 181R:Storage engaging member, 182L, 182R:Hole, 183L, 183R:Connecting bolt, 184L, 184R:Engagement / disengagement operating member, 185L, 185R:Pin movement recess, 186L, 186R:Slope mowing section lower limit positioning pin, 187R:Operating lever part, 188R:Shaft, 190L, 190R:Sled part, 191La, 191Lb, 191Ra, 191Rb:Position adjustment hole, 192La, 192Lb, 192Ra, 192Rb:Protrusion, 200:Ridge, 201:Top surface,202: Slope, 203: Horizontal surface, 204L, 204R: Mowing surface,

Claims

1. It is a grass cutter that cuts grass while driving along the edge of a field, A running section for traveling along the aforementioned ridge, The machine body connected to the aforementioned running section, A slope mowing section having a cutting blade, A left-right position adjustment mechanism adjusts the left-right position of the slope cutting unit according to the position of the slope of the ridge, without changing the angle of the cutting surface of the slope cutting unit relative to the slope. including, Lawn mower.

2. The left-right position adjustment mechanism comprises a parallel link connected between the machine body and the slope mowing section, and a biasing body that biases the parallel link toward the inside of the mower. The lawnmower according to claim 1.

3. The lawnmower according to claim 2, wherein one end of the biasing member is fixed to the machine body and the other end is fixed to the parallel link.

4. The parallel link has a first link arm and a second link arm arranged parallel to each other. The second link arm is positioned inward from the first link arm. The other end of the biasing body is fixed to the first link arm. The lawnmower according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes restricting means for restricting the lateral movement of the first link arm and the second link arm. The lawnmower according to claim 4.

6. The restricting means includes a position restricting member positioned between one end of the first link arm and one end of the second link arm. The lawnmower according to claim 5.

7. The limiting means allows for adjustment of the amount of left-right movement of the slope mowing section by adjusting the position of the position limiting member. The lawnmower according to claim 6.

8. The left-right position adjustment mechanism is connected to the slope mowing attachment part provided on the machine body via a connecting part so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, The rotation is restricted downward by the rotation limiting member fixed to the connecting portion. A lawnmower according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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