Riding lawnmower

Abstract

To provide a sulky lawn mower in which an operator can grasp proper discharge timing of lawn grass stored in a grass-collecting container when mowing lawn grass to be capable of improving working efficiency.SOLUTION: A sulky lawn mower comprises a traveling vehicle body, a lawn mowing device, a grass-collecting container, a vehicle speed sensor, a grass length sensor, and a control unit. The traveling vehicle body can travel in a working area. The lawn mowing device is provided in the traveling vehicle body and mows lawn grass. The grass-collecting container is provided in the traveling vehicle body and accommodates the lawn grass mowed by the lawn mowing device. The vehicle speed sensor detects a vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body. The grass length sensor detects a grass length of the lawn grass before mowing. The control unit stores capacity data of the grass-collecting container, grass density data of the lawn grass, mowing width data, mowing height data and grass length data before mowing, calculates an accommodation rate of the grass-collecting container based on the capacity data, the mowing width data, the mowing height data, the grass length data before mowing and vehicle speed data, and executes a first notification when the accommodation rate is a specified value or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a riding lawnmower. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in riding lawnmowers where the grass collection container is filled with cut grass (mould) and the mould contained in the container is discharged to a designated discharge point to continue operation, a technique is known in which a cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the grass collection container so that the status of the mould in the container can be checked even during operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, in a riding lawnmower that continues operation by discharging the grass clippings contained in the grass collection container to a designated discharge point when the container is full of grass clippings, there is a known technology that provides a full sensor to detect when the grass collection container is full of grass clippings (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-328819 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-47757 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, when a cover that can be opened and closed is provided for the grass collection container, the worker has to open the cover each time to visually check the amount of grass inside the container, which reduces work efficiency. Also, when a full sensor is provided, although it can detect when the grass collection container is full, it is difficult to predict when the container will be full, so the worker cannot determine the appropriate timing for discharging the grass.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a riding lawn mower that enables an operator to grasp an appropriate discharge timing of lawn grass stored in a grass collection container during a lawn mowing operation and improve work efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a riding lawn mower (1) according to an embodiment includes a traveling vehicle body (2) capable of traveling in a predetermined work area (A W ), a lawn mowing device (3) provided on the traveling vehicle body (2) for mowing lawn grass (G1), a grass collection container (5) provided on the traveling vehicle body (2) for storing the lawn grass (G2) mowed by the lawn mowing device (3), a vehicle speed sensor (65) for detecting the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body (2), a grass height sensor (66) for detecting the height (H W ) of the lawn grass (G1) before mowing by the lawn mowing device (3) in the work area (A G ), a control unit (10) that stores the capacity data (D8) of the grass collection container (5), the grass density data (D1) of the lawn grass (G1) in the work area (A W ), the cutting width data (D2) of the lawn mowing device (3), the cutting height data (D3) by the lawn mowing device (3), and the lawn grass (G1) pre-mowing grass height data (D7) detected by the grass height sensor (66), calculates the storage rate of the lawn grass (G2) in the grass collection container (5) from the capacity data (D8), the cutting width data (D2), the cutting height data (D3), the pre-mowing grass height data (D7), and the vehicle speed data (D6) detected by the vehicle speed sensor (65), and executes a first notification for notifying when the storage rate is a predetermined value or more.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the riding lawn mower according to the embodiment, an operator can grasp an appropriate discharge timing of the lawn grass stored in the grass collection container during the lawn mowing operation, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram (part 1) showing the overall configuration of a riding lawnmower according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing the overall configuration of a riding lawnmower according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system in a riding lawnmower according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the grass cutting operation in a riding lawnmower according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the riding lawnmower disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0011] <Overall configuration of a riding lawnmower> The overall configuration of the riding lawnmower 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the overall configuration of the riding lawnmower 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view (left side) of the riding lawnmower 1. Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the riding lawnmower 1 during grass cutting operation.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that includes the Z-axis, with the vertically upward direction (upward) being the positive direction. For the sake of explanation, in the following, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as left, the negative direction of the X-axis as right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as forward, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as backward. The X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0013] The riding lawnmower 1 is operated by the driver (also called the operator) to a predetermined work area A W (See Figure 4) The grass growing there (hereinafter referred to as "grass") is cut, and the cut grass (also called "mowing grass") is collected. In the following, the term "machine" may refer to the riding lawnmower 1 or the vehicle body 2 described later.

[0014] Furthermore, the riding lawnmower 1 may be operated manually by the driver, or it may be operated automatically by the control unit 10, which will be described later, controlling each part based on the position information of the machine acquired by the position information acquisition device 70, which will be described later.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the riding lawnmower 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, a mowing device (hereinafter referred to as a mower) 3, a mower lifting mechanism 4, and a grass collection container (hereinafter referred to as a collector) 5. The vehicle body 2 comprises a vehicle frame 21, a pair of left and right front wheels 22, and a pair of left and right rear wheels 23. The vehicle frame 21 forms the body skeleton of the vehicle body 2. The engine 61 is mounted on the vehicle frame 21. The vehicle frame 21 supports the pair of left and right front wheels 22 via a front axle case.

[0016] The prime mover 61 drives the mower blades 32 of the mower 3 by rotational power, in addition to the front wheels 22 and rear wheels 23. The prime mover 71 can be, for example, an engine (for example, a diesel engine) or an electric motor.

[0017] Furthermore, the vehicle frame 21 supports a transmission case 24 that houses a transmission, such as an HST (Hydro Static Transmission). The vehicle frame 21 also supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 23 via a chain case that extends rearward from the transmission case 24.

[0018] In the riding lawnmower 1, the rotational power of the prime mover 61 is appropriately shifted via the HST and transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 23 via the transmission mechanism housed in the transmission case 24 and chain case. Power is also extracted from the transmission case 24 and transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22.

[0019] The vehicle body 2 includes a floor step 25, a driver's seat 26, a steering column 271, a steering wheel 272, various operating levers 281, various operating pedals 282, and a safety frame 29.

[0020] The floor step 25 is located at the front of the vehicle body 2. The driver's seat 26 is the seat where the driver sits and is located at the rear of the floor step 25. The steering column 271 is located at the front of the floor step 25. In other words, the steering column 271 is located in front of the driver's seat 26. An instrument panel 62 and a monitor 63 are located on top of the steering column 271.

[0021] Monitor 63 is, for example, an LCD monitor. Monitor 63 displays various information about the riding lawnmower 1 and the work performed by the riding lawnmower 1. Monitor 63 displays, for example, the capacity of the mowed grass G2 in the collector 5, which will be described later.

[0022] Furthermore, a notification unit 64 is provided at the top of the steering column 271. As will be described later, the notification unit 64 notifies, for example, the driver or other worker, when the collection rate of grass (mowed grass) G2 in the collector 5 exceeds a predetermined value. The notification unit 64 emits, for example, a buzzer sound. The notification unit 64 may also be configured to notify by emitting light such as a lamp. Alternatively, the notification unit 64 may be configured to notify by displaying information on a monitor 63 or the like.

[0023] The steering wheel 272 is a control device for steering the aircraft and is located on top of the steering column 271.

[0024] The various operating levers 281 include a mower lifting lever, a collector lifting lever, and a dump lever, and are located on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 26. The various operating pedals 282 include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch pedal, and are located above the floor step 25 and on the left and right sides of the steering column 271.

[0025] The safety frame (also called a lops) 29 is a component that ensures the safety of the driver in the event of the aircraft tipping over, and is installed behind the driver's seat 26. The safety frame 29 is installed in an arch shape that spans the left and right sides of the aircraft when viewed from the front (or rear).

[0026] The mower 3 is located at the front of the vehicle body 2. The riding lawnmower 1 is a so-called front-mower type, with the mower 3 located at the front of the machine body. Alternatively, the riding lawnmower 1 may be a so-called mid-mower type, for example, with the mower 3 located in the center of the machine body.

[0027] More 3 is in work area A W This device cuts the grass G1 growing in the lawn and comprises a mower deck 31 and a cutting blade 32 (see Figure 2). The riding lawnmower 1 transports the grass (cut grass) G2 cut by the cutting blade to a collector 5, which will be described later, via a duct 33 and a chute 34. In this case, the riding lawnmower 1 uses a blower 35 to blow and transport the cut grass G2.

[0028] The mower lifting mechanism 4 comprises a mower lifting cylinder 41 and a lift arm 42. The mower lifting cylinder 41 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder and drives the mower 3 up and down. The lift arm 42 is provided between the mower lifting cylinder 41 and the mower deck 31. The mower lifting mechanism 4 transmits the driving force of the mower lifting cylinder 41 to the lift arm 42, thereby driving the lift arm 42. By driving the lift arm 42, the mower lifting mechanism 4 raises and lowers the mower 3 (mower deck 31).

[0029] The collector 5 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The collector 5 is a container for collecting the grass (cut grass) G2 cut by the mower 3. The collector 5 is composed of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped frame, and the front, rear, left, right, and top surfaces of the frame are made of plate members having ventilation holes. An intake opening (not shown) for the cut grass G2, which communicates with the chute 34, is formed on the front of the collector 5.

[0030] Further, the collector 5 includes a lid portion 51. The lid portion 51 is formed by integrating the rear surface and the upper surface of the collector 5. The lid portion 51 is configured to open widely the rear portion of the collector 5 away from the main body of the collector 5 in conjunction with the dump of the collector 5. The collector 5 discharges the lawn grass (mowed grass) G2 accumulated by the dump. In the riding lawn mower 1, basically, when the collector 5 is full of the mowed grass G2, the mowed grass G2 is discharged. When discharging the mowed grass G2, the riding lawn mower 1 moves to a predetermined discharge location and discharges the mowed grass G2 at the predetermined discharge location.

[0031] In addition, a full sensor (not shown) is provided in the storage space of the mowed grass G2 in the collector 5. The full sensor detects that the collector 5 is full of the mowed grass G2. The full sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor or a weight sensor. Note that when the fullness of the collector 5 is detected by the full sensor, it may be configured to give an alarm such as a buzzer sound. Further, a camera may be provided in the storage space of the mowed grass G2 in the collector 5, and the camera may be configured to monitor the storage state of the mowed grass G2. Note that it is also possible to match the virtual value of the amount of collected grass with the amount of collected grass by the camera, and perform feedback to reflect it on the virtual value.

[0032] The riding lawn mower 1 includes a vehicle speed sensor 65 (see FIG. 3) and a grass height sensor 66. The vehicle speed sensor 65 detects the traveling speed (also referred to as the vehicle speed) of the traveling vehicle body 2 (riding lawn mower 1). The vehicle speed sensor 65 detects the vehicle speed of this riding lawn mower 1 by detecting the rotation speed of the front wheel 22 or the rear wheel 23 that serves as a driving wheel.

[0033] The grass height sensor 66 is in the working area A W detects the height of the lawn grass G1 (the height of the lawn grass G1, referred to as the grass height before mowing) H G before mowing by the mower 3. The grass height sensor 66 is provided in front of the steering column 271. The grass height sensor 66 is, for example, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and measures the scattered light of the light irradiated toward a predetermined area in front of the machine body to detect the grass height H G before mowing.

[0034] The grass height sensor 66 may be provided on the upper surface of the safety frame 29. When the grass height sensor 66 is provided on the upper surface of the safety frame 29, it is preferable to attach it to the lower surface of the bracket using a bracket for attaching the position information acquisition device 70, which will be described later. If the riding lawnmower 1 is equipped with a cabin that covers the driver's seat 26, it is preferable that the grass height sensor 66 be provided on the front part of the cabin roof.

[0035] Furthermore, the riding lawnmower 1 is equipped with a control unit 10. The control unit 10 is capable of controlling each part by electronic control and includes a processing unit (not shown) having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), as well as a storage unit consisting of a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., in which various programs and necessary data are stored.

[0036] The control unit 10 performs calculations of various types of information and presents the calculated information to the operator. When presenting information to the operator, the control unit 10 does so, for example, by displaying the information on the monitor 63. The control unit 10 may be located on the machine itself, or, if the riding lawnmower 1 is operated automatically, it may be located on the input device 80 side, which will be described later.

[0037] The position information acquisition device 70 is mounted on the upper part of the vehicle body 2 and measures the current self-position P (see Figure 4) of the vehicle body 2 (i.e., the riding lawnmower 1) at predetermined intervals and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the riding lawnmower 1. The position information acquisition device 70 is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and can measure and time the self-position P of the riding lawnmower 1 by receiving radio waves from navigation satellites (artificial satellites) 90 orbiting overhead.

[0038] The position information acquisition device 70 may be provided on the upper surface of the safety frame 29. If the riding lawnmower 1 is equipped with a cabin that covers the driver's seat 26, it is preferable that the position information acquisition device 70 be provided on the front surface of the cabin roof.

[0039] The input device 80 receives input operations from the operator directed to the control unit 10. The input device is, for example, a tablet terminal that can be carried by the operator. The input device 80 has a display screen. The display screen of the input device 80 may be configured to display information displayed on the monitor 63 on the machine side. In addition, for example, the display screen of the input device 80 may display a virtual value (amount) of mowed grass G2 stored in the collector 5.

[0040] The riding lawnmower 1 cuts at a predetermined cutting height H M The mowing of turfgrass G1 (hereinafter referred to as the mowing of turfgrass G1) is performed. The mowing height H of turfgrass G1 by mower 3 is set. M This can be set by the operator. As shown in Figure 2, the riding lawnmower 1 has a predetermined cutting width (also called the working width) W M1 The mowing work for the G1 turfgrass will be carried out. The mowing width W of the G1 turfgrass. M1 This is determined by the width of the cutting blade 32 (the rotation range of the cutting blade 32).

[0041] Note that the riding lawnmower 1 operates in working area A W In this area A, the unworked area still has turfgrass G1 remaining before mowing. W1 When mowing turfgrass G1 in this area, the predetermined mowing width W M1 In contrast, area A, where the grass G1 has been mowed and the mowing work has been completed. W2 A predetermined work allowance (overlap width) W is placed on the side. M2 Work in a way that overlaps the minutes.

[0042] Furthermore, during the mowing of the grass G1, the riding lawnmower 1's own position P is measured by the position information acquisition device 70. The control unit 10 (see Figure 3), described later, acquires the working path R (see Figure 4) of the riding lawnmower 1 during the mowing of the grass G1 based on the riding lawnmower 1's own position P measured by the position information acquisition device 70.

[0043] <Control details of the control system and control unit of a riding lawnmower> Next, the control system and control contents of the control unit 100 in the riding lawnmower 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system in the riding lawnmower 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the grass cutting operation in the riding lawnmower 1 according to the embodiment.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 10 is connected to a position information acquisition device 70, an input device 80, a vehicle speed sensor 65, a grass height sensor 66, and a notification unit 64, among others.

[0045] The control unit 10 stores grass density data D1, cutting width data D2, cutting height data D3, work area data D4, discharge location data D5, vehicle speed data D6, grass height data before cutting D7, collector 5 (see Figure 1) capacity data D8, etc. Grass density data D1 is stored in work area A W (See Figure 2) This is the grass density of turfgrass G1, which can be acquired as image data from, for example, a navigation satellite (artificial satellite) 90. Cutting width data D2, cutting height data D3, work area data D4, and discharge location data D5 are input from an input device 80 such as a tablet terminal.

[0046] Note that the cutting width data D2 is the same as the cutting width W. M1 (See Figure 2) From the work fee W M2 (See Figure 2) The value obtained by subtracting is preferable. Mower 3 cutting width W M1 This can also be obtained, for example, by entering the model number of Mower 3. Furthermore, the mowing height setting for Mower 3 can be configured to allow feedback from setting changes made by lever operation during the mowing of grass G1.

[0047] Also, the disposal location P for the mowed grass G2. D (See Figure 4) One or more locations may be arbitrarily selected. Discharge location P D If there is only one location, the place where collector 5 fills up the first time is the discharge location P of the mowed grass G2. D Set as follows. The display screen of the input device 80 (see Figure 1) shows, for example, the number of times it will be full based on the virtual values ​​of the work area and the mowed grass (grass) G2.

[0048] The control unit 10 calculates the capacity of the turfgrass (cut grass) G2 in the collector 5 from the capacity data D8, cutting width data D2, cutting height data D3, vehicle speed data D6, and pre-cut grass height data D7, and acquires it as capacity data D9.

[0049] When the capacity of the turfgrass (mowed grass) G2 in the collector 5 (capacity data D9) exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 10 outputs a first notification signal S1 to the notification unit 64 and performs a first notification. In the first notification, the notification unit 64 notifies the operator or other worker that the capacity of the collector 5 is above a predetermined value.

[0050] With this configuration, by notifying the operator of the riding lawnmower 1 before the collector 5 becomes full during the mowing of turfgrass G1, the operator can understand the appropriate timing for discharging the turfgrass (mowed grass) G2 collected in the collector 5. This improves work efficiency.

[0051] Furthermore, when it is necessary to notify that the occupancy rate of collector 5 is above a predetermined value, the notification unit 64 will sound a buzzer. In this case, the sound will change depending on the occupancy rate as the occupancy rate of collector 5 approaches full capacity. For example, a continuous sound will be used when the occupancy rate is 95% or higher, short tones at 0.3-second intervals will be used when the occupancy rate is between 95% and 90%, short tones at 0.5-second intervals will be used when the occupancy rate is between 90% and 80%, short tones at 1-second intervals will be used when the occupancy rate is between 80% and 60%, and no buzzer sound will be used when the occupancy rate is less than 60%.

[0052] Furthermore, when it is necessary to notify that the occupancy rate of collector 5 is above a predetermined value, the notification unit 64 may be used to sound a buzzer, or it may be configured to display a pop-up on the display screen of the input device 80, for example. In this case, the color may change depending on the occupancy rate, for example, red for an occupancy rate of 90% or more, yellow for an occupancy rate of 60-90%, and blue for an occupancy rate of less than 60%.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 10 determines that the capacity of the collector 5 (capacity data D9) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and that the mowed grass G2 is discharged at location P. D If the grass (mower) G2 is located in front of the vehicle body 2 (i.e., the riding lawnmower 1), a second notification signal S2 is output to the notification unit 64 to perform a second notification. In the second notification, the notification unit 64 notifies the operator or other worker to discharge the grass (mowered grass) G2.

[0054] For example, discharge location P D If you try to discharge the cut grass G2 when you are far away from it, you will have to turn back from your current working position (your own position P), which will reduce work efficiency. However, with this configuration, as shown in Figure 4, the discharge location P D By promoting the discharge of cut grass G2 when moving towards the target area, the work can be performed more efficiently. This improves work efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 10 acquires the work path R (see Figure 4) of the riding lawnmower 1 during the mowing of the grass G1 as work path data D10. The work path data D10 is located in the work area A W This data shows the route taken by the vehicle body 2 (riding lawnmower 1) as it repeatedly travels in a straight line and turns while performing back-and-forth operations. Such a work route R (work route data D10) can be set in advance by the operator. The control unit 10 may also acquire the position information (self-position P) of the riding lawnmower 1 (riding vehicle body 2) using the position information acquisition device 70 (see Figure 1) and calculate the work route R based on the self-position P of the riding lawnmower 1.

[0056] The control unit 10 calculates the increase in the capacity of the collector 5 per unit distance traveled by the vehicle body 2 (riding lawnmower 1). The control unit 10 determines the discharge location P D If the collector 5 is expected to become full on the next straight path in the work path R when the vehicle body 2 (riding lawnmower 1) is in front of it, a second notification signal S2 is output to the notification unit 64 to perform a second notification.

[0057] With this configuration, discharge location P D If you are heading towards, discharge location P D By encouraging the discharge of grass clippings (G2) before moving away from the target area, the work can be performed more efficiently. This improves work efficiency.

[0058] The control unit 10 can predict when the collector 5 will be full based on the amount of grass G1 cut (amount of cut grass G2). The amount of grass to be cut can be calculated, for example, using the following formula: "Amount of grass to be cut = (Value of grass height data D7 - Value of cutting height data D3) × Value of cutting width data D2 × Value of work path data D10 (distance traveled) × Value of grass density data D1".

[0059] The control unit 10 calculates the amount of uncollected mowed grass G2 from the difference calculated between the visible height of the grass G1 and the mowing height by the mower 3, and the collection rate of the mowed grass G2 in the collector 5.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 10 calculates the amount of grass G1 that the mower 3 has missed using the grass height sensor 66, and displays on the input device 80's display screen on a map whether or not further work is required. The control unit 10 also color-codes the areas that require further work on the map display on the input device 80's display screen.

[0061] Furthermore, a hygrometer is provided in the space where the mowed grass G2 is stored in the collector 5. If the collector 5 is storing turfgrass (mowed grass) G2 with high humidity, such as morning dew, the control unit 10 will promptly display a pop-up message on the display screen of the input device 80 indicating that the mowed grass G2 should be discharged.

[0062] Furthermore, after the mowing of the grass G1 is completed, the control unit 10 will move to the work area A W Working conditions (grass height before mowing H G Cutting width W M1 Cutting height H M The number of discharges, working time, etc., are recorded, for example, in an input device 80, so that they can be used in the next operation.

[0063] The above-described embodiment realizes the following riding lawnmower 1.

[0064] (1) Designated work area A W A vehicle body 2 capable of traveling, a lawn mowing device 3 mounted on the vehicle body 2 for cutting grass G1, a grass collection container 5 mounted on the vehicle body 2 for collecting the grass G2 cut by the lawn mowing device 3, a vehicle speed sensor 65 for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle body 2, and a work area A W The grass height H of the turfgrass G1 to be mowed by the lawn mowing device 3. G A grass height sensor 66 detects the grass height, and the capacity data D8 of the grass collection container 5, and the work area A W A riding lawnmower 1 includes a control unit 10 that stores grass density data D1 of turfgrass G1, cutting width data D2 of the mowing device 3, cutting height data D3 of the mowing device 3, and pre-mowing grass height data D7 of turfgrass G1 detected by a grass height sensor 66, calculates the capacity of the turfgrass G2 in the grass collection container 5 from capacity data D8, cutting width data D2, cutting height data D3, pre-mowing grass height data D7, and vehicle speed data D6 detected by a vehicle speed sensor 65, and performs a first notification if the capacity is above a predetermined value.

[0065] With this type of riding lawnmower 1, by providing a notification before the grass collection container 5 becomes full during the grass cutting operation G1, operators such as the driver of the riding lawnmower 1 can understand the appropriate timing for discharging the grass (cut grass) G2 collected in the grass collection container 5. This improves work efficiency.

[0066] (2) In (1) above, the control unit 10 will determine the predetermined discharge location P of the turf grass G2. DThe system stores the data, and if the occupancy rate is above a predetermined value, and the discharge location P D If the grass G2 is located in front of the vehicle body 2, the riding lawnmower 1 will perform a second notification to encourage the discharge of the grass G2.

[0067] For example, discharge location P D If you try to discharge the mowed grass G2 when you are far away from the discharge point P, you will have to turn back from your current working position (your own position P), which will reduce work efficiency. However, with this type of riding lawnmower 1, the discharge point P D By promoting the discharge of grass clippings (G2) when moving towards the target area, the work can be performed more efficiently. This improves work efficiency.

[0068] (3) In (2) above, the control unit 10 controls the work area A W In this system, a work path R can be pre-set in which the vehicle 2 travels back and forth by repeatedly moving straight and turning, and the increase in capacity per unit distance traveled by the vehicle 2 is calculated, and the discharge location P D If the grass collection container 5 is expected to be full on the next straight path in the work path R when the vehicle body 2 is in front of it, the riding lawnmower 1 will perform a second notification.

[0069] According to this type of riding lawnmower 1, the discharge location P D If you are heading towards, discharge location P D By encouraging the discharge of grass clippings (G2) before moving away from the target area, the work can be performed more efficiently. This improves work efficiency.

[0070] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Riding lawnmower 2. Running vehicle 3. Lawn mowing device (mower) 5. Grass collection container (collector) 10 Control Unit 65. Vehicle speed sensor 66 Grass height sensor A W work area D1 Grass Density Data D2 Cutting width data D3 Cutting Height Data D6 Vehicle Speed ​​Data D7 Pre-mowing grass height data D8 Capacity Data G1 Turfgrass G2 Lawn grass (cut grass) H G Grass height before cutting P D Disposal location R Work Path

Claims

1. A vehicle body capable of traveling within a designated work area, A lawn mowing device for cutting grass is provided on the vehicle body, A grass collection container is provided on the vehicle body and collects the grass cut by the lawnmower, A vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed of the aforementioned moving vehicle, A grass height sensor detects the height of the grass before it is cut by the lawn mowing device in the aforementioned work area, A control unit stores the capacity data of the grass collection container, the grass density data of the turfgrass in the work area, the cutting width data of the lawnmower, the cutting height data of the lawnmower, and the pre-mowing grass height data of the turfgrass detected by the grass height sensor, calculates the turfgrass capacity of the grass collection container from the capacity data, the cutting width data, the cutting height data, the pre-mowing grass height data, and the vehicle speed data detected by the vehicle speed sensor, and performs a first notification if the capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Equipped with A riding lawnmower characterized by the following.

2. The control unit, The system memorizes the pre-designated locations for disposing of grass clippings. If the occupancy rate is above a predetermined value and the discharge location is located in front of the vehicle, a second notification is issued to encourage the discharge of turfgrass. The riding lawnmower according to feature 1.

3. The control unit, Within the aforementioned work area, a work path can be pre-set in which the vehicle body travels back and forth by repeatedly moving straight and turning. The increase in the capacity per unit distance traveled by the aforementioned vehicle body is calculated, If the discharge location is located in front of the vehicle, and it is expected that the grass collection container will be full on the next straight section of the work route, the second notification will be executed. The riding lawnmower according to feature 2.

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