JP7370932B2 - grass mower - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a walking type mower.

Conventionally, a lawn mower disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been known.
The lawn mower disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rotary blade for cutting grass, a housing (base frame, movable frame) that covers the rotary blade, and a handle for operating the mower.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-183170

The lawn mower disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a fixed adjustment part that can adjust the angle and direction of the handle, but how exactly can it be adjusted (in what direction can the handle be adjusted? ) is not certain. Further, in the grass mower disclosed in Patent Document 1, the length of the handle cannot be adjusted. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve excellent operability in accordance with the physique of the operator and the operating conditions of the mower.

In view of such prior art, the present invention provides a lawn mower that can realize excellent operability depending on the physique of the operator, the operating conditions of the mower, and the like.

A mower according to one aspect of the present invention includes a mowing section having a rotating cutting blade, a body having a housing that covers an upper part of the mowing section, a handle support section extending upward from the machine body, and a handle support section extending upward from the machine body. a steering handle supported on an upper part; a telescoping mechanism that allows the handle support to extend and contract; and a rotation mechanism that allows the handle to rotate about a first axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support. a movement mechanism, the telescoping mechanism has a cylindrical portion and a strut, and is capable of expanding and contracting the handle support portion by changing the protrusion length of the strut from the cylindrical portion. , an upward movement regulating part that regulates the amount of upward movement of the support column with respect to the cylinder part; a first hole is formed in the cylinder part; and a second hole is formed in the support pillar. The upward movement regulating portion includes a locking member having a claw-like portion, and a spring that biases the claw-like portion toward the outer surface of the support column, and the claw-like portion 1 hole, and when the support column is not at the upper limit position, the first hole and the second hole do not overlap, and the tip of the claw-like part is inserted into the support column by the biasing force of the spring. When pressed against the outer surface and the support is at the upper limit position, the first hole and the second hole overlap, and the tip of the claw-like portion passes through the first hole due to the biasing force of the spring. It is locked in the second hole .
Further, the upward movement regulating portion includes a fulcrum shaft, the locking member pivotally supported by the fulcrum shaft, and the spring, and the locking member has the claw-like portion on one end side. , having a spring receiving part on the other end side, the spring being interposed between the spring receiving part and the outer surface of the cylindrical part, and biasing the spring receiving part in a direction away from the outer surface of the cylindrical part. are doing.

The handle includes a base supported by the handle support, a rear extension extending rearward from the base, and a grip provided at a rear end of the rear extension and gripped by an operator. An operating section is disposed near the grip section to perform an operation for switching the rotation mechanism between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state of the handle.
Further, the rotation mechanism connects a support base provided at an upper part of the handle support part, a lower part of the handle, and the support base, and is rotatable about the first axis on the support base. a connecting portion, and a movable member movable between a first position that allows rotation of the connecting portion with respect to the support base and a second position that prevents rotation, and the movable member is configured to move when the operation is performed. It moves to the first position and the second position by operating the part.

Further, the support base has a plurality of first through holes arranged in an arc shape or an annular shape with the first axis as the center, and the connecting portion has a plurality of first through holes arranged around the first axis of the connecting portion. The movable member has a second through hole that selectively overlaps any one of the plurality of first through holes by rotation, and when the movable member is in the first position, the movable member leaves the first through hole and When in the second position, it is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole.

Further, the operating section includes a swingable lever, and the lever and the movable member are connected by a cable, and the cable is moved by the swinging operation of the lever to move the movable member to the 1 position and the second position.
The cutting blade includes a first cutting blade that rotates around a first vertical axis and a second cutting blade that rotates around a second vertical axis, and the housing extends at least above the first cutting blade. The first housing includes a first housing that covers the second cutting blade, and a second housing that covers at least an upper part of the second cutting blade, the first housing and the second housing are connected via a hinge, and the first housing includes , a prime mover is mounted and the handle is attached, and the handle is rotatable toward the second housing.

Further, the rotation mechanism allows the handle to be rotated to a position overlapping the body.
Further, a tilting mechanism is provided that allows the handle to be tilted about a second axis extending in the width direction of the machine body with respect to the handle support portion, and the tilting mechanism is capable of tilting the handle to a position overlapping the handle above the machine body. shall be.

According to the above mower, the handle support portion that supports the handle can be expanded and contracted, and the handle can be rotated about an axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support portion. Therefore, excellent operability can be ensured depending on the physique of the operator, the operating conditions of the mower, etc.

It is a top view of the lawn mower provided with the tilting mechanism of a first embodiment. It is a side view of a lawn mower equipped with a tilting mechanism of a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a first power transmission mechanism and a second power transmission mechanism. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second housing. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the second housing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the frame of the second housing, the second front wheel, and the like. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the frame of the second housing, the second front wheel, and the like. It is a figure which shows the attachment part to which a gear case is attached, Comprising: (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. It is a side view which shows a 2nd housing, a 2nd front wheel, a gear case, a 2nd mowing part, etc. It is a figure showing the state where the 2nd housing is rocked with respect to the 1st housing. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a second housing, a second front wheel, a connecting member, and the like. It is a top view which shows the rotation orbit of a 1st cutting blade and a 2nd cutting blade. It is a longitudinal side view showing a transmission and a first mowing section. It is a longitudinal side view showing a 1st mowing part. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drive mechanism. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a transmission, a cutting blade clutch, a first transmission case (mission case), and a support member. It is a top view which shows a transmission, a cutting blade clutch, a 1st transmission case (mission case), and a support member. It is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a tilting mechanism. It is a top view which shows the first embodiment of a tilting mechanism and a rotation mechanism. It is a figure which shows a chrysanthemum seat which is an example of a 1st engaging part and a 2nd engaging part, Comprising: (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. (a) is a side view showing a state in which the second engaging part is in an engaged position, and (b) is a side view showing a state in which the second engaging part is in a non-engaging position. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the first operating portion is in a non-pressed position. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the handle is tilted to a position where it overlaps with the upper part of the aircraft body. It is a top view which shows the mower equipped with the tilting mechanism of 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a mower equipped with a tilting mechanism according to a second embodiment. It is a side view which shows the tilting mechanism of 2nd embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure where the locking part is in the clamping state which clamps the outer peripheral surface of a to-be-latched part. It is a top view showing the tilting mechanism of a second embodiment. It is a side view which shows the tilting mechanism of 2nd embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure in the non-clamping state in which the locking part does not clamp the outer peripheral surface of the locked part. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how the handle is tilted with respect to the handle support part. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing main parts of a tilting mechanism according to a second embodiment. (a) shows a state in which the movable member is in the first position, and (b) shows a state in which the movable member is in the second position. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a range of motion when operating the first operating section and a range of motion when operating the second operating section. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the handle is rotated to the left with respect to the handle support portion. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the handle is rotated to the right with respect to the handle support portion. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the handle is rotated toward the second housing. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the handle has been rotated to a position overlapping the body. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the expansion and contraction mechanism. It is a perspective view showing an expansion mechanism. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the expansion and contraction mechanism. (a) shows a state in which the telescoping mechanism is not activated, and (b) shows a state in which the telescoping mechanism is activated. (a) shows a state where the support is at the lower limit position, and (b) shows a state where the support is at the upper limit position. It is a figure which shows the upward movement restriction part of an expansion-contraction mechanism. (a) shows a state where the support is at the lower limit position, and (b) shows a state where the support is at the upper limit position. It is a side view which shows an adjustment lever, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the movement of an adjustment lever.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.
1 and 2 are diagrams showing the overall configuration of a mower 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
First, an overview of the overall structure of the mower 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The mower 1 includes a body 2, a mowing section 3, wheels 4, a handle 5, and a drive mechanism 6.
Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the front side of the worker holding the handle 5 (in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 2) is forward, and the back side of the worker (in the direction of arrow B in FIGS. 1 and 2) is backward. The right side of the worker (in the direction of arrow C in FIGS. 1 and 3) will be referred to as the right side, and the left side of the worker (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 1) will be referred to as the left side. Further, the horizontal direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X (see FIGS. 1 and 2), will be described as the body width direction Y (see FIG. 1). Further, the direction from the center of the fuselage 2 toward the right or left part is referred to as the outer direction of the fuselage. In other words, the outer side of the fuselage is the width direction of the fuselage, and is the direction away from the center of the fuselage 2. In addition, the direction opposite to the outside of the fuselage is called the inside of the fuselage. In other words, the inside of the fuselage is the width direction of the fuselage, and the direction approaching the center of the fuselage 2.

First, the overall configuration of the mower 1 will be explained.
The body 2 has a housing 7 and a hinge 8. The housing 7 includes a first housing 7A and a second housing 7B. The first housing 7A is arranged on one side (right side) in the width direction of the body. The second housing 7B is arranged on the other side (left side) in the width direction of the body. The hinge 8 extends in the front-rear direction X and connects the first housing 7A and the second housing 7B that are arranged in the width direction of the machine body. The second housing 7B is swingable about the central axis C1 of the hinge 8 (hinge axis) with respect to the first housing 7A (see FIG. 10).

The mowing section 3 includes a first mowing section 3A and a second mowing section 3B. The first mowing section 3A is arranged on one side (right side) in the width direction of the machine body. The second mowing section 3B is arranged on the other side in the width direction of the machine body. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first mowing section 3A has a first cutting blade 33 that rotates around a vertical axis (hereinafter referred to as a first vertical axis 31) that extends in the vertical direction. The second mowing section 3B has a second cutting blade 38 that rotates around a vertical axis (hereinafter referred to as a second vertical axis 36) that extends in the vertical direction. The first mowing section 3A is covered by the first housing 7A. The second mowing section 3B is covered by the second housing 7B.

The wheels 4 include a front wheel 4F and a rear wheel 4R. The front wheels 4F and the rear wheels 4R support the body 2 so that it can run. The front wheels 4F include a first front wheel 4F1 and a second front wheel 4F2. The first front wheel 4F1 is arranged in front of the first mowing section 3A. The second front wheel 4F2 is arranged in front of the second mowing section 3B. The rear wheel 4R is arranged behind the first mowing section 3A. The front wheels 4F are not driving wheels, but are driven wheels that rotate as the mower 1 runs, which is realized by the rotation of the rear wheels 4R. The rear wheel 4R is a drive wheel that rotates by receiving power from a prime mover 10, which will be described later.

The handle 5 is a steering handle for an operator to grip when operating the mower 1. The handle 5 extends toward the rear of the first housing 7A.
The drive mechanism 6 is a mechanism for driving the rear wheels 4R and the mowing section 3. The drive mechanism 6 includes a prime mover 10 as a drive source, and a power transmission mechanism 60 (see FIG. 15) that transmits rotational power output from the prime mover 10 to the rear wheels 4R and the mowing section 3.

Hereinafter, the components of the mower 1 will be explained in detail.
First, the housing 7 (first housing 7A, second housing 7B) and hinge 8 that constitute the fuselage 2 will be explained.
The first housing 7A covers the periphery and upper part of the first mowing section 3A. Specifically, the first housing 7A covers a part of the periphery (right side and rear side) and an upper part of the first mowing section 3A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing 7A includes an upper plate portion 71a, a rear plate portion 71b, a front plate portion 71c, and a side plate portion 71d. The upper plate part 71a, the rear plate part 71b, the front plate part 71c, and the side plate part 71d are integrally made of a rigid material such as metal.
The upper plate part 71a has one surface (front surface) facing upward and the other surface (back surface) facing downward, and covers the upper part of the first mowing part 3A. The rear plate portion 71b extends downward from the rear end of the upper plate portion 71a. The rear plate part 71b is inclined so as to move rearward as it extends downward from the upper plate part 71a. The rear plate part 71b is arranged at the rear of the first mowing part 3A. The front plate part 71c extends upward and forward (diagonally upward and forward) from the front end of the upper plate part 71a, and is located in front of the first mowing part 3A. The side plate portion 71d extends downward from the right end portion of the upper plate portion 71a.

The second housing 7B covers the periphery and upper part of the second mowing section 3B. Specifically, the second housing 7B covers a part of the periphery (left side and rear side) and the upper part of the second mowing section 3B. The left rear portion of the second housing 7B is formed into an arc shape when viewed from above.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second housing 7B includes a frame 20 and a cover plate 21. As shown in FIGS. The frame 20 constitutes the framework of the second housing 7B. The cover plate 21 is removably attached to the frame 20A using fasteners (bolts B1 and nuts).

In the case of this embodiment, of the first housing 7A and the second housing 7B, only the second housing 7B is composed of a frame 20 and a cover plate 21, and the first housing 7A is made of a rigid material such as metal. Although it is constructed as a single piece, the first housing 7A may also be constructed from a frame 20 and a cover plate 21 in the same manner as the second housing 7B.
The frame 20 is made of a rigid material such as metal (eg, aluminum). The frame 20 includes a frame-like frame 20A and a connecting frame 20B.

The frame-like frame 20A is composed of a hollow metal pipe (square tube). The frame-like frame 20A is arranged above the second mowing section 3B. The second mowing section 3B is arranged inside the frame 20A in plan view. The frame-like frame 20A is constructed by integrating a first frame member 20A1, a second frame member 20A2, and a third frame member 20A3 by welding or the like. The first frame member 20A1 extends in the width direction of the machine body and constitutes the front portion of the frame-like frame 20A. The second frame member 20A2 is connected to the right end portion of the first frame member 20A1, extends rearward, and constitutes the right portion of the frame-like frame 20A. The third frame member 20A3 connects the left end of the first frame member 20A1 and the rear end of the second frame member 20A2. The third frame member 20A3 is curved in a substantially arc shape when viewed from above.

A first hole 20a is formed in the first frame material 20A1, passing through the first frame material 20A1 in the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first frame material 20A1 is formed with an eighth hole 20h that penetrates the first frame material 20A1 in the front-rear direction.
A second hole 20b is formed in the second frame material 20A2, passing through the second frame material 20A2 in the vertical direction. A third hole 20c is formed in the third frame material 20A3, passing through the third frame material 20A3 in the vertical direction.

The connection frame 20B is composed of a metal plate. The plate has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and both opposing long sides are bent downward. The connection frame 20B extends in the width direction of the machine body and connects the second frame member 20A2 and the third frame member 20A3 of the frame-shaped frame 20A. A fourth hole 20d, a fifth hole 20e, a sixth hole 20f, and a seventh hole 20g are formed in the connection frame 20B. The fourth hole 20d is a substantially circular hole formed substantially at the center of the connection frame 20B. The fifth hole 20e is a bolt insertion hole formed near the outside of the fourth hole 20d. The sixth hole 20f and the seventh hole 20g are bolt insertion holes formed in the right rear part of the connection frame 20B.

The frame 20 has a mounting portion 22 to which a gear case 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) is mounted. The gear case 30 accommodates gears (a third bevel gear 110 and a fourth bevel gear 111 to be described later) that constitute a part of the power transmission mechanism 60 and rotate together with the second vertical shaft 36 that serves as the rotation axis of the second cutting blade 38. It is a case. Gear case 30 has a bolt insertion hole 30a extending in the vertical direction.

The attachment portion 22 is arranged inside the frame-like frame 20A. The connecting frame 20B connects the mounting portion 22 and the frame-like frame 20A. As shown in FIG. 8, the attachment part 22 has a first flat plate part 22a, a cylindrical part 22b, and a second flat plate part 22c. The first flat plate portion 22a has an annular shape and is fixed to the upper surface of the connecting frame 20B by welding or the like. The cylindrical portion 22b extends upward from the upper surface of the first flat plate portion 22a. The second flat plate part 22c is fixed inside the cylindrical part 22b, and is arranged parallel to the first flat plate part 22a. The second flat plate portion 22c is formed with a circular hole 22d and a notch 22e cut out from the inner edge of the circular hole 22d outward (in a direction away from the center of the circular hole 22d). The circular hole 22d overlaps the fourth hole 20d of the connection frame 20B. The notch 22e overlaps with the fifth hole 20e of the connection frame 20B and the bolt insertion hole 30a of the gear case 30. The gear case 30 is attached to the attachment section 22 by inserting a bolt into the overlapping portion of the bolt insertion hole 30a of the gear case 30 and the notch 22e of the attachment section 22 and screwing a nut onto the bolt.

The second vertical shaft 36 is inserted through the circular hole 22d and the cylindrical portion 22b of the attachment portion 22 and the fourth hole 20d of the connection frame 20B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the second vertical shaft 36 is arranged to vertically pass through the attachment portion 22 and the connection frame 20B.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover plate 21 has a top plate 21A, a side plate 21B, and a front plate 21C.

The top plate 21A is attached to the upper part of the frame-like frame 20A, and covers the upper part of the second mowing section 3B. The side plate 21B is attached around the frame-like frame 20A and covers the periphery of the second mowing section 3B. Specifically, the side plate 21B is attached to a part of the periphery (the left part and the rear part) of the frame-like frame 20A, and covers a part of the periphery (the left part and the rear part) of the second mowing section 3B. The front plate 21C is located in front of the second mowing section 3B.

One surface (front surface) of the top plate 21A faces upward, and the other surface (back surface) faces downward. The top plate 21A has an outer shape along the outer edge of the frame 20A. The top plate 21A has a first bolt insertion hole 21A1, a second bolt insertion hole 21A2, a third bolt insertion hole 21A3, a fourth bolt insertion hole 21A4, a fifth bolt insertion hole 21A5, and a center hole 21A6.
The first bolt insertion hole 21A1 is overlapped with the first hole 20a of the first frame member 20A1. The second bolt insertion hole 21A2 is overlapped with the second hole 20b of the second frame member 20A2. The third bolt insertion hole 21A3 is overlapped with the third hole 20c of the third frame member 20A3. The bolt B1 (see FIG. 4) is inserted into the first bolt insertion hole 21A1 and the first hole 20a, the second bolt insertion hole 21A2 and the second hole 20b, and the third bolt insertion hole 21A3 and the third hole 20c. By screwing a nut onto B1, the top plate 21A is removably attached to the frame 20A.

The fourth bolt insertion hole 21A4 and the fifth bolt insertion hole 21A5 are holes used for attaching a connecting member 23, which will be described later, and how to attach them will be explained later.
The central hole 21A6 is arranged to overlap the fourth hole 20d of the connection frame 20B and the circular hole 22d of the attachment part 22.
Although the top plate 21A may be formed from metal, it is preferably formed from a material lighter than metal, such as resin or rubber. As the resin, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, acrylic resin, etc. can be used. For example, by forming the top plate 21A from a transparent resin, the lower part of the housing 7 can be visually recognized from above.

The side plate 21B is formed from a rigid material such as metal (for example, steel). The side plate 21B is attached to the third frame member 20A3 of the frame-like frame 20A. The side plate 21B is curved in plan view along the third frame member 20A3. The side plate 21B has a first side portion 21B1 that is stacked on top of the third frame member 20A3, and a second side portion 21B2 that extends downward from the first side portion 21B1. A recess 21d is formed in the first side portion 21B1 at a position corresponding to the third hole 20c of the third frame member 20A3. The side plate 21B is removably attached to the third frame member 20A3 of the frame-like frame 20A by overlapping the recess 21d and the third hole 20c, inserting a bolt into the overlapping part, and screwing a nut onto the bolt. It will be done.

The front plate 21C is attached to the second frame member 20A2 of the frame-like frame 20A. The front plate 21C has a first front section 21C1 that is stacked on the top of the second frame member 20A2, and a second front section 21C2 that extends diagonally upward and forward from the first front section 21C1. A through hole 21e is formed in the first front portion 21C1 at a position corresponding to the first hole 20a of the first frame member 20A1. By overlapping the through hole 21e and the first hole 20a, inserting a bolt B1 into the overlapping part and screwing a nut onto the bolt B1, the front plate 21C is attached to the first frame material 20A1 of the frame-like frame 20A. Attached removably. Further, the front plate 21C has a lever insertion hole 21f into which a lever 17, which will be described later, is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 1, a front guard 75 is attached to the second housing 7B. The front guard 75 is arranged in front of the second housing 7B. The front guard 75 is attached to the first frame member 20A1 of the frame-like frame 20A. The front guard 75 is formed by bending a rod-shaped body made of a rigid material such as metal.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge 8 extends in the front-rear direction between the first housing 7A and the second housing 7B. The hinge 8 connects the left end of the first housing 7A and the right end of the second housing 7B. As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge 8 has a first cylindrical portion 8a, a second cylindrical portion 8b, and a shaft portion that penetrates the first cylindrical portion 8a and the second cylindrical portion 8b. The first cylindrical portions 8a and the second cylindrical portions 8b are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction. The first cylindrical portion 8a is fixed to the first housing 7A. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second cylindrical portion 8b is fixed to the second frame member 20A2 of the second housing 7B.

In the fuselage 2, the first housing 7A and the second housing 7B are connected by the hinge 8, so that the axis of the shaft of the hinge 8 (hinge axis) is the second housing 7B relative to the first housing 7A. It can be swung around C1 (see FIG. 1). Thereby, the angle of the second housing 7B with respect to the first housing 7A can be changed (adjusted). The operation of swinging the second housing 7B relative to the first housing 7A can be performed by moving the first cable 190 using an adjustment lever 150, which will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a connection member 23 to which the first cable 190 is connected is detachably attached to the frame 20. A top plate 21A is interposed between the frame 20 and the connection member 23.
The connecting member 23 has a vertical plate part 23a, a first lower plate part 23b, a second lower plate part 23c, a third lower plate part 23d, and an upper plate part 23e. The vertical plate portion 23a is disposed with one surface facing forward and the other surface facing rearward, and extends in the width direction of the aircraft body.

The first lower plate portion 23b is bent rearward from the lower right portion of the vertical plate portion 23a. The first lower plate portion 23b is attached to the second frame member 20A2. A first through hole 23f is formed in the first lower plate portion 23b. The first through hole 23f is overlapped with the second hole 20b of the second frame material 20A2 and the fourth bolt insertion hole 21A4 of the top plate 21A, and the bolt B2 (see FIG. 4) is inserted into the overlapping hole. By screwing the nuts together, the first lower plate portion 23b is attached to the second frame member 20A2 via (sandwiching) the top plate 21A.

The second lower plate portion 23c is bent rearward from the lower left portion of the vertical plate portion 23a. The second lower plate portion 23c is attached to the connection frame 20B. A second through hole 23g is formed in the second lower plate portion 23c. By overlapping the second through hole 23g with the sixth hole 20f of the connecting frame 20B and the fourth bolt insertion hole 21A4 of the top plate 21A, inserting the bolt B2 into the overlapping hole and screwing the nut onto the bolt B2. , the second lower plate portion 23c is attached to the connection frame 20B via (sandwiching) the top plate 21A.

The third lower plate part 23d is bent forward from the lower part of the vertical plate part 23a between the first lower plate part 23b and the second lower plate part 23c. The third lower plate portion 23d is attached to the connection frame 20B. A third through hole 23h is formed in the third lower plate portion 23d. By overlapping the third through hole 23h with the seventh hole 20g of the connecting frame 20B and the fifth bolt insertion hole 21A5 of the top plate 21A, inserting the bolt B2 into the overlapping hole and screwing the nut onto the bolt B2. , the third lower plate portion 23d is attached to the connection frame 20B via (sandwiching) the top plate 21A.

The upper plate part 23e is bent rearward from the upper part of the vertical plate part 23a, and then further bent downward. A hole 23i (see FIG. 10) to which the first cable 190 is connected is formed in the upper plate portion 23e. Details of the first cable 190 will be described later.
As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, a second front wheel 4F2 is detachably attached to the frame 20. The second front wheel 4F2 has a front wheel main body 41 and a protrusion 42. The front wheel body 41 and the protrusion 42 are integrally formed of a rigid material such as metal. The front wheel main body 41 has a disk portion 41a and a peripheral plate portion 41b. A rotating shaft 41c extending in the width direction of the machine body is fixed to the center of the disc portion 41a. The peripheral plate portion 41b extends in a cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the disk portion 41a toward the other side (left side) in the body width direction. The circumferential plate portion 41b is a portion that mainly contacts the ground when the first front wheel 4F1 rotates. The protruding portion 42 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the circumferential plate portion 41b in the radially outward direction of the front wheel main body 41 (in the direction away from the rotating shaft 41c). A plurality of protrusions 42 are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction of the front wheel main body 41. The protrusion 42 exhibits an anti-slip function by biting into the ground when the second front wheel 4F2 rotates.

The second front wheel 4F2 is supported by a support mechanism 13. The support mechanism 13 includes a front wheel support member 15, a front wheel support arm 16, a lever 17, and a positioning plate 24. The support mechanism 13 is detachably attached to the frame 20.
The front wheel support member 15 is attached to the front part of the first frame member 20A1 of the frame 20. A mounting hole 15a is formed in the front wheel support member 15. The front wheel support member 15 is attached to the first frame by overlapping the mounting hole 15a and the eighth hole 20h of the first frame material 20A1, inserting the bolt 25 into the overlapping hole, and screwing the nut 26 onto the bolt 25. It is attached to the material 20A1. The front wheel support member 15 extends forward while being fixed to the first frame member 20A1. A front wheel support arm 16 is attached to the front part of the front wheel support member 15.

The front wheel support arm 16 includes a right arm 16a, a left arm 16b, and a connecting portion 16c. The right arm 16a is provided to the right of the first front wheel 4F1. The left arm 16b is provided to the left of the first front wheel 4F1. The connecting portion 16c connects the rear part of the right arm 16a and the rear part of the left arm 16b.
The rear part of the front wheel support arm 16 is pivotally supported by the front part of the front wheel support member 15 via a shaft body 18. A rotating shaft 41c is rotatably supported at the front of the front wheel support arm 16. One end of the lever 17 is fixed to the rear part of the front wheel support arm 16. Thereby, the lever 17 and the front wheel support arm 16 can swing integrally about the shaft body 18 as a fulcrum. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, the height of the second front wheel 4F2 can be changed by swinging the lever 17 using the shaft body 18 as a fulcrum.

The lever 17 extends upward and rearward from the rear part of the front wheel support arm 16. As shown in FIG. 9, the lever 17 passes through the lever insertion hole 21f of the front plate 21C and projects above the top plate 21A. The positioning plate 24 is a plate for fixing the swinging position of the lever 17. A plurality of pin insertion holes 24a are formed in the positioning plate 24. The plurality of pin insertion holes 24a are arranged in an arc shape centered on the shaft body 18. By inserting a pin 27 protruding from the lever 17 into any one of the plurality of pin insertion holes 24a, the swinging position of the lever 17 can be fixed.

The first front wheel 4F1 is attached to the front part of the first housing 7A. The first front wheel 4F1 is supported by the same support mechanism as the second front wheel 4F2, and its height can be changed like the second front wheel 4F2.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rear wheels 4R are arranged behind the first mowing section 3A (behind the first cutting blade 33). Further, the rear wheel 4R is arranged at the rear of the first housing 7A. The size (outer diameter and width) of the rear wheel 4R is larger than the size (outer diameter and width) of the front wheel 4F.

Next, the first mowing section 3A and the second mowing section 3B that constitute the mowing section 3 will be explained.
First, the first mowing section 3A will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 12, and 13, the first grass cutting section 3A includes a first vertical shaft 31, a first support 32, a first cutting blade 33, and a first grass curl prevention body 34. ,have.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first vertical shaft 31 rotates around an axis extending in the vertical direction. A cylindrical boss 35 is attached to the lower part of the first vertical shaft 31. The first support body 32 is attached to the lower part of the first vertical shaft 31 below the boss 35 . As shown in FIG. 12, the first support body 32 is a substantially rectangular plate in a plan view, the center portion of which is attached to the first vertical shaft 31, and the first support body 32 in the radially outward direction (axial direction) of the first vertical shaft 31. (direction away from the heart).

As shown in FIG. 13, the first support body 32 has a center hole 32a, a tip hole 32b, and an intermediate hole 32c. The center hole 32a is provided at the center of the first support body 32. The tip holes 32b are provided at one end and the other end of the first support body 32, respectively. The intermediate hole 32c is provided between the center hole 32a and the tip hole 32b.
A male thread is formed at the lower end of the first vertical shaft 31 . The male thread of the first vertical shaft 31 passes through the center hole 32a of the first support body 32, and a nut N1 is screwed into this penetrating portion. Thereby, the first support body 32 is sandwiched and fixed between the nut N1 and the boss 35.

As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, a first cutting blade 33 is attached to the first support body 32. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the first cutting blade 33 is attached to one end side and the other end side of the first support body 32, respectively. The first cutting blade 33 has a first upper blade 33U arranged above the first support 32 and a first lower blade 33D arranged below the first support 32. More specifically, the first cutting blade 33 on one end side of the first support body 32 and the first cutting blade 33 on the other end side each have a first upper blade 33U and a first lower blade 33D. . That is, the first cutting blade 33 includes two first upper blades 33U and two first lower blades 33D. The first upper blade 33U and the first lower blade 33D have the same shape and are vertically symmetrically arranged with the first support body 32 in between.

The first cutting blade 33 (first upper blade 33U and first lower blade 33D) has a base end portion 33a, a first extending portion 33b, and a second extending portion 33c. The base end portion 33a is attached to the first support body 32. The first extending portion 33b extends in a direction away from the base end portion 33a (radially outward direction of the first vertical axis 31). The first extending portion 33b is inclined upwardly or downwardly with respect to the base end portion 33a. Specifically, the first extending portion 33b of the first upper blade 33U is inclined so as to move upward as it moves away from the base end portion 33a. The first extending portion 33b of the first lower blade 33D is inclined so as to move downward as it moves away from the base end portion 33a. The second extending portion 33c extends from the extending end of the first extending portion 33b in a direction away from the base end portion 33a and in a direction parallel to the base end portion 33a (a direction perpendicular to the first vertical axis 31). It extends to A cutting edge 33d for cutting grass is formed on the side edge of the second extending portion 33c. A cutting edge 33d and a tip portion 33e (a tip portion of the first cutting blade 33) of the second extending portion 33c protrude from the first support body 32. In other words, the cutting edge 33d and the tip portion 33e do not overlap the first support body 32 in the vertical direction.

The base end portion 33a of the first cutting blade 33 is pivotally supported to the first support body 32 by the pivot member 11. Thereby, the first cutting blade 33 can swing around the vertical axis using the pivot member 11 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pivot member 11 includes a bolt 11a and a cap nut 11b. As shown in FIG. 13, the screw shaft of the bolt 11a is connected to a hole provided in the base end 33a of the first cutting blade 33 (the first upper blade 33U and the first lower blade 33D) and the first support body 32. The tip hole 32b is penetrated from the bottom to the top. The head of the bolt 11a is in contact with the lower surface of the first lower blade 33D. The cap nut 11b is screwed onto the threaded shaft of the bolt 11a. The cap nut 11b is in contact with the upper surface of the first upper blade 33U.

As shown in FIG. 13, the mounting plate 12 is fixed to the lower part of the boss 35. The mounting plate 12 extends from the outer peripheral portion of the boss 35 to one side and the other side in the radial direction of the first vertical shaft 31, respectively. The mounting plate 12 has mounting holes 12a on one side and the other side in the radial direction of the first vertical shaft 31, respectively. Each attachment hole 12a is a hole for attaching the first support body 32 and the first weed cling prevention body 34.

The first grass wrapping prevention body 34 is a member for preventing grass from wrapping around the first vertical shaft 31 . The first weed cling prevention body 34 has a bottom plate 34a and a cylindrical portion 34b.
The bottom plate 34a is a circular plate, and is provided at the lower part of the first weed cling prevention body 34. As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom plate 34a has a first hole 34c and a second hole 34d. The first hole 34c is provided at the center of the bottom plate 34a. Two second holes 34d are provided on concentric circles spaced apart from the center of the bottom plate 34a. A male thread formed at the lower end of the first vertical shaft 31 is inserted into the first hole 34c, and a nut N1 is screwed into the male thread. The screw shaft of the bolt B3 is inserted into the second hole 34d. The screw shaft of the bolt B3 is inserted through the second hole 34d of the bottom plate 34a, the intermediate hole 32c of the first support body 32, and the mounting hole 12a of the mounting plate 12. The tip of the threaded shaft of the bolt B3 protrudes from the mounting hole 12a, and a nut N2 is screwed into the tip. Thereby, the bottom plate 34a of the first support body 32 and the first weed cling prevention body 34 is fixed to the mounting plate 12. Here, since the mounting plate 12 is attached to the first vertical shaft 31 via the boss 35, it rotates together with the first vertical shaft 31. Therefore, the first support body 32 and the first weed cling prevention body 34 fixed to the mounting plate 12 also rotate together with the first vertical shaft 31. Further, as the first support body 32 rotates, the first cutting blade 33 rotates about the first vertical axis 31.

The cylindrical portion 34b is formed into a truncated cone shape. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 34b is formed in the shape of a truncated cone whose diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the bottom plate 34a (as it goes downward). The cylindrical portion 34b is arranged to surround the first vertical shaft 31, and is located between the first vertical shaft 31 and the base end 33a of the first cutting blade 33. This prevents grass or the like from wrapping around the first vertical shaft 31.

When the first cutting blade 33 rotates about the first vertical shaft 31, the centrifugal force causes the first cutting blade 33 to extend in the radial direction (away from the axis) of the first vertical shaft 31 (the position shown in FIG. 12). )It is in. The first cutting blade 33 cuts grass while rotating about the first vertical axis 31 at the first position. However, when the first cutting blade 33 hits a foreign object such as a stone, it swings inward toward the first vertical shaft 31 using the pivot member 11 as a fulcrum. Thereby, the force applied to the first cutting blade 33 can be released (reduced), and damage to the first cutting blade 33 can be prevented.

Next, the second mowing section 3B will be explained.
Regarding the second mowing section 3B, the points that are different from the first mowing section 3A will be mainly explained, and the explanation about the points in common with the first mowing section 3A will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 3, the second mowing section 3B has a second vertical shaft 36, a second support body 37, a second cutting blade 38, and a second grass curl prevention body 39. .

The second vertical shaft 36 rotates around an axis extending in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the second vertical axis 36 is disposed at the rear of the first vertical axis 31 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the rotational trajectory R2 of the tip of the second cutting blade 38 overlaps the rotational trajectory R1 of the tip of the first cutting blade 33 in the width direction of the machine body, and is longer than the rotational trajectory R1 in the front-rear direction. It is located at the rear.

As shown by arrows H and I in FIG. 12, the first mowing section 3A and the second mowing section 3B rotate in opposite directions. More specifically, in both the first mowing section 3A and the second mowing section 3B, the cutting blades (the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38) move from the front to the rear on the inside of the machine body (near the center in the width direction of the machine body). Rotate towards. As shown in FIG. 3, the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 are arranged at the same height. Therefore, the rotational phases of the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 are shifted by 90 degrees in order to avoid a collision on the inside of the machine where the rotational trajectories R1 and R2 overlap (Fig. 12 reference).

The rest of the configuration of the second cutting blade 38 of the second mowing section 3B is the same as the configuration of the first cutting blade 33, so the explanation will be omitted. Further, the configuration of the second support body 37 of the second mowing section 3B is the same as the configuration of the first support body 32 of the first mowing section 3A, so a description thereof will be omitted. The second grass wrapping prevention body 39 is a member for preventing grass from wrapping around the second vertical shaft 36 . The structure of the second weed cling prevention body 39 is the same as the structure of the first weed cling prevention body 34, so a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the drive mechanism 6 includes a prime mover 10 and a power transmission mechanism 60.
The prime mover 10 serves as a drive source for driving the mowing section 3 and the rear wheels 4R. In this embodiment, the prime mover 10 is an engine, specifically a diesel engine.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, etc., the prime mover 10 is mounted in the first housing 7A of the aircraft body 2. As shown in FIGS. The prime mover 10 is disposed in front of the handle 5 and above the first mowing section 3A.

The rotational power output from the output shaft 10a (see FIG. 15) of the prime mover 10 is transmitted by the power transmission mechanism 60 to the rear wheels 4R, the first mowing section 3A, and the second mowing section 3B.
As shown in FIG. 15, the power transmission mechanism 60 includes a rear wheel power transmission mechanism 61, a first power transmission mechanism 62, and a second power transmission mechanism 63. The rear wheel power transmission mechanism 61 is a mechanism that transmits the power of the prime mover 10 to the rear wheels 4R. The first power transmission mechanism 62 is a mechanism that transmits the power of the prime mover 10 to the first mowing section 3A. The second power transmission mechanism 63 is a mechanism that transmits the power of the prime mover 10 to the second mowing section 3B.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 13, 15, 16, and 17, the rear wheel power transmission mechanism 61 includes a centrifugal clutch 80, a first shaft 81, a second shaft 82, a counter shaft 83, a transmission 84, a transmission A chain 85 is provided. The centrifugal clutch 80 has an input side connected to the output shaft 10a. The output member 80a of the centrifugal clutch 80 is connected to the upper end of the first shaft 81. The first shaft 81 and the output shaft 10a of the prime mover 10 are connected or disconnected by the centrifugal clutch 80. Specifically, the centrifugal clutch 80 is in a disconnected state when the prime mover 10 is in an idling state, and does not transmit the rotational power output from the output shaft 10a to the first shaft 81. On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the prime mover 10 rises above the rotational speed in the idling state, it enters a connected state and transmits the rotational power output from the output shaft 10a to the first shaft 81.

A first gear 86 that rotates around the axis of the first shaft 81 and a second gear 87 that rotates around the axis of the second shaft 82 mesh with each other. Therefore, the rotational power transmitted to the first shaft 81 is transmitted to the second shaft 82 via the first gear 86 and the second gear 87. The rotational power transmitted to the second shaft 82 is transmitted to the counter shaft 83 via the first transmission gear 88. The first transmission gear 88 is arranged on the same axis as the counter shaft 83 and rotates integrally with the counter shaft 83.

The rotational power transmitted to the counter shaft 83 is transmitted to the input shaft 84a of the transmission 84 via the gear mechanism 90. As shown in FIGS. 3, 13, and 16, the counter shaft 83 and the transmission 84 are housed in the first transmission case 101. The first transmission case 101 rotatably supports the first vertical shaft 31 of the first mowing section 3A around the vertical axis (around the axis in the vertical direction) via a bearing.

The gear mechanism 90 includes a worm gear 91 and a wheel gear 92. The worm gear 91 rotates integrally with the counter shaft 83. The wheel gear 92 meshes with the worm gear 91 and rotates integrally with the input shaft 84a. A first speed change gear 93 and a first sprocket 94 are attached to the input shaft 84a.
The transmission 84 changes the speed of the rotational power output from the prime mover 10. Specifically, the transmission 84 changes the speed of the rotational power of the input shaft 84a and outputs it from the output shaft 84b. As shown in FIGS. 13, 15, 16, and 17, the transmission 84 includes a shift gear 95, a second transmission gear 96, a second sprocket 97, and a shift fork 98. The transmission 84 is operated to shift between a high speed state (forward state) and a low speed state (reverse state) by selectively engaging a shift gear 95 with a second speed change gear 96 and a second sprocket 97.

The rotational power from the first transmission gear 93 can be transmitted to the second transmission gear 96 . Rotational power from the first sprocket 94 can be transmitted to the second sprocket 97 via a chain 99. Therefore, when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second transmission gear 96, the rotational power from the first transmission gear 93 is transmitted to the output shaft 84b via the first transmission gear 93, and the output shaft 84b is opposite to the input shaft 84a. Rotate in the direction. Furthermore, when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second sprocket 97, the rotational power from the first sprocket 94 is transmitted to the output shaft 84b via the first sprocket 94 by the chain 99, and the output shaft 84b is the same as the input shaft 84a. Rotate in the direction.

The ratio of the number of teeth (speed ratio) between the first speed change gear 93 and the second speed change gear 96 is smaller than the ratio of the number of teeth (speed change ratio) between the first sprocket 94 and the second sprocket 97. Therefore, the rotational speed of the output shaft 84b becomes faster when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second transmission gear 96 than when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second sprocket 97.
The operation of selectively engaging the shift gear 95 with the second speed change gear 96 and the second sprocket 97 is performed by moving the shift fork 98 by operating the speed change operation shaft 89 using a speed change lever (not shown) provided on the handle 5. This is done by The speed change operation shaft 89 is connected to a speed change lever (not shown) attached to the handle 5 via a cable (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 16, the output shaft 84b of the transmission 84 protrudes from the first transmission case 101, and a cover 100 is provided in the forward direction of the protrusion (to the right of the first transmission case 101). . A transmission chain 85 is housed in the cover 100 . As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the transmission chain 85 is wound around a drive sprocket 103 attached to the output shaft 84b and a driven sprocket 104 attached to the rotating shaft 45 of the rear wheel 4R. Thereby, the rotational power output from the output shaft 84b is transmitted to the rotating shaft 45 of the rear wheel 4R, and the rear wheel 4R rotates. The rear wheel 4R rotates at the first speed in the direction in which the mower 1 moves forward when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second transmission gear 96, and rotates at the first speed in the direction in which the mower 1 moves forward when the shift gear 95 is engaged with the second sprocket 97. rotates in the backward direction at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.

The first power transmission mechanism 62 transmits rotational power from the prime mover 10 to the first cutting blade 33. As shown in FIGS. 3, 15, and 16, the first power transmission mechanism 62 includes a first transmission gear 88, a second transmission gear 78, and a cutting blade clutch 79. The first transmission gear 88 rotates integrally with the counter shaft 83. The second transmission gear 78 is arranged on the same axis as the first vertical axis 31 of the first mowing section 3A, and meshes with the first transmission gear 88. The mower blade clutch 79 switches between a state in which transmission of power from the second transmission gear 78 to the first vertical shaft 31 is connected (hereinafter referred to as a "transmission state") or a state in which it is interrupted (hereinafter referred to as a "disconnection state"). It is possible.

The second power transmission mechanism 63 transmits rotational power from the prime mover 10 to the second cutting blade 38. As shown in FIGS. 3, 15, 16, etc., the second power transmission mechanism 63 includes a first bevel gear 105, a power take-off shaft 106, a second bevel gear 107, a universal joint 108, a transmission shaft 109, a third bevel gear 110, A fourth bevel gear 111 is provided. The first bevel gear 105 is attached to the first vertical shaft 31 and rotates together with the first vertical shaft 31 . The power take-off shaft 106 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first vertical axis 31 (body width direction), and has a second bevel gear 107 attached to one end thereof. The second bevel gear 107 meshes with the first bevel gear 105. One end of a power transmission shaft 109 is connected to the other end of the power take-off shaft 106 via a universal joint 108 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the universal joint 108 extends in the body width direction so as to cross above the hinge 8 that connects the first housing 7A and the second housing 7B. The universal joint 108 has a cover having two bellows parts 108a, and the cover is attached to the other end of the power take-off shaft 106 and one end of the transmission shaft 109. One of the two bellows portions 108a is placed above the first housing 7A, and the other is placed above the second housing 7B. The universal joint 108 is capable of bending at the bellows portion 108a when the second housing 7B is swung about the hinge axis C1 relative to the first housing 7A.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper part of the universal joint 108 can be covered by a first cover 112 and a second cover 113. The first cover 112 is attached to the upper surface of the first housing 7A and covers the upper right part of the universal joint 108. The second cover 113 is attached to the upper surface of the second housing 7B and covers the upper left part of the universal joint 108.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, a third bevel gear 110 is attached to the other end of the transmission shaft 109. A fourth bevel gear 111 meshes with the third bevel gear 110. The fourth bevel gear 111 is attached to the upper end of the second vertical shaft 36 of the second mowing section 3B. As shown in FIG. 3, of the second power transmission mechanism 63, the transmission shaft 109, the third bevel gear 110, and the fourth bevel gear 111 are housed in a second transmission case (gear case) 30. The second transmission case 30 is arranged above the second housing 7B. The second transmission case 30 rotatably supports the second vertical shaft 36 of the second mowing section 3B via a bearing around the vertical axis (around the axis in the vertical direction). Note that, in FIG. 3, illustration of the frame 20 and the mounting portion 22 is omitted.

The rotational power from the prime mover 10 is transmitted from the first vertical shaft 31 to the power take-off shaft 106 via the first bevel gear 105 and the second bevel gear 107, and then to the transmission shaft 109 via the universal joint 108. The rotational power transmitted to the transmission shaft 109 is transmitted to the second vertical shaft 36 via the third bevel gear 110 and the fourth bevel gear 111.
When the cutting blade clutch 79 is in the transmission state, power from the prime mover 10 is transmitted to the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 via the first vertical shaft 31. Therefore, the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 rotate. When the cutting blade clutch 79 is in the disconnected state, the power from the prime mover 10 is not transmitted to the first vertical shaft 31, and therefore is not transmitted to the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38. Therefore, the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 do not rotate. The switching operation between the transmission state and the disengagement state of the cutting blade clutch 79 is performed by operating the cutting blade clutch lever (not shown) to connect the cutting blade operating shaft 64 (see FIGS. 13 and 16) via a cable (not shown). This can be done by rotating and moving the shifter 79a.

Next, the handle 5 and the handle support part 120 that supports the handle 5 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, etc., the handle 5 extends behind the first housing 7A (behind the first mowing section 3A). The handle 5 is supported by the upper part of a handle support part 120 extending upward from the body 2. The handle 5 and the handle support part 120 are connected by a connecting part 130. The connecting portion 130 connects the handle 5 and the handle support portion 120 behind the body 2 (behind the rear wheel 4R).

The handle support portion 120 extends upward (upper and rearward) from the body 2. The handle support section 120 has a leg section 121, a cylindrical section 122, and a support column 123.
The leg portion 121 is attached to the first housing 7A of the body 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the leg portion 121 has one leg portion 121a, the other leg portion 121b, and a connecting portion 121c. The one leg 121a and the other leg 121b are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the machine body, and extend diagonally upward and rearward from the machine body 2. A lower end portion of one leg portion 121a and a lower end portion of the other leg portion 121b are fixed to a support base material 9 provided in the first housing 7A. The communication portion 121c extends in the width direction of the machine body and communicates the upper end of the one leg 121a with the upper end of the other leg 121b.

The cylindrical portion 122 constitutes a lower portion of the handle support portion 120. The cylinder part 122 is attached to the upper part of the leg part 121 and extends obliquely upward and backward from the leg part 121. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 122 is attached to the communication portion 121c, and extends obliquely upward and backward from the communication portion 121c.
The column 123 constitutes the upper part of the handle support portion 120 and protrudes from the cylindrical portion 122 so as to be movable forward and backward. The lower part of the support column 123 is inserted into the cylindrical part 122, and the upper part protrudes from the cylindrical part 122. A support base 124 for supporting the handle 5 is provided at the top of the column 123. The support base 124 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 125 (see FIG. 18). The protrusion 125 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support base 124.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 5 has a base portion 5a, a rear extension portion 5b, and a grip portion 5c. For convenience of explanation, in the side view of the mower 1 (FIG. 2, etc.), the left part (on the other hand, the grip part 5c1 and On the other hand, the rear extension portion 5b1) is illustrated. The handle 5 extends rearward from the handle support 120. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the handle 5 extends horizontally backward from the handle support 120, but the angle of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support 120 can be changed as described later.

The base portion 5a extends in the width direction of the machine body and is supported by a handle support portion 120. The base portion 5a is supported by a support base 124 of the handle support portion 120 via a connecting portion 130. The rear extension portion 5b extends rearward from the base portion 5a. The rear extension part 5b includes one rear extension part 5b1 and the other rear extension part 5b2. On the other hand, the rear extension portion 5b1 extends rearward from the left side of the base portion 5a. On the other hand, the rear extension portion 5b2 extends rearward from the right side of the base portion 5a. The grip portion 5c is a portion to be gripped by an operator, and is provided at the rear end of the rear extension portion 5b. The gripping portion 5c includes one gripping portion 5c1 and the other gripping portion 5c2. On the other hand, the grip portion 5c1 is provided at the rear end of the rear extension portion 5b1, and is gripped by the operator with his left hand. The other grip portion 5c2 is provided at the rear end of the other rear extension portion 5b2, and is gripped by the operator with his right hand.

As shown in FIG. 18 and the like, the connecting portion 130 includes a lower member 131 and an upper member 132.
The lower member 131 has a bottom plate 131a, one upright plate 131b, and the other upright plate 131c. The bottom plate 131a, one upright plate 131b, and the other upright plate 131c are integrally formed by bending one plate. The bottom plate 131a is placed on the support stand 124 of the handle support section 120. A cylindrical portion 131d is provided on the bottom plate 131a. The cylindrical portion 131d projects upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate 131a. A protrusion 125 provided on the support base 124 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 131d. The cylindrical portion 131d is rotatable about an axis X1 (hereinafter referred to as the first axis X1 or the vertical axis X1) that extends in the vertical direction with respect to the protrusion 125. The one standing plate 131b and the other standing plate 131c are arranged facing each other with a gap between them, and extend upward from the bottom plate 131a. A downwardly cut notch 131e and a first bolt hole 131f are formed in the upper part of the one upright plate 131b and the upper part of the other upright plate 131c.

The upper member 132 has an upper plate 132a, one hanging plate 132b, and the other hanging plate 132c. The upper plate 132a, one hanging plate 132b, and the other hanging plate 132c are integrally formed by bending one plate. The upper plate 132a is arranged to face the bottom plate 131a of the lower member 131. The one hanging plate 132b and the other hanging plate 132c are arranged to face each other with a gap between them, and extend downward from the upper plate 132a. A second bolt hole 132d and a first insertion hole 132e are formed in the one hanging plate 132b and the other hanging plate 132c.

The lower member 131 and the upper member 132 are assembled by overlapping the first bolt hole 131f and the second bolt hole 132d, inserting the bolt 134 into the overlapping hole, and screwing the nut 133 onto the bolt 134. (See Figure 19). When the lower member 131 and the upper member 132 are combined, the cutout portion 131e and the first insertion hole 132e overlap. Note that the upper plate 132a is not shown in FIGS. 19, 22, 33, and 34.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, etc., the lawn mower 1 has an axis X2 (hereinafter referred to as a second axis X2 or machine width axis X2) extending the handle 5 in the machine width direction with respect to the handle support 120. It is provided with a tilting mechanism 160 that can be tilted around.
As shown in FIGS. 18, 19, etc., the tilting mechanism 160 includes a first engaging portion 161 and a second engaging portion 162. The first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are provided in the connecting portion 130. The first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are configured of chrysanthemums as shown in FIG. 20. The first engaging portion 161 is an annular member having a first center hole 161a, and has peak portions 161b and valley portions 161c alternately formed on one surface in the circumferential direction. The second engaging portion 162 is an annular member having a second center hole 162a, and has peak portions 162b and valley portions 162c formed on one surface thereof alternately at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. A horizontal shaft 163 extending in the width direction of the body is inserted into the first center hole 161a of the first engaging portion 161 and the second center hole 162a of the second engaging portion 162. The horizontal shaft 163 extends through the notch 131e and the first insertion hole 132e.

The first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are arranged such that one surface (the surface in which the peaks and valleys are formed) is opposed to each other. By engaging the crests of the first engaging portion 161 and the troughs of the second engaging portion 162, and the troughs of the first engaging portion 161 and the crests of the second engaging portion 162, the first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are in an engaged state. Here, since the first engaging part 161 and the second engaging part 162 have peaks and valleys formed alternately at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, the second engaging part 162 is different from the first engaging part 162. It can engage with the first engaging part 161 at a plurality of positions rotated about the second axis X2 relative to the engaging part 161. For example, if the peaks of the first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are formed at 9° intervals in the circumferential direction, the second engaging portion 162 has a relative position with respect to the first engaging portion 161. Engagement can be performed by shifting in 9° increments. In this case, the relative position of the second engaging part 162 with respect to the first engaging part 161 can be set at 360/9=40 different positions. In this case, the tilting angle of the handle 5 can be set in 40 ways. However, the interval between the peaks of the first engaging part 161 and the second engaging part 162 can be changed as appropriate.

The first engaging portion 161 is fixed to the upper member 132 of the connecting portion 130 and is immovable. The second engaging portion 162 is movable along the horizontal axis 163 by operating a first operating portion 171, which will be described later. By moving along the horizontal axis 163, the second engaging part 162 moves between an engaging position where it contacts and engages the first engaging part 161 (see FIG. 21(a)) and a position where it separates from the first engaging part 161. It can be moved to a non-engaged position (see FIG. 21(b)). The second engaging portion 162 cannot rotate around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 (second axis X2) when in the engaged position, and around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 when in the non-engaging position. It becomes possible to rotate. Since the second engaging portion 162 is rotatable around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163, the handle 5 can be rotated around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 with respect to the handle support portion 120.

The first engaging portion 161 is fixed to the upper member 132 of the connecting portion 130. The first engaging portion 161 includes a first engaging portion 161L and a first engaging portion 161R. The first engaging portion 161L is fixed to the hanging plate 132b. The first engaging portion 161R is fixed to the other hanging plate 132c.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 18, and 19, the second engaging portion 162 is connected to the base portion 5a of the handle 5 via a connecting body 164. The second engaging portion 162 includes a second engaging portion 162L and a second engaging portion 162R. The second engaging portion 162L is arranged to be engageable with the first engaging portion 161L. The second engaging portion 162R is arranged to be engageable with the first engaging portion 161R.

The connection body 164 includes a connection body 164L and a connection body 164R. The connecting body 164L connects the second engaging portion 162L and the left portion of the base portion 5a. The connecting body 164R connects the second engaging portion 162R and the right portion of the base portion 5a. The connecting body 164 (connecting body 164L, connecting body 164R) includes a first connecting body 165 and a second connecting body 166. The first connection body 165 has a first connection hole 165a and a first attachment hole 165b. The base 5a is inserted through the first connection hole 165a, and thereby the first connection body 165 is connected to the base 5a. The second connecting body 166 is a plate-shaped member, with one surface facing the second engaging portion 162 (inside the fuselage) and the other surface facing the opposite side to the second engaging portion 162 ( facing the outside of the aircraft. The second connection body 166 has a second connection hole 166a and a second attachment hole 166b. A second engagement portion 162 is fitted into the second connection hole 166a, and thereby the second connection body 166 is connected to the second engagement portion 162. The first connection body 165 and the second connection body 166 are configured such that the first attachment hole 165b and the second attachment hole 166b are overlapped, a bolt 168 is inserted into the overlapping hole, and a nut 167 is screwed into the bolt 168. (See Figure 19). As shown in FIG. 18, the second attachment hole 166b is formed in an arc-shaped elongated hole centered on the second axis X2. Therefore, the first connecting body 165 can be moved around the second axis X2 relative to the second connecting body 166. By moving the first connecting body 165 with respect to the second connecting body 166, the handle 5 can be moved around the second axis X2.

A pressure receiving body 169 is fixed to the second connecting body 166 . The pressure receiving body 169 includes a pressure receiving body 169L fixed to the second connecting body 166 of the connecting body 164L, and a pressure receiving body 169R fixed to the second connecting body 166 of the connecting body 164R. The pressure receiving body 169 has a cylindrical shape, and one end surface is fixed to the other surface (the surface on the outside of the body) of the second connecting body 166. As shown in FIG. 19, the pressure receiving body 169 has a stepped hole 169a formed in the center. The stepped hole 169a has a small diameter portion 169b and a large diameter portion 169c. The small diameter portion 169b penetrates the pressure receiving body 169. The large diameter portion 169c extends from one end surface of the pressure receiving body 169 toward the other end surface, but does not penetrate the pressure receiving body 169. The horizontal axis 163 passes through the small diameter portion 169b of the stepped hole 169a.

As shown in FIG. 19, the tilting mechanism 160 includes a biasing member 170 that biases the second engaging portion 162 toward the non-engaging position. The biasing member 170 is composed of a compression coil spring. The biasing member 170 includes a first center hole 161a of the first engaging portion 161, a second center hole 162a of the second engaging portion 162, a second connecting hole 166a of the second connecting body 166, and a stepped portion of the pressure receiving body 169. It is arranged across the large diameter portion 169c of the hole 169a. The horizontal axis 163 passes through the center of the biasing member 170.

The biasing member 170 includes a biasing member 170L and a biasing member 170R. The biasing member 170L has one end in contact with one hanging plate 132b of the upper member 132 of the connecting portion 130, and the other end in contact with the large diameter portion 169c of the stepped hole 169a of the pressure receiving body 169L. The biasing member 170R has one end in contact with the other hanging plate 132c of the upper member 132 of the connecting portion 130, and the other end in contact with the large diameter portion 169c of the stepped hole 169a of the pressure receiving body 169R. The biasing member 170 biases the pressure receiving body 169 in a direction away from the connecting portion 130 (from the upper member 132) (towards the outside of the body) by the elastic repulsive force caused by the expansion of the compression coil spring. Thereby, the second engaging portion 162 is urged toward the non-engaging position where it separates from the first engaging portion 161.

The tilting mechanism 160 is operated (tilting is enabled) by operating the first operating section 171. In other words, the first operating section 171 is a section that performs an operation for switching the tilting mechanism 160 between a state in which the handle 5 can be tilted and a state in which it cannot be tilted.
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first operating section 171 includes a swingable operating lever supported by a support shaft 172. As shown in FIGS. The support shaft 172 is supported by a shaft support 173. The shaft support 173 is fixed to one end side of the horizontal shaft 163. A male thread is formed on the other end side of the horizontal shaft 163, and a nut 174 is screwed onto the male thread. This nut 174 is in contact with the pressure receiving body 169L. A through hole 173a extending in the vertical direction is formed in the shaft support 173. The support shaft 172 is supported by the shaft support 173 by being inserted into a through hole 173a formed in the shaft support 173. Both ends of the support shaft 172 protrude from the shaft support 173. The support shaft 172 is rotatable relative to the shaft support 173.

The first operating section 171 is attached to the support shaft 172 and is rotatable together with the support shaft 172 relative to the shaft support 173 around the axis of the support shaft 172 . The first operation section 171 has a base section 171a and a grip section 171b. The base portion 171a is attached to the support shaft 172. The grip portion 171b is a portion held by an operator (worker) when operating the first operation portion 171, and extends in one direction from the base portion 171a. As shown in FIG. 19, an accommodation hole 171c is formed in the base portion 171a, and the biasing body 175 is accommodated in this accommodation hole 171c. The biasing body 175 is composed of a compression coil spring. A horizontal shaft 163 is inserted through a compression coil spring that constitutes the biasing body 175 . The biasing body 175 has one end in contact with the pressure receiving body 169R, and the other end in contact with the shaft support 173. The biasing body 175 maintains the state in which the nut 174 is in contact with the pressure receiving body 169L due to the elastic repulsive force of the compression coil spring that tends to expand. The first operating portion 171 has a contact surface 171d that contacts the pressure receiving body 169R at the base portion 171a. The contact surface 171d has an apex portion 171e having the longest distance from the center of the support shaft 172, a curved surface portion 171f continuous with the apex portion 171e, and a flat portion 171g continuous with the curved surface portion 171f. . The curved surface portion 171f is configured such that its distance from the center of the support shaft 172 gradually decreases as it moves away from the apex portion 171e. The flat portion 171g is continuous with the portion of the curved portion 171f where the distance from the center of the support shaft 172 is the minimum. The distance from the center of the support shaft 172 to the flat portion 171g is smaller than the distance from the center of the support shaft 172 to the curved portion 171f.

The first operating portion 171 is movable between a pressing position where the second engaging portion 162 is pressed toward the engaging position and a non-pressing position where the second engaging portion 162 is not pressed. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the first operating section 171 is in the pressed position. The solid line in FIG. 22 indicates a state in which the first operating portion 171 is in the non-pressed position. The first operating portion 171 can be moved from the pressed position to the non-pressed position by rotating the first operating portion 171 around the support shaft 172 (see arrow L in FIG. 22). The position of the first operating section 171 (pressed position or non-pressed position) is maintained unless the first operating section 171 is operated. That is, unless the operator operates the first operation section 171, the pressed position and the non-pressed position will not be switched.

When the first operating portion 171 is in the pressing position shown in FIG. 19, the gripping portion 171b extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis 163. At this time, the apex portion 171e of the contact surface 171d contacts the pressure receiving body 169R, and presses the pressure receiving body 169R toward the second engaging portion 162 side. The second engaging portion 162 is pushed by the pressure receiving body 169 and moves to the engaging position against the urging force of the urging member 170. As a result, the second engaging portion 162 engages with the first engaging portion 161 and becomes unable to rotate around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 (second axis X2). As a result, the handle 5 becomes unrotatable with respect to the handle support part 120, and the tilted position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120 is fixed.

When the first operation part 171 is in the non-pressing position shown in FIG. 22, the grip part 171b extends in substantially the same direction as the horizontal axis 163. At this time, the flat portion 171g of the contact surface 171d contacts the pressure receiving body 169R. Then, since the distance from the center of the support shaft 172 to the flat portion 171g is smaller than the distance from the center of the support shaft 172 to the curved surface portion 171f, the force with which the contact surface 171d presses the pressure receiving body 169R becomes smaller. Therefore, the second engaging portion 162 is moved to the non-engaging position by the urging force of the urging member 170. As a result, the second engaging portion 162 is separated from the first engaging portion 161 and becomes rotatable around the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 (second axis X2). As a result, the handle 5 becomes rotatable with respect to the handle support part 120, and the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120 can be changed.

When changing the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120, first, by moving the first operating part 171 from the pressed position to the non-pressed position, the first engaging part 161 and the second engaging part 162 are moved. disengage with. Next, the handle 5 is tilted about the axis of the horizontal shaft 163 (second axis X2) with respect to the handle support part 120, thereby setting the handle 5 to a desired tilting position. Finally, by moving the first operating portion 171 from the non-pressed position to the pressed position, the first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are engaged again. Thereby, the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120 can be fixed.

As shown in FIG. 23, the handle 5 can be tilted to a position overlapping the body 2. As shown in FIG. As a result, the length of the mower 1 in the front-rear direction can be shortened, so that the mower 1 can be easily stored and transported.
Next, another embodiment (second embodiment) of the tilting mechanism 160 will be described. Hereinafter, the tilting mechanism 160 of the second embodiment will be explained, focusing on the points that are different from the tilting mechanism 160 of the above-described embodiment (first embodiment), and the common configurations with the tilting mechanism 160 of the first embodiment will be explained. omitted.

24 and 25 show a lawn mower 1 equipped with a tilting mechanism 160 according to the second embodiment. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, and FIG. 29 are diagrams showing the tilting mechanism 160 of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 26 and the like, the tilting mechanism 160 of the second embodiment includes a locked portion 176, a locking portion 177, and a holding portion 198.
The locked portion 176 is provided at the base portion 5a of the handle 5. The locked portion 176 has a regular polygonal outer circumferential surface extending around the second axis X2 extending in the width direction of the machine body. In the case of this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176 extending around the second axis X2 is formed in a regular hexagonal shape. However, the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the locked portion 176 extending around the second axis X2 is not limited to a regular hexagonal shape, and may be, for example, a regular octagonal shape, a regular decagonal shape, a regular dodecagonal shape, or the like. It may be. The number of tilt angles that the handle 5 can assume is determined in accordance with the number of corners of the regular polygon. For example, when the locked portion 176 has a regular hexagonal outer peripheral surface, the number of tilt angles that the handle 5 can take is six.

The locked portion 176 is formed near the center of the base portion 5a of the handle 5 in the width direction of the machine body. The locked portion 176 has a regular polygonal columnar shape extending in the width direction of the body, and in this embodiment, has a regular hexagonal columnar shape. The locked portion 176 is formed thicker than the base portion 5a of the handle 5.
The locked portion 176 is integrated with the base portion 5a of the handle 5 by welding or the like. Therefore, when the handle 5 is tilted about the second axis X2 extending in the width direction of the machine body, the locked portion 176 is rotatable about the second axis X2 as the handle 5 is tilted.

The locking portion 177 is provided on the connecting portion 130 and can be locked on the locked portion 176 . The locking portion 177 connects the handle 5 and the handle support portion 120 by being locked to the locked portion 176 . In other words, the locking portion 177 also serves as the connecting portion 130.
As shown in FIGS. 26, 30, etc., the locking portion 177 has a lower portion 178 and an upper portion 179.

The lower portion 178 has a base portion 180, a receiving portion 181, and a lower contact portion 182.
The platform portion 180 includes a platform bottom plate 180a, a first upright plate 180b, and a second upright plate 180c. The base plate 180a, the first upright plate 180b, and the second upright plate 180c are integrally formed by bending one plate. The base plate 180a is placed on the support stand 124 of the handle support section 120. A cylindrical body 180d is provided on the base plate 180a. The cylindrical body 180d projects upward from the upper surface of the base plate 180a. A protrusion 125 provided on the support stand 124 is fitted into the cylindrical body 180d. The cylindrical body 180d is rotatable about the first axis X1 extending in the vertical direction with respect to the protrusion 125. The first upright plate 180b and the second upright plate 180c are arranged facing each other with a gap between them, and extend upward from the base plate 180a. A cutout portion 180e that is cut out downward is formed in the upper part of the first upright plate 180b and the upper part of the second upright plate 180c.

The receiving portion 181 is a substantially square cylindrical member and extends from the first upright plate 180b to the second upright plate 180c. The receiving portion 181 is fitted into a notch 180e formed in the first upright plate 180b and the second upright plate 180c and fixed by welding or the like. A recessed portion 181a is formed in the receiving portion 181 at a position between the first upright plate 180b and the second upright plate 180c. The recessed portion 181a is recessed downward.

The lower contact portion 182 is fitted into a recess 181a formed in the receiving portion 181 and fixed by welding or the like. The lower contact portion 182 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the receiving portion 181 extends (second axis X2 direction). The lower contact portion 182 is a portion that can come into contact with at least one surface of the lower half of the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176 . The lower contact portion 182 is formed in the shape of a regular polygon cut in half in the horizontal direction. In the case of this embodiment, the lower contact portion 182 is formed in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, which is a regular hexagon cut in half in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 26, the lower contact portion 182 is capable of contacting two of the three surfaces of the lower half of the regular hexagonal locked portion 176 from below.

The upper portion 179 has a swinging portion 183, an upper contact portion 184, and a cover portion 185.
The swinging portion 183 is disposed above the lower portion 178 and is pivotally supported by the receiving portion 181 by a pivot shaft 186. The pivot shaft 186 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the receiving portion 181 extends (in a direction parallel to the direction in which the lower contact portion 182 extends). The swinging portion 183 is swingable relative to the receiving portion 181 about the pivot shaft 186 as a fulcrum. A recessed portion 183a recessed upward is formed in the swinging portion 183. As shown in FIG. 30, the swinging portion 183 is divided into a first portion 183b and a second portion 183c on the distal end side (the side far from the pivot shaft 186). The first portion 183b and the second portion 183c are lined up in the direction in which the pivot shaft 186 extends. The upper part of the first part 183b and the upper part of the second part 183c are connected by a connecting plate 194. A gap G1 is formed between the first portion 183b and the second portion 183c, and a bolt 187 is passed through the gap G1. A shaft portion 187a of the bolt 187 passes through the upper portion of the receiving portion 181, and a nut 188 (see FIG. 26) is screwed into a threaded portion 187b formed on the shaft portion 187a. The upper part of the shaft portion 187a of the bolt 187 passes through the connection plate 194, and the head 187c of the bolt 187 is located above the connection plate 194.

The upper contact portion 184 is arranged in a recessed portion 183a formed in the swinging portion 183. The upper contact portion 184 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the swinging portion 183 extends (second axis X2 direction), and is located above the lower contact portion 182. The upper contact portion 184 is a portion that can come into contact with at least one surface of the upper half of the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176 . The upper contact portion 184 includes a pair of vertical plates 184a that are opposed to each other with an interval between them, and a horizontal plate 184b that connects the upper portions of the pair of vertical plates 184a. The upper contact portion 184 is such that the lower surface of the horizontal plate 184b can come into contact with one surface (the uppermost surface) of the three surfaces of the upper half of the regular hexagonal locked portion 176 from above. .

The cover portion 185 is a member that covers the upper contact portion 184 from above. The cover part 185 is fitted into a recessed part 183a formed in the swinging part 183 and is fixed. The cover portion 185 includes a pair of plate members 189 spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the base portion 5a of the handle 5. The distance between the pair of plate members 189 is longer than the length of the upper contact portion 184 and the locked portion 176 in the second axis X2 direction (see FIG. 27). A notch portion 189a is formed in the pair of plate members 189 and is cut out in an upwardly arcuate shape. The cutout portion 189a has a shape that follows approximately the upper half of the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 5a of the handle 5.

The locking part 177 can be changed into a clamping state in which it clamps the outer peripheral surface of the locked part 176 (see FIG. 26) and a non-clamping state in which it does not clamp the outer peripheral surface of the locked part 176 (see FIG. 28). be.
In the clamped state shown in FIG. 26, the lower contact portion 182 contacts two of the three surfaces of the lower half of the locked portion 176 from below, and the horizontal plate 184b of the upper contact portion 184 is locked. It abuts one surface (the uppermost surface) of the three surfaces of the upper half of the portion 176 from above. In this manner, when the locking portion 177 is in the sandwiched state, the lower contact portion 182 and the upper contact portion 184 approach each other, so that the locking portion 177 touches multiple surfaces of the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176 from above and below. Forms an inner circumferential surface that comes into contact. Thereby, the locked portion 176 becomes unable to rotate around the second axis X2. On the other hand, in the non-pinched state shown in FIG. 28, the upper contact portion 184 separates from the locked portion 176. Thereby, the locked portion 176 becomes rotatable around the second axis X2.

The holding portion 198 is a member that can hold the locking portion 177 in a pinched state. The holding portion 198 is swingably supported by a support shaft 195 extending in the width direction of the machine body. The holding portion 198 has a base end portion 198a and an extending portion 198b. The base end portion 198a is attached to the support shaft 195. The extending portion 198b is a portion that the operator grasps when operating the holding portion 198, and extends in one direction (the direction away from the support shaft 195) from the base end portion 198a.

The holding portion 198 has a contact surface 198c that contacts the upper surface of the connection plate 194 at the base end 198a. The contact surface 198c has a curved portion 198d and a straight portion 198e. The curved portion 198d and the straight portion 198e are formed continuously. The distance from the center of the support shaft 195 to the curved portion 198d is longer than the distance from the center of the support shaft 195 to the straight portion 198e.
The holding portion 198 has a pair of plate portions 198f arranged at intervals in the length direction of the support shaft 195. The upper part of the bolt 187 and the intermediate member 196 are arranged between the pair of plate parts 198f. The intermediate member 196 includes a pair of vertical plates 196a and a connecting plate 196b that connects the lower portions of the pair of vertical plates 196a. The support shaft 195 passes through a pair of vertical plates 196a and a pair of plate portions 198f of the holding portion 198. The upper part of the bolt 187 passes through the connecting plate 196b. The connecting plate 196b is interposed between the head 187c of the bolt 187 and the connecting plate 194.

The holding portion 198 is swingable about the support shaft 195 between a first swing position (see FIG. 26) and a second swing position (see FIG. 28).
As shown in FIG. 26, when the holding part 198 is in the first swing position, the curved part 198d of the contact surface 198c of the holding part 198 comes into contact with the upper surface of the connection plate 194. At this time, the swinging portion 183 of the upper portion 179 is pressed down by the curved portion 198d via the connecting plate 194. As a result, the locking portion 177 is held in a clamping state in which it clamps the outer circumferential surface of the locked portion 176 at the first swing position. In this state, the outer circumferential surface of the locked portion 176 is sandwiched between the upper contact portion 184 and the lower contact portion 182, so that the locked portion 176 cannot rotate around the second axis X2.

As shown in FIG. 28, when the holding part 198 is in the second swing position, the straight portion 198e of the contact surface 198c of the holding part 198 comes into contact with the upper surface of the connecting plate 194. At this time, the swinging part 183 of the upper part 179 is not pressed downward by the curved part 198d, and the holding state of the clamping state is released. As a result, the locking portion 177 enters a non-clamping state in which it does not grip the outer circumferential surface of the locked portion 176. In this state, by swinging the swinging portion 183 of the upper member 132 upward relative to the receiving portion 181 of the lower member 131 (see arrow H), the upper contact portion 184 is removed from the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176. Since they are separated, the locked portion 176 becomes rotatable around the second axis X2. As a result, the handle 5 becomes rotatable with respect to the handle support part 120, and the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120 can be changed.

When changing the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120, first, the holding part 198 is rotated around the support shaft 195 (see arrow K in FIG. 28), and the holding part 198 is moved to the first swing position (see FIG. 26). By moving from to the second swing position (see FIG. 28), the locking portion 177 releases the gripping state in which the locking portion 177 grips the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176. Next, by swinging the swinging portion 183 of the upper member 132 upward relative to the receiving portion 181 of the lower member 131 (see arrow H1), the upper contact portion 184 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176. . Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 29, the handle 5 is tilted about the second axis X2 with respect to the handle support portion 120 to a desired tilted position. Next, by swinging the swinging part 183 of the upper member 132 downward relative to the receiving part 181 of the lower member 131 (see arrow H2), the upper contact part 184 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the locked part 176. Let them come into contact with you. Finally, by moving the holding part 198 from the second swinging position to the first swinging position, the state shown in FIG. 26 is returned, so that the tilting position of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support part 120 can be fixed.

The mower 1 includes a rotation mechanism 200 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) that allows the handle 5 to rotate around a first axis X1 extending vertically with respect to the handle support 120. The rotation mechanism 200 is operated (rotation is possible) by operating the second operation section 210 (see FIGS. 1, 2, etc.). In other words, the second operation unit 210 is a part that performs an operation for switching the rotation mechanism 200 between a state in which the handle 5 is rotatable and a state in which it is not rotatable. The configuration of the second operation section 210 will be described later.

The rotation mechanism 200 includes a support base 124, a connecting portion 130, and a movable member 201.
The configurations of the support stand 124 and the connecting portion 130 are as described above. The support stand 124 is provided on the upper part of the handle support part 120. The support stand 124 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 125 . The connecting portion 130 connects the lower part of the handle 5 and the support base 124. The connecting portion 130 is rotatable about the first axis X1 on the support base 124.

Hereinafter, the rotation mechanism 200 will be explained using the mower 1 equipped with the tilting mechanism 160 of the first embodiment described above as an example, but the same rotation mechanism also applies to the mower 1 equipped with the tilting mechanism 160 of the second embodiment. A moving mechanism 200 is provided.
As shown in FIG. 19, the support base 124 has a plurality of first through holes 124a arranged in an arc shape or an annular shape centered on the first axis X1. In the case of this embodiment, the first through hole 124a is arranged in an arc shape centered on the first axis X1. The number of first through holes 124a is not particularly limited, but is five in this embodiment. A cylindrical body 202 is fixed to the upper surface of the support base 124. The internal hole of the cylinder 202 overlaps one of the first through holes 124a.

The connecting portion 130 has one second through hole 130a. The second through hole 130a is formed in the bottom plate 131a of the lower member 131 of the connecting portion 130. In the case of the mower 1 including the tilting mechanism 160 of the second embodiment, the second through hole 130a is formed in the base plate 180a of the base portion 180. The second through hole 130a selectively overlaps any one of the plurality of first through holes 124a by rotation of the connecting portion 130 about the first axis X1.

Movable member 201 is a cylindrical pin. The movable member 201 is movable between a first position that allows rotation of the connecting portion 130 with respect to the support base 124 and a second position that prevents rotation. FIG. 31(a) shows a state in which the movable member 201 is in the first position, and FIG. 31(b) shows a state in which the movable member 201 is in the second position. When the movable member 201 is in the first position, from at least one of the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a (in the case of this embodiment, both the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a). break away. Therefore, rotation of the connecting portion 130 about the first axis X1 with respect to the support base 124 is allowed. When the movable member 201 is in the second position, it is inserted into the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a. Therefore, rotation of the connecting portion 130 about the first axis X1 with respect to the support base 124 is prevented.

The movable member 201 is moved between the first position and the second position by operating the second operating section 210. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second operating section 210 is disposed near the first grip section 5c1, which is the grip section of the handle 5. As shown in FIGS. An accelerator lever (not shown) is arranged near the second operating section 210.
As shown in FIG. 32, the second operating section 210 is composed of a swingable lever. Hereinafter, the second operating section 210 will also be referred to as the lever 210. The lever 210 is supported by a shaft 211 extending in the width direction of the machine body, and is swingable around a third axis X3 extending in the width direction of the machine body. The shaft 211 extends to the right (inward of the body) from a shaft support member 212 that extends downward from the rear portion of one rear extension portion 5b1 of the handle 5. The lever 210 has a pressing portion 210a and a bearing portion 210b. The pressing portion 210a has a flat plate shape, and is a portion that an operator presses with a finger or the like when operating the second operating portion 210. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressing part 210a is arranged on the inside (right side) of the one grip part 5c1 of the handle 5. The pressing part 210a is arranged at a position where the operator can operate it with a finger (such as a thumb) while holding the grip part 5c1. As shown in FIG. 32, the pressing part 210a is arranged at a height that overlaps one grip part 5c1 in the vertical direction. The bearing part 210b extends downward from the front part of the pressing part 210a. A shaft 211 is inserted through the lower part of the bearing portion 210b. The bearing part 210b can swing around the shaft 211 together with the pressing part 210a. A connection hole 210c is formed in the upper part of the bearing part 210b.

By pressing the pressing part 210a from above with a thumb or the like, the lever 210 swings in one direction (downward) around the third axis X3, and moves from the upper position (see the solid line in FIG. 32) to the lower position (see the solid line in FIG. 32). The lever 210 is urged toward the other side (upward) around the third axis X3 by a spring (not shown). Therefore, by ceasing to press the pressing portion 210a, the lever 210 swings toward the other side (upward) around the third axis X3, and from the lower position (see the imaginary line in FIG. 32) to the upper position (see (see solid line).

The lever 210 and the movable member 201 are connected by a second cable 220. The second cable 220 has an outer cylinder member (outer) 221 and a wire (inner) 222. The wire 222 is housed so as to be movable relative to the outer cylinder member 221.
One end of the outer cylinder member 221 is held by a first holding part 251. As shown in FIG. 1, the first holding portion 251 is fixed to the rear portion of one rear extension portion 5b1 of the handle 5. As shown in FIG. One end of the wire 222, which is one end of the second cable 220, protrudes from one end of the outer cylinder member 221 and is connected to the connection hole 210c of the bearing portion 210b. The other end of the outer cylinder member 221 is held by a second holding part 252. As shown in FIG. 18, the second holding part 252 is held at the upper part of the cylindrical body 202. The other end of the wire 222, which is the other end of the second cable 220, protrudes from the other end of the outer cylinder member 221 and is connected to the upper end of the movable member 201.

The second cable 220 is moved by the swinging operation of the lever 210, and moves the movable member 201 between the first position (see FIG. 31(a)) and the second position (see FIG. 31(b)).
When the lever 210 is not operated, the lever 210 is at the initial position (solid line position in FIG. 32), and no tensile force is applied to the wire 222 from the lever 210. In this state, the movable member 201 is in the second position (see FIG. 31(b)) inserted through the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a. Therefore, rotation of the connecting portion 130 about the first axis X1 with respect to the support base 124 is prevented, and rotation of the handle 5 with respect to the handle support portion 120 becomes impossible.

When the lever 210 is operated (pressing the pressing part 210a), the lever 210 moves from the initial position to the operating position (the imaginary line position in FIG. 32), and a tensile force is applied from the lever 210 to the wire 222. Therefore, the movable member 201 moves upward (see arrow E in FIG. 18) and reaches the first position (see FIG. 31(a)) where it is separated from the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a. Therefore, the connecting portion 130 is allowed to rotate about the first axis X1 relative to the support base 124, and the handle 5 can be rotated relative to the handle support portion 120. In this state, the handle 5 can be rotated relative to the handle support portion 120 about the first axis X1 in one direction (leftward) (see FIG. 33) or in the other direction (rightward) (see FIG. 34).

When the lever 210 is released (stops pressing the pressing portion 210a) with the handle 5 rotated to a desired angle with respect to the handle support portion 120, the lever 210 returns to the initial position and the movable member 201 is inserted into the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a. Therefore, rotation of the connecting portion 130 about the first axis X1 relative to the support base 124 is prevented, and the handle 5 can be fixed at a position rotated by a desired angle relative to the handle support portion 120.

When the handle 5 rotates in one direction (leftward) about the first axis X1 with respect to the handle support portion 120, it rotates toward the second housing 7B, and when it rotates in the other direction (rightward), it rotates toward the first housing 7A. Rotate to the side. That is, the rotation mechanism 200 can rotate the handle 5 toward the first housing 7A or the second housing 7B. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state in which the handle 5 is rotated toward the second housing 7B. Note that the rotation mechanism 200 may be configured to be able to rotate the handle 5 to a position overlapping the body 2 (see FIG. 36). Such a configuration can be realized by increasing the number of first through holes 124a (for example, by arranging the first through holes 124a in an annular shape centered on the first axis X1). By adopting such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 36, the handle 5 can be rotated to a position overlapping the machine body 2 to shorten the length of the mower 1 in the front and rear direction. 1 can be easily stored and transported.

As shown in FIG. 32, the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 have a movable range Z1 when operating the first operating section 171 and a movable range Z2 when operating the second operating section 210 that exceed each other in the vertical direction. It is placed at a height that wraps. This allows the operator to operate the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 at approximately the same height, so the operator can greatly change his or her position in the vertical direction when operating the two operating sections. There is no need to do this, and it is easy to operate.

In the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which the first operating section 171 that operates the tilting mechanism 160 and the second operating section 210 that operates the rotating mechanism 200 are arranged on the same side (left side or right side) in the width direction of the machine body. be able to. When adopting this configuration, the operation lever, spindle 172, shaft support 173, and biasing body 175 that constitute the first operation section 171 of the first embodiment are placed on the same side in the width direction of the machine body as the second operation section 210 ( It should be placed on the left side). This arrangement allows the operator to operate the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 on the same side in the width direction of the machine body, resulting in excellent operability.

The mower 1 includes an expansion mechanism 225 that allows the handle support portion 120 to expand and contract.
As shown in FIGS. 37, 38, and 39, the telescoping mechanism 225 includes a cylindrical portion 122 and a column 123.
As described above, the cylindrical portion 122 constitutes the lower portion of the handle support portion 120. The column 123 constitutes the upper part of the handle support portion 120 and protrudes from the cylindrical portion 122 so as to be movable forward and backward. The expansion/contraction mechanism 225 can expand/contract the handle support part 120 by changing the length by which the support column 123 projects from the cylindrical part 122 .

The expansion/contraction mechanism 225 is operated (can be expanded/contracted) by operating the third operating section 230. In other words, the third operation section 230 is a section that performs an operation for switching the extension mechanism 225 between a state in which the handle support section 120 is extendable and a state in which it is not extendable.
The third operation section 230 has a first section 230a, a second section 230b, and a third section 230c. The first portion 230a, the second portion 230b, and the third portion 230c are each formed in a columnar shape. The first portion 230a, the second portion 230b, and the third portion 230c are integrally configured. The first portion 230a is a portion held by the operator and extends in the width direction of the machine body. The direction in which the first portion 230a extends is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cylindrical portion 122 extends. The first portion 230a is spaced apart from the cylindrical portion 122 from the proximal end toward the distal end. The second portion 230b extends from the base end side of the first portion 230a in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion 230a. The second portion 230b has one end connected to the first portion 230a, and the other end connected to the third portion 230c. The third portion 230c extends from the other end of the second portion 230b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second portion 230b and away from the first portion 230a. The direction in which the third portion 230c extends is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cylindrical portion 122 extends. The third portion 230c is disposed near the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122 and extends across the cylindrical portion 122. The third operating section 230 can be rotated around the third section 230c by gripping and pushing and pulling the first section 230a.

A pressing member 231 is fixed to the third portion 230c of the third operating section 230. The pressing member 231 is a member extending in the body width direction along the third portion 230c. The pressing member 231 is formed into a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter smaller than that of the third portion 230c. The pressing member 231 is in contact with the flexible plate 232.
The flexible plate 232 is arranged along the first slit 122a formed in the cylindrical portion 122. The first slit 122a is formed by cutting out a part of the cylindrical portion 122 linearly in the width direction of the body. The flexible plate 232 is disposed between the pressing member 231 and the outer surface of the support column 123, and extends in the width direction of the body. The flexible plate 232 has one surface in contact with the pressing member 231 and the other surface facing the outer surface of the support column 123 . One end side of the flexible plate 232 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 122. One end side of the flexible plate 232 is fixed by a fastening member 234 to a protruding portion 233 protruding from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122 . The other end of the flexible plate 232 is not fixed and is a free end. Therefore, the flexible plate 232 is in a cantilevered state with only one end side fixed, and can be bent and deformed using the one end side as a fulcrum. The flexible plate 232 comes into contact with or separates from the outer surface of the support column 123 by being bent and deformed within the first slit 122a. The flexible plate 232 is deformed by being pressed by the pressing member 231 on one side of the flexible plate 232 .

The cylindrical portion 122 is provided with a holder 235 that holds the third portion 230c of the third operating portion 230. The holding body 235 has an inner holding body 236, an outer holding body 237, and a holding plate 238.
The inner holding body 236 has a left plate 236a, a right plate 236b, and a connecting plate 236c. The left plate 236a is fixed to the left outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122, and extends diagonally rearward and downward. The right plate 236b is fixed to the right outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122, and extends diagonally rearward and downward. The connecting plate 236c connects the left plate 236a and the right plate 236b. The connecting plate 236c is arranged to face the surface of the cylindrical portion 122 on the side where the first slit 122a is provided with a gap therebetween. A second slit 236d cut out in a U-shape toward the cylindrical portion 122 is formed in the inner holding body 236. A third portion 230c of the third operating section 230 is arranged within the second slit 236d.

The outer holding body 237 is a plate-shaped member, and is fixed to the connecting plate 236c of the inner holding body 236 with bolts 239. The outer holding body 237 is provided with a regulating part 240 that regulates the rotation range of the third operating part 230. The regulating portion 240 is arranged at a position where the second portion 230b hits when the third operating portion 230 is rotated to a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 90°), thereby restricting the rotation of the third operating portion 230. Regulate the scope.

The holding plate 238 is arranged between the outer holding body 237 and the third portion 230c. The third operating section 230 is positioned and held by the third portion 230c being sandwiched between the holding plate 238 and the outer holding body 237. A threaded rod 241 is connected to the holding plate 238, and the threaded rod 241 passes through the outer holding body 237. A nut 242 is screwed onto the threaded rod 241, thereby attaching the holding plate 238 to the outer holding body 237.

FIG. 40(a) shows a state in which the telescoping mechanism 225 is not activated, that is, a state in which the handle support portion 120 is not telescopic. In this state, the second portion 230b of the third operating section 230 extends obliquely upward along the support column 123. Further, the second portion 230b, the pressing member 231, and the flexible plate 232 are arranged in a straight line, and the flexible plate 232 is flexibly deformed and abuts (pressures) the outer surface of the support column 123. Therefore, the strut 123 cannot move relative to the cylindrical portion 122 due to the static frictional force between it and the flexible plate 232, and the position of the strut 123 relative to the cylindrical portion 122 is fixed. In other words, the handle support portion 120 cannot be expanded or contracted.

FIG. 40(b) shows a state in which the telescopic mechanism 225 is activated, that is, a state in which the handle support portion 120 can be extended and contracted. In this state, the third operating section 230 is rotated around the third portion 230c as shown by arrow F from the state shown in FIG. 40(a). As a result, the positional relationship between the second portion 230b, the pressing member 231, and the flexible plate 232 changes, and the pressing force that the flexible plate 232 receives from the pressing member 231 decreases. As a result, the flexible plate 232 recovers from its deformed state and separates from the outer surface of the support column 123. As a result, the support column 123 can move relative to the cylindrical portion 122. In other words, the handle support portion 120 can be expanded and contracted. In this state, by moving the support column 123 relative to the cylindrical portion 122, the handle support portion 120 can be extended or shortened.

After extending or shortening the handle support portion 120 to a desired length, the third operation portion 230 is rotated around the third portion 230c to return the handle support portion 120 to the state shown in FIG. 40(a). The length can be fixed at a desired length.
As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the telescoping mechanism 225 has a downward movement regulating portion 243. As shown in FIGS. The downward motion regulating portion 243 regulates the amount of downward movement of the support column 123 with respect to the cylindrical portion 122 . The downward movement regulating portion 243 is a portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the support column 123, and is constructed by welding a plate to the outer surface or the like. When the support column 123 is moved downward with respect to the cylindrical part 122, the downward movement regulating part 243 hits the upper end surface of the cylinder part 122, so that the support column 123 can no longer move downward (see FIG. 41). a)). Therefore, the amount of downward movement of the support column 123 with respect to the cylindrical portion 122 is restricted.

As shown in FIG. 42, the telescoping mechanism 225 has an upward movement regulating portion 244. As shown in FIG. The upward movement regulating portion 244 regulates the amount of upward movement of the support column 123 with respect to the cylindrical portion 122 . The upward movement regulating portion 244 includes a locking member 245, a fulcrum shaft 246, and a spring 247. The locking member 245 is pivotally supported by a fulcrum shaft 246. The locking member 245 has a claw-like portion 245a at one end and a spring receiving portion 245b at the other end. The claw-like portion 245a is fitted into a first elongated hole 122b formed in the cylindrical portion 122, and its tip abuts against the outer surface of the support column 123. The fulcrum shaft 246 is inserted into the middle of the locking member 245 near the other end, and is attached to the shaft support member 248 . The shaft support member 248 is fixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122. The spring 247 is a compression coil spring, and is interposed between the spring receiving portion 245b of the locking member 245 and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122. The spring 247 urges the spring receiving portion 245b in a direction away from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 122. As a result, the distal end of the claw-like portion 245a of the locking member 245 is pressed against the outer surface of the support column 123. As shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, a second elongated hole 123a is formed in the lower part of the column 123. As shown in FIGS. The second elongated hole 123a is formed at a position that overlaps with the first elongated hole 122b when the support 123 is at the upper limit position (the state where the support 123 protrudes the most from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 122).

As shown in FIGS. 41(a) and 43(a), when the support column 123 is at the lower limit position, the first elongated hole 122b and the second elongated hole 123a do not overlap, and the locking member 245 The tip of the claw-like portion 245a is fitted into the first elongated hole 122b and pressed against the outer surface of the support column 123. In this state, the support column 123 is movable relative to the cylindrical portion 122. When the support 123 is moved upward with respect to the cylindrical portion 122 from the states shown in FIGS. 41(a) and 43(a) and the support 123 reaches the upper limit position, the first elongated hole 122b and the second elongated hole 123a are The locking members 245 are overlapped so that the tip of the claw-like portion 245a passes through the first long hole 122b and is locked to the edge of the second long hole 123a (see FIGS. 41(b) and 43(b)). This prevents the support column 123 from moving upward any further. Therefore, the amount of upward movement of the support column 123 relative to the cylindrical portion 122 is restricted, and it is possible to prevent the support column 123 from coming off from the cylindrical portion 122.

By providing the above-mentioned telescopic mechanism 225, the mower 1 can adjust the height of the handle 5 to an optimal height that is easy to operate, depending on the operator's height and the like. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily operate the mower 1 regardless of height.
The first operating section 171 , the second operating section 210 , and the third operating section 230 are arranged so that at least part of their movable range during operation is located above the upper end of the cylindrical section 122 . That is, the first operating section 171, the second operating section 210, and the third operating section 230 are all arranged at a height that has a range of motion during operation that is close to the height of the operator's hand grasping the handle 5. Therefore, regardless of whether the operator operates the first operating section 171, the second operating section 210, or the third operating section 230, there is no need for the operator to make a significant change in posture, such as bending the waist greatly. Excellent operability.

Since the mower 1 includes the rotation mechanism 200 and the telescopic mechanism 225 described above, the mower 1 can be easily rotated to the left or right.
When performing an operation to turn the mower 1 to the left or right, the mower 1 can be easily turned by rotating the handle 5 toward the turning side. For example, when performing an operation to turn the mower 1 to the left (to the side of the second housing 7B), as shown in FIG. 35, when the handle 5 is turned to the left, the operator S Since the operator stands on the left side with respect to the central axis C1 of 8, the distance the operator has to move is small and the turning operation to the left can be easily performed. Conversely, when the mower 1 is to be rotated to the right (towards the first housing 7A), the handle 5 can be rotated to the right to easily perform the rotation to the right.

Furthermore, when turning the mower 1 to the left or right, by shortening the handle support portion 120, the operator can rotate the mower 1 to the left or right while putting his/her weight on the handle 5. Since the mower 1 can be operated to turn toward the mower 1, the mower 1 can be easily rotated.
Therefore, by providing both the rotation mechanism 200 and the telescopic mechanism 225, the mower 1 can be easily rotated.

Next, a method of operating the first cable 190 described above will be explained.
The first cable 190 can be operated by an adjustment lever 150 provided on the handle 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment lever 150 is disposed on the inside (left side) of the other rear extension portion 5b2 of the handle 5. A gear shift lever (not shown) is arranged on the inside (left side) of the adjustment lever 150 within the body.

The adjustment lever 150 is a lever for adjusting the angle of the second housing 7B with respect to the first housing 7A. As shown in FIG. 44, the adjustment lever 150 includes an adjustment lever main body 151 and a cable connection part 152.
As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment lever main body 151 is arranged in front of the other grip portion 5c2. As shown in FIG. 44, the adjustment lever main body 151 extends in the vertical direction, and its lower part is supported by the horizontal shaft 143. The lower part of the adjustment lever main body 151 is supported by a bracket 144 via a horizontal shaft 143. The bracket 144 is fixed to the other rear extension portion 5b2. The adjustment lever main body 151 passes through the slot 144a of the bracket 144 and extends in the vertical direction. As shown by solid lines and imaginary lines in FIG. 44, the adjustment lever main body 151 is rotatable around the horizontal axis 143.

By rotating the adjustment lever 150 around the horizontal axis 143, the adjustment lever main body 151 can be moved in the front-rear direction along the slot 144a. The adjustment lever main body 151 can be selectively locked to a plurality of locking portions 144b (see FIG. 1) formed in the slot 144a. Thereby, the adjustment lever 150 can be selectively fixed at a plurality of positions in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 44, the cable connection portion 152 is provided at the bottom of the adjustment lever body 151. One end (base end) of a first cable 190 is connected to the cable connection portion 152 via a horizontal shaft 153. That is, one end (base end) of the first cable 190 is connected to the adjustment lever 150 as an operating section provided on the handle 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the other end side (tip side) of the first cable 190 extends above the first housing 7A to above the second housing 7B.

The first cable 190 has an outer cylindrical member (outer) 191 and a wire (inner) 192. One end of the outer cylinder member 191 is held by a holding part 146 provided at the front of the bracket 144. The wire 192 is housed so as to be movable with respect to the outer cylinder member 191, and one end (base end of the first cable 190) protruding from the outer cylinder member 191 is connected to the cable connection part 152. As shown in FIG. 10, the other end of the outer cylinder member 191 is supported above the first housing 7A. Specifically, the other end of the outer cylinder member 191 is supported by an intermediate support 197 fixed to the upper surface of the first housing 7A. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate support 197 is fixed to the left side of the upper surface of the first housing 7A, and supports the other end of the outer cylinder member 191 at a position above the hinge 8.

As shown in FIG. 10, the other end of the wire 192, which is the other end (tip end) of the first cable 190, is connected to the hole 23i of the connecting member 23 attached to the frame 20 of the second housing 7B. There is. Thereby, the first cable 190 can apply or release a tensile force that causes the second housing 7B to swing, based on the operation of the adjustment lever 150.
When the adjustment lever main body 151 is swung backward and locked in the locking part 144b located at the rear of the slot 144a, the wire 192 of the first cable 190 is pulled toward the handle 5 side, and the outer cylinder member The amount of protrusion of the wire 192 protruding from the other end of the wire 191 becomes smaller. At this time, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, the second housing 7B is held in a position that is not tilted with respect to the first housing 7A. When the adjustment lever main body 151 is locked to the locking part 144b located in front of the slot 144a, the wire 192 of the first cable 190 is pulled toward the connecting member 23, and the other end of the outer cylinder member 191 The amount of protrusion of the wire 192 that protrudes from is increased. In this state, the second housing 7B is held at a second position inclined with respect to the first housing 7A, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG.

The angle of the second housing 7B with respect to the first housing 7A is adjusted by rotating the adjustment lever 150 around the horizontal axis 143 and selectively locking the adjustment lever main body 151 with the plurality of locking portions 144b. can do.
When the second housing 7B is held in a position that is not tilted relative to the first housing 7A, the first cutting blade 33 and the second cutting blade 38 are aligned at the same height, making it possible to mow a wide flat surface. It can be carried out. When the second housing 7B is held at an inclined position with respect to the first housing 7A, the second cutting blade 38 is inclined with respect to the first cutting blade 33, so that the flat part and the slope part are separated. In ridges, banks, etc., the first cutting blade 33 can be used to mow flat areas, and the second cutting blade 38 can be used to mow sloped areas. Further, the angle of the second housing 7B with respect to the first housing 7A can be adjusted depending on the inclination angle of the slope portion with respect to the flat portion.

According to the mower 1 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.
The mower 1 includes a mowing section 3 having a cutting blade that rotates around a vertical axis, and a housing 7 that covers the mowing section 3. The housing 7 includes a frame 20 that constitutes the framework of the housing 7, A cover plate 21 is detachably attached to the frame 20 so as to cover the periphery of the portion 3.

According to this configuration, since the housing 7 has a structure in which the cover plate 21 is attached to the frame 20, the frame 20 and the cover plate 21 can be made of different materials. Therefore, for example, by configuring only the cover plate 21 from a lightweight material, the weight of the housing 7 can be reduced, and the mower 1 with excellent operability can be obtained. Furthermore, since the cover plate 21 is removable from the frame 20, if the cover plate 21 is damaged or corroded, only the cover plate 21 can be replaced without replacing the frame 20. , excellent maintainability, and economical.

Further, the housing 7 covers above and around the mowing section 3, the frame 20 includes a frame-shaped frame 20A disposed above the mowing section 3, and the cover plate 21 is attached to the upper part of the frame-shaped frame 20A and covers the mowing section. 3, and a side plate 21B that is attached around the frame 20A separately from the top plate 21A and covers the mowing section 3.
According to this configuration, the top plate 21A and the side plates 21B can be individually removed from the frame 20A and replaced. Therefore, for example, if the side plate 21B is damaged by flying stones or the like, only the side plate 21B can be replaced without replacing the top plate 21A. Therefore, it has excellent maintainability.

The mower 1 also includes a prime mover 10 and a power transmission mechanism 60 that transmits the power of the prime mover 10 to the vertical shaft 36, and the power transmission mechanism 60 is housed in the gear case 30 disposed above the vertical shaft. The frame 20 includes gears 110 and 111 that rotate together with the vertical axis, and has a mounting portion 22 that is disposed inside the frame-like frame 20A and to which the gear case 30 is attached.
According to this configuration, since the gear case 30 can be attached to the frame 20 via the attachment part 22, the gear case 30 containing the gear can be reliably and firmly supported by the frame 20.

Further, the frame 20 includes a connecting frame 20B that connects the mounting portion 22 and the frame-like frame 20A.
According to this configuration, the attachment portion 22 can be attached to the frame 20 while reinforcing the frame-like frame 20A with the connection frame 20B.
Further, the mowing section 3 includes a first mowing section 3A having a first mowing blade 33 that rotates around a first vertical axis 31, and a second mowing section having a second mowing blade 38 that rotates around a second vertical axis 36. 3B, the housing 7 includes a first housing 7A that covers at least above the first mowing section 3A, and a second housing 7B that covers at least above the second mowing section 3B. The first housing 7A is connected to the second housing 7B via a hinge 8, and a prime mover 10 is mounted on the first housing 7A and a steering handle 5 is attached thereto. Of these, the second housing 7B has a frame 20 and a cover plate 21.

According to this configuration, the weight of the second housing 7B can be reduced, so that in a ridge or embankment having a flat part and a slope part, the first housing 7A is arranged on the flat part side and the second housing 7B is By arranging it on the slope side, the center of gravity of the mower 1 can be located on the flat side. Therefore, the mower 1 is less likely to slide down the slope, and the mower 1 can be operated stably and safely.

Further, the second housing 7B is swingable with respect to the first housing 7A using the hinge 8 as a fulcrum by moving a cable 190 attached to the second housing 7B, and the cable 190 is connected to the frame 20. A connecting member 23 is attached.
According to this configuration, by attaching the connecting member 23 to the frame 20, even if the cable 190 moves and a load is applied to the connecting member 23, the load can be received by the frame 20.

Further, the frame-like frame 20A is made of a hollow pipe, the top plate 21A is made of resin or rubber, and the side plates 21B are made of metal.
According to this configuration, by reducing the weight of the frame 20A and the top plate 21A, the weight of the housing can be reduced, improving operability, and the side plate 21B, which is likely to be hit by flying stones, is It has excellent safety because it can have high strength.

The mower 1 also includes a mowing section 3 having a rotating cutting blade, a body 2 having a housing 7 that covers the top of the mowing section 3, a handle support section 120 extending upward from the body 2, and a handle support section 120. A steering handle 5 supported on the upper part, a telescoping mechanism 225 that allows the handle support part 120 to be extended and contracted, and a handle 5 that is rotatable around a first axis X1 extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support part 120. A rotation mechanism 200 is provided.

According to this configuration, the handle support part 120 that supports the handle 5 can be expanded and contracted, and the handle 5 can be rotated about an axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support part 120. Therefore, the position of the handle 5 can be changed depending on the physique of the operator, the operation status of the mower 1, etc., and excellent operability can be ensured. Furthermore, when turning the mower 1 to the left or right, the operator rotates the handle 5 and shortens the handle support part 120, allowing the operator to rotate the mower while putting his/her weight on the handle 5. Since the mower 1 can be turned to the left or right, the mower 1 can be easily turned.

The handle 5 also includes a base portion 5a supported by the handle support portion 120, a rear extension portion 5b extending rearward from the base portion 5a, and a grip portion 5c provided at the rear end of the rear extension portion 5b and gripped by the operator. An operating section 210 is disposed near the grip section 5c to perform an operation for switching the rotation mechanism 200 between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state of the handle 5.
According to this configuration, since the operating portion 210 is located near the gripping portion 5c, the operator can operate the operating portion 210 without moving his/her hand significantly near the gripping portion 5c, resulting in excellent operability. There is.

Further, the rotation mechanism 200 connects a support base 124 provided on the upper part of the handle support part 120 and the lower part of the handle 5 to the support base 124, and rotates about the first axis X1 on the support base 124. a movable member 201 that is movable between a first position that allows rotation of the connection portion 130 with respect to the support base 124 and a second position that prevents rotation of the connection portion 130, and the movable member 201 has a , moves to the first position and the second position by operating the operating unit 210.

According to this configuration, by moving the movable member 201 by operating the operating unit 210, it is possible to allow or prevent the rotation of the connecting portion 130 with respect to the support base 124, so that the operating state of the rotating mechanism 200 can be changed. Switching between the operating state and the operating state can be easily performed.
Further, the support base 124 has a plurality of first through holes 124a arranged in an arc shape or an annular shape with the first axis X1 as the center, and the connecting portion 130 has a first axis X1 of the connecting portion 130. The movable member 201 has a second through hole 130a that selectively overlaps any one of the plurality of first through holes 124a by rotation, and when the movable member 201 is in the first position, the first through hole 124a and the second through hole When it is removed from at least one of the holes 130a and is in the second position, it is inserted into the first through hole 124a and the second through hole 130a.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably switch between allowing and blocking rotation of the connecting portion 130 with respect to the support base 124. Therefore, careless rotation of the connecting portion 130 can be prevented.
Further, the operating section 210 is composed of a swingable lever 210, and the lever 210 and the movable member 201 are connected by a cable 220. It is moved to the first position and the second position.

According to this configuration, since the movable member 201 can be moved by swinging the lever 210, the operability of the operating section 210 is excellent.
Further, the cutting blade includes a first cutting blade 33 that rotates around a first vertical axis 31 and a second cutting blade 38 that rotates around a second vertical axis 36 . The first housing 7A and the second housing 7B are connected via a hinge 8. A prime mover 10 is mounted on the first housing 7A, and a handle 5 is attached thereto, and the handle 5 is rotatable toward the second housing 7B.

According to this configuration, by rotating the handle 5 toward the second housing 7B side, the direction of rotation is the second housing 7B on the opposite side to the first housing 7A side on which the heavy motor 10 is mounted. Even if it is on the side, the operator S stands on the turning side, so the distance traveled by the operator is small, and the turning operation toward the second housing 7B side can be easily performed.

Further, the rotation mechanism 200 allows the handle 5 to rotate to a position overlapping the body 2 .
According to this configuration, the length of the mower 1 in the front and rear direction can be shortened by rotating the handle 5 to a position overlapping the machine body 2, thereby making it easier to store and transport the mower 1. becomes possible.

Further, a tilting mechanism 160 is provided that allows the handle 5 to be tilted about a second axis X2 extending in the width direction of the machine body with respect to the handle support part 120, and the tilting mechanism 160 moves the handle 5 to a position where it overlaps above the machine body 2. It can be tilted.
According to this configuration, by tilting the handle 5 to a position overlapping the machine body 2, the length of the mower 1 in the front and rear direction can be shortened, making it easier to store and transport the mower 1. becomes possible.

The mower 1 also includes a mowing section 3 having a rotating cutting blade, a body 2 having a housing 7 that covers the top of the mowing section 3, a handle support section 120 extending upward from the body 2, and a handle support section 120. A steering handle 5 supported on the upper part, a connecting part 130 connecting the handle support part 120 and the handle 5, and a connecting part 130 connecting the handle support part 120 and the handle 5, and a connecting part 130 connecting the handle 5 to the handle support part 120 around the machine width axis X2 extending in the width direction of the machine body. A first operating section 171 that is operated when operating the tilting mechanism 160 is provided in the connecting section 130 .

According to this configuration, the handle 5 can be rotated by the tilting mechanism 160 with respect to the handle support portion 120 about the axis X2 extending in the width direction of the machine body. Therefore, the inclination of the handle 5 can be changed depending on the physique of the operator, the operation status of the mower, etc., and excellent operability can be achieved. Furthermore, since the first operating section 171 that is operated when operating the tilting mechanism 160 is provided in the connecting section 130 that connects the handle 5 and the handle support section 120, the first operating section 171 has excellent operability. ing.

The mower 1 also includes a rotation mechanism 200 that allows the handle 5 to rotate around the vertical axis X1 extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support portion 120, and the first operation portion 171 and the rotation mechanism 200 are connected to each other. The second operating section 210 that is operated during operation is arranged at a height such that its range of motion during operation overlaps in the vertical direction.
According to this configuration, the operator can operate the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 at approximately the same height position, which provides excellent operability.

Further, the mower 1 includes a front wheel 4F and a rear wheel 4R that support the machine body 2 so that it can run, the handle 5 extends rearward from the handle support part 120, and the connecting part 130 is arranged rearward than the rear wheel 4R. has been done.
According to this configuration, since the connecting part 130 can be placed close to the hand of the operator who grips the handle 5, the operator can easily operate the first operation provided on the connecting part 130 without moving his/her hand significantly. The section 171 can be operated and has excellent operability.

Furthermore, the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 are arranged on the same side in the width direction of the machine body.
According to this configuration, the operator can operate the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 on the same side in the width direction of the machine body, so that the operability is excellent.
The mower 1 also includes a telescoping mechanism 225 that allows the handle support portion 120 to expand and contract. The third operating section 230, which is operated when the telescopic mechanism 225 is operated, and the first operating section 171 and the second operating section 210 are operated when the telescopic mechanism 225 is operated. At least a part of the range of motion is located above the upper end of the cylindrical portion 122.

According to this configuration, the first operating section 171, the second operating section 210, and the third operating section 230 are all arranged at a height whose range of motion during operation is close to the height of the operator's hand gripping the handle 5. Therefore, regardless of whether the operator operates the first operating section 171, the second operating section 210, or the third operating section 230, the operator must not make a significant vertical change in posture, such as by greatly bending the waist. There is no need to do this, and it is easy to operate.

Further, the tilting mechanism 160 is rotatable about the machine width axis X2 with a first engagement part 161 provided on the connecting part 130 and the handle 5 is tilted, and is rotatable around the machine width axis X2. It has a second engaging part 162 that can be engaged with the first engaging part 161 at a plurality of positions, and the second engaging part 162 can be connected to the first engaging part 161 by operating the first operating part 171. It is movable between an engagement position where it is engaged with and cannot be rotated, and a non-engagement position where it is separated from the first engagement portion 161 and is rotatable.

According to this configuration, by operating the first operating portion 171, the first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162 are engaged, so that the handle 5 is brought into a state in which it cannot tilt relative to the handle support portion 120. By releasing the engagement between the first engaging portion 161 and the second engaging portion 162, the handle 5 can be tilted relative to the handle support portion 120. Therefore, the handle 5 can be easily and reliably switched between a non-tilting state and a tiltable state with respect to the handle support portion 120.

The tilting mechanism 160 also includes a biasing member 170 that biases the second engaging portion 162 toward the non-engaging position, and the first operating portion 171 biases the second engaging portion 162 toward the engaged position. The second engaging portion 162 is movable between a pressed position where it is pressed toward the target and a non-pressed position where it is not pressed. When it is moved to the engaged position and set to the non-pressed position, it is moved to the non-engaged position by the biasing force of the biasing member 170.

According to this configuration, by setting the first operating part 171 to the pressing position, the second engaging part 162 can be reliably moved to the engaging position, and the first engaging part 161 and the second engaging part 162 (the state in which the handle 5 cannot be tilted) can be reliably achieved with a small amount of force. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the risk of the handle 5 inadvertently tilting during use. Further, when the first operating portion 171 is set to the non-pressing position, the second engaging portion 162 can be automatically returned to the non-engaging position by the urging force of the urging member 170.

The tilting mechanism 160 also includes a locked portion 176 that is rotatable around the machine width axis X2 as the handle 5 is tilted, and a locking portion that is provided on the connecting portion 130 and that can be locked to the locked portion 176. The locked part 176 has a regular polygonal outer circumferential surface extending around the machine width axis An inner peripheral surface is formed that can be changed to a non-clamped state in which the surfaces are not clamped, and that comes into contact with a plurality of surfaces of the outer peripheral surface when in the clamped state.

According to this configuration, by placing the locking portion 177 in a clamping state in which it clamps the outer circumferential surface of the locked portion 176, tilting of the handle 5 can be reliably made impossible. Further, by setting the locking portion 177 in a non-clamping state in which the outer peripheral surface of the locked portion 176 is not gripped, the handle 5 can be easily tilted.
Further, the tilting mechanism 160 has a holding part 198 that can hold the locking part 177 in a pinched state, and the holding part 198 can be moved to a first swinging position and a second swinging position around a support shaft 195 extending in the width direction of the machine body. The locking portion 177 is held in a pinched state at the first swinging position, and released from the holding at the second swinging position.

According to this configuration, by operating the holding part 198, the locking part 177 is held in the clamped state to disable the tilting of the handle 5, and the holding part 177 is released from the clamped state, and the handle 5 is held in the clamped state. can be tilted. Moreover, the holding portion 198 can reliably achieve a safe state in which the handle 5 cannot be tilted with a small force.
Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

1 Lawn mower 2 Body 3 Lawn cutting part 5 Handle 5a Base part 5b Rear extension part 5c Grip part 7 Housing 7A First housing 7B Second housing 8 Hinge 10 Prime mover 31 First vertical shaft 33 First cutting blade 36 Second vertical shaft 38 2 cutting blade 120 Handle support part 124 Support stand 124a First through hole 130 Connecting part 130a Second through hole 160 Tilting mechanism 200 Rotating mechanism 201 Movable member 210 Operating part (lever)
220 Cable X1 First axis X2 Second axis

Claims (9)

a mower having a rotating cutting blade;
a machine body having a housing that covers above the mowing section;
a handle support extending upward from the fuselage;
a steering handle supported on the upper part of the handle support part;
an extensible mechanism that allows the handle support portion to expand and contract;
a rotation mechanism that allows the handle to rotate about a first axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to the handle support portion;
The expansion/contraction mechanism has a cylindrical portion and a strut, and is capable of expanding and contracting the handle support portion by changing the protruding length of the strut from the cylindrical portion. It has an upward movement regulating part that regulates the amount of upward movement of the
A first hole is formed in the cylinder part,
A second hole is formed in the support column,
The upward movement regulating portion includes a locking member having a claw-like portion, and a spring that urges the claw-like portion toward the outer surface of the support column,
The claw-like portion is fitted into the first hole,
When the strut is not at the upper limit position, the first hole and the second hole do not overlap, and the tip of the claw-like portion is pressed against the outer surface of the strut by the biasing force of the spring,
When the support is at the upper limit position, the first hole and the second hole overlap, and the tip of the claw-like portion passes through the first hole and locks into the second hole by the biasing force of the spring. A lawnmower being used. The upward movement regulating portion includes a fulcrum shaft, the locking member pivotally supported by the fulcrum shaft, and the spring,
The locking member has the claw-like portion on one end side and a spring receiving portion on the other end side,
The mower according to claim 1, wherein the spring is interposed between the spring receiving portion and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion, and urges the spring receiving portion in a direction away from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. The handle has a base supported by the handle support, a rear extension extending rearward from the base, and a grip provided at the rear end of the rear extension and gripped by an operator,
The lawn mower according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an operation section is arranged near the grip section to perform an operation for switching the rotation mechanism between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state of the handle. . The rotation mechanism is
a support stand provided on the upper part of the handle support part;
a connecting part that connects a lower part of the handle and the support base and is rotatable about the first axis on the support base;
a movable member movable between a first position that allows rotation of the connecting portion with respect to the support base and a second position that prevents rotation;
has
The mower according to claim 3, wherein the movable member moves between the first position and the second position by operating the operating section. The support base has a plurality of first through holes arranged in an arc shape or an annular shape centered on the first axis,
The connecting portion has a second through hole that selectively overlaps any of the plurality of first through holes by rotation of the connecting portion about the first axis,
The movable member is removed from the first through hole when in the first position, and inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole when in the second position. lawn mower. The operating section is composed of a swingable lever,
The lever and the movable member are connected by a cable,
The mower according to claim 5, wherein the cable is moved by a swinging operation of the lever to move the movable member between the first position and the second position. The cutting blade includes a first cutting blade that rotates around a first vertical axis and a second cutting blade that rotates around a second vertical axis,
The housing includes a first housing that covers at least above the first cutting blade, and a second housing that covers at least above the second cutting blade,
The first housing and the second housing are connected via a hinge,
A prime mover is mounted on the first housing, and the handle is attached to the first housing.
The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the handle is rotatable toward the second housing. The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotation mechanism allows the handle to rotate to a position overlapping the machine body. comprising a tilting mechanism that allows the handle to be tilted about a second axis extending in the width direction of the machine body with respect to the handle support part;
The mower according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tilting mechanism is capable of tilting the handle to a position overlapping the machine body.

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