JP7705280B2 - Display mechanism of cultivator and walking type cultivator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display mechanism for a tiller and technology for a walk-behind tiller.

Conventionally, technology for walk-behind tillers that can be operated by users has been publicly known. For example, see Patent Document 1.

Patent document 1 discloses a walk-behind tiller equipped with a steering handle.

The walk-behind cultivator described in Patent Document 1 can be operated by the user using a handle. Such walk-behind cultivators are often used by people of all ages and genders, not only by agricultural workers who are accustomed to operating machinery, but also by housewives and elderly people who do home gardening as a hobby. There is a need to further improve the convenience of operating walk-behind cultivators, even for users who are unfamiliar with operating such machinery.

JP 2020-18243 A

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a display mechanism for a tiller and a walk-behind tiller that can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind tiller.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will be explained next.

That is, in claim 1, the device comprises a tilt angle detection unit that detects the tilt angle of the body of a walk-behind cultivator equipped with a rotary and a handle, a display unit that displays information related to the tilt angle of the body detected by the tilt angle detection unit, and a selection unit that can select the type of crop to be cultivated, and the information includes the tilt angle of the body that is determined by a control means by obtaining a tilt angle stored in association with the crop selected by the selection unit, and the tilt angle of the body that allows tilling work to be performed at a tilling depth suitable for cultivating the crop selected by the selection unit .

The effects of the present invention are as follows:

In claim 1, the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a walk-behind type cultivator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, an enlarged plan view. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the vehicle body is tilted in the front-rear direction. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the rotary when the vehicle body is tilted left and right. 1A is a diagram showing a terminal, FIG. 1B is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the terminal, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of values of crop types and tillage depths, etc. stored in the terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. 13A is a diagram showing a first modified example of a display screen, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view showing a walk-behind cultivator according to a second embodiment. 1A is a plan view showing a display mechanism, and FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the display mechanism when the vehicle body is tilted in the longitudinal direction, and FIG.

In the following explanation, the directions indicated by arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in the figure are defined as upward, downward, forward, backward, leftward, and rightward, respectively.

The following describes the walk-behind cultivator 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The walk-behind cultivator 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a machine frame 11, tires 12, an engine 13, a fuel tank 14, a bonnet 15, a cover 16, a transmission case 17, a rotary 18, a resistance bar 19, a work plate 20, a clutch mechanism 21, a handle frame 22, a handle connector 23, a handle 24, a clutch lever 25, and a display mechanism 26.

The vehicle frame 11 is a member formed by appropriately bending a plate material. The vehicle frame 11 is supported by a pair of left and right tires 12. The engine 13 is mounted on the vehicle frame 11. The fuel tank 14 is disposed behind the engine 13. The engine 13 and the fuel tank 14 are covered by a bonnet 15. A cover 16 is provided on the left side of the engine 13 to cover a clutch mechanism 21 that transmits the power of the engine 13 to a transmission case 17.

The transmission case 17 is a case that houses a speed change mechanism 17a that transmits power from the engine 13 to the tires 12 and the rotating shaft 17b. The rotary 18 is equipped with tilling tines 18a fixed to the rotating shaft 17b and a tilling cover 18b that covers the tilling tines 18a from above. A resistance rod 19 and a work plate 20 are attached to the tilling cover 18b.

The clutch mechanism 21 is used to switch between transmitting and not transmitting power from the engine 13 to the transmission mechanism 17a (tires 12 and tiller tines 18a). The clutch mechanism 21 in this embodiment is assumed to be a so-called belt tension clutch that transmits power by applying tension to a belt wound around a pulley.

A handle frame 22 is disposed above the tilling cover 18b. The handle frame 22 is a frame for supporting a handle 24. The handle frame 22 is formed to extend rearward and upward. The handle 24 is attached to the rear upper end of the handle frame 22 via a handle connector 23.

The handle 24 allows the user to operate the walk-behind cultivator 10. The handle 24 is formed to extend rearward and upward from the handle connection portion 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 24 is formed in the shape of a roughly triangular frame in a plan view. The handle 24 is formed by appropriately bending a roughly circular member in a cross-sectional view. The handle 24 has a side portion 24a, a rear portion 24b, and a cross section 24c.

The side portions 24a shown in FIG. 2 are portions that form both the left and right sides of the handle 24. The side portions 24a extend rearward (upward and rearward) from the handle connection portion 23 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

The rear portion 24b is the portion that constitutes the rear of the handle 24. The rear portion 24b extends in the left-right direction so as to connect the rear ends of the left and right side portions 24a. The rear portion 24b is grasped by the user's fingers.

The horizontal portion 24c is a portion that connects the middle portions of the left and right side portions 24a in the fore-aft direction. The horizontal portion 24c is provided so as to be located rearward of the center portion of the handle 24 in the fore-aft direction. By providing the horizontal portion 24c, the handle 24 can be reinforced.

The clutch lever 25 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a lever that can be operated to activate the clutch mechanism 21. The clutch lever 25 is connected to the clutch mechanism 21 via a cable (not shown). The clutch lever 25 is provided between the middle parts of the left and right side parts 24a in the front-rear direction (rear of the cross section 24c). As shown in Figure 1, when a user operates the clutch lever 25 by gripping it, the clutch lever 25 rotates clockwise relative to the left and right side parts 24a when viewed from the left side. Also, when the user releases the clutch lever 25, the clutch lever 25 automatically returns to the position before operation.

The display mechanism 26 is for displaying predetermined information (such as information about the inclination angle of the walk-behind cultivator 10). The configuration of the display mechanism 26 will be described later.

When the clutch lever 25 of the walk-behind cultivator 10 configured as described above is operated, tension is applied to the belt and the clutch mechanism 21 is activated. This transmits power from the engine 13 to the tires 12 and the rotating shaft 17b via the transmission mechanism 17a. This allows the walk-behind cultivator 10 to rotate the tilling tines 18a while traveling as shown in FIG. 3, thereby cultivating the field A. In addition, the resistance rod 19 can be inserted into the field A during cultivating to generate resistance, thereby adjusting the forward speed and tilling depth of the walk-behind cultivator 10. In this way, the walk-behind cultivator 10 can perform cultivating work.

In addition, when the clutch lever 25 of the walk-behind cultivator 10 is released, the clutch lever 25 automatically returns to the position before operation, tension is no longer applied to the belt, and operation of the clutch mechanism 21 is stopped. This stops the rotation of the tire 12 and the tilling tines 18a, and the tilling work can be completed. In this manner, this embodiment shows an example in which the clutch mechanism 21 is a so-called deadman's clutch, which operates while the user is holding the clutch lever 25 and stops operating when the user releases his or her hand and releases the operation of the clutch lever 25.

In this embodiment, an example of tilling work using the rotary 18 has been described, but the walk-behind cultivator 10 can be equipped with various other implements to perform a variety of tasks (e.g., ridge making, mulching, leveling, etc.).

Here, when working with the walk-behind cultivator 10, it is assumed that the walk-behind cultivator 10 will tilt depending on the work. For example, when performing tilling work using the rotary 18 as in the walk-behind cultivator 10 of this embodiment, the tilling claws 18a penetrate into the ground, so the rear of the walk-behind cultivator 10 tilts downward. In particular, since the walk-behind cultivator 10 of this embodiment is equipped with tires 12 that run on the field A, it tilts so as to rotate clockwise in the left side view (see FIG. 3) around the contact point between the tires 12 and the field A. The depth (tillage depth D) at which the tilling claws 18a till the field A becomes deeper as the tilt angle α with respect to the front-to-rear direction of the walk-behind cultivator 10 becomes larger. The user can move the handle 24 up and down to adjust the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10, thereby cultivating field A at the desired cultivation depth D (for example, a cultivation depth D suitable for the crops to be grown in field A).

However, there is a concern that when a user who is unfamiliar with operating a machine performs tilling work, the above-mentioned adjustment of the tilling depth D (tilt angle α) may not be properly performed. Furthermore, when a user who is unfamiliar with operating a machine performs tilling work, it is expected that it will be difficult not only to adjust the tilling depth D, but also to keep the body of the walk-behind cultivator 10 horizontally level. Therefore, the walk-behind cultivator 10 according to this embodiment is provided with a display mechanism 26, making it easier for even users who are unfamiliar with operating a machine to adjust the tilling depth D (tilt angle α) and the tilt angle β (see FIG. 4) relative to the left and right direction of the walk-behind cultivator 10. The display mechanism 26 will be described below.

The display mechanism 26 is for displaying information related to the inclination angles α and β (hereinafter referred to as "angle information"). The angle information includes various information related to the inclination angles α and β. For example, the angle information includes not only the values of the inclination angles α and β themselves, but also various information such as the tillage depth D calculated from the inclination angles α and β, an indication of whether the inclination angles α and β are suitable for a given task, and notifications encouraging adjustment of the inclination angles α and β.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the display mechanism 26 includes a terminal 27 and an attachment portion 28.

The terminal 27 is capable of inputting and outputting various types of information. The terminal 27 may be a small, portable device. For example, a smartphone (mobile phone) may be used as the terminal 27. The terminal 27 is not limited to a smartphone, and may be various other devices such as a tablet terminal. The terminal 27 is attached to the handle 24 via an attachment portion 28, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the terminal 27 includes a speaker 27a, a tilt sensor 27b, a touch panel 27c, and a control means 27d.

The speaker 27a is for outputting audio.

The tilt sensor 27b is for detecting the tilt of the terminal 27. An appropriate gyro sensor or the like can be used as the tilt sensor 27b. The tilt sensor 27b can detect the tilt angle of the terminal 27 in any direction (for example, the tilt angle in the front-back direction, the tilt angle in the left-right direction, etc.).

The touch panel 27c shown in FIG. 5 is for inputting and outputting information. The touch panel 27c can display predetermined information. In addition, the user can input various information into the touch panel 27c by performing a touch operation.

The control means 27d is for controlling the terminal 27. The control means 27d is mainly composed of a processor such as a CPU, a storage device that stores programs that can be executed by the processor, and the like. The control means 27d is electrically connected to the speaker 27a, the tilt sensor 27b, and the touch panel 27c.

The control means 27d can output a predetermined sound from the speaker 27a by sending a signal to the speaker 27a. In addition, the control means 27d can obtain the tilt angle of the terminal 27 by receiving a signal from the tilt sensor 27b. As described below, the control means 27d can calculate (detect) the tilt angles α and β of the vehicle body based on the obtained tilt angle of the terminal 27. The control means 27d can display desired information on the touch panel 27c by sending a signal to the touch panel 27c. In addition, the control means 27d can obtain the operation result of the touch panel 27c by receiving a signal from the touch panel 27c.

The mounting portion 28 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is capable of mounting the terminal 27. The mounting portion 28 is provided on the handle 24. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 28 is provided in the center of the cross section 24c in the left-right direction. The mounting portion 28 is capable of removably mounting the terminal 27. As a mounting mode of the terminal 27 using the mounting portion 28, for example, a mode in which the terminal 27 is mounted by clamping the side of the terminal 27 with an appropriate arm can be adopted. In addition, for example, a mode in which the terminal 27 is mounted using a magnet or a mode in which the terminal 27 is mounted with an appropriate belt (band) or the like can also be adopted.

The terminal 27 can be attached to the attachment portion 28 with the touch panel 27c facing backward (upward and rearward). This allows the touch panel 27c of the terminal 27 attached to the attachment portion 28 to be oriented toward the user operating the walk-behind cultivator 10 (in a direction visible to the user).

As described above, the inclination angles α and β of the walk-behind cultivator 10 can be detected using the terminal 27 attached to the vehicle body. Specifically, for example, the inclination sensor 27b detects the inclination of the walk-behind cultivator 10 based on the state in which the walk-behind cultivator 10 is placed on a level ground surface (the tires 12 and tilling tines 18a are in contact with the level ground surface), thereby detecting the inclination angles α and β. Furthermore, the terminal 27 can calculate (estimate) the tilling depth D of the walk-behind cultivator 10 based on the detected inclination angle α and the specifications of the walk-behind cultivator 10 (for example, the dimensions and positional relationship of the tires 12 and rotary 18).

The display mechanism 26 configured as described above can display information (angle information) related to the inclination angles α and β by displaying a display screen 30 as shown in FIG. 6 on the touch panel 27c of the terminal 27. The display screen 30 will be described below.

The display screen 30 is a screen for displaying angle information. For example, when a user performs an appropriate operation using the touch panel 27c, the control means 27d generates the display screen 30 and causes it to be displayed on the touch panel 27c. The display screen 30 includes a selection section 31, a target display section 32, a first tilt angle display section 33, and a second tilt angle display section 34.

The selection unit 31 is a section for selecting the type of crop to be cultivated in the field A. The selection unit 31 is configured to be tappable. When the selection unit 31 is tapped, a number of types of crops that the user can select are displayed on the display screen 30.

Here, the type of crop, the value of the tillage depth D suitable for that crop, and the tilt angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 when performing tilling work at that tillage depth D are stored in advance in the terminal 27 in association with each other. FIG. 5(c) shows an example of values of the tillage depth D, etc. stored in the terminal 27. In the example shown in FIG. 5(c), the types of crops (particularly vegetables) are classified into the categories of "root vegetables," "leafy stem vegetables," and "fruit vegetables," and the appropriate tillage depth D, etc. for each are shown. Note that the numerical values in the figure are shown as examples for the purpose of explanation, and in practice, values suitable for each crop are determined based on experiments, etc.

When the selection unit 31 shown in FIG. 6 is tapped, the multiple crop types shown in FIG. 5(c) are displayed, and the user can select any crop. When the user selects a desired crop (a crop to be cultivated in field A) by tapping, the selected crop is displayed in the selection unit 31.

The target display unit 32 is a section that displays the inclination angle α at which tilling work can be performed at a tilling depth D suitable for cultivating the crop displayed in the selection unit 31. The display of the target display unit 32 is updated by the control means 27d as appropriate in response to the selection of the type of crop in the selection unit 31. Specifically, when a crop is selected in the selection unit 31, the control means 27d acquires the inclination angle (see FIG. 5(c)) that is stored in association with the crop selected in the selection unit 31. The control means 27d displays the acquired inclination angle α on the target display unit 32, thereby making it possible to display the target value of the inclination angle α according to the selection in the selection unit 31.

The first tilt angle display section 33 is a section that displays the tilt angle α with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body detected by the tilt sensor 27b. The first tilt angle display section 33 displays an illustration 33a, a scale 33b, an auxiliary line 33c, and a line 33d.

Illustration 33a is an image that shows a schematic of the walk-behind cultivator 10 as seen from the side. By displaying this image at an appropriate tilt, the user can intuitively understand how the walk-behind cultivator 10 is tilted in the front-to-back direction.

The scale 33b indicates the value of the inclination angle α. The scale 33b is displayed on the left and right of the illustration 33a. In FIG. 6, the scale 33b indicates that the inclination angle α of the vehicle body when the walk-behind cultivator 10 is placed on level ground is 0. The scale 33b also indicates the value of the inclination angle α by indicating the direction in which the tilling depth D becomes deeper (clockwise direction in FIG. 6) as "+" and the direction in which the tilling depth D becomes shallower (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6) as "-".

The auxiliary line 33c indicates the direction of the line 33d when the inclination angle α is 0.

Line 33d indicates the inclination angle α of the vehicle body detected by inclination sensor 27b. Line 33d is displayed crossing illustration 33a and pointing to the left and right scales 33b. Line 33d is displayed as if it is inclined at an angle according to the detected inclination angle α.

The display of the illustration 33a and line 33d of the first tilt angle display unit 33 configured as described above is updated by the control means 27d. Specifically, the control means 27d acquires (detects) the tilt angle α of the vehicle body every predetermined short time (for example, 0.1 to 1 second) and changes the direction of the line 33d so that it points to the acquired tilt angle α. The control means 27d also tilts and displays the illustration 33a in accordance with the tilt of the line 33d. In this way, the control means 27d can display the tilt angle α of the vehicle body in real time.

The second tilt angle display section 34 is a section that displays the tilt angle β in the left-right direction of the vehicle body detected by the tilt sensor 27b. The second tilt angle display section 34 displays an illustration 34a, a scale 34b, an auxiliary line 34c, and a line 34d.

Illustration 34a is an image that shows a schematic of the rotary 18 as seen from behind. By displaying this image at an appropriate tilt, the user can intuitively understand how the walk-behind cultivator 10 is tilted to the left and right.

The scale 34b indicates the value of the inclination angle β. The scale 34b is displayed on the left and right of the illustration 34a. The scale 34b in FIG. 6 indicates that the inclination angle β of the vehicle body is 0 when the walk-behind cultivator 10 is placed on a level surface. The scale 34b also indicates the value of the inclination angle β by indicating a "+" for a downward rightward inclination and a "-" for a downward leftward inclination.

The auxiliary line 34c indicates the direction of the line 34d when the inclination angle β is 0.

Line 34d indicates the inclination angle β of the vehicle body detected by the inclination sensor 27b. Line 34d is displayed crossing illustration 34a and pointing to the left and right scales 34b. Line 34d is displayed as if it is inclined at an angle according to the detected inclination angle β.

The display of the illustration 34a and line 34d of the second tilt angle display unit 34 configured as described above is updated in real time by the control means 27d, similar to the case of the first tilt angle display unit 33.

By visually checking the display screen 30 as described above, the user can easily grasp the vehicle body's inclination angles α and β. For example, if the vehicle body is inclined in the longitudinal direction when performing tilling work, the inclination angle α detected by the inclination sensor 27b will be reflected in the first inclination angle display unit 33. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the vehicle body's inclination angle α by visually checking the first inclination angle display unit 33 (the value of the scale 33b indicated by the line 33d). This allows the user to easily adjust the inclination angle α, and therefore the tilling depth D. In this way, the display mechanism 26 can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10.

Furthermore, the target display section 32 of the display screen 30 displays the inclination angle α that will result in a tillage depth D suitable for cultivating the crop. The user can till the field A at an appropriate tillage depth D for the crop by adjusting the vehicle body inclination angle α by moving the handlebars 24 up and down so that the inclination angle α displayed on the first inclination angle display section 33 becomes the value displayed on the target display section 32.

In addition, the user can easily grasp the inclination angle β in the left-right direction of the vehicle body by visually checking the second inclination angle display unit 34. Furthermore, by adjusting the posture of the walk-behind cultivator 10 so that the angle displayed on the second inclination angle display unit 34 becomes the desired angle (e.g., 0°), the user can perform tilling work in a stable posture.

The user can also touch the selection unit 31 to select any crop from among multiple crops. This allows the user to perform appropriate tilling work for each crop.

As described above, the display mechanism 26 of the walk-behind cultivator 10 (cultivator) according to this embodiment includes a tilt sensor 27b (tilt angle detection unit) that detects the tilt angles α and β of the body of the walk-behind cultivator 10, which is equipped with the rotary 18 and the handle 24, and a touch panel 27c (display unit) that displays information (angle information) related to the tilt angles α and β of the body detected by the tilt sensor 27b.

This configuration can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In other words, by checking the information related to the tilt angles α and β of the walk-behind cultivator 10 displayed on the touch panel 27c, the user can easily grasp the posture of the walk-behind cultivator 10 (tilt angles α and β), and can easily operate the walk-behind cultivator 10 (in particular, adjust the tilling depth D).

The information also includes the vehicle body inclination angles α and β.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In other words, by knowing the specific values of the inclination angles α and β, it becomes possible to operate the walk-behind cultivator 10 more precisely.

The information also includes a guideline (the tilt angle displayed on the target display unit 32) indicating whether the tilt angle α of the vehicle body is suitable for a given task.

This configuration can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In other words, the user can easily adjust the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 by referring to the displayed guideline (target display section 32).

The walk-behind cultivator 10 according to this embodiment is also equipped with the display mechanism 26.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to improve the ease of operation of the walk-behind cultivator 10.

The walking cultivator 10 is further equipped with tires 12.

This configuration makes it easier to determine the inclination angle α (tillage depth D) starting from the point of contact between the tire 12 and the field A. By adjusting the vehicle body posture using the thus determined inclination angle α as a guide, it becomes easier to control the tillage depth D.

The tilt sensor 27b according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a tilt angle detection unit according to the present invention.
The touch panel 27c according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a display unit according to the present invention.

The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 28 is provided on the horizontal portion 24c of the handle 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 28 may be provided on the side portion 24a, or on the fuel tank 14, bonnet 15, etc. In other words, the position at which the mounting portion 28 is provided can be changed as desired as long as the touch panel 27c can be viewed by the user.

It is also possible to use the terminal 27 to notify the user of operation (particularly adjustment of the inclination angles α and β). For example, the control means 27d can calculate the difference between the detected inclination angle α and the inclination angle displayed on the target display unit 32, and when the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification is issued to encourage adjustment of the inclination angle α. In this case, the notification method can be, for example, a predetermined message (such as "Please tilt the vehicle forward slightly") displayed on the touch panel 27c or the message can be output by voice from the speaker 27a. Another method is to notify the user by a change in sound or tone, such as a warning sound or notification sound. The user can easily adjust the tillage depth D by adjusting the inclination angle α according to this notification.

In this way, the information includes a notification that prompts the user to adjust the inclination angle α of the vehicle body so that the inclination angle α of the vehicle body is appropriate for the specified task.

This configuration can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In other words, the user can easily adjust the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 to an appropriate angle for a given task by adjusting the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 in accordance with the notification.

In addition, while FIG. 6 shows an example of displaying the tilt angles α and β on the touch panel 27c, the angle information displayed on the touch panel 27c is not limited to the tilt angles α and β.

For example, the first modified example shown in FIG. 7(a) shows a screen that displays the tillage depth D instead of the inclination angle α. Specifically, the target display section 42 of the first modified example displays the tillage depth D (see FIG. 5(c)) suitable for cultivating the crop displayed in the selection section 31. The value of the tillage depth D is also displayed on the scale 43b. The control means 27d calculates the tillage depth D of the walk-behind cultivator 10 from the detected inclination angle α, and changes the direction of the line 33d according to this tillage depth D. The user can grasp the tillage depth D by visually checking the scale 43b indicated by the line 33d.

In this way, the information includes a value obtained by converting the vehicle body inclination angle α into the working depth (cultivation depth D) of the work implement attached to the walk-behind cultivator 10.

This configuration improves the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In other words, the user can easily grasp the tilling depth D achieved by the rotary 18, and can easily operate the walk-behind cultivator 10 (especially adjust the tilling depth D).

For example, in the second modified example shown in FIG. 7(b), a screen is shown that displays the type of crop instead of the inclination angle α. Specifically, in the second modified example, the name of the crop is appropriately displayed on the scale 53b that indicates the tillage depth D (tilt angle α) appropriate for that crop. The control means 27d changes the direction of the line 33d according to the detected inclination angle α. The user can intuitively adjust the tillage depth D by adjusting the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 so that the line 33d points to the scale 53b showing the desired crop.

The display screen 30 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is an example, and the method of displaying the inclination angles α and β, the tillage depth D, etc. is not limited to this. For example, the illustrations shown in Figure 6, etc. are an example, and can be changed as desired. It is also possible to display only the specific numerical values of the inclination angles α and β, the tillage depth D, etc., instead of using illustrations.

In addition, the control means 27d detects the tilt angles α and β using a gyro sensor (tilt sensor 27b), but it may also detect the tilt angles α and β using a sensor of another type (for example, an acceleration sensor).

The control means 27d can also be configured to arbitrarily adjust (zero point adjustment) the reference value for the detection of the tilt angles α and β by the tilt sensor 27b. For example, in this embodiment, the tilt angles α and β are detected based on the state in which the walk-behind cultivator 10 is placed on level ground, but if the field A itself is generally tilted, it is also possible to detect the tilt angles α and β based on the tilt of the field A. This allows the tillage depth D to be calculated with high accuracy based on the tilt angles α and β. Furthermore, by performing appropriate zero point adjustment, deterioration in the detection accuracy of the tilt angles α and β by the tilt sensor 27b can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a terminal 27 is used that is integrated with a tilt sensor 27b that detects the tilt angles α and β of the vehicle body and a touch panel 27c that displays information about the tilt angles α and β, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide the tilt sensor 27b and the touch panel 27c (display unit) separately.

In addition, in this embodiment, vegetable categories ("root vegetables," "leafy stem vegetables," and "fruit vegetables") are given as examples of crop names, but the present invention is not limited to these and any name can be used. For example, it is possible to use categories classified according to any criteria, or to use more specific names of vegetable varieties, rather than being limited to the above categories. It is also possible to use names of various other crops, rather than just vegetables. Furthermore, it is also possible to use names of work (land leveling, mulching, etc.) instead of crop names.

Next, the walk-behind cultivator 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

The walk-behind cultivator 10 according to the second embodiment has a display mechanism 126 with a different configuration from the display mechanism 26 according to the first embodiment.

The display mechanism 126 is for displaying the inclination angle α relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the display mechanism 126 includes a spirit level 127 and an attachment portion 128.

The level 127 is for displaying the inclination angle α. The level 127 is attached to the handle 24 via an attachment portion 128, which will be described later. The level 127 includes a case 127a, a bubble tube 127b, and a label 127c.

The case 127a forms the outer shape of the level 127. The case 127a is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that can accommodate the bubble tube 127b.

The vial 127b is a transparent container in which liquid is sealed with air bubbles remaining. The vial 127b is housed in the case 127a and is arranged so that the air bubbles can be seen from above. A marking line L127 is marked on the vial 127b to indicate the magnitude of the inclination (tilt angle α).

The label 127c indicates the inclination angle α suitable for each crop. Information for identifying the crop (the name of the type of crop) is written on the label 127c. Multiple labels 127c are provided and are appropriately affixed to indicate the mark line L127 indicating the inclination angle α suitable for each crop.

The mounting portion 128 is capable of mounting a spirit level 127. The mounting portion 128 is made up of a pair of front and rear plates that can be fitted into the cross section 124c, and can be detachably mounted to the cross section 24c. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 128 is mounted to the center of the cross section 24c of the handle 24 in the left-right direction.

The level 127 of the display mechanism 126 configured as described above is arranged so as to be parallel (horizontal) to the front-rear direction when the walk-behind cultivator 10 is placed on a level ground (with the tires 12 and tilling tines 18a in contact with the level ground). In this case, the air bubble of the level 127 is located between the two inner marks L127 on the front-rear (see FIG. 9(a)).

When tilling work is performed with the walk-behind cultivator 10, the cultivator tines 18a enter the field A and the body of the walk-behind cultivator 10 tilts relative to the front-to-rear direction. When the body tilts relative to the front-to-rear direction, the orientation of the level 127 changes according to the tilt angle α, and the air bubble in the air bubble tube 127b moves as shown in FIG. 10.

Therefore, by visually checking the level 127, the user can easily grasp the inclination angle α of the vehicle body. This allows the user to adjust the inclination angle α, and therefore the tillage depth D. In this way, the display mechanism 126 can improve the convenience of operating the walk-behind cultivator 10. In this way, in the second embodiment, the level 127 serves both as an inclination angle detection unit that detects the inclination angle α of the vehicle body, and as a display unit that displays information related to the inclination angle.

As described above, label 127c indicates the tilt angle α (tillage depth D) suitable for cultivating crops. Therefore, by visually checking air bubble tube 127b and label 127c, the user can easily determine whether plowing work is being performed at the tilt angle α (tillage depth D) suitable for the crops. Furthermore, by adjusting the vehicle body tilt angle α so that the position indicated by label 127c matches the position of the air bubble, field A can be cultivated at the tillage depth D suitable for the crops.

The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, the level 127 is configured to display the tilt angle α in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle body, but is not limited to this and may also display the tilt angle β in the left-right direction (see FIG. 4). In this case, the tilt angle β can be displayed by placing the level 127 so that the bubble tube 127b faces left-right. In addition, by providing two level gauges 127 capable of displaying the tilt in the fore-aft and left-right directions, respectively, the tilt angles α and β in the fore-aft and left-right directions of the vehicle body may be displayed.

The level 127 is not limited to the one exemplified in the second embodiment, and various types can be used. For example, it is possible to use a digital level, or a level (round level) that can detect a 360-degree inclination, not limited to the front-back and left-right directions.

In addition, while an example has been shown in which the level 127 is provided with a label 127c with the name of the crop written on it, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing the level 127 with a label 127c with the numerical values of the inclination angle and tillage depth written on it, the user can know the specific values of the vehicle body's inclination angle α and tillage depth D.

In addition, in the above embodiments, the walk-behind cultivator 10 equipped with the tire 12 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to a walk-behind cultivator 10 that does not have the tire 12. Regardless of whether the tire 12 is provided or not, the user can move the handle 24 up and down to adjust the inclination angle α of the walk-behind cultivator 10 around the contact point between the resistance rod 19 and the field A, thereby cultivating the field A at the desired tillage depth D (for example, a tillage depth D suitable for the crops to be cultivated in the field A). However, if the walk-behind cultivator 10 is equipped with the tire 12, the walk-behind cultivator 10 will be inclined according to the tillage depth D around the tire 12 that is in contact with the surface (ground) of the field A, so that the correlation between the inclination angle α and the tillage depth D is high, and it is therefore easier to grasp the tillage depth D from the inclination angle α. For this reason, it is preferable to apply the present invention to a walk-behind cultivator 10 equipped with the tire 12.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the walk-behind cultivator 10 equipped with the rotary 18 has been described as an example, but the display mechanism 26/126 can also be applied to a walk-behind cultivator 10 equipped with various other working machines, not limited to the rotary 18. For example, by applying the display mechanism 26 to a walk-behind cultivator 10 equipped with a ridger or a leveling plate, the user can easily understand whether the inclination angles α/β of the body of the walk-behind cultivator 10 are appropriate and constant, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the inclination angle α and tillage depth D of the walk-behind cultivator 10 are displayed using the display mechanism 26/126, but the method of displaying the inclination angle α, etc. is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to determine the inclination angle α, etc. by marking the side of the rotary 18 or the resistance rod 19 with indications (scales, numbers, symbols, etc.) that serve as a guide for the inclination angle α and tillage depth D, and checking the positional relationship between the indication and the ground. It is also possible to hang a pendulum from the walk-behind cultivator 10 (body) and display the inclination angle α, etc. from the inclination of the pendulum and the body.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Walk-behind cultivator 12 Tire 18 Rotary 24 Handle 27 Terminal 27b Tilt sensor 27c Touch panel 27d Control means

Claims (1)

an inclination angle detection unit that detects an inclination angle of a vehicle body of a walk-behind type tiller having a rotary and a handle;
a display unit that displays information regarding the inclination angle of the vehicle body detected by the inclination angle detection unit; and
A selection section for selecting the type of crop to be cultivated;
Equipped with
The information includes:
the inclination angle of the vehicle body is determined by the control means acquiring the inclination angle stored in association with the crop selected by the selection unit, and includes an inclination angle of the vehicle body that allows tilling work to be performed at a tilling depth suitable for cultivating the crop selected by the selection unit.
Display mechanism of the management machine.

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