Combine harvester, harvest amount calculation method, calculation system, and recording medium having calculation program recorded thereon

Abstract

A combine harvester is provided with a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the combine harvester is provided with: a flow sensor (50) disposed in the grain box and measuring the flow rate of the supplied grains; a yield sensor (10) disposed below the grain box and outputting an output value based on the weight of the grain box; and a control unit (22) that calculates the current yield of the grains stored in the grain box based on the flow rate and the output value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combine harvester including a grain tank for storing threshed grains, and a technology for calculating the harvest amount of grains stored in the grain tank.

[0002] Moreover, the present invention relates to a combine harvester provided with a grain tank storing threshed grains, and a technology for calculating the discharge yield of grains stored in the grain tank.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a combine harvester including a grain conveying device that conveys grains obtained by a threshing device that threshes harvested grain stalks and puts them into a grain box, and a flow measuring component that measures the flow rate of grains put into the grain box, and a technology for detecting abnormal inflow of grains into a measuring container in a combine harvester including a measuring container that receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port.

[0004] In addition, the present invention relates to a combine harvester comprising a traveling body, a threshing device for threshing harvested grain stalks, a grain box for storing grains obtained by the threshing device, and a grain conveying device for conveying the grains obtained by the threshing device and putting them into the grain box, as well as a technology for detecting the storage level of the grain box of such a combine harvester. Background Art

[0005] 1-1. Background technology [1]

[0006] Among combine harvesters, there is a combine harvester that stores threshed grains in a grain box and measures the harvest amount of the stored grains. Since the measurement of the harvest amount generates errors depending on various conditions, the harvest amount is sometimes calculated in consideration of the errors. For example, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, the measured harvest amount (weight) is corrected based on the posture of the vehicle body relative to the horizontal plane.

[0007] 1-2. Background technology 〔2〕

[0008] In addition, there is a combine harvester that includes a grain box for storing threshed grains and a grain discharge device for discharging the grains stored in the grain box to the outside. The grains stored in the grain box are usually discharged from the grain discharge device when the grain box is full. Therefore, the combine harvester disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a full sensor for detecting whether the grain box is full of grains.

[0009] 1-3. Background technology 〔3〕

[0010] In addition, for example, in the combine harvester disclosed in Patent Document 3, a temporary storage section is formed to temporarily store grains fed into a grain box, and the internal quality of the stored grains is measured using an optical quality measurement device. When the measurement is completed, a baffle that is freely openable and closable as the bottom of the temporary storage section is opened, and the grains are discharged into the internal space of the grain box. A discharge ensuring space that is separated from the internal space of the grain box is formed on the lower side of the baffle, so that even if the storage volume of the internal space of the grain box increases, the baffle can be opened.

[0011] Furthermore, in the combine harvester disclosed in Patent Document 4, the structure is as follows: two temporary storage sections as shown in Patent Document 3 are provided in a grain box, the unit travel harvest amount is estimated based on the storage condition of the grains in the temporary storage section of one side, and the taste value per unit travel distance is estimated based on the measured value related to the taste of the grains stored in the temporary storage section of the other side.

[0012] 1-4. Background technology 〔4〕

[0013] In addition, for example, Patent Document 5 discloses a combine harvester, which includes: a threshing device that thres the harvested grain stalks; a grain box that stores the grains obtained by the threshing device; and a grain conveying device (the "grain conveying mechanism" in the document) that conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the grain box. An inlet (the "grain discharge port" in the document) for putting the grains into the grain box is formed at the terminal area of ​​the conveying direction of the grain conveying device, and a flow sensor (the "load detector" in the document) for measuring the flow rate of the grains passing through the grain conveying device is provided near the inlet. The pressure based on the amount of grains is measured by the flow sensor.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Literature

[0016] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-18014

[0017] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-187505

[0018] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-67226

[0019] Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2016 / 147521

[0020] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-38272 Summary of the invention

[0021] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0022] 2-1.Topic〔1〕

[0023] The problems corresponding to the background technology [1] are as follows.

[0024] The harvest amount is also measured while the combine harvester is driving and harvesting. The harvest amount of grains during driving may cause errors due to various reasons other than the posture of the vehicle body. One of the main causes of the error is that the storage state of the grains in the grain box varies depending on the flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain box, and sometimes the harvest amount may cause errors due to the storage state.

[0025] An object of the present invention is to determine the harvest amount of grains with high accuracy.

[0026] 2-2. Topic 〔2〕

[0027] The issues corresponding to the background technology [2] are as follows.

[0028] The full sensor disclosed in Patent Document 2 is provided in the upper side area of ​​the grain box, and the full sensor detects the grains to detect the full state. Therefore, depending on the storage state of the grains in the grain box, there is a case where the grains stored in the grain box are biased to one side even though the grains are not full, and the full sensor erroneously detects the full state. Conversely, there is a case where the full sensor does not detect the grains even though the grains are stored to a level higher than the assumed fullness.

[0029] An object of the present invention is to accurately calculate the harvest amount in a state where grains need to be discharged from a grain tank regardless of the storage state of the grains.

[0030] 2-3. Topic 〔3〕

[0031] The issues corresponding to the background technology [3] are as follows.

[0032] The above-mentioned conventional structure is designed so that even if the stored grains increase to a level close to the discharge port of the temporary storage section as the grains are stored in the grain box during the harvesting operation, the movement of the baffle will not be hindered by the increased grains by forming a discharge securing space for discharging the grains from the temporary storage section. However, in the grain box, the grains are not necessarily stored evenly throughout the entire area. In a situation where the grains are concentratedly stored in the area where the temporary storage section is provided, if the storage amount is close to being full, there is a possibility that the grains will flow into the temporary storage section from the grain receiving port located at the upper end of the cylindrical measuring container where the temporary storage section is formed. If there is such an abnormal inflow, the measurement of the grains stored in the temporary storage section becomes inaccurate, and in the worst case, the measurement cannot be performed.

[0033] Based on the actual situation as described above, in a combine harvester that measures grains stored in a measuring container formed in a grain tank, it is desired to be able to detect abnormal inflow into the measuring container.

[0034] 2-4. Topic 〔4〕

[0035] The issues corresponding to background technology [4] are as follows.

[0036] In the structure of Patent Document 5, when grains are accumulated to the height of the flow sensor in the grain box and the accumulated grains are in a state of pressing the flow sensor, the flow sensor may not be able to measure the flow rate of the grains with high accuracy. Furthermore, when grains are continuously added to the grain box in this state and the accumulated grains press the flow sensor more strongly, an excessive load acts on the flow sensor, and the flow sensor may malfunction.

[0037] Based on the above practical situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a combine harvester capable of protecting a flow sensor before an unexpected load acts on the flow sensor.

[0038] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0039] 3-1. Solution〔1〕

[0040] The solution corresponding to issue [1] is as follows.

[0041] A combine harvester according to one embodiment includes a grain tank to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the combine harvester includes:

[0042] a flow sensor provided in the grain tank and measuring a flow rate of the supplied grains;

[0043] a harvest yield sensor provided below the grain tank and outputting an output value based on the weight of the grain tank; and

[0044] A control unit calculates a current harvest amount of the grain stored in the grain tank based on the flow rate and the output value.

[0045] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the actual harvest amount (current harvest amount) of the grains stored in the grain tank can be obtained with high accuracy, taking into account the influence of the storage state of the grains that changes due to the flow rate of the supplied grains.

[0046] In addition, preferably, the control unit calculates the current harvest amount based on the output value using a first mapping and a second mapping, wherein the first mapping represents the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box, and the second mapping represents the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific second flow value greater than the first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box.

[0047] By obtaining in advance the relationship between the output value of the yield sensor corresponding to the flow rate and the yield as a map, and using the map to calculate the current yield, the current yield can be obtained with higher accuracy.

[0048] In addition, preferably, the control unit calculates the current harvest by proportionally allocating the harvest relative to the output value in the first mapping and the harvest relative to the output value in the second mapping based on the first flow value, the second flow value and the flow rate.

[0049] According to the above-described configuration, the current harvest amount can be obtained with higher accuracy based on the map obtained in advance.

[0050] In addition, preferably, the first flow rate value is assumed to be the lowest flow rate value detected by the flow rate sensor, and the second flow rate value is assumed to be the highest flow rate value detected by the flow rate sensor.

[0051] By finding a map of the minimum flow rate and the maximum flow rate, the measured flow rate becomes a value between the minimum flow rate and the maximum flow rate, the reliability of the mapping is improved, and the current harvest amount can be found with higher accuracy.

[0052] In addition, the first mapping and the second mapping may also be determined according to the type of crops to be threshed.

[0053] This makes it possible to accurately determine the current harvest amount in a combine harvester that harvests various crops.

[0054] In addition, the flow sensor may include:

[0055] a temporary storage tank storing a portion of the supplied grains;

[0056] a measuring unit that measures a time for which a certain amount of the grains are stored in the temporary storage box; and

[0057] a baffle portion that discharges the grains when a certain amount of the grains are stored in the temporary storage box,

[0058] The flow rate sensor calculates the flow rate based on the time and storage amount of a certain amount of the grains stored.

[0059] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the accurate flow rate can be continuously measured during the supply of grains, and the current harvest amount can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0060] Moreover, it is preferable that the said combine harvester is equipped with the component sensor which measures the component of the said grain stored in the said temporary storage tank.

[0061] According to the above-described configuration, the flow rate and the component can be efficiently measured using one device, and the weight or the volume can be appropriately selected and used as the yield.

[0062] Furthermore, the combine harvester may include a communication unit that communicates with the outside and acquires a request amount from the outside.

[0063] The combine harvester further includes a work management unit configured to compare the current harvest amount with the required amount to determine a timing to end the harvesting work.

[0064] According to the above-mentioned structure, the yield required from the outside can be used as the discharge yield, and the discharge yield can be managed with high versatility.

[0065] Furthermore, a yield calculation method according to one embodiment is provided in a combine harvester including a grain tank to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain tank, wherein the current yield of the grains stored in the grain tank is calculated using the output value, wherein the yield calculation method comprises:

[0066] A step of obtaining in advance a first map indicating a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific first flow rate value and a harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0067] A step of obtaining in advance a second mapping representing a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0068] a step of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank;

[0069] a step of acquiring the output value outputted from the harvest sensor; and

[0070] The step of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first mapping and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second mapping according to the ratio of the flow rate relative to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

[0071] According to the structure described above, using a map representing the relationship between the output value and the harvest amount, the actual harvest amount (current harvest amount) of the grain stored in the grain box can be calculated with high accuracy by considering the influence of the storage state of the grains accompanying the flow rate of the supplied grains.

[0072] In addition, a yield calculation system according to an embodiment calculates a current yield of grains in a grain tank of a combine harvester to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the yield calculation system includes:

[0073] a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank;

[0074] a harvest yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain tank; and

[0075] A control unit calculates a current harvest amount of the grain stored in the grain tank based on the flow rate and the output value.

[0076] Even such a harvest amount calculation system can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned combine harvester.

[0077] In addition, a yield calculation program of one embodiment calculates the current yield of the grains stored in the grain tank using the output value in a combine harvester having a grain tank to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain tank, wherein the yield calculation program causes a computer to implement the following functions:

[0078] a function of obtaining in advance a first map indicating a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0079] A function of obtaining in advance a second mapping representing a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0080] a function of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank;

[0081] A function of acquiring the output value outputted from the harvest sensor; and

[0082] A function of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first mapping and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second mapping according to the ratio of the flow rate relative to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

[0083] By installing such a harvest amount calculation program in a computer, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0084] In one embodiment, a recording medium having a yield calculation program recorded thereon, in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, the yield calculation program calculates the current yield of the grains stored in the grain box using the output value, wherein the yield calculation program causes a computer to implement the following functions:

[0085] a function of obtaining in advance a first map indicating a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0086] A function of obtaining in advance a second mapping representing a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank;

[0087] a function of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank;

[0088] A function of acquiring the output value outputted from the harvest sensor; and

[0089] A function of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first mapping and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second mapping according to the ratio of the flow rate relative to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

[0090] By installing the harvest rate calculation program recorded in such a recording medium in a computer and implementing the computer, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0091] 3-2. Solution 〔2〕

[0092] The solution corresponding to issue [2] is as follows.

[0093] A combine harvester according to one embodiment includes a grain tank to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the combine harvester includes:

[0094] a flow rate sensor provided in the grain tank and measuring a flow rate of the supplied grains; and

[0095] A control unit calculates a discharge harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank in a discharge state in which the grains need to be discharged from the grain tank based on the flow rate.

[0096] According to the above-described structure, even if the grains are stored biasedly in the grain box due to the influence of the flow rate of the supplied grains, the discharge harvest amount corresponding to the discharge state can be detected in consideration of the flow rate, and the stored grains can be discharged at an appropriate timing.

[0097] Moreover, the said combine harvester may be provided with a full level sensor provided in the said grain tank, and the said full level sensor may detect the said grain when the said grain tank is full.

[0098] The discharge state is a state in which the full level sensor detects the grains.

[0099] According to the above-mentioned structure, the discharge harvest amount in the state where the full level sensor detects the grains can be accurately calculated, and the stored grains can be discharged at an appropriate timing.

[0100] In addition, the combine harvester may include:

[0101] a plurality of level sensors for detecting that grain has been stored to a specified height of the grain bin; and

[0102] a communication unit that communicates with the outside to obtain a requested amount from the outside,

[0103] The discharge state is a state in which a level sensor corresponding to the required amount among the plurality of level sensors detects the grains.

[0104] According to the above-mentioned structure, in correspondence with various discharge yields required by external equipment, it is possible to discharge grains at appropriate timings according to the respective discharge yields.

[0105] Furthermore, it is preferable that the combine harvester includes a harvest yield sensor that is provided below the grain tank and outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain tank.

[0106] The control unit calculates a current harvest amount based on the flow rate and the output value.

[0107] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the grains can be discharged in a planned manner while comparing the discharge yield with the current yield, and the grains stored up to the discharge yield can be discharged at a more appropriate timing.

[0108] In addition, preferably, the control unit calculates the current harvest amount based on the output value using a first map and a second map, the first map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box, and the second map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific second flow value greater than the first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box.

[0109] The current harvest amount is calculated based on the first flow value, the second flow value, and the flow rate, and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first map and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second map are proportionally allocated.

[0110] According to the structure as described above, by mapping the relationship between the output value of the yield sensor and the yield corresponding to the flow rate, the current yield can be calculated more accurately. Therefore, while comparing the discharged yield with the current yield, the grains can be discharged with high precision and in a planned manner, and the grains stored up to the discharged yield can be discharged at a more appropriate time.

[0111] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit calculates a time from the current harvest amount to the discharge harvest amount based on the flow rate.

[0112] By calculating the time until the discharge yield is reached, the timing at which the grains should be discharged can be grasped in terms of time, and the grains stored up to the discharge yield can be discharged more easily at an appropriate timing.

[0113] In addition, preferably, the flow sensor comprises:

[0114] a primary storage tank storing a portion of the supplied grains;

[0115] a measuring unit that measures a time for which a certain amount of the grains are stored in the primary storage box; and

[0116] a baffle portion that discharges the grains when a certain amount of the grains are stored in the primary storage box,

[0117] The flow rate sensor calculates the flow rate based on the time and storage amount of a certain amount of the grains stored.

[0118] According to the above-mentioned configuration, an accurate flow rate can be continuously measured during the supply of grains, and the current harvest amount can be obtained with high accuracy. Therefore, grains stored up to the discharge harvest amount can be discharged at a more appropriate timing.

[0119] Moreover, it is preferable that the said combine harvester is equipped with the component sensor which measures the component of the said grain stored in the said primary storage tank.

[0120] According to the above-described configuration, the flow rate and the component can be efficiently measured using one device, and the weight or the volume can be appropriately selected and used as the yield.

[0121] A method for calculating a grain discharge yield in one embodiment, in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, the method for calculating a grain discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state in which the grains need to be discharged from the grain box, wherein the method for calculating a grain discharge yield comprises:

[0122] a step of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; and

[0123] The step of calculating the discharge yield based on the flow rate.

[0124] According to the above-described structure, even if the grains are stored biasedly in the grain box due to the influence of the flow rate of the supplied grains, the discharge harvest amount corresponding to the discharge state can be detected in consideration of the flow rate, and the stored grains can be discharged at an appropriate timing.

[0125] Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned grain discharge yield calculation method comprises:

[0126] A step of determining in advance a first yield that will lead to the discharge state when storage is continued at a specific first flow rate value; and

[0127] The step of determining in advance a second yield that will result in the discharge state when storage is continued at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value,

[0128] The step of calculating the discharge yield proportionally distributes the first yield and the second yield according to a ratio of the flow rate relative to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

[0129] According to the above-described configuration, a more accurate discharge yield can be obtained from the flow rate using the relationship between the flow rate and the discharge flow rate obtained in advance, so that the stored grains can be discharged at a more appropriate timing.

[0130] A grain discharge yield calculation system according to one embodiment calculates the discharge yield of the grain stored in the grain tank in a discharge state in which the grain needs to be discharged from the grain tank of a combine harvester to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation system comprises:

[0131] a flow rate sensor that measures a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; and

[0132] A control unit calculates a discharge harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank in a discharge state in which the grains need to be discharged from the grain tank based on the flow rate.

[0133] Even such a grain discharge yield calculation system can produce the same effects as the above-mentioned combine harvester.

[0134] A grain discharge yield calculation program according to one embodiment calculates the discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state in which the grains need to be discharged from the grain box, in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation program causes a computer to implement the following functions:

[0135] a function of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; and

[0136] Function of calculating the discharge yield based on the flow rate.

[0137] By installing such a grain discharge yield calculation program in a computer and realizing it, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0138] A recording medium having a grain discharge yield calculation program recorded thereon in an embodiment of a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation program calculates the discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state in which the grains need to be discharged from the grain box, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation program is used to cause a computer to implement the following functions:

[0139] a function of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; and

[0140] Function of calculating the discharge yield based on the flow rate.

[0141] By installing the grain discharge yield calculation program recorded in such a recording medium in a computer and implementing the computer, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0142] 3-3. Solution 〔3〕

[0143] The solution corresponding to issue [3] is as follows.

[0144] The combine harvester of the present invention includes: a threshing device that thres the harvested grain stalks; a grain box that stores the grains obtained by the threshing device; a grain conveying device that is provided in a state of straddling the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box inside the grain box; and a flow measuring member that is provided inside the grain box and measures the flow rate of the grains put into the grain box. The flow measuring member is configured to have a measuring container that receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port, and measures the flow rate based on the time for which a certain amount of grains is stored in the measuring container, and returns the grains to the grain box after the measurement of the flow rate, and the combine harvester includes an abnormal inflow detection unit that detects an abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain box into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the temporal change amount of the flow rate.

[0145] The abnormal inflow of grains handled here refers to the grains stored in the grain box overflowing and flowing into the measuring container from the outside of the measuring container through the receiving port. When the grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain box increase and a part of them flows abnormally into the measuring container from the receiving port over the measuring container, such abnormal inflow causes an abnormal increase in the grain flow rate measured by the flow measurement member. According to this structure, such an abnormal increase in the grain flow rate is manifested as an abnormal change in the amount of change in the flow rate over time, and therefore, the abnormal inflow can be detected based on the abnormal change.

[0146] When an abnormal inflow is detected, the flow measurement by the flow measurement member becomes inaccurate. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the abnormal inflow detection unit detects the abnormal inflow, the measurement by the flow measurement member is stopped. In this way, the flow measurement is stopped at the moment when the abnormal inflow is detected, so that the inaccurate flow measurement can be avoided.

[0147] Such abnormal inflow occurs when the grain box is nearly full or the storage state of the grains in the grain box is biased toward the periphery of the measuring container. In order to deal with this situation, it is necessary to stop the harvesting operation and perform emergency measures such as discharging the grains from the grain box and eliminating the uneven distribution of the grains in the grain box. Based on the above situation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the abnormal inflow detection unit detects the abnormal inflow, an abnormal inflow alarm is issued.

[0148] In a combine harvester that harvests rice, wheat, and other grains while traveling in a field, if the component values ​​(water content, protein) of the grains stored in a predetermined amount in a measuring container are measured sequentially each time as the harvesting is carried out, the advantage of being able to produce a distribution of the grain components in the field can be obtained. Based on the above situation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a component value sensor for measuring the component values ​​of the grains stored in the measuring container is provided.

[0149] The abnormal increase in grain flow caused by the abnormal inflow of grains is detected based on the time-dependent change in flow measured by the flow measuring component, but one of the specific methods is the threshold evaluation of the measured flow. According to the above situation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the abnormal inflow detection unit sets the situation where the flow is greater than a predetermined specified value as an abnormal inflow detection condition. At this time, specifically, it is preferred to use the storage time until a certain amount of grains specified by a sensor or the like is stored. When the storage time is divided by a certain amount, the flow rate per unit time is calculated. At this time, when the storage time is a shorter time (a specified value as a judgment standard) in which the grains directly dropped from the grain conveying device into the measuring container cannot become a certain amount of storage in the usual harvesting operation, it can be determined that an abnormal inflow has occurred. It should be noted that whether the storage time is used as the judgment standard or the flow rate per unit time is used as the judgment standard, at this time, it is essentially the same, so either one can be used.

[0150] A combine harvester is usually equipped with a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of a grain box (including stored grains). If only the weight of the grain box is subtracted from the measured weight, the weight of the stored grains, i.e., the harvest amount, can be obtained. Therefore, the storage state of the grains in the grain box can be estimated based on the measured weight. Abnormal inflow of grains will not occur when the storage state of the grains is lower than the receiving port of the measuring container. Taking advantage of this situation, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the case of a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of the grain box, the abnormal inflow detection unit sets the situation where the weight of the grain box is greater than a predetermined specified value as one of the abnormal inflow detection conditions. Thereby, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of abnormal inflows.

[0151] An abnormal inflow detection system according to one embodiment detects abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester comprising a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port, and in the combine harvester, is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection system comprises:

[0152] a flow rate measuring member for measuring a flow rate of grains put into the grain tank based on a time for which a certain amount of grains are stored in the measurement container; and

[0153] The abnormal inflow detection unit detects an abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain tank into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the temporal change amount of the flow rate.

[0154] Even such an abnormal inflow detection system can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned combine harvester.

[0155] An abnormal inflow detection program of one embodiment detects abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port, and in the combine harvester, is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection program enables a computer to implement the following functions:

[0156] a flow rate measuring function for measuring a flow rate of grains put into the grain tank based on a time for which a certain amount of grains are stored in the measuring container; and

[0157] An abnormal inflow detection function detects an abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain tank into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the temporal change amount of the flow rate.

[0158] By installing such an abnormal inflow detection program in a computer, the same effect as the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0159] One embodiment of the present invention is a recording medium having an abnormal inflow detection program recorded thereon, wherein the abnormal inflow detection program detects abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, wherein the combine harvester comprises a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, wherein the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port, and the combine harvester is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection program is used to enable a computer to implement the following functions:

[0160] a flow rate measuring function for measuring a flow rate of grains put into the grain tank based on a time for which a certain amount of grains are stored in the measuring container;

[0161] An abnormal inflow detection function detects an abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain tank into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the temporal change amount of the flow rate.

[0162] By installing the abnormal inflow detection program recorded in such a recording medium in a computer and implementing the program on the computer, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned combine harvester can be achieved.

[0163] An abnormal inflow detection method according to one embodiment detects abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester comprising a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port, and the combine harvester is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection method comprises:

[0164] a flow rate measuring step of measuring a flow rate of grains put into the grain tank based on a time for which a certain amount of grains are stored in the measuring container; and

[0165] An abnormal inflow detection step is performed in which an abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain tank from the receiving port into the measuring container is detected based on the temporal change in the flow rate.

[0166] Even such an abnormal inflow detection method can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned combine harvester.

[0167] 3-4. Solution 〔4〕

[0168] The solution corresponding to issue [4] is as follows.

[0169] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized in that it is equipped with: a threshing device, which threshes harvested grain stalks; a grain box, which stores grains obtained by the threshing device; a grain conveying device, which is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, and conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the box interior of the grain box; a flow sensor, which is arranged at the input part of the grain conveying device, and measures the flow rate of the input grains; and a level sensor, which is arranged at a position lower than the lower end part of the flow sensor, and detects the situation that the grains are stored in the grain box to the flow sensor.

[0170] According to the present invention, the following structure is achieved: a level sensor is set at a position lower than the flow sensor, and the level sensor detects the state of grains stored in the flow sensor. Therefore, the level sensor can detect the state before the accumulated grains are about to press the flow sensor. That is, the following structure can be achieved: grains are continuously added to the inside of the grain box, and the addition of grains is stopped before the accumulated grains press the flow sensor more strongly, which can avoid the possibility of excessive load acting on the flow sensor and causing the flow sensor to malfunction. Thereby, a combine harvester that can protect the flow sensor before an unexpected load acts on the flow sensor can be realized.

[0171] In the present invention, it is preferable that the combine harvester includes a notification unit configured to notify that the grains have been stored in the flow rate sensor based on detection by the level sensor.

[0172] According to this configuration, since the passengers of the combine harvester are informed that the grains are stored in the grain tank up to the flow sensor, it is possible to easily and quickly determine, for example, whether the passengers are performing a grain discharge operation.

[0173] In the present invention, it is preferable that the combine harvester includes a notification unit configured to notify a decrease in measurement accuracy of the flow rate sensor based on detection by the level sensor.

[0174] If the grains in the grain box are accumulated to the height of the flow sensor, the accumulated grains are in a state of pressing the flow sensor, and the flow sensor may not be able to measure the flow rate of the grains with high accuracy. With this structure, the passengers can recognize the reduction in the measurement accuracy of the flow sensor, so it is easy for the passengers to determine the suspension of the harvesting operation of the combine harvester.

[0175] In the present invention, it is preferable that the combine harvester includes a traveling device, and the traveling device is stopped when the flow rate sensor detects input of grains after the detection by the level sensor.

[0176] In the grain box, grains are accumulated to the height where the flow sensor is located. If grains are further added to the interior of the grain box while the accumulated grains are pressing the flow sensor, an excessive load will act on the flow sensor, and the flow sensor may malfunction. According to this structure, the harvesting travel of the combine harvester cannot continue by stopping the travel device. That is, grains are no longer added before an excessive load acts on the flow sensor, thereby avoiding the possibility of a malfunction of the flow sensor. In addition, it is possible to prevent low-precision measurement data from being mixed into the data of the flow sensor.

[0177] In the present invention, preferably, the combine harvester has a full level sensor, the full level sensor is arranged inside the box, and detects whether the grains are stored to a full height in the grain box, and the level sensor is arranged at a position lower than the full level sensor.

[0178] The full level sensor is usually set at a relatively high position inside the box, but the grains are not accumulated horizontally inside the box, and sometimes the accumulation of the grains inside the box will be biased depending on the input flow rate of the grains. According to this structure, even if the grains are detected by the full level sensor, if the level sensor at a position lower than the full level sensor does not detect the grains, more grains can be stored. That is, it is possible to prevent the flow sensor from being damaged and store as much grains as possible inside the box.

[0179] In the present invention, preferably, the combine harvester is equipped with a plurality of other level sensors at a position lower than the full level sensor inside the box, and the plurality of other level sensors detect the situation in which grains are stored to a specific height in the grain box. The level sensor is arranged at a position higher than other level sensors among the plurality of other level sensors located at the second highest position of the full level sensor.

[0180] According to this structure, even if the level sensor is set at a position lower than the full level sensor, the level sensor is set higher than other level sensors located at the second highest position of the full level sensor. Thus, more grains are stored in the box.

[0181] A storage level detection system according to one embodiment detects a storage level of a grain box in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, the grain box, and a grain conveying device, the threshing device threshing harvested grain stalks, the grain box storing grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device being arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveying the grains obtained by the threshing device and putting them into the box interior of the grain box, wherein the storage level detection system comprises:

[0182] a flow rate sensor provided at a feeding portion of the grain conveying device and measuring a flow rate of fed grains; and

[0183] A level sensor is provided at a position lower than a lower end portion of the flow rate sensor, and detects that grains are stored in the grain tank up to the flow rate sensor.

[0184] Even such a storage level detection system can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned combine harvester. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0185] Figure 1 It is an overall side view of the combine harvester.

[0186] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional rear view of the combine harvester showing the grain conveying mechanism and the grain box.

[0187] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional side view of the quality measurement device installation part.

[0188] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the storage state of grains stored in a grain tank.

[0189] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a structure for correcting the harvest amount.

[0190] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the flow of a method for correcting the yield.

[0191] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the correction of the harvest amount using a map.

[0192] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow of a method for detecting a discharge state using the harvest amount.

[0193] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the discharge operation of the combine harvester.

[0194] Fig.10 It is an overall side view of the combine harvester.

[0195] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal rear view of the grain box.

[0196] Fig.12 It is a longitudinal right view of the grain box.

[0197] Fig.13 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a grain box.

[0198] Fig.14 This is a functional block diagram showing functions for measuring a grain flow rate and a grain component in a control system of a combine harvester that can detect abnormal inflow.

[0199] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of grain measurement control.

[0200] Fig.16 It is a right side view showing the whole body of the combine harvester.

[0201] Fig.17 It is an overall top view of the combine harvester.

[0202] Fig.18 It is a top view which shows the inside of the grain tank.

[0203] Fig.19 It indicates the inside of the grain box. Fig.18 XIX-XIX sectional view.

[0204] Fig. 20 It indicates the inside of the grain box. Fig.18 XX-XX sectional view.

[0205] Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a top view showing the flow sensor.

[0206] Fig. 22 It is a right side view showing the flow sensor body.

[0207] Fig.23 This is a block diagram showing a control structure based on a flow sensor.

[0208] Fig.24 This is a flow chart showing a control structure based on a flow sensor.

[0209] Fig.25 It is a rear view which shows another embodiment concerning the structure of a grain conveying device, a flow sensor, and a level sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0210] 4-1. First embodiment

[0211] Hereinafter, a combine harvester according to an embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

[0212] 〔Overall structure〕

[0213] like Figure 1 As shown, the combine harvester of the present invention includes: a traveling body 2 that travels by itself using a pair of left and right crawler traveling devices 1, 1, and a harvesting section 3 that harvests upright grain stalks in front of the traveling body 2. A driving section 5 covered by a cab 4 is provided on the right side of the front of the traveling body 2. Behind the driving section 5, a threshing device 6 that threshes the grain stalks harvested by the harvesting section 3 and a grain box 7 that stores the grains obtained by the threshing process are arranged in a horizontal direction. The grain box 7 is located on the right side of the body, and the threshing device 6 is located on the left side of the body. That is, the driving section 5 is located in front of the grain box 7. An engine is provided below the driving seat 8 in the driving section 5. At the rear of the traveling body 2 and behind the grain box 7, a grain discharge device 9 that discharges the grains stored in the grain box 7 to the outside of the machine is provided. The threshed grains are transported from the threshing device 6 to the inside of the grain box 7 by a grain conveying mechanism 16. In addition, a load sensor 10 is provided below the grain box 7 as an example of a yield sensor for measuring the yield of grains stored in the grain box 7. The load sensor 10 detects the pressure applied in accordance with the weight (yield) of the grains as a voltage or the like using a strain sensor. The weight (yield) of the stored grains is calculated based on the voltage as an output value.

[0214] 〔Grain conveying mechanism〕

[0215] Next, use Figure 2 , Figure 3 The grain conveyance mechanism 16 of one embodiment is demonstrated. The grain conveyance mechanism 16 is provided with the primary processed material recovery screw device 16A provided at the bottom of the threshing device 6, the lifting conveyance device 16B, and the lateral conveyance device 16C.

[0216] At the terminal area of ​​the lateral conveying device 16C, a grain discharging device 13 for dispersing and discharging grains into the grain box 7 is provided. The grain discharging device 13 includes a discharging rotating body 32 and a discharging shell 31 covering the periphery of the discharging rotating body 32. The discharging rotating body 32 is a rotating blade composed of a rotating shaft 32b and a blade plate 32a provided on the rotating shaft 32b. The blade plate 32a is fixed to the rotating shaft 32b in a manner protruding radially outward from the rotating shaft 32b. The blade plate 32a has a substantially flat pushing surface for pushing out grains in its rotation direction. The discharging shell 31 is cylindrical with an inner diameter slightly larger than the rotation trajectory of the blade plate 32a. A portion of the peripheral surface of the discharging shell 31 is cut. Through the cut, a grain discharging port 30 is formed for discharging grains to the rear side of the interior of the grain box 7 by the rotation of the blade plate 32a. A plurality of openings 33 are formed on the lower surface side of the discharge case 31 of the grain discharge device 13. Grains for measurement (part of the grains stored in the box) described later fall from the openings 33 and are supplied to the temporary storage unit 51 described later.

[0217] 〔Quality measurement device〕

[0218] A quality measuring device 50 for measuring the quality of the grains is provided at the upper position inside the grain tank 7. The quality measuring device 50 measures the components (quality) of the grains, such as the moisture content and protein content of the grains. Figure 3 As shown, the quality measurement device 50 includes: a temporary storage unit 51 as a first storage unit, which temporarily stores the grains to be measured; and a measurement unit 52 as a quality measurement unit, which measures the grains stored in the temporary storage unit 51 to measure their quality. Figure 3 As shown, the temporary storage unit 51 is located on the inner side of the grain box 7, and the measuring unit 52 is located on the outer side of the grain box 7. The measuring unit 52 is stored in the interior of the storage housing 53 formed in a sealed state. The temporary storage unit 51 is formed in a substantially square cylindrical shape integrally connected to the inner side of the storage housing 53, and can store grains therein.

[0219] The temporary storage section 51 has an up-down passage 55 formed therein which passes through the up-down passage 55, and includes: a discharge port 56 formed in the middle of the up-down passage 55, a baffle 57 that can change its position to a closed position (see figure) for blocking the discharge port 56 and an open position (not shown) for opening the discharge port 56, and an operating section (not shown) for changing the position of the baffle 57 by the driving force of an electric motor (not shown).

[0220] The temporary storage part 51 receives and stores a part of the grains conveyed to the inside of the grain tank 7 by the grain conveyance mechanism 16 and released from the grain releasing device 13 as grains for measurement.

[0221] The upper end of the vertical passage 55 of the temporary storage unit 51 is opened to form a grain intake 62. Grains discharged from the grain discharge device 13 are taken in from the intake 62, and the grains are received when the baffle 57 is switched to the closed state, and the grains can be stored in the storage space 63 formed on the upper part of the baffle 57. When the baffle 57 is switched to the open state, the stored grains fall downward and are discharged and return to the inside of the grain box 7.

[0222] The temporary storage unit 51 is provided with a primary storage sensor 65 in the space 63. The primary storage sensor 65 is a contact sensor that can detect that a certain amount of grains are stored in the space 63. The measuring unit 52 measures the quality of the grains when a certain amount of grains are stored. After the primary storage sensor 65 detects that a certain amount of grains are stored in the space 63, if the measuring unit 52 measures the composition (quality), the operating unit (not shown) changes the damper 57 to the open position, and discharges the grains to the measurement grain storage space S described later.

[0223] The measuring unit 52 irradiates light toward the grains stored in the storage space 63, and measures the internal quality of the grains by a spectral analysis method which is a known technique based on the light obtained from the grains. A window 64 through which light can pass is formed on the side of the measuring unit 52 side of the side forming the storage space 63, and the measuring unit 52 irradiates light toward the grains through the window 64 and receives light from the grains.

[0224] like Figure 3 As shown, the measurement grain storage space S is an area surrounded by a wall 66, communicates with the storage space 63 in the temporary storage section 51 via the discharge port 56, is separated from the storage space Q (internal space) of the grain box 7 at the side, and communicates with the storage space Q of the grain box 7 at the bottom. The measurement grain storage space S is formed broadly in the front-back direction and the left-right direction relative to the temporary storage section 51 in a plan view, and is extended to the lower part of the grain box 7 in a state where the lower part is wider in the front-back direction and the left-right direction than the upper part. Since the measurement grain storage space S is separated from the storage space Q, the grains do not flow into the storage space Q during the storage of the grains. Therefore, regardless of the storage state of the grain box 7, only the grains discharged from the temporary storage section 51 are stored in the measurement grain storage space S. As a result, the flow rate can be reliably measured at a number of times corresponding to the size of the measurement grain storage space S.

[0225] In addition, as described above, when the baffle 57 is closed, grains are stored in the space 63, and after a certain amount of grains are stored in the space 63, if the measurement of the components is completed, the baffle 57 is opened to discharge the grains. Therefore, in the state where grains are supplied to the grain box 7, the quality measurement device 50 can measure the flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain box 7. That is, since the volume of the stored grains is constant, by measuring the time from the closing of the baffle 57 until the grains are stored by the storage sensor 65 detecting the grains once and a certain amount of grains, the volume of the grains supplied per unit time, that is, the flow rate, can be measured. The flow rate can be obtained by dividing the volume by the measured time. In addition, in the case of measuring the moisture content of the grains as quality, the volume can be converted into weight. Therefore, as the flow rate, the weight of the grains supplied per unit time can also be obtained.

[0226] Storage status of grains

[0227] Next, use Figure 2 , Figure 4 The influence of the grain flow rate under the storage state of the grains in the grain box (the storage method of the grains) is described. In addition, the relationship between the storage state of the grains and the detection of the state in which the grains need to be discharged (hereinafter also referred to as the discharge state) is described.

[0228] In the grain tank 7, the grain discharging device 13 is arranged on the traveling body 2 (see Figure 1 . The same below) is applied to the front side of the traveling body 2, and the grains are discharged toward the rear side of the traveling body 2. The discharge of the grains is affected by the flow rate of the supplied grains. When the flow rate is large, as shown by arrow I, the grains are discharged to a distant position toward the rear side of the traveling body 2, and when the flow rate is small, as shown by arrow II, the grains can only be discharged to a position closer than when the flow rate is large. Therefore, when the flow rate is large, the grains are stored from the rear side of the grain box 7, and when the flow rate is small, the grains are stored from the front side of the grain box 7. As a result, in the storage state 20 of the grains when the flow rate is large, there is a tendency that there are more grains on the rear side of the grain box 7 and less grains on the front side, and in the storage state 21 of the grains when the flow rate is small, there is a tendency that there are less grains on the rear side of the grain box 7 and more grains on the front side. Due to such a storage state, various sensors provided in the combine harvester will produce detection errors. Hereinafter, the error of the sensor will be described by taking the error of the grain sensor and the error of the load sensor as examples.

[0229] The grain box 7 is provided with one or more grain sensors 11 as level sensors for detecting the amount of stored grains. The grain sensor 11 is, for example, a contact sensor, and detects that the stored grains have reached the grain sensor 11. Among the grain sensors 11, a grain sensor 11a provided near the upper end of the grain box 7 detects that the grain box 7 is full and stored to the point where it needs to be discharged. For example, when the grain sensor 11a detects grains, the operator is informed of the situation, and the operator shifts to an action for discharging the grains.

[0230] The grain sensor 11 is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the front-rear direction of the traveling body 2, for example, in the grain tank 7, on the front side of the traveling body 2. In addition, as described above, the storage state of grains is biased to one side according to the flow rate. Therefore, when the grain sensor 11a reacts and detects that the grains are stored to a full state, the actual harvest amount of grains in the grain tank 7 is different according to the flow rate. Figure 4 As shown, the harvest amount of grains when the grains reach the grain sensor 11a is greater when the flow rate is large than when the flow rate is small. As a result, the storage state of the grains when the grain sensor 11a detects the grains also differs according to the flow rate. When the grain sensor 11a detects the grains, if the harvest amount of grains stored in the grain box 7 is different from the harvest amount assumed to be in a full state, there may be an undesirable situation that the harvest amount of discharged grains is excessive or insufficient, and the drying operation cannot be performed efficiently thereafter. In particular, when the harvest amount of grains stored in the grain box 7 is greater than the harvest amount assumed to be in a full state (for example, a state of storage state 20), there is a case where the grains overflow from the grain box 7 or the inspection door (not shown) provided in the grain box 7 is opened due to the pressure of the grains.

[0231] In addition, as described above, the weight (yield) of the stored grains is measured by the load sensor 10 (refer to Figure 1 . The same applies hereinafter). Specifically, the relationship between the weight of the stored grains when the grain box 7 on the load sensor 10 stores grains and the output value of the load sensor 10 relative to the weight is investigated in advance and stored as a map. The weight of the grains in the map is determined in consideration of the weight of the grain box 7. And, the weight of the stored grains (harvest) is calculated based on the output value of the load sensor 10 and the map. It should be noted that the weight calculated as the harvest can be converted into volume based on the amount of moisture contained in the grains.

[0232] The harvest amount obtained from the load sensor 10 also has errors caused by the flow rate. That is, the load sensor 10 is unevenly distributed relative to the center of the grain box 7 in the front-to-back direction. Usually, the load sensor 10 is arranged at a position closer to the front side than the center in the front-to-back direction of the grain box 7. In addition, as described above, the grains in the grain box 7 are stored biased to one side according to the flow rate. Therefore, when the center of gravity of the stored grains is not located directly above the load sensor 10, the harvest amount obtained from the load sensor 10 will have errors.

[0233] As described above, even if one wants to detect a specific harvest amount using the grain sensor 11, the harvest amount of grains stored at the moment when the grain sensor 11 detects the grains will be affected by the flow rate. Therefore, it is difficult to detect grains that have an accurate harvest amount stored using the grain sensor 11. Similarly, the harvest amount obtained from the load sensor 10 will produce errors. In conjunction with this, in the present embodiment, the accurate harvest amount (hereinafter also referred to as the current harvest amount) is obtained in consideration of the storage state accompanying the flow rate. In addition, the state in which the grains need to be discharged (discharge state), for example, the accurate harvest amount when the grain sensor 11 detects the grains (hereinafter also referred to as the discharged harvest amount) is obtained.

[0234] The following describes the structure for calculating the current harvest amount and the structure for calculating the discharge harvest amount in sequence.

[0235] 〔Calculation of harvest volume〕

[0236] First, use Figure 4 to Figure 7 The structure for calculating the harvest amount (current harvest amount) based on the output value of the load sensor 10 is described. Here, the structure for calculating the current harvest amount is described as the harvest amount calculation device 12. However, the calculation of the harvest amount is not limited to the case of using the harvest amount calculation device 12, and the various structural components can be dispersed to achieve it, or the device structure that appropriately brings together any structural components can be combined. Moreover, regardless of the device structure, the calculation of the current harvest amount can be implemented by various methods such as executing a program. When a program is used, the program is stored in the storage device 23 described later and executed by the control device 22 described later.

[0237] The harvest calculation device 12 includes a control device (corresponding to a control unit) 22 and a storage device 23. The control device 22 is connected in a manner capable of data communication with the quality measurement device 50, the load sensor 10, and the storage device 23. The storage device 23 stores a first map 24 and a second map 25. The first map 24 is information indicating the relationship between the output value (voltage value, etc., hereinafter described as a voltage value) output by the load sensor 10 when grains are stored in the grain tank 7 at a certain flow rate (first flow rate value) and the harvest corresponding to the voltage value. Similarly, the second map 25 is information indicating the relationship between the voltage value output by the load sensor 10 and the harvest corresponding to the voltage value when grains are stored in the grain tank 7 at a certain flow rate (second flow rate value) different from the first flow rate value. The quality measurement device 50 measures the flow rate of grains flowing in from the grain discharge device 13 and sends it to the control device 22. The load sensor 10 measures the voltage value and outputs the voltage value as an output value to the control device 22. The control device 22 receives the flow rate sent from the quality measurement device 50 and receives the voltage value sent from the load sensor 10. The control device 22 uses the flow rate to calculate the harvest amount corresponding to the received voltage value as the current harvest amount of grains stored in the grain box 7 based on the first map 24 and the second map 25. Specifically, the current harvest amount is calculated by proportionally allocating the harvest amount in the first map relative to the voltage value output by the load sensor 10 and the harvest amount in the second map relative to the voltage value based on the measured flow rate, the first flow rate value, and the second flow rate value. The control device 22 can be set to a computer such as a CPU or an ECU, for example.

[0238] Here, as described above, mappings such as the first mapping and the second mapping are information indicating the relationship between the voltage value output by the load sensor 10 and the harvest amount assumed based on the voltage value, which is determined by the flow rate of the grains. The larger the voltage value output by the load sensor 10, the larger the harvest amount, indicating a certain relationship. The harvest amount of the grains actually stored in the grain box 7 is determined by the storage state of the grains, and the storage state of the grains is determined by the flow rate of the supplied grains. Therefore, the relationship of the mapping indicates a different relationship for each flow rate, and the voltage value and the harvest amount indicate a certain relationship for each flow rate. As a result, the mapping is a mapping that takes into account the storage state of the grains (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0239] A specific example of the procedure for calculating the current harvest amount will be described below.

[0240] First, mappings at multiple flow rates are obtained in advance through experiments. In the present embodiment, a first mapping 24 and a second mapping 25 are obtained. The first mapping 24 is a mapping corresponding to the flow rate (lowest flow rate) when the grains are supplied at the slowest, which is assumed by the grain box 7, the grain conveying mechanism 16, and the grain discharging device 13. The second mapping 25 is a mapping corresponding to the flow rate (highest flow rate) when the grains are supplied at the fastest. Figure 6 The first mapping 24 and the second mapping 25 obtained are stored in the storage device 23.

[0241] Next, the flow rate of the supplied grains is calculated using the quality measurement device 50. During the grain storage process, the flow rate is calculated each time a certain amount of grains is stored in the quality measurement device 50. As described above, the flow rate is measured based on the time for which the certain amount of grains is stored and the amount (weight or volume) of the stored grains. When the flow rate is measured multiple times after the grain box 7 starts storing grains, the average value of the flow rates measured so far is calculated as the flow rate at that time ( Figure 6 The quality measurement device 50 sends the obtained flow rate to the control device 22.

[0242] Next, the voltage output from the load sensor 10 is obtained ( Figure 6 Step #3). The load sensor 10 sends the detected voltage to the control device 22.

[0243] Finally, the current harvest volume ( Figure 6 Step #4). The following is a detailed description.

[0244] The first mapping 24 is the flow rate A[m 3 / sec], the second mapping 25 is a mapping for a flow rate of B[m 3 The flow rate measured by the quality measurement device 50 is X[m 3 / sec], the voltage output from the load sensor 10 is V[v]. The current harvest amount in this case is WX[m 3 As shown in equation (1), the harvest amount WA[m 3 ] and the harvest amount WB[m 3 ] is obtained by allocating the flow rate A of the first map 24 and the flow rate B of the second map 25 in accordance with the ratio relative to the measured flow rate X. The current harvest amount WX is calculated by the control device 22.

[0245] WX=(WA-WB) · (XB) / (AB)+WB (Formula 1)

[0246] Thereafter, the steps related to step #2 to step #4 are repeatedly performed until the grain tank 7 is full and measurement of the harvest amount becomes unnecessary.

[0247] As described above, the current harvest amount can be obtained based on the flow rate from the output voltage using a plurality of maps corresponding to the flow rate. Therefore, the harvest amount of grains stored in the grain tank can be obtained with high accuracy in consideration of the storage state of the grains.

[0248] 〔Calculation and detection of discharge yield〕

[0249] When the grain tank 7 is full or in a state (discharge state) in which other grains need to be discharged, the grains are discharged through the grain discharge device 9. The discharge harvest amount in the discharge state is calculated with high accuracy using the flow rate.

[0250] Below, use Figure 5 , Figure 8 The structure for calculating the discharge yield and detecting the state where the discharge yield is reached will be described.

[0251] First, the relationship between the yield (discharge yield) and the flow rate when the discharge state is full or the like is determined in advance by experiments. Specifically, the discharge yield at two different flow rates is determined by experiments. Preferably, the two flow rates are the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate assumed as described above. Next, based on the discharge yield at the two flow rates, the relationship between the flow rate and the discharge yield is linearly determined. Specifically, based on the flow rate and the yield at two points, a linear function ( Figure 8 The obtained linear function is stored in the storage device 23 as the discharge function 27.

[0252] Next, the flow rate of the supplied grains is calculated using the quality measurement device 50. During the grain storage process, the flow rate is calculated each time a certain amount of grains is stored in the quality measurement device 50. As described above, the flow rate is calculated based on the time for which the certain amount of grains is stored and the amount (weight or volume) of the stored grains. When the flow rate is measured multiple times after the grain box 7 starts storing grains, the average value of the flow rates measured so far is calculated as the flow rate at that time ( Figure 8 The quality measurement device 50 sends the obtained flow rate to the control device 22.

[0253] Next, the discharge yield 26 at the calculated flow rate is obtained based on the discharge function 27. Specifically, the discharge yield 26 ( Figure 8 Step #13). The control device 22 calculates the discharge harvest volume 26 and stores it in the storage device 23.

[0254] Next, by using Figure 6 the method described above, calculate the current harvest amount based on the calculated harvest amount ( Figure 8 step #14). By obtaining the discharged harvest amount 26, it is possible to grasp the harvest amount considering the flow rate at the moment when the grain sensor 11 or the like detects grains. Therefore, it is possible to predict that when the grains are stored biased to one side and the grain sensor 11 detects grains, the amount of stored grains exceeds the assumed amount, and it is possible to avoid situations such as grains overflowing from the grain box 7 in accordance with grasping the current harvest amount.

[0255] Next, determine whether the calculated harvest amount is consistent with the discharged harvest amount 26 ( Figure 8 step #15). Specifically, the control device 22 compares the calculated current harvest amount with the discharged harvest amount 26 stored in the storage device 23.

[0256] When the current harvest amount is consistent with the discharged harvest amount 26, it is determined that the grains stored in the grain box 7 are in a discharged state, and this situation is notified, and the process ends ( Figure 8 step #16). Specifically, the control device 22 causes a notification device 29 such as a lamp provided in the driver's cab 5 (refer to Figure 1 ) to notify that the grain box 7 is in a discharged state such as being full. By confirming this notification, the operator can recognize that it is necessary to discharge the grains, stop the harvest of the crop, and transfer to the grain discharging operation or the like.

[0257] When the obtained harvest amount is not consistent with the discharged harvest amount 26, the process can also return to the step of calculating the flow rate ( Figure 8 step #12), but it is also possible to calculate the harvest amount required until it becomes a discharged state as the remaining harvest amount (Japanese: 空収量) ( Figure 8 step #17). Specifically, the control device 22 calculates the difference between the discharged harvest amount 26 stored in the storage device 23 and the current harvest amount as the remaining harvest amount.

[0258] Finally, display the remaining harvest amount and return the process to the step of calculating the flow rate, that is, Figure 8 step #12 ( Figure 8 step #18). Specifically, the control device 22 causes a display device 28 such as a liquid crystal panel provided in the driver's cab 5 (refer to Figure 1 ) to display the calculated remaining harvest amount. Through this display, the operator can perform the operation while measuring the timing for discharging.

[0259] As described above, the discharge yield corresponding to the state in which the grains need to be discharged is calculated based on the average flow rate so far, and the current yield is calculated based on the average flow rate. Since the discharge yield is calculated based on the average flow rate, the discharge yield becomes a value corresponding to the storage state of the grains. In addition, the current yield is also an accurate value of the grains contained in the grain box 7 calculated based on the average flow rate. Therefore, even in the case where the grains are stored in one direction in the grain box 7 due to the influence of the flow rate of the supplied grains, and the storage state cannot be properly confirmed using the grain sensor 11, etc. (refer to Figure 4 ), and can also accurately detect the state of needing to discharge grains through the accurate current harvest amount, and can discharge the stored grains at the appropriate time.

[0260] It should be noted that in the above description, the remaining harvest amount is calculated and only the remaining harvest amount is displayed, but the time until the discharge state is reached (also called the grain discharge time) and the travel distance until the discharge state is reached (also called the grain discharge distance) can be further calculated and displayed.

[0261] For example, after the remaining yield is displayed, first, when the grains are continuously stored at the same speed as before, the time until the discharge yield is reached is calculated as the grain discharge time ( Figure 8 Step #19 of ). Specifically, the time elapsed after the start of grain storage is continuously measured. Next, the control device 22 calculates the average storage speed after the start of grain storage by dividing the current harvest amount by the elapsed time. Furthermore, the control device 22 calculates the grain discharge time until the discharge harvest amount is reached by dividing the remaining harvest amount by the average storage speed.

[0262] Next, the calculated grain discharge time is displayed. It should be noted that, in the case where the grain discharge distance described later is not calculated, the process may be returned to the step of calculating the flow rate after the grain discharge time is displayed. Figure 8 Step #12( Figure 8 Specifically, the control device 22 is set in the driving part 5 (refer to step #20). Figure 1 The calculated grain discharge time is displayed on a display device 28 such as a liquid crystal panel of the display device 28. The display device 28 may be the same as or different from the display device that displays the remaining harvest amount, as long as it can distinguish between the remaining harvest amount and the grain discharge time, and they may be displayed simultaneously.

[0263] Next, the travel distance until the harvest amount is discharged is calculated as the grain discharge distance ( Figure 8Specifically, the travel distance after the grain storage starts is continuously measured, and the control device 22 calculates the average travel speed based on the travel distance and the elapsed time. Next, the control device 22 multiplies the average travel speed by the grain discharge time to obtain the grain discharge distance.

[0264] Finally, the grain discharge distance is displayed, and the process returns to the step of calculating the flow rate. Figure 8 Step #12( Figure 8 Specifically, the control device 22 is set in the driving part 5 (refer to step #22). Figure 1 The calculated grain discharge distance is displayed on a display device 28 such as a liquid crystal panel of a display device 28. The display device 28 may be shared with a display device for displaying the remaining harvest amount and the grain discharge time, or may be different, as long as the remaining harvest amount, the grain discharge time, or the grain discharge distance are displayed in a state that can be distinguished, or they may be displayed simultaneously.

[0265] In addition, although the example which displayed the grain discharge time and then displayed the grain discharge distance was demonstrated, you may employ|adopt the structure which displays only one.

[0266] In this way, by calculating and displaying at least one of the remaining harvest amount until the discharge harvest amount is reached, the grain discharge time, and the grain discharge distance, the operator can accurately confirm that the discharge state has been reached. Figure 4 As shown, when the grain sensor 11 is used to detect that the grain is full, the storage state of the grains is biased to one side according to the flow rate, and the grain sensor 11 cannot detect the accurate harvest amount (full state). Even in this case, the operator can confirm the timing of the discharge state by using at least one of the accurate current harvest amount, the remaining harvest amount, the grain discharge time, and the grain discharge distance without relying on the grain sensor 11. In addition, the remaining harvest amount, the grain discharge time, and the grain discharge distance can be used to easily make an operation plan until the discharge is performed, so that the operation can be performed efficiently.

[0267] [Other implementation methods]

[0268] The present invention can be implemented by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments with the other embodiments described below. (1)

[0270] In the above embodiment, the flow rate is measured using the quality measurement device 50. Therefore, the flow rate can be measured and the component (quality) can be measured using one device, and the flow rate and the component can be measured efficiently. However, a dedicated flow measurement device and a dedicated quality measurement device 50 can also be separately provided in the grain tank 7, etc. At least a dedicated flow measurement device is provided.

[0271] In addition, when the moisture content of the grains is measured by the quality measurement device 50, the flow rate and the harvest can be converted into moisture content and converted from weight to a value related to volume for use. Since the harvest can be processed using volume, the harvest of the grains in the grain box 7 can be more reliably determined. On the contrary, when a flow measurement device is independently provided, a structure without providing the quality measurement device 50 can also be adopted. In this case, the flow rate and the harvest are processed as weight. (2)

[0273] In the above embodiment, the yield is measured using the load sensor 10, but the yield may be measured using another yield sensor. In this case, the yield is measured using a parameter other than voltage, and a map represents the relationship between the yield and the parameter. (3)

[0275] In the above embodiment, the full state is used as an example to explain the state in which the grains need to be discharged, but the state in which the grains need to be discharged may be a predetermined harvest amount or a harvest amount input from the outside. For example, a communication unit for communicating with the outside may be further provided, and the communication unit communicates with an external device such as an external dryer or a management server, and receives the harvest amount in the state in which the grains need to be discharged from the external device.

[0276] The dryer is effective when drying grains according to a certain harvest amount. Therefore, the dryer transmits the required grain harvest amount to the combine harvester as the discharge harvest amount, and the combine harvester discharges the grains at the moment when the harvest amount is stored in the grain box 7 and brings them to the dryer. The discharge harvest amount can be detected by detecting the grains by the grain sensor 11 corresponding to the discharge harvest amount among the grain sensors 11. Alternatively, the discharge harvest amount can be detected using at least any one of the remaining harvest amount relative to the discharge harvest amount, the grain discharge time, and the grain discharge distance.

[0277] In this way, the harvest amount of grains that can be efficiently processed by external equipment such as a dryer is sent to the combine harvester as the discharge harvest amount, and the combine harvester accurately determines the discharge harvest amount. The operator discharges the grains when the stored grains reach the discharge harvest amount, thereby enabling the external equipment such as the dryer to operate efficiently.

[0278] It should be noted that there is a situation where there are multiple dryers corresponding to the moisture content, and the management server manages these dryers. In this case, the management server associates the moisture content with the harvest amount suitable for drying grains with the moisture content and sends it to the combine harvester. The combine harvester or the operator receives the information and determines the situation of storing the harvest amount (discharge harvest amount) associated with the moisture content of the grains stored by itself. Therefore, even if multiple dryers corresponding to the moisture content are in operation, the grains with the discharge harvest amount corresponding to the moisture content can be accurately transported to the dryer. (4)

[0280] The combine harvester can be driven automatically, in which case the transition from the harvesting state to the grain discharge state can also be performed by automatic control. Fig. 9 As shown, when the combine harvester harvests crops in the field 71 by automatically driving, the combine harvester stops the harvesting operation by detecting that the discharge amount has been reached, and moves to the vicinity of a transport vehicle 72 (grain transport vehicle) parked at the edge of a ridge around the field 71, and discharges the stored grains to the transport vehicle 72. At the point PA, if the grain discharge distance is L, and the combine harvester stores the grains until the discharge amount has been reached and moves the distance L, the combine harvester arrives at the point PB. Fig. 9 In such a positional relationship, if the combine harvester stops harvesting at the location PB and wants to move to the transport vehicle 72, it is necessary to retreat from the location PB. At this time, when the combine harvester does not perform a new harvesting operation and directly moves toward the transport vehicle 72 from the location PA (driving track D), the grain discharge operation can be efficiently performed. In the above embodiment, by calculating the grain discharge distance, the combine harvester can travel on the driving track D that can efficiently perform the grain discharge operation during automatic driving.

[0281] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the combine harvester 70 and the harvest calculation method are described. The functional units in the above-mentioned embodiment may also be configured as a harvest calculation system. In this case, the harvest calculation system is a harvest calculation system that calculates the current harvest of the grains in the grain box of the combine harvester that is supplied with and stores the threshed grains, and may be configured to include: a flow sensor that measures the flow of the grains supplied to the grain box; a harvest sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box; and a control unit that calculates the current harvest of the grains stored in the grain box based on the flow and the output value.

[0282] In addition, it is also possible to configure a yield calculation program for causing a computer to implement each functional unit in the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the yield calculation program is configured as a program for calculating the current yield of the grains stored in the grain box by using the output value in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box. The yield calculation program can be configured to cause a computer to implement the following functions: a function of pre-calculating a first mapping representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow rate value and the yield of the grains stored in the grain box; a function of pre-calculating a first mapping representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow rate value and the yield of the grains stored in the grain box; and a function of pre-calculating a first mapping representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow rate value and the yield of the grains stored in the grain box. A function of providing a second mapping of the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box at a specific second flow value with a large value; a function of measuring the flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain box; a function of obtaining the output value outputted from the harvest amount sensor; and a function of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first mapping and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second mapping according to the ratio of the flow rate to the first flow value and the second flow value.

[0283] In addition, such a yield calculation program may be recorded on a recording medium.

[0284] Furthermore, it can also be configured as a grain discharge yield calculation system. In this case, the grain discharge yield calculation system is a grain discharge yield calculation system that calculates the discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state where the grains need to be discharged from the grain box of the combine harvester to which the threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation system can be configured to include: a flow sensor that measures the flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain box; and a control unit that calculates the discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state where the grains need to be discharged from the grain box based on the flow rate.

[0285] In addition, it is also possible to configure a grain discharge yield calculation program for causing a computer to implement each functional unit in the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the grain discharge yield calculation program is a grain discharge yield calculation program for calculating the discharge yield of the grains stored in the grain box in a discharge state where the grains need to be discharged from the grain box in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, wherein the grain discharge yield calculation program can be configured to cause a computer to implement the following functions: a function of measuring the flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain box; and a function of calculating the discharge yield based on the flow rate.

[0286] Moreover, such a grain discharge|emission harvest amount calculation program may be comprised so that it may be recorded in a recording medium.

[0287] 4-2. Second Embodiment

[0288] Hereinafter, as an example of the combine harvester of the present invention, a full-feed combine harvester will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0289] In this embodiment, the front-rear direction of the machine body is defined along the moving direction of the machine body in the working state. Fig.10 The direction indicated by the reference numeral (F) is the front side of the machine body, and the direction indicated by the reference numeral (B) is the rear side of the machine body. The left and right directions of the machine body are defined as left and right when viewed from the forward direction of the machine body.

[0290] like Fig.10 As shown, in this combine harvester, a harvesting section 203 for harvesting upright grain stalks is arranged in front of a traveling body 202 that is self-propelled by a pair of left and right crawler traveling devices 201. A driving section 204 covered by a cab is arranged on the front right side of the traveling body 202. A threshing device 205 that threshes the grain stalks harvested by the harvesting section 203 is arranged behind the driving section 204. A grain tank 207 is arranged on the lateral side of the threshing device 205, and a grain conveying device 208 that conveys grains from the threshing device 205 to the grain tank 207 is arranged between the threshing device 205 and the grain tank 207. A harvesting and conveying section 203A that feeds the whole stalks of harvested grain stalks harvested by the harvesting section 203 into the threshing device 205 is arranged on the left side of the driving section 204. The grain tank 207 is located on the right side of the body, and the threshing device 205 is located on the left side of the body. An engine 200E is provided below the driving unit 204. From the rear portion of the traveling body 202, a grain discharge device 209 for discharging grains stored in a grain tank 207 to the outside of the machine is erected.

[0291] like Fig.11 , 12As shown in FIGS. 13, a flow measuring member 200GV for measuring the flow rate of grains put into the grain box 207 is provided in the upper part of the interior of the grain box 207 (the upper part of the front wall). The flow measuring member 200GV has a cylindrical measuring container 240. The measuring container 240 is located below the discharge section 280 of the grain conveying device 208 that enters the interior of the grain box 207. The grains shoveled out by the rotating delivery blade 282 arranged in the discharge section 280 are discharged into the grain box 207 through the input port 283 formed in the discharge section 280. In addition, an opening 281 covered with a porous material such as a perforated metal plate is formed in the lower surface area of ​​the cylindrical body constituting the discharge section 280. A part of the grains shoveled out by the delivery blade 282 falls through the opening 281. The upper side edge of the measuring container 240 functions as a receiving port 241 for receiving the grains falling from the opening 281. That is, the grains transported to the discharge section 280 by the screw conveyor of the grain conveying device 208 are scraped out by the delivery blades 282 that rotate in conjunction with the screw conveyor, and are dropped into the grain box 207 through the input port 283, and a part of them is dropped into the receiving port 241 of the measuring container 240 through the opening 281.

[0292] The measuring container 240 functions as a temporary storage unit that receives and temporarily stores a portion of the grains dropped from the grain conveying device 208 into the grain box 207. The time for storing a certain amount of grains in the measuring container 240 is measured, and based on the measured time, the flow rate of the grains flowing into the measuring container 240 can be calculated. Based on the calculated flow rate, the amount of harvested grains per unit driving distance of the combine harvester, that is, the harvest amount per unit area, can also be calculated. The grains temporarily stored in the measuring container 240 for measurement are discharged from the discharge port 242, which is the lower edge of the measuring container 240, after the measurement, and stored in the grain box 207.

[0293] The area from the lower edge of the measuring container 240 to the lower area is covered by a skirt 243 having a larger cross-sectional area than the measuring container 240 and extending downward. The lower opening 244 of the skirt 243 faces the bottom of the grain tank 207. The side wall of the skirt 243 prevents the grains stored in the grain tank 207 from intruding into the inside of the measuring container 240 from the discharge port 242 of the measuring container 240 as the grains increase. Thus, the storage space for the grains discharged from the measuring container 240 is ensured, and therefore, the number of measurements by the flow rate measuring member 200GV can be sufficiently ensured.

[0294] like Fig.14As shown schematically, the measuring container 240 as a temporary storage unit has a baffle 200ST that can change its position to a closed position that closes the passage and an open position that opens the passage in the vertical direction. The position change of the baffle 200ST is performed by the driving force of the electric motor 200M1. When the baffle 200ST is switched to the closed position, the grains received from the receiving port 241 are received by the baffle 200ST, and the grains are temporarily stored above the baffle 200ST. The situation that the temporary storage of grains reaches a certain amount is detected by the first storage sensor 291. When the storage of grains reaches a certain amount, the baffle 200ST is switched to the closed position, and the temporarily stored grains are discharged to the inside of the skirt 243 through the discharge port 242. By measuring the time when a certain amount of grains is stored in the measuring container 240, the flow rate of harvested grains (harvest amount per unit time) is calculated.

[0295] In this embodiment, the measuring container 240 is provided with a component value sensor 293 for measuring the component value of the grains temporarily stored in the measuring container 240. The component value sensor 293 is used, for example, to irradiate light toward the grains temporarily stored in the measuring container 240, and to measure the component amounts such as moisture and protein amount of the grains by a spectral analysis method based on the light obtained from the grains.

[0296] exist Fig.14 9 shows a functional block showing a function for measuring a grain flow rate and a grain component in the control system of the combine harvester, which can detect an abnormal inflow.

[0297] Various signals are input to the control unit 206 via the input signal processing unit 261. The control unit 206 sends various control signals via the device control unit 262 to control various devices mounted on the combine harvester. The devices include an electric motor 200M1 that moves the baffle 200ST of the measuring container 240 and a notification device 820 that notifies the driver or the supervisor of information. The notification device 820 notifies the driver or the supervisor of various matters occurring in the combine harvester, and is a general term for a lamp, a buzzer, a speaker, a display, etc. The input signal processing unit 261 receives signals from the travel operating member 211, the work operating member 212, etc. In addition, the input signal processing unit 261 receives signals and data from the weight measuring device 270, the first storage sensor 291, the second storage sensor 292, the component value sensor 293, etc. The first storage sensor 291 and the second storage sensor 292 measure the volume of the grains temporarily stored in the measuring container 240. When the temporarily stored grains reach the volume detected by the second storage sensor 292 , the component value sensor processing unit 290 calculates and outputs component data indicating the components of the grains based on the sensor signal from the component value sensor 293 .

[0298] The weight measuring device 270 is a load sensor which measures the weight of the grain tank 207. The 1st storage sensor 291 and the 2nd storage sensor 292 are proximity sensors which output a signal when a grain approaches or contacts.

[0299] The engine control unit 263 adjusts the amount of fuel supplied to the engine 200E and the like based on a command from the control unit 206 , and drives the engine 200E at a predetermined engine speed or a predetermined torque.

[0300] The control unit 206 includes a travel control unit 264, an operation control unit 265, a damper control unit 266, a grain measuring unit 267, an abnormal inflow detection unit 268, and a notification control unit 269. The travel control unit 264 generates a control command to be sent to the crawler travel device 201 based on a command from the travel operating unit 211, and outputs it via the equipment control unit 262.

[0301] The operation control unit 265 generates control instructions to be sent to the harvesting unit 203 , threshing device 205 , grain conveying device 208 , grain discharge device 209 and other operation devices based on the instructions from the operation operating tool 212 , and outputs them to the operation devices via the equipment control unit 262 .

[0302] The damper control unit 266 provides a control command to the electric motor 200M1 via the device control unit 262 to change the position of the damper 200ST. The damper control unit 266 changes the damper 200ST to the closed position to temporarily store grains in the measuring container 240, and changes the damper 200ST to the open position based on the detection signal from the first storage sensor 291 that detects that the storage of grains reaches a certain amount, and discharges the temporarily stored grains from the measuring container 240.

[0303] The grain measuring unit 267 includes a grain flow rate calculating unit 267a and a grain component value calculating unit 267b. The grain flow rate calculating unit 267a measures the flow rate of grains put into the grain tank 207 by the grain conveying device 208 based on the time when a certain amount of grains are stored in the measuring container 240. The grain component value calculating unit 267b calculates the component value of the grains stored in the measuring container 240 based on the data from the component value sensor processing unit 290. In this embodiment, the flow rate measuring member 200GV having the function of also measuring the grain component value is composed of the measuring container 240, the baffle 200ST, the component value sensor 293, etc.

[0304] The abnormal inflow detection unit 268 detects the abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container 240 in the grain box 207 into the measuring container 240 from the receiving port 241 of the measuring container 240 based on the time-dependent change in the grain flow rate calculated by the grain flow rate calculation unit 267a. That is, the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 uses the time for which a certain amount of grains is stored in the measuring container 240 as a first abnormal inflow detection condition. It should be noted that the flow rate can be directly calculated based on the time for which a certain amount of grains is stored in the measuring container 240, and the flow rate of grains put into the grain box 207 can also be estimated based on the flow rate. In this embodiment, the flow rate is also calculated, so the flow rate can also be used for the first abnormal inflow detection condition. The first abnormal inflow detection condition as described above is that the flow rate per unit time of the grains entering the measuring container 240 is greater than a predetermined value (for example, a flow rate more than twice the normal flow rate). Furthermore, the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 sets the weight measured by the weight measuring device 270 to be greater than a predetermined value indicating that the grains stored in the grain tank 207 have increased to the extent of reaching the receiving port 241 of the measuring container 240 as a second abnormal inflow detection condition. If the first abnormal inflow detection condition and the second abnormal inflow detection condition are satisfied, the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 detects the abnormal inflow.

[0305] When the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 detects abnormal inflow, the grain measurement based on the flow measurement member 200GV is stopped. At the same time, when the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 detects abnormal inflow, it issues a notification command to the notification control unit 269 in order to notify the driver or the supervisor of the abnormal inflow alarm.

[0306] Next, use Fig.15 The flowchart of the grain measurement process including the abnormal inflow detection is described. When the grain is conveyed from the threshing device 205 using the grain conveying device 208, the grain measurement routine is started (the branch of yes in #201). First, the baffle 200ST of the measuring container 240 is changed to the closed position (#202), and the timer is started (#203). If the amount of grain stored on the baffle 200ST in the closed position detected by the second storage sensor 292 reaches an amount suitable for component value measurement (the branch of yes in #204), the component value of the grain is measured based on the component value sensor 293 and the component value sensor processing unit 290 (#205). The moisture value and protein component value of the grain as the result of the component value measurement are recorded together with the map coordinates obtained by GPS, etc. (#206).

[0307] Furthermore, it is checked whether the amount of grains stored on the baffle 200ST in the closed position reaches a certain amount detected by the first storage sensor 291 (#207). When the amount of grains reaches a certain amount (the branch of yes in #207), the timer stops (#208), and the storage time of a certain amount of grains stored in the measuring container 240 is calculated (#209). In the present embodiment, the second storage sensor 292 is used to measure the storage amount that can start the component value measurement, and the first storage sensor 291 is used to measure the storage amount for flow measurement. The first storage sensor 291 is configured to measure a larger storage amount than the second storage sensor 292. Thus, the storage of grains in the measuring container 240 for flow measurement is continued during the component value measurement. That is, since the component value measurement is performed during the flow measurement, the measurement efficiency is good. In addition, as a result, the flow measurement can be performed with a larger storage amount, and the deviation of the short-term flow is averaged, so the accuracy of the flow measurement is also improved.

[0308] This storage time is used to detect the abnormal inflow of the above-mentioned grains. Therefore, whether the above-mentioned first abnormal inflow detection condition is met, that is, the calculated storage time is compared with the pre-set prescribed time (#210). If the storage time is longer than the prescribed time (the yes branch in #210), the first abnormal inflow detection condition is not met, and it is determined that no abnormal inflow has occurred. By dividing a certain amount by the storage time, the grain flow rate per unit time is calculated. In addition, the grain amount (harvest amount) per unit driving distance can be calculated based on the grain flow rate. The calculated grain flow rate is also recorded together with the map coordinates obtained by GPS, etc. (#211). Next, the baffle 200ST of the measuring container 240 is changed to the open position, and the grains temporarily stored in the measuring container 240 are discharged (#212). As long as the grain conveying device 208 is performing grain conveying (the No branch in #213), this series of grain measuring processes is repeated, and if the grain conveying device 208 is stopped (the Yes branch in #213), this routine also ends.

[0309] In the comparison in step #210, if the storage time is less than the prescribed time (No branch in #210), the first abnormal inflow detection condition is satisfied.

[0310] If the first abnormal inflow detection condition is satisfied, in order to determine whether the second abnormal inflow detection condition is satisfied, the weight of the grain box measured by the weight measuring device 270 is obtained (#221), and the weight of the grain box is compared with the prescribed weight (#222). If the weight of the grain box exceeds the prescribed weight (the yes branch in #222), the second abnormal inflow detection condition is satisfied, and therefore, the abnormal inflow detection unit 268 determines that an abnormal inflow has occurred (#223). If the abnormal inflow starts and stops, an abnormal inflow alarm is issued by the notification device 820 (#224). Furthermore, the baffle 200ST of the measuring container 240 is changed to the open position (#225), and the subsequent grain measurement is terminated (#226).

[0311] In the inspection of step #222, if the weight of the grain tank is less than the prescribed weight (the No branch in #222), the second abnormal inflow detection condition is not satisfied, and therefore, no abnormal inflow occurs, but the flow measurement is deemed to be abnormal due to some sudden reason, and the measurement abnormality is recorded (#231). After the measurement abnormality alarm is issued (#232), the process jumps to step #212. It should be noted that, although not shown in the flowchart, it can also be configured so that the grain measurement is terminated when the measurement abnormality occurs more than a prescribed number of times within a prescribed time.

[0312] [Other implementation methods]

[0313] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the measuring container 240 is used to measure the flow rate of the grains thrown into the grain tank 207 from the grain conveying device 208 and to measure the component values ​​of the grains, but the measurement of the grain component values ​​may be omitted.

[0314] (2) In the above embodiment, the grain flow rate measurement and the grain component value measurement are performed using the same measurement container 240 , but they may be performed using different measurement containers 240 . In this case, the abnormal flow rate detection process can be performed for each measurement container 240 .

[0315] (3) In the above embodiment, the first storage sensor 291 for flow measurement and the second storage sensor 292 for component value measurement are provided. Instead of the above structure, one storage sensor may be used. In this case, if one storage sensor detects a predetermined storage amount, the component value measurement is started while the flow rate is measured according to the storage time. When the component value measurement is completed, the damper 200ST is changed to the open position, and the grains temporarily stored in the measurement container 240 are discharged. In addition, the following structure may be adopted: only the first storage sensor 291 for flow measurement is provided, and the start of the component value measurement is performed at a predetermined time from the change of the damper 200ST to the closed position.

[0316] (4) In the above embodiment, the first abnormal inflow detection condition and the second abnormal inflow detection condition are used to perform abnormal inflow detection. However, only the first abnormal inflow detection condition may be used. (5)

[0318] The above-mentioned combine harvester can also be constituted as an abnormal inflow detection system. In this case, the abnormal inflow detection system is an abnormal inflow detection system that detects abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the interior of the grain box, and the measuring container receives and stores the grains put into the grain box from a receiving port. A part of the combine harvester is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection system can be configured to include: a flow measuring component, which measures the flow rate of the grains put into the grain box based on the time for storing a certain amount of grains in the measuring container; and an abnormal inflow detection unit, which detects the abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain box into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the time variation of the flow rate. (6)

[0320] In addition, it can also be configured to enable a computer to implement an abnormal inflow detection program for each functional unit in the above-mentioned embodiment. In this case, the abnormal inflow detection program is an abnormal inflow detection program for detecting abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device, and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from the receiving port, In the combine harvester, the grains are returned to the grain box after the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container is measured, wherein the abnormal inflow detection program can be configured to enable a computer to implement the following functions: a flow measurement function, which measures the flow rate of grains put into the grain box based on the time for storing a certain amount of grains in the measuring container; and an abnormal inflow detection function, which detects abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain box into the measuring container from the receiving port based on the time variation of the flow rate. (7)

[0322] In addition, such an abnormal inflow detection program may be recorded on a recording medium. (8)

[0324] Moreover, the above structure can also be constructed as an abnormal inflow detection method. In this case, the abnormal inflow detection method is an abnormal inflow detection method for detecting abnormal inflow into a measuring container in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, a grain box, a grain conveying device and the measuring container, the threshing device threshes harvested grain stalks, the grain box stores grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device is arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveys the grains obtained by the threshing device and puts them into the interior of the grain box, the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from the receiving port, and the measuring container receives and stores a part of the grains put into the grain box from the receiving port. The combine harvester is configured to return the grains to the grain box after measuring the flow rate of the grains in the measuring container, wherein the abnormal inflow detection method can also be configured to include the following steps: a flow measurement step, in which the flow rate of grains fed into the grain box is measured based on the time for storing a certain amount of grains in the measuring container; and an abnormal inflow detection step, in which the abnormal inflow of grains stored outside the measuring container in the grain box into the measuring container from the receiving port is detected based on the time variation of the flow rate.

[0325] 4-3. Third Embodiment

[0326] Hereinafter, the half-feed combine harvester according to the present embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

[0327] 〔Overall structure〕

[0328] like Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 As shown, the combine harvester of the present invention is provided with a harvesting section 403 for harvesting upright grain stalks at the front of a traveling body 402 that is self-propelled by a pair of left and right crawler traveling devices 401, 401 as a traveling device. A driving section 405 covered by a cab 404 is provided on the right side of the front part of the traveling body 402. A threshing device 406 and a grain box 407 are provided in a state of being arranged in a horizontal direction behind the driving section 405. The threshing device 406 thres the harvested grain stalks harvested by the harvesting section 403 and recovers the grains. The grain box 407 stores the grains obtained by the threshing device 406. The grain box 407 is located on the right side of the body, and the threshing device 406 is located on the left side of the body. The driving section 405 is located in front of the grain box 407. An engine 400E is provided below a driver's seat 408 in the driving section 405. A grain discharge device 409 is provided at the rear portion of the traveling body 402 and behind the grain tank 407, and the grain discharge device 409 discharges the grains stored in the grain tank 407 to the outside of the machine.

[0329] In this embodiment, when defining the front-to-back direction of the machine body, it is defined along the machine body's travel direction in the working state, and when defining the left-right direction of the machine body, it is defined in the state of viewing from the machine body's travel direction. That is, Fig.16 The direction indicated by the arrow with reference sign (F) is the front direction of the machine body. Fig.16 The direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral (B) is the rear direction of the machine body. Fig.16 The front direction of the paper is the right direction of the aircraft. Fig.16 The inner side of the paper is the left side of the machine.

[0330] The harvesting section 403 is provided with a straw divider 410, a plurality of straw supporting devices 411, a shear-type harvesting knife 412, and a longitudinal conveying device 413. The straw divider 410 guides the roots of the upright grain stalks to be harvested. The straw supporting device 411 raises the upright grain stalks after separation to a longitudinal position. The harvesting knife 412 cuts the roots of the raised upright grain stalks. The longitudinal conveying device 413 conveys the harvested grain stalks backward and supplies them to the threshing device 406 while changing their position so that the harvested grain stalks gradually change from a longitudinal position to a horizontal position. A dust cover 414 is provided above the longitudinal conveying device 413, and the longitudinal conveying device 413 is covered by the dust cover 414.

[0331] Although not shown in the figure, the threshing device 406 performs threshing by clamping and conveying the root side of the harvested grain stalks supplied by the threshing supply chain, while threshing the tip side of the ear in the threshing chamber. The processed material after the threshing process is sorted into grains and straw scraps, etc. in the sorting section below. As a grain conveying device in the present invention, a primary processed material conveying device 415 and a longitudinal grain conveying device 416 are provided. After the grains are sent to the right lateral side outside of the threshing device 406 by the primary processed material conveying device 415, they are lifted by the longitudinal grain conveying device 416 and conveyed to the inside of the grain box 407. The grain box 407 stores the grains sent from the threshing device 406. Thereafter, the grains stored in the grain box 407 are sent to the outside through the grain discharge device 409.

[0332] like Fig.16 As shown, a bottom screw device 417 is provided at the bottom of the grain box 407. The bottom screw device 417 rotates around the axis in the front-rear direction to convey the stored grains toward the rear of the machine body. The grain discharge device 409 includes a longitudinal conveying screw conveyor 409A and a transverse conveying screw conveyor 409C. The longitudinal conveying screw conveyor 409A receives the grains sent from the bottom screw device 417 and conveys the grains upward. The transverse conveying screw conveyor 409C conveys the grains in the transverse direction from the base end connected to the upper end of the longitudinal conveying screw conveyor 409A to the discharge port 409B at the front end.

[0333] 〔Grain box〕

[0334] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the grain box 407 is surrounded by a front wall portion 419 located at the front side of the machine body, a rear wall portion 420 located at the rear side of the machine body, a right wall portion 421 located at the right side of the machine body, and a left wall portion 422 located at the left side of the machine body. In addition, the upper side is covered by an upper wall portion 423. Therefore, the interior of the grain box 407, that is, the storage space 400Q for grains is surrounded by the front wall portion 419, the rear wall portion 420, the right wall portion 421, the left wall portion 422, and the upper wall portion 423. Fig.18 As shown, a recessed portion 425 is formed in the left side wall portion 422 of the box body portion 424 for arranging the longitudinal grain conveying device 416 when it enters.

[0335] A front-rear direction frame 426 is provided, which extends in the front-rear direction of the machine body across the front and rear of the grain box 407. The front-rear direction frame 426 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and spans the front side wall 419 and the rear side wall 420 in the grain box 407 while being located in the upper and lower middle part of the right end of the machine body inside the grain box 407.

[0336] The side wall of the grain box 407 is provided with a full height detection sensor 430 as a full level sensor and height detection sensors 431, 432 as other level sensors. The full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431, 432 are respectively configured to be able to swing up and down around a swing fulcrum at the upper end, that is, around a transverse axis. As the grains are accumulated, the full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431, 432 are subjected to pressure from the grains, so that the full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431, 432 are respectively swung downward. The full height detection sensor 430 swings, thereby detecting that the grains are stored in the grain box 407 to the full height. In addition, the height detection sensors 431, 432 swing, thereby detecting that the grains are stored in the grain box 407 to a specific height.

[0337] The filling height detection sensor 430 is provided at the upper part of the front side wall portion 419. The height detection sensors 431 and 432 are provided at a position lower than the filling height detection sensor 430. The height detection sensor 431 is provided at the front side wall portion 419 inside the box of the grain box 407. In addition, the height detection sensor 432 is provided at the rear side wall portion 420 inside the box of the grain box 407. The height detection sensor 431 is located at a position higher than the height detection sensor 432.

[0338] 〔Quality measurement device〕

[0339] A quality measuring device 440 for measuring the quality of grains is provided at the upper position inside the grain tank 407. Fig.18 as well as Fig.19 As shown, the quality measurement device 440 includes: a temporary storage unit 441 for temporarily storing grains to be measured; and a measuring unit 442 for measuring the quality of the grains stored in the temporary storage unit 441. The temporary storage unit 441 is located on the inner side of the grain box 407, and the measuring unit 442 is located on the outer side of the grain box 407. The measuring unit 442 is stored in the interior of a storage case 443 formed in a sealed shape. The temporary storage unit 441 includes a storage case 444 in a substantially square cylindrical shape integrally connected to the side surface of the inner side of the storage case 443, and can store grains therein.

[0340] The temporary storage unit 441 has a vertical passage 445 extending vertically in the interior of the storage housing 444, and a baffle 446 is provided in the middle of the vertical passage 445. The baffle 446 is configured to be able to move to a closed position (see FIG. 4 ) that blocks the vertical passage 445 in the middle. Fig.19 ) and an open position (not shown) in which the up-down passage 445 is opened midway. An inlet 445a for grains is formed at the upper end of the up-down passage 445. A portion of the grains released from the longitudinal grain feeding device 416 is taken into the inlet 445a. When the baffle 446 is switched to a closed state, the grains are stored in a temporary storage space 445S on the upper side of the baffle 446 in the up-down passage 445. When the baffle 446 is switched to an open state, the stored grains fall.

[0341] The measuring unit 442 irradiates light toward the grains stored in the temporary storage space 445S, and measures the internal quality of the grains by a spectral analysis method which is a known technique based on the light obtained from the grains. A window 447 through which light can pass is formed on the side surface of the measuring unit 442 side of the side surface forming the temporary storage space 445S for storage, and the measuring unit 442 irradiates light toward the grains through the window 447 and receives light from the grains.

[0342] A measured grain storage section 448 is provided below the temporary storage section 441, and the measured grain storage section 448 is formed in a cylindrical shape that expands in a substantially fan-shaped manner. The upper portion of the measured grain storage section 448 is communicated with the vertical passage 445, and the lower portion of the measured grain storage section 448 is communicated with the storage space 400Q of the grain box 407. According to the above, when the grains are stored in the temporary storage space 445S, if the baffle 446 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the stored grains fall downward and are discharged and return to the storage space 400Q of the grain box 407.

[0343] The side of the grain storage section 448 is separated from the storage space 400Q of the grain box 407. The grain storage section 448 is formed to be wide in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction relative to the temporary storage section 441 when viewed from above, and is extended to the lower part of the grain box 407 in a state where the lower part is wider than the upper part in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. A fan-shaped expansion section 448A is formed at the upper part of the grain storage section 448, and the fan-shaped expansion section 448A is wider as it moves toward the lower side in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction relative to the temporary storage section 441. A wide section 448B having a side wall in a longitudinal posture is formed in a state connected to the lower end of the fan-shaped expansion section 448A. The upper end of the fan-shaped expansion section 448A is connected in a state of being connected to the lower end of the up-down direction passage 445 in the storage housing 444.

[0344] 〔Grain conveying device〕

[0345] The grains collected at the bottom of the threshing device 406 are transported through the primary processed material conveying device 415 (see Fig.17 ) is discharged to the right lateral outside of the threshing device 406, and then conveyed to the top of the grain box 407 by the longitudinal grain conveying device 416. The longitudinal grain conveying device 416 has a screw conveyor 435 that spans the upper and lower parts, and the grains are lifted and conveyed to the vicinity of the upper end of the longitudinal grain conveying device 416 by the screw conveyor 435. In addition, an input part 436 is formed at the upper end of the longitudinal grain conveying device 416, and the input part 436 is connected to the inside of the grain box 407. In addition, a delivery blade 437 is connected to the upper end of the screw conveyor 435, and the delivery blade 437 is located within the range of the upper and lower heights of the input part 436. The screw conveyor 435 and the delivery blade 437 rotate integrally in the clockwise direction when viewed from above. The grains are lifted and conveyed to the vicinity of the upper end of the longitudinal grain conveying device 416 by the screw conveyor 435, and are pushed out from the input part 436 to the storage space 400Q of the grain box 407 by the delivery blade 437. In this way, the primary processed material conveying device 415 and the longitudinal grain conveying device 416 as grain conveying devices are arranged across the threshing device 406 and the upper part of the grain box 407, and convey the grains obtained by the threshing device 406 and put them into the storage space 400Q.

[0346] like Figures 18 to 22As shown, the flow sensor 450 is supported on the left side wall portion 422 of the grain box 407. The flow sensor 450 includes: a flat detection plate 451, a load sensor 452, a support bracket 453 supporting the detection plate 451 and the load sensor 452, and a mounting bracket 454 for mounting the flow sensor 450 on the left side wall portion 422. One end of the load sensor 452 is connected to the detection plate 451, and the other end of the load sensor 452 is connected to the support bracket 453. That is, the load sensor 452 is cantilever-supported with the connection portion between the load sensor 452 and the support bracket 453 as the base end. According to this structure, when a load acts on the detection plate 451, the deformation of the load sensor 452 is promoted. The grains are pushed up from the input portion 436 by the delivery blade 437 and pressed on the detection plate 451, and the load sensor 452 detects the pressing force applied to the detection plate 451. The support bracket 453 is configured to be freely swingable with the mounting bracket 454 as a swing fulcrum, and the position of the flow sensor 450 relative to the delivery blade 437 can be adjusted by adjusting the swing angle of the support bracket 453 .

[0347] The grains are fed from the input part 436 into the storage space 400Q through the delivery blade 437, and are pressed against the detection plate 451. The pressing force of the grains causes deformation in the load sensor 452, thereby generating an electrical signal. The electrical signal is used as a detection signal for calculating the flow rate of the grains, and the electrical signal is represented by, for example, a voltage value or a current value. The more the amount of grains fed from the longitudinal grain feeding device 416 is, the greater the pressing force of the grains on the detection plate 451 is, and the greater the detection signal of the load sensor 452 is. In this way, the flow sensor 450 provided in the input part 436 measures the flow rate of the input grains.

[0348] like Fig. 20 As shown by the dotted line 500E, the grains stored in the storage space 400Q are sometimes stored in a mountain shape with the vertex directly below the input section 436. In this case, before the full state of the grains is detected by the full height detection sensor 430, the grains are accumulated near the input section 436, and the flow sensor 450 may be buried in the grains. If the flow sensor 450 is buried in the grains, the detection plate 451 is pressed not only by the grains input from the input section 436, but also by the accumulated grains, so the flow sensor 450 cannot measure the flow rate of the grains with high accuracy. In this state, if the harvesting operation of the combine harvester continues and grains are continuously input from the input section 436 into the storage space 400Q, the load acting on the load sensor 452 may continue to increase. If the load exceeds the rated load of the load sensor 452 , there is a possibility that the load sensor 452 may fail. Therefore, in this embodiment, a level sensor 460 is provided for protecting the load sensor 452 as follows.

[0349] [About level sensor]

[0350] like Fig.23 As shown, a control unit 461 capable of inputting detection of a level sensor 460 is provided. The control unit 461 is assembled in the control system of the combine harvester as a module of a microcomputer, for example. The control unit 461 outputs a signal to a notification unit 462 and a travel control unit 463 based on the detection signal of the level sensor 460. The notification unit 462 may be a structure that notifies a field manager or a passenger of the combine harvester by sound output, or may be a structure that notifies a passenger by displaying an output on a display (not shown) provided on the driving unit 405 of the combine harvester. In addition, the notification unit 462 may also be a structure that sends notification information to a portable communication terminal of a driver or a field manager via wireless communication, for example. The travel control unit 463 is a control module for controlling the travel of the crawler travel devices 401, 401.

[0351] As described above, the grains stored in the storage space 400Q are sometimes stored in a mountain shape with the top being directly below the input portion 436. Fig.19 as well as Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 4 , a level sensor 460 is provided just below the input portion 436 and the flow sensor 450. Therefore, the level sensor 460 is configured to detect the height of the mountain-shaped vicinity of the top of the grain stored in the storage space 400Q. The level sensor 460 is provided at a position lower than the lower end of the flow sensor 450. Therefore, when the grains are accumulated to the height at which the level sensor 460 is located, the level sensor 460 is configured to output a detection signal to the control unit 461 before the grains are accumulated to the height at which the flow sensor 450 is located.

[0352] The level sensor 460 is configured to be able to swing up and down around a swing fulcrum at the upper end, that is, around a transverse axis. As the grains are accumulated, the level sensor 460 is subjected to pressure from the grains, so that the level sensor 460 swings downward. Thus, the level sensor 460 is configured to detect the situation in which the grains in the grain box 407 are stored in the flow sensor 450.

[0353] The level sensor 460 is provided at a position lower than the full height detection sensor 430 and at a position higher than the height detection sensor 431. Thus, the level sensor 460 is configured to detect that the grains are stored in the flow sensor 450 before the full height detection sensor 430 detects the full state.

[0354] like Fig.23 As shown, the control unit 461 outputs a signal to the notification unit 462 and the travel control unit 463 based on the detection signal of the level sensor 460. Fig.24 As shown in the flowchart, when the control unit 461 detects the input of grains through the level sensor 460 (step #401: yes), the timer counter TC for measuring the duration of the detection signal is added (step #402). In the case where the control unit 461 does not receive the detection signal of the level sensor 460 (step #401: no), the count value of the timer counter TC is set to a zero value (step #411). After the processing of step #402, a notification signal is output from the control unit 461 to the notification unit 462, and the notification unit 462 notifies that the grains have been stored in the flow sensor 450 based on the detection of the level sensor 460 (step #403). In addition, the notification unit 462 notifies the flow sensor 450 of the reduction in measurement accuracy based on the detection of the level sensor 460 (step #404).

[0355] After the processing of step #403 and step #404, it is determined whether the count value of the timer counter TC reaches the predetermined determination value T1 (step #405). If the count value of the timer counter TC does not reach the determination value T1 (step #405: No), the processing returns to step #401. If the count value of the timer counter TC reaches the determination value T1 (step #405: Yes), it is determined whether the detection of the input of grains by the flow sensor 450 continues (step #406). If the input of grains is not detected by the flow sensor 450 (step #406: No), the processing returns to step #401. If the detection of the input of grains by the flow sensor 450 continues (step #406: Yes), a control signal is output from the control unit 461 to the travel control unit 463. The travel control unit 463 stops the drive of the left and right pair of crawler travel devices 401, 401 based on the control signal of the control unit 461 (step #407). In this way, after the detection of the level sensor 460, if the input of grain is detected by the flow sensor 450, the control unit 461 is configured to stop the crawler travel device 401, 401 as a travel device. Thereby, the harvesting operation of the combine harvester is no longer continued, and the possibility of the load applied to the load sensor 452 exceeding the rated load and causing the load sensor 452 to fail can be avoided.

[0356] [Other implementation methods]

[0357] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments, and other representative embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0358] (1) In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, based on Fig.25 Another example related to the structure of the grain conveying device, the flow sensor, and the level sensor will be described. Fig.25As shown, the grain conveying device includes: a primary processed material conveying device 415 provided at the bottom of the threshing device 406, a winnowing conveyor 470 disposed between the threshing device 406 and the grain box 407, and a transverse conveying screw device 471 penetrating the front upper portion of the left side wall of the grain box 407. The winnowing conveyor 470 may be either a screw conveyor or a bucket conveyor. After the grains are conveyed toward the top of the grain box 407 by the winnowing conveyor 470, they are conveyed from the outside to the inside of the grain box 407 by the transverse conveying screw device 471. An input portion 472 is provided at the terminal area of ​​the conveying direction of the transverse conveying screw device 471, and the grains conveyed to the input portion 472 are pushed out from the input portion 472 to the inside of the grain box 407 by the delivery blade 473.

[0359] The flow sensor 474 for measuring the input amount of grains is provided in a state of being supported by a support frame 477 in a state facing the input portion 472. The flow sensor 474 includes a flat plate-shaped detection plate 475 and a load sensor 476. Furthermore, a level sensor 478 is supported by the support frame 477, and the level sensor 478 is provided at a position lower than the lower end of the flow sensor 474.

[0360] (2) In the above embodiment, the full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431 and 432 are respectively configured to be able to swing up and down around the swing fulcrum at the upper end, that is, around the transverse axis core, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the following structure can also be adopted: the swing fulcrums of the full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431 and 432 are respectively located at the front end and the rear end, and can swing forward and backward around the longitudinal axis core. Of course, the horizontal sensor 460 can also be configured to be able to swing up and down around the transverse axis core. In addition, the full height detection sensor 430 and the height detection sensors 431 and 432 can also be, for example, pressure-sensitive sensors. Therefore, the following structure can also be adopted: by detecting a pressure above a preset pressure, the full height detection sensor 430 detects that the grains are stored in the grain box 407 to the full height. In addition, the following structure can also be adopted: by detecting a pressure above a preset pressure, the height detection sensors 431 and 432 respectively detect that the grains are stored in the grain box 407 to a specific height.

[0361] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 461 is installed in the control system of the combine harvester as a module of a microcomputer, but it is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the control unit 461 can be a relay circuit or a mechanical control mechanism. In addition, it can also be a structure as follows: after the detection of the level sensor 460, if the input of grains is detected by the flow sensor 450, the control unit 461 stops or raises the harvesting unit 403. In short, as long as it is a structure as follows: after the detection of the level sensor 460, if the input of grains is detected by the flow sensor 450, the control unit 461 stops the input of grains into the grain box 407.

[0362] (4) The notification unit 462 shown in the above embodiment may not be provided. For example, the following structure may be adopted: when the level sensor 460 detects that the grains are stored in the grain tank 407 up to the flow sensor 450, the combine harvester stops the harvesting operation and automatically discharges the grains to a transport vehicle or the like. In this case, it is not necessary to notify that the grains are stored up to the flow sensor 450.

[0363] (5) In the above embodiment, the level sensor 460 is disposed at a position lower than the full height detection sensor 430, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when the flow sensor 450 is located at a position higher than the full height detection sensor 430, the level sensor 460 may be disposed at a position higher than the full height detection sensor 430. In short, the level sensor 460 may be disposed at a position lower than the lower end of the flow sensor 450.

[0364] (6) In the above embodiment, two height detection sensors 431 and 432 are provided as other level sensors, but the other level sensors are not limited to two, and three or more may be provided. That is, the number of other level sensors can be changed appropriately.

[0365] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment Fig.24In the flowchart shown, the structure is as follows: when the count value of the timer counter TC reaches the judgment value T1 (step #405: yes), it is determined whether the detection of the input of grains by the flow sensor 450 continues (step #406), but it is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it is also possible to have a structure as follows: without providing the timer counter TC, the determination of step #406 is performed in a manner not passing through the determination of step #405. In addition, it is also possible to provide a process of determining the detection of the input of grains such as step #406 between the notification of the situation that grains are stored in the flow sensor 450 (step #403) and the notification of the reduction in the measurement accuracy of the flow sensor 450 (step #404). That is, it is also possible to have a structure as follows: after the notification process of step #403, if the input of grains is still detected, the notification process of step #404 is performed. (8)

[0367] The above-mentioned combine harvester can also be constituted as a storage level detection system. In this case, the storage level detection system is a storage level detection system for detecting the storage level of a grain box in a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a threshing device, the grain box, and a grain conveying device, the threshing device threshing the harvested grain stalks, the grain box storing the grains obtained by the threshing device, the grain conveying device being arranged in a state spanning the threshing device and the upper part of the grain box, conveying the grains obtained by the threshing device and putting them into the box inside of the grain box, wherein the storage level detection system can be constituted to include: a flow sensor, the flow sensor being arranged at the input part of the grain conveying device, measuring the flow rate of the input grains; and a level sensor, the level sensor being arranged at a position lower than the lower end of the flow sensor, detecting the situation that the grains are stored in the grain box to the flow sensor.

[0368] Industrial Applicability

[0369] The invention is applicable to various harvesting operation vehicles such as combine harvesters.

[0370] In addition, in addition to being applied to a full-feed combine harvester that feeds the entire stalk including the stem of the harvested grain stalk into a threshing device, the present invention can also be applied to a half-feed combine harvester that only feeds the ear tip into the threshing device.

[0371] In addition, the present invention can be applied not only to a semi-feeding combine harvester but also to a general combine harvester that feeds the whole stalks of harvested grain into a threshing device.

[0372] Description of Reference Numerals

[0373] [First embodiment]

[0374] 7: Grain box

[0375] 10: Load sensor

[0376] 11: Grain Sensor

[0377] 22: Control Device

[0378] 24: First Mapping

[0379] 25: Second Mapping

[0380] 26: Discharge the harvest

[0381] 50: Quality measurement device

[0382] 51: Temporary storage

[0383] 52: Measurement Department

[0384] 57: Baffle

[0385] [Second embodiment]

[0386] 207: Grain Box

[0387] 208: Grain conveyor

[0388] 209: Grain discharge device

[0389] 240: Measurement container

[0390] 241: Receiving port

[0391] 242: Exhaust port

[0392] 243: Skirt

[0393] 244: Opening on the lower side

[0394] 206: Control unit

[0395] 266: Baffle control unit

[0396] 267: Grain Measurement Department

[0397] 267a: Grain flow calculation unit

[0398] 267b: Grain component value calculation unit

[0399] 268: Abnormal inflow detection unit

[0400] 269: Inform the Control Department

[0401] 820: Notify device

[0402] 270: Weight measuring device

[0403] 290: Component value sensor processing unit

[0404] 291: First storage sensor

[0405] 292: Second storage sensor

[0406] 293: Composition value sensor

[0407] 200GV: Flow measurement component

[0408] 200ST: Bezel

[0409] [Third embodiment]

[0410] 401: Tracked travel device (travel device)

[0411] 406: Threshing device

[0412] 407: Grain Box

[0413] 415: Primary processed material conveying device (grain conveying device) 416: Longitudinal grain conveying device (grain conveying device)

[0414] 430: Full height detection sensor (full level sensor) 431: Height detection sensor (other level sensor) 432: Height detection sensor (other level sensor)

[0415] 436: Investment Department

[0416] 450: Flow sensor

[0417] 460: Level sensor

[0418] 462: Notification Department

[0419] 400Q: Storage space (inside the box)

Claims

1. A combine harvester comprising a grain tank to which threshed grains are supplied and stored, wherein: The combine harvester has: a flow sensor provided in the grain tank and measuring a flow rate of the supplied grains; a harvest yield sensor disposed below the grain tank and outputting an output value based on the weight of the grain tank; as well as a control unit that calculates a current harvest amount of the grain stored in the grain tank based on the flow rate and the output value, The control unit calculates the current harvest amount based on the output value using a first map and a second map, the first map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box, and the second map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific second flow value greater than the first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box. The control unit calculates the current harvest by proportionally allocating the harvest relative to the output value in the first map and the harvest relative to the output value in the second map based on the first flow rate value, the second flow rate value, and the flow rate.

2. The combine harvester according to claim 1, wherein: The first flow value is assumed to be the lowest flow value detected by the flow sensor, and the second flow value is assumed to be the highest flow value detected by the flow sensor.

3. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first mapping and the second mapping are determined according to the type of crops to be threshed.

4. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flow sensor has: a temporary storage tank storing a portion of the supplied grains; a measuring unit configured to measure a time for which a certain amount of the grains are stored in the temporary storage box; as well as a baffle portion that discharges the grains when a certain amount of the grains are stored in the temporary storage box, The flow rate sensor calculates the flow rate based on the time and storage amount of a certain amount of the grains stored.

5. The combine harvester according to claim 4, wherein: The said combine harvester is provided with the component sensor which measures the component of the said grain stored in the said temporary storage tank.

6. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The combine harvester includes a communication unit that communicates with the outside and acquires a request amount from the outside. The combine harvester further includes a work management unit configured to compare the current harvest amount with the required amount to determine a timing to end the harvesting work.

7. A method for calculating a yield, in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, calculating a current yield of the grains stored in the grain box using the output value, wherein: The harvest calculation method comprises: A step of obtaining in advance a first map indicating a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific first flow rate value and a harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank; A step of obtaining in advance a second mapping representing a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank; a step of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; A step of obtaining the output value outputted from the harvest yield sensor; as well as The step of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first map and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second map according to the ratio of the flow rate to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

8. A harvest yield calculation system for calculating the current harvest yield of grain in a grain tank of a combine harvester to which threshed grain is supplied and stored, wherein: The harvest calculation system comprises: a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; a harvest yield sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain tank; as well as a control unit that calculates a current harvest amount of the grain stored in the grain tank based on the flow rate and the output value, The control unit calculates the current harvest amount based on the output value using a first map and a second map, the first map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box, and the second map representing the relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain box at a specific second flow value greater than the first flow value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain box. The control unit calculates the current harvest by proportionally allocating the harvest relative to the output value in the first map and the harvest relative to the output value in the second map based on the first flow rate value, the second flow rate value, and the flow rate.

9. A recording medium having a harvest calculation program recorded thereon, wherein in a combine harvester having a grain box to which threshed grains are supplied and stored and a harvest sensor that outputs an output value based on the weight of the grain box, the harvest calculation program calculates the current harvest of the grains stored in the grain box by using the output value, wherein: The harvest calculation program is used to enable the computer to achieve the following functions: a function of obtaining in advance a first map indicating a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank; A function of obtaining in advance a second mapping representing a relationship between the output value when the grains are stored in the grain tank at a specific second flow rate value greater than the first flow rate value and the harvest amount of the grains stored in the grain tank; a function of measuring a flow rate of the grains supplied to the grain tank; A function of acquiring the output value outputted from the harvest yield sensor; as well as A function of calculating the current harvest amount by proportionally allocating the harvest amount relative to the output value in the first map and the harvest amount relative to the output value in the second map according to the ratio of the flow rate relative to the first flow rate value and the second flow rate value.

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