Combine harvester

Abstract

A combine harvester is provided with a threshing device (1) having a threshing section (41) that threshes crops, a sorting section (42) provided below the threshing section (41) and that sorts and processes the threshing material that leaks from the threshing section (41), a primary processing material recovery section that recovers the primary processing material among the sorted and processed material sorted by the sorting section (42), a secondary processing material recovery section that recovers the secondary processing material among the sorted and processed material, and a secondary processing material return device that returns the secondary processing material recovered by the secondary processing material recovery section to the sorting section (42), a primary processing material sensor (60) that measures the amount of recovery of the primary processing material as a primary processing material recovery amount, a secondary processing material sensor (70) that measures the amount of return of the secondary processing material as a secondary processing material return amount, and a correction section (82) that corrects the primary processing material recovery amount based on the primary processing material sensor (60) based on the secondary processing material return amount of the secondary processing material sensor (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a combine harvester that harvests crop straw from fields and performs threshing and sorting of the harvested straw using a threshing device. Background Technology 1. Background Technology

[0003] Combine harvesters cut crop stalks, thresh and sort the harvested stalks, and then transport the resulting grains (sorted product) to a grain bin for storage. If the harvested stalks are not properly threshed, damage will occur in the grains. Furthermore, improper sorting will introduce impurities and other foreign matter into the sorted product. As a result, grains of suitable quality cannot be obtained.

[0004] Therefore, for example, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, a temporary storage section is provided inside the grain bin, and a camera is provided to photograph the sorted material stored in the temporary storage section. Based on the analysis of the photographed images, various settings such as the grain sorting accuracy (mixing in foreign matter, etc.) are adjusted.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-10075 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention will solve

[0009] 2-1. Topic [1]

[0010] However, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, various settings of the threshing device, etc., are adjusted based on images taken of sorted grains transported to the grain bin by the conveying device and thrown into the storage section in a temporary storage section supported at the rear of the grain bin (away from the throwing section). Therefore, for example, in cases where at least a portion of the threshed grains are retained in the threshing device and some threshed grains are not transported to the temporary storage section, the above-mentioned settings cannot be properly implemented.

[0011] Therefore, a combine harvester capable of properly measuring the amount of threshed material is required.

[0012] 2-2. Topic [2]

[0013] Furthermore, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, the sorted material, which is conveyed to the grain bin by a conveying device and thrown into the storage section, is stored in a temporary storage section supported at the rear of the grain bin (away from the throwing section). Therefore, the time spent accumulating the sorted material in the temporary storage section increases the likelihood of timing delays in confirming the sorting accuracy and quality of the sorted material. As a result, for example, there may be delays in the machine control process reflecting the analysis results, and delays in the control response.

[0014] Therefore, a combine harvester capable of properly storing the sorted materials is required.

[0015] 2-3. Topic [3]

[0016] Furthermore, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, various settings of the threshing device, etc., are adjusted based on images captured in a temporary storage section supported at the rear of the grain bin (away from the throwing section) showing the sorted grains conveyed by the conveying device and thrown into the storage section. Therefore, for example, in cases where at least a portion of the threshed grains are blocked and retained in the threshing device, resulting in some threshed grains not being conveyed to the temporary storage section, the aforementioned settings cannot be properly implemented.

[0017] Therefore, a combine harvester is required that can determine whether there is threshing material remaining in the threshing unit, i.e., whether the threshing unit is clogged with threshing material.

[0018] 2-4. Topic [4]

[0019] Furthermore, as described above, in the combine harvester described in Patent Document 1, the sorted material, which is conveyed by the conveying device to the grain bin and thrown into the storage section, is stored in a temporary storage section supported at the rear of the grain bin (away from the throwing section). Therefore, the accumulation of the sorted material in the temporary storage section takes time, and there is a high possibility of timing delays in confirming the sorting accuracy and quality of the sorted material. As a result, for example, there may be delays in the machine control process reflecting the analysis results, and delays in the control response.

[0020] Therefore, a combine harvester capable of properly storing the sorted materials is required.

[0021] Methods for solving problems

[0022] 3-1. Solutions [1]

[0023] The solutions to problem [1] are as follows.

[0024] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized by comprising a threshing device, which includes: a threshing section for threshing crops; a sorting section disposed below the threshing section for sorting the threshed material that leaks from the threshing section; a primary material recovery section for recovering primary material from the sorted material sorted by the sorting section; a secondary material recovery section for recovering secondary material from the sorted material; and a secondary material return device for returning the secondary material recovered by the secondary material recovery section to the sorting section. The combine harvester further includes: a primary material sensor for measuring the amount of primary material recovered as a primary material recovery amount; a secondary material sensor for measuring the amount of secondary material returned as a secondary material return amount; and a calibration unit for calibrating the primary material recovery amount based on the primary material recovery amount based on the secondary material return amount based on the secondary material sensor.

[0025] Based on this feature, since the detection results of the primary material sensor are corrected based on the amount of secondary material returned, an accurate amount of primary material recovered can be obtained. Therefore, the amount of threshed material can be appropriately measured.

[0026] Alternatively, preferably, from the start of harvesting operations in the target area until the amount of primary processed material recovered reaches a predetermined amount, the correction unit adds the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered.

[0027] It is known that from the start of crop harvesting in the target area until the primary waste recovery reaches a predetermined amount (predetermined value), the primary waste recovery gradually increases, while the secondary waste return increases sharply and then gradually decreases. Therefore, according to this configuration, from the start of crop harvesting in the target area until the primary waste recovery reaches the predetermined amount (predetermined value), the calibration unit adds the secondary waste return to the primary waste recovery amount detected by the primary waste sensor to correct the sensor's detection result, thus obtaining an accurate primary waste recovery amount.

[0028] Alternatively, preferably, after harvesting and passing through the work area, the correction unit subtracts the amount of secondary processed material returned from the amount of primary processed material recovered to make corrections.

[0029] It is known that after harvesting and passing through the target area (after a predetermined time has elapsed since harvesting and passing through), the amount of primary processed material recovered increases sharply and then gradually decreases, while the amount of secondary processed material returned gradually decreases. Therefore, according to this configuration, after harvesting and passing through the target area, the calibration unit subtracts the amount of secondary processed material returned from the amount of primary processed material recovered detected by the primary processed material sensor to correct the detection result of the primary processed material sensor, thus obtaining an accurate amount of primary processed material recovered.

[0030] 3-2. Solutions [2]

[0031] The solutions to problem [2] are as follows.

[0032] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized by comprising a threshing device, which includes: a threshing section for threshing crops; a sorting section disposed below the threshing section for sorting the threshed material that leaks from the threshing section; a primary material recovery section for recovering the primary material from the sorted material; a secondary material recovery section for recovering secondary material from the sorted material; and a secondary material return device for returning the secondary material recovered by the secondary material recovery section to the sorting section. The combine harvester comprises: a primary material recovery section... The sorting unit includes a material sensor that measures the amount of primary processed material recovered as the primary processed material recovery amount; and a secondary processed material sensor that measures the amount of secondary processed material returned as the secondary processed material return amount. The sorting unit includes a oscillating sorting device, which has a plurality of husk scrapers arranged along the conveying direction of the threshed material, and a husk screen that can change the leakage opening by changing the posture of the plurality of husk scrapers. When the amount of primary processed material recovered exceeds a preset first threshold and the amount of secondary processed material returned is below a preset second threshold, the husk screen reduces the leakage opening.

[0033] Based on this configuration, threshing control can be achieved by setting the opening of the chaff screen according to the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned. Therefore, the combine harvester can appropriately store the sorted processed material.

[0034] Alternatively, it is preferable to have a driving control unit that controls the movement of the machine body, wherein the driving control unit reduces the movement speed of the machine body when the amount of secondary processed material returned is greater than the second threshold.

[0035] With this configuration, since the amount of crop harvested by the combine harvester can be reduced based on the amount of secondary processed material returned, the amount of crop transported to the threshing unit can also be reduced. Therefore, the threshing of the material remaining in the threshing unit can be prioritized.

[0036] Alternatively, preferably, the driving control unit enables the machine to drive automatically.

[0037] Based on this configuration, threshing control can be appropriately performed during the automatic operation of the combine harvester.

[0038] In addition, preferably, if the amount of material recovered in a single treatment is less than a third threshold smaller than the first threshold, the husk sieve increases the opening of the sieve.

[0039] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the return of materials to the sorting section based on the secondary processing material return device. Therefore, threshing control can be performed more appropriately.

[0040] 3-3. Solutions [3]

[0041] The solutions to problem [3] are as follows.

[0042] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized by comprising a threshing device, which includes: a threshing section for threshing crops; a sorting section disposed below the threshing section for sorting the threshed material that leaks from the threshing section; a primary material recovery section for recovering primary material from the sorted material sorted by the sorting section; a secondary material recovery section for recovering secondary material from the sorted material; and a secondary material return device for returning the secondary material recovered by the secondary material recovery section to the sorting section. The combine harvester further includes: a primary material sensor for measuring the amount of primary material recovered as the primary material recovery amount; a secondary material sensor for measuring the amount of secondary material returned as the secondary material return amount; and a determination unit for determining whether the threshed material in the sorting section is blocked based on the ratio of the secondary material return amount to the primary material recovery amount.

[0043] Based on this feature, it is easy to determine whether the threshed material is clogged in the sorting section based on the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether there is threshed material retained in the threshing device.

[0044] In addition, preferably, the sorting unit includes a swing sorting device having a plurality of husk scrapers arranged along the conveying direction of the threshed material, and a husk sieve that can change the leakage opening by changing the posture of the plurality of husk scrapers. The larger the ratio, the larger the leakage opening of the husk sieve.

[0045] According to this configuration, the greater the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, the larger the opening of the husk screen becomes. This promotes the conveying to the primary processed material recovery section and suppresses the return to the sorting section based on the secondary processed material return device. Therefore, according to this configuration, the operation of the oscillating sorting device can be controlled, and threshing control can be performed more appropriately.

[0046] Furthermore, preferably, the oscillating sorting device includes a grain sieve located below the husk sieve, and the determination unit determines that the threshed material is blocked in the grain sieve even when the opening of the sieve increases and the ratio remains small.

[0047] Originally, when the opening of the husk screen is increased, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered should decrease. Therefore, according to this configuration, by determining whether the threshed material is blocked in the grain screen based on this ratio, it is easy to determine whether there is threshed material retained in the threshing device.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a driving control unit that performs driving control of the machine body, which reduces the driving speed of the machine body even when the opening of the leak increases and the ratio remains small.

[0049] This configuration reduces the amount of crop harvested by the combine harvester, and thus also reduces the amount of crop fed to the threshing unit. Consequently, the threshing of the crop remaining in the threshing unit can be prioritized.

[0050] Alternatively, preferably, the driving control unit stops the machine when the ratio remains unchanged after a preset time elapses from the increase in the leakage opening.

[0051] With this configuration, the amount of crop fed to the threshing unit can be further reduced. Therefore, the threshing of the crop remaining in the threshing unit can be prioritized.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferable to include a reporting unit that reports even when the leakage opening increases but the ratio remains small.

[0053] Based on this configuration, it is possible to clearly indicate to the surrounding area that the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovery is decreasing, i.e., blockage of threshed material in the sorting section. Therefore, operators can take prescribed measures to address the issue.

[0054] 3-4. Solutions [4]

[0055] The solutions to problem [4] are as follows.

[0056] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized by comprising a threshing device, which includes: a threshing section for threshing crops; a sorting section disposed below the threshing section for sorting the threshed material that leaks from the threshing section; a primary material recovery section for recovering primary material from the sorted material; a secondary material recovery section for recovering secondary material from the sorted material; and a secondary material return device for returning the secondary material recovered by the secondary material recovery section to the sorting section. The combine harvester further includes: a primary material sensor for measuring the amount of primary material recovered as a primary material recovery amount; a secondary material sensor for measuring the amount of secondary material returned as a secondary material return amount; a parameter determination unit for determining control parameters of the threshing device based on the ratio of the secondary material return amount to the primary material recovery amount; and a control unit for controlling the threshing device based on the control parameters.

[0057] Based on this configuration, threshing control can be achieved by setting control parameters based on the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned. Therefore, the combine harvester can appropriately store the sorted processed material.

[0058] In addition, preferably, the sorting unit includes a oscillating sorting device and an air classifier. The oscillating sorting device has a plurality of husk scrapers arranged along the conveying direction of the threshed material, and has a husk screen that can change the down-passing opening by changing the posture of the plurality of husk scrapers. The larger the ratio, the larger the down-passing opening of the husk screen, and the larger the ratio, the larger the air volume of the air classifier.

[0059] According to this configuration, the greater the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, the greater the opening of the chaff screen and the greater the airflow of the air classifier. This promotes the transport to the primary processed material recovery section and suppresses the return of secondary processed material to the sorting section. Therefore, according to this configuration, the operation of the oscillating sorting device can be controlled, and threshing control can be performed more appropriately.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a driving control unit that performs driving control of the machine body, which reduces the driving speed of the machine body even when the leakage opening increases and the air volume increases, but the ratio remains small.

[0061] This configuration reduces the amount of crop harvested by the combine harvester, and thus also reduces the amount of crop fed to the threshing unit. Consequently, the threshing of the crop remaining in the threshing unit can be prioritized.

[0062] Alternatively, preferably, the driving control unit stops the machine when the leakage opening increases and the air volume increases to the point where the ratio remains unchanged after a preset time.

[0063] With this configuration, the amount of crop fed to the threshing unit can be further reduced. Therefore, the threshing of the crop remaining in the threshing unit can be prioritized.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable to include a reporting unit that reports even when the leak opening increases and the air volume increases, but the ratio remains constant.

[0065] Based on this configuration, it is possible to clearly indicate to the surrounding community that the ratio of secondary waste returned to primary waste recovered is decreasing. Therefore, operators can respond by performing prescribed procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 This is a right-side view of the combine harvester.

[0067] Figure 2 This is an overall top view of the combine harvester.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional left-side view of the threshing device.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a front view of the grain bin, winnowing device, and threshing device.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a right-side longitudinal section view of the winnowing device.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a configuration diagram of the secondary processing material sensor and the secondary processing material discharge port.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a configuration diagram of the secondary processing material sensor and the secondary processing material discharge port.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a configuration diagram of the secondary processing material sensor and the secondary processing material discharge port.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a side view of the sensor for secondary processing materials.

[0075] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in measuring the amount of threshed product in the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the test results of the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned in the first embodiment.

[0077] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in the threshing control of the second embodiment.

[0078] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the control states involved in the threshing control of the second embodiment.

[0079] Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in the blockage determination in the third embodiment.

[0080] Figure 15 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in the threshing control of the fourth embodiment.

[0081] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the setting of control parameters in the fourth embodiment.

[0082] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship between each of the leakage opening degree and air volume in the fourth embodiment, and the ratio of the amount of secondary treated material returned to the amount of primary treated material recovered. Detailed Implementation

[0083] 4-1. First Implementation Method

[0084] The combine harvester mechanism of this invention is capable of properly storing the grains sorted from the threshed crop. Hereinafter, a conventional combine harvester will be used as an example to describe the combine harvester of this embodiment.

[0085] Figure 1 This is a right-side view of a combine harvester. Figure 2 This is a top view of a combine harvester. For ease of understanding, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "front" (or "front") will be used. Figure 1 The direction of arrow F shown indicates the front (or rear) in the forward / backward direction (direction of travel) of the aircraft. Figure 1 The direction of arrow B shown indicates the rear direction in the forward / backward direction (direction of travel). Additionally, "up" ( Figure 1 The direction of the arrow U shown) and "down" ( Figure 1 The direction of arrow D indicates the vertical position of the aircraft, representing its height relative to the ground. Furthermore, the left-right or lateral direction is the transverse direction of the aircraft (width direction), orthogonal to the front-back direction, i.e., "left" (…). Figure 2 (The direction of arrow L shown) and "right" ( Figure 2 The direction of the arrow R shown indicates the left and right directions of the machine, respectively.

[0086] The combine harvester is equipped with a tracked running device 3, a machine frame 2 supported by the running device 3, a harvesting section 4 for harvesting crops (rice, wheat, soybeans, rapeseed and other crops), a feeder 11, a threshing device 1, a grain box 12 and a grain discharge device 14.

[0087] The harvesting section 4 includes a harrowing reel 5 for harrowing the crops, a pusher-type cutting device 6 for cutting the crops in the field, and an auger 7 for laterally feeding the harvested crops into the feeder 11. The crops harvested by the harvesting section 4 are conveyed by the feeder 11 to the threshing device 1, where they are threshed and sorted. The sorted material from the threshing device 1 is stored in the grain bin 12 and appropriately discharged outside the machine by the grain discharge device 14.

[0088] To the right rear of the cutting section 4, a driving section 9 is arranged laterally with the feeder 11. The driving section 9 is covered by the driver's cab 10. Below the driving section 9 is an engine compartment ER, which houses the engine E, and also includes a cooling fan, radiator, etc., although not specifically shown. The power of the engine E is transmitted to the traveling device 3, the cutting section 4, the threshing device 1, and other operating devices via a power transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0089] Next, use Figure 3 The left-side longitudinal sectional view of the threshing device 1 shown illustrates its configuration. The threshing device 1 is mounted on the machine frame 2 and includes a threshing section 41 that threshes crops using a threshing cylinder 22 and a sorting section 42 that then oscillates and sorts the threshed material. The threshing section 41 is located in the upper region of the threshing device 1, and a screen 23 is positioned below it. The sorting section 42 is located below the screen 23. The sorting section 42 separates the threshed material that falls through the screen 23 into sorted material containing recyclable grains and discharge materials such as waste straw.

[0090] The threshing unit 41 has a threshing chamber 21 surrounded by the left and right side walls, top plate 53, and screen 23 of the threshing device 1. The threshing chamber 21 is equipped with a threshing cylinder 22 that threshes the crop by rotation and multiple dust valves 53a. The crop, conveyed by the feeder 11, is fed into the threshing chamber 21 and threshed by the threshing cylinder 22. The crop, rotating in conjunction with the threshing cylinder 22, is conveyed rearward by the dust valves 53a.

[0091] The dust-feeding valves 53a are plate-shaped and are arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner surface (lower surface) of the top plate 53 along the front-to-back direction. The dust-feeding valves 53a are arranged in an inclined position relative to the rotation axis X when viewed from above. Therefore, each dust-feeding valve 53a acts to move the cut rice stalks rotating together with the threshing cylinder 22 in the threshing chamber 21 backward. Furthermore, the tilt angle of the dust-feeding valves 53a relative to the rotation axis X can be adjusted. The speed at which the crop is conveyed backward within the threshing cylinder 22 is determined by the tilt angle of the dust-feeding valves 53a. Additionally, the threshing efficiency of the crop is also affected by the speed at which the crop is conveyed within the threshing cylinder 22. As a result, the crop threshing capacity can be adjusted using various means, but changing the tilt angle of the dust-feeding valves 53a can be used as one such means. Although not specifically illustrated, a dust-feeding valve control mechanism is provided that can change the tilt angle of the dust-feeding valves 53a, allowing for automatic adjustment of the tilt angle.

[0092] The threshing unit 1 includes a primary processing material recovery unit 26, a secondary processing material recovery unit 27, and a secondary processing material return unit 32. The sorting unit 42 includes a oscillating sorting device 24 with a screening shell 33 and an air classifier 19.

[0093] The air classifier 19 is located in the lower part of the front area of ​​the sorting section 42, and generates sorting air from the front side of the oscillating sorting device 24 toward the rear along the conveying direction of the processed material. The sorting air has the function of sending relatively light waste straw and the like toward the rear side of the screening shell 33. In addition, in the oscillating sorting device 24, the screening shell 33 is oscillated by the oscillating drive mechanism 43, so that the threshed material inside the screening shell 33 is conveyed rearward while being oscillating and sorted. For this reason, in the following description, in the oscillating sorting device 24, the upstream side of the conveying direction of the processed material is referred to as the front end or front side, and the downstream side is referred to as the rear end or rear side. In addition, the intensity (air volume, air velocity) of the sorting air of the air classifier 19 can be changed. If the sorting air is increased, the threshed material is more easily conveyed to the rear, and the sorting speed is increased. Conversely, if the sorting air is weakened, the threshed material stays in the screening shell 33 for a longer time, and the sorting accuracy is increased. Therefore, by changing the intensity of the separating air of the air classifier 19, the separation efficiency (separation accuracy, separation speed) of the oscillating separation device 24 can be adjusted. Although not specifically illustrated, the air classifier 19 is equipped with an air classifier control mechanism that can change the intensity of the separating air of the air classifier 19, and can automatically change the intensity of the separating air of the air classifier 19.

[0094] A first husk sieve 38 is provided in the front half of the screening shell 33, and a second husk sieve 39 is provided in the rear half of the screening shell 33. Since this is a general configuration, it will not be specifically described, but in addition to the first husk sieve 38, the screening shell 33 is also equipped with a grain shaking plate and a grain sieve 40. The threshed material that falls through the screen 23 falls onto the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39. The vast majority of the threshed material falls through the screen 23 relative to the front half of the screening shell 33 containing the first husk sieve 38, and is coarsely and finely separated by the front half of the screening shell 33. A portion of the threshed material falls through the screen 23 relative to the second husk sieve 39, or is transferred to the second husk sieve 39 without falling through the first husk sieve 38, where it falls and is separated.

[0095] The aforementioned grain sieve 40 is provided below the first husk sieve 38. That is, the oscillating sorting device 24 includes the grain sieve 40 located below the first husk sieve 38. The grain sieve 40 is composed of porous components such as perforated metal and a mesh, and catches and sorts the threshed material that falls through the first husk sieve 38.

[0096] A spiral-shaped primary processing material recovery unit 26 is provided below the front half of the screening shell 33, and a spiral-shaped secondary processing material recovery unit 27 is provided below the rear half of the screening shell 33. Primary processing material that slips through the sorting process of the front half of the screening shell 33, i.e., the primary processing material sorted by the sorting unit 42, is recovered by the primary processing material recovery unit 26 and conveyed towards the side of the grain bin 12 (right side of the machine body). Secondary processing material that slips through the sorting process of the rear half of the screening shell 33 (second husk sieve 39) (generally with lower sorting accuracy and a higher proportion of cut straw, etc.), i.e., the secondary processing material sorted, is recovered by the secondary processing material recovery unit 27. Secondary processing material corresponds to the threshing material that was not sorted during the threshing process. The secondary processing material recovered by the secondary processing material recovery unit 27 is returned to the front of the sorting unit 42 by the secondary processing material return device 32 and is sorted again by the screening shell 33.

[0097] The first chaff screen 38 is equipped with multiple plate-shaped chaff lip plates arranged along the conveying direction (front-to-back direction) of the threshed material. Each chaff lip plate is arranged with an upward tilt towards the rear end. The tilt angle of the chaff lip plates is variable; the steeper the tilt angle, the wider the spacing between adjacent chaff lip plates, and the easier it is for the threshed material to pass through. That is, the leakage opening can be changed by altering the orientation of the multiple chaff lip plates. Therefore, by adjusting the tilt angle of the chaff lip plates, the sorting efficiency (sorting accuracy, sorting speed) of the oscillating sorting device 24 can be adjusted. A lip plate control mechanism is provided to automatically change the tilt angle of the chaff lip plates.

[0098] The second husk sieve 39 has the same structure as the first husk sieve 38. It also has an angle control mechanism that can change the tilting posture of the husk scraper of the second husk sieve 39, and can automatically change the tilting angle of the husk scraper.

[0099] Figure 4 This is a front view of the grain bin 12, the winnowing device 29, and the threshing device 1. Figure 5 This is a right-side longitudinal section view of the winnowing device 29. (See image below.) Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a winnowing device 29 is provided to convey the sorted material recovered by the primary material recovery unit 26 to the grain bin 12. The winnowing device 29 is positioned between the threshing unit 1 and the grain bin 12, and is erected vertically. The winnowing device 29 is composed of a bucket-type conveyor mechanism. The sorted material conveyed by the winnowing device 29 is transferred to a transverse feed conveyor 30 at the upper end of the winnowing device 29. The transverse feed conveyor 30 is configured as a spiral and is inserted into the interior of the grain bin 12 from the left side of the front part of the grain bin 12. A grain discharge device 30A is provided at the end of the transverse feed conveyor 30 inside the bin. The grain discharge device 30A has a plate-shaped discharge rotating body 30B that rotates integrally with the spiral part. The sorted material is transversely conveyed by the transverse feed conveyor 30 and finally thrown into the grain bin 12 by the grain discharge device 30A.

[0100] In the winnowing device 29, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, multiple buckets 31 are installed at certain intervals on the outer periphery of the annular rotating chain 29C wound around the drive sprocket 29A and the driven sprocket 29B. The winnowing device 29 has a conveying path 29D for the buckets 31 containing the sorted material to rise and a return path 29E for the buckets 31 discharging the sorted material to the lateral feed conveyor 30 and then descending. The conveying path 29D and the return path 29E are arranged along the left side wall 12b of the grain bin 12 with the conveying path 29D being the rear side.

[0101] The primary processing material sensor 60 measures the amount of primary processing material recovered as the primary processing material recovery amount (reference). Figure 10 The primary processing material sensor 60 is configured to measure the amount of sorted processing material at any position along the transport path from the primary processing material recovery unit 26 to the grain bin 12, specifically at any position from the primary processing material recovery unit 26 to the dispensing port 30C where the sorted processing material is thrown into the grain bin 12. The primary processing material sensor 60 can, for example, be configured to use a physical contact sensor to detect the amount of sorted processing material. Alternatively, the results of a map sensor, generated by linking the amount of primary processed material recovered with map information representing a field, can be used. For example, a camera can be installed at any position from the primary processed material recovery unit 26 to the throwing port 30C. The amount of primary processed material recovered can be determined (inferred) based on images taken by the camera of the primary processed material in the primary processed material recovery unit 26, images of grains falling downwards from the threshing cylinder 22 of the threshing device 1, images of grains falling downwards from the screening shell 33 of the threshing device 1, images of grains fed into the grain bin 12, and images of grains conveyed by the bucket 31. Furthermore, the amount of primary processed material recovered can also be determined (inferred) using the load (torque, etc.) of the screw of the primary processed material recovery unit 26.

[0102] As described above, the secondary processed material is returned by the secondary processed material return device 32 to the upstream side of the front part of the oscillating sorting device 24. Specifically, the secondary processed material discharge port 32A of the secondary processed material return device 32 is located at a radially outer position in the arc-shaped screen 23 (to the side of the screen 23, and at a position where the secondary processed material does not pass through the screen 23), and the secondary processed material is discharged at this position. The threshing device 1 is equipped with a secondary processed material sensor 70 that measures the amount of secondary processed material returned in this way as the secondary processed material return amount. Figure 6 - Figure 9 The configuration of this secondary treatment waste discharge port 32A is shown in the figure.

[0103] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the secondary treated material discharge port 32A is positioned facing the screen 23. (As indicated...) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, a rotating blade 32B, which rotates together with the screw constituting the secondary processing return device 32, is provided near the secondary processing material discharge port 32A. The secondary processing material conveyed by the secondary processing material return device 32 is discharged radially outward from the secondary processing material discharge port 32A through the through hole formed in the side wall 50 of the threshing section 41 by the rotating blade 32B (e.g., Figure 8 As shown by the dashed arrow.

[0104] A guide portion 32C is provided at the secondary processing outlet 32A to guide the discharged secondary processing material upstream in the processing direction of the oscillating sorting device 24. The guide portion 32C is shaped to have a cylindrical portion having an inner circumferential surface opposite to the secondary processing outlet 32A. In other words, it is shaped by bending the belt plate into an arc shape. The inner circumferential surface of this guide portion 32C restricts the discharge direction of the secondary processing material discharged by the rotating blades 32B.

[0105] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the secondary processed material sensor 70 is supported on the inner side portion of the sidewall 50 in the threshing section 41. The secondary processed material sensor 70 is configured to contact the secondary processed material discharged by the rotating blade 32B in the secondary processed material return device 32 to measure the amount of secondary processed material returned. The secondary processed material sensor 70 includes: a swing arm 72 located on the discharge extension line of the secondary processed material discharged by the secondary processed material return device 32, which swings by contacting the discharged secondary processed material; a measuring unit 73 that measures the amount of return based on the swing angle of the swing arm 72; a support frame 74 that supports the measuring unit 73 and the swing arm 72; and a cover 75 that covers the top of the secondary processed material sensor 70.

[0106] The measuring unit 73 houses a potentiometer within its housing and is bolted to the inner side of the support frame 74. Regarding the measuring unit 73, a rotating shaft 76 is provided, protruding outwards (towards the side wall 50) through the support frame 74. A swing arm 72 is integrally rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 76. The swing arm 72 extends downwards from the rotating shaft 76, positioned within the guide path of the secondary processed material guided by the guide portion 32C. The swing arm 72 is supported so that it can swing about the axis of the rotating shaft 76.

[0107] The cover 75 is configured to cover the top of the swing arm 72, the measuring part 73, and the support frame 74 respectively. With this cover 75, it is possible to prevent fine dust in the threshed material passing through the screen 23 from falling onto the swing arm 72 and the measuring part 73 and hindering the measuring operation.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the swing arm 72 has an extension protrusion that extends upward beyond the rotation shaft 76, and a coil spring 78 is tensioned across the extension protrusion and the spring support portion 77. Under the tension force of the coil spring 78, the swing arm 72 is forced to swing in a manner close to the secondary processing outlet 32A. The upper end of the swing arm 72 abuts against the locking portion 79, thereby overcoming the spring force and being held in a downward standby position.

[0109] If the secondary processed material discharged by the rotating blade 32B through the secondary processed material discharge port 32A comes into contact with the swing arm 72, the swing arm 72 will swing away from the secondary processed material discharge port 32A under its pressing force, overcoming the force of the coil spring 78. The swing angle at this time is measured by the measuring unit 73, and the amount of secondary processed material returned is calculated based on the measurement result. Specifically, it is preferable to store a map or formula showing the relationship between the swing angle and the amount of returned material in the measuring unit 73, and calculate the amount of returned material based on the map or formula.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in controlling the acquisition of measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70 with high accuracy. Additionally, Figure 11 This is an example of the amount of primary processed material recovered, the amount of secondary processed material returned, and the amount detected in this embodiment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70 are transmitted to the measurement result acquisition unit 81. The calibration unit 82, referring to the measurement result acquisition unit 81, corrects the primary processed material recovery amount based on the primary processed material recovery amount based on the secondary processed material return amount based on the secondary processed material sensor 70.

[0111] Specifically, from the start of harvesting operations in the target area until the primary processed material recovery reaches a predetermined amount, the calibration unit 82 makes a correction by adding the secondary processed material return amount to the primary processed material recovery amount. The target area is the area in the field where the combine harvester performs crop harvesting operations. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the process from the start of crop harvesting until the amount of waste recovered in a single treatment reaches the specified amount (specified value) is... Figure 11 From the start of harvesting to t1, the amount of primary processed material recovered gradually increases, while the amount of secondary processed material returned increases sharply and then gradually decreases. Therefore, the correction unit 82 corrects the detection result of the primary processed material sensor 60 by adding the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered detected by the primary processed material sensor 60 from the start of harvesting to t1.

[0112] On the other hand, the correction unit 82 makes a correction by subtracting the secondary processing material return amount from the primary processing material recovery amount after harvesting and passing through the target area. "After harvesting and passing through the target area" means after the combine harvester's cutting unit 4 has traveled through the area where crop harvesting is being carried out. In this state, as... Figure 11As shown, after a predetermined time t2 has elapsed since the harvest, the amount of primary processed material recovered increases sharply and then gradually decreases, while the amount of secondary processed material returned gradually decreases. Therefore, after a predetermined time t2 has elapsed since the harvest, the correction unit 82 corrects the detection result of the primary processed material sensor 60 by subtracting the amount of secondary processed material returned from the amount of primary processed material recovered detected by the primary processed material sensor 60.

[0113] The amount of primary processed material recovered, corrected by the correction unit 82, is transmitted to the control unit 83. The control unit 83 controls the threshing device 1 based on the corrected amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned. Specifically, if the amount of primary processed material recovered exceeds a first threshold and the amount of secondary processed material returned is below a second threshold, the control unit 83 reduces the opening of at least one of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 in the sorting unit 42. This reduces the amount of primary processed material recovered, increases the amount of secondary processed material returned, increases the amount of threshed material sorted in the threshing device 1, and further improves sorting accuracy. Consequently, the amount of impurities mixed into the primary processed material can be reduced.

[0114] Furthermore, preferably, if the amount of material recovered in a single treatment is less than a preset third threshold (which is less than the first threshold), the control unit 83 increases the opening of the husk sieve. This allows for an increase in the amount of material recovered in a single treatment even when the amount recovered is below a predetermined value.

[0115] Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, even if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 decreases, and the state of primary material recovery exceeding the first threshold or secondary material return falling below the second threshold continues, the ratio of secondary material return remains unchanged, but this is because the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1 is excessive. Therefore, it is preferable that even if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 increases, especially when the amount of secondary material return exceeds the second threshold, the travel device 3 that controls the travel of the machine frame 2 reduces the travel speed of the machine frame 2. This reduces the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1, and reduces the amount of threshing and sorting in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, for example, if the amount of secondary material return increases due to blockage of the threshing material in the grain sieve 40, this blockage can be eliminated.

[0116] This driving device 3 can also be configured to enable the body frame 2 to drive automatically. In this case, the driving speed of the body frame 2 can be reduced or it can be brought to a stop based on the aforementioned first threshold and second threshold.

[0117] Furthermore, preferably, if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 increases due to unforeseen circumstances, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if the travel speed of the machine frame 2 decreases and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant after a predetermined time has elapsed, the travel device 3 stops the machine frame 2. This temporarily interrupts the supply of crops to the threshing unit 1, thereby reducing the load on the threshing and sorting processes in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, crop processing within the threshing unit 1 can be carried out immediately, eliminating the blockage of threshed material in the grain sieve 40.

[0118] Furthermore, if the tilting posture of the dust valve 53a can be changed, the tilting angle can also be changed based on the return flow rate of the primary processed material and the return amount of the secondary processed material.

[0119] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0120] In the above embodiment, it is described that the correction unit 82 corrects the amount of primary processed material recovered by adding the amount of secondary processed material returned from the start of harvesting in the work target area until the amount of primary processed material recovered reaches the specified amount. However, the correction unit 82 may also be configured to correct the amount of primary processed material recovered by adding a preset value (a certain value, a calculated value) to the amount of primary processed material recovered from the start of harvesting in the work target area until the amount of primary processed material recovered reaches the specified amount.

[0121] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the correction unit 82 corrects by subtracting the amount of secondary processed material returned from the amount of primary processed material recovered after harvesting and passing through the work target area. However, the correction unit 82 may also be configured to correct by subtracting a preset value (a certain value, a calculated value) from the amount of primary processed material recovered after harvesting and passing through the work target area.

[0122] In the above embodiments, examples of ordinary combine harvesters were given, but the combine harvester may also be a semi-feeding combine harvester.

[0123] 4-2. Second Implementation Method

[0124] Next, the combine harvester of the second embodiment will be described. The combine harvester of this embodiment is also configured to appropriately store the grains separated from the threshed crop. Hereinafter, a conventional combine harvester will be used as an example to describe the combine harvester of this embodiment. Regarding the configuration of the combine harvester of this embodiment, it is similar to that of the combine harvester in the first embodiment described above. Figure 1 - Figure 9The configuration shown is the same, so the description is omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0125] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in threshing control that utilize the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70. Additionally, Figure 13 This is a graph showing the control status of the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned based on this embodiment. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the measurement results from the primary processing material sensor 60 and the secondary processing material sensor 70 are transmitted to the control unit 83. The control unit 83 reduces the opening of the chaff screen when the amount of primary processing material recovered exceeds a preset first threshold and the amount of secondary processing material returned is below a preset second threshold. The amount of primary processing material recovered is the amount of primary processing material recovered as indicated by the measurement results from the primary processing material sensor 60. The first threshold is a threshold set for the amount of primary processing material recovered, and is a setting value set to suppress the recovery of primary processing material and cause the secondary processing material return device 32 to return when the amount of primary processing material recovered is high. The amount of secondary processing material returned is the amount of secondary processing material returned as indicated by the measurement results from the secondary processing material sensor 70. The second threshold is a threshold set for the amount of secondary processing material returned, and is a setting value set to promote the recovery of secondary processing material and cause the secondary processing material return device 32 to return when the amount of secondary processing material returned is low.

[0126] Here, regarding the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned, the measurement results obtained by the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70 are not always composed of fixed values. Therefore, the control unit 83 can calculate the average value of the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned over a predetermined time and use it as the above measurement result, or it can use the instantaneous values ​​of the amount of primary processed material recovered and the amount of secondary processed material returned obtained at a predetermined time. In addition, the first threshold and the second threshold can be set independently of each other or set in a correlated manner.

[0127] More specifically, if the amount of primary processed material recovered exceeds a first threshold and the amount of secondary processed material returned is below a second threshold, the control unit 83 reduces the opening of at least one of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 in the sorting unit 42. This state, where the amount of primary processed material recovered exceeds a preset first threshold and the amount of secondary processed material returned is below a preset second threshold, is... Figure 13The symbol A1 represents the distinction. This reduces the amount of primary processed material recovered, increases the amount of secondary processed material returned, increases the amount of threshed material sorted in the threshing unit 1, and further improves sorting accuracy. Consequently, it reduces the amount of impurities mixed into the primary processed material.

[0128] Furthermore, preferably, if the amount of material recovered in a single treatment is less than a preset third threshold (which is less than a first threshold), the control unit 83 increases the opening of the chaff screen. This allows for an increase in the amount of material recovered in a single treatment even when the amount recovered is below a predetermined value. This state, where the amount of material recovered in a single treatment is less than a preset third threshold, is... Figure 13 The middle part is used to distinguish B1.

[0129] Furthermore, depending on the situation, even if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 decreases, and the state of primary material recovery exceeding the first threshold or secondary material return falling below the second threshold continues, the ratio of secondary material return remains unchanged, but this is because the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1 is excessive. Therefore, it is preferable that even if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 increases, especially when the secondary material return exceeds the second threshold, the travel device 3 controlling the travel of the machine frame 2 reduces the travel speed of the machine frame 2. This state of secondary material return exceeding the preset second threshold... Figure 13 The symbol C1 represents the distinction. This reduces the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1, thus reducing the amount of threshing and sorting in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, for example, if the amount of secondary processed material returned increases due to blockage of the threshing material in the grain sieve 40, this blockage can be eliminated.

[0130] This driving device 3 can also be configured to enable the body frame 2 to drive automatically. In this case, the driving speed of the body frame 2 can be reduced or it can be brought to a stop based on the aforementioned first threshold and second threshold.

[0131] Furthermore, preferably, if the opening of the first husk sieve 38 and the second husk sieve 39 increases due to unforeseen circumstances, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if the travel speed of the machine frame 2 decreases and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant after a predetermined time has elapsed, the travel device 3 stops the machine frame 2. This temporarily interrupts the supply of crops to the threshing unit 1, thereby reducing the load on the threshing and sorting processes in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, crop processing within the threshing unit 1 can be carried out immediately, eliminating the blockage of threshed material in the grain sieve 40.

[0132] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0133] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the travel device 3 reduces the travel speed of the body frame 2 when the amount of secondary processed material returned is greater than the second threshold. However, the travel device 3 may also be configured not to reduce the travel speed of the body frame 2 when the amount of secondary processed material returned is greater than the second threshold.

[0134] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the driving device 3 enables the body frame 2 to drive automatically, but it can also be configured such that the body frame 2 does not drive automatically.

[0135] In the above embodiment, it is explained that if the amount of material recovered in one treatment is less than a third threshold smaller than the first threshold, the husk screen increases the leakage opening. However, the husk screen can also be configured such that the leakage opening does not increase even when the amount of material recovered in one treatment is less than a third threshold smaller than the first threshold.

[0136] In the above embodiment, although the configuration of changing the opening of the husk screen based on the return flow rate of the primary processed material and the return amount of the secondary processed material is described, if the tilting posture of the dust valve 53a can be changed, the tilting angle can also be changed based on the return flow rate of the primary processed material and the return amount of the secondary processed material.

[0137] In the above embodiments, examples of ordinary combine harvesters were given, but the combine harvester may also be a semi-feeding combine harvester.

[0138] 4-3. Third Implementation Method

[0139] Next, the combine harvester of the third embodiment will be described. The combine harvesting mechanism of this embodiment is capable of determining whether the threshed material being threshed is clogged within the threshing device. Hereinafter, a conventional combine harvester will be used as an example to describe the combine harvester of this embodiment. Regarding the configuration of the combine harvester of this embodiment, it is similar to that of the first embodiment described above. Figure 1 - Figure 9 The configuration shown is the same, so the description is omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0140] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of the functional units involved in determining the blockage of the threshed material in the sorting unit 42, using the measurement results from the primary processing material sensor 60 and the secondary processing material sensor 70. (Example) Figure 14As shown, the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70 are transmitted to the determination unit 80. The determination unit 80 determines whether the threshed material in the sorting unit 42 is clogged based on the ratio of the secondary processed material return amount to the primary processed material recovery amount. The primary processed material recovery amount is the amount of primary processed material recovered as shown by the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60. The secondary processed material return amount is the amount of secondary processed material returned as shown by the measurement results from the secondary processed material sensor 70. The ratio of the secondary processed material return amount to the primary processed material recovery amount is the value obtained by dividing the secondary processed material return amount by the primary processed material recovery amount. Here, the measurement results for the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount are not always fixed values ​​due to the configuration of the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70. Therefore, the determination unit 80 can calculate the aforementioned ratio by estimating the average value of the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount over a predetermined time period, or it can calculate the aforementioned ratio using the instantaneous values ​​of the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount obtained at a predetermined time interval. The determination result of the determination unit 80 is transmitted to the control unit 83.

[0141] Here, if the amount of secondary processed material returned is too large, it may sometimes exceed the processing capacity of the secondary processed material return device 32. Therefore, the more secondary processed material is returned, that is, the greater the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, the more the control unit 83 increases the opening of the first husk sieve 38. As a result, the amount of processed material leaking from the first husk sieve 38 to the primary processed material recovery section 26 increases, and the amount of processed material reaching the secondary processed material return device 32 decreases, thus reducing the amount of secondary processed material returned.

[0142] However, even when the opening of the first husk sieve 38 increases, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered sometimes does not decrease. This is because it is believed that the threshed material leaking from the first husk sieve 38 is blocked in the grain sieve 40 and does not leak into the primary processed material recovery section 26. In this case, the determination unit 80 determines that the threshed material in the grain sieve 40 is blocked. Thus, in the combine harvester of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the threshed material in the grain sieve 40 is blocked based on the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered.

[0143] Furthermore, in order to eliminate clogging of the threshed material at the grain sieve 40, it is considered to reduce the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1. If the travel speed is reduced, the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1 is reduced, which can eliminate clogging of the threshed material in the grain sieve 40. Therefore, the control unit 83 is preferably configured such that even when the opening of the first husk sieve 38 increases, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged, the travel device 3 reduces the travel speed of the machine frame 2.

[0144] Furthermore, preferably, the traveling device 3 stops the machine frame 2 when the opening of the first husk sieve 38 increases to a predetermined time and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged, or when the traveling speed of the machine frame 2 decreases to a predetermined time and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged. This temporarily interrupts the supply of crops to the threshing unit 1, thus reducing the load on the threshing and sorting processes in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, processing of crops within the threshing unit 1 can be carried out immediately, eliminating the blockage of threshed material in the grain sieve 40.

[0145] Alternatively, the system can be configured such that even when the opening of the first husk sieve 38 increases, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant, and a report is issued by the reporting unit 91. This allows the operator and those around them to be informed of the blockage status of the threshed material in the grain sieve 40.

[0146] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0147] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the determination unit 80 determines that the threshing process in the grain sieve 40 is blocked even when the ratio of the secondary processing material return amount to the primary processing material recovery amount is large and the leakage opening is large. However, the determination unit 80 may also determine whether the threshing process in the grain sieve 40 is blocked even when the ratio of the secondary processing material return amount to the primary processing material recovery amount is large and the leakage opening is large.

[0148] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the traveling device 3 reduces the traveling speed of the body frame 2 even when the opening of the husk screen increases and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged. However, the traveling device 3 may also be configured so that the traveling speed of the body frame 2 is not reduced when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged.

[0149] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the traveling device 3 stops the machine frame 2 when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged after a preset time has elapsed from the opening of the hull screen to the time when the opening of the hull screen to the time when the preset distance has been traveled. However, the traveling device 3 may also be configured to stop the machine frame 2 when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged after the time when the opening of the hull screen to the time when the preset distance has been elapsed.

[0150] In the above embodiment, it is explained that the traveling device 3 stops the machine frame 2 when the opening of the husk screen increases to a predetermined time and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged. However, the traveling device 3 may also be configured not to stop the machine frame 2.

[0151] In the above embodiment, a reporting unit 91 is described that reports when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered does not change even when the opening of the husk screen increases, but it may also be configured not to have a reporting unit 91.

[0152] In the above embodiments, examples of ordinary combine harvesters were given, but the combine harvester may also be a semi-feeding combine harvester.

[0153] 4-4. Fourth Implementation Method

[0154] Next, the combine harvester of the fourth embodiment will be described. The combine harvesting mechanism of this embodiment is capable of storing grains appropriately sorted from the threshed crop. Hereinafter, a conventional combine harvester will be used as an example to describe the combine harvester of this embodiment. Regarding the configuration of the combine harvester of this embodiment, it is similar to that of the first embodiment described above. Figure 1 - Figure 9 The configuration shown is the same, so the description is omitted. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0155] Figure 15 This is a block diagram showing the functional units involved in threshing control that utilize the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70. (Example) Figure 15As shown, the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70 are transmitted to the parameter determination unit 84. The parameter determination unit 84 determines the control parameters of the threshing device 1 based on the ratio of the secondary processed material return amount to the primary processed material recovery amount. The primary processed material recovery amount is the amount of primary processed material recovered as shown by the measurement results from the primary processed material sensor 60. The secondary processed material return amount is the amount of secondary processed material returned as shown by the measurement results from the secondary processed material sensor 70. The ratio of the secondary processed material return amount to the primary processed material recovery amount is the value obtained by dividing the secondary processed material return amount by the primary processed material recovery amount. Here, the measurement results of the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount are not always composed of fixed values ​​due to the configuration of the primary processed material sensor 60 and the secondary processed material sensor 70. Therefore, the parameter determination unit 84 can calculate the above ratio by estimating the average value of the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount over a predetermined time, or it can calculate the above ratio using the instantaneous values ​​of the primary processed material recovery amount and the secondary processed material return amount obtained at a predetermined time.

[0156] The control parameters of the threshing device 1 are the equipment setting values ​​that set the capacity of the threshing device 1. Specifically, these are equivalent to setting the threshing parameters of the threshing section 41 and the sorting parameters that set the sorting capacity of the sorting section 42. The threshing parameters that set the threshing capacity of the threshing section 41 are equivalent to setting the rotational speed of the rotating support shaft 55 of the threshing cylinder 22 and the installation angle of the dust valve 53a relative to the top plate 53. Similarly, the sorting parameters that set the sorting capacity of the sorting section 42 are equivalent to setting the air volume of the sorting air from the air separator 19, the opening of the chaff screen, and the swing speed and swing amount of the swing drive mechanism 43 that causes the swing sorting device 24 to swing. Furthermore, by increasing or decreasing the travel speed of the machine frame 2, the amount of crop harvested by the combine harvester can be varied. Therefore, the travel speed of the machine frame 2 is also included in the control parameters.

[0157] The parameter determination unit 84 determines the sorting capacity of the oscillating sorting device 24, i.e., the ratio of the amount of primary processed material recovered by the primary processed material recovery unit 26 to the amount of processed material that leaks from the screen 23, i.e., the sorting degree (or sorting efficiency), by changing the control parameters mentioned above.

[0158] like Figure 16As shown, the parameter determination unit 84 is preferably configured such that, when setting the prescribed control parameters, a first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold are preset for the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, and the control parameters are set within a range between these first and second thresholds. This allows for the setting of the minimum and maximum values ​​of the control parameters, thus ensuring the control quantity.

[0159] return Figure 15 The control unit 83 controls the threshing device 1 based on control parameters. Specifically, the control unit 83 controls the threshing section 41 and the sorting section 42 of the threshing device 1 using the aforementioned control parameters. In this controlled threshing device 1, the primary feedstock sensor 60 and the secondary feedstock sensor 70 respectively measure the recovered amount and the returned amount, and then the parameter determination unit 84 determines the control parameters, which are then controlled by the control unit 83. Therefore, based on the measurement results of the primary feedstock sensor 60 and the secondary feedstock sensor 70, the control unit 83 performs feedback control, enabling it to set appropriate control parameters in real time according to the operating conditions during the harvesting operation of the combine harvester, thus appropriately performing the harvesting operation.

[0160] Specifically, such as Figure 17As shown, the greater the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered, the larger the opening of the husk screen becomes; the greater the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered, the greater the airflow of the air classifier 19 becomes. When the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered is large, a larger amount may be conveyed to the rear of the oscillating separator 24 as tertiary processed material instead of being recovered as primary processed material or returned as secondary processed material. Therefore, when the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered is large, by setting the opening of the husk screen to a larger value, the sorted material can easily fall into the primary processed material recovery section 26 and the secondary processed material recovery section 27. By increasing the airflow of the air classifier 19, objects other than the sorted material can be conveyed to the rear of the oscillating separator 24. This reduces tertiary processing losses such as conveying as tertiary processed material. On the other hand, when the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered is small, the sorting accuracy may be too high, resulting in a large amount being transported to the secondary processed material recovery section 27 in the oscillating sorting device 24 instead of being recovered as primary processed material. Therefore, when the ratio of secondary processed material returned to primary processed material recovered is small, by setting the discharge opening of the husk sieve to a smaller value, the sorted material can easily pass through the primary processed material recovery section 26. By reducing the airflow of the air classifier 19, the sorted material is less likely to be transported to the rear of the oscillating sorting device 24. Thus, it is easier to recover it as primary processed material. Furthermore, in Figure 12 In this context, the same characteristic is used to represent the relationship between the leakage opening and the ratio of the amount of secondary treated material returned to the amount of primary treated material recovered, and the relationship between the air volume and the ratio of the amount of secondary treated material returned to the amount of primary treated material recovered. However, these characteristics can also be set to be different from each other, or they can be changed separately for each type of crop.

[0161] Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, it is conceivable that even if the opening of the husk sieve increases and the airflow of the air separator 19 increases, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered will not decrease, but this is because the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1 is excessive. Therefore, it is preferable that, even if the opening of the husk sieve increases and the airflow of the air separator 19 increases, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged, the travel device 3 reduces the travel speed of the machine frame 2. As a result, the amount of crop supplied to the threshing unit 1 decreases, which reduces the amount of threshing and sorting in the threshing unit 1, thus allowing for appropriate sorting processing.

[0162] Furthermore, preferably, the travel device 3 stops the machine frame 2 when, due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening of the husk sieve increases, the airflow of the air separator 19 increases for a predetermined time, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant, or the travel speed of the machine frame 2 decreases for a predetermined time, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant. This temporarily interrupts the supply of crops to the threshing unit 1, thus reducing the load on the threshing and sorting processes in the threshing unit 1. Therefore, processing of the crops within the threshing unit 1 can be carried out immediately.

[0163] Alternatively, the system can be configured such that even when the opening of the chaff screen increases and the airflow of the air classifier 19 increases, the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant, and the reporting unit 91 reports accordingly. This allows the operator and those around them to be informed that the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains constant.

[0164] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0165] In the above embodiments, it is explained that the greater the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, the larger the opening of the husk screen, and the greater the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered, the more the air volume of the air separator 19 increases. However, the adjustment of the opening of the husk screen and the air volume of the sorting air can be done on at least one of them. Furthermore, it is also possible to change the threshing and sorting capabilities through other controls without adjusting the opening of the husk screen and the air volume of the sorting air.

[0166] In the above embodiment, it is explained that even when the opening of the husk screen increases and the air volume of the air classifier 19 increases, and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged, the travel device 3 reduces the travel speed of the machine frame 2. However, the travel device 3 may also be configured so that the travel speed of the machine frame 2 is not reduced when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged.

[0167] In the above embodiment, it is explained that when the opening of the chaff screen increases and the air volume of the air classifier 19 increases until a preset time has elapsed and the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered remains unchanged, the travel device 3 stops the machine frame 2. However, the travel device 3 may also be configured not to stop the machine frame 2.

[0168] In the above embodiment, a reporting unit 91 is described that reports when the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered does not change, even when the opening of the chaff screen increases and the air volume of the air classifier 19 increases. However, the reporting unit 91 may not be provided.

[0169] In the above embodiments, examples of ordinary combine harvesters were given, but the combine harvester may also be a semi-feeding combine harvester.

[0170] Industrial availability

[0171] This invention relates to a combine harvester that can be used to harvest rice stalks from fields and thresh and sort the harvested stalks using a threshing device.

[0172] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0173] [First Implementation]

[0174] 1: Threshing device

[0175] 26: Primary Waste Recycling Department

[0176] 27: Secondary Waste Recycling Department

[0177] 32: Secondary processed material return device

[0178] 41: Threshing section

[0179] 42: Sorting Department

[0180] 60: Primary processing material sensor

[0181] 70: Secondary processed material sensor

[0182] 82: Correction Department

[0183] [Second Implementation]

[0184] 1: Threshing device

[0185] 2: Body frame (body)

[0186] 3: Driving device (driving control unit)

[0187] 24: Swing sorting device

[0188] 26: Primary Waste Recycling Department

[0189] 27: Secondary Waste Recycling Department

[0190] 32: Secondary processed material return device

[0191] 38: First rice husk sieve (rice husk sieve)

[0192] 39: Second husk sieve (husk sieve)

[0193] 41: Threshing section

[0194] 42: Sorting Department

[0195] 60: Primary processing material sensor

[0196] 70: Secondary processed material sensor

[0197] [Third Implementation Method]

[0198] 1: Threshing device

[0199] 2: Body frame (body)

[0200] 3: Driving control unit (driving device) 24: Swing sorting device

[0201] 26: Primary Waste Recycling Department

[0202] 27: Secondary processed material recovery unit; 32: Secondary processed material return device; 38: First rice husk screen (rice husk screen)

[0203] 40: Grain sieve

[0204] 41: Threshing section

[0205] 42: Sorting Department

[0206] 60: Primary processing material sensor

[0207] 70: Secondary processed material sensor

[0208] 80: Judgment Department

[0209] 91: Reporting Department

[0210] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0211] 1: Threshing device

[0212] 2: Body frame (body)

[0213] 3: Driving device (driving control unit) 19: Air separator

[0214] 24: Swing sorting device

[0215] 26: Primary Waste Recycling Department

[0216] 27: Secondary processed material recovery unit; 32: Secondary processed material return device; 38: First rice husk screen (rice husk screen)

[0217] 39: Second husk sieve (husk sieve)

[0218] 41: Threshing section

[0219] 42: Sorting Department

[0220] 60: Primary processing material sensor

[0221] 70: Secondary processed material sensor

[0222] 84 Parameter Determination Department

[0223] 90: Control Unit

[0224] 91: Reporting Department

Claims

1. A combine harvester, characterized in that, The device includes: a threshing section for threshing crops; a sorting section disposed below the threshing section and extending over a front-to-back area for sorting the threshed material that leaks down from the threshing section; a primary material recovery section disposed below the sorting section for recovering the primary material from the sorted material; a secondary material recovery section disposed below the sorting section on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the threshed material for recovering the secondary material from the sorted material; and a secondary material return device for returning the secondary material recovered by the secondary material recovery section to the sorting section. The sorting section is equipped with a swing sorting device. The oscillating sorting device has multiple husk scrapers arranged along the conveying direction of the threshed material, and a husk sieve capable of changing the discharge opening by altering the orientation of the multiple husk scrapers. The combine harvester has the following features: A primary processing material sensor measures the amount of primary processing material recovered as the primary processing material recovery amount; A secondary processed material sensor measures the amount of the secondary processed material returned as the amount of secondary processed material returned. The parameter determination unit determines the control parameters of the threshing device based on the ratio of the amount of secondary processed material returned to the amount of primary processed material recovered. as well as The control unit changes the opening degree of the husk sieve based on the control parameters. The higher the ratio, the greater the opening of the husk sieve.

2. The combine harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting section is equipped with an air classifier. The higher the ratio, the greater the volume of air that the air separator can handle for separating air.

3. The combine harvester according to claim 2, characterized in that, It has a driving control unit for controlling the movement of the machine. Even when the opening of the leak increases and the air volume increases, if the ratio remains unchanged, the driving control unit reduces the driving speed of the machine.

4. The combine harvester according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the leakage opening increases and the air volume increases until the ratio remains unchanged after a preset time, the driving control unit stops the machine.

5. The combine harvester according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, It is equipped with a reporting department that reports even when the leak opening increases and the air volume increases, the ratio remains unchanged.

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