Headed vegetable harvesting device

Abstract

The invention provides a heading vegetable harvesting device, and relates to a technology capable of finely harvesting heading vegetables in the same way as manual operation and reducing the workload of an operator. The heading vegetable harvesting device is provided with: a handle part; and a heading vegetable harvesting part which is installed on the handle part. The harvesting unit is provided with: dividers which are inserted between the leaves of the heading vegetables; and a cutting mechanism for cutting the stems of the heading vegetables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a harvesting device for heading vegetables. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the following plant cutting device was known: when using a machine to cut head plants (heading vegetables) such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce that form a head, it is possible to reliably cut between the outer leaves at the cutting position and the head (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of supports disposed on either side of a head vegetable. When harvesting head vegetables using this cutting device, the pair of supports are moved relative to a base, or a pair of operating frames rotatably supported by the pair of supports are rotated, thereby cutting the stems of the head vegetables using a wire rod.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4849444 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The length of the stems of cabbage vegetables exposed above the ground is relatively short. Therefore, when harvesting manually using a harvesting knife, the operator is forced to squat, kneel, or crouch, which can be painful. In addition to manual harvesting, large harvesters can also be used. However, in this case, it is difficult to perform the meticulous work of harvesting the cabbage while retaining the target number of outer leaves. Furthermore, the introduction of large harvesters also presents the problem of simply purchasing expensive machinery and the problem of being able to only be used on large, flat fields.

[0008] Based on the above issues, the use of the cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 was considered. However, the structure of Patent Document 1 requires a structure that allows the pair of pillars to move, or a large operating frame that is rotatably supported by the pair of pillars. Therefore, although the structure is compact compared to large harvesters, there are concerns that a larger device would be required. In the case of a large-scale device, there are concerns that the movement of the device would be difficult when selecting and harvesting the head vegetables grown in the field, increasing the workload.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can perform the harvesting of head vegetables as carefully as manual work and can reduce the workload of workers.

[0010] The present invention provides a head vegetable harvesting device comprising a handle, a head vegetable harvesting unit mounted on the handle, a divider inserted between leaves of the head vegetables, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the stems of the head vegetables.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention shown as an example, the harvesting work of the head vegetables can be performed as carefully as manual work, and the work burden on the worker can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of a heading vegetable harvesting device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a head vegetable harvesting device including a gripper portion according to a modified example.

[0015] Figure 3 It shows the posture of the harvesting department from Figure 1 A side view of the state shown in the state change.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an overview of an electrical system included in the heading vegetable harvesting device.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing an example of cabbage harvesting work using a cabbage harvesting device.

[0018] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing an example of cabbage harvesting work using a cabbage harvesting device.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a top view showing the schematic structure of the harvesting unit.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the harvesting unit.

[0021] Figure 8 It is shown from Figure 7 The structure shown is a diagram of the structure when the grain divider is removed.

[0022] Figure 9 It is shown from Figure 8 The structure shown is a diagram of the structure without the sensor and the upper case.

[0023] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the grain divider.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a grain divider.

[0025] Description of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1…handle; 2…harvesting part; 5…electric motor; 6…switch; 11…rod; 21…grass divider; 21a…recess; 21U2…bend; 22…cutting mechanism; 100, 100A…heading vegetable harvesting device; 221…movable blade (cutting blade); 300…cabbage (heading vegetable); 302…outer leaves; 303…stem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated unless otherwise specified.

[0028] <1. Overview of Heading Vegetable Harvesting Equipment>

[0029] [1-1. Overview of the structure]

[0030] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the schematic structure of a heading vegetable harvesting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Heading vegetable harvesting device 100 is used in the field by workers harvesting heading vegetables. Workers can use heading vegetable harvesting device 100 to harvest heading vegetables individually. Examples of heading vegetables include cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the head vegetable harvesting device 100 includes a handle 1 and a head vegetable harvesting unit 2 attached to the handle 1 .

[0032] The handle portion 1 is the portion of the head vegetable harvesting device 100 that an operator who is harvesting head vegetables holds. Specifically, the handle portion 1 has a rod portion 11. The rod portion 11 is slenderly extended in the shape of a column or a cylinder. In the present embodiment, the rod portion 11 has a length suitable for working in a standing position. However, the length of the rod portion 11 can be set to a shorter length suitable for working in a kneeling position or a squatting position, for example. The harvesting portion 2 is mounted on one end of the rod portion 11. The grip portion 12 that the operator holds is provided at the other end of the rod portion 11.

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, the grip portion 12 is arc-shaped when viewed from the side. This structure is suitable for operating the head vegetable harvesting device 100 with one hand to perform harvesting operations. That is, the grip portion 12 can be called a grip for one-handed operation. However, the structure of the grip portion provided on the handle portion 1 is not limited to Figure 1 The structure shown can also be changed to other structures as appropriate.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a head vegetable harvesting device 100A having a gripper 12A according to a modified example. Figure 2 In the example shown, the grip portion 12A is provided at the end of the rod portion 11 and forms a T-shape together with the rod portion 11. This structure is suitable for operating the head vegetable harvesting device 100A with both hands to perform harvesting operations. That is, the grip portion 12A can be called a grip for two-handed operation. For example, Figure 1 The grip portion 12 shown for one-handed operation and Figure 2 The illustrated two-handed operation grip 12A can be provided to be replaceable, so that the operator can replace the grip according to his or her preference, the degree of fatigue during operation, the condition of the field, and the like while performing the operation.

[0035] Furthermore, the handle portion 1 may be configured to include a fixing portion (body attachment portion) for fixing the handle portion 1 to a portion of the operator's body (e.g., an arm) in addition to the grip portion 12. For example, by providing a fixing portion for fixing the handle portion 1 to the operator's arm, the burden on the operator's hand and wrist when grasping the grip portion 12 can be reduced.

[0036] The harvesting section 2 is a section having the function of harvesting the cabbage vegetables grown in the field. Figure 1 As shown, the harvesting unit 2 includes a grain divider 21 and a cutting mechanism 22. The grain divider 21 is inserted between the leaves of the cabbage vegetables. The cutting mechanism 22 cuts the stems of the cabbage vegetables. The cutting mechanism 22 includes a movable blade 221 (also referred to below) for cutting the stems of the cabbage vegetables. Figure 8 etc.). Figure 1 In the figure, the movable blade 221 is indicated by a dotted line, which means that the movable blade 221 is in a position that is hidden from view by the crop divider 21. The harvesting unit 2 having the crop divider 21 and the cutting mechanism 22 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The following defines the directions used in the description of the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100. The direction parallel to the flat ground 200 is defined as the horizontal direction, and the direction parallel to the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction is defined as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the side of the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 relative to the ground 200 is defined as the upper side. In a state where the movable surface of the movable blade 221 of the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 moves parallel to the horizontal direction ( Figure 1In the state shown in FIG1 , the side on which the movable blade 221 is provided relative to the side on which the rod portion 11 is mounted on the harvesting portion 2 is defined as the front side and the front-rear direction is defined. In a horizontal plane parallel to the horizontal direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. From the perspective of an operator grasping the grip portion 12 facing forward, the direction on the right is defined as the right side, and the direction on the left is defined as the left side. In addition, the above directions are merely names for explanation and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationship and direction.

[0038] In addition, in the drawings, as needed, the front side is represented by the symbol "F", the rear side is represented by the symbol "B", the right side is represented by the symbol "R", the left side is represented by the symbol "L", the upper side is represented by the symbol "U", and the lower side is represented by the symbol "D".

[0039] Figure 3 The figure shows the posture of the harvesting unit 2. Figure 1 The side view of the state of the state change shown. In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 1 This is also the right side view. Figure 1 and Figure 3 By comparison, it can be seen that the harvesting unit 2 is connected to the handle unit 1 in a manner that allows for an adjustable angle. Specifically, the harvesting unit 2 is connected to one end of the rod 11 in a manner that allows for an adjustable angle. The harvesting unit 2 is connected to one end (lower end) of the rod 11 in a manner that allows for rotation within a vertical plane.

[0040] The harvesting unit 2 can Figure 3 The movable surface of the movable blade 221 shown in FIG. 2 is parallel to the axial direction AX of the rod 11 and is rotated until the movable surface of the movable blade 221 becomes horizontal ( FIG. 2A ). Figure 1 In addition, the axial direction AX of the rod portion 11 is the same as the direction in which the rod portion 11 extends. The harvesting portion 2 is configured to be able to change its angle relative to the handle portion 1, so that an operator who grips the handle portion 12 to operate the head vegetable harvesting device 100 can perform the harvesting operation while simply changing the angle of the harvesting portion 2 relative to the head vegetables as needed.

[0041] The rod 11 and the harvesting unit 2 are connected via a connecting portion 3. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 uses a mechanical connection mechanism to change the angle between the rod 11 and the harvesting unit 2. However, this is an example, and the connecting portion 3 may also be configured such that the angle between the rod 11 and the harvesting unit 2 can be changed by using an elastic member such as rubber.

[0042] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 has: a connecting shaft 3a; and a connecting shaft support portion 3b, which supports the connecting shaft 3a. For example, the connecting shaft 3a can be supported by the connecting shaft support portion 3b in a rotatable manner. As a structural example in this case, it can be formed as follows: the connecting shaft 3a is fixed to one end (lower end) of the rod 11, and the connecting shaft support portion 3b is fixedly arranged on the harvesting portion 2. Thus, the rod 11 and the harvesting portion 2 can be connected in a manner that can change the angle with the help of the connecting portion 3. In addition, as another example, the connecting shaft 3a can be a structure that is fixed to the connecting shaft support portion 3b that is fixedly arranged on the harvesting portion 2. In this case, one end (lower end) of the rod 11 can be installed so as to be rotatable relative to the connecting shaft 3a. Even in this case, the rod 11 and the harvesting portion 2 can be connected in a manner that can change the angle with the help of the connecting portion 3.

[0043] In addition, in this embodiment, the connecting shaft support portion 3b supported by the harvesting portion 2 has an arc-shaped through hole 3c (see the following description). Figure 5A and Figure 5B The rod 11 has a rotation limiting pin 111 (see the following) mounted on its side (specifically, the left side). Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The rotation limiting pin 111, which protrudes from the side of the rod 11, includes a shaft and a head located at the end of the shaft. The shaft of the rotation limiting pin 111 enters the through-hole 3c. The head of the rotation limiting pin 111 functions as a stopper, preventing the shaft from escaping from the through-hole 3c. The harvesting unit 2 is capable of rotating relative to the rod 11 within the range (angle range) within which the rotation limiting pin 111 can move within the arc-shaped through-hole 3c.

[0044] In addition, the head of the rotation restricting pin 111 can be slidably moved relative to the shaft of the rotation restricting pin 111 by a threaded structure. Furthermore, the angle of the harvesting part 2 relative to the rod 11 can be fixed by tightening the threaded head.

[0045] [1-2. Overview of the electrical system]

[0046] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an electrical system included in the head vegetable harvesting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 In the figure, thick arrows represent the flow of electricity, and thin arrows represent the flow of signals (information).

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the head vegetable harvesting device 100 includes a power supply unit 4 , an electric motor 5 , a switch 6 , a sensor 7 , and a controller 8 .

[0048] The power supply unit 4 supplies power to the various electrical components 5 to 8 included in the head vegetable harvesting device 100. The power supply unit 4 may be, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery or a non-rechargeable primary battery. For example, the power supply unit 4 may be a storage battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a dry cell.

[0049] The power supply unit 4 may be a structure mounted on the main body of the device, or a structure arranged at a position separate from the main body of the device. As a structure in which the power supply unit 4 is arranged at a position separate from the main body of the device, for example, a structure in which the power supply unit 4 is arranged on the human body may be formed. Specifically, the power supply unit 4 may be a structure assembled around the waist using a belt or the like, a structure carried on the back, or the like. By arranging the power supply unit 4 at a position separate from the main body of the device, the main body of the head vegetable harvesting device 100 can be lightened, and the workload during the harvesting operation can be reduced.

[0050] The electric motor 5 drives the cutting mechanism 22. In other words, the cutting mechanism 22 is electric. Figure 1 ). That is, the harvesting part 2 has an electric motor 5 that drives the cutting mechanism 22. The structure of using the electric motor 5 to drive the cutting mechanism 22 will be described in detail later. In addition, the electric motor 5 is not limited to being provided in the harvesting part 2, and can also be provided in the handle part 1. In this case, the electric motor 5 can be provided, for example, at the end of the rod 11 on the opposite side of the side where the harvesting part 2 is provided. In addition, in this case, it is sufficient to provide a power transmission mechanism on the rod 11 that transmits the power of the electric motor 5 provided on the rod 11 to the harvesting part 2.

[0051] Switch 6 is an operating switch provided for the operator to switch the operating state (on or off) of the disconnect mechanism 22. Since the disconnect mechanism 22 is driven by the electric motor 5, switch 6 can also be referred to as a switch for operating the electric motor 5. The operator outputs operating instructions from switch 6 to the controller 8.

[0052] In this embodiment, the handle 1 has a switch 6 for operating the action of the cutting mechanism 22. By providing the switch 6 on the handle 1, the operator can easily operate the switch 6. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the switch 6 is preferably provided around the grip portion 12 or 12A. This allows the operator to operate the switch 6 at hand.

[0053] Sensor 7 detects the state of the movable blade 221 included in the cutting mechanism 22. More specifically, sensor 7 detects the position of the movable blade 221. Sensor 7 is provided to ensure the safe and appropriate operation of the motorized movable blade 221. Sensor 7 is located in the harvesting section 2 where the movable blade 221 is located. Information acquired by sensor 7 is output to controller 8. Sensor 7 will be described in detail later.

[0054] The controller 8 controls the operation of the electric motor 5 based on the instructions of the switch 6 operation and the information from the sensor 7. The controller 8 can be configured using, for example, a processor driven by software (program) or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller 8 can be a drive circuit that switches the operation of the electric motor 5 according to the situation simply by turning the switch 6 on and off.

[0055] As described above, the electric motor 5 is the electrical component that drives the disconnection mechanism 22. Therefore, the controller 8 controls the operation of the disconnection mechanism 22 by controlling the electric motor 5. The controller 8 can be located in an appropriate position within the device body, and can be located separately from the device body, similar to the power supply unit 4. For example, the controller 8 can be mounted on the operator's waist together with the power supply unit 4, or carried on the operator's back.

[0056] [1-3. Harvesting of Heading Vegetables]

[0057] Next, an example of harvesting work of heading vegetables in a field using the heading vegetable harvesting apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 is a diagram showing an example of a harvesting operation of cabbage 300 using the cabbage harvesting device 100. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B advance in order.

[0058] When harvesting the cabbage 300, an operator (not shown) stands beside the cabbage 300 to be harvested. Figure 5A As shown, the operator aligns the position of the grain divider 21 of the head vegetable harvesting device 100 between target leaves of the cabbage 300 and presses down the entire device to insert the grain divider 21 between the leaves.

[0059] In addition, if Figure 5AAs shown in FIG. 1 , cabbage 300 grown in a field has a head 301 and outer leaves 302 surrounding the head 301. The outer leaves 302 are leaves that are located at the ends opposite the root and do not face inward, thus not forming part of the head 301. The outer leaves 302 may not exist. If they do not exist, the crop divider 21 need not be inserted between the leaves. Furthermore, there may be only one outer leaf 302, but there may also be multiple leaves overlapping each other.

[0060] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example shown, the divider 21 is inserted between the outermost leaves of the head 301 and the outer leaves 302 (in short, between the head 301 and the outer leaves 302). However, in the case where multiple outer leaves 302 overlap, the divider 21 can be inserted between the outer leaves 302. In this way, the outer leaves 302 can be left on the harvesting side, and the outer leaves 302 can be used instead of the cushioning material when the cabbage 300 is bundled during shipment. In addition, even in the case where there are outer leaves 302, the divider 21 can be omitted from being inserted between the leaves in order to leave all the outer leaves 302. When the divider 21 is not inserted between the leaves, the divider 21 can be used to press down the entire device along the outermost leaves of the cabbage 300 (sometimes the outer leaves 302, sometimes not).

[0061] Regarding the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100, as the entire device is pressed down, the harvesting portion 2 is bent relative to the handle portion 1 (rod portion 11) due to the presence of the connecting portion 3. In addition, the harvesting portion 2 moves the movable blade 221 (see Figure 1 ) is set to a horizontal or nearly horizontal angle. Figure 5B In this setting state, the stem of the cabbage 300 can be cut by the movable blade 221. The structure of the movable blade 221 will be described in detail later.

[0062] If the setting state is reached, the operator presses the switch 6 (see Figure 1 When switch 6 is pressed, the electric motor 5 is driven, causing the movable blade 221 to begin operating. The movement of the movable blade 221 severs the stem 303 of the cabbage 300. After the stem 303 is severed, the movable blade 221 returns to its original position. The operator then raises the entire cabbage harvesting device 100 and moves it to the location of the next cabbage 300 to be harvested. The cabbage 300 with its stem 303 severed is recovered, completing the harvest.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, when the cabbage 300 stem 303 is cut and the cabbage harvesting device 100 is raised, the harvesting unit 2 automatically returns to its original position due to its own weight. Figure 5A (or Figure 3 ) is suitable for inserting the grain divider 21 between leaves. That is, if the harvesting unit 2 is raised from the cutting posture in which the cabbage vegetables are cut by the cutting mechanism 22, it automatically returns to the posture in which the grain divider 21 is inserted between leaves. In detail, if the harvesting unit 2 is raised from the cutting posture in which the movable surface of the movable blade 221 of the cutting mechanism 22 intersects the axial direction AX of the rod 11, it returns to the insertion posture in which the movable surface of the movable blade 221 is parallel to the axial direction of the rod 11 due to its own weight. Therefore, the operator can adjust the position of the harvesting unit 2 without deliberately moving it by hand when switching to the harvesting of the next cabbage 300. In addition, this posture change is achieved by the above-mentioned connecting part 3. In addition, this posture change is achieved by utilizing the relationship between the through hole 3c provided in the connecting shaft support part 3b and the rotation limiting pin 111.

[0064] As described above, if the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 is used, the operator can easily cut off the stems of cabbage vegetables (such as cabbage 300) without bending over and maintaining a standing posture. In addition, the operator can use the grain divider 21 to leave the target number of outer leaves on the harvesting side and harvest the cabbage vegetables. The operator aligns the grain divider 21, so that the operation of retaining the target number of outer leaves can be accurately performed. That is, if the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 of this embodiment is used, the harvesting operation of cabbage vegetables can be performed as carefully as manual operation, and the operator's workload can be reduced. In addition, the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 is not a large machine, so there are no restrictions on its use due to the size of the field, which is more convenient for the operator. In addition, the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 has a small structure compared to a large harvester and has fewer parts, so it can be manufactured cheaply.

[0065] Furthermore, when the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 is used, the cabbage vegetables can be cut quickly and with a reduced workload because the cutting mechanism 22 is an electric structure. Furthermore, the focus is on cutting the stems, and thus, the weight of the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 can be reduced. As a result, the workload on the operator harvesting using the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, the stems of cabbage vegetables become hardened, for example, in winter, and the ease with which they are cut varies depending on the season. However, in the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100, the cutting mechanism 22 is an electric structure, and therefore, the stems can be easily cut even in seasons when the stems are hard.

[0066] <2. Details of the Harvesting Department>

[0067] The harvesting unit 2 will be described in detail below. As described above, the harvesting unit 2 generally includes a grain divider 21 , a cutting mechanism 22 , and an electric motor 5 .

[0068] [2-1. Cutting mechanism and electric motor]

[0069] First, the cutting mechanism 22 and the electric motor 5 will be described. Figure 6 It is a top view showing the schematic structure of the harvesting section 2 included in the heading vegetable harvesting device 100. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the harvesting unit 2 included in the head vegetable harvesting device 100. Figure 8 It is shown from Figure 7 The structure shown is a diagram of a structure in which the crop divider 21 is removed.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the cutting mechanism 22 includes a cutting unit 22a and a power transmission unit 22b. The cutting unit 22a is used to cut the stems of the cabbage vegetables. The power transmission unit 22b is used to transmit the driving force of the electric motor 5 to the cutting unit 22a. In the harvesting unit 2, the cutting unit 22a is located at the front, and the power transmission unit 22b is located at the rear.

[0071] The cutting portion 22a includes a movable blade 221 and a fixed blade 222. In other words, the cutting portion 22a is configured as a pair of scissors. However, as long as the stems of cabbage vegetables can be cut, the cutting portion 22a may also be configured as a single blade. In this embodiment, the movable blade 221 is a cutting blade, and the fixed blade 222 is a supporting blade. Furthermore, both the movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 may be configured as cutting blades. Furthermore, the movable blade 221 may be configured as a supporting blade, and the fixed blade 222 may be configured as a cutting blade.

[0072] The movable blade 221 is mounted on a rotating shaft portion 223 arranged on the root side (rear side) of the blade, and rotates together with the rotating shaft portion 223. The rotating shaft portion 223 is a columnar portion extending in the up-down direction, and rotates around the axis extending up-down. The movable blade 221 rotating together with the rotating shaft portion 223 rotates around the axis in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The rotating shaft portion 223 transmits the driving force of the electric motor 5 by means of the power transmission portion 22b, and rotates using the transmitted driving force. The rotating shaft portion 223 is rotatably supported on the housing portion 224 of the power transmission portion 22b. In addition, the root side of the blade of the fixed blade 222 is fixed to the housing portion 224. The movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 protrude forward from the front of the housing portion 224.

[0073] The scissors, consisting of a movable blade 221 and a fixed blade 222, are normally positioned in an open position, with the distal end (front end) of the movable blade 221 and the distal end (front end) of the fixed blade 222 separated in the left-right direction. Specifically, before severing the stem of a cabbage vegetable, the scissors are in this open position. From this open position, the movable blade 221 rotates along the rotating shaft 223, bringing the distal end of the movable blade 221 closer to the distal end of the fixed blade 222, thereby severing the stem of the cabbage vegetable. After the stem is severed, the scissors return to their open position.

[0074] Figure 9 It is shown from Figure 8 The structure shown in the figure is a structure without the sensor 7 and the upper housing 224U. As described above, the sensor 7 is a sensor that detects the state of the movable blade 221. The upper housing 224U is the upper housing of the housing portion 224 of the power transmission unit 22b. In this embodiment, the housing portion 224 is obtained by overlapping the upper housing 224U and the lower housing 224L in the vertical direction and fixing them with screws.

[0075] In addition, the fixed blade 222 is fixed to the upper surface of the upper shell 224U. In addition, the above-mentioned connecting shaft support portion 3b of the connecting portion 3 connecting the handle portion 1 and the harvesting portion 2 is upright and arranged at the rear part of the upper surface of the upper shell 224U. In addition, the electric motor 5 is also arranged at the rear part of the upper surface of the upper shell 224U to be adjacent to the connecting shaft support portion 3b. The electric motor 5 is arranged on the right side of the rear part of the upper shell 224U. In addition, Figure 9 In order to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship, the components mounted on the upper housing 224U are described without being removed.

[0076] The electric motor 5 is positioned on the upper side of the upper housing 224U, with its output shaft (not shown) extending in the vertical direction. Specifically, the electric motor 5 is positioned on the upper housing 224U via a reducer 9 secured to the upper surface of the upper housing 224U using screws or other fasteners. The electric motor 5 and the reducer 9 are arranged vertically, with the electric motor 5 positioned on the upper side and the reducer 9 positioned on the lower side. The reducer 9 reduces the output speed of the electric motor 5 and outputs it. The output shaft (not shown) of the reducer 9 also extends in the vertical direction, similar to the output shaft of the electric motor 5, and protrudes into the interior of the housing 224.

[0077] like Figure 9 As shown, an annular output shaft gear 225 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the speed reducer 9. Specifically, the output shaft gear 225 is rotated by the drive of the electric motor 5. The output shaft gear 225 is disposed within the housing 224. In addition to the output shaft gear 225, an intermediate gear 226 and a cutting unit gear 227 are also disposed within the housing 224.

[0078] The intermediate gear 226 is annular and fixedly mounted on an intermediate rotating shaft 228 rotatably supported within the housing 224. The intermediate rotating shaft 228 is a columnar structure extending in the vertical direction. The cutting unit gear 227 is fan-shaped when viewed from above and is fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 223 to which the movable blade 221 is mounted. While the cutting unit gear 227 could also be annular, it is fan-shaped when viewed from above to minimize the size of the harvesting unit 2.

[0079] The intermediate gear 226 is arranged between the output shaft gear 225 and the cutting section gear 227 in the front-to-back direction and meshes with the two gears 225 and 227. That is, if the output shaft gear 225 rotates, the intermediate gear 226 and the cutting section gear 227 rotate. The output shaft gear 225 rotates by being driven by the electric motor 5, and the rotation of the cutting section gear 227 causes the rotating shaft portion 223 on which the movable blade 221 is mounted to rotate. Therefore, by driving the electric motor 5, the movable blade 221 can be rotated. By changing the rotation direction of the electric motor 5, the scissors consisting of the movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 can be opened and closed.

[0080] Furthermore, the intermediate gear 226 may not be provided, and the structure may be formed so that the output shaft gear 225 and the cutting unit gear 227 are meshed. However, in order to prevent the harvested cabbage vegetables from coming into contact with the electric motor 5, it is preferable to increase the distance between the cutting unit 22a and the electric motor 5 in the front-to-back direction to a certain extent. To achieve this distance, the diameters of the output shaft gear 225 and the cutting unit gear 227 can be increased. In this case, the lateral width (the width in the left-right direction) of the harvesting unit 2 is increased. In this embodiment, the structure is formed with the intermediate gear 226 to prevent the electric motor 5 from coming into contact with the cabbage vegetables and to suppress the lateral width of the harvesting unit 2.

[0081] In this embodiment, sensor 7 detects the rotation angle of intermediate rotating shaft 228. Sensor 7 is preferably a non-contact sensor such as a magnetic or optical sensor. Controller 8 determines the position of movable blade 221 based on the rotation angle detected by sensor 7. Based on the determined position, controller 8 controls the drive of electric motor 5, thereby moving movable blade 221 to an appropriate position in response to the operator's operation of switch 6.

[0082] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sensor 7 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the intermediate rotating shaft portion 228, but may alternatively be configured to detect the rotation angle of the output shaft of the reducer 9 or the rotating shaft portion 223 to which the movable blade 221 is mounted. However, if the sensor 7 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the output shaft of the reducer 9, the height position of the electric motor 5 is increased. Furthermore, if the sensor 7 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the output shaft of the rotating shaft portion 223, the thickness of the cutting portion 22a is increased. Taking these aspects into consideration, in the present embodiment, the sensor 7 is positioned on the intermediate rotating shaft portion 228, which is less likely to be affected by the thickness in the vertical direction, as viewed from the entire harvesting portion.

[0083] Furthermore, the sensor 7 only needs to be able to detect the position of the movable blade 221, and thus, for example, may be a contact-type sensor such as a limit switch that is turned on and off according to the position of the cutting portion gear 227. However, from the perspective of extending the service life, it is preferable that the sensor 7 be a non-contact-type sensor.

[0084] [2-2.Grain divider]

[0085] Next, the detailed structure of the grain divider 21 will be described. Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the grain divider 21 included in the harvesting unit 2. Figure 11 It is a perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the grain divider 21 with which the harvesting part 2 is equipped. Figure 11 It is a stereoscopic image viewed from the rear and below, and the direction of observation is the same as Figure 10 different.

[0086] The straw divider 21 is made of resin, for example. The straw divider 21 may be made of a single component or a plurality of components. Figure 10 As shown, the crop divider 21 is composed of an upper crop divider component 21U and a lower crop divider component 21L. The upper crop divider component 21U and the lower crop divider component 21L are bonded together using, for example, an adhesive. In addition, the upper crop divider component 21U forms an opposing surface portion that is opposed to the harvesting side portion of the head vegetables. The lower crop divider component 21L forms the bottom surface portion of the crop divider 2. In other words, the crop divider 2 has the opposing surface portion 21U and the bottom surface portion 21L.

[0087] Regarding the upper crop divider component 21U, the front portion is in the shape of a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction, and the rear portion is in a curved shape. That is, the upper crop divider component 21U has an upper crop divider flat plate portion 21U1 and a curved portion 21U2. The curved portion 21U2 is formed into a structure in which the height position in the vertical direction increases from the front to the rear. The upper crop divider component 21U constructed in this way is J-shaped when viewed from the left and right directions. Specifically, it is a shape in which the "J" is lying down. The upper crop divider component 21U has an upper crop divider recess 21U3 that is recessed toward the rear at the front end. By providing the upper crop divider recess 21U3, the upper crop divider component 21U has two upper crop divider corners 21U4 at the front end.

[0088] The lower crop divider component 21L is a structure that overlaps with the front portion of the upper crop divider component 21U in the vertical direction, and its length in the front-to-back direction is shorter than that of the upper crop divider component 21U. The lower crop divider component 21L has: a lower crop divider flat plate portion 21L1 that extends in the horizontal direction; and a rear wall portion 21L2 that extends downward from the rear end portion of the lower crop divider flat plate portion 21L1. The lower crop divider component 21L constructed in this way is L-shaped when viewed from the left and right sides. Specifically, it is shaped like an inverted "L". A lower crop divider first recess 21L3 that is recessed downward is provided on the upper surface of the lower crop divider flat plate portion 21L1. In addition, a lower crop divider second recess 21L4 that is recessed rearward is provided at the front end of the lower crop divider flat plate portion 21L1. By providing the lower crop divider second recess 21L4, the lower crop divider component 21L has two lower crop divider corner portions 21L5.

[0089] When the upper crop divider member 21U and the lower crop divider member 21L are overlapped vertically, the upper crop divider corner portion 21U4 and the lower crop divider corner portion 21L5 overlap on the left and right sides. As a result, the crop divider 21 is formed into a structure having a recessed portion 21a that is recessed toward the rear at the front end (see FIG. Figure 6 wait).

[0090] In addition, the lower crop divider member 21L is provided with a lower crop divider first recess 21L3. Therefore, the crop divider 21 formed by combining the upper crop divider member 21U and the lower crop divider member 21L has an internal space 21b at the front (see FIG. 21B ). Figure 11 The internal space 21b is formed by a rear opening 21c (see Figure 11 ) and communicate with the outside. In addition, the internal space 21b utilizes the inner side opening 21d (refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 11 etc.) and connected to the outside.

[0091] [2-3. Relationship between the Grain Divider and the Cutting Mechanism, etc.]

[0092] Next, the relationship between the grain divider 21 and the cutting mechanism 22 will be described.

[0093] For example Figure 1 、 Figure 7 As shown in the figures, the cutting mechanism 22 is arranged to be lower than the upper surface of the tiller 21. In other words, the cutting mechanism 22 is arranged on the side of the tiller 21 opposite to the surface facing the harvesting side of the cabbage vegetables. By configuring in this way, the cutting portion 22a can be covered. Thus, the cutting portion 22a is covered by a cover formed in a shape that is easily inserted between the leaves of the cabbage vegetables, so that the cutting portion 22a can smoothly reach the vicinity of the stem. In addition, thereby, it is possible to prevent the cutting portion 22a from injuring the cabbage vegetables' cabbage and outer leaves. Moreover, if such a structure is formed, the safety of the cabbage vegetable harvesting device 100 can be improved. In addition, it is sufficient as long as at least a portion of the cutting mechanism 22 is arranged on the side of the tiller 21 opposite to the surface facing the harvesting side of the cabbage vegetables.

[0094] The crop divider 21 is supported by the cutting mechanism 22. Specifically, the crop divider 21 is fixed to the housing 224 of the cutting mechanism 22 by means of a fixing member such as a screw. In addition, before the crop divider 21 is fixed to the housing 224, the movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 of the cutting mechanism 22 are connected by means of the rear opening 21c (see FIG. Figure 11 ) and enter the internal space 21b. Moreover, in the state where the movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 enter the internal space 21b, the crop divider 21 is fixed to the outer shell 224. According to the above description, the movable blade (cutting blade) 221 and the fixed blade (supporting blade) 222 are arranged between the upper surface and the lower surface of the crop divider 21. In other words, the cutting blade and the supporting blade are arranged between the opposing surface 21U and the bottom surface 21L. By protecting the cutting portion 22a from the upper surface side and the lower surface side in this way, the durability of the tool constituting the cutting portion 22a can be improved, and the safety during operation can be improved.

[0095] As described above, the inner side opening 21d is provided in the crop divider 21. Therefore, even when the movable blade 221 and the fixed blade 222 enter the internal space 21b, the movable blade 221 can be closed by overlapping the fixed blade 222 using the inner side opening 21d.

[0096] like Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the movable blade (cutting blade) 221 of the cutting mechanism 22 is covered by the grain divider 21 before the stems of the head vegetables are cut. Specifically, the movable blade 221 is completely covered and cannot be seen by the upper surface of the grain divider 21. By completely covering the movable blade 221, which serves as the cutting blade, with the upper surface of the grain divider 21, the possibility of the operator touching the cutting blade is reduced, thereby improving safety.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixed blade 222 is only partially covered by the upper surface of the crop divider 21. This is because the fixed blade 222 is not a cutting blade but a supporting blade. By making the position of the fixed blade 222 visible, the operator can easily visually confirm the vicinity of the stem to be cut. However, the fixed blade 222 can also be completely covered by the upper surface of the crop divider 21.

[0098] According to the structural description of the above-mentioned grain divider 21, the end portion of the grain divider 21, which becomes the end when inserted between the leaves of the cabbage vegetables, has a recess 21a that is recessed toward the opposite side of the insertion direction. When harvesting cabbage vegetables, the stems of the cabbage vegetables enter the recess 21a, and the stems are cut using the movable blade 221. By providing the recess 21a, it is possible to suppress the blade and the stem from sliding due to insufficient friction when cutting using the cutting portion 22a (when the scissors are closed). In detail, the left corner 21e (see Figure 6 The blade and the stem are supported so as not to deviate. In addition, the right corner 21f (see Figure 6 The shape of the right corner 21f is different from that of the left corner 21e. This is to make the right corner 21f have a different function from that of the left corner 21e. The right corner 21f is configured to be shaped to facilitate insertion of the crop divider 21.

[0099] In addition, according to the description of the upper grain divider component 21U, the grain divider 21 has a curved portion 21U2 whose height position increases as it tends to the opposite side of the insertion direction between the leaves. In other words, as a preferred embodiment, the grain divider 21 has an inclined portion whose height position increases as it tends to the opposite side of the insertion direction between the leaves. In addition to the curved surface as in the present embodiment, the inclined portion can be composed of an inclined surface. Moreover, in the present embodiment, by adopting such a structure, the grain divider 21 is arranged between the harvesting side portion of the head vegetables and the electric motor 5. By arranging the grain divider 21 between the harvested head vegetables and the electric motor 5, the possibility of the harvested head vegetables being injured by collision with the electric motor 5 can be reduced.

[0100] <3. Precautions, etc.>

[0101] Various technical features disclosed in this specification can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. In addition, multiple embodiments, examples, and modifications shown in this specification can be combined and implemented within the possible scope.

[0102] <4. Note>

[0103] The head vegetable harvesting device of the present invention shown as an example can be the following structure (first structure), comprising: a handle portion; and a head vegetable harvesting portion, which is installed on the handle portion, and the harvesting portion has: a straw divider, which is inserted between the leaves of the head vegetables; and a cutting mechanism, which cuts off the stems of the head vegetables.

[0104] The head vegetable harvesting device of the first structure may be configured as follows (second structure), wherein the cutting mechanism is disposed on a surface of the divider opposite to a surface facing a harvesting side portion of the head vegetables.

[0105] The head vegetable harvesting device of the second structure may be configured as follows (third structure) in which at least a portion of the cutting blade of the cutting mechanism is covered by the grain divider before the stem is cut.

[0106] The head vegetable harvesting device of the third structure may have a structure (fourth structure) in which the divider has a bottom surface portion, and the cutting blade is arranged between an opposing surface portion including the opposing surface and the bottom surface portion.

[0107] Based on the head vegetable harvesting device of any one of the first to fourth structures mentioned above, it can be the following structure (fifth structure), wherein the divider has an inclined portion whose height position increases as it tends to the opposite side of the insertion direction between the leaves.

[0108] Based on the head vegetable harvesting device of any one of the first to fifth structures mentioned above, it can be the following structure (sixth structure), wherein the terminal portion of the divider which becomes the terminal when inserted between the leaves has a recessed portion toward the opposite side of the insertion direction.

[0109] The head vegetable harvesting device according to any one of the first to sixth structures may have a structure (seventh structure) in which the harvesting portion is connected to the handle portion in a manner that allows for changing the angle thereof.

[0110] Based on the head vegetable harvesting device of any one of the first to seventh structures, it can be the following structure (eighth structure), wherein the handle portion has a rod portion, and the harvesting portion is connected to one end side of the rod portion in a manner that allows for changing the angle.

[0111] Based on the above-mentioned seventh or eighth structure of the head vegetable harvesting device, it can be the following structure (ninth structure), when the harvesting part is raised from the cutting posture of cutting the head vegetables by using the cutting mechanism, it automatically returns to the insertion posture in which the divider is inserted between the leaves.

[0112] Based on the head vegetable harvesting device of any one of the first to ninth structures, it can be configured as follows (the tenth structure), wherein the cutting mechanism is electric and the handle has a switch for operating the action of the cutting mechanism.

[0113] Based on the head vegetable harvesting device of any one of the above-mentioned first to tenth structures, it can be the following structure (eleventh structure), wherein the harvesting part has an electric motor for driving the cutting mechanism, and the divider is arranged between the harvesting side part of the head vegetable and the electric motor.

Claims

1. A device for harvesting cabbage vegetables, wherein: The head vegetable harvesting device comprises: handle; and The harvesting part of the cabbage vegetables is installed on the handle part. The harvesting unit has: a grain divider inserted between leaves of the head vegetable; and A cutting mechanism is provided for cutting off the stem of the head vegetable.

2. The head vegetable harvesting device according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting mechanism is arranged on a surface side of the grain divider opposite to a surface facing a portion of the head vegetables on the side to be harvested.

3. The head vegetable harvesting device according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the cutting blade of the cutting mechanism is covered by the grain divider before the stem portion is cut.

4. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to claim 3, wherein: The crop divider has a bottom portion. The cutting edge is arranged between an opposing surface portion including the opposing surface and the bottom surface portion.

5. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to claim 1, wherein: The crop divider includes an inclined portion whose height increases toward a side opposite to a direction of inserting the leaves between the leaves.

6. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to claim 1, wherein: The crop divider has a distal end portion that becomes a distal end when inserted between the leaves and has a recessed portion that is recessed toward a side opposite to an insertion direction.

7. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The harvesting part is connected to the handle part in a manner that the angle thereof can be changed.

8. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The handle portion has a stem portion, The harvesting part is connected to one end side of the rod part in a manner that the angle can be changed.

9. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to claim 7, wherein: When the harvesting unit is raised from the cutting position in which the head vegetables are cut by the cutting mechanism, the harvesting unit automatically returns to the insertion position in which the grain divider is inserted between leaves.

10. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cutting mechanism is electric. The handle has a switch for operating the cutoff mechanism.

11. The heading vegetable harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The harvesting unit includes an electric motor for driving the cutting mechanism. The grain divider is arranged between the harvesting side portion of the cabbage vegetables and the electric motor.

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