Harvester

Abstract

The present invention relates to a harvester capable of easily performing maintenance work on the drive belt, the harvester comprising: an engine (20); a grain hopper disposed at the rear of the engine (20) for storing harvested grains; a discharge device for discharging the grains stored in the grain hopper to the outside; a drive belt (26) for transmitting power from a pulley (23) driven by the engine (20) to the discharge device; and a cooling unit (RU) for cooling the engine (20); the cooling unit (RU) oscillates about an upper and lower axis (Y2) near the front of the machine body, thereby being able to be positioned to change between a normal position adjacent to the pulley (23) and a maintenance position separate from the pulley (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to harvesters such as combine harvesters and corn harvesters. Background Technology

[0002] In a combine harvester, which is an example of a harvester, the engine is located below the driver's compartment at the front of the machine body. A cooling unit, including a radiator and dust filter, is positioned laterally outside the machine body to introduce cooling air. Furthermore, a grain tank for storing harvested grains is located behind the driver's compartment. The grain tank has a discharge device for discharging the stored grains to the outside, and the engine's power is transmitted to the discharge device via a drive belt. In addition to being transmitted to the discharge device, the engine's power is also transmitted via the drive belt to a fan for radiator cooling. Moreover, conventionally, the radiator is removed during maintenance such as repairing or replacing the drive belt (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-19596

[0004] In the aforementioned conventional structure, when the radiator is removed, it is necessary to disconnect the circulation hose that is connected to the radiator to allow the cooling water to circulate, and to drain the cooling water from inside the radiator, which is a tedious operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a way to easily perform drive belt maintenance without causing any trouble.

[0006] The harvester of the present invention is characterized by having: an engine; a grain tank disposed at the rear of the engine for storing harvested grains; a discharge device for discharging the grains stored in the grain tank to the outside; a drive belt for transmitting power from a pulley driven by the engine to the discharge device; and a cooling unit including a radiator and a dustproof part; the cooling unit oscillates about an upper and lower axis near the front of the machine body, thereby being able to be positioned to change its location between a normal position adjacent to the pulley and a maintenance position separate from the pulley.

[0007] According to the present invention, when performing maintenance work on the drive belt, the cooling unit is moved to the maintenance position. As a result, since the cooling unit is removed from the pulley, sufficient space for maintenance is ensured. At this time, the cooling unit can be oscillated around its upper and lower axes, thus eliminating the need for the hassle of draining cooling water from the radiator as when it is removed.

[0008] As a result, without the need for large-scale operations such as removing the radiator, only the position of the cooling unit needs to be changed, allowing for a simple and hassle-free operation. Therefore, drive belt maintenance can be performed easily and effortlessly.

[0009] In this invention, preferably, the swing angle of the cooling unit is less than 20 degrees.

[0010] According to this structure, since the swing angle is less than 20 degrees, there will be no adverse effects caused by large swing of the cooling unit, such as the separation of the cooling water flow hose, and it can be dealt with by simple operation.

[0011] In this invention, preferably, a shaft member is provided, which supports the lower front part of the cooling unit so that it can swing about the upper and lower axes.

[0012] According to this structure, the lower front part of the cooling unit is supported by a shaft member so that it can swing and can be switched to a maintenance position.

[0013] In this invention, preferably, a support member is provided to support the rear of the cooling unit.

[0014] According to this structure, when the cooling unit changes position between its normal and maintenance positions, the rear of the swing end supporting the cooling unit is supported by a support member. As a result, the load on the swing fulcrum of the cooling unit is easily reduced.

[0015] In this invention, preferably, the support member has a limiter that prevents the cooling unit from swinging beyond the maintenance position.

[0016] This structure prevents the cooling unit from swinging excessively beyond the maintenance position, thus avoiding damage to circulation hoses and other components, and enabling efficient maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall side view of a combine harvester.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an overall top view of the combine harvester.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a rear view showing the internal structure of the power unit.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the cooling unit in its normal position.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the cooling unit in a maintenance position.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the conveying system used for grain discharge.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the radiator frame.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a sectional view of the swing fulcrum formed by the shaft component.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the limit switch mounting section.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a top view of the limit switch assembly.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the restraint state of the limit switch.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 9-Grain Can

[0030] 16 Discharge Device

[0031] 20 engine

[0032] 23 pulleys

[0033] 26 transmission belt

[0034] 30 radiator

[0035] 35 Dustproof Department

[0036] 54 Support bracket (support component)

[0037] 57 limit switch

[0038] RU cooling unit

[0039] Y2 upper and lower axes Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, we will describe the application of the embodiments of the working machine of the present invention to a conventional combine harvester, which is an example of a harvester.

[0041] In addition, unless otherwise specified, in the following instructions, arrow F in the diagram is set to "forward", arrow B to "backward", arrow L to "left", and arrow R to "right". Arrow U in the diagram is set to "up", and arrow D to "down".

[0042] [Overall Structure]

[0043] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2The image shows a standard type of combine harvester. The combine harvester's running gear consists of a frame 1 and a tracked running gear 2. A harvesting section 3 for harvesting upright rice stalks in the field is located at the front of the running gear. The harvesting section 3 includes: a reel 4 for picking up upright rice stalks; a cutter 5 for cutting upright rice stalks; and an auger 6 for laterally conveying and concentrating the harvested rice stalks along the harvest width direction towards the rear.

[0044] A driver's section 7 is located behind the harvesting section 3. The driver's section 7 covers the driver's cab 8. Behind the driver's section 7 is a grain hopper 9 for storing the grains obtained from the threshing process. A threshing device 10, which threshes whole stalks of harvested rice, is arranged side by side with the grain hopper 9. Between the harvesting section 3 and the threshing device 10 is a feeding section 11 for transporting whole stalks of harvested rice to the threshing device 10.

[0045] [Grain discharge device]

[0046] A grain discharge device 16 is provided as a discharge device for discharging grains from the grain tank 9 to the outside. The grain discharge device 16 includes: a bottom screw 17 for discharging grains at the bottom of the grain tank 9; a longitudinal conveying section 18 of the type of screw conveyor for transporting grains in the grain tank 9 upward; and a transverse conveying section 19 of the type of screw conveyor for transporting grains from the longitudinal conveying section 18 to the outside of the machine body.

[0047] The grain container 9 can swing about the axis Z1 of the longitudinal conveying section 18, configured to be able to... Figure 2 The solid line shows the typical working posture of retracting towards the inside of the machine body and as... Figure 2 The dashed lines indicate the switching between maintenance postures that extend laterally outward from the body.

[0048] [Transmission structure for grain discharge]

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, power from the engine 20 of the power unit 15 is transmitted to the front of the bottom screw 17. The lower end of the longitudinal transport section 18 is linked to the rear end of the bottom screw 17, and the base end of the transverse transport section 19 is linked to the upper end of the longitudinal transport section 18.

[0050] Power from engine 20 is transmitted to grain discharge device 16 via belt drive mechanism 21. Belt drive mechanism 21 includes: a drive belt 26, a pulley 23 wound across a pulley 23 located on the output shaft 22 of engine 20 and a pulley 25 located on a relay shaft 24 located at the front of grain tank 9; and a tensioning mechanism 27 acting on drive belt 26.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, the tensioning mechanism 27 has a tensioning roller 28, which is rotatably supported on the swing end of a swing arm that is supported to swing about a horizontal axis. The swing arm is configured to swing under the driving force of an electric motor (not shown) connected via an operating wire 29. When the operating wire 29 is tensioned by the driving force of the electric motor, the swing arm swings upward, and the tensioning roller 28 applies tension to the transmission belt 26, switching it to the transmission engaged state. When the tensioning operation of the operating wire 29 is released, the transmission state of the transmission belt 26 is released. That is, the belt drive mechanism 21 constitutes a belt tensioning clutch capable of engaging / disengaging power transmission.

[0052] [Power Department]

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the power unit 15 includes: an engine 20; a radiator 30 for cooling the engine; a cooling fan 31 for introducing external air to cool the radiator 30; and a fan shroud 32 for guiding external air from the radiator 30 to the cooling fan 31, etc.

[0054] An engine hood 33 covers the top of the engine 20, forming an engine compartment. The engine hood 33 is supported by a power unit frame 34, supports the driver's seat 12 from below, and opens laterally outward. A radiator 30 is disposed laterally outward of the engine 20. A cooling fan 31 is disposed between the engine 20 and the radiator 30.

[0055] The radiator 30 has a dustproof section 35 on its lateral outer side. The dustproof section 35 has: a dustproof shell 36 surrounding the radiator; and a dustproof mesh 37 that allows ventilation and prevents dust from passing through.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the dustproof part 35 is supported by a hinge and can swing about the longitudinal axis Y1 on the front side. The rear of the dustproof part 35 is fixed to the radiator frame 38 by a toggle spring type locking mechanism 39. By releasing the locking mechanism 39 and swinging about the longitudinal axis Y1, the dustproof part 35 can swing between a closed position covering the outside of the body of the radiator 30 and an open position opening the outside of the body of the radiator 30.

[0057] The upper part of the radiator 30 is connected to the engine 20, and the lower part of the radiator 30 is connected to the engine 20 by a circulation hose 40. Cooling water flows and circulates within the circulation hose 40, and the cooling water heated by the engine 20 is cooled by the ventilation of the cooling fan 31 in the radiator 30.

[0058] The cooling fan 31 cools the radiator 30 by drawing in outside air through the dustproof part 35 in a closed position. A fan shroud 32 is provided between the radiator 30 and the cooling fan 31, which guides the cooling air generated by the cooling fan 31 through the radiator 30 efficiently. The fan shroud 32 is positioned across the cooling fan 31 and the radiator 30, surrounding the outer periphery of the air intake space between the cooling fan 31 and the radiator 30. The fan shroud 32 is fixed to the radiator 30 using screws.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, a drive belt 45 is wound across the pulley 23 of the output shaft 22 of the engine 20 and the pulley 44 of the rotating shaft of the cooling fan 31, transmitting power from the engine 20 to the cooling fan 31 via the drive belt 45. Although not described in detail, the transmission mechanism of the cooling fan 31 includes a rotation direction switching mechanism capable of switching the rotation direction of the drive belt 45, i.e., the rotation direction of the cooling fan 31, in both directions. In the forward rotation state, the cooling fan 31 introduces external air through the dustproof section 35 to cool the radiator 30. In the reverse rotation state, the cooling fan 31 blows air laterally outward, capable of blowing away dust adhering to the dustproof section 35.

[0060] The radiator 30 has a rectangular cooling surface 30A when viewed from the side. External air introduced by the cooling fan 31 via the dustproof section 35 passes through the cooling surface 30A to provide cooling. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, an intercooler 46 is located near the cooling surface 30A of the radiator 30. The intercooler 46 uses cooling air to cool the combustion air supplied to the engine 20. The air filter 47, the turbocharger (not shown) located on the upper part of the engine 20, and the intercooler 46 are connected via a plurality of pipes 48.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, an exhaust gas purification device 49 is provided on the upper part of the engine 20. The exhaust gas purification device 49 uses a trap filter (not shown) to reduce the diesel particulates contained in the exhaust gas of the engine 20, thereby purifying the exhaust gas.

[0062] The support structure of the radiator 30 is described.

[0063] The radiator 30 is supported by the radiator frame 38. The radiator frame 38 is formed as a rectangular frame along the outer periphery of the radiator 30 to cover the air intake space between the radiator 30 and the dustproof part 35, and to guide the external air passing through the dustproof part 35 to the cooling surface 30A.

[0064] The lower part of the radiator frame 38 has a mounting support 50, which is configured to protrude laterally inward towards the body. The mounting support 50 is composed of a horizontally positioned plate that is long in the front-to-back direction and narrow in the left-to-right direction. The rear end of the mounting support 50 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from the side, forming a longitudinal section 50a.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the radiator 30 has two locking pins 51 protruding downwards from the bottom at both the front and rear. These locking pins 51 are embedded in the engagement holes formed in the mounting support portion 50 to prevent misalignment during mounting and support. Furthermore, the upper part of the radiator 30 is connected to the upper part of the radiator frame 38 at both the front and rear via connecting brackets 52.

[0066] Therefore, the radiator 30, fan shroud 32 and dustproof part 35 are supported by the radiator frame 38, and the radiator 30, fan shroud 32 and dustproof part 35 and radiator frame 38 constitute the cooling unit RU.

[0067] (The swing structure of the cooling unit)

[0068] The cooling unit RU oscillates around the upper and lower axis Y2 near the front of the machine body, and is configured to change position between a normal position adjacent to the pulley 23 of the belt drive mechanism 21 and a maintenance position separated from the pulley 23.

[0069] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the radiator frame 38 supporting the entire cooling unit RU is supported by front and rear support brackets 53 and 54, which are fixedly extended from the body frame 1 in a laterally projecting manner. When the cooling unit RU is in its normal position, as... Figure 7 As shown, the lower parts of the front and rear support brackets 53 and 54 and the radiator frame 38 are connected and fixed by a plurality of bolts Bo installed from below. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the upper part of the radiator frame 38 and the side part 34a of the power unit frame 34 are connected and fixed by a plurality of bolts Bo installed from the lateral outside.

[0070] During maintenance, loosen several bolts Bo to disconnect the front and rear support brackets 53 and 54 from the lower part of the radiator frame 38, and loosen several bolts Bo to disconnect the upper part of the radiator frame 38 from the side part 34a of the power unit frame 34.

[0071] A shaft member 55 is located between the front support bracket 53 and the lower part of the radiator frame 38. This shaft member 55 supports the lower front part of the cooling unit RU so that it can swing about its vertical axis Y2. The shaft member 55 is constructed of stepped bolts. Figure 8As shown, the shaft member 55 is installed with the support bracket 53 on the front side and the lower part of the radiator frame 38 inserted through it, and is tightened and fixed by the stepped portion 55a and the nut 56 on the lower side. In the outer periphery of the shaft member 55, there is no threaded portion in the part that inserts through the lower part of the radiator frame 38, and it is a smooth cylinder, which functions as a pivot shaft that supports the lower front part of the cooling unit RU and can swing around the upper and lower axis Y2.

[0072] As described above, with the connection between the front and rear support brackets 53 and 54 and the radiator frame 38 released by the plurality of bolts Bo, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooling unit RU can swing around the upper and lower axis Y2 of the shaft member 55.

[0073] Typical location of cooling unit RU ( Figure 4 ) and maintenance location ( Figure 5 The swing angle θ between the two is less than 20 degrees. Specifically, the swing angle is set to about 15 degrees. In addition, a limiter 57 that prevents the cooling unit RU from swinging beyond the maintenance position is provided on the support bracket 54, which serves as a support member.

[0074] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, a locking member 58 for bending the round bar into an L-shape when viewed from the side is welded and fixed to the longitudinal section 50a of the rear end of the support portion 50. Furthermore, a limiter 57 for bending the round bar into an L-shape when viewed from the side is welded and fixed to the extended end of the rear support bracket 54.

[0075] When the cooling unit RU is from Figure 4 When the normally indicated position swings outward and the locking member 58 abuts against the limiter 57, as shown Figure 11 As shown, further outward swinging is limited. This position is designated as the maintenance position (see reference). Figure 5 That is, it suppresses the oscillation of the cooling unit RU beyond the maintenance position.

[0076] By switching the cooling unit RU to the maintenance position, a working gap is created between the cooling unit RU and the drive belt 26, allowing for operations such as replacing the drive belt 26. Since the movement of the cooling unit RU is minimal, there is no need to remove the circulation hose 40 for cooling water circulation or perform cumbersome tasks such as extracting cooling water, making maintenance easy.

[0077] [Another implementation]

[0078] (1) In the above embodiment, the swing angle of the cooling unit RU is less than 20 degrees, specifically about 15 degrees, but it can also be set to a swing angle of more than 15 degrees and less than 20 degrees. Alternatively, it can be set to a swing angle greater than 20 degrees.

[0079] (2) In the above embodiment, the lower front part of the cooling unit RU is supported by the shaft member 55 in a swinging manner. However, the cooling unit RU can also be supported by other shaft members swinging around the upper and lower axes, not only in the lower front part but also in the upper front part.

[0080] (3) In the above embodiment, a structure in which the limiter 57 is disposed on the rear support bracket 54 is adopted, but a structure in which the limiter 57 is fixed to a different part from the support bracket 54, such as the body frame 1, can also be adopted.

[0081] (4) In the above embodiment, a support bracket 54 with a support member on the rear side serving as the support for the rear of the cooling unit RU is adopted, but a structure in which the rear of the cooling unit RU is supported by the body frame 1 may also be adopted.

[0082] Industrial availability

[0083] In addition to ordinary combine harvesters, this invention can also be applied to other harvesters such as self-tapping combine harvesters and sugarcane harvesters.

Claims

1. A harvester, wherein, have: engine; A grain storage tank, located at the rear of the engine, stores the harvested grains. A discharge device discharges the grains stored in the grain container to the outside; A drive belt transmits power from the engine-driven pulley to the discharge device. as well as Cooling unit, including radiator and dustproof part; The cooling unit oscillates about an upper and lower axis near the front of the machine body, thereby allowing it to be positioned alternately between a normal position adjacent to the pulley and a maintenance position separate from the pulley.

2. The harvester according to claim 1, wherein, The swing angle of the cooling unit is less than 20 degrees.

3. The harvester according to claim 1, wherein, It has a shaft member that supports the lower front part of the cooling unit so that it can swing about the upper and lower axis.

4. The harvester according to claim 1, wherein, It has a support member that supports the rear of the cooling unit.

5. The harvester according to claim 4, wherein, The support member has a limiter to prevent the cooling unit from swinging beyond the maintenance position.

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