combine

Abstract

There has been a demand for eliminating wasted space and increasing the grain storage capacity in the grain tank as much as possible. [Solution] The grain tank 7 is provided with a side plate 22 and a tank main body 23 other than the side plate 22, and an opening 26 is formed in the side wall 21 of the tank main body 23, extending from the top to the bottom of the grain tank 7 and from the front to the rear, and the side plate 22 is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the opening 26 is blocked and an open state in which the opening is open by swinging, and the side plate 22 is provided with a protrusion 30 that is shaped to follow the shape of the opening 26 and protrudes from the inner surface of the side plate 22 toward the inside of the tank main body 23, and when the side plate 22 is switched to the closed state, the protrusion 30 is in a state where it follows the inner peripheral edge of the opening 26 and is inserted into the storage space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a combine harvester equipped with a grain tank for storing harvested grain. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional combine harvesters, an opening is formed in one of the side walls of the outer peripheral wall of the grain tank, and a side plate that closes the opening in an openable and closable manner, and a position holding mechanism for fixing the side plate in its position when it is closed, and a reinforcing body provided on the side plate is arranged in contact with the wall surface surrounding the opening in the side wall, and the position holding mechanism uses the reinforcing body to hold the side plate in position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-99050 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-described configuration allows an operator to access the inside of the grain tank through the opening by opening the side panel when performing maintenance work such as cleaning the inside of the grain tank.

[0005] However, in the conventional configuration, the reinforcing member is provided between the side wall and the side plate of the grain tank, so installation space is required, and this space is wasted space that cannot be used for storing grain. As a result, there is a disadvantage in that the grain storage capacity is small compared to the overall size of the grain tank.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for eliminating wasted space and increasing the grain storage capacity in the grain tank as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The combine harvester of the present invention is characterized in that it has an internal storage space equipped with a grain tank for storing harvested grain, and the grain tank has side panels located on the outer periphery of the machine body and a tank main body other than the side panels, and an opening is formed in the side wall of the tank main body on the side where the side panels are located, extending from the top to the bottom of the grain tank and from the front to the rear, and the side panels are configured to be switchable by swinging between a closed state in which the opening is closed to allow grain to be stored in the storage space, and an open state in which the opening is opened to allow access to the storage space, and the side panels are provided with protrusions that follow the shape of the opening and protrude from the inner surface of the side panels toward the inside of the tank main body, and when the side panels are switched to the closed state, the protrusions are aligned with the inner peripheral edge of the opening and inserted into the storage space.

[0008] According to the present invention, the side panels swing to open and close the openings formed in the tank body. The openings are large and extend from the top to the bottom of the grain tank and from the front to the rear, allowing workers to easily access the storage space inside the tank without any hassle. The side panels are provided with protrusions that extend from the inner surfaces of the side panels toward the inside of the tank body, and are shaped to fit the shape of the openings. When the side panels are switched to the closed state, the protrusions are inserted into the inside of the tank body.

[0009] That is, by inserting the protrusion, the opening of the tank body can be closed, and the side panel approaches the tank body without any gaps. Even if the grain tank shakes due to machine vibration, the protrusion absorbs the movement, preventing gaps from forming and preventing grain from spilling out of the opening.

[0010] In this way, grain leakage is prevented, a good storage condition is maintained, there is no wasted space between the side panels and the tank body, and the grain storage capacity can be made as large as possible relative to the overall shape of the grain tank.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that a first wall surface portion is provided on the outer periphery of the opening in the tank main body portion, and a second wall surface portion is provided on the outer periphery of the protrusion in the side plate, and that when the side plate is switched to the closed state, the first wall surface portion and the second wall surface portion are in surface contact.

[0012] According to this configuration, the first wall surface portion on the outer periphery of the opening in the tank body and the second wall surface portion on the outer periphery of the protrusion in the side plate are in surface contact with each other. As a result, by configuring the first wall surface portion and the second wall surface portion to be in surface contact between the protrusion and the opening, the grain tank can store grain with as few gaps as possible.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that a seal member be provided at a location where the first wall surface portion and the second wall surface portion come into surface contact.

[0014] According to this configuration, by providing the sealing member, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of a gap between the side plate and the tank main body.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the protrusion is formed in a ring-shaped continuous state.

[0016] According to this configuration, the protrusion is provided in an annular shape around the entire inner peripheral edge of the opening, so that the gap between the protrusion and the opening can be closed well and without leakage.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that an upper component constituting an upper portion of the protrusion and a lower component constituting a lower portion of the protrusion are formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the upper and lower components of the protrusion are configured in a cylindrical shape extending forward and backward, which makes them highly rigid and less likely to deform, and prevents the side panels from deforming due to the pressure of the stored grains.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the lower structure be formed in an inclined shape that becomes lower as it becomes farther away from the side plate.

[0020] According to this configuration, the lower component of the protrusion is inserted into the lower part of the inner periphery of the opening, so that it is exposed to the space inside the tank. In addition, since the upper surface of the lower component is inclined downward as it moves away from the side plate, it is possible to prevent the stored grain from resting on the upper surface and remaining there.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that a front component constituting a front portion of the protrusion and a rear component constituting a rear portion of the protrusion are formed in the shape of plates extending vertically.

[0022] According to this configuration, the front and rear components that make up the protrusion are configured in the shape of plates that extend vertically, so that the protrusion has a simple configuration and is easily made lightweight.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that an opposing portion is formed on the inner edge of the opening in the tank main body portion, which opposing portion faces the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion when the side plate is switched to the closed state.

[0024] According to this configuration, when the side plate is switched to the closed state, the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion faces the opposing portion of the inner edge of the opening between the protrusion and the inner edge of the opening, thereby narrowing the gap between the protrusion and the inner edge of the opening and reducing the risk of grain leakage.

[0025] In the present invention, it is preferable that the side plates are supported by the tank body portion so as to be swingable about a vertical axis.

[0026] Side panels that block large openings tend to be large and heavy, but with this configuration, the side panels swing open and closed around a vertical axis, so they can be opened and closed easily with less of an effect from their weight compared to configurations in which the side panels are detachable or swing open and closed around a horizontal axis.

[0027] In the present invention, it is preferable that a second wall portion is provided on the outer periphery of the protrusion on the side plate, and that a reinforcing plate is superimposed on a region of the second wall portion located closer to the vertical axis than the protrusion, in a height range extending above and below the protrusion.

[0028] When the side panel is configured to swing around the vertical axis, a large stress may be applied to the area of ​​the second wall portion closer to the vertical axis than the protrusion due to the cantilever load. In particular, stress may be applied to the area above and below the protrusion due to distortion when the side panel is opened or closed.

[0029] Therefore, according to this configuration, by overlapping the reinforcing plate at the location of the second wall portion where stress is applied, strength can be reinforced and deformation or displacement of the side plate can be prevented.

[0030] In the present invention, it is preferable that the edge of the reinforcing plate opposite the vertical axis is provided with a first plate-shaped portion extending up and down while protruding toward the inside of the tank main body, and that the first plate-shaped portion constitutes the protrusion.

[0031] According to this configuration, by using the reinforcing plate, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the first plate-shaped portion that constitutes the protruding portion.

[0032] In the present invention, it is preferable that a second wall portion is provided on the outer periphery of the protrusion on the side plate, and a reinforcing plate is superimposed on a region of the second wall portion located on the opposite side of the vertical axis from the protrusion, in a height range extending above and below the protrusion.

[0033] If the side panels are configured to swing around the vertical axis, the area of ​​the second wall portion opposite the vertical axis from the protruding portion may experience vertical rattle due to vibrations of the aircraft, and stress may be applied due to the vibrations caused by the rattle.

[0034] Therefore, according to this configuration, by overlapping the reinforcing plate at the location of the second wall portion where stress is applied, strength can be reinforced and deformation or displacement of the side plate can be prevented.

[0035] In the present invention, it is preferable that the edge of the reinforcing plate on the vertical axis side is provided with a second plate-shaped portion extending up and down while protruding toward the inside of the tank main body, and that the second plate-shaped portion constitutes the protrusion.

[0036] According to this configuration, by using the reinforcing plate, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes the protruding portion.

[0037] In the present invention, a second wall surface portion is provided on the outer periphery of the protruding portion of the side plate, a first reinforcing plate is superimposed on a region of the second wall surface portion located on the vertical axis side of the protruding portion, the region having a height range extending up and down the protruding portion, and a second reinforcing plate is superimposed on a region of the second wall surface portion located on the opposite side of the vertical axis from the protruding portion, the region having a height range extending up and down the protruding portion, and a second reinforcing plate is superimposed on an edge of the first reinforcing plate on the opposite side of the vertical axis from the inside of the tank main body. It is preferable that the tank body is provided with a first plate-like portion extending up and down while protruding toward the tank side, and that the edge of the second reinforcing plate on the vertical axis side is provided with a second plate-like portion extending up and down while protruding toward the interior of the tank main body, the protruding portions are formed in a ring-shaped manner, the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion constitute front and rear vertical components in the protruding portion, and the protruding portion is provided with an upper component connecting the upper parts of the front and rear vertical components and a lower component connecting the lower parts of the front and rear vertical components.

[0038] When the side panel is configured to swing around the vertical axis, a large stress may be applied to the area of ​​the second wall surface closer to the vertical axis than the protruding portion due to a cantilever load. In particular, stress may be applied to the area of ​​the second wall surface in a height range extending above and below the protruding portion due to distortion when the side panel is opened or closed. Furthermore, vibration of the aircraft may cause vertical rattles in the area of ​​the second wall surface opposite the vertical axis than the protruding portion, and stress may be applied due to the rattles.

[0039] Therefore, according to this configuration, reinforcing plates are superimposed on the areas of the second wall portion where stress is applied as described above, thereby providing strength reinforcement and preventing deformation or misalignment of the side plates.

[0040] Furthermore, the rectangular protrusion is formed by the front and rear vertical components, the upper component, and the lower component, each of which is made up of the first plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion. As a result, by forming a portion of the protrusion in a plate shape, it is possible to reduce the weight of the protrusion while also reinforcing the strength of the entire protrusion.

[0041] In the present invention, a locking device is provided that can be switched between a locked state in which the side plate, which has been placed in the closed state, is fixed to the tank main body, and an unlocked state in which the side plate can be switched to the open state, and the locking device is provided with a manually operated operating tool, a first locking portion that is provided on either the side plate or the tank main body and that operates in response to operation of the operating tool, and a second locking portion that is provided on the other of the side plate or the tank main body and can lock with the first locking portion, and the locking device is configured to enter the locked state when the first locking portion and the second locking portion engage with each other, and to enter the unlocked state when the first locking portion and the second locking portion are released from engagement with each other, and is configured so that the first locking portion and the second locking portion are positioned in the storage space when the locking device is placed in the locked state.

[0042] According to this configuration, the side panels can be fixed in a closed state by the locking device, preventing leakage of grains. The locking device is in a locked state when the first locking portion and the second locking portion are engaged with each other, and when in the locked state, the first locking portion and the second locking portion are positioned in the storage space.

[0043] As a result, there is no disadvantage of wasted space being created between the side plate and the tank main body, as occurs when the first and second locking portions of the locking device are provided on the outside of the tank main body.

[0044] In the present invention, it is preferable that the tank main body be provided with a cover that covers the first locking portion and the second locking portion from above when the locking device is in the locked state.

[0045] According to this configuration, when the locking device is in the locked state, i.e., when the side panel is in the closed state, the first and second locking portions are covered by the cover. As a result, even though the tank is provided inside the main body, stored grain can be prevented from falling onto and accumulating on the first and second locking portions.

[0046] In the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the cover is formed in an inclined shape so that the position of the cover is lowered toward the inside of the grain tank.

[0047] According to this configuration, even if grains fall on the top surface of the cover, the top surface is formed in an inclined shape, so the grains are guided downward toward the inside of the tank, and there is little risk of them piling up on the top surface of the cover.

[0048] In the present invention, it is preferable that the operating tool and the first locking portion are provided on the side plate, and the second locking portion is provided on the tank main body, the first locking portion is provided with a locking member that swings in response to operation of the operating tool, and the second locking portion is provided with a frame member that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body from the front to the rear of the grain tank, and that the locking member swings when the operating tool is operated, thereby locking onto the frame member, and the side plate is fixed in position on the tank main body.

[0049] According to this configuration, the locking member can be swung by operating the operating tool to lock onto the frame member, thereby fixing the position of the side panel. The locking member can be released by operating the operating tool to release the lock.

[0050] The frame members extend from the front to the rear of the grain tank, and therefore function to reinforce the strength of the grain tank. By utilizing such frame members with high support strength, the locked state can be reliably maintained.

[0051] In the present invention, it is preferable that the operating tool and the first locking portion are provided on the side plate, and the second locking portion is provided on the tank main body portion, the first locking portion is provided with a locking member that can slide in and out along the direction along the plate surface of the side plate, and the second locking portion is provided with a contact member that contacts the protruding locking member in the opening / closing movement direction of the side plate, and that by operating the operating tool, the locking member protrudes toward the outer periphery of the side plate and contacts the contact member in the opening / closing movement direction, thereby locking to the contact member, and the side plate is positioned and fixed on the tank main body portion.

[0052] According to this configuration, when the operating tool is operated, the locking member slides along the surface of the side plate and protrudes toward the outer periphery of the side plate. The locking member then engages with the abutment member, thereby fixing the side plate in position to the tank main body.

[0053] Since the locking member slides along the surface of the side plate, the installation space along the thickness direction of the side plate is small, allowing for compact storage.

[0054] In the present invention, it is preferable that the locking members include an upper locking member located at the top of the side plate and a lower locking member located at the bottom of the side plate, and that the contact members include an upper contact member located at the top of the tank main body and a lower contact member located at the bottom of the tank main body, and that, by operating the operating tool, the upper locking member protrudes upward and engages with the upper contact member, and the lower locking member protrudes downward and engages with the lower contact member.

[0055] With this configuration, when the operating tool is operated, the upper locking member moves upward and engages with the upper abutment member, and the lower locking member moves downward and engages with the lower abutment member, thereby ensuring that the side plates are securely held in position on both the top and bottom sides and preventing the risk of grain leakage.

[0056] In the present invention, a locking device is provided that can be switched between a locked state in which the side plate is fixed in position in the closed state and an unlocked state in which the side plate can be switched to the open state, the locking device is provided with an operating tool that is provided on the side plate and is manually operated from outside the grain tank, the side plate is provided with a storage case that surrounds the operating tool and separates the operating area of ​​the operating tool from the storage space, and it is preferable that the storage case is provided in a state where it is located on the inner side of the protrusion.

[0057] According to this configuration, the locking device can fix the side panels in a closed position relative to the tank body, preventing grain leakage. Furthermore, the storage case separates the operating area for the operating tools, allowing the operating tools to be installed without risking adverse effects on the stored grain. Furthermore, the storage case can be deployed in a state where it fits into the tank body through the opening, so it does not interfere with opening and closing the side panels.

[0058] In the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the storage case be formed in an inclined shape that becomes lower as it becomes farther away from the side plate.

[0059] According to this configuration, even if grains fall on the top surface of the storage case, the top surface is formed in an inclined shape, so the grains are guided downward toward the inside of the tank, and there is little risk of them piling up on the top surface of the storage case.

[0060] In the present invention, the storage case is provided with a case main body having an opening that opens outward from the grain tank, and a door that can open and close the opening, and is configured so that when the door is open and the operating tool is swung to an unlocked position in which it protrudes outside the case main body, the locking device is placed in the unlocked state, and when the operating tool is swung to a locked position in which it is contained inside the case main body, the locking device is placed in the locked state, and when the door is closed and the operating tool is swung from the locked position toward the unlocked position by a set angle, the operating tool comes into contact with the door, restricting further swinging and restricting change of position to the unlocked position.

[0061] According to this configuration, the opening of the storage case is closed by the door, preventing the operating tool from being exposed to the outside. Even if the operating tool attempts to move from the locked position to the unlocked position due to machine vibration or the like, the operating tool comes into contact with the door and is restricted from swinging beyond the set angle, preventing the operating tool from accidentally swinging to the unlocked position and releasing the lock.

[0062] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door be able to swing open and close about a swing fulcrum set at the lower end of the door.

[0063] With this configuration, when the door opens the opening, it swings around the swing fulcrum at the bottom end, so the door is held in the open position without any special position holding mechanism. As a result, the door can be supported while opening and closing with a simple structure.

[0064] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door has an area larger than the opening area of ​​the opening and covers the entire area of ​​the opening when in a closed state.

[0065] According to this configuration, the door covers the entire opening, so there is no disadvantage, for example, in that part of the opening is left open and rainwater can get in, and the operating tool can be well protected.

[0066] In the present invention, it is preferable that the protruding portion of the door, which is formed larger on the outer periphery than the peripheral edge of the opening, is configured to come into surface contact with the wall surface portion of the outer surface portion of the side panel located around the opening when the door is closed.

[0067] According to this configuration, the protruding portion of the door is configured to be in surface contact with the wall surface, so that no large gaps are created between the door and the wall surface, and the opening can be closed well.

[0068] In the present invention, it is preferable that a seal member be interposed between the protruding portion and the wall portion.

[0069] According to this configuration, the seal member is interposed between the projecting portion of the door and the wall portion, which are in surface contact with each other, so that the opening can be closed in a state that enhances the sealing performance.

[0070] In the present invention, the storage case is provided with a door holding portion that holds the door in a closed state, and the door holding portion is provided with an interlocking member provided on the case main body side, a locking member that is provided on the door side and engages with the interlocking member to enter a position-holding state and releases the interlocking member to enter a hold-release state that allows the door to be opened, and a spring portion that urges the locking member to the position-holding state, and when the operating tool is swung from the lock position toward the release position by the set angle, it comes into contact with the spring portion and further swinging is restricted, and when the operating tool comes into contact with the spring portion, the spring portion is pushed in a direction that urges the locking member to the position-holding state.

[0071] According to this configuration, the door holder can open the door by manually switching the locking member, which is biased by the spring portion to a position-retaining state, to a release state against the biasing force of the spring portion. Even if the operating tool housed in the storage case swings from the locked position to the released position for some reason while the door is closed, once it swings a set angle, the operating tool contacts the spring portion, restricting further swing. Furthermore, when the operating tool contacts the spring portion, it is pushed in a direction that biases the locking member to the position-retaining state, thereby reliably preventing the locking member from accidentally being released from its locked state by contact with the operating tool.

[0072] In the present invention, a locking device is provided that can be switched between a locked state in which the side plate is fixed in position in the closed state and an unlocked state in which the side plate can be switched to the open state, the locking device is provided with an operating tool that is attached to the side plate and manually operated from outside the grain tank, the side plate is provided with a storage case that surrounds the operating tool and separates the operating area of ​​the operating tool from the storage space, and on the inner side of the protrusion on the side plate, a first vertical reinforcement body is provided that extends in the vertical direction between an upper component that forms the upper part of the protrusion and a lower component that forms the lower part of the protrusion, and the storage case is preferably supported by the first vertical reinforcement body.

[0073] According to this configuration, the locking device can fix the side panels in a closed position relative to the tank body, preventing grain leakage. Furthermore, the storage case separates the operating area of ​​the operating tool from the storage space, allowing the operating tool to be provided without risk of adversely affecting the stored grain. Furthermore, the storage case is stably supported by a strong first vertical reinforcing member that extends vertically between the upper and lower structural members.

[0074] In the present invention, it is preferable that a lifting guide body is provided that climbs onto a fixed guide portion provided on the tank main body and lifts and guides the side plate so that the side plate is positioned in the appropriate position when the side plate is switched to the closed state, and that a second vertical reinforcement body is provided on the inner periphery of the protrusion on the side plate, extending in the vertical direction from an upper component that constitutes the upper part of the protrusion to a lower component that constitutes the lower part of the protrusion, and that the lifting guide body is supported by the second vertical reinforcement body.

[0075] Since the side panels are large devices, they are heavy, and when in the open position, the swing end tends to sag slightly downward. Therefore, with this configuration, when the side panels are switched to the closed position, the lifting guide members lift the side panels, correcting any downward positional deviation and allowing the panels to be closed in the proper position. Furthermore, the lifting guide members are stably supported by a strong second vertical reinforcement member that extends vertically between the upper and lower components.

[0076] In the present invention, a locking device is provided which can be switched between a locked state in which the side plate is fixed in position in the closed state and an unlocked state in which the side plate can be switched to the open state, the locking device is provided with an operating tool which is provided on the side plate and which is manually operated from outside the grain tank, the side plate is provided with a storage case which surrounds the periphery of the operating tool and separates the operating area of ​​the operating tool from the storage space, and when the side plate is switched to the closed state, a lifting guide body is provided which rides on a fixed guide part provided on the tank main body and lifts and guides the side plate so that the side plate is positioned in an appropriate position, and a lifting guide body is provided on the inner peripheral side of the protrusion on the side plate. It is preferable that the storage case is provided with a first vertical reinforcement extending in the vertical direction between an upper component that forms the upper part of the protrusion and a lower component that forms the lower part of the protrusion, and a second vertical reinforcement that is spaced apart from the first vertical reinforcement in the front-to-rear direction and extends in the vertical direction between the upper component and the lower component, the storage case is supported by the first vertical reinforcement, the lifting guide is supported by the second vertical reinforcement, and a front-to-rear reinforcement extending in the front-to-rear direction between a portion of the first vertical reinforcement that supports the storage case and a portion of the second vertical reinforcement that supports the lifting guide is provided.

[0077] According to this configuration, the locking device can fix the side panels in a closed position relative to the tank body, preventing grain leakage. Furthermore, the storage case separates the operating area for the operating tools, allowing the operating tools to be installed without adversely affecting the stored grain. Furthermore, the storage case is stably supported by a strong first vertical reinforcing member that extends vertically between the upper and lower structural members.

[0078] When the side panel is switched to the closed state, the lifting guide member lifts the side panel, so that any downward positional deviation can be corrected and the side panel can be closed in the appropriate position. In addition, the lifting guide member is stably supported by a strong second vertical reinforcing member that extends vertically between the upper and lower structural members.

[0079] Furthermore, a front-to-rear reinforcement is provided that extends in the front-to-rear direction between the portion of the first vertical reinforcement that supports the storage case and the portion of the second vertical reinforcement that supports the lifting guide, thereby forming a strong support structure and increasing the support strength of the side panels.

[0080] In the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the longitudinal reinforcement member is formed in an inclined shape that is positioned lower toward the inside of the grain tank.

[0081] According to this configuration, the upper surface of the longitudinal reinforcement member extending in the longitudinal direction is inclined, which reduces the risk of grains remaining on the upper surface.

[0082] In the present invention, a support shaft portion is provided that supports the operating tool so that it can swing around a longitudinal axis, and it is preferable that the support shaft portion is rotatably supported at a location on the first vertical reinforcement body adjacent to the location at which the longitudinal reinforcement body is connected, while extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0083] According to this configuration, the first vertical reinforcing member that supports the casing can be effectively utilized, and the support shaft portion can be stably supported with a simple support configuration.

[0084] In the present invention, it is preferable that the side plate is supported on the tank main body so as to be swingable around the vertical axis, that a blocked state detection sensor is provided for detecting whether the side plate is in the blocked state, and that the blocked state detection sensor is provided at the lower part of the side of the tank main body opposite to the side on which the vertical axis is provided.

[0085] This configuration makes it possible to take measures if the side plate becomes unclosed for some reason during operation. The closed state detection sensor is provided on the side of the tank body opposite the side where the vertical axis is located, enabling accurate detection of whether the side plate is in the open state. While it would be conceivable to provide the open state detection sensor in the upper part of the opposite side, there is a tendency for rattles to occur in the upper part due to aircraft vibrations. Therefore, providing the sensor in the lower part of the opposite side reduces the likelihood of detection errors due to rattles.

[0086] In the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of blocked state detection sensors are provided to detect whether the side plate is in the blocked state or not, and that the multiple blocked state detection sensors have different detection methods and are each provided in a different position.

[0087] According to this configuration, by providing the closed state detection sensors with different detection methods at different positions, it is possible to accurately detect that the side panel is no longer in the closed state.

[0088] In the present invention, it is preferable that the side wall portion of the tank main body on which the opening is formed is provided with a frame-shaped portion that surrounds the periphery of the opening, and that the frame-shaped portion is removably connected to the other side wall portion.

[0089] According to this configuration, by removing the frame-shaped portion, it can be replaced with a side wall portion that does not have an opening, and the tank main body can be shared even with models that do not require an opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0090] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a combine harvester. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a combine harvester. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grain tank when the side panels are in an open position. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view of the grain tank. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the grain tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view of the grain tank. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank body with the frame-shaped portion removed. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional front view showing a pin insertion type connecting structure. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional front view of the operating lever arrangement portion in a closed state. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the operating lever arrangement portion in a closed state. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional front view of the operating lever arrangement portion in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] An embodiment of the present invention applied to a head-feeding combine harvester will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of the arrow "F" indicates the "front side of the machine body" (see Figures 1 and 2), the direction of the arrow "B" indicates the "rear side of the machine body" (see Figures 1 and 2), the direction of the arrow "L" indicates the "left side of the machine body" (see Figure 2), and the direction of the arrow "R" indicates the "right side of the machine body" (see Figure 2).

[0092] [Overall structure] 1 and 2, the combine harvester according to the present invention is provided with a reaping unit 3 for reaping planted stalks at the front of a traveling body 2 that is self-propelled by a pair of left and right crawler traveling devices 1. A driving unit 5 surrounded by a cabin 4 is provided at the front right side of the traveling body 2. Arranged side by side behind the driver's section 5 are a threshing device 6 that threshes the stalks harvested by the harvesting section 3, and a grain tank 7 that stores the grain obtained by threshing. The grain tank 7 is located on the right side of the machine body, and the threshing device 6 is located on the left side of the machine body. In other words, the driver's section 5 is located in front of the grain tank 7. An engine E is provided below the driver's seat 8 in the driver's section 5. A grain discharge device 9 is provided behind the grain tank 7, which discharges the grain stored in the grain tank 7 outside the machine.

[0093] The harvesting section 3 is equipped with a weeding tool 10 that guides the base of the planted culms to be harvested, multiple lifting devices 11 that lift the planted culms that have been harvested into a vertical position, a clipper-type harvesting device 12 that cuts the base of the lifted planted culms, and a vertical conveying device 13 that gradually changes the position of the harvested culms from a vertical position to a horizontal position while transporting them backward and supplying them to the threshing device 6.

[0094] Although not shown, the threshing device 6 threshes the supplied harvested stalks by clamping the base side of the stalk with a threshing feed chain while threshing the tip side in a threshing chamber. After threshing, the processed material is sorted into grains and straw dust in a sorting section below. The grains are transported out to the right side of the threshing device 6 by a first grain transport screw (not shown), and then lifted by a grain lifting conveyor 15 and transported inside the grain tank 7. The grain tank 7 stores the grain sent from the threshing device 6. The grain stored in the grain tank 7 is then transported to the outside by a grain discharge device 9.

[0095] The bottom of the grain tank 7 is provided with a bottom screw 16 that rotates around a longitudinal axis to transport the stored grain toward the rear of the machine. The grain discharge device 9 is provided with a vertical feed screw conveyor 17 as a vertical conveying device that receives the grain discharged from the bottom screw 16 and transports the grain upward, and a horizontal feed screw conveyor 19 that transports the grain horizontally from its base end connected to the upper end of the vertical feed screw conveyor 17 to a discharge outlet 18 at its tip. A straw waste treatment device 20 is provided behind the threshing device 6.

[0096] Although the support structure will not be described in detail, the grain tank 7 is supported so that the entire tank can swing about a vertical axis X, which is the rotation axis of the vertical feed screw conveyor 17. The grain tank 7 swings about the vertical axis X and is configured to be switchable between a normal storage state (see Figures 1 and 2) in which it is stored inside the machine body, and a maintenance state in which it swings so that it protrudes outward to the side of the machine body, as shown by the imaginary line in Figure 2. In the storage state, the grain tank 7 maintains its position by a position holding mechanism (not shown).

[0097] [Grain tank] Next, the grain tank 7 will be described. 3, 4, and 5, the grain tank 7 has front, rear, left, and right side surfaces and is surrounded by a periphery to form a grain storage space Q. The grain tank 7 is provided with a side plate 22 that is part of a right side wall 21 that forms the right side surface on the outer periphery of the machine body, and a tank main body 23 other than the side plate 22. An opening 26 that extends from the top to the bottom of the grain tank 7 and from the front to the rear is formed in the right side wall 21, which is the side wall of the tank main body 23 on the side where the side plate 22 is located.

[0098] The side plate 22 is configured to be switchable by swinging between a closed state in which the opening 26 is closed and grains can be stored in the storage space Q, and an open state in which the opening 26 is opened and access to the storage space Q is permitted.

[0099] All of the sides of the grain tank 7 except for the right side, i.e., the front side, rear side, left side, and upper side, are formed by wall members that are connected together in a continuous manner. The wall members that form the front side, rear side, left side, and upper side, and the fixed portion of the right side wall 21 excluding the side plate 22 (a frame-shaped portion described below) form the tank main body 23.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5, a recess 25 is formed in the left wall 24 of the tank main body 23 to accommodate the grain lifting conveyor 15. As shown in Figure 4, the lower part of the left wall 24 and the lower end of the right wall 21 are inclined so that the bottom screw 16 is positioned lower the further downwards, and are configured to guide the stored grain downwards toward the bottom screw 16.

[0101] The right side wall portion 21 of the grain tank 7 is positioned facing outward on the right side of the traveling body 2. 3, a rectangular opening 26 is provided in the right side wall 21 so as to extend from the top to the bottom of the grain tank 7 and from the front to the rear, and the side plate 22 is configured to open and close the opening 26. In other words, the grain tank is configured so that the opening 26 is closed by the openable side plate 22 to form a storage space Q inside.

[0102] The right side wall portion 21 has a side plate 22 and a frame-shaped portion 27 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 26, and the frame-shaped portion 27 is connected to the other side surface and forms part of the tank main body portion 23. When the side plate 22 is switched to the closed state, the side plate 22 and the frame-shaped portion 27 are integrally connected to form the right side wall portion 21. The frame-shaped portion 27 is made of a plate-like body extending in a rectangular frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the opening 26, and the outer surface of the frame-shaped portion 27 forms the first wall surface portion 28.

[0103] The side plate 22 is supported by the tank main body 23 so as to be swingable open and closed about a vertical axis Y1 located at the rear of the grain tank 7. Two pivotal support parts 29 are provided at the right end of the rear wall part 57 of the tank main body 23, spaced apart in the vertical direction, and these pivotal support parts 29 support the side plate 22 so as to be swingable around the vertical axis Y1.

[0104] The side plate 22 is configured as a flat plate extending in the vertical direction. The side plate 22 is provided with a protrusion 30 that has a shape that follows the shape of the opening 26 and protrudes from the inner surface of the side plate 22 toward the inside of the tank main body 23. When the side plate 22 is switched to the closed state, the protrusion 30 is configured to follow the inner peripheral edge of the opening 26 and be inserted into the storage space Q.

[0105] 3, 5, and 7, the protruding portion 30 is formed in a ring-shaped connected state. That is, the protruding portion 30 is formed in a ring-shaped connected state by an upper constituent 31 constituting an upper portion of the protruding portion 30, a lower constituent 32 constituting a lower portion of the protruding portion 30, a front constituent 33 constituting a front portion of the protruding portion 30, and a rear constituent 34 constituting a rear portion of the protruding portion 30. Of the four constituents, the upper constituent 31 and the lower constituent 32 are both formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0106] The upper constituent body 31 and the lower constituent body 32 are configured in a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 9, the upper constituent body 31 is formed by bending a plate body into a substantially U-shape and is integrally connected to a flat outer plate portion 35 that extends over the entire side plate 22, and is configured to have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. In the normal operating state in which the side plate 22 is in the closed state, the upper constituent body 31 extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The upper surface of the upper constituent body 31 is inserted in the vicinity of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 26 of the tank main body 23, and is therefore formed in a horizontal plane.

[0107] Like the upper component 31, the lower component 32 is formed by bending a plate into a substantially U-shape and is integrally connected to a flat outer plate portion 35 that extends across the entire side plate 22, and has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. When the side plate 22 is in a closed state, the lower component 32 extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction. The lower surface of the lower component 32 is inserted in close proximity to the inner peripheral edge of the opening 26 of the tank main body 23, and is therefore formed as a horizontal surface. The upper surface 32a of the lower component 32 is formed in an inclined shape that slopes downward as it moves away from the side plate 22. This configuration makes it possible to prevent grain from accumulating on the upper surface of the lower component 32.

[0108] A second wall surface portion 38 is formed on the outer periphery of the protruding portion 30 of the side plate 22 by a flat outer plate portion 35 that extends over the entire side plate 22. A region 38a of the second wall surface portion 38 on the vertical axis Y1 side (rear side) of the protruding portion 30, and a region 38b of the second wall surface portion 38 on the opposite side of the vertical axis Y1 (front side) of the protruding portion 30, in a height range extending above and below the protruding portion 30, are configured as a double structure made of two overlapping plates.

[0109] 3, 5, and 7, a first reinforcing plate 39a is superimposed on and attached to the region 38a on the vertical axis Y1 side (rear side), and a second reinforcing plate 39b is superimposed on and attached to the region 38b on the opposite side from the vertical axis Y1 (front side).

[0110] The reinforcing plate 39a provided in the region 38a on the vertical axis Y1 side has a first plate-like portion extending vertically and protruding toward the inside of the tank main body 23 on the edge opposite the vertical axis Y1, and this first plate-like portion constitutes the front component 33 and also constitutes the protruding portion 30. That is, the reinforcing plate 39a is folded back to form a first plate-shaped portion (front component 33) extending in the up-down direction.

[0111] A second plate-like portion extending vertically while protruding toward the inside of the tank main body 23 is provided on an edge portion of the reinforcing plate 39b provided in the region 38b on the opposite side (front side) from the vertical axis Y1 on the vertical axis Y1 side, and the second plate-like portion constitutes the rear constituent 34 and also constitutes the protruding portion 30. In other words, the reinforcing plate 39 is folded back to form the second plate-like portion (rear constituent 34) extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first plate-shaped portion (front constituent body 33) and the second plate-shaped portion (rear constituent body 34) constitute front and rear vertical constituent bodies of the protruding portion 30.

[0112] On the inner periphery of the protruding portion 30 of the side plate 22, a plurality of plate-shaped vertical reinforcements extending in the up-down direction across the upper constituent body 31 and the lower constituent body 32 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, a first vertical reinforcement 40 is provided at the front side of the side plate 22, and a second vertical reinforcement 41 is provided at the rear side of the side plate 22. Each of the vertical reinforcements 40, 41 is made of a plate body with an L-shaped cross section, and is integrally connected to the outer plate portion 35.

[0113] A longitudinal reinforcement 42 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction across the first vertical reinforcement 40 and the second vertical reinforcement 41. As shown in FIG. 4 , the longitudinal reinforcement 42 is configured as a plate formed to protrude in a substantially triangular shape toward the inside of the tank when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The upper surface 42a of the longitudinal reinforcement 42 is formed in an inclined position that is positioned downward as it approaches the inside of the tank. This configuration makes it possible to prevent grain from accumulating on the upper surface of the longitudinal reinforcement 42.

[0114] When the side plate 22 is switched to the closed state, a facing portion 43 is formed at the inner edge of the opening 26 in the tank main body 23. The facing portion 43 is folded inward so as to face the outer peripheral side surface of the protrusion 30. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 10, the facing portion 43 is formed by bending inward a portion of the plate constituting the frame-shaped portion 27 of the tank main body 23 that corresponds to the inner edge of the opening 26.

[0115] 5, when the side plate 22 is switched to the closed state, the first wall surface portion 28 (the outer surface of the frame-shaped portion 27) is in surface contact with the second wall surface portion 38 formed by the outer plate portion 35 at the outer periphery of the opening 26. As shown in FIG. 3, a sealing member 44 made of a sponge or the like is provided at the location where the first wall surface portion 28 and the second wall surface portion 38 are in surface contact.

[0116] [Detachable side wall] The grain tank 7 has an opening 26 formed in the right side wall 21 and is equipped with a side panel 22 that can open and close the opening 26, but is configured so that the right side wall 21 can be replaced with a single-plate wall member that is connected in a continuous manner, like the wall members that form the front side, rear side, left side, and upper side.

[0117] To explain further, the right side wall 21 of the tank main body 23, where the opening 26 is formed, is provided with a frame-like portion 27 that surrounds the periphery of the opening 26. This frame-like portion 27 is configured to be removably connected to the other side wall portions.

[0118] 8, an attachment portion 45 formed by bending a plate toward the inside of the tank is formed on the outer periphery of the frame-shaped portion 27. Meanwhile, a support portion 46 positioned opposite the attachment portion 45 is formed on the tank main body 23 at a location corresponding to the outer periphery of the frame-shaped portion 27 and extending around the entire periphery.

[0119] A plurality of bolt insertion holes 47 are formed in the mounting portion 45 and the support portion 46, and the mounting portion 45 and the support portion 46 are connected by a plurality of bolts, and the frame-shaped portion 27 is fixed integrally to the tank main body portion 23.

[0120] When changing to a type of grain tank that does not have an opening 26, the connection between the mounting portion 45 and the support portion 46 using multiple bolts is released, the frame-shaped portion 27 is removed, and then a single-plate-shaped wall member 48 having a mounting portion of the same shape as the support portion 46 of the frame-shaped portion 27 is attached to the outer periphery.

[0121] [Locking device] A locking device 50 is provided which can be switched between a locked state in which the side plate 22 is fixed in a closed state and an unlocked state in which the side plate 22 can be switched to an open state.

[0122] The locking device 50 is provided with an operating lever 51 as an operating tool that is manually operated from outside the grain tank 7. The locking device 50 also has a first locking portion 52 that operates in response to operation of the operating lever 51, and a second locking portion 53 that can lock the first locking portion 52. The operating lever 51 and the first locking portion 52 are provided on the side plate 22, and the second locking portion 53 is provided on the tank main body 23.

[0123] The locking device 50 is configured to be in a locked state when the first locking portion 52 and the second locking portion 53 are locked together, and to be in an unlocked state when the first locking portion 52 and the second locking portion 53 are disengaged from each other. The locking device 50 is configured so that the first locking portion 52 and the second locking portion 53 are positioned in the storage space Q when the locking device 50 is in the locked state.

[0124] The locking device 50 has a hook-engagement type connecting structure and a pin-insertion type connecting structure. These connecting structures will be described below.

[0125] The hook-engagement type connecting structure will now be described. As shown in Figures 4 and 11 to 13, the first locking portion 52 is provided with a locking member 54 that swings in response to operation of the operating lever 51, and the second locking portion 53 is provided with a longitudinal frame 55 as a frame member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine body from the front to the rear of the grain tank.

[0126] The locking members 54 are configured as hook-shaped members having a generally U-shaped locking groove, and two of them are provided spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The front-rear frame 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to extend across a front wall portion 56 and a rear wall portion 57 of the tank main body 23. The longitudinal frame 55 is provided inside the grain tank 7, positioned at the vertically intermediate portion of the right end of the machine body.

[0127] 5, reinforcing members 58 having a generally U-shaped cross section are connected and fixed to the front wall 56 and the rear wall 57 at positions corresponding to the longitudinal frame 55 so as to extend in the up-down direction. The longitudinal frame 55 is connected to the front and rear reinforcing members 58.

[0128] The side plate 22 is provided with an operating lever 51 and a locking member 54, and is configured so that the locking member 54 can be switched between an engaged state in which it is hooked onto and locked to the front-rear frame 55 and an unlocked state in which it is released by operating the operating lever 51. When the locking member 54 is engaged with the front-rear frame 55, the side plate 22 is fixed in position in the closed state.

[0129] Next, the pin insertion type connection structure will be described. The first engaging portion 52 is provided with a plurality of locking members 59 that can slide in and out along the direction along the plate surface of the side plate 22, and the second engaging portion 53 is provided with abutment members 60 that abut against the protruding locking members 59 in the opening / closing movement direction of the side plate 22. When the operating lever 51 is operated, the locking members 59 protrude toward the outer periphery of the side plate 22 and abut against the abutment members 60 in the opening / closing movement direction, thereby being locked by the abutment members 60, and the side plate 22 is configured to be fixed in position to the tank main body 23.

[0130] 4 and 6, the first engaging portion 52 is provided with, as locking members 59, two upper locking members 61 and 62 located above the side plate 22 with a gap between them in the front-rear direction and supported so as to be movable up and down, and two lower locking members 63 and 64 located below the side plate 22 with a gap between them in the front-rear direction and supported so as to be movable up and down. The multiple locking members 59 are made of round bar-shaped members.

[0131] The upper locking member 61 and the lower locking member 63 located on the front side are provided in a state where they are located near the front component 33 of the protrusion 30, and the upper locking member 62 and the lower locking member 64 located on the rear side are provided in a state where they are located near the rear component 34 of the protrusion 30.

[0132] A cylindrical member 65 is provided as a cylindrical support member that supports the locking member 59 so that the locking member 59 can move up and down. The cylindrical member 65 is supported by a bracket 66 that is connected and fixed to the outer plate portion 35 and the protruding portion 30.

[0133] In addition, the second locking portion 53 is provided with contact members 60, which include two upper contact members 67, 68 at the front and rear, which are provided at positions corresponding to the two upper locking members 61, 62 at the upper portion of the opening 26 in the tank main body 23, and two lower contact members 69, 70 at the front and rear, which are provided at positions corresponding to the two lower locking members 63, 64 at the lower portion of the opening 26 in the tank main body 23.

[0134] When the operating lever 51 is operated, the upper locking members 61, 62 engage with the upper abutment members 67, 68, and the lower locking members 63, 64 engage with the lower abutment members 69, 70, so that the side plate 22 is fixed in position in the closed state.

[0135] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a support base 71 is integrally connected to the tank main body 23 above the opening 26, and the upper contact members 67, 68 are bolted to the support base 71 via shims 72. The upper contact members 67, 68 are formed from plates bent into a generally L-shape when viewed from the front to back. The upper contact members 67, 68 are attached with an L-shaped bent portion 73 pointing downward. The bent portion 73 is arc-shaped and functions to guide the movement of the upper locking members 61, 62 in the direction of closing the side panel 22 when the upper contact members 67, 68 abut against the upper locking members 61, 62. The thickness of the shims 72 can be changed to adjust the positions of the upper contact members 67, 68 in the direction toward or away from the upper locking members 61, 62.

[0136] A reinforcing plate 74 made of a plate formed to protrude in a substantially triangular shape toward the inside of the tank when viewed in the front-to-rear direction is fixed to the upper side of the opposing portion 43 of the frame-shaped portion 27 in order to reinforce the strength of the tank main body 23. The support base 71 is provided in a state where it is connected to the reinforcing plate 74.

[0137] 9 and 11, a support base 71 is integrally connected to the tank main body 23 at a location below the opening 26, and lower abutment members 69, 70 are bolted to the support base 71 via shims 72. The lower abutment members 69, 70 are formed from plates bent into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the front to back, and are attached with the L-shaped bent portion 73 facing upward. Similar to the upper abutment members 67, 68, the lower locking members 63, 64 abut against the lower abutment members 69, 70, thereby guiding the movement of the side panel 22 in the closing direction. The position adjustment using the shims 72 is the same as for the upper side.

[0138] The front and rear upper locking members 61, 62 and the front and rear lower locking members 63, 64 are configured to be switchable between a locked state in which they are integrally engaged with the abutment member 60 and a released state in which they are released from the engagement with the abutment member 60 by operating the operating lever 51.

[0139] 10, when the locking device 50 is in the locked state, an upper cover body 75 is provided as a cover that covers from above the front and rear upper locking members 61, 62 of the first locking portion 52 and the front and rear upper contact members 67, 68 of the second locking portion 53. The upper cover body 75 is provided in a state that extends from the front component 33 to the rear component 34 of the protruding portion 30, and has an upper surface 75a that is in an inclined position and a vertical surface portion 75b that extends in the up-down direction.

[0140] The upper cover body 75 is bolted at appropriate locations with its upper surface 75a abutting against the upper surface of a protruding portion 74a of the reinforcing plate 74 that protrudes in a generally triangular shape toward the inside of the tank. The upper surface 75a extends long enough to cover the upper contact members 67, 68 and the upper locking members 61, 62 from above. The vertical surface portions 75b extend in the up-down direction and are provided so as to cover the engagement portions between the upper contact members 67, 68 and the upper locking members 61, 62 in the left-right direction.

[0141] The upper surface of the upper cover body 75 is in contact with the upper surface of the protrusion 74a, and is therefore formed in an inclined shape that is positioned lower towards the inside of the grain tank 7.

[0142] When the side plate 22 is switched from the open state to the closed state, a mechanism is provided that uses the front-rear frame 55 on the tank body 23 side to lift and guide the side plate 22 to an appropriate position.

[0143] 3 to 5, a lifting guide body 76 is provided that climbs onto the longitudinal frame 55 and lifts and guides the side panel 22 to an appropriate position when the side panel 22 is switched to the closed state. The lifting guide body 76 is provided so as to be fixed integrally to the second vertical reinforcement body 41 at a middle position above and below.

[0144] The lifting guide body 76 is composed of a plate with a hole 76a formed in the center, and is cantilevered from the second vertical reinforcement body 41 toward the inside of the tank. It is provided with an inclined guide portion 76b on its underside that acts to ride up onto the longitudinal frame 55. When the side panel 22 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the inclined guide portion 76b rides up onto the longitudinal frame 55, thereby lifting and guiding the side panel 22 to the appropriate position and maintaining that position in the closed state. Therefore, the longitudinal frame 55 is configured to function as a fixed guide portion.

[0145] The longitudinal reinforcement 42 is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction between the portion of the first vertical reinforcement 40 that supports the storage case 79 and the portion of the second vertical reinforcement 41 that supports the lifting guide body 76.

[0146] (Linked operation configuration using operation lever) As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 11 to 13, the steering wheel 51 is provided with a support shaft 77 that rotates integrally when the operating lever 51 is swung. The support shaft 77 extends in the front-to-rear direction from the first vertical reinforcement body 40 to the second vertical reinforcement body 41. The support shaft 77 is inserted through insertion holes (not shown) formed in the first vertical reinforcement body 40 and the second vertical reinforcement body 41, and is rotatably supported by each of the first vertical reinforcement body 40 and the second vertical reinforcement body 41. The support shaft 77 is rotatably supported on the first vertical reinforcement body at a location adjacent to the location where the front-to-rear reinforcement body 42 is connected.

[0147] The operating lever 51 is integrally and rotatably connected to the front end of the support shaft 77, and the locking members 54 are integrally and rotatably connected to the front and rear portions of the support shaft 77. When the support shaft 77 is rotated in response to the swing operation of the operating lever 51, the front and rear locking members 54 are switched between an engaged state and a released state.

[0148] As shown in Figure 11, when the operating lever 51 is swung to the lock position on the inside of the case, the locking member 54 is locked to the longitudinal frame 55, connecting the swing-side end of the closed side panel 22 to the tank main body 23. As shown in Figure 13, when the operating lever 51 is swung to the release position on the outside, the locking member 54 is released from the longitudinal frame 55.

[0149] 4 to 6, a longitudinal intermediate portion of an operating body 78 that rotates integrally is connected to both front and rear end portions of the support shaft portion 77. Upper locking members 61 and 62 are interlocked and connected to one longitudinal end portion of the operating body 78. Lower locking members 63 and 64 are interlocked and connected to the other longitudinal end portion of the operating body 78.

[0150] When the operating lever 51 is swung to the locked position, the support shaft 77 rotates, and the upper locking members 61, 62 move upward via the operating body 78 and engage with the upper abutment members 67, 68, and the lower locking members 63, 64 move downward and engage with the lower abutment members 69, 70, thereby fixing the side plate 22 in a closed position. When the operating lever 51 is swung to the outward released position, the upper locking members 61, 62 move downward to release their engagement with the upper abutment members 67, 68, and the lower locking members 63, 64 move upward to release their engagement with the lower abutment members 69, 70.

[0151] Therefore, by swinging the operating lever 51, the side plate 22 can be switched between a locked state in which it is fixed in position relative to the tank body 23 in a closed state, and an unlocked state in which the side plate 22 can be switched to an open state.

[0152] (Storage case) The side plate 22 is provided with a storage case 79 that surrounds the periphery of the operating lever 51 and separates the operating area of ​​the operating lever 51 from the storage space Q. The storage case 79 is provided in a state where it is located on the inner circumferential side of the protruding portion 30.

[0153] The storage case 79 is located in front of the first vertical reinforcement member 40, and is connected and fixed to and supported by the first vertical reinforcement member 40 and the outer plate portion 35. The storage case 79 is provided with a case main body portion 81 having an opening portion 80 that opens toward the outside of the grain tank 7, and a door 82 that can open and close the opening portion 80. The door 82 is supported so that it can swing open and close around a forward / backward swing fulcrum P1 set at the lower end portion of the door 82.

[0154] When the door 82 is open, the door is unlocked by swinging the operating lever 51 to the release position on the outward side, and is locked by swinging the operating lever 51 to the lock position on the inside of the case.

[0155] Door 82 has an area larger than the opening area of ​​opening 80 of case main body 81, and is configured to cover the entire opening 80 when closed. A protruding portion of door 82 that is formed larger on the outer periphery than the periphery of opening 80 is configured to come into surface contact with the wall surface portion of side panel 22 that is located around opening 80 when door 82 is closed. A sealing member 83 made of, for example, a sponge is interposed between door 82 and the wall surface at the point where they come into surface contact.

[0156] The storage case 79 is provided with a door holding portion 84 that holds the door 82 in a closed state. The door holding portion 84 has a well-known elastic engagement holding mechanism. That is, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the door holding portion 84 is provided with: a locking rod 85 as a locked member provided on the case main body 81 side; a locking member 86 provided on the door side that is locked to the locking rod 85 to hold the door in a position; and a leaf spring 87 as an example of a spring that biases the locking member 86 to the position-holding state.

[0157] The locking member 86 is supported by the case main body 81 so as to be swingable about the front-to-rear axis X2, and is biased to swing counterclockwise in Fig. 11 by a leaf spring 87, and in a free state, the hook portion 86a is locked to the locking rod 85. When the locking member 54 is manually rotated clockwise in Fig. 10 against the biasing force of the leaf spring 87, the hook portion 86a is released from the locking rod 85, and the door 82 can be opened.

[0158] When the operating lever 51 is swung a set angle from the locked position toward the unlocked position with the door 82 closed, the operating lever 51 comes into contact with the door 82, restricting further swing. Specifically, when the operating lever 51 is swung a set angle from the locked position toward the unlocked position, the operating lever 51 comes into contact with the leaf spring 87, restricting further swing. When the operating lever 51 comes into contact with the leaf spring 87, the leaf spring 87 is configured to be pushed in a direction that urges the locking member 86 toward a position-maintaining state. For example, even if the operating lever 51 is disengaged from the locked position and swings toward the unlocked position due to vibration of the machine body or the like, the door 82 can be prevented from opening by pressing the leaf spring 87.

[0159] (detection sensor) 3, a detection sensor S that detects whether the side panel 22 is switched to the closed state is provided at a lower location on the front side of the tank main body 23. The detection sensor S has a sensor arm 89 that is swingable about a longitudinal axis attached to a sensor main body 88, and a potentiometer (not shown) that detects the amount of swing of the sensor arm 89 is built into the sensor main body 88. The sensor arm 89 is biased to swing toward the side panel 22, and is prevented from swinging further in its upward standby position.

[0160] A detection object 90 is provided at a location on the side plate 22 corresponding to the detection sensor S. The detection object 90 is a plate bent into a roughly V-shape, and is lightweight yet strong, and the appropriate length for operating the detection sensor can be easily obtained.

[0161] When the side plate 22 switches from the open state to the closed state, the object to be detected 90 comes into contact with the sensor arm 89, causing the sensor arm 89 to swing leftward against the swing biasing force. When the amount of swing of the sensor arm 89 reaches a detection value detected by the potentiometer that corresponds to the closed state, it can be detected that the side plate 22 is in the closed state, and when the sensor arm 89 swings rightward, it can be detected that the side plate 22 is in the open state.

[0162] Although not shown, the detection information from the detection sensor S is input to a control device, not shown, and the control device is configured to allow the engine E to start if the detection sensor S detects a blocked state, and to inhibit the start of the engine E if the detection sensor S does not detect a blocked state. Also, the control device is configured to bring the engine E to an emergency stop if the blocked state is no longer detected during harvesting work.

[0163] [Another embodiment] Other embodiments are listed below.

[0164] The upper component 31 and the lower component 32 of the protrusion 30 are not limited to those that extend linearly in the front-to-rear direction when the side plate 22 is in the closed state, but may be implemented in various forms, such as a configuration in which they are inclined downward toward the front or rear, or a configuration in which they extend forward and backward while bending in an arc shape or a wave shape. Moreover, the upper structure 31 and the lower structure 32 may be formed in a plate shape.

[0165] The front constituent 33 and the rear constituent 34 of the protrusion 30 are not limited to those extending linearly in the vertical direction, and may be implemented in various forms such as a configuration in which the lower side is inclined so as to be positioned more forward, a configuration in which the lower side is inclined so as to be positioned more forward, a configuration in which the lower side is inclined so as to be positioned more forward, a configuration in which the upper and lower sides extend while bending in an arc shape or a wave shape, etc. Also, the front constituent 33 and the rear constituent 34 may be configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0166] Instead of having a rectangular frame shape in a side view of the aircraft, the protrusion 30 may have an arc-shaped portion on a portion of its entire circumference, or may be formed into a circular or elliptical shape as a whole in a side view of the aircraft. Also, instead of being continuous in an annular shape, the protrusion 30 may be interrupted midway in the circumferential direction. That is, a portion of the circumferential direction of the opening 26 may be free of the protrusion 30, and the opening may be closed by contact between the wall surfaces.

[0167] The longitudinal reinforcement 42 may be configured in various forms, such as a shape that protrudes toward the inside of the tank in an arc-shaped cross section, or a configuration without the longitudinal reinforcement 42 may be adopted.

[0168] The tank body 23 may have a configuration in which the opposing portion 43 is not formed on the inner edge of the opening 26 .

[0169] The side plates 22 may be supported by the tank main body 23 so as to be swingable about a vertical axis located at a location on the front side of the aircraft body. Alternatively, the side plates 22 may be supported by the tank main body 23 so as to be swingable about an axis extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the aircraft body.

[0170] The storage case 79 may be provided at a location away from the first vertical reinforcement 40, or may be configured to be supported by the second vertical reinforcement 41. The upper surface of the storage case 79 may be formed in a horizontal shape, or may be formed in an inclined shape that is positioned higher as it moves away from the side plate 22.

[0171] Instead of the configuration including the first vertical reinforcement 40 and the second vertical reinforcement 41, a configuration including the first vertical reinforcement 40 but not the second vertical reinforcement 41, or a configuration including the second vertical reinforcement 41 but not the first vertical reinforcement 40, may be used. In a configuration not including the second vertical reinforcement 41, the lifting guide may be supported by a separately provided support member. Furthermore, in a configuration not including the first vertical reinforcement 40, the storage case 79 may be supported by the outer plate portion 35. A configuration not including both the first vertical reinforcement 40 and the second vertical reinforcement 41 may also be used.

[0172] The side plate 22 may be provided with only one of the first reinforcing plate 39 a and the second reinforcing plate 39 b, or may not be provided with the first reinforcing plate 39 a or the second reinforcing plate 39 b. In this case, the front component 33 and the rear component 34 may be formed as separate members from the outer plate portion 35 of the side plate 22.

[0173] The locking member 59 may be provided with upper locking members 61, 62 and lower locking members 63, 64 in three or more locations in the front and rear, or only one location, or only one of the upper locking members 61, 62 and the lower locking members 63, 64, etc.

[0174] The locking member 59 may be configured to slide horizontally and protrude toward the outer periphery of the side plate to be locked by the abutting member.

[0175] The upper surface of the upper cover body 75 may be formed in a horizontal shape. Also, a cover may be provided to cover the upper part of the engaging portion between the engaging member 54 of the first engaging portion 52 and the longitudinal frame 55 of the second engaging portion 53 when the locking device 50 is in the locked state.

[0176] Instead of the configuration in which the first engaging portion 52 in the locking device 50 is provided with a swingable engaging member 54 and a sliding locking member 59, the first engaging portion 52 may be provided with a swingable engaging member 54 without a sliding locking member 59, or the first engaging portion 52 may be provided with a locking member 59 without a sliding swingable engaging member 54.

[0177] The detection sensor for detecting whether the side plate 22 is in the closed state may be of multiple types with different detection methods. For example, in addition to the detection sensor configured to detect by contact with a swingable sensor arm as in the above embodiment, a sensor having a magnetic detection type proximity sensor on one side and a magnet on the other side that detects the closed state by approaching or moving away from the magnet may be used.

[0178] Such sensors with different detection methods may be provided at different positions. As in the above embodiment, one sensor may be provided at a lower portion of the tank main body 23 on the front side of the aircraft, and the other sensor may be provided at an upper portion of the tank main body 23 on the front side of the aircraft. Alternatively, the sensors may be provided at other positions, such as the intermediate portion between the front and rear.

[0179] The frame portion of the tank main body may be configured to be integrally connected to the other side wall portion instead of being detachable. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The present invention can be applied not only to head-feeding combine harvesters but also to full-feeding combine harvesters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 7 Grain Tank 21 Side wall 22 Side panel 23 Tank body 26 Aperture 27 Frame-shaped part 28 First wall section 30 Protrusion 31 Upper structure 32 Lower structure 32a top surface 33 Front structure (first plate-shaped portion) 34 Rear component (second plate-shaped portion) 38 Second wall section 39a First reinforcement plate 39b Second reinforcement plate 40 First vertical reinforcement 41 Second vertical reinforcement 42 Front and rear reinforcement 44 Sealing material 50 Locking device 51 Operating lever (operating tool) 52 First locking portion 53 Second locking part 54 Locking member 55 Front and rear frame (frame member) 59 Locking member 60 Contact member 61, 62 Upper locking member 63,64 Lower locking member 67,68 Upper contact member 69,70 Lower contact member 75 Upper cover body (cover) 79 Storage Case 80 Opening 81 Case body 82 Door 83 Sealing material 84 Door holder 85 Locked member 86 Locking member 87 Spring part Q Storage space S Blockage detection sensor Y1 axis center

Claims

[Claim 1] The internal storage space is equipped with a grain tank for storing harvested grain, The grain tank is provided with a side plate located on the outer periphery of the machine body and a tank main body portion other than the side plate, An opening is formed in the side wall portion of the tank body on the side where the side plate is located, extending from the top to the bottom of the grain tank and from the front to the rear, The side plate is configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the opening is closed to allow grains to be stored in the storage space and an open state in which the opening is opened to allow access to the storage space, by swinging; The side plate is provided with a protrusion that protrudes from an inner surface of the side plate toward an interior of the tank main body, the protrusion having a shape that conforms to the shape of the opening, When the side plates are switched to the closed state, the protrusion is positioned along the inner peripheral edge of the opening and inserted into the storage space.

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