combine

Abstract

The present invention provides a combine harvester that suppresses rice spillage from the discharge port when the auger is automatically stored in the auger receiving section. [Solution] In a combine harvester equipped with a discharge switch (25a) for discharging grain from a grain tank (d) and a storage switch (25b) for storing the discharge auger device (1) in an auger receiving section (1c), the controller (33) of the combine harvester detects the ON state of the storage switch (25b) when the discharge switch (25a) is OFF, and controls the discharge port (3) to be set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then stores the rotating auger section (1b) in the auger receiving section (1c).

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge auger device for discharging harvested grains temporarily stored in a grain tank of a combine.

Background Art

[0002] As a discharge auger device of a combine, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This discharge auger device is known to include a switching means for switching between a first state in which the discharge port is opened downward and a second state in which it is not opened downward, and a switching state detection means for detecting the switching state of the switching means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional combines, when the auger is stored in the auger receiving part after discharging the grains in the grain tank to the outside, there has been a problem that the rice grains remaining at the tip of the auger are likely to spill out from the discharge port.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above viewpoints, the present invention provides a combine that suppresses spillage of rice grains from the discharge port when automatically storing the auger in the auger receiving part.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a discharge auger device (1) comprising: a vertical auger section (1a) rising from a grain tank (d); a swivel auger section (1b) that is horizontally rotatable and communicates with the upper end of the vertical auger section to deliver grain to the side of the machine; a swivel control unit that adjusts and controls the swivel angle position of the swivel auger section (1b); and a switching means that switches the discharge port (3) at the tip of the discharge auger device (1) between a first state in which it is opened downward and a second state in which it is not opened downward; and a discharge switch for discharging grain from the grain tank (d) In a combine harvester comprising a (25a) and a storage switch (25b) for storing the discharge auger device (1) in the auger receiving section (1c), the controller (33) of the combine harvester, when it detects that the storage switch (25b) is ON while the discharge switch (25a) is OFF, controls the discharge port (3) to a second state using the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then stores the rotating auger section (1b) in the auger receiving section (1c).

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, when the controller (33) detects that the storage switch (25b) is ON while the discharge switch (25a) is OFF, it controls the discharge port (3) to be set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then stores the swirling auger section (1b) in the auger receiving section (1c). This prevents grain remaining in the swirling auger section (1b) from spilling out of the discharge port (3) even when the swirling auger section (1b) is operating.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a combine harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that when the controller (33) receives an operation command to rotate the rotating auger unit (1b) left or right while the rotating auger unit (1b) is not housed in the auger receiving unit (1c), it sets the discharge port (3) to a second state using the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then controls the rotating auger unit (1b) to rotate left or right.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, when an operation command to rotate the rotating auger unit (1b) left or right is received while the rotating auger unit (1b) is not housed in the auger receiving unit (1c), the discharge port (3) is set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then the rotating auger unit (1b) is controlled to rotate left or right. This prevents grain from spilling when the grain discharge operation is stopped midway and the rotating auger unit (1b) is rotated to move to another container.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the controller (33) detects that the position of the main shift lever (j) is forward or reverse when the swivel auger section (1b) is not housed in the auger receiving section (1c), the discharge port (3) is set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1).

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, when the controller (33) detects that the main gear lever (j) is in the forward or reverse position when the swivel auger section (1b) is not stored in the auger receiving section (1c), it sets the discharge port (3) to the second state using the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1). This prevents grain from spilling when the grain discharge operation is stopped midway and the combine is moved forward or backward to another container.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is a combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the controller (33) detects that the combine harvester has been turned off while the rotating auger section (1b) is housed in the auger receiving section (1c), the discharge port (3) is set to a first state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1).

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, when the controller (33) detects that the combine harvester has been turned off while the swivel auger section (1b) is housed in the auger receiving section (1c), it sets the discharge port (3) to a first state using the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1). Therefore, when the combine harvester is covered and stored in a warehouse, the discharge port (3) is set to the discharge position to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from accumulating in the discharge port (3). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the overall configuration of the combine harvester of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a combine harvester showing the operating range of the discharge auger device. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the wireless remote control. [Figure 4] An example of the monitor screen display is shown. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the discharge section. [Figure 7] Side view of the discharge section. [Figure 8] This is the processing procedure of the controller 33 that implements the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, a combine harvester 1, which is one embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. For the sake of ease of understanding, directions will be conveniently indicated as front, rear, right, and left from the operator's perspective, but the configuration is not limited by these designations.

[0016] <Overall configuration of a combine harvester> As shown in the overall configuration side view of FIG. 1, the combine to which the discharge auger device of the present invention is applied is composed of a machine body supported by left and right crawler traveling devices a, a, and includes a cutting unit b for cutting grain straws, a threshing unit c for separating grains from the grain straws, a storage unit (grain tank) d for storing the threshed grains, a discharge unit e for discharging the grains from the storage unit d to the outside of the machine body, an operation control unit f for inputting commands for machine body traveling and working operations, etc.

[0017] A main shift lever 15 for operating a continuously variable transmission to increase or decrease the traveling speed of the traveling device is provided at the front part of the side panel on the left side of the driver's seat of the operation control unit f. A sub-shift lever for operating the transmission to increase or decrease the traveling speed of the traveling device is provided on the right side of the main shift lever j. A cut-off lever for operating the cut-off clutch and the threshing clutch to connect and disconnect is provided on the rear side of the sub-shift lever. Further, a shift switch for reducing the output rotation of the hydraulic motor to a low speed by reducing the swash plate of the motor chamber of the continuously variable transmission is provided on the main shift lever j.

[0018] The operation position of the main shift lever j is detected by an angle sensor mounted on the base of the main shift lever j. The operation position of the sub-shift lever is measured by an angle sensor such as a potentiometer mounted on the base of the sub-shift lever. The operation position of the cut-off lever is measured by an angle sensor mounted on the base of the cut-off lever.

[0019] A sub-shift lever for operating the transmission to increase or decrease the traveling speed of the traveling device between "traveling" and "working" is provided on the rear side of the main shift lever j. The operation posture of the sub-shift lever is measured by an angle sensor such as a potentiometer mounted on the base of the sub-shift lever.

[0020] The discharge unit e is composed of a discharge auger device 1 including a vertical shaft auger part 1a rising from the storage unit d, a swivel auger part 1b communicating horizontally rotatably at the upper end of the vertical shaft auger part 1a to send the grains to the side of the machine body, and a swivel control unit for adjusting the swivel angle position of the swivel auger part 1b according to a command (not shown). The swivel auger part 1b is housed and held by an auger receiving part 1c.

[0021] The discharge auger device 1 is equipped with a discharge port 3 at the tip of the slewing auger section 1b. To adjust the position of this discharge port 3, the auger control device allows for vertical movement and extension / retraction in the coaxial direction of the slewing auger section 1b due to axial tilting, as well as rotational movement of the vertical axis auger section 1a. In addition to the driver control unit (on-machine operating means) f, each operation can be controlled from a wireless remote control (remote control means) 5, which will be described later.

[0022] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the device is equipped with a switching means (swing unit) 19 that switches between a discharge state (first state) in which grain can be discharged from the discharge section e to the discharge port 3 at the end of the conveying terminal of the discharge auger device 1, and a discharge restriction state (second state) in which the grain cannot move.

[0023] To describe the structure around the discharge port 3, a swing unit 19 having the discharge port 3 is rotatably fitted onto the outer circumference of the second horizontal cylinder 17b, and the discharge port 3 opens onto the swing unit 19 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the movable shaft 17c. By driving the swing actuator 20, the swing unit 19 is rotated relative to the second horizontal cylinder 17b. As shown in Figure 7, an opening 17d is formed in the part of the second horizontal cylinder 17b where the swing unit 19 is fitted, below the center in the vertical direction. When the swing unit 19 is rotated so that the discharge port 3 is facing downwards, the discharge port 3 and the opening 17d come into communication, creating a transfer state in which grain can be discharged from the discharge section e to the discharge port 3.

[0024] Furthermore, when the swing unit 19 is rotated so that the discharge port 3 is facing upward, the opening 17b is closed by the circumferential surface of the swing unit 19, resulting in a discharge restriction state. The swing actuator 20 is fixed to the swing unit 19 side and includes a swing motor 20a, a reduction gearbox 20b that changes the rotational output from the swing motor 20a, and a pinion gear 20c that outputs the reduced rotation. The pinion gear meshes with a fixed-side gear 21 which is integrated with the shaft and fixed to the portion of the flange 17e on the second horizontal cylinder 17b side that is on the extension of the moving shaft 17c.

[0025] The swing unit 19 rotates relative to the second horizontal cylinder 17b when driven by the swing motor 20a. The angle of rotation is detected by an exhaust angle sensor 23, which is located on the swing unit 19 side and detects the amount of rotation of a fan-shaped gear 22 that meshes with a small-diameter gear 21a which is integrated with the fixed gear 21.

[0026] As an example of a switching mechanism, a configuration in which the discharge state and the discharge restricted state are switched by rotating the swing unit 19 was shown. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the discharge port 3 has an openable and closable lid, or a configuration in which the swing unit 19 rotates around an axis perpendicular to the axis of the movable shaft 17c.

[0027] The rotational range of the rotating auger unit 1b is configured to allow for separate setting of a relatively wide angular range A, which can be adjusted from the control unit f, and a relatively narrow angular range B, which can be adjusted by the wireless remote control 5, as shown in the plan view of the operating range of the discharge auger device in Figure 2. The remaining portion of the adjustable range A from the control unit f includes the angular position H in which the rotating auger unit 1b is housed and held, and is a conditional rotational range C that requires interference adjustment with the control unit f. This conditional rotational range C is configured to allow rotational movement only when the rotating auger unit 1b is within a predetermined height range, with the additional condition of adjusting a predetermined height. Furthermore, a limit angle position notification means is provided that notifies the operator by sounding a horn or the like when the rotating auger unit 1b is operated to exceed the limit angle position of the rotational range. A receiving antenna 7 that receives weak radio waves from the wireless remote control 5 is placed on the upper part of the other half of the machine body of the grain tank d.

[0028] The wireless remote control 5, in detail as shown in Figure 3, is equipped with "up," "down," "left," and "right" switches, and command signals for upward, downward, leftward, and rightward movement are transmitted to the receiving antenna 7, respectively, allowing the swivel auger unit 1b to tilt and swivel, thereby adjusting the position of the discharge port 3 up, down, left, and right. In addition, the "extend" and "contract" switches command the extension and retraction of the swivel auger unit 1b to adjust the position of the discharge port 3, the discharge switch 25a controls the on / off switching of grain discharge, and the storage switch 25b controls the storage and deployment of the swivel auger unit 1b. It also has an indicator 5a that lights up when each switch is operated when the battery level is low.

[0029] When the discharge switch 25a is operated to ON, if the swing unit 19 is at a dischargeable angle, the discharge clutch device is rotated by the tension motor to the "on" state, the belt is operated to a tensioned state, the rotational power of the engine is input to the tank transfer spiral, and the components of the discharge path that discharge grain to the outside of the machine, such as the tank transfer spiral, each spiral of the transfer discharge cylinder device, and the rear, middle, and front moving transfer spirals of the moving spiral shaft, are rotated. When the discharge switch 25a is operated to OFF, the rotational drive of the engine is no longer input.

[0030] As described above, by configuring the discharge auger device 1, it is possible to avoid interference with the control unit f and other components, ensuring safety, while also allowing for handling in accordance with the differences in the roles of the control unit f and the wireless remote control 5. Furthermore, since sounding the horn every time the wireless remote control 5 is operated would be noisy, the limit angle position notification means is limited to when the limit angle position of the swivel range B is reached using the wireless remote control 5. This allows the operator using the wireless remote control to be aware and take appropriate action, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0031] Next, the position adjustment control of the discharge auger device 1 and the control of the swing unit 19 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of Figure 5, the position adjustment control system of the discharge auger device 1 is equipped with a group of auger position adjustment drive devices 31 on the input side of the controller 33 and a group of sensors 32 on the output side of the controller 33 corresponding to each of the position adjustment drive devices 31 of the discharge section e, thereby adjusting and controlling the position of the discharge section e. Specifically, the controller 33 calculates the position of the discharge port of the discharge section e using the sensor group 32 and controls the movement of the discharge section e. The controller 33 also drives the swing motor 20a to control the swing unit 19 so that it can be discharged from the discharge section e to the discharge port 3 at the end of the transport of the discharge auger device 1 in a discharge state (first state) or a discharge restriction state (second state) in which the grain cannot move.

[0032] Next, the processing procedure of the controller 33 implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, in step 1 (S1), the controller 33 detects the input state of the discharge switch and determines whether the discharge switch is in the OFF state or not. If the discharge switch is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step 2 (S2); if the discharge switch is in the ON state, the process returns to start.

[0034] Next, in step 2 (S2), the controller 33 detects the input state of the storage switch and determines whether the storage switch is in the ON state or not. If the storage switch is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step 3 (S3); if the storage switch is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step 5 (S5).

[0035] Next, in step 3 (S3), the controller 33 sets the discharge port 3 to a discharge restriction state (second state). Specifically, the swing actuator 20 of the swing unit 19 is driven to rotate the discharge port 3 so that it is facing upwards, and the process proceeds to step 4 (S4). This prevents grain remaining in the swirling auger section 1b from spilling out of the discharge port 3.

[0036] Next, in step 4 (S4), the controller 33 houses the swivel auger section 1b in the auger receiving section 1c and returns to start. Specifically, the controller 33 controls the vertical movement and coaxial extension / retraction movement of the swivel auger section 1b due to axial tilting, and the swivel movement of the vertical axis auger section 1a via the auger control device, and houses it in the auger receiving section 1c. When raising the swivel auger section 1b, controlling the raising speed to be slow at the start and gradually increasing the speed can suppress grain leakage from the discharge port 3.

[0037] Next, in step 5 (S5), the controller 33 determines whether the rotating auger section 1b is housed in the auger receiving section 1c. Specifically, the controller 33 determines whether the auger receiving section 1c is housed in the auger receiving section 1c based on the rotational position and angular position of the auger receiving section 1c obtained from the auger control device of the discharge auger device 1. If the rotating auger section 1b is not housed in the auger receiving section 1c, the process proceeds to step 6 (S6); if the rotating auger section 1b is housed in the auger receiving section 1c, the process returns to start.

[0038] Next, in step 6 (S6), the controller 33 determines whether it has received a command to rotate the slewing auger unit 1b left or right. Specifically, the operator rotates the slewing auger unit 1b left or right via a remote control, wireless terminal, or control panel, and sends a command to the controller 33's communication unit. If the controller 33 receives a command to rotate left or right, it proceeds to step 3 (S3); if it does not receive a command to rotate left or right, it returns to start.

[0039] Next, in step 7 (S7), the controller 33 determines whether the operating position of the main shift lever j is forward or reverse. Specifically, the operating position is detected by an angle sensor attached to the main shift lever j. If the operating position of the main shift lever j is forward or reverse, the process proceeds to step 3 (S3), and if no left or right turning command is received, the process returns to start.

[0040] Furthermore, another example of this embodiment will be described.

[0041] Even when the ignition key switch of the circuit that detects when the combine harvester's key is off is OFF, the controller 33 can also control the rotation by driving the swing actuator 20 of the swing unit 19 so that the discharge port 3 faces downward (first state). Since the swing unit 19 automatically moves to the first discharge position when the key is turned off, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris. In addition, if the combine harvester is equipped with a human presence sensor and no human presence is detected on the left front side of the machine, the swing unit 19 may be controlled to automatically face downward (first state). Furthermore, when the combine harvester's key is turned on, the swing unit 19 may be controlled to automatically move to the discharge restricted state (second state). When the combine harvester is running, if the swing unit 19 is facing downward (first state), the left side of the field of view is obstructed, but by controlling the swing unit 19 to the discharge restricted state (second state) when the key is turned on, the worker's field of view is improved.

[0042] Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is detected to be above a certain value (e.g., 1 m / s), the swing unit 19 may be controlled to automatically switch to the emission restriction state (second state) if it is facing downwards (first state). This improves the left-side visibility of the company operator when the combine harvester is in operation.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing a lock switch on the control panel to prohibit operation of the discharge auger device 1, and allowing remote control operation only when locked, the combine operator's operation can be prioritized to avoid malfunctions. Alternatively, when the discharge auger device 1 is being operated via the control panel, remote control operation may be disabled.

[0044] Furthermore, if the swing unit 19 is facing downwards (first state) when the operating position of the sub-transmission lever is switched from "work" to "drive", the system may be controlled to automatically move the swing unit 19 into an exhaust restriction state (second state).

[0045] Furthermore, when the auxiliary transmission lever is set to the "travel" position, the rotating auger section 1b may be configured to automatically return to its retracted position if it is extended. In this case, forward and reverse movement using the main transmission lever j is disabled until the rotating auger section 1b is fully retracted to ensure safety for the surrounding area. Additionally, when the auxiliary transmission lever is set to the "travel" position, operation of the discharge auger device 1 via the control panel and remote control may be disabled.

[0046] Furthermore, when the auxiliary transmission lever is in the "work" position and the slewing auger section 1b is extended, vehicle speed restrictions, restrictions on the main transmission lever's turning force increase switch, and restrictions on sharp turns using the power steering lever are implemented to ensure safety for the surrounding area.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to some embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1. Discharge Auger Device 1a Vertical axis auger section 1b Swivel Auger Section 1c Auger receiving section 3 outlet 15 Reaping device 19. Swing unit (switching mechanism) 20 Control device 25a Discharge switch 25b Storage Switch 33 Controllers A. Rotation range a Crawler track system B. Swivel range C Specific range d Glen Tank e. Discharge auger device f. Driving and Control Unit H Storage angle position j Main gear lever

Claims

1. The discharge auger device (1) comprises a vertical auger section (1a) rising from a grain tank (d), a rotating auger section (1b) that is horizontally rotatable and communicates with the upper end of the vertical auger section to discharge grain to the side of the machine, a rotation control unit that adjusts and controls the rotation angle position of the rotating auger section (1b), and a switching means that switches the discharge port (3) at the tip of the discharge auger device (1) between a first state in which it is opened downward and a second state in which it is not opened downward, A discharge switch (25a) for discharging grain from the grain tank (d), A combine harvester comprising a storage switch (25b) for housing the discharge auger device (1) in the auger receiving section (1c), The combine harvester's controller (33) is characterized in that, when the discharge switch (25a) is in the OFF state and the storage switch (25b) is in the ON state, it controls the discharge port (3) to be set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then stores the rotating auger section (1b) in the auger receiving section (1c).

2. The combine harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that when the controller (33) receives an operation command to rotate the rotating auger unit (1b) left or right while the rotating auger unit (1b) is not housed in the auger receiving unit (1c), it sets the discharge port (3) to a second state using the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1), and then controls the rotating auger unit (1b) to rotate left or right.

3. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the controller (33) detects that the position of the main shift lever (j) is forward or reverse when the rotating auger section (1b) is not housed in the auger receiving section, the discharge port (3) is set to a second state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1).

4. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the controller (33) detects that the combine harvester has been turned off while the rotating auger section (1b) is housed in the auger receiving section, the discharge port (3) is set to a first state by the switching means (19) of the discharge auger device (1).

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