combine

Abstract

It was desired to facilitate maintenance work inside the grain tank and to improve the durability of the quality measurement device. [Solution] The grain tank 7 comprises a side plate 50 and a tank body portion 46 other than the side plate 50. An opening is provided in the side wall portion of the tank body portion 46 on the side where the side plate 50 is located, extending from the front to the rear of the grain tank 7. The side plate 50 is pivotably supported by the tank body portion 46 and is configured to open and close the opening. A locking mechanism is provided that can switch between a holding state that holds the side plate 50 in a storage state and a release state that releases the holding position. When the side plate 50 is switched from the holding state to the release state, the lower end of the side plate 50 separates from the lower edge of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combine harvester including a grain tank for storing harvested grains and a quality measurement device for measuring the quality of the grains stored in the grain tank with the grains as a measurement target.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the outer peripheral surface of the grain tank is constituted by a wall body in a state where the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surfaces on both the left and right sides are all connected continuously, and a storage space is formed inside the wall body surrounded by the wall body. And, an opening is formed in a part of the wall body constituting the grain tank, and the quality measurement device is allowed to enter from the outside through the opening, and the quality measurement device is configured to be mounted in a state of being exposed to the outside (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional configuration, since the outer peripheral surface of the grain tank is constituted by a wall body in a state where all are connected continuously, for example, after the harvesting operation is completed, it is difficult to perform maintenance work inside the tank such as cleaning work for removing dust and residual grains adhering and depositing on the inner wall surface of the storage space.

[0005] [[ID=X]]Furthermore, in the above conventional configuration, although there is an advantage that maintenance work such as inspection and repair of the quality measurement device is easy because the quality measurement device is provided in a state of being exposed to the outside, there is a risk that rainwater or the like may fall on the quality measurement device, and there are disadvantages such as a decrease in the durability of the quality measurement device.

[0006] It should be noted that in the original text, the line "さらに、上記従来構成では、品質計測装置が外方に露出する状態で備えられるので、品質計測装置に対する点検修理等のメンテナンス作業は行い易い利点があるものの、品質計測装置に対して雨水等が降りかかるおそれがあり、品質計測装置の耐久性が低下する等の不利な面があった。" has been split into two parts in the translation for better readability. The original line has been translated as "Furthermore, in the above conventional configuration, although there is an advantage that maintenance work such as inspection and repair of the quality measurement device is easy because the quality measurement device is provided in a state of being exposed to the outside, there is a risk that rainwater or the like may fall on the quality measurement device, and there are disadvantages such as a decrease in the durability of the quality measurement device." and "In the above conventional configuration, since the outer peripheral surface of the grain tank is constituted by a wall body in a state where all are connected continuously, for example, after the harvesting operation is completed, it is difficult to perform maintenance work inside the tank such as cleaning work for removing dust and residual grains adhering and depositing on the inner wall surface of the storage space." in the translation. The two parts have been combined into one in the translation and marked with "[[ID=X]]" for easy reference.Therefore, there was a need to make maintenance work inside the grain tank easier, as well as to improve the durability of the quality measurement device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the combine harvester according to the present invention is that it is equipped with a grain tank for storing harvested grain, A quality measuring device for measuring the quality of grain is provided inside the grain tank, near the outer edge in the width direction of the machine body. The key feature is that the side plate on the outer periphery of the grain tank on the side where the quality measuring device is installed is switchable between a storage state, which closes the storage space inside the tank to enable the storage of grain, and a maintenance state, which opens the storage space to the outside to enable access to the storage space.

[0008] According to the present invention, when harvesting is performed, the side plate of the grain tank can be switched to the storage state, allowing the harvested crops to be stored in the storage space inside the grain tank. When the harvesting is completed and maintenance work such as cleaning is to be performed, the side plate of the grain tank is switched to the maintenance state. When switched to the maintenance state in this way, the storage space is opened to the outside, allowing workers to enter the storage space.

[0009] As a result, by allowing workers to enter the storage space, maintenance tasks such as cleaning to remove dust and residual grains adhering to the inner walls of the storage space can be easily and without hassle.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the quality measurement device is installed inside the grain tank, there is no risk of rainwater or other elements falling on the quality measurement device and causing a decrease in its durability. When the side plate of the grain tank is switched to the maintenance state, workers can enter the storage space, making it easy for workers to perform maintenance work on the quality measurement device installed inside the grain tank.

[0011] Therefore, maintenance work inside the grain tank can be easily performed, and maintenance work on the quality measurement device can also be easily performed, while simultaneously improving the durability of the quality measurement device.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the side plate is switched to the maintenance state, the quality measuring device is exposed facing the outside of the tank.

[0013] With this configuration, when the side panel is switched to the maintenance position, the quality measurement device is exposed facing the outside of the tank, allowing workers to perform maintenance on the quality measurement device without having to enter deep into the grain tank. Therefore, maintenance on the quality measurement device can be performed easily and without hassle.

[0014] In the present invention, a front-to-rear frame is provided inside the grain tank, extending in the front-to-rear direction from the front to the rear of the grain tank. It is preferable that the quality measuring device is supported by the front-to-back oriented frame.

[0015] With this configuration, the front and rear of the grain tank are connected by a front-to-back frame, which prevents a decrease in the support strength of the grain tank caused by the side plates being switched to a maintenance state and the storage space being opened to the outside. Furthermore, it becomes possible to stably support the quality measurement device using such a reinforcing front-to-back frame.

[0016] In the present invention, the grain tank is provided with a vertically oriented frame that extends vertically from the top of the grain tank to the front-to-back oriented frame, It is preferable that the quality measuring device is supported by the aforementioned vertically oriented frame.

[0017] According to this configuration, the vertical frame is firmly supported by utilizing the highly rigid frame members on both upper and lower sides, namely the front-rear frame and the upper part of the grain tank. And the quality measurement device can be stably supported by the vertically supported frame like this.

[0018] In the present invention, the lower part of the vertical frame is placed and supported in a state of being engaged with the front-rear frame. It is preferable that the upper part of the vertical frame is connected to the upper part of the grain tank.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the connection between the upper part of the vertical frame and the upper part of the grain tank is released, the engagement of the lower part of the vertical frame with the front-rear frame can be easily released, so the vertical frame can be easily removed. When attaching the vertical frame, it can be dealt with by engaging the lower part of the vertical frame with the front-rear frame first and then connecting the upper part of the vertical frame to the upper part of the grain tank. Therefore, since the vertical frame can be easily attached and detached, the maintenance work of the quality measurement device can be carried out more easily.

[0020] In the present invention, the vertical frame is formed in a frame shape. It is preferable that the quality measurement device is accommodated within the frame of the vertical frame.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the quality measurement device is accommodated by using the vertically oriented frame which is highly rigid due to being formed in a frame shape, the quality measurement device can be well supported while being protected by the vertical frame.

[0022] In the present invention, the quality measurement device includes a temporary storage part for temporarily storing the grains to be measured, and a measurement part that measures the quality of the grains by performing a measurement action on the grains stored in the temporary storage part. It is preferable that the temporary storage part is located on the central part side of the grain tank, and the measurement part is located on the outer peripheral part side of the grain tank.

[0023] According to this configuration, since the temporary storage section is located on the central side of the grain tank, it is easy to receive and store the grains carried into the grain tank in the temporary storage section. The measurement section that requires maintenance work such as inspection and repair is located on the outer peripheral side of the grain tank, so it is easy to access from the outside, and the maintenance work can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is an overall side view of the combine. [Figure 2] It is an overall plan view of the combine. [Figure 3] It is a partial longitudinal sectional rear view of the grain tank. [Figure 4] It is a partial transverse sectional plan view of the grain tank. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the grain tank in the maintenance state. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the tank main body. [[ID=Z5]] [Figure 7] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view of the grain tank with the right side wall open. [Figure 8] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view of the grain tank with the right side wall closed. [Figure 9] It is a transverse sectional plan view of the grain tank. [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view of the right side wall. [Figure 11] It is a side view of the right side wall. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the support state of the quality measuring device. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the upper part of the opening and closing wall. [Figure 14] It is an exploded perspective view of the operation lever arrangement part. [Figure 15] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing the mounting state of the toggle spring. [Figure 16] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing the locking guide body. [Figure 17] It is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing the locking guide body. [[ID=S9]] [Figure 18]This is a cross-sectional plan view of the right wall portion of another embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart of the control operation in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention applied to a self-propelled combine harvester will be described based on the drawings.

[0026] [Overall structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the combine harvester according to the present invention has a cutting unit 3 for cutting planted grain stalks at the front of a self-propelled machine body 2, which is driven by a pair of left and right crawler tracks 1,1. An operator's unit 5, surrounded by a cabin 4, is provided on the front right side of the machine body 2. Behind the operator's unit 5, a threshing device 6 for threshing the grain stalks cut by the cutting unit 3 and a grain tank 7 for storing the grain obtained from the threshing process are arranged side by side. 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 operator's unit 5 is located in front of the grain tank 7. An engine E is provided below the driver's seat 8 in the operator's unit 5. At the rear of the machine body 2, behind the grain tank 7, is a grain discharge device 9 for discharging the grain stored in the grain tank 7 to the outside of the machine.

[0027] In this embodiment, when defining the front-rear direction of the machine, it is defined along the direction of machine movement in the working state, and when defining the left-right direction of the machine, it is defined as viewed from the direction of machine movement. That is, the direction indicated by the symbol (F) in Figures 1 and 2 is the front side of the machine, and the direction indicated by the symbol (B) in Figures 1 and 2 is the rear side of the machine. The direction indicated by the symbol (L) in Figure 2 is the left side of the machine, and the direction indicated by the symbol (R) in Figure 2 is the right side of the machine.

[0028] The harvesting unit 3 includes a weed-separating tool 10 that guides the base of the planted grain stalks to be harvested, multiple lifting devices 11 that lift the separated planted grain stalks into an upright position, a clipper-type harvesting device 12 that cuts the base of the lifted planted grain stalks, and a vertical conveying device 13 that transports the harvested grain stalks backward while gradually changing their position from an upright position to a horizontal position, and supplies them to the threshing device 6. The upper side of the vertical conveying device 13 is covered by a dustproof cover 14.

[0029] Although not shown in the diagram, the threshing device 6 threshes the harvested grain by gripping and conveying the base of the stalks with a threshing feed chain, while threshing the head end in the threshing chamber. After threshing, the processed material is separated into grain and straw in the sorting section below. The grain is then transported out to the right side of the threshing device 6 by a first-fill material conveying screw (not shown), and then lifted by a grain lifting conveyor 15 and transported into the grain tank 7. The grain tank 7 stores the grain sent from the threshing device 6. After that, the grain stored in the grain tank 7 is transported outside by a grain discharge device 9.

[0030] The grain tank 7 is equipped with a bottom screw 16 at its bottom that rotates around a front-to-back axis to transport the stored grain toward the rear of the machine. The grain discharge device 9 includes a vertical-feed screw conveyor 17 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 laterally from its base end, which is connected to the upper end of the vertical-feed screw conveyor 17, to the discharge port 18 at its tip.

[0031] [Quality Measurement Equipment] A quality measuring device 20 for measuring the quality of grain is installed inside the grain tank 7. As shown in Figure 3, the quality measuring device 20 includes a temporary storage unit 21 for temporarily storing the grain to be measured, and a measuring unit 22 for measuring the quality of the grain stored in the temporary storage unit 21. As shown in Figure 3, the temporary storage unit 21 is located on the inside of the grain tank 7, and the measuring unit 22 is located on the outside of the grain tank 7. The measuring unit 22 is housed inside a sealed storage case 23. The temporary storage unit 21 includes a roughly rectangular cylindrical storage case 24 integrally connected to the inner side of the storage case 23, and grain can be stored inside it.

[0032] The temporary storage unit 21 has a vertically oriented passage 25 formed inside the storage case 24 that penetrates vertically, and includes a shutter plate 26 that can change its orientation between a closed state (see Figure 3) where it closes the vertically oriented passage 25 in a horizontal position and an open state (not shown) where it opens the vertically oriented passage 25, and an operating unit 27 that changes the orientation of the shutter plate 26 using the driving force of an electric motor (not shown). The temporary storage unit 21 receives and stores a portion of the grain that is lifted by the grain conveyor 15 and transported into the grain tank 7.

[0033] The grain lifting conveyor 15 uses a screw conveyor 28 to lift the grain to near its upper end, and then a discharge blade 29 located at the upper end discharges the grain towards the inside of the grain tank 7 through an opening 30 formed in the tank. Some of the grain discharged by the discharge blade 29 is supplied to the temporary storage section 21.

[0034] The temporary storage unit 21, when the shutter plate 26 is switched to the closed position, can receive the released grain and store it in the storage space 31 formed above the shutter plate 26. When the shutter plate 26 is switched to the open position, the stored grain falls downward and is discharged back into the grain tank 7.

[0035] The measurement unit 22 irradiates light onto the grain stored in the storage space 31 and measures the internal quality of the grain using a known spectroscopic analysis method based on the light obtained from the grain. A light-transmitting window 32 is formed on the side of the storage space 31 that faces the measurement unit 22, and the measurement unit 22 irradiates light onto the grain through this window 32 and also receives light from the grain.

[0036] [Storage Case] Next, I will explain the storage case 23. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the storage case 23 is composed of a vertically oriented front wall 33 located on the front side, a vertically oriented rear wall 34 located on the rear side, a vertically oriented plate-shaped upper connecting portion 35 connecting the upper end of the front wall 33 and the upper end of the rear wall 34, a lower connecting portion 36 connecting the lower end of the front wall 33 and the lower end of the rear wall 34, an inner wall 37 located on the left side of the machine (inside the tank) and extending vertically, and an outer wall 38 located on the right side of the machine (outside the tank) and extending vertically. The lower connecting portion 36 has a roughly L-shaped cross-section when viewed in the front-rear direction and comprises a vertical surface portion and a horizontal surface portion.

[0037] The inner wall portion 37 is provided in a flat plate shape and is integrally connected to the inner edge of the front wall portion 33 and the rear wall portion 34 along the inner edge of the tank. The outer wall portion 38 has bent surfaces on both the front and rear sides and is formed in a substantially U shape in plan view. The outer wall portion 38 is connected to the front wall portion 33 and the rear wall portion 34 by fastening the bent side surfaces on both the front and rear sides to the front wall portion 33 and the rear wall portion 34 at multiple points with bolts Bo. At the lower part of the outer wall portion 38, a lower bent surface is integrally formed, which connects with the horizontal surface portion of the lower connecting portion 36 to form the bottom surface of the storage space. The outer wall portion 38 can be removed by loosening the bolts Bo at multiple points. When the outer wall portion 38 is removed, the inside of the storage case 23 is opened, and the quality measurement device 20 can be inspected, etc.

[0038] In the storage case 23, a frame-shaped up-and-down frame 39 is formed by the front wall 33, rear wall 34, upper connecting part 35, and lower connecting part 36, respectively. In addition to the front wall 33 and rear wall 34 that constitute the up-and-down frame 39, a sealed storage space is formed by the inner wall 37 and outer wall 38, respectively, which are supported by the up-and-down frame 39. The quality measuring device 20 is housed within the frame of the up-and-down frame 39 by being connected to the inner wall 37. The support structure for the storage case 23 relative to the grain tank 7 will be described later.

[0039] [Grain tank] Next, I will explain the grain tank 7. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the grain tank 7 is surrounded by a front side 40 located at the front of the machine, a rear side 41 located at the rear of the machine, a right side 42 located on the right side of the machine, and a left side 43 located on the left side of the machine. The top is covered by an upper side 44. Thus, the grain storage space Q is formed by being surrounded by the front side 40, rear side 41, right side 42, left side 43, and upper side 44.

[0040] A portion of the right side wall 45 that constitutes the right side 42 of the grain tank 7 (the open / closed wall 50, described later) is provided to be switchable between a storage state that closes the storage space Q to enable the storage of grain and a maintenance state that opens the storage space Q to the outside to allow workers to access the storage space Q.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the sides of the grain tank 7, excluding the right side 42, namely the front side 40, rear side 41, left side 43, and top side 44, are all formed by wall members connected in a continuous line, constituting the tank body 46. As shown in Figure 9, the left side wall 47, which constitutes the left side 43 of the tank body 46, has a recessed section 48 for accommodating the grain conveyor 15.

[0042] The right side wall 45 of the grain tank 7 is positioned facing outward to the right side of the traveling machine body 2. The right side wall 45 is designed to allow access to an area extending from the top to the bottom and from the front to the rear. That is, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the right side wall 45 has a large opening 49 that allows access to an area extending from the top to the bottom and from the front to the rear. This large opening 49 is closed by an openable / closable wall 50 (an example of a side plate) to form a storage space Q inside.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the right side wall 45 comprises an opening / closing wall 50 and a frame-shaped portion 51 surrounding the opening 49. The frame-shaped portion 51 is connected to the other side and constitutes part of the tank body 46. As shown in Figure 8, when the opening / closing wall 50 is switched to the storage state, the opening / closing wall 50 and the frame-shaped portion 51 are integrally connected, as will be described later, thereby forming the right side wall 45.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the opening / closing wall 50 is supported by the tank body 46 so as to be able to swing open and closed around the axis Y1 of a vertical support shaft 52 located at the rear of the grain tank 7. Two pivot support parts 54 are provided at the right end of the rear side wall 53 that constitutes the rear side surface 41 of the tank body 46, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each pivot support part 54 comprises a support base 55 that protrudes rearward and a vertical support shaft 52 that extends upward from the support base 55.

[0045] A pivot bracket 57, which is roughly U-shaped in side view and has an engagement hole formed therein that fits and engages with the vertical support shaft 52 from above, is connected to the opening / closing wall section 50 at the location corresponding to the rotation support section 54. By fitting and engaging the pivot brackets 57 on both the upper and lower sides with the vertical support shaft 52, the opening / closing wall section 50 is supported so as to be able to swing freely around the axis Y1 of the vertical support shaft 52.

[0046] Next, we will describe the configuration for reinforcing the strength of the tank body 46.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, a front-to-rear frame 58 is provided as a frame body that extends in the front-to-rear direction of the machine, spanning from the front to the rear of the tank body 46. The front-to-rear frame 58 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided extending across the front side wall portion 59 that constitutes the front side surface 40 and the rear side wall portion 53 that constitutes the rear side surface 41 of the tank body 46. The front-to-rear frame 58 is provided in a position midway between the upper and lower right end of the machine body inside the grain tank 7. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front end of the front-to-rear frame 58 is provided in a state where it is inserted through the front side wall portion 59 and exposed to the front side outward. The rear end of the front-to-rear frame 58 is provided in a state where it is inserted through the rear side wall portion 53 and exposed to the rear side outward. The front-to-rear frame 58 is held in place by retaining pins (not shown) that prevent it from coming loose, while being inserted through the front side wall portion 59 and the rear side wall portion 53, respectively.

[0048] Multiple auxiliary frame bodies are provided, each extending in a different direction from the front-to-rear frame 58 and connecting the left wall portion 47, which is a planar tank structure different from the opening / closing wall portion 50, to the front-to-rear frame 58.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9, first auxiliary frames 61 made of round bar material are provided as auxiliary frame bodies connecting the front-rear oriented frame 58 and the left side wall 47 at positions located forward of the front-rear center of the front-rear oriented frame 58 and at positions located backward of the front-rear center. As shown in Figure 8, the first auxiliary frames 61 on both the front and rear sides extend upward to the left from the connection point with the front-rear oriented frame 58 and are connected to the upper part of the left side wall 47.

[0050] Furthermore, a second auxiliary frame 62, made of a strip of plate material, is provided as an auxiliary frame body that connects the front-to-rear central portion of the front-to-rear oriented frame 58 to the lower portion of the left side wall portion 47. The second auxiliary frame 62 is provided extending from the lower end of the storage case 23 that houses the quality measuring device 20 to the lower portion of the left side wall portion 47. To elaborate, as shown in Figures 3 and 8, a bracket 63 is integrally provided at the bottom of the storage case 23. In addition, a reinforcing member 64, formed in an L-shape in cross-section, is connected to the lower portion of the left side wall portion 47. One end of the second auxiliary frame 62 is fastened to the bracket 63 with bolts Bo. The other end of the second auxiliary frame 62 is fastened to the reinforcing member 64 with bolts Bo.

[0051] As described above, the tank is equipped with a front-to-back frame 58, two first auxiliary frames 61, and one second auxiliary frame 62, which increases the support strength of the tank body 46, which has a large opening in the right side wall 45. To elaborate, the front side wall 59 and the rear side wall 53 are connected by the front-to-back frame 58, so even if the front side wall 59 and the rear side wall 53 are subjected to a force that causes them to bulge outward due to the weight of the grain, the front-to-back frame 58 can absorb that force and prevent deformation. As shown in Figure 8, even if the upper part of the left side wall 47 is subjected to a force that causes it to bulge outward due to the weight of the grain, the first auxiliary frame 61 can absorb that force and prevent deformation. Similarly, the lower part of the left side wall 47 can be prevented from deforming by the second auxiliary frame 62.

[0052] The support structure of the storage case 23 that houses the quality measuring device 20 will be described. The lower part of the vertically oriented frame 39 in the storage case 23 is mounted and supported in a state where it engages with the front-to-back oriented frame 58. That is, as shown in Figure 3, engaging recesses 65 that engage with the front-to-back oriented frame 58 are formed at the lower ends of the front wall portion 33 and the rear wall portion 34. The engaging recesses 65 of the front wall portion 33 and the rear wall portion 34 can be received and supported by the front-to-back oriented frame 58 in a state where they engage with the front-to-back oriented frame 58 from above.

[0053] The upper part of the vertically oriented frame 39 is connected to the upper part of the grain tank 7. That is, as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 8, the upper connecting part 35 is fastened with bolts Bo at two points, front and back, to the upper edge 51a of the frame-shaped portion 51 surrounding the opening 49 in the right side wall portion 45 of the grain tank 7, with the upper edge 51a being pressed against the inside of the tank.

[0054] Next, we will describe the configuration for reinforcing the strength of the opening / closing wall section 50.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the opening / closing wall section 50 is formed in a gentle arc shape when viewed in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figures 5, 10, and 11, an upper reinforcing member 67 is provided at the upper part of the opening / closing wall section 50 on the tank-inside side. The upper reinforcing member 67 is formed by bending a plate material into a substantially U-shape in cross-section and is provided in a state that extends in the front-to-back direction. The upper reinforcing member 67 is integrally connected to the wall surface of the opening / closing wall section 50 over its entire length in the front-to-back direction. The upper reinforcing member 67 and the wall surface of the opening / closing wall section 50 constitute a rectangular tubular frame body 68. At the rear end of the opening / closing wall section 50, a rectangular tubular vertical reinforcing member 69 is provided to support the entire opening / closing wall section 50 via pivot brackets 57 on both the upper and lower sides.

[0056] A lower reinforcing member 70 is provided at the lower part of the opening / closing wall 50 on the tank-inside side. The lower reinforcing member 70 is formed by bending a plate into a roughly U-shape and is provided in a manner that extends in the front-rear direction. The lower reinforcing member 70 is integrally connected to the wall surface of the opening / closing wall 50 over its entire length in the front-rear direction.

[0057] An inclined guide body 71 is provided on the upper side of the lower reinforcing member 70. The inclined guide body 71 has an inclined surface 71a that guides the stored grain to flow down toward the bottom screw 16 below, bypassing the upper side of the lower reinforcing member 70. An intermediate reinforcing member 72 is provided in the upper and lower intermediate part on the tank-in side of the opening / closing wall section 50, which is formed by bending a plate material into a roughly mountain shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The intermediate reinforcing member 72 is integrally connected to the wall surface of the opening / closing wall section 50 over its entire length in the front-rear direction.

[0058] On the tank-inside side of the opening / closing wall 50, multiple vertical support plates extending vertically are provided, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, spanning from the upper reinforcing member 67 to the lower reinforcing member 70. Specifically, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 9, and 11, the vertical support plates include a first vertical support plate 73 located at the front end of the opening / closing wall 50, a second vertical support plate 74 located a set width further rearward than the front end, and a third vertical support plate 75 located in the middle of the front-to-back section. Each of the multiple vertical support plates 73, 74, and 75 consists of an L-shaped cross-section plate and is integrally connected to the side surface of the tank-inside side of the opening / closing wall 50.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the upper reinforcing member 67 is provided across the entire width of the opening / closing wall 50 in the front-rear direction. The intermediate reinforcing member 72, the inclined guide body 71, and the lower reinforcing member 70 are provided across the second vertical support plate 74 and the vertical reinforcing member 69, respectively.

[0060] Next, we will describe the connecting structure for connecting the opening / closing wall section 50 to the tank body section 46. A connecting device 76 is provided to connect the swinging end of the opening / closing wall 50 in the storage state to the tank body 46. As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, the connecting device 76 comprises a front-to-back oriented frame 58 provided on the tank body 46, a locking member 77 provided on the opening / closing wall 50 that engages with the front-to-back oriented frame 58, and a switching operation mechanism 78 that switches the locking member 77 between a locked state in which it is locked to the front-to-back oriented frame 58 and a released state in which it is released. The front-to-back oriented frame 58 is provided on one side of the grain tank 7 where the quality measuring device 20 is provided. As shown in Figure 10, the locking member 77 is composed of a hook-shaped member having a substantially U-shaped locking groove 79.

[0061] The switching mechanism 78 is configured to allow switching between a locked state, in which the locking member 77 catches and locks onto the front-to-back frame 58, and a released state, in which the locking is released, by swinging the operating lever 80. As shown in Figures 4, 10, and 11, the switching mechanism 78 includes a pivot shaft 81 that swingably supports the operating lever 80, and the locking member 77 is integrally and rotatably connected to the pivot shaft 81. The rotation of the pivot shaft 81 accompanying the swinging operation of the operating lever 80 switches the locking member 77 between the locked state and the released state.

[0062] The pivot shaft 81 is provided at a position close to the tank-inside side of the opening / closing wall 50, extending in the front-rear direction across the front-rear intermediate and front-rear portions of the opening / closing wall 50. The pivot shaft 81 is rotatably supported by the second vertical support plate 74 and the third vertical support plate 75, by being inserted through through holes (not shown) formed in the second vertical support plate 74 and the third vertical support plate 75, respectively.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, cylindrical shaft portions 82, integrally connected to locking members 77, are provided externally at both the front and rear ends of the pivot shaft 81. As shown in Figure 14, the pivot shaft portion 84 of the operating lever 80, which is made of an L-shaped rod, is inserted and mounted on the cylindrical shaft portion 82 located at the front end of the pivot shaft 81. A retaining pin 83 is installed across the pivot shaft portion 84 and the cylindrical shaft portion 82 of the operating lever 80 to prevent it from coming loose, and the pivot shaft portion 84 and the cylindrical shaft portion 82 are configured to rotate integrally. At the rear end of the pivot shaft 81, a retaining pin 83 is also installed across the pivot shaft 81 and the cylindrical shaft portion 82 to prevent it from coming loose, and they are configured to rotate integrally. As shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical shaft portion 82 located on the front side contacts the second vertical support plate 74, and the cylindrical shaft portion 82 on the rear side contacts the third vertical support plate 75, thereby preventing the pivot shaft 81 from coming loose.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, the operating lever 80 is positioned between the first vertical support plate 73 and the second vertical support plate 74. Within the wall of the opening / closing wall 50, an opening 86 is formed at the position corresponding to the operating lever 80 between the first vertical support plate 73 and the second vertical support plate 74, and is covered by a removable cover 85 (see Figure 1). When the cover 85 is removed, the operating lever 80 faces outward through the opening 86, making it possible for an operator to manually operate it from outside the machine.

[0065] As shown by the solid lines in Figures 4 and 10 and 15, when the operating lever 80 is switched to a vertical position located inside the opening / closing wall 50, the locking member 77 locks onto the front-to-back frame 58, connecting the swinging end of the opening / closing wall 50 in the storage state to the tank body 46. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 14, when the operating lever 80 is manually pulled outward through the opening 86, and the operating lever 80 is switched to an inclined position, the locking member 77 is released from the front-to-back frame 58, and the connection between the swinging end of the opening / closing wall 50 and the tank body 46 is released.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4 and 15, a toggle spring 87 is stretched across the rear locking member 77 and the third vertical support plate 75. When the operating lever 80 is switched to the vertical position, the toggle spring 87 is positioned below the axis of the pivot shaft 81 in a front-to-back view, biasing the locking member 77 downward. As a result, the locking member 77 remains locked to the front-to-back frame 58. On the other hand, when the operating lever 80 is switched to the outward tilt position, the toggle spring 87 is positioned above the axis of the pivot shaft 81 in a front-to-back view, biasing the locking member 77 upward. As a result, the locking member 77 remains released, separated from the front-to-back frame 58.

[0067] When the locking member 77 is locked to the front-to-back frame 58, even if the opening / closing wall 50 is subjected to a force that causes it to protrude outward due to the weight of the grain, the front-to-back frame 58 can absorb that force and prevent deformation. Furthermore, the front-to-back frame 58 and the frame-shaped portion 51 surrounding the opening 49 in the right-side wall 45 are connected via the up-and-down frame 39. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the front-to-back frame 58 is supported and held in multiple different directions in the circumferential direction by the first auxiliary frame 61, the second auxiliary frame 62, the locking member 77, and the storage case 23, so that the load on each side of the grain tank 7 can be distributed and supported by each other, thereby improving the support strength.

[0068] The switching operation mechanism 78 has a configuration that holds the opening / closing wall 50 in the storage state and also pulls the opening / closing wall 50 towards the tank body 46 to eliminate the gap and improve the closure of the storage space. Its configuration will be described below.

[0069] As shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, and 11, the opening / closing wall 50 is supported so as to be movable only in the vertical direction, and is connected to the pivot shaft 81 so as to be movable in the vertical direction as the pivot shaft 81 rotates, and the tank body 46 is provided with a plurality of inclined guide members 89. When the operating lever 80 is switched from an inclined position to a vertical position so that the locking member 77 is locked, the rods 88 are slidably guided by the inclined guide members 89, and the opening / closing wall 50 is pulled towards the tank body 46.

[0070] To elaborate, in a side view, a total of four rods 88 are provided so as to be movable only in the vertical direction at locations corresponding to the front and rear ends of the pivot axis 81, and at the upper and lower parts of the opening / closing wall 50.

[0071] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second vertical support plate 74 and the third vertical support plate 75 are each provided with an upper support member 90 that is roughly L-shaped in side view, with an insertion hole formed in the middle of the upper side through which the rod 88 is inserted. The upper reinforcing member 67 also has an insertion hole formed through which the rod 88 is inserted. The two upper rods 88 are positioned so as to pass through the insertion holes formed in the upper support member 90 and the upper reinforcing member 67, respectively, and are supported so as to be movable only in the vertical direction.

[0072] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a lower support member 91 is provided, which is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed in the front-to-back direction and has an insertion hole through which the rod 88 is inserted. The lower support member 91 is connected to the lower reinforcing member 70 and the inclined guide body 71. The two rods 88 located on the lower side are provided so as to be inserted through the insertion holes formed on both the upper and lower sides of the lower support member 91, and are supported so as to be movable only in the vertical direction.

[0073] As shown in Figures 10 and 14, an operating body 92 that rotates integrally with the pivot shaft 81 is connected to a cylindrical shaft portion 82 that is externally fitted to both the front and rear ends of the pivot shaft 81. The operating bodies 92 are located at the intermediate positions between the front and rear cylindrical shaft portions 82. That is, the operating body 92 on the front side is located at the rear end of the front cylindrical shaft portion 82. The operating body 92 on the rear side is located at the front end of the rear cylindrical shaft portion 82.

[0074] The operating body 92 includes a first arm portion 92A extending radially outward from the pivot shaft 81, and a second arm portion 92B extending radially outward in the opposite direction to the first arm portion 92A. The outer end of the first arm section 92A and the upper rod 88 are pivotally connected by a link member 93. The outer end of the second arm section 92B and the lower rod 88 are pivotally connected by a link member 93. As the operating lever 80 is operated, the pivot shaft 81 rotates, causing the rod 88 to slide vertically via the operating body 92 and the link member 93.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5 and 10, multiple inclined guide members 89 are provided at the location where the rod 88 slides within the frame-shaped portion 51 of the tank body 46. The two upper inclined guide members 89 are located on the outer side of the tank within the frame-shaped portion 51. The two lower inclined guide members 89 are located on the inner side of the tank within the frame-shaped portion 51. The two upper inclined guide members 89 have their lower ends positioned away from the frame-shaped portion 51 and have inclined surfaces that approach the frame-shaped portion 51 as they extend upwards. The two lower inclined guide members 89 have their upper ends positioned away from the frame-shaped portion 51 and have inclined surfaces that approach the frame-shaped portion 51 as they extend downwards.

[0076] As shown in Figures 6 and 10, each of the multiple inclined guide members 89 is integrally provided with two screw shafts 89a that pass through the frame-shaped portion 51, and is fixed to the frame-shaped portion 51 by tightening nuts 89b that are screwed onto the screw shafts 89a. The inclined guide members 89 are provided so that their position in the direction of approaching and separating the tank body portion 46 and the opening / closing wall portion 50 can be changed by changing the tightening position of the nuts 89b on the screw shafts 89a relative to the frame-shaped portion 51.

[0077] When the operating lever 80 is switched to a vertical position, the upper rod 88 moves upward and the lower rod 88 moves downward via the operating body 92 and the link member 93. The upper rod 88 is slidably guided by the upper inclined guide member 89 provided on the tank body 46, and the lower rod 88 is slidably guided by the lower inclined guide member 89 provided on the tank body 46. The sliding guidance between the rods 88 and the inclined guide members 89 causes relative displacement between the opening / closing wall 50 and the tank body 46, pulling the opening / closing wall 50 closer to the tank body 46. As a result, the opening / closing wall 50 and the frame-shaped portion 51 around the opening 49 of the tank body 46 come into close contact, creating a state where grain can be stored.

[0078] By providing a connecting structure for connecting the opening / closing wall 50 to the tank body 46 as described above, the opening / closing wall 50 switches to the storage state when it is in the closed state and in close contact with the frame-shaped portion 51. Therefore, the right side wall 45 includes not only the opening / closing wall 50 and the frame-shaped portion 51, but also a connecting structure for connecting the opening / closing wall 50 to the tank body 46, namely a front-to-back frame 58, a locking member 77, and a switching operation mechanism 78, etc. It is preferable to interpose sealing members at the contact points between the opening / closing wall 50 and the frame-shaped portion 51, that is, at the contact points between the upper reinforcing member 67 and the frame-shaped portion 51, and at the contact points between the lower reinforcing member 70 and the frame-shaped portion 51.

[0079] When the operating lever 80 is switched to the tilted position (dotted line in Figure 10), the locking member 77 is released, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 15. Consequently, as shown in Figure 7, the upper rod 88 moves downward via the operating body 92 and the link member 93, disengaging from the tilt guide member 89, and the lower rod 88 moves upward, disengaging from the tilt guide member 89. As a result, the opening / closing wall section 50 switches to the closed state, and the right side wall section 45 switches to the maintenance state.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the operating lever 80 is provided in the lever storage area W, which is sandwiched between the first vertical support plate 73 and the second vertical support plate 74 of the opening / closing wall section 50. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a wall section 94 is formed on the right side of the tank body section 46 at the location corresponding to the lever storage area W. Furthermore, a vertically elongated partition plate 95 is provided at the rear edge of this wall section 94, and the lever storage area W and the storage space Q are separated by this partition plate 95 and the second vertical support plate 74. As a result, even if grain is stored in the storage space Q, there is no grain in the lever storage area W where the operating lever 80 is provided, making operation easy.

[0081] Since the opening / closing wall section 50 is cantilevered around the rear vertical axis Y1, play at the pivot point and wear due to use may cause the swinging end to sag slightly compared to the base end, potentially resulting in an oblique posture. Therefore, a mechanism is provided to lift and guide the swinging end of the opening / closing wall section 50 to the correct position when switching to the storage state in response to such changes in posture.

[0082] In other words, as shown in Figure 10, when the opening / closing wall 50 is switched to the storage state, the lower reinforcing member 70 of the lower reinforcing member 70 comes into close contact with the lower edge of the frame-shaped portion 51. The portion of the lower reinforcing member 70 that comes into contact with the lower edge of the frame-shaped portion 51 is inclined so that it is located higher towards the inside of the tank. With this configuration, for example, even if the swinging end of the opening / closing wall 50 is slightly lower than the base end and is in an inclined position, when the opening / closing wall 50 is switched to the storage state and the connection operation is performed by the switching operation mechanism 78, the inclined surface of the lower reinforcing member 70 rides up onto the lower edge of the frame-shaped portion 51, lifting and guiding the opening / closing wall 50 to the correct position.

[0083] Next, we will describe the cooling air guide path for cooling the quality measurement device 20. The quality measurement device 20 requires a high intensity of light to irradiate the grains for measurement. A light source that projects such high intensity light (for example, a halogen lamp) generates a large amount of heat. Therefore, a cooling air guide path is provided to take in outside air and expel the high-temperature air inside the storage case 23 to the outside.

[0084] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, one side of the grain tank 7 on the side where the quality measuring device 20 is installed is provided with an inlet 96 for introducing air to cool the quality measuring device 20 and an outlet 97 for discharging the air after it has cooled the quality measuring device 20. An introduction ventilation path 98 connecting the inlet 96 and the quality measuring device 20, and an exhaust ventilation path 99 connecting the outlet 97 and the quality measuring device 20 are provided along the right side wall portion 45 of the outer periphery of the grain tank 7, which is the side wall portion on the side where the quality measuring device 20 is installed.

[0085] The storage case 23 has an air intake opening 101 that connects to a ventilation opening 100 formed in the intake ventilation path 98, and an exhaust opening 103 that connects to a ventilation opening 105 formed in the exhaust ventilation path 99. The intake ventilation path 98 is formed by a front-to-back oriented frame 58, which is a hollow frame on the main body side of the tank body 46. The exhaust ventilation path 99 is formed by a rectangular tubular frame body 68, which is a hollow frame on the side plate side of the opening / closing wall 50, and the intake ventilation path 98 and the exhaust ventilation path 99 are in communication via the storage case 23.

[0086] To elaborate, as shown in Figure 312, a connecting cylindrical portion 104 is provided at the lower part of the storage case 23, which connects the internal space of the storage case 23 with the internal space of the front-to-back oriented frame 58. The upper end of this connecting cylindrical portion 104 is open to the internal space of the storage case 23. The connecting cylindrical portion 104 is inserted vertically through the horizontal surface of the lower connecting portion 36 and is connected to the horizontal surface in an airtight manner. The lower end of the connecting cylindrical portion 104 is open to the internal space of the front-to-back oriented frame 58. The connecting cylindrical portion 104 is inserted through the front-to-back oriented frame 58 and is connected to the front-to-back oriented frame 58 in an airtight manner.

[0087] This connecting tube 104 connects the internal space of the storage case 23 to the internal space of the front-to-back frame 58. Accordingly, an air intake opening 101 is formed at the upper end of the connecting tube 104, and a ventilation opening 100 is formed at the lower end of the connecting tube 104.

[0088] As shown in Figure 12, both longitudinal edges of the front-to-back oriented frame 58 are open to the outside. As shown in Figures 3 and 12, the upper portion of the outer wall 38 of the storage case 23 is positioned on approximately the same plane as the upper connecting portion 35 and is arranged vertically. Multiple exhaust openings 103 are formed in the upper part of the outer wall portion 38.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3, when the opening / closing wall 50 is in a stored state, that is, when the opening / closing wall 50 is in a closed state, the upper part of the outer wall 38 and the rectangular tubular frame body 68 of the opening / closing wall 50 come into contact. As shown in Figure 13, the rectangular tubular frame body 68 of the opening / closing wall 50 has multiple openings 105 and 106 formed on the inner surface 68a and upper surface 68b, respectively, which come into contact with the upper part of the inner wall 37. The opening 105 on the inner surface 68a is formed in a position opposite to the opening 103 formed on the upper part of the outer wall 38. Therefore, when the opening / closing wall 50 is in a stored state, the opening 105 formed on the inner surface 68a of the rectangular tubular frame body 68 and the opening 103 formed on the upper part of the outer wall 38 are in communication with each other.

[0090] Although not shown in the diagram, the quality measurement device 20 is equipped with a ventilation fan. When the fan is in operation, a ventilation path is formed to draw air in from the bottom of the storage case 23 and discharge it to the outside from the top of the storage case 23. When the fan is in operation, outside air is drawn into the storage case 23 through openings 107 on both longitudinal edges of the front-to-rear frame 58 via the internal space of the front-to-rear frame 58 and the connecting cylindrical portion 104. The air inside the storage case 23 is discharged to the outside through openings 103 formed on the upper part of the outer wall portion 38, openings 105 formed on the inner surface of the rectangular tubular frame body 68, the internal space of the rectangular tubular frame body 68, and openings 106 formed on the upper side of the rectangular tubular frame body 68. The air that has passed through the internal space of the rectangular tubular frame body 68 is discharged to the outside not only through opening 106 but also through openings 108 formed on both longitudinal ends of the rectangular tubular frame body 68 (see Figure 13).

[0091] Therefore, the openings 107 at both longitudinal edges of the front-to-back oriented frame 58 correspond to the inlet 96, and the internal space of the front-to-back oriented frame 58 corresponds to the inlet ventilation path 98. The openings 106 and 108 of the rectangular tubular frame body 68 correspond to the outlet 97, and the internal space of the rectangular tubular frame body 68 corresponds to the discharge ventilation path 99.

[0092] As grain is stored in the grain tank 7 during the harvesting process, the pressure inside the storage space Q increases as a result of the storage operation, making it necessary to expel the air from the tank to the outside. This air expulsion operation is utilized to expel the air from inside the storage case 23 to the outside. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, a check valve V is provided on the front side of the storage case 23, which allows air to pass from the outside to the inside of the case but prevents air from passing from the inside to the outside of the case. When the pressure inside the storage space Q increases, the air inside the tank is expelled from the storage case 23 to the outside through the check valve V.

[0093] In response to a change in posture where the pivoting end of the opening / closing wall 50 is slightly lower and inclined compared to the base end, a separate guide mechanism, the following locking guide body 110, is provided to lift and guide the pivoting end of the opening / closing wall 50 to the appropriate position when switching to the storage state.

[0094] As shown in Figures 4 and 16, a locking guide 110 is provided on the first vertical support plate 73 of the opening / closing wall 50 at a position corresponding to the front-to-back frame 58. The locking guide 110 is made of an L-shaped plate and extends cantilevered from the first vertical support plate 73 toward the inside of the tank, and is equipped with an inclined guide portion 111 that acts to ride up onto the front-to-back frame 58.

[0095] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, when the opening / closing wall 50 swings to switch from the maintenance state to the storage state, the inclined guide 111 rides onto the front-to-back frame 58, lifting and guiding the swinging end of the opening / closing wall 50 to the correct position, and maintaining that position in the storage state.

[0096] [Another embodiment] The following lists other embodiments.

[0097] (1) The mounting position of the quality measuring device 20 may be configured to be adjustable in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in Figure 12, multiple bolt insertion holes are formed in the upper edge 51a of the grain tank 7 to which the upper connecting portion 35 of the storage case 23 supporting the quality measuring device 20 is bolted. In addition, multiple connecting portions on the left side wall portion 47 to the second auxiliary frame 62 may be formed at different positions, and the position of the storage case 23 may be configured to slide and fix in the longitudinal direction of the front-rear oriented frame 58. This makes it possible to adjust the position to one that is easy to store the grain scattered by the feed vane 29.

[0098] (2) The opening and closing wall section 50, which serves as a side plate, may be configured to swing around a vertical axis located on the front side of the aircraft, or it may be configured to swing around a front-to-back axis instead of a vertical axis to open and close. Alternatively, instead of a swinging mechanism, the right side wall section 45 may be configured to open and close by being removed or attached.

[0099] (3) As shown in Figure 18, the tank body portion 46 may be configured such that the frame-shaped portion 51 of the opening 49 is provided with a guide portion 120 that is inclined toward the inside of the opening as it is toward the inside of the tank, and the opening / closing wall portion 50 is provided with a contact portion 121 that is in an inclined position and contacts the guide portion 120. With this configuration, the airtightness can be further improved by the contact between the guide portion 120 and the contact portion 121 when closing, and there is also the advantage of increasing the rigidity of the entire grain tank 7.

[0100] (4) Instead of manually switching the opening / closing wall section 50 between the storage state and the maintenance state, the opening / closing operation may be assisted by using a damper such as a gas spring, or the opening / closing operation may be assisted by using an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or an electric motor.

[0101] (5) The system may be configured to include a locking mechanism for holding the opening / closing wall 50 in a position when it is switched to the maintenance state. Examples of the locking mechanism include a configuration in which a connecting member is connected to the opening / closing wall 50 and the tank body 46 in the maintenance state and fixed with a pin to hold the position, or a configuration in which a chain is used to connect them and hold the position.

[0102] (6) The system may also be configured to include a sensor that detects when the opening / closing wall 50 has switched to the storage state, or a sensor that detects the holding state by the locking member 77, the engagement state by the rod 88, etc., and notification means that perform notification processing if none of these are detected. Various notification means are possible, such as a configuration that lights up a lamp to notify, a configuration that displays a message using a display device capable of displaying characters to notify, a configuration that vibrates a component that the worker's body touches to notify, a configuration that uses voice or buzzer sounds to notify, or a configuration in which a small window is provided in the opening / closing wall 50 and notifies by a change in color. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the system may also be configured to include a control device (not shown) that warns the worker and performs engine deterrence processing to deter the starting of the engine E if none of the above-mentioned detection sensors are detected. [Industrial applicability]

[0103] This invention can be applied not only to self-propelled combine harvesters but also to conventional combine harvesters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 7 grain tanks 20 Quality Measurement Devices 21 Temporary Storage Unit 22 Measurement section 39 Up and down frame 50 Side panel (opening / closing wall section) 58 Front and rear oriented frame Q Storage space

Claims

1. It is equipped with grain tanks for storing harvested grain, The side plate of the grain tank is provided in a manner that allows switching between a storage state, which closes the storage space inside the tank to enable the storage of grain, and a maintenance state, which opens the storage space to the outside to allow access to the storage space. The grain tank comprises the side plate and the tank body portion other than the side plate, and an opening is provided in the side wall portion of the tank body portion on the side where the side plate is located, extending from the front to the rear of the grain tank. The side plate is supported on the tank body so as to be swingable and is configured to open and close the opening. The locking mechanism is provided that can switch between a holding state in which the side plate is positioned in the storage state and a release state in which the position is released. A combine harvester in which, when the side plate is switched from the held state to the released state, the lower end of the side plate separates from the lower edge of the opening.

2. The combine harvester according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the aforementioned locking mechanisms are provided.

3. The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side plate is provided so as to extend from the front to the rear of the grain tank.

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