Agricultural machinery

Abstract

The present invention aims to inform the driver whether or not the steering lock is engaged. [Solution] The present invention solves the problem by providing an agricultural machine that includes an axle, a steering lock cylinder, and a steering lock cylinder state detector, wherein the axle has a steering lock function, the steering lock cylinder fixes the tire in a straight-ahead position, the steering lock cylinder state detector detects the lock of the steering lock cylinder, and the display mechanism indicates that the lock by the steering lock cylinder has been completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural working machine that handles liquids such as slurry obtained by fermenting manure in a field and water, such as a slurry spreader that sprays the liquid or a slurry injector that pours it into the soil.

Background Art

[0002] Taking a slurry spreader as an example of an agricultural working machine, the slurry spreader is equipped with a huge tank for loading slurry behind a tractor. The slurry spreader is provided with non-driven tires and is towed by a tractor. When spraying slurry (such as manure compost) on agricultural land, the steering lock is removed so that the turning radius is small, and the work is carried out. In addition, when a slurry spreader such as that in Patent Document 1 runs on the road, such as on a public road, if the steering lock is disengaged, the tires of the slurry spreader will move freely and the steering wheel will be taken, resulting in a dangerous situation. Also, when backing up, since the direction of the tires is not fixed, it becomes difficult to reverse straight. To prevent these problems, the slurry spreader is provided with an axle with a steering lock. The steering lock is locked so that the tires face in the straight-ahead direction when traveling on the road, ensuring the safety of the tractor and the slurry spreader.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, drivers sometimes forget to lock the steering wheel while driving on the road. This situation is dangerous, and the present invention aims to inform the driver whether or not the steering wheel is locked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention solves the problem by providing an agricultural machine that includes an axle, a steering lock cylinder, and a steering lock cylinder state detector, wherein the axle has a steering lock function, the steering lock cylinder fixes the tire in a straight-ahead position, the steering lock cylinder detector detects the lock of the steering lock cylinder, and the display mechanism indicates that the extension of the steering lock cylinder is complete. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This invention improves the usability of slurry spreaders. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of the slurry spreader 1. Figure 1(A) is a side view of the slurry spreader 1 mounted on the tractor 19. Figure 1(B) is a front view of the slurry spreader 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the tie rod and steering lock mechanism. Figure 2(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the tire 15 facing forward and backward when the tie rod is free (the tire 15 can freely change direction). Figure 2(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the tie rod 3 moved towards the right rod receiver 34. Figure 2(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the tie rod 3 moved towards the left rod receiver 35. Figure 2(D) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the steering lock cylinder 31 (both rod cylinders) is extended, the right rod 311 is in contact with the right rod receiver 34, the left rod 312 is in contact with the left rod receiver 35, and the tie rod 3 is fixed. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1 of the display mechanism 4. Figure 3(A) is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the display mechanism 4 when the "Locked" message is not displayed. Figure 3(B) is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the display mechanism 4 when the "Locked" message is displayed. Figure 3(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the fluctuation of hydraulic pressure applied to the lifting cylinder 47 that raises and lowers the display panel 48. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the control unit 7 that operates the display mechanism 4. [Figure 5] Figures 5(A) to 5(D) are explanatory diagrams of the control unit 7 in the tie rod free state. Figure 5(A) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 5(B) is a structural diagram of the display mechanism 4. Figure 5(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. Figure 5(D) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7. Figures 5(E) to 5(H) are explanatory diagrams of the control unit 7 in the tie rod fixed state. Figure 5(E) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 5(F) is a structural diagram of the display mechanism 4. Figure 5(G) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. Figure 5(H) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the display panel 48 has reached the upper limit of the display window 41. Figure 6(I) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 6(J) is a structural diagram of the display mechanism 4. Figure 6(K) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. Figure 6(L) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the tie rod is free and the display panel 48 begins to descend from the upper limit of the display window 41. Figure 7(M) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 7(N) is a structural diagram of the display mechanism 4. Figure 7(O) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. Figure 7(P) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, some figures intentionally omit components for illustrative purposes.

[0009] [Example 1] (Main structure of a slurry spreader) Figure 1 is an external view of the slurry spreader 1. Figure 1(A) is a side view of the slurry spreader 1 mounted on the tractor 19. The main structure of the slurry spreader 1 consists of a tank 11, tires 15 that support the frame supporting the tank 11, and a hitch can 12 for connecting to the tractor 19. The slurry spreader 1 in Figure 1(A) is provided with a stand 16 to maintain the stability of the slurry spreader 1 when it is disconnected from the tractor 19.

[0010] Figure 1(B) is a front view of the slurry spreader 1. The slurry spreader 1 receives power from a PTO shaft (not shown) to drive a blower and other components. A pair of tires 15 are connected to an axle 2, and tie rods 3 are provided. The tie rods 3 are used in a free state during farm work, and the tires 15 move freely due to the resistance from the field surface. Therefore, the slurry spreader 1 of the present invention is designed to be able to make tight turns in conjunction with the movement of the tractor 19 during farm work. The axle 2 is capable of steering lock, allowing the tie rod 3 to be locked in a straight-ahead position, that is, with the tire 15 facing straight ahead. The steering lock is used when driving on the road or reversing.

[0011] The front of the slurry spreader 1 is fitted with a display mechanism 4, which displays "Locked" when the steering is locked. The rear of the driver's seat of tractor 19 is a rear glass window 191. By turning around and checking the display mechanism 4, the driver can confirm whether the steering lock is currently engaged or not, thereby ensuring safe driving.

[0012] (Tie rod 3 and steering lock mechanism) The tie rod 3 is a component attached near the axle 2 that changes the direction of the tire 15. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the tie rod 3 and the steering lock mechanism. Figure 2(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the tire 15 facing forward and backward when the tie rod 3 is free (the tire 15 can freely change direction). Figure 2(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the tie rod 3 moved towards the right rod receiver 34. Figure 2(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the tie rod 3 moved towards the left rod receiver 35. The steering lock cylinder 31 is not functioning, and the tire 15 changes its tilt passively due to the resistance from the field as the tractor 19 turns the steering wheel left or right or drives straight. The tie rod 3 is in a movable state.

[0013] Figure 2(D) is an explanatory diagram of a state where the steering lock cylinder 31 (double rod cylinder) extends, the right rod 311 abuts on the right rod receiver 34, the left rod 312 abuts on the left rod receiver 35, and the tie rod 3 is fixed. The operator of the tractor 19 operates the steering lock cylinder 31 (double rod cylinder) in preparation for driving on the road or backing up. At this time, steering lock hydraulic pressure enters from the central part of the steering lock cylinder 31 (double rod cylinder), and the right rod 311 and the left rod 312 operate so as to separate from each other. The right rod 311 abuts on the right rod receiver 34, the left rod 312 abuts on the left rod receiver 35, and the tie rod 3 can no longer move. As a result, the tire 15 is fixed in a straight-ahead state, and the steering lock is engaged.

[0014] The right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33, which are the steering lock cylinder state detectors 37, are sensors that detect the proximity of the right rod 311 and the left rod 312, respectively. The steering lock cylinder state detector 37 (right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33) turns ON both in the steering lock state and sends a signal to the control unit 7 (not shown).

[0015] In the embodiment, the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33 are used as the steering lock cylinder state detector 37, but it is not limited to this, and any device can be used as long as the steering lock state can be detected. The steering lock cylinder state detector 37 may detect that the tie rod 3 is not in a straight-ahead state. This is because when the detection disappears, it is possible to know that the tie rod 3 is in the steering lock state. Further, it may detect the movement of a steering lock lever (not shown) operated by the operator.

[0016] (Embodiment 1 of the display mechanism 4) There are several embodiments of the display mechanism 4. Embodiment 1 is a mode in which a display board 48 with "Locked" written on it is made visible when in the steering lock state. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1 of the display mechanism 4. Figure 3(A) is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the display mechanism 4 when the "Locked" message is not displayed. Figure 3(B) is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the display mechanism 4 when the "Locked" message is displayed. Figure 3(A) shows the display mechanism 4 when no steering lock hydraulic pressure is applied to the steering lock cylinder 31, i.e., the state shown in Figures 2(A) to 2(C). Because no steering lock hydraulic pressure is applied, the tie rod 3 is free and the direction of the tire 15 can change freely. However, even though it is free, the tire 15 receives resistance from the field when the tractor 19 changes direction, and the direction of the tire 15 follows the steering of the tractor 19 to a certain extent.

[0017] The display mechanism 4 of Embodiment 1 has a display window 41 and a cover portion 42. In the state shown in Figure 3(A), the display panel 48 that says "Locked" is hidden inside the cover portion 42. The tension spring 46 constantly pulls down the stored display panel 481 to prevent it from moving due to vibration or other factors. The lifting cylinder 47 lifts the display panel 48 over the force of the tension spring 46, but in the state shown in Figure 3(A), the hydraulic pressure necessary for lifting is not applied, and the display panel 48 remains inside the cover section 42.

[0018] Figure 3(B) shows the state in which steering lock hydraulic pressure is applied to the lifting cylinder 47 to actuate the steering lock cylinder 31. The steering lock hydraulic pressure moves the steering lock cylinder 31 and engages the steering lock, as shown in Figure 2(D), and also extends the lifting cylinder 47. The tensile force of the tension spring 46 is weaker than the steering lock hydraulic pressure applied to the lifting cylinder 47. The lifting cylinder 47 overcomes the tensile force of the tension spring 46 and raises the display panel 48 to the position of the display window 41, so that the "Locked" display is visible to the operator.

[0019] This indicates that the extension of the steering lock cylinder 31 has been completed.

[0020] Figure 3(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the fluctuations in hydraulic pressure applied to the lifting cylinder 47 that raises and lowers the display board 48. When the steering lock is released, the tires 15 are subjected to resistance from the field as the tractor 19 moves, causing them to turn. As a result, the force of the tension spring 46 fluctuates 49. When the steering lock is engaged, the pressure in the lifting cylinder 47 is higher than the force expected at the maximum expected fluctuate 49 because the steering lock hydraulic pressure is applied. Therefore, the display board 48 continues to stably display "Locked".

[0021] As explained in Figure 1(B), the display mechanism 4 is located on the front of the slurry spreader 1. The driver in the tractor 19 can turn around and check the "Locked" display on the display board 48 through the rear glass window 191.

[0022] (Embodiment 2 of display mechanism 4) Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the control unit 7 that operates the display mechanism 4. The control unit 7 receives input from the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. The control unit 7 also receives input from the display panel upper limit sensor 43. In response, the control unit 7 outputs to the pull solenoid 52, which is a component of the latch mechanism 5 that keeps the display panel lifting actuator 44 and the display panel 48 in the displayed state.

[0023] (Logic gate of control unit 7) Embodiment 2 is an embodiment that uses logic gates.

[0024] (Tie rod free state) Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the control unit 7 in the tie rod free state. Figure 5(A) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 5(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. In the tie rod free state, the right rod 311 and left rod 312 of the steering lock cylinder 31 are retracted, and the outputs of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37, are off as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0025] The display mechanism 4 has a box-like shape, with a cutout display window 41 formed at the top. The lower part of the display mechanism 4 is a cover section 42. When the tie rod is free, the display panel 48 is housed in the cover section 42 and cannot be seen from the outside. The display panel 48 starts to rise when the display panel raising actuator 44 is turned on, but when the tie rod is free, it is turned off as shown in Figure 5(C). A tension spring 46 is connected to the lower end of the display panel 48, and it is constantly biased downward so that the display panel 48 is always inside the cover section 42.

[0026] Naturally, since the display panel 48 is housed in the cover section 42, the display panel upper limit sensor 43 is turned off.

[0027] Figure 5(D) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7. Dotted lines represent off, i.e., an output of "0", and solid lines represent on, i.e., an output of "1". Since the outputs of the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37, are both "0", the first AND gate 71 outputs "0". Incidentally, an AND gate outputs "1" when both inputs are on "1". Furthermore, as mentioned above, the display panel upper limit sensor 43 outputs 0, and the NOT gate 73 outputs "1". The first AND gate 71 and NOT gate 73 send the main current as shown in the diagram to the second AND gate 72, which sends the output "0" to the display panel raising actuator 44. Therefore, the display panel raising actuator 44 does not move. Incidentally, the NOT gate 73 is a gate that outputs "0" when the input is "1" and outputs "1" when the input is "0". The NOT gate 74 with a three-state buffer receives a 0 output from the display panel upper limit sensor 43, so it will not send an output to the pull solenoid 52 regardless of the output of the first AND gate 71. Incidentally, the NOT gate 74 with a three-state buffer outputs a signal only when there is a gate input (when the display panel upper limit sensor 43 outputs "1"), so it does not output anything when there is no gate input. Considering all of the above control conditions, neither the display panel raising actuator 44 nor the pull solenoid 52 moves, and the display panel 48 remains retracted into the cover section 42.

[0028] (Tie rod 3 fixed position) Figure 5(E) shows the tie rod in the fixed position (steering lock position). The right rod 311 and the left rod 312 extend from the steering lock cylinder 31 and stop when they hit the right rod receiver 34 and the left rod receiver 35, respectively. This movement is detected by the steering lock cylinder state detector 37, which consists of the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33, and outputs "on" as shown in Figure 5(G). The first AND gate 71 receives ON signals from the two sensors and outputs "1".

[0029] Naturally, since the display panel 48 has just started moving, the display panel upper limit sensor 43 is off. The output of the first AND gate 71 is connected to the second AND gate 72. Since the output of the display panel upper limit sensor 43 is "0", the output of the NOT gate 73, which is "1", is sent to the second AND gate 72. As a result, the second AND gate 72 sends an output of "1" to the display panel lifting actuator 44, and the display panel 48 begins to rise. As the display panel 48 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the latch 51, the latch 51 retracts and the display panel 48 continues to rise.

[0030] (Display board 48 upper limit state) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the display panel 48 has reached the upper limit of the display window 41. Figure 6(I) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the steering lock cylinder state detector 37, which consists of the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33. The right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33 detect the right rod 311 and the left rod 312, respectively, and are turned on as shown in Figure 6(K).

[0031] The display panel upper limit sensor 43 is turned on. The results of these detectors are sent to the control unit 7, which receives on signals from the right rod sensor 32 and the left rod sensor 33, and the output of the first AND gate 71 becomes "1". The display panel lifting actuator 44 outputs on and inputs "1" to the NOT gate 73, so the NOT gate 73 outputs "0". The second AND gate 72 receives the "1" signal output from the first AND gate 71 and the "0" signal output from the NOT gate 73, and sets the display panel lifting actuator 44 to the "0" state (off), but switches to off after a predetermined timer delay by another mechanism.

[0032] The three-state buffered NOT gate 74 receives a "1" signal output from the first AND gate 71, activates, and reverses the "1" signal output from the NOT gate 73, sending a "0" signal to the pull solenoid 52. The pull solenoid 52 does not move even when it receives a "0" signal, and the latch 51 maintains the state in which it supports the display board 48.

[0033] This indicates that the extension of the steering lock cylinder 31 has been completed.

[0034] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the tie rod is free and the display panel 48 begins to descend from the upper limit of the display window 41. Figure 7(M) is a conceptual diagram showing the state of the tie rod 3 and the arrangement of the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33, which are steering lock cylinder state detectors 37. Figure 7(N) is a structural diagram of the display mechanism 4. Figure 7(O) is an explanatory diagram showing the on and off detection states of each sensor (32, 33, 43) and the on and off detection states of the display panel raising actuator 44 and pull solenoid 52. Figure 7(P) is an explanatory diagram of the logic gates of the control unit 7.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7(M), the right rod 311 and left rod 312 of the steering lock cylinder 31 are retracted, and the right rod sensor 32 and left rod sensor 33 are turned off as shown in Figure 7(O). The first AND gate 71 receives an "off" signal as shown in Figure 7(P) and outputs "0" as a signal.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7(O), the display panel upper limit sensor 43 is initially in the ON state, but turns OFF when the display panel 48 is lowered. There are two logic gate operations that trigger the lowering of the display board 48. As shown in Figure 7(O), the first is when the pull solenoid 52 receives a "0" signal from the first AND gate 71 and the three-state buffered NOT gate 74 sends a "1" signal to the pull solenoid 52, thereby releasing the latch 51. The state in which the latch 51 was biased in the direction in which it was engaged by the compression spring 53 changes to a state in which the latch 51 is released by the operation of the pull solenoid 52. The second is that the second AND gate 72 outputs a "0" signal, turning off the display panel raising actuator 44. The tension spring 46 shown in Figure 7(N) acts to quickly pull the display panel 48 into the cover section 42.

[0037] (modified version) The above is an example where the control unit 7 is made up of logic gates, but it is also possible to make it perform the same operation through a program. Furthermore, the display mechanism 4 can be replaced with an electronic device such as a liquid crystal display. The display mechanism 4 is mounted on the front of the slurry spreader 1, but it may also be mounted on the control panel of the tractor 19.

[0038] The slurry spreader 1 of the present invention spreads a slurry made from fermented human waste that is safe for the ecosystem, and can contribute to SDG Goal 15, "Conserve and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems," while also ensuring the safety of the operator. Furthermore, while the explanation focused on mechanisms using tie rod 3, tie rod 3 is not essential; any mechanism that allows for steering locking will suffice.

[0039] While embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any design changes or other modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies, as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose, configuration, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1. Slurry Spreader 11 tanks 12 Hitch Can 15 tires 16 Stands 19 Tractor 191 Rear glass window 2 Axles 3 Tie rods 31. Steering lock cylinder (both rod cylinders) 311 Right rod 312 Left Rod 32 Right rod sensor 33 Left rod sensor 34 Right rod receiver 35 Left rod holder 37. Steering lock cylinder condition detector 4 Display mechanism 41 Display window 42 Blindfold 43 Display panel upper limit sensor 44 Display panel raising actuator 46. ​​Tension spring 47 Lifting Cylinder 48 Display board 481 Stored Indicator 49. Unsteadiness 5. Latch mechanism 51 Latch 52 Pulsolenoids 53 Compression spring 7. Control Unit (Logic Gate) 71 1st AND Gate 72 2nd AND Gate 73 NOT Gate 74. NOT gate with three-state buffer

Claims

1. It is equipped with an axle, a steering lock cylinder, and a steering lock cylinder state detector. The axle has a steering lock function. The steering lock cylinder is used to fix the tires in a straight-ahead position. The steering lock cylinder status detector detects the lock state of the steering lock cylinder. The display mechanism of this agricultural implement is characterized by an indicator that shows when the steering lock cylinder has been locked.

2. The display mechanism is a display board, as described in claim 1 of the agricultural implement.

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