Crop harvesting equipment

Abstract

To provide a farm crop harvesting device automatizing pickup of farm crops existing in a field with a mechanism with good equipment efficiency, and preventing especially pickup omissions.SOLUTION: A farm crop harvesting device includes: a travelling body machine 1 capable of travelling in a field; and pickup means 10 for picking up farm crops existing in the field in a predetermined pickup area 2, in front of the travelling body machine 1. The pickup means 10 has a rear end side connected to the travelling body machine 1 so as to make a front end side vertically swingable to the travelling body machine 1. The front end side of the pickup means 10 is supported by a pair of wheels 16 grounding on the field and rotating with the travel of the travelling body machine 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop harvesting device that harvests crops present in a farm field. [Background technology]

[0002] In some cases, harvesting of scattered crops in fields must be done manually, such as harvesting pumpkins. Pumpkins grow on vines that crawl along the ground, and the fruit rolls on the surface. The harvesting process begins by cutting the fruit off the vine and manually carrying them into steel containers that hold about one ton of fruit. The containers are then loaded onto trucks using forklifts or other tools. Each pumpkin weighs about 1.5 to 3 kg. The fruits must be cut off from the vine, picked up, and carried one by one by hand to the container. This work puts a lot of physical strain on the back and arms. It is very hard work.

[0003] The applicant is aware of the following Patent Documents 1 to 4 as prior art documents addressing the above problem.

[0004] Patent Document 1 relates to a "pumpkin harvester" and contains the following description:

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the pumpkin storage machine of this invention is composed of two sets of transport units 1, each consisting of a transport conveyor 1a for moving pumpkins from the harvesting point to the vicinity of a container 4 and a roller-mounted platform 1b installed at the rear of the transport conveyor 1a, and a flat transport pallet 3. These two sets of transport units 1 are arranged symmetrically on the flat transport pallet 3 with an appropriate distance between them, such as a space for a harvester to ride on, and a space between them and the tractor to store the container 4.

[0010] An embodiment in which three workers harvest using the pumpkin harvester of the present invention (excluding the tractor driver) will be described below. As shown in Fig. 2, of the three agricultural mulch films 5 used for planting, two on the left and right have pumpkins cut from the vines placed on them, and a tractor carrying a container 4 runs on the central agricultural mulch film 5 on which no pumpkins are placed. One worker is placed on each of the two agricultural mulch films 5 on the left and right, and while walking in accordance with the movement of the tractor, they place the pumpkins scattered on the agricultural mulch film 5 on the end of the transport conveyor 1a. The remaining worker sits between the two sets of transport units 1 on the transport flat pallet 3, and performs the task of placing the pumpkins brought to the roller-equipped platform 1b into the container 4.

[0005] Patent document 2 relates to a "crop picking harvester" and contains the following description: [Claim 1] This crop harvester is characterized in that a raking device (55) and a picking and conveying device (22) are provided on a machine body frame (1) that is made movable by a traveling device (9), and crops in a field are placed on the picking and conveying device (22) and conveyed to a crop storage section (38) at the rear of the machine body, and the crop storage section (38) can be raised by a lifting mechanism (44).

[0028] Furthermore, transport driven sprockets 19, 19 are rotatably mounted on the front sides of the left and right transport frames 18, 18, i.e., on the front ends thereof, and transport transmission chains 20, 20 are endlessly wound around the left and right transport driven sprockets 19, 19 and the left and right transport drive sprockets 17, 17. Furthermore, a plurality of transport bars 21 for carrying and transporting crops are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-to-rear direction between the left and right transport transmission chains 20, 20, thereby forming a pick-up and transport device 22.

[0060] The raking device 55 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the side, and uses the raking plate 54 to push the crops at the starting end of the conveying direction of the picking up and conveying device 22 up to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the picking up and conveying device 22, ensuring that the crops are transported reliably.

[0006] Patent Document 3 relates to a “head vegetable harvester” and contains the following description:

[0019] A harvesting unit 13 is disposed to the left of the steering unit 4, which pulls out head vegetables A such as cabbages and transports them backward. The harvesting unit 13 of the embodiment is equipped with a pulling-out conveying device 14 that pulls out head vegetables A, holds the heads, and transports them backward. The pulling-out conveying device 14 is equipped with a pair of left and right pick-up wheels 16L, 16R located at the front end, a pair of left and right root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R, and a pair of left and right vertical conveying belts 18L, 18R inclined to be low in the front and high in the rear above the root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R. A cutting device 19 that cuts the root stalks of the head vegetables A being transported is disposed between the vertical conveying belts 18L, 18R and the root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R in a side view.

[0021] The root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R rotate inwardly to hold the root stalk of the head vegetable A from the left and right and guide the root stalk toward the cutting device 19. The root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R are also provided in an inclined posture with a low front and a high rear. The vertical conveying belts 18L, 18R rotate inwardly to hold the head of the head vegetable A from the left and right and convey it diagonally upward toward the rear. The vertical conveying belts 18L, 18R of the embodiment are arranged parallel to the root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R in a side view. Therefore, the vertical conveying belts 18L, 18R are also provided in an inclined posture with a low front and a high rear, similar to the root stalk conveying bodies 17L, 17R.

[0007] Patent Document 4 relates to a "head vegetable harvester" and contains the following description:

[0019] On the left side of the steering section 4, a harvesting section 13 is arranged to pull out the head vegetables A and transport them backward. The harvesting section 13 is equipped with a pulling-out conveying device 14 that pulls out the head vegetables A and clamps and transports them backward, and a cutting device 19 that cuts the roots and stems of the head vegetables A during transport. The pulling-out conveying device 14 is equipped with a pair of left and right raking wheels 16L, 16R located on the front end side, a pair of left and right root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R, and a pair of left and right head conveying belts 18L, 18R inclined to the upper rear of the root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R with a low front and high rear. The cutting device 19 is arranged between the head conveying belts 18L, 18R and the root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R in a side view.

[0022] The root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R are driven inwardly to rotate and hold the root stalk of the head vegetable A from the left and right, and guide the root stalk toward the cutting device 19. The root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R are also provided in an inclined posture with a low front and a high rear. The head conveying belts 18L, 18R are driven inwardly to rotate and hold the head of the head vegetable A from the left and right, and convey it diagonally upward toward the rear. The head conveying belts 18L, 18R of the embodiment are arranged parallel to the root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R in a side view. Therefore, the head conveying belts 18L, 18R are also provided in an inclined posture with a low front and a high rear, similar to the root stalk conveying belts 17L, 17R.

[0008] Patent Document 5 relates to a "harvesting machine" and contains the following description:

[0013] Next, the pumpkin rake-in section 100 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the pumpkin rake-in section 100 includes guide sections 101L and 101R, a drum body 110 (rotating body in the present invention), a driving force transmission section 140, and gauge wheels 151L and 151R. The guide sections 101L and 101R are a pair of rod-shaped members provided on the left and right sides at the front of the pumpkin rake-in section 100 so as to be positioned slightly above the height of the field. A plurality of guide rollers 102 are provided on the side surfaces of each of the guide sections 101L and 101R. When the pumpkin P in the field hits the side surfaces of the guide sections 101L and 101R as the tractor 90 advances, the pumpkin P is guided along the guide rollers 102 toward the drum body 110 diagonally rearward. The drum body 110 is rotatably supported by a frame 160 shown in Fig. 1. The frame 160 is fixed to the front of the first transport section 200. The driving force transmission section 140 transmits driving force from an electric motor (not shown) to the rotating body of the drum body 110. This causes the drum body 110 to rotate in the R direction shown in Figures 2 and 3. The electric motor and the driving force transmission section 140 correspond to the rotation drive section in the present invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3211730 [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-175997 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2014-18084 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2017-153449 A [Patent Document 5] Utility Model Registration No. 3224099 DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The pumpkin harvester of Patent Document 1 can move pumpkins from a harvesting point to near a container 4 using a transport conveyor 1a. However, with this pumpkin harvester, the pumpkins that have fallen to the ground must be picked up manually, which is still heavy work that places a heavy physical strain on the back and arms.

[0011] The crop picking and harvesting machine of Patent Document 2 picks up and harvests crops in a field using a raking device (55) and a picking and conveying device (22). However, in this crop picking and harvesting machine, the raking device 55 and the picking and conveying device 22 are provided across the entire width of the machine frame 1. In other words, the equipment itself is large-scale, the equipment efficiency is poor, and it is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

[0012] The head vegetable harvester of Patent Document 3 conveys the head portion of the head vegetable A by clamping it from the left and right with a pair of left and right vertical conveyor belts 18L, 18R. In other words, it is suitable for harvesting relatively light head vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and Chinese cabbage, and is difficult to apply to harvesting heavy agricultural products such as pumpkins. Furthermore, the head vegetable harvester of Patent Document 3 is suitable for sequentially harvesting rows of head vegetables A in a farm field where the head vegetables A are grown in rows spaced at regular intervals. In other words, it is difficult to apply it to picking up and harvesting agricultural products such as pumpkins that are scattered in the field.

[0013] The head vegetable harvester of Patent Document 4 transports the head vegetable A while clamping the head portion of the head vegetable A from the left and right with a pair of left and right head conveyor belts 18L, 18R. In other words, like Patent Document 3, it is difficult to apply it to harvesting heavy agricultural crops such as pumpkins. The head vegetable harvester of Patent Document 4 is also suitable for sequentially harvesting rows of head vegetables A in a field where the head vegetables A are lined up in rows at regular intervals. In other words, like Patent Document 3, it is difficult to apply it to picking up and harvesting agricultural crops such as pumpkins scattered in a field.

[0014] The harvester of Patent Document 5 has left and right guide sections 101L, 101R provided in front of a pumpkin raking section 100. The guide sections 101L, 101R simply guide the pumpkins P in the field along the guide rollers 102, and have no technical idea of ​​preventing pumpkins from being missed when picked up.

[0015] In particular, when picking up crops that are scattered across a field, such as pumpkins, the items to be picked (the crops) are not arranged in rows, so they need to be collected and picked up one by one. If any are missed during this process, work efficiency drops dramatically, creating a problem.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a crop harvesting device which solves the above problems. In other words, the present invention provides a crop harvesting device that uses a highly efficient mechanism to automate the picking up of crops in a farm field and, in particular, prevents missed picking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, the crop harvesting device of claim 1 employs the following configuration. A traveling machine capable of traveling in a field; A pickup means is provided in front of the traveling body for picking up agricultural products present in the field in a predetermined pickup area, The pickup means is The rear end side is connected to the traveling body so that the front end side can swing up and down relative to the traveling body, The front end side of the pickup means is supported by a wheel that is in contact with the field and rotates as the traveling body travels, The wheels are provided on the left and right sides of the pickup area, and are inclined so that the camber angles of the left and right wheels are positive. 、 A first swing control means is provided for preventing the front end side of the pickup means, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body, from abnormally descending during the vertical swing. is.

[0020] Claim 2 The crop harvesting device of the present invention is Article 1 In addition to the configuration listed above, the following configuration was adopted. Further, a scraping means is provided in front of the traveling body for scraping agricultural crops present in the field toward the pickup area, The scraping means is A first pick-up mechanism and a second pick-up mechanism are disposed on the left and right of the pickup area, respectively, The first collection mechanism is disposed so that the distance to the pickup area is greater than that of the second collection mechanism.

[0021] Claim 3 The crop harvesting device of the present invention is 2 In addition to the configuration described above, the following configuration was adopted. The first scraping mechanism is disposed at a position blocking the front of the pickup area, The first scraping mechanism is configured to scrape the crops toward the second scraping mechanism.

[0025] Claim 4 The crop harvesting device of the present invention is Any one of 1 to 3 In addition to the configuration described above, the following configuration was adopted. The first swing control means is A pressing force is applied to the pickup means with the traveling machine body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from descending.

[0026] Claim 5 The crop harvesting device of the present invention is Any one of 1 to 3 In addition to the configuration described above, the following configuration was adopted. The first swing control means is A traction force is applied to the pickup means with the traveling machine body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from descending. Effect of the Invention

[0029] The crop harvesting device according to claim 1 includes a traveling machine body and a pick-up means. The traveling machine body travels in a field. The pick-up means has a predetermined pick-up area and picks up crops present in the field in front of the traveling machine body. The pickup means has a rear end connected to the traveling body so that the front end can swing up and down relative to the traveling body. Therefore, even if the traveling body tilts forward or backward due to unevenness or a slope in the field, the front end of the pickup means can swing up and down relative to the traveling body, and the height position of the pickup area relative to the field can be kept constant. This prevents the height of the pickup area from becoming unstable, and prevents missed pickups due to this. In the agricultural crop harvesting device according to claim 1, the front end side of the pickup means is supported by wheels that contact the field and rotate as the traveling body travels. Therefore, the height position of the pickup area relative to the field is always kept constant by the wheels, which prevents the height of the pickup area from becoming unstable and prevents missed pickups due to this. Furthermore, in the agricultural crop harvesting device of claim 1, the wheels are provided on the left and right of the pickup area, respectively. Furthermore, the wheels are inclined so that the camber angles of the left and right wheels are positive. Therefore, the wheels do not become an obstacle when agricultural products are captured in the pickup area, effectively preventing missed pickups. The agricultural crop harvesting device according to claim 1 further comprises a first swing control means for preventing the front end side of the pickup means, which swings up and down relative to the traveling body, from abnormally descending during the up and down swing. This prevents the front end of the pickup means from descending abnormally and picking up soil. This is particularly effective in soft fields where the front end is likely to descend and pick up soil. In other words, in the present invention, abnormal descent refers to the front end of the pickup means descending to the point where it picks up soil.

[0032] Claim 2The agricultural crop harvesting device is provided with a scraping means in front of the traveling body. The scraping means scrapes the agricultural crops present in the field toward the pickup area. Therefore, agricultural crops that are not planted in rows can be scraped and picked up. This increases the width of the area to be harvested, improves harvesting efficiency, and reduces harvesting costs. The scraping means has a first scraping mechanism and a second scraping mechanism arranged on the left and right of the pickup area, respectively. Furthermore, the first scraping mechanism is arranged so that its distance from the pickup area is greater than that of the second scraping mechanism. For this reason, there is a tendency for a time difference to occur when the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism and the agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism enter the pickup area. This prevents missed pickups caused by multiple agricultural products entering the pickup area at the same time.

[0033] Claim 3 The agricultural crop harvesting device is configured such that the first scraping mechanism is positioned in a position blocking the front of the pickup area, and the first scraping mechanism scrapes the agricultural crops toward the second scraping mechanism. The crops scraped by the first scraping mechanism head toward the second scraping mechanism, and the crops scraped by the first scraping mechanism and the crops scraped by the second scraping mechanism head toward the pickup area in sequence. This prevents missed pickups caused by multiple crops entering the pickup area at the same time.

[0037] Claim 4 In this agricultural crop harvesting device, the first swing control means applies a pressing force to the pickup means using the traveling body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end from descending. In this way, the above-mentioned troubles can be reliably prevented by the pressing force applied to the pick-up means with the traveling machine body or the base member as the base point.

[0038] Claim 5 In the agricultural crop harvesting device, the first swing control means applies a traction force to the pickup means using the traveling body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end from descending. By doing so, the above-mentioned troubles can be reliably prevented by the traction force to the pickup means with the traveling body or the base member as the base point. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a crop harvesting apparatus as viewed from above a vehicle body. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the above-mentioned crop harvesting device as seen from the left side of the vehicle body. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the scraping means, in which (A) is a perspective view, and (B) and (C) are diagrams for explaining the function. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a function of a scraping means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a pickup means as viewed from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the pickup means. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between a bottom conveyor and a side conveyor that constitute a part of the pickup means. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a side conveyor, in which (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the pickup means swings relative to the traveling machine body. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a cutting means, in which (A) is a diagram seen from above and (B) is a diagram seen from the side. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the pickup means. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] First embodiment 1 to 11 are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a harvesting device that harvests pumpkins as an example of agricultural products.

[0044] [Summary] 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the overall structure of the harvesting device. This harvesting device comprises a traveling body 1, a pick-up means 10, a scraping means 70, a conveying means 50 and a storage container 60. 1 and 2, the left side of the drawing is the front of the running body 1, and the right side of the drawing is the rear of the running body 1. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the top of the drawing corresponds to the right side of the running body 1, and the bottom of the drawing corresponds to the left side of the running body 1.

[0045] The traveling machine body 1 is provided with the pickup means 10 and scraping means 70 at the front of the body, the transport means 50 is disposed on the body, and the storage container 60 is disposed at the rear of the body.

[0046] In the harvesting device, as the traveling body 1 travels, the agricultural products present in front of the traveling body 1 in the width direction are scraped toward a predetermined pickup area 2 by the scraping means 70. The agricultural products gathered in the pickup area 2 are picked up by the pickup means 10 at the front of the vehicle body. The agricultural products picked up by the pickup means 10 are transported to the rear of the traveling body 1 by the transport means 50 and stored in a storage container 60.

[0047] [Running vehicle 1] The traveling machine body 1 has caterpillar tracks 3 on the bottom of the body, and a seat 4 is provided on the top of the body. The caterpillar tracks 3 function as a traveling means for the traveling machine body 1 to travel in a farm field. The seat 4 is for an operator to sit on when performing operations such as driving. The traveling machine body 1 is equipped with a drive engine, a battery, a hydraulic mechanism, etc. (none of which are shown in the figures).

[0048] The transport means 50 is provided on the upper part of the traveling machine body 1. The transport means 50 transports the picked up agricultural products from the front of the vehicle body to the rear of the vehicle body. In other words, the transport means 50 is provided from the front of the vehicle body to the rear of the vehicle body.

[0049] In the harvesting device, the seat 4 is disposed on one side of the traveling body 1, either left or right. The transport means 50 is disposed in an area away from the seat 4, on the opposite side of the seat 4. In this example, the seat 4 is disposed on the right side of the traveling body 1. The transport means 50 is disposed so as to pass by the left side of the traveling body 1.

[0050] A pick-up means 10 is provided in front of the traveling machine body 1. The pick-up means 10 is disposed at the front end portion of the conveying means 50.

[0051] A pickup area 2 is provided in a portion of the width of the traveling body 1. The pickup area 2 is an area corresponding to the front end of the pickup means 10. That is, in this example, the pickup area 2 is an area provided in a portion of a predetermined width on the left side of the width (vehicle width) of the traveling body 1.

[0052] [Scraping means 70] The scraping means 70 is provided in a portion other than the pickup area 2 (in this example, the area in front of the vehicle body) in front of the traveling body 1. When agricultural products present in the field approach in front of the scraping means 70 as the traveling body 1 travels, the scraping means 70 scrapes the agricultural products toward the pickup area 2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the scraping means 70 has a first scraping mechanism 71 and a second scraping mechanism 72 arranged on the left and right sides of the pickup area 2. The first scraping mechanism 71 is arranged on the left side as viewed in the traveling direction of the traveling body 1, and the second scraping mechanism 72 is arranged on the right side as viewed in the traveling direction of the traveling body 1. In this example, the second scraping mechanism 72 is set to be longer in the left-right dimension than the first scraping mechanism 71.

[0054] The first scraping mechanism 71 is disposed obliquely with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling body 1. Specifically, the side closer to the pickup area 2 is located at the rear, and the side farther from the pickup area 2 is located at the front. The second scraping mechanism 72 is also disposed obliquely with respect to the traveling direction of the traveling body 1, with the side closer to the pickup area 2 located at the rear, and the side farther from the pickup area 2 located at the front.

[0055] In this state, the scraping means 70 is disposed so that the distance from the pickup area 2 to the first scraping mechanism 71 is greater than that to the second scraping mechanism 72. In this example, the first scraping mechanism 71 is disposed at a position blocking the front of the pickup area 2. This allows the first scraping mechanism 71 to scrape the agricultural products toward the second scraping mechanism 72.

[0056] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the second scraping mechanism 72. (A) is a perspective view, and (B) and (C) are diagrams illustrating the function.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3 (A), in this example, the second scraping mechanism 72 is configured to include a scraping roller 73 and a regulating member 74 that is positioned above the scraping roller 73 and prevents the agricultural products from climbing over the scraping roller 73.

[0058] The scraping roller 73 is rotated in the direction of arrow P by a rotation drive means (not shown) while the traveling body 1 is traveling. In other words, the scraping roller 73 is rotated in a direction in which the agricultural products that hit the scraping roller 73 are lifted up, reducing the contact resistance between the scraping roller 73 and the ground and the agricultural products. The regulating member 74 prevents the agricultural products that hit the scraping roller 73 rotating in the direction of arrow P from climbing over the scraping roller 73.

[0059] As a result, agricultural products in the field approach the front of the scraping roller 73 as the traveling body 1 travels, and when they hit the scraping roller 73, they roll in the direction of arrow Q and are scraped toward the pickup area 2.

[0060] The rotation direction and rotation speed of the scraping roller 73 can be changed according to the state of the crops in the field.

[0061] 3(B)(C), the angle of the second scraping mechanism 72 can be changed relative to the traveling direction of the traveling machine body 1. Specifically, the distance between the side of the second scraping mechanism 72 far from the pickup area 2 and the traveling machine body 1 can be changed by expanding and contracting a cylinder 75.

[0062] Figure 3(B) is an example of a deeper inclination angle, and Figure 3(C) is an example of a shallower inclination angle. When the condition of the field or crops makes it difficult for the crops to roll in the direction of arrow Q, the inclination angle can be set to be deeper. When the crops can easily roll in the direction of arrow Q, the inclination angle can be set to be shallower.

[0063] The first scraping mechanism 71 is basically configured similarly to the second scraping mechanism 72 and exhibits the same functions, except that it is symmetrical on the left and right, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] 4 is a diagram for explaining the function of the scraping means 70. As described above, the scraping means 70 has the first scraping mechanism 71 at a greater distance from the pickup area 2 than the second scraping mechanism 72, and the first scraping mechanism 71 is disposed at a position blocking the front of the pickup area 2. Therefore, the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism 71 proceed toward the second scraping mechanism 72 as shown by arrow Q1, and are further moved toward the pickup area 2 by the second scraping mechanism 72. The agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism 72 continue toward the pickup area 2 as shown by arrow Q2.

[0065] For this reason, there is a tendency for a time difference to occur between the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism 71 and the agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism 72 when they enter the pickup area 2. This prevents missed pickups caused by multiple agricultural products simultaneously entering the pickup area 2.

[0066] [Pickup means 10] The pick-up means 10 picks up agricultural products present in the field in the pick-up area 2 as the traveling machine body 1 travels.

[0067] 2, the pickup means 10 has a rear end connected to the traveling machine body 1 so that the front end can swing up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1. In the figure, reference numeral 15 denotes a hinge structure 15 for connecting the rear end of the pickup means 10 to the traveling machine body 1. By connecting the rear end of the pickup means 10 to the traveling machine body 1 by the hinge structure 15, the front end of the pickup means 10 can swing up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1.

[0068] The front end side of the pickup means 10 is supported by wheels 16 that contact the field and rotate with the traveling machine body 1. The wheels 16 are arranged on the left and right of the pickup area 2, respectively, so as to form a left-right pair.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the pickup means 10 as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the pickup means 10 as seen from the side.

[0070] The pick-up means 10 includes a bottom feed means 11 and a loading means 21. The bottom feed means 11 is for loading the agricultural products and directing them rearward. The loading means 21 is for clamping the agricultural products and loading them onto the bottom feeding means 11 .

[0071] [Bottom feeding means 11] In this example, the bottom conveying means 11 is a bottom conveyor 11A that operates to load the agricultural products and move them backward. The bottom conveyor 11A includes a bottom conveyor belt 12, which is an endless flat belt arranged so that the belt surface is horizontal. A front pulley 11B around which the bottom conveyor belt 12 is hung has a smaller diameter than a rear pulley (not shown). The rear pulley is a drive pulley, which applies a feed drive force to the bottom conveyor belt 12. The bottom conveyor 11A is arranged so that the upward-facing belt surface from the front pulley 11B to the rear pulley is inclined upward with respect to the running surface of the running body 1.

[0072] [Loading means 21] In this example, the loading means 21 is made up of left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B that sandwich the agricultural products from the left and right and load them onto the bottom conveyor 11A. The left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B also operate to move the agricultural products loaded onto the bottom conveyor 11A backwards.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B are provided with portions 23A, 23B that protrude forward from the front end 11C of the bottom conveyor 11A. In the protruding portions 23A, 23B, the distance between the belt surfaces of the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B of the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B facing each other is configured so that the front open side is wider. The pickup area 2 is formed by a substantially triangular area where the distance between the both side conveyor belts 30A, 30B opens forward. Agricultural products that enter the pickup area 2 from the front are sandwiched between the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B and sent backward. As a result, the agricultural products are picked up and placed on the bottom conveyor 11A, and loading is performed. Therefore, the both side conveyor belts 30A, 30B of the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B are sent in a direction in which the inner sides facing each other face backward.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the bottom conveyor 11A constituting a part of the pickup means 10 and the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B. The left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B are configured so that the distance between the belt surfaces of the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B facing each other is wider on the side closer to the bottom conveyor 11A. In other words, the top surface 11D of the bottom conveyor 11A on which the agricultural products are placed and the inner surfaces 24A, 24B of the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B sandwiching the agricultural products are configured to form a triangle when viewed from the front. With this configuration, the picked-up agricultural products are held from three sides by the three conveyor belts and passed through the triangular passage, and are sent stably toward the rear. The angle of the left and right inner surfaces 24A, 24B with respect to the top surface 11D of the bottom conveyor 11A can be set to about 45° to 60°, for example.

[0075] The left and right wheels 16 are attached to the front ends of the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B, respectively. The left and right wheels 16 are arranged at an incline so that the camber angles of the left and right wheels 16 are positive. In other words, the left and right wheels 16 are arranged so that the upper sides are inclined more outward than the lower sides. By arranging the left and right wheels 16 in this way, the left and right wheels 16 do not block the triangular passage. Therefore, the wheels 16 do not become an obstacle when agricultural products are captured in the pickup area 2, effectively preventing missed pickups.

[0076] [Side conveyor] 8 is a diagram showing the right side conveyor 22B. (A) is a side view, and (B) is a plan view. The left side conveyor 22A is basically configured symmetrically with the right side conveyor 22B, so it is not shown in the figure.

[0077] The left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B have left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B that are respectively hung around three biasing pulleys 31A, 31B, 31C that bias the side conveyor belts 30A, 30B from the inside of the side conveyor belts 30A, 30B toward the opposing side.

[0078] In this example, three urging pulleys 31A, 31B, and 31C are used, but the idea is that one or more urging pulleys are sufficient on each side. Also, in this example, the left and right side conveyor belts 30A and 30B are each stretched over a urging pulley, but it is sufficient that at least one of the left and right belts is stretched over a urging pulley.

[0079] 8, the side conveyor belt 30B is stretched around a front end pulley 32 and a rear end pulley 33. The front end pulley 32 is disposed at the front end of a conveyor frame 36 extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear end pulley 33 is disposed at the rear end of the conveyor frame 36. The rear end pulley 33 is a drive pulley and applies a feed drive force to the side conveyor belt 30B.

[0080] Between the front end pulley 32 and the rear end pulley 33, urging pulleys 31A, 31B, and 31C urge the side conveyor belt 30B from the inside toward the opposing side. From the front end side, they are the first urging pulley 31A, the second urging pulley 31B, and the third urging pulley 31C.

[0081] In the side conveyor 22B, on the opposite side of the conveyor frame 36 from the first urging pulley 31A, the second urging pulley 31B, and the third urging pulley 31C, the side conveyor belt 30B is stretched around four fixed pulleys 38 and one tension pulley 39.

[0082] The first biasing pulley 31A, the second biasing pulley 31B, and the third biasing pulley 31C are provided at the tip portions of the first swing arm 34A, the second swing arm 34B, and the third swing arm 34C, respectively. The base portions of the first swing arm 34A, the second swing arm 34B, and the third swing arm 34C are each pivotally supported by the conveyor frame 36.

[0083] The first swing arm 34A, the second swing arm 34B, and the third swing arm 34C are supported by a first spring member 35A, a second spring member 35B, and a third spring member 35C, respectively. The first spring member 35A, the second spring member 35B, and the third spring member 35C are tension springs. One end of each of the first spring member 35A, the second spring member 35B, and the third spring member 35C is connected to the conveyor frame 36, and the other end of each of the first spring member 35A, the second spring member 35B, and the third spring member 35C is connected to a first hook 37A, a second hook 37B, and a third hook 37C provided at the base side of the first swing arm 34A, the second swing arm 34B, and the third swing arm 34C.

[0084] With this structure, the first oscillating arm 34A, the second oscillating arm 34B and the third oscillating arm 34C are supported so that they can oscillate in the directions of arrows R1, R2 and R3 against the spring elastic forces of the first spring member 35A, the second spring member 35B and the third spring member 35C, respectively, when a force (arrow X in the figure) is applied to the first biasing pulley 31A, the second biasing pulley 31B and the third biasing pulley 31C from outside the belt.

[0085] With the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B configured as described above, when agricultural products are sandwiched between the opposing left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B and sent backwards, the first urging pulley 31A, the second urging pulley 31B, and the third urging pulley 31C move backwards as the agricultural products pass by. This allows the agricultural products to be held without being crushed and to pass through reliably.

[0086] [Belt feed control] The left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B are set so that the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B have different feed speeds. By doing this, even if multiple agricultural products enter the pickup area 2 at the same time, the multiple agricultural products are rearranged so that they are lined up in the front-to-back direction, and are smoothly picked up one by one.

[0087] The bottom conveyor 11A is set so that the feed speed of the bottom conveyor belt 12 is substantially the same as the feed speed of the side conveyor belts 30A, 30B of at least one of the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B.

[0088] Specifically, in this example, the feed speed of the bottom conveyor belt 12 is set to be substantially the same as that of the side conveyor belts 30A, 30B, which have a slower feed speed among the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B. In other words, two of the three conveyor belts that hold the agricultural products from three sides are fed at the same speed. In this way, the picked-up agricultural products are stably fed backward by the three conveyor belts.

[0089] [Swinging of the pickup means 10] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the pickup means 10 swings relative to the traveling machine body 1. As shown in FIG.

[0090] As described above, the rear end side of the pickup means 10 is connected to the traveling body 1 so that the front end side can swing up and down relative to the traveling body 1. Furthermore, the front end side of the pickup means 10 is supported by left and right wheels 16 that are in contact with the field and rotate as the traveling body 1 travels.

[0091] As shown in Figure 9(A), when the conditions of the field cause the running body 1 to tilt so that the front is raised and the rear is lowered, the action of the hinge structure 15 causes the pickup means 10 to swing downward toward the front relative to the running body 1 while the left and right wheels 16 remain in contact with the field. As shown in Figure 9 (B), when the conditions of the field cause the running body 1 to tilt so that the front lowers and the rear rises, the action of the hinge structure 15 causes the pickup means 10 to swing with the front raised relative to the running body 1 while the left and right wheels 16 remain in contact with the field.

[0092] In this way, even if the traveling body 1 tilts forward or backward due to the unevenness or inclination of the field, the front end side of the pickup means 10 swings up and down relative to the traveling body 1, and the height position of the pickup area 2 relative to the field can be kept constant. This prevents the height of the pickup area 2 from becoming unstable, and prevents pickup failures caused by this.

[0093] [Cutting means 41] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the cutting means 41. (A) is a diagram seen from above, and (B) is a diagram seen from the side. In the harvesting device, cutting means 41 for cutting stems and leaves that run onto the top of the bottom feeding means 11 as the traveling body 1 travels can be disposed on at least one of the left and right sides of the bottom feeding means 11. In this example, the cutting means 41 are rotary saws disposed on the left and right sides of the bottom feeding means 11. The cutting means 41 cuts the stems and leaves that attempt to run onto the top of the bottom feeding means 11 as the traveling body 1 travels, thereby preventing problems caused by entanglement of stems and leaves.

[0094] [Transportation means 50] The transport means 50 transports the agricultural products picked up by the pickup means 10. The transport means 50 transports the agricultural products picked up in the pickup area 2 at the front of the vehicle body to a storage container 60 at the rear of the vehicle body.

[0095] In this example, the transport means 50 includes a first conveyor 51, a second conveyor 52, and a third conveyor 53.

[0096] The first conveyor 51 extends forward and backward on the left side of the vehicle body, and is disposed so that its front end is located close to the ground and slopes upward. The rear end of the first conveyor 51 is at the same height as the upper opening of the storage container 60. The front end of the first conveyor 51 is the pickup area 2. For example, a belt with a sunshade can be used for the first conveyor 51 so that the agricultural products do not roll off even on the upward slope.

[0097] The second conveyor 52 is disposed to extend in the left-right direction of the vehicle body at the rear end of the first conveyor 51. The second conveyor 52 temporarily changes the transport direction of the agricultural products transported by the first conveyor 51.

[0098] The third conveyor 53 is disposed to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body at the downstream end of the second conveyor 52. The rear end of the first conveyor 51 reaches an upper opening of a storage container 60. In this way, the agricultural products transported by the third conveyor 53 are stored in the storage container 60.

[0099] In the pickup area 2 at the front end of the first conveyor 51, the pickup means 10 places the agricultural products on the first conveyor 51, whereupon the agricultural products are picked up. The first conveyor 51 carries the picked up agricultural products rearward and places them on the second conveyor 52. The second conveyor 52 temporarily changes the conveying direction of the agricultural products. The agricultural products handed over from the second conveyor 52 to the third conveyor 53 are transported by the third conveyor 53 to a storage container 60 at the rear of the vehicle body.

[0100] [Containment container 60] The storage container 60 stores the agricultural products transported by the transport means 50. The storage container 60 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle body of the traveling machine body 1. The storage container 60 is a box-shaped container with an opening at the top. The storage container 60 is mounted on a lift mechanism 61 that can rise and fall. Also, a tilting mechanism (not shown) is provided that tilts the storage container 60 so that the agricultural products fed from the third conveyor 53 are not damaged by the difference in height.

[0101] [Harvesting operation] With the harvesting device of this embodiment, for example, crops can be harvested as follows.

[0102] For example, when harvesting pumpkins as a crop, the stems and leaves are first cut at the stem, the pumpkin flesh is separated, and then scattered around the field.

[0103] The traveling machine body 1 is caused to travel in the field. As the traveling machine body 1 travels, pumpkins scattered in the field approach the front of the traveling machine body 1, and when they hit the first scraping mechanism 71 or the second scraping mechanism 72, they are scraped toward the pickup area 2.

[0104] In the pickup area 2, a pumpkin that enters the open area in front of the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B is sandwiched between the left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B and sent backwards, where it is picked up and placed on the bottom conveyor 11A. The left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B and the bottom conveyor belt 12 then send the pumpkin backwards. At this time, the pumpkin is held from three sides by the three conveyor belts and sent backwards through the triangular passage.

[0105] The pumpkins are then transported further toward the rear of the vehicle by the transport means 50 and placed in a storage container 60 for harvesting.

[0106] 〔summary〕 The crop harvesting device of the first embodiment can be used to harvest pumpkins, for example, to harvest the pumpkins without having to pick them up manually.

[0107] In this case, the pumpkins are first cut from the vines with scissors and scattered across the field. The device is then driven across the field to pick up the pumpkins from the ground and store them in the storage container 60.

[0108] In this way, the first embodiment mechanizes the work of lifting pumpkins from the ground and carrying them into containers during pumpkin harvesting, thereby achieving labor-saving and manpower-saving.

[0109] [Second Example of Pick-up Means 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the pickup means 10. In this example, the left and right side conveyors 22A, 22B are configured such that the front end of one of the facing left and right side conveyor belts 30A, 30B is located further forward than the other.

[0110] Specifically, the front end of the left side conveyor belt 30A is configured to be located forward of the front end of the right side conveyor belt 30B. In addition, the front end of the right side conveyor belt 30B is flared forward, but the front end of the left side conveyor belt 30A is not flared forward.

[0111] That is, the first scraping mechanism 71 is located further forward than the second scraping mechanism 72, and is disposed so as to block the front of the pickup area 2. For this reason, the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism 71 head toward the pickup area 2 via the second scraping mechanism 72 as shown by arrow Q1, and the agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism 72 head directly from the second scraping mechanism 72 toward the pickup area 2 as shown by arrow Q2.

[0112] At this time, the agricultural products moving from the second scraping mechanism 72 toward the pickup area 2 are caught by the front end of the left side conveyor belt 30A, which protrudes forward and does not widen. In other words, the front end of the left side conveyor belt 30A on the side where the first scraping mechanism 71 is located in front is configured to be located further forward than the other, and the front end does not widen. This configuration effectively prevents missed pickups.

[0113] [Effects of the first embodiment] This embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0114] The crop harvesting device of this embodiment includes a traveling body 1 and a pick-up means 10. The traveling body 1 travels in a farm field. The pick-up means 10 has a predetermined pick-up area 2, and picks up crops present in the farm field in front of the traveling body 1. The rear end of the pickup means 10 is connected to the traveling body 1 so that the front end can swing up and down relative to the traveling body 1. Therefore, even if the traveling body 1 tilts forward or backward due to unevenness or inclination of the field, the front end of the pickup means 10 can swing up and down relative to the traveling body 1, and the height position of the pickup area 2 relative to the field can be kept constant. This prevents the height of the pickup area 2 from becoming unstable, and prevents missed pickups due to this.

[0115] In the agricultural crop harvesting device of this embodiment, the front end side of the pickup means 10 is supported by wheels 16 that contact the field and rotate as the traveling body 1 travels. For this reason, the height position of the pickup area 2 relative to the farm field is always kept constant by the wheels 16. This prevents the height of the pickup area 2 from becoming unstable, and prevents missed pickups due to this.

[0116] In the agricultural crop harvesting device of this embodiment, the wheels 16 are provided on the left and right sides of the pickup area 2. Furthermore, the left and right wheels 16 are arranged at an incline so that the camber angle of each wheel is positive. Therefore, the wheels 16 do not become an obstacle when agricultural products are captured in the pickup area 2, effectively preventing missed pickups.

[0117] The crop harvesting device of this embodiment is provided with a scraping means 70 in front of the traveling body 1. The scraping means 70 scrapes crops present in the field toward the pickup area 2. Therefore, crops that are not planted in rows can be scraped and picked up. This increases the width of the area to be harvested, improves harvesting efficiency, and reduces harvesting costs. The scraping means 70 has a first scraping mechanism unit 71 and a second scraping mechanism unit 72 arranged on the left and right sides of the pickup area 2, respectively. Furthermore, the first scraping mechanism unit 71 is arranged at a greater distance from the pickup area 2 than the second scraping mechanism unit 72. For this reason, there is likely to be a time difference between the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism unit 71 and the agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism unit 72 when they enter the pickup area 2. This prevents missed pickups caused by multiple agricultural products entering the pickup area 2 at the same time.

[0118] In this embodiment of the agricultural crop harvesting apparatus, the first scraping mechanism 71 is positioned in a position blocking the front of the pickup area 2, and is configured so that the first scraping mechanism 71 scrapes the agricultural crops toward the second scraping mechanism 72. The agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism 71 head toward the second scraping mechanism 72, and the agricultural products scraped by the first scraping mechanism 71 and the agricultural products scraped by the second scraping mechanism 72 head sequentially together toward the pickup area 2. This prevents missed pickups caused by multiple agricultural products entering the pickup area 2 at the same time.

[0119] ◆ Second embodiment 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes a first swing control means 81 and a second swing control means 91 . The first swing control means 81 prevents the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1, from abnormally descending during the up and down swing. The second swing control means 91 prevents the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1, from abnormally floating up during the up and down swing.

[0120] ◇First Example FIG. 12 shows a first example of the second embodiment. In the first example, the first swing control means 81 presses the pickup means 10 with the traveling body 1 or a base frame 90 attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from descending.

[0121] The first example includes a pickup frame 80, a base frame 90, a first swing control means 81, and a second swing control means 91.

[0122] [Pickup Frame 80] The pickup frame 80 is connected to the front of the traveling body 1 (not shown) by the hinge structure 15 similar to that described above, and the tip side can swing up and down around the hinge structure 15. The pickup frame 80 has wheels 16 similar to those described above attached to its tip, and the tip side is grounded on the field by the wheels 16. The pickup frame 80 is mounted with pickup means 10 comprising bottom feeding means 11 and loading means 21 similar to those described above.

[0123] The pickup frame 80 includes a front-rear frame 82, a vertical frame 83, a wheel frame 84, a first swing control unit 85, a second swing control unit 86, and a mounting frame 87.

[0124] The front-rear frame 82 extends in the front-rear direction in front of the traveling body 1. The vertical frame 83 extends in the vertical direction at the rear end of the front-rear frame 82. The wheel frame 84 has the wheels 16 attached to the tip end of the front-rear frame 82. The first swing control section 85 is pressed by the first swing control means 81. The second swing control section 86 is pressed by the second swing control means 91. The mounting frame 87 has the pickup means 10 mounted thereon.

[0125] The hinge structure 15 is provided behind the vertical frame 83. The first swing control unit 85 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 83. The second swing control unit 86 is provided at the tip of the front-rear frame 82 so as to protrude upward.

[0126] [Base frame 90] The base frame 90 is connected to the front of the traveling body 1 (not shown) by the hinge structure 15, and the tip side can swing up and down around the hinge structure 15. Wheels 16 are attached to the tip of the base frame 90, and the tip side is grounded on the field by the wheels 16. The base frame 90 functions as a base member of the present invention.

[0127] The base frame 90 includes a main frame 94, a support column 92, and legs 95. The weight of the base frame 90 is set to be greater than that of the pickup frame 80.

[0128] The main frame 94 has the hinge structure 15 at its rear end and extends forward. The legs 95 are located under the front end of the main frame 94 and have the wheels 93 attached to them. The support pillars 92 are located slightly forward of the center of the main frame 94 and extend upward.

[0129] The first swing control means 81 is attached to the rear side of the upper end of the support pillar 92. The second swing control means 91 is attached to the front side of the upper end of the support pillar 92.

[0130] [First swing control means 81] The first swing control means 81 includes a compression spring 81A and a cylinder 81B. The compression spring 81A is in contact with the first swing control section 85 of the pickup frame 80. The cylinder 81B has a base attached to a support 92 of the base frame 90, and a cylinder rod presses the compression spring 81A.

[0131] With this structure, the first swing control means 81 presses the vertical frame 83 of the pickup frame 80 backward with the support 92 as a base point. This pressing causes the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 of the pickup frame 80 to be lifted upward. By lifting the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 upward, it is possible to prevent the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1, from abnormally descending during the vertical swing. In this way, the first swing control means 81 applies a pressing force to the pickup means 10 via the pickup frame 80. The pressing operation by the first swing control means 81 can be performed by an operator who operates the traveling machine body 1, such as driving the traveling machine body 1, using an operating means (not shown).

[0132] At this time, the support pillar 92 serving as the base point does not swing back and forth relative to the traveling body 1, so by pushing the pickup frame 80 backwards using the support pillar 92 as the base point, it is possible to prevent the front end of the pickup means 10 from sinking.

[0133] [Second swing control means 91] The second swing control means 91 presses the pickup means 10 with the traveling machine body 1 or a base frame 90 attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from floating up.

[0134] The second swing control means 91 includes a compression spring 91A and a cylinder 91B. The compression spring 91A is in contact with the second swing control section 86 of the pickup frame 80. The cylinder 91B has a base attached to a support 92 of the base frame 90, and a cylinder rod presses the compression spring 91A.

[0135] With this structure, the second swing control means 91 presses the tip of the front and rear frames 82 of the pickup frame 80 downward with the support 92 as a base point. This pressing presses the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 of the pickup frame 80 downward. By pressing the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 downward, it is possible to prevent the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1, from abnormally floating up during the vertical swing. In this way, the first swing control means 81 applies a pressing force to the pickup means 10 via the pickup frame 80. The pressing operation by the second swing control means 91 can be performed by an operator who operates the traveling machine body 1, such as driving the traveling machine body 1, using an operating means not shown.

[0136] At this time, the base pillar 92 also swings up and down, but since the weight of the base frame 90 to which the pillar 92 is attached is set to be greater than that of the pickup frame 80, the tip of the pickup frame 80 is prevented from floating up.

[0137] ◇Second Example FIG. 13 shows a second example of the second embodiment. In the second example, the first swing control means 81 prevents the front end side from descending by pulling the pickup means 10 with the traveling body 1 or a base frame 90 attached thereto as a base point.

[0138] In the second example, an arm 1A is provided that extends forward in front of the traveling body 1 (not shown), and the hinge structure 15 is provided at the tip of the arm 1A. That is, the pickup frame 80 and the base frame 90 are attached to the tip of the arm 1A via the hinge structure 15. Also, the first swing control unit 85 is provided on the rear side of the middle part of the vertical frame 83. The arm 1A functions as the base member of the present invention.

[0139] [First swing control means 81] In the second example, the first swing control means 81 includes a tension spring 81C and a cylinder 81D. The tension spring 81C is connected to the first swing control section 85 of the pickup frame 80. The cylinder 81D has a base attached to the arm 1A, and a cylinder rod pulls the tension spring 81C.

[0140] With this structure, the first swing control means 81 pulls the vertical frame 83 of the pickup frame 80 backward with the arm 1A as a base point. This pull causes the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 of the pickup frame 80 to rise upward. By lifting the tip side of the front and rear frames 82 upward, it is possible to prevent the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body 1, from abnormally descending during the vertical swing. In this way, the first swing control means 81 applies a pulling force to the pickup means 10 via the pickup frame 80. The pulling operation by the first swing control means 81 can be performed by an operator who operates the traveling machine body 1, such as driving the traveling machine body 1, using an operating means (not shown).

[0141] At this time, the arm 1A serving as the base point does not swing back and forth relative to the traveling body 1, so by pulling the pickup frame 80 backwards using the arm 1A as the base point, the front end of the pickup means 10 can be prevented from sinking. Other than that, it is similar to the first example described above, and similar parts are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0142] [Effects of the second embodiment] The crop harvesting device of the second embodiment is provided with a first swing control means 81 that prevents the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling body 1, from abnormally descending during the up and down swing. This prevents the front end of the pickup means 10 from descending abnormally and picking up soil. This is particularly effective in soft fields where the front end is likely to descend and pick up soil.

[0143] In the second embodiment of the agricultural crop harvesting device, the first swing control means 81 presses the pickup means 10 using the traveling body 1 or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end from descending. In this way, the above-mentioned troubles can be reliably prevented by the pressing of the pickup means 10 with the traveling body 1 or the base member as the base point.

[0144] In the second embodiment of the agricultural crop harvesting apparatus, the first swing control means 81 prevents the front end side from descending by pulling the pickup means 10 using the traveling body 1 or a base member attached thereto as a base point. In this way, the above-mentioned troubles can be reliably prevented by towing the pickup means 10 with the traveling body 1 or the base member as a base point.

[0145] The crop harvesting device of the second embodiment is provided with a second swing control means 91 for preventing the front end side of the pickup means 10, which swings up and down relative to the traveling body 1, from abnormally floating up during the up and down swing. This prevents the front end of the pickup means 10 from rising abnormally, causing small agricultural products to slip under the pickup means 10 and resulting in missed pickups. This is particularly effective in farm fields where the growth conditions of agricultural products vary, as small agricultural products are likely to slip under the pickup means 10 and result in missed pickups.

[0146] In the second embodiment of the agricultural crop harvesting device, the second swing control means 91 presses the pickup means 10 using the traveling body 1 or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from floating up. In this way, the above-mentioned troubles can be reliably prevented by the pressing of the pickup means 10 with the traveling body 1 or the base member as the base point.

[0147] [Modifications] Although the particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0148] For example, in the present invention, the crops to be harvested are not limited to pumpkins, and various crops that are grown on the ground surface can be targeted. For example, crops that have vines that grow along the ground and whose fruits roll on the ground surface, such as bonito flakes and watermelons, can be targeted. In addition, crops that are dug up and placed on the ground, such as onions and potatoes, can be targeted.

[0149] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modified examples, but is intended to include various modified aspects based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0150] For example, the first swing control means 81 and the second swing control means 91 can act not only on the base point member but also on the traveling body 1 itself as the base point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1: Running body 1A: Arm 2:Pickup area 3: Endless track 4: Seats 10:Pickup method 11: Bottom feed means 11A: Bottom conveyor 11B: Front end pulley 11C: Front end 11D:Top surface 12: Bottom conveyor belt 15: Hinge structure 16: Wheels 21: Loading method 22A: Side conveyor (left side) 22B: Side conveyor (right side) 23A: Protruding part (left side) 23B: Protruding part (right side) 24A:Inner surface (left side) 24B: Inside (right side) 30A: Side conveyor belt (left side) 30B: Side conveyor belt (right side) 31A: First energizing pulley 31B: Second energizing pulley 31C: 3rd energizing pulley 32: Front end pulley 33: Rear end pulley 34A: First swing arm 34B: Second swing arm 34C: Third swing arm 35A: First spring member 35B: Second spring member 35C: Third spring member 36: Conveyor frame 37A: First hook 37B: 2nd hook 37C: 3rd hook 38: Fixed pulley 39: Tension pulley 41: Cutting means 50: Means of transportation 51: First conveyor 52: Second conveyor 53: 3rd conveyor 60: Containment Container 61: Lift mechanism 70: Raising means 71:First scraping mechanism part 72:Second scraping mechanism section 73: Scraping roller 74: Regulatory components 75: Cylinder 80: Pickup frame 81: First oscillation control means 81A: Compression spring 81B: Cylinder 81C:Tension spring 81D: Cylinder 82: Front and rear frames 83: Vertical frame 84: Wheel frame 85: First swing control section 86: Second swing control section 87: Mounting frame 90: Base frame 91: second oscillation control means 91A: Compression spring 91B: Cylinder 92: Post 93:Wheel 94: Main frame 95: Legs

Claims

1. A traveling machine capable of traveling in a field; A pickup means is provided in front of the traveling body for picking up agricultural products present in the field in a predetermined pickup area, The pickup means is The rear end side is connected to the traveling body so that the front end side can swing up and down relative to the traveling body, The front end side of the pickup means is supported by a wheel that is in contact with the field and rotates as the traveling body travels, the wheels are provided on the left and right of the pickup area, respectively, and are arranged inclined such that the camber angles of the left and right wheels are positive; The front end side of the pickup means, which swings up and down relative to the traveling machine body, is provided with a first swing control means for preventing abnormal lowering during the vertical swing. A crop harvesting device comprising:

2. Further, a scraping means is provided in front of the traveling body for scraping agricultural crops present in the field toward the pickup area, The scraping means is A first pick-up mechanism and a second pick-up mechanism are disposed on the left and right of the pickup area, respectively, The first scraping mechanism is disposed so that the distance to the pickup area is greater than that of the second scraping mechanism.

2. A crop harvesting apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the first scraping mechanism is disposed at a position blocking the front of the pickup area, The first scraping mechanism is configured to scrape the crops toward the second scraping mechanism.

3. A crop harvesting apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first swing control means is A pressing force is applied to the pickup means with the traveling machine body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from descending. A crop harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first swing control means is A traction force is applied to the pickup means with the traveling machine body or a base member attached thereto as a base point, thereby preventing the front end side from descending. A crop harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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