Crop harvester

Abstract

To cause a hydraulic circuit to be operated normally and stably when the hydraulic circuit for a crane is commonly used for another mechanism.SOLUTION: The present invention includes a first hydraulic circuit (2600) for actuating a suspension device (700) and a valve (2610) provided in an oil passage of the first hydraulic circuit (2600) that can move between an actuation position for bringing the suspension device (700) into an actuation state and a stop position for bringing the suspension device (700) into a stop state. When the suspension device (700) is in the stop state, the oil pressure of the first hydraulic circuit (2600) is inhibited from becoming too high by moving the valve (2610) between the stop position and the actuation position at a predetermined timing. When the hydraulic circuit (2600) for a crane is commonly used for another mechanism, a hydraulic circuit (2000) can be operated normally and stably.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop harvester for harvesting crops, and particularly to a crop harvester suitable for harvesting crops such as carrots and radishes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a crop harvester that pulls out vegetables such as carrots from a field, conveys the pulled-out crops by a sorting device, and stores them in a storage bag called a flexi-conveyor bag or a flexible container (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, when a flexi-conveyor bag is filled with crops, it becomes several hundred kilograms in weight, making it difficult to move by human power. In response to this, there are some crop harvesters equipped with a crane mechanism for lifting and lowering the flexi-conveyor bag in the field. In a crane mechanism for moving a heavy flexi-conveyor bag, a large hydraulic power is required to move the crane.

[0005] Here, in a crop harvester, the crane mechanism is a configuration that is added according to the needs of the user (so-called optional equipment), and is not provided in all crop harvesters. Therefore, if a crane mechanism is necessarily provided in a crop harvester, it is efficient to provide a dedicated hydraulic circuit for the crane mechanism that requires a large power. However, since it is optional equipment, when adding a crane mechanism, if a separate hydraulic mechanism is also added externally, there is a problem of poor efficiency due to factors such as the control system of the hydraulic circuit, the cost of installing the configuration of the hydraulic circuit, and the space. Therefore, when the crane mechanism is an option, as for the configuration of the hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit without the crane mechanism (hydraulic circuits for power steering, for raising and lowering the excavation device, for raising and lowering the vehicle body, etc.) is the basis, and when the crane mechanism is added, the hydraulic circuit for the crane is added to the basic hydraulic circuit, that is, it is more cost-effective and efficient to share the hydraulic circuit.

[0006] However, as described above, since the crane mechanism requires a large amount of power, when the crane mechanism is added, the hydraulic power required by the crane mechanism becomes large compared to the total hydraulic power of the basic hydraulic circuit. Therefore, it becomes difficult to operate the crane mechanism and other mechanisms that operate hydraulically simultaneously. Thus, it is preferable to stop the crane mechanism while other mechanisms are operating. However, if a long time elapses in a situation where the crane does not operate, the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic circuit for the crane may increase due to temperature rise or the like, and there is a risk that the crane cannot be operated when trying to operate the crane.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to stably and normally operate a hydraulic circuit when the hydraulic circuit for a crane is shared with other mechanisms.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The above problems of the present invention are solved by the following solution means. The invention according to claim 1 is a crop harvester comprising a traveling vehicle body (100), a harvesting unit (300) supported by the traveling vehicle body (100) for harvesting crops in a field, and a hanging device (700) for hanging a storage bag (650) in which the crops harvested by the harvesting unit (300) are stored. The hanging device (700) is capable of raising and lowering the storage bag (650), a first hydraulic circuit (2600) for operating the hanging device (700), a second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) connected in series with the first hydraulic circuit (2600) for operating a device different from the hanging device (700), and a valve (2610) provided in an oil passage of the first hydraulic circuit (2600) and movable between an operating position for bringing the hanging device (700) into an operating state and a stop position for bringing the hanging device (700) into a stopped state. The crop harvester further comprises a control unit (3100) for moving the valve (2610) between the stop position and the operating position at a predetermined time when the hanging device (700) is in a stopped state.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is the crop harvester according to claim 1, further comprising the valve (2610) movable between the operating position having a first operating position for moving the hanging device (700) inward of the traveling vehicle body (100) and a second operating position for moving the hanging device (700) outward of the traveling vehicle body (100) and the stop position, and the control unit (3100) for moving the valve to the second operating position after moving to the first operating position at the predetermined time.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3 is the crop harvester according to claim 2, further comprising the control unit (3100) for moving the valve (2610) between the first operating position and the stop position from a state where the hanging device (700) has moved to the innermost initial position of the traveling vehicle body (100) within the movable range of the hanging device (700).

[0011] In the invention according to claim 4, when the use of the second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) is started while moving the valve (2610) between the stop position and the operating position, the movement of the valve (2610) is stopped and returned to the stop position, and after the use of the second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) is completed, the valve (2610) is moved between the stop position and the operating position. The crop harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 includes a traveling vehicle body (100), a harvesting unit (300) supported by the traveling vehicle body (100) for harvesting crops in a field, and a hanging device (700) for hanging a storage bag (650) in which the crops harvested by the harvesting unit (300) are stored. The hanging device (700) capable of raising and lowering the storage bag (650), a first hydraulic circuit (2600′) for operating the hanging device (700), a second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) connected in series with the first hydraulic circuit (2600′) and operating a device different from the hanging device (700), and a valve (2610′) provided in the oil passage of the first hydraulic circuit (2600′) and movable between an operating position for operating the hanging device (700) and a stop position for stopping the hanging device (700), and a second valve (2640) disposed in a bypass oil passage (2620f) that bypasses the oil passage of the first hydraulic circuit (2600′). The second valve (2640) closes the bypass oil passage (2620f) when the valve (2610′) moves to the operating position, and opens the bypass oil passage (2620f) when the valve (2610′) moves to the stop position to bypass the first hydraulic circuit (2600′) to suppress an increase in pressure. The crop harvester is characterized in that

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 1, when the suspension device (700) is in a stopped state, by moving the valve (2610) between a stop position and an operating position at a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent the hydraulic pressure of the first hydraulic circuit (2600) from becoming too high, and when the hydraulic circuit for the crane is shared with other mechanisms, the hydraulic circuit can be stably and normally operated. According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, by first moving to the first operating position, it is possible to prevent the suspension device (700) from first moving outwardly of the traveling vehicle body (100), reducing the occurrence of accidents and improving safety. According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 2, by further moving the suspension device (700) inwardly from the initial position, it is possible to prevent the suspension device (700) from moving outwardly of the traveling vehicle body (100), further improving safety.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, it is possible to suppress the depressurization operation of the first hydraulic circuit from adversely affecting the operation of the second hydraulic circuit. According to the invention described in claim 5, by providing the second valve (2640) in the first hydraulic circuit (2600'), it is possible to prevent the hydraulic pressure from becoming too high whether the valve (2610') is in the stop position or the operating position, and when the hydraulic circuit for the crane is shared with other mechanisms, the hydraulic circuit can be stably and normally operated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] While referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The carrots in this embodiment are an example of the crops in the present invention, and the carrot harvesting vehicle in this embodiment is an example of the crop harvesting vehicle in the present invention. The carrot harvesting device 300 is an example of the crop harvesting device in the present invention. The same applies hereinafter, but some components may not be shown in the drawings or may be shown perspectively or omitted. First, with reference mainly to FIG. 1, the configuration and operation of the carrot harvesting vehicle of this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0017] Here, FIG. 1 is a right side view of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. The carrot harvesting vehicle (an example of a crop harvesting machine) of the present embodiment is a vehicle for harvesting carrots by a carrot harvesting device (an example of a harvesting unit) 300 while traveling with a traveling device 200 in accordance with a manual operation or an automatic operation in an operating device 400. Note that, as an example, the traveling device 200 of the embodiment is configured by a pair of left and right crawlers. In the traveling device 200 of the embodiment, at least one of the left and right crawlers is configured to be vertically movable by a hydraulic cylinder for a traveling device (not shown), and when the traveling vehicle body 100 is inclined left and right due to a slope of a field or the like, one crawler is relatively moved up and down with respect to the other crawler, so that it is configured to be able to maintain a reference (horizontal) such as a conveyor device 500 and a flexible container 650 described later.

[0018] Further, the carrot harvesting device 300 of the embodiment is configured to be able to adjust a digging depth by operating and vertically moving a hydraulic cylinder for a harvesting device (not shown) according to the height of a ridge in a field, the length (depth) of a carrot, or the like. The conveyor device 500 is a device that conveys the carrots harvested by the carrot harvesting device 300 toward the outside of the vehicle body.

[0019] The carrot harvesting device 300 is provided on the left side in the vehicle body left-right direction, the flexible container mounting table mechanism 600 is provided on the right side in the vehicle body left-right direction, and a flexible container (an example of a storage bag) 650 that stores the carrots harvested by the carrot harvesting device 300 is held on the right side in the vehicle body left-right direction of the vehicle body 100. Therefore, the conveying direction of the conveyor device 500 is rightward in the vehicle body left-right direction. The hanger 750 is a hanger that suspends a flexible container 650 that receives the carrots falling from the conveyor end portion 521 of the conveyor device 500.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 2(a), which is a partial left side view of the vicinity of the hanger 750 of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2(b), which is a partial plan view of the vicinity of the hanger 750 of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2(c), which is a partial rear view of the vicinity of the hanger 750 of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following will be described in more detail. The two hangers 750 are provided as container suspension members arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The hanger 750 provided on the front side suspends the front side of the bag mouth of the flexible container 650, and the hanger 750 provided on the rear side suspends the rear side of the bag mouth of the flexible container 650. The shape of the hanger 750 is symmetric with respect to the left - right direction of the vehicle body, and the shapes of the two hangers 750 are the same.

[0021] The hanger holding crane arm mechanism (an example of a suspension device) 700 is a mechanism for holding the hanger 750. The hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 can move the hanger 750 that is suspending the flexible container 650 outward of the vehicle body. Referring to Figs. 3(a) to 3(f), which are rear views (one to six) for explaining the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention over time, the following will be described in more detail.

[0022] The conveyor device 500 is rotatably attached to the vehicle body 100, and the height of the conveyor terminal portion 521 can change as the conveyor device 500 rotates. The hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is rotatably attached to the conveyor device 500. In the carrot harvesting vehicle of the embodiment, the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is an optional item that can be additionally installed with respect to the conveyor device 500. It is also possible to configure the carrot harvesting vehicle to use a hanger 750 with a fixed position without having the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700.

[0023] The carrot harvesting vehicle of this embodiment is a vegetable harvester that conveys carrots, which are root vegetables, by a conveyor 520 that is a movable conveyor for sorting and the like, and stores them in a flexible container 650 for sorting and the like. The flexible container 650, which is attached to a hanger 750 by a container suspension ring (not shown) like a suspension string and set at the end portion 521 of the conveyor, is suspended as the height of the end portion 521 of the conveyor increases at the end of the harvesting operation, and is moved laterally while suspended, and is lowered to the field ground at a position beside the vehicle body (traveling vehicle body) 100.

[0024] More specifically, it is as follows while referring to FIG. 4 which is a rear view of the carrot harvesting vehicle of the embodiment in the present invention. The crane arms 720 and 730 for moving the flexible container 650 laterally are folded and stored in the sorting area space above the conveyor 520. Therefore, since the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 does not greatly protrude into the lateral horizontal space and the upper space during storage, the crane arms 720 and 730 do not get in the way, and effective use of the space is realized.

[0025] Next, while mainly referring to FIG. 1, the configuration and operation of the carrot harvesting vehicle of this embodiment will be described more specifically. A flexible container locking member 501 is provided on the conveyor device 500. When receiving the carrots that the flexible container 650 drops, the flexible container locking member 501 locks with the flexible container 650. The flexible container locking member 501 is provided in such a manner that it can naturally come off from the flexible container 650 when the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 moves the hanger 750 outward of the vehicle body.

[0026] More specifically, it is as follows while referring to FIG. 5 which is an enlarged rear view (part one) of the carrot harvesting vehicle of the embodiment in the present invention. Figure 5 is an enlarged rear view of Fig. 3(c). Since the tip direction of the flexible container locking member 501, such as a pin for attaching the flexible container 650 in cooperation with a ring member or a hole provided in the flexible container 650, is rightward in the rear view of the vehicle body, the flexible container locking member 501 can be successfully disengaged from the flexible container 650 in the direction indicated by arrow X1 as viewed from the flexible container 650 near the lower center of the conveyor 520, and the flexible container 650 will not be torn. The flexible container locking member 501 receives the downward container load when the flexible container 650 is suspended, and slips off from the flexible container 650 when the flexible container 650 is moved laterally.

[0027] Two flexible container suspension members 751a and 751b are provided on the hanger 750. When the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 has finished moving the hanger 750 outward of the vehicle body, at least the flexible container suspension member 751a near the vehicle body among the two flexible container suspension members 751a and 751b is provided so as to have a substantially arc shape that opens outward of the vehicle body in a manner that it can be disengaged from the flexible container 650 without being caught.

[0028] More specifically, the following description will be given with reference to Fig. 6, which is an enlarged rear view (Part II) of the ginseng harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged rear view of Fig. 3(e). The distal end direction of the flexible container suspension member 751a near the vehicle body, such as a pin for attaching the flexible container 650 in cooperation with a ring member or a hole provided in the flexible container 650, is diagonally upward to the right in a rear view of the vehicle body. Therefore, the flexible container suspension member 751a smoothly disengages in the direction indicated by the arrow X2 as viewed from the flexible container 650 near the lower center of the conveyor 520, and the flexible container 650 is not torn. The flexible container suspension members 751a and 751b receive the downward container load when the flexible container 650 is suspended and slip off from the flexible container 650 when the flexible container 650 is moved laterally. The mounting table 610 is a table that is tiltably attached to the vehicle body 100 and on which the flexible container 650 is mounted.

[0029] Next, with reference mainly to FIG. 1, the configuration and operation of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. When the height of the conveyor end portion 521 changes so as to increase as the conveyor device 500 rotates, the conveyor device 500 is provided such that the contact member 510 contacts the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 in a manner in which the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is rotated upward as the conveyor device 500 rotates.

[0030] More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, which are enlarged rear views (parts three and four) of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is as follows. FIGS. 7 and 8 are enlarged rear views of FIGS. 3(a) and (b), respectively. The contact member 510 is provided on the conveyor 520 or the like as a guide plate in the form of a protrusion for lifting the crane arm 720, which is the base side crane arm, at an intermediate position within the range where the conveyor 520 rotates. The crane arms 720 and 730 can be folded so that they do not interfere by protruding greatly into the lateral horizontal space and the upper space during storage, but since the weight of the crane arms is not small, the contact member 510 is provided so that the crane arms can be easily deployed from the folded state to the working state. Therefore, not only the effective use of the space described above but also the reduction of labor in deploying the crane arms is realized.

[0031] Of course, the contact member 510 may be provided on the conveyor 520 or the like as a roller for similarly lifting the crane arm 720. The biasing member 710 is provided so as to bias the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 in such a manner that the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is rotated in the upward pushing direction regardless of the rotation of the conveyor device 500.

[0032] More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, which are enlarged rear views (Parts Five and Six) of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention, it is as follows. FIGS. 9 and 10 are enlarged rear views of FIGS. 3(d) and (f), respectively. The crane arm 720 is rotatable by changing its posture in a direction in which the angle θ between the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 520 and the longitudinal direction of the crane arm 720 becomes smaller. Therefore, even when the height of the conveyor end portion 521 is lower than the bag mouth portion of the flexible container 650, the harvested ginseng is not easily crushed by the conveyor 520. And even if the crane arm 720 is further lowered after contacting the conveyor 520 again, since the angle θ changes, the pressing of the ginseng contained in the flexible container 650 hardly occurs, and the pressing force caused by the generated pressing is dissipated.

[0033] The direction of biasing by the biasing member 710 such as a torque spring attached to the pivot point is often desirably in a direction such that the angle θ decreases. This is because not only is it difficult for the above-described pressing of the ginseng to occur, but also the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 naturally disengages from the flexible container 650 that has been lowered and placed on the field ground when the container suspension ring is removed. And even if the conveyor 520 is not raised, the crane arm length can be operated without engaging with the flexible container 650.

[0034] Such an amount of biasing is often desirably such that even when the conveyor 520 has not yet been raised at the start of harvesting and the height of the end portion 521 of the conveyor is small, the bag mouth portion of the flexible container 650 is high enough so that the harvested ginseng does not fly out of the flexible container 650. And since the amount of biasing is large to some extent and the bag mouth portion of the flexible container 650 naturally becomes high, the ginseng contained in the flexible container 650 is less likely to spill out of the flexible container 650. <1>In a so-called overhanging hanger arm type side-down crane, the cylinder 1110 mounting space is effectively formed by the crane arm 720, which is the base side crane arm, and the crane arm 730, which is the tip side crane arm, being bendable in an inverted V shape.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 11(a), which is a right side view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the first modification of the present invention, Fig. 11(b), which is a plan view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the first modification of the present invention, and Fig. 11(c), which is a rear view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the first modification of the present invention, it will be described more specifically as follows. Regarding the four flexible container suspension members 751a and 751b, which are also suspension hooks attached to the hanger 750, a force acts in a direction such that they do not open by themselves due to the load during hanger lifting.

[0036] When the cylinder 1110 is not extended much and the crane arm 720 is folded so that the angle between the crane arm 720 and the crane arm 730 is not too large during harvesting, the assembly of the hanger 750 approaches quite close to the conveyor outlet of the conveyor end 521, and the overlap between the bag opening of the flexible container 650 and the outlet of the conveyor end 521 is sufficiently ensured. Therefore, the carrots falling from the conveyor end 521 are received by the flexible container 650 and are not likely to spill out.

[0037] The raising and lowering of the conveyor 520 and the extension and deployment of the crane arm of the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 that also uses the cylinder 1110 are performed, for example, according to a user instruction from the joystick device 1120, which is attached beside the driver's seat provided on the front side of the vehicle body 100. The so-called one-lever operation in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the vehicle body indicated by the four arrows is realized by the joystick device 1120. For the operating lever for such a one-touch lever operation, an operation restraint is introduced so that the raising and lowering of the conveyor 520 and the extension of the crane arm 730 that uses the cylinder 1110 are not performed simultaneously. Therefore, in the actuators for the raising and lowering of the conveyor 520 and the extension of the crane arm 730, etc., a large current is not likely to be concentratedly generated. For the crane arm 730, so-called play is provided on the upper side which is the folding and storage side, and by using spring biasing or the like so as to reduce the slack of the flexible container 650, the swing toward the upper side which is the ascending side may be performed with respect to the conveyor 520.

[0038] The light device 1130 for night lighting is provided on the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700. The lighting device 1130 is provided, for example, near the intermediate position of the crane arm 730 or the rotation fulcrum position on the base side, and can illuminate the inside of the flexible container 650 regardless of the height of the conveyor end portion 521 and the overhanging position of the crane arm 730.

[0039] The functions of the side-dumping crane described above are used for bag collection and bag loading of the flexible container 650 lowered to the field ground so that the harvesting operation can be performed without a wheel loader carrier. Such bag collection may be performed by using the locking to the hanger 750 by locking and suspending the outer bag suspension string of the flexible container 650, rather than by locking and suspending the so-called bag ear string of the flexible container 650. The unlocking handle 1140 of the hanger 750 can be used as a hook for the above-described locking and suspension of the outer bag suspension string.

[0040] When the vehicle body 100 is running, an operation restraint such as a joystick device 1120 is performed so that the operation of the crane system of the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is restricted. Regarding the restriction of the operation in such a crane system, for example, the operation of the crane arm 730, which is the tip-side crane arm, is restricted, but the operation of the conveyor 520 is not restricted. For example, as a condition for restricting the operation of the crane arm 730, a condition that the parking brake switch is on can be used. <2>The connecting portion between the crane arm 730 and the hanger 750 is freely rotatable so that the horizontality of the flexible container 650 is always maintained.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 12(a), which is a right side view of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the second modification of the present invention, FIG. 12(b), which is a plan view of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the second modification of the present invention, and FIG. 12(c), which is a rear view of the carrot harvesting vehicle according to the second modification of the present invention, a more specific description is as follows. A preliminary flexible container 1210 that functions as a preliminary bag of the flexible container 650 is provided in the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700.

[0042] Since the preliminary flexible container 1210 is folded compactly and detachably fixed to the crane arms 720 and 730 etc., the operations of the above-described side unloading crane and the work in sorting are not hindered due to the attachment of the preliminary flexible container 1210. By using a spring etc. attached to the crane arm 720 which is the crane arm on the root side, not only the slack of the flexible container 650 but also the slack of the preliminary flexible container 1210 may be reduced.

[0043] By using an inclination sensor (not shown) etc. attached to the vehicle body 100, a function of operation warning or operation stop in the operation of the side unloading crane is realized. Since the horizontal maintaining function of the vehicle body 100 is automatically turned on with the operation of the crane arm 730 which is the crane arm on the tip side etc., the vehicle body 100 is less likely to tilt toward the outside of the vehicle body where the flexible container 650 is suspended, and there is almost no risk of vehicle body overturning.

[0044] The preliminary flexible container 1210 is loaded so as to be laid on the bottom surface of the mounting table 610 also called a bucket. The pre - flexible container 1210 folded using multiple folds may simply be placed on the mounting table 610. However, preferably, the pre - flexible container 1210 is loaded so as to firmly sandwich the mounting table 610 in the vertical direction so that it is not overly bounced from the bottom surface of the mounting table 610 due to the working vibration of the vehicle body 100 or the like.

[0045] A plurality of pre - flexible containers 1210 are easily prepared by such compact bag loading. The attachment and detachment of the pre - flexible container 1210 on the side of the vehicle body is easily performed from the outside of the vehicle body, which is the open - end side of the mounting table 610. <3>The function of the mounting table 610, which is a so - called sliding - table - type mounting table, is combined with the function of the side - unloading crane by the extension of the crane arm 730 described above.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 13(a), which is a right - side view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the third modification of the present invention, FIG. 13(b), which is a plan view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the third modification of the present invention, and FIG. 13(c), which is a rear - view of the ginseng harvesting vehicle in the embodiment of the third modification of the present invention, it will be more specifically described as follows. The actuator 620 is an actuator attached to the vehicle body 100 that tilts the mounting table 610.

[0047] The mounting table 610 is attached to the vehicle body 100 so as to be tiltable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body in such a manner that the flexible container 650 can slide down when unloading toward the front side or the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The actuator 620 is attached to the vehicle body 100 at a position where interference with the hanger - holding crane arm mechanism 700 does not occur. Since a front - unloading method or a rear - unloading method for raising and lowering the mounting table 610 is adopted, the function of the side - unloading crane is not hindered by the actuator 620.

[0048] Since the actuator 620 is arranged so as to avoid the side surface of the mounting table 610 by protruding toward the rear side of the vehicle body 100, there is almost no interference with members such as the radiator cover accompanying the storage of the mounting table 610. The actuator 620 may be provided by using a non-powered gas spring or the like, and a simple configuration may be realized.

[0049] The outer end of the upper surface of the mounting table 610 is flat, and there is almost no hooking with the outer end of the flexible container 650 in the operation of the side-loading crane. When a so-called mini-container (not shown) is used, the length of the mounting table 610 in the vehicle body front-rear direction is the length obtained by adding the length of the mini-container in the vehicle body front-rear direction to the dimension of the length of the flexible container 650 in the vehicle body front-rear direction. It is desirable that an edge portion where only a part of the mini-container is hooked is provided on the right end side of the mounting table 610 provided on the right side in the vehicle body left-right direction. This is because when the flexible container 650 is moved laterally, the mini-container placed beside the flexible container 650 is less likely to fall due to friction and interference with the flexible container 650.

[0050] (Explanation of the hydraulic system) FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the hydraulic system of the embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram of the hydraulic system in a state where the hanger holding crane arm mechanism is attached. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the hydraulic system of the embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram of the hydraulic system in a state where the hanger holding crane arm mechanism is not attached. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the hydraulic circuit 2000 of the embodiment includes an oil tank 2100 in which pressure oil is stored, a hydraulic circuit for vehicle body inclination (an example of a second hydraulic circuit) 2200 to which the pressure oil from the oil tank 2100 is sent, a hydraulic circuit for the harvesting device (an example of a second hydraulic circuit) 2300, a hydraulic circuit for power steering (an example of a second hydraulic circuit) 2400, and a hydraulic circuit for HST (an example of a second hydraulic circuit) 2500. In FIG. 14, in the embodiment, when the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is attached, a hydraulic circuit for the crane (an example of a first hydraulic circuit) 2600 is connected between the hydraulic circuit 2300 for the harvesting device and the hydraulic circuit 2400 for power steering.

[0051] The hydraulic circuit 2200 for vehicle body inclination includes a hydraulic cylinder 2210 for the traveling device provided in the traveling device 200 and operated to maintain the level of the traveling vehicle body 100, and a valve 2220 for traveling inclination for switching the hydraulic cylinder 2210 for the traveling device in the extending direction and the contracting direction. The valve 2220 for traveling inclination is movable between a neutral position, a rising position where one solenoid (1b) operates and the hydraulic cylinder 2210 for the traveling device contracts to raise the crawler, and a lowering position where the other solenoid (1a) operates and the hydraulic cylinder 2210 for the traveling device extends to lower the crawler. Therefore, according to the inclination of the traveling vehicle body 100 detected by the inclination sensor, the valve 2220 for traveling inclination operates to expand and contract the hydraulic cylinder 2210 for the traveling device, so that the crawler moves up and down and the level of the traveling vehicle body 100 can be maintained.

[0052] The hydraulic circuit 2300 for the harvesting device includes a hydraulic cylinder 2310 for the harvesting device that is actuated when adjusting the digging depth of the carrot harvesting device 300, and a valve 2320 for the harvesting device for switching the hydraulic cylinder 2310 for the harvesting device in the extending direction and the contracting direction. The valve 2320 for the harvesting device is movable between a neutral position, a rising position where one solenoid (2b) is actuated and the hydraulic cylinder 2310 for the harvesting device extends to raise the carrot harvesting device 300, and a falling position where the other solenoid (2a) is actuated and the hydraulic cylinder 2310 for the harvesting device contracts to lower the carrot harvesting device 300. Therefore, when the operator performs an operation to adjust the digging depth through the operating device 400, the valve 2320 for the harvesting device is actuated to expand and contract the hydraulic cylinder 2310 for the harvesting device, so that the carrot harvesting device 300 moves up and down and the digging depth is adjusted.

[0053] The hydraulic circuit 2400 for the power steering includes a right power steering solenoid 2410 for actuating the right clutch, a left power steering solenoid 2420 for actuating the left clutch, and a valve 2430 for the power steering for actuating each solenoid 2410, 2420. The valve 2430 for the power steering is movable between a neutral position, a left operating position where one solenoid (4b) is actuated to actuate the left power steering solenoid 2420, and a right operating position where the other solenoid (4a) is actuated to actuate the right power steering solenoid 2410. Therefore, when the operator performs a traveling operation (steering, turning, swiveling) through the operating device 400, each power steering solenoid 2410, 2420 is actuated to operate the traveling of the traveling vehicle body 100. In the embodiment, for example, when turning to the left, by disengaging the left clutch that transmits the drive to the left crawler, the rotational speed of the left crawler decreases, and due to the rotational speed difference between the left and right crawlers, the traveling direction is changed to the left. Note that the longer the time for disengaging one clutch, the greater the decrease in the rotational speed of one crawler, and sharp turning becomes possible.

[0054] In the hydraulic circuit 2400 for power steering in the embodiment, a relief valve 2450 for discharging pressure oil (so-called pressure bleeding) is connected when the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the oil passage 2440 between the left and right power steering solenoids 2410 and 2420 increases. The hydraulic circuit 2500 for HST is a hydraulic circuit for supplying pressure oil to an HST (Hydraulic Static Transmission) 2510 as an example of a transmission. Note that the HST 2510 is a known transmission in which the angle of the swash plate changes according to an input operation to the shift lever of the operator's operating device 400, and the transmission is achieved by changing the volume of the pressure oil.

[0055] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a part of the hydraulic circuit for the crane in the embodiment, FIG. 16(a) is an explanatory view of the neutral position, FIG. 16(b) is an explanatory view when the cylinder contracts, and FIG. 16(c) is an explanatory view when the cylinder extends. In FIG. 14, the hydraulic circuit 2600 for the crane includes a cylinder 1110 and a crane valve 2610 for expanding and contracting the cylinder. The crane valve 2610 in the embodiment can move between a neutral position (an example of a stop position) shown in FIGS. 14 and 16(a), an inner movement position (an operating position, an example of a first operating position) shown in FIG. 16(b) where one solenoid (SOLB) operates to contract the cylinder 1110 and move the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 toward the inside of the traveling vehicle body 100, and an outer movement position (an operating position, an example of a second operating position) shown in FIG. 16(c) where the other solenoid (SOLA) operates to extend the cylinder 1110 and move the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 toward the outside of the traveling vehicle body 100.

[0056] Therefore, when the operator inputs through the joystick device 1120, the cylinder 1110 operates, the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 moves toward the inside or outside of the traveling vehicle body 100, and the flexible container 650 is moved. The valve 2610 for the crane in the embodiment is connected to an inflow passage 2620a into which the pressure oil from the oil tank 2100 flows, two oil passages 2620b and 2620c to the cylinder 1110, and an outflow passage 2620d that sends the pressure oil to the oil tank 2100.

[0057] In the hydraulic circuit 2600 for the crane in the embodiment, double check valves 2630, which are an example of safety valves, are arranged in the two oil passages 2620b and 2620c between the valve 2610 for the crane and the cylinder 1110. The double check valve 2630 has check valves 2630a and 2630b arranged corresponding to the respective oil passages 2620b and 2620c. When the double check valve 2630 is not provided, the flexible container 650 should stop when the valve 2610 for the crane moves to the neutral position. However, due to the weight of the flexible container 650 or the like, the pressure oil may flow in the oil passages 2620b and 2620c, causing the cylinder 1110 to expand and contract and the flexible container 650 to move. When people are working around the flexible container 650, if the heavy flexible container 650 or the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 moves left and right or up and down, an accident may occur. In contrast, in the embodiment, the check valves 2630a and 2630b of the double check valve 2630 are provided, suppressing the variation of the cylinder 1110, reducing the movement of the flexible container 650 or the like, and improving safety.

[0058] (Description of the control unit) FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the control unit in the embodiment. The carrot harvesting vehicle according to the embodiment has a control unit 3100 that controls each function. The control unit 3100 has an input / output interface I / O that performs input / output of signals with the outside. Further, the control unit 3100 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which programs, information, etc. necessary for performing processing are stored. Further, the control unit 3100 has a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing necessary data. Further, the control unit 3100 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs processing according to the programs stored in the ROM or the like. Therefore, the control unit 3100 according to the embodiment is configured by a small information processing device, a so-called microcomputer. Thus, the control unit 3100 can realize various functions by executing the programs stored in the ROM or the like.

[0059] Signals from signal input elements such as the operating device 400 and various other sensors (not shown) are input to the control unit 3100.

[0060] Further, the control unit 3100 can control each part of the carrot harvesting vehicle by transmitting a control signal to each of the valves 2220, 2320, 2430, 2610, etc. as an example of the controlled elements.

[0061] In FIG. 17, the control unit 3100 according to the embodiment has the following functional means (program modules). The vehicle body tilt control means 3110 of the control unit 3100 operates the traveling device hydraulic cylinder 2210 via the traveling tilt valve 2220 based on the detection result of a sensor that detects the tilt of the traveling vehicle body 100, and holds the tilt of the traveling vehicle body 100 horizontally. The digging depth control means 3120 controls the digging depth of the carrot harvesting device 300 by operating the harvesting device hydraulic cylinder 2310 via the harvesting device valve 2320 based on the input of the operating device 400.

[0062] The power steering control means 3130 performs steering control of the carrot harvesting vehicle by operating each power steering solenoid 2410, 2420 via the power steering valve 2430 based on the input to the operating device 400. Based on the input to the operating device 400, the HST control means 3140 controls the HST 2510 to shift (control the speed) the ginseng harvesting vehicle.

[0063] Based on the input to the joystick device 1120, the crane control means 3150 operates the cylinder 1110 via the crane valve 2610 to move the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 toward the inside or outside of the traveling vehicle body 100. The crane control means 3150 of the embodiment executes a pressure bleeding operation of moving the crane valve 2610 between the stop position (neutral position) and the operating position (inner movement position, outer movement position) at a predetermined time when the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is in a stopped state, that is, when the crane valve 2610 is in the neutral position. That is, by moving the crane valve 2610 to the operating position, the oil passages 2620a to 2620d are made in a state where the hydraulic oil can pass through. If the hydraulic pressure is high, a pressure bleeding operation of releasing the hydraulic oil is performed.

[0064] In the crane control means 3150 of the embodiment, as an example of the predetermined time when the pressure bleeding operation is executed, when the engine of the ginseng harvesting vehicle starts operating (immediately after the engine starts, or 1 to 2 minutes after the operation check of the instruments is completed from the engine start), and when a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the end of the previous operation of the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 are set. Therefore, in the embodiment, the pressure bleeding operation is periodically performed at intervals of 30 minutes at engine start. Here, if there is an operation of the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 within 30 minutes from the end of the previous operation, the necessity of pressure bleeding is low, so the measurement time (timer) for the pressure bleeding operation is reset (initialized). Note that the times (1 to 2 minutes or 30 minutes) exemplified above can be arbitrarily changed according to the design, specifications, etc. Also, it is possible to make this time (set value) changeable by the operator inputting from the operating device 400. Additionally, for example, it is possible to make appropriate changes such as setting the time to half (e.g., 20 minutes) of the time (e.g., 40 minutes) when the flexible container 650 is full as the set value. Furthermore, at engine start, it can be set not to perform the pressure release operation, or depending on the configuration of the hydraulic system, it can be configured to perform the operation only at engine start, or at intervals such as once a day or once a week, and can be changed according to the design and specifications.

[0065] Also, in the crane control means 3150 of the embodiment, a series of operations of moving the crane valve 2610 from the neutral position to the inner movement position for a predetermined time (short time, several seconds), then to the outer movement position for a predetermined time (short time, several seconds), and then returning to the neutral position are executed as the pressure release operation. This is because if it moves to the outer movement position first during the pressure release operation, the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 will move outward, and if there is a person outside the traveling vehicle body 100, it may come into contact and an accident may occur, so it moves inward first. Therefore, the operating sound during the inward movement makes it easier for people around to perceive or pay attention to the movement of the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700, and it becomes easier to avoid accidents even when the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 moves outward later.

[0066] In particular, in the crane control means 3150 of the embodiment, when starting the pressure release operation, it is confirmed whether the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is in a state of moving to the innermost initial position of the traveling vehicle body 100 within the movable range. If it is in the initial position, a pressure release operation is executed to try to move the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 further inward from the initial position. When the hanger holding crane arm mechanism 700 is in a state of spreading outward at the start of the pressure release operation, it may be in the middle of the operation of removing the full flexible container 650 or installing a new flexible container 650, and performing the pressure release operation will interfere with the work, so it is preferable not to execute the pressure release operation. Moving to the initial position can be detected by any detection member such as a sensor or a limit switch, and any type of sensor, whether contact or non-contact, can be adopted. If not in the initial position at the start of the punching-out operation, it is preferable not to execute the punching-out operation, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration to execute it. At this time, returning to the initial position will move the crane valve 2610 to the inner movement position, and since the punching-out during the inner movement is completed, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which after moving to the inner movement position until returning to the initial position, it is briefly moved to the outer movement position.

[0067] Also, when the crane control means 3150 in the embodiment starts using the hydraulic circuits 2200 to 2500 other than the hydraulic circuit 2600 for the crane during the punching-out operation, that is, when the horizontal holding of the vehicle body, the adjustment of the digging depth, the operation of the power steering, or the input of the gear shift is performed during the punching-out operation, the punching-out operation is interrupted halfway. Then, after the use of the other hydraulic circuits 2200 to 2500 is completed, the punching-out operation is resumed. Thereby, it is suppressed that the hydraulic power used in the punching-out operation adversely affects the operation of other hydraulic systems.

[0068] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of another example of the hydraulic circuit portion for the crane. FIG. 18(a) is an explanatory diagram of the neutral position, FIG. 18(b) is an explanatory diagram when the cylinder contracts, and FIG. 18(c) is an explanatory diagram when the cylinder extends. In FIG. 18, it is also possible to use the hydraulic circuit 2600' for the crane shown in FIG. 18 instead of the hydraulic circuit 2600 for the crane in FIG. 16. In FIG. 18, different from the double check valve 2630 in FIG. 16, a check valve 2630' is installed only in one oil passage (the oil passage used when the cylinder 1110 extends) 2620b, and no check valve is provided in the other oil passage 2620c. Also, in FIG. 18, the crane valve 2610' is connected not only to the oil passages 2620a to 2620d but also to an unloading passage 2620e connected to the unloading valve 2640.

[0069] In the hydraulic circuit 2600' for a crane shown in FIG. 18, an unloading valve (an example of the second valve) 2640 is installed between an inflow passage 2620a from the oil tank 2100 and a bypass passage 2620f to the hydraulic circuit 2400 for power steering. The unloading valve 2640 opens and closes the inflow passage 2620a and the bypass passage 2620f based on the balance between the pilot pressure from the hydraulic oil in the unloading passage 2620e and the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil in the inflow passage 2620a. In the embodiment, when the crane valve 2610' is in the neutral position (see FIG. 18(a)), no pilot pressure is applied, and the unloading valve 2640 moves to the open position where it is opened by the hydraulic pressure on the inflow passage 2620a side, and the inflow passage 2620a and the bypass passage 2620f are connected (opened). On the other hand, when the crane valve 2610' is in the inner movement position (see FIG. 18(b)) or the outer movement position (see FIG. 18(c)), the unloading passage 2620e is connected to the inflow passage 2620a and pilot pressure is applied, and the unloading valve 2640 moves to the closed position where it is closed, and the inflow passage 2620a and the bypass passage 2620f are blocked.

[0070] Therefore, in the embodiment, when the hydraulic circuit 2600' for the crane is in operation, that is, when the crane valve 2610' is moved to the inner movement position or the outer movement position, the oil passages 2620b and 2620c to the cylinder 1110 are connected to the oil tank 2100, or the unloading passage 2620e is connected to the inflow passage 2620a, and the hydraulic pressure is released. On the other hand, when the hydraulic circuit 2600' for the crane is stopped, that is, when the crane valve 2610' is moved to the neutral position, the unloading passage 2620e is connected to the oil tank 2100 to improve the pressure increase. Since the check valve 2630' is on one side on the cylinder 1110 side, the hydraulic pressure is relatively high, but compared with the case of providing two check valves, the pressure increase is suppressed, and malfunction of the check valve 2630', the crane valve 2610', and the unloading valve 2640 is suppressed.

Industrial Applicability

[0071] The crop harvesting vehicle in the present invention can reduce the occurrence of damage to flexible containers caused by hanging or the like, and is useful for the purpose of being used in crop harvesting vehicles such as carrot harvesting vehicles. Further, when the hydraulic circuits 2600 and 2600' for the crane are shared with other circuits 2200 to 2500, it is possible to suppress the hydraulic pressure from becoming too high and the hydraulic circuits 2200 to 2500 from malfunctioning, and it is possible to stably and normally operate the hydraulic circuits.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 100 Traveling vehicle body 200 Traveling device 300 Harvesting unit, carrot harvesting device 400 Control device 500 Conveyor device 501 Flexible container locking member 510 Contact member 520 Conveyor 521 Conveyor end portion 600 Flexible container mounting table mechanism 610 Mounting table 620 Actuator 650 Storage bag, flexible container 700 Hanging device, hanger holding crane arm mechanism 710 Biasing member 720, 730 Crane arms 750 Hanger 751a, 751b Flexible container hanging members 1110 Cylinder 1120 Joystick device 2000 Hydraulic circuit 2400, 2500 Second hydraulic circuits 2600, 2600' First hydraulic circuits 2610, 2610' Valves 2620f Bypass oil passage 2640 Second valve 3100 Control unit

Claims

1. A traveling vehicle body (100), a harvesting unit (300) supported by the traveling vehicle body (100) for harvesting crops in a field, a hanging device (700) for hanging a storage bag (650) in which the crops harvested by the harvesting unit (300) are stored, the hanging device (700) being capable of raising and lowering the storage bag (650), a first hydraulic circuit (2600) for operating the hanging device (700), a second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) connected in series to the first hydraulic circuit (2600) and operating a device different from the hanging device (700), and a valve (2610) provided in the oil passage of the first hydraulic circuit (2600) and movable between an operating position for bringing the hanging device (700) into an operating state and a stop position for bringing the hanging device (700) into a stopped state. A hydraulic circuit (2000) having, a control unit (3100) for moving the valve (2610) between the stop position and the operating position at a predetermined time when the hanging device (700) is in a stopped state, A crop harvester characterized by comprising.

2. The valve (2610) movable between the operating position having a first operating position for moving the hanging device (700) toward the inside of the traveling vehicle body (100) and a second operating position for moving the hanging device (700) toward the outside of the traveling vehicle body (100), and the stop position, The control unit (3100) for moving the valve to the second operating position after moving to the first operating position at the predetermined time, The crop harvester according to claim 1, characterized by comprising.

3. The control unit (3100) for moving the valve (2610) between the first operating position and the stop position from a state in which the hanging device (700) has moved to the innermost initial position of the traveling vehicle body (100) within the movable range of the hanging device (700), The crop harvester according to claim 2, characterized by comprising.

4. While moving the valve (2610) between the stop position and the operating position, if the use of the second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) is started, stop the movement of the valve (2610) and return it to the stop position. After the use of the second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) is completed, move the valve (2610) between the stop position and the operating position. The crop harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. A traveling vehicle body (100); A harvesting unit (300) supported by the traveling vehicle body (100) for harvesting crops in the field; A hanging device (700) for hanging a storage bag (650) in which the crops harvested by the harvesting unit (300) are stored, the hanging device (700) capable of raising and lowering the storage bag (650); A first hydraulic circuit (2600') for operating the hanging device (700), a second hydraulic circuit (2400, 2500) connected in series with the first hydraulic circuit (2600') and operating a device different from the hanging device (700), and provided in the oil path of the first hydraulic circuit (2600') A valve (2610') movable between an operating position for operating the hanging device (700) and a stop position for stopping the hanging device (700), and a second valve arranged in a bypass oil path (2620f) bypassing the oil path of the first hydraulic circuit (2600') (2640), a hydraulic circuit (2000) having; Comprising; When the valve (2610') moves to the operating position, the second valve (2640) closes the bypass oil path (2620f), and when the valve (2610') moves to the stop position, the bypass oil path (2620f) is opened to bypass the first hydraulic circuit (2600') to suppress a pressure increase. The crop harvester characterized by that.

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