Paddy field farming machine

Abstract

To reduce such a situation as to roughen a field surface by a rear wheel in a turning center side when turning, in a four-wheel-drive paddy field working machine.SOLUTION: A paddy field working machine includes a right side clutch 51 capable of transmitting / cutting off power with respect to a right rear wheel 2, and a left side clutch 52 capable of transmitting / cutting off the power with respect to a left rear wheel 2. When front wheels 1 are steered to the right beyond a right setup angle R1, while the left side clutch 52 is operated in a transmission state, the right side clutch 51 is repetitively alternately operated into the transmission state and the cutoff state. When the front wheels 1 are steered to the left beyond a left setup angle L1, while the right side clutch 51 is operated in a transmission state, the left side clutch 52 is repetitively alternately operated into the transmission state and the cutoff state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the configuration of a travel system for a four-wheel drive paddy field working machine such as a riding rice transplanter or a riding direct seeding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In a four-wheel drive riding rice transplanter, which is an example of a paddy field working machine, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no differential mechanism for the right and left rear wheels, but rather there is a right side clutch that can transmit and cut off power to the right rear wheel, and a left side clutch that can transmit and cut off power to the left rear wheel.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when the front wheels 1 are steered near a straight-ahead position, the right and left side clutches are operated into a transmission state, and the four wheels, the right and left front wheels and the right and left rear wheels, are rotated and driven.

[0004] For example, when the front wheels are steered significantly to the right to make a right turn, the right side clutch is disengaged, and the three wheels, the right and left front wheels and the left rear wheel, are driven to rotate, thereby making the right turn. In this case, by disengaging the right side clutch, the right rear wheel is put into a free-spinning state, and as the vehicle turns right, it rotates little by little while turning to the right. By putting the rear wheel on the turning center side into a free-spinning state in this way, it is possible to reduce the damage to the rice field caused by the rear wheel on the turning center side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-161318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, in deep rice paddies, when the mud in the paddy contains a lot of clay, or when using a large rice paddy work machine with a heavy body, the resistance acting on the rear wheels becomes large. When a turn is made with a large resistance being applied to the rear wheels, even if the side clutch on the turning center side is operated to the disengaged state, the large resistance applied to the rear wheels may prevent the rear wheels on the turning center side from rotating little by little, and the rear wheels on the turning center side may remain stopped in their position and change direction in the turning direction.

[0007] As mentioned above, if the rear wheels at the center of the turn remain stopped in that position and change direction in the turning direction, there is a possibility that the rear wheels at the center of the turn will damage the rice field surface, so there is room for improvement.

[0008] The present invention aims to reduce the damage to the paddy field surface caused by the rear wheels on the turning center side when turning in a four-wheel drive paddy field working machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The paddy field working machine of the present invention comprises right and left front wheels that can be steered and driven to rotate, right and left rear wheels, a right side clutch that can transmit and cut off power to the right rear wheel, a left side clutch that can transmit and cut off power to the left rear wheel, a steering angle detection unit that detects the direction of the front wheels, and a side clutch operation unit that can operate the right and left side clutches to a transmission state and a cut off state based on detection by the steering angle detection unit, and the side clutch operation unit operates to turn the right and left side clutches to a transmission state and a cut off state when the front wheels are positioned within a range of a right and left set angle from a straight ahead position. The left side clutch is operated into a transmission state, and the side clutch operation unit has a drive unit and a linkage mechanism that transmits the operation of the drive unit to the right and left side clutches and operates the right and left side clutches into a transmission state and a disengaged state, the drive unit has an actuator and a reciprocating member that is driven reciprocally by the actuator, and the reciprocating member is driven reciprocally by the actuator, and the actuator is an electric motor located above the reciprocating member, and the reciprocating member is driven reciprocally by the rotation of the electric motor. The linking mechanism includes right and left relay members disposed between the axles of the front wheels and the axles of the rear wheels in a side view, two first linking members connected between the drive unit and the right and left relay members, respectively, and two second linking members connected between the right and left relay members and the right and left side clutches, respectively, and the right relay member and the left relay member are supported on the same shaft extending in the left-right direction so as to be swingable independently of each other. . In the present invention, it is preferable that left and right vehicle frames are provided arranged along the fore-and-aft direction, and the actuator is arranged between the right vehicle frame and the left vehicle frame in a plan view. In the present invention, it is also preferable that the reciprocating member is made of a plate-like member having a surface perpendicular to the left-right direction, and is driven by the actuator to swing about an axis along the left-right direction. In addition, in the present invention ,before It is preferable that the relay member, the first linking member, and the second linking member are disposed between the right body frame and the left body frame in a plan view. In the present invention, it is also preferable that a gear mechanism is provided for transmitting the driving force of the actuator to the reciprocating member, and that the gear mechanism and the reciprocating member are disposed below the actuator. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the drive unit drives the reciprocating member reciprocally between a neutral position and a one-side operating position by the actuator, drives the reciprocating member reciprocally between the neutral position and the other-side operating position by the actuator, and includes a right linkage mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the right side clutch, and a left linkage mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the left side clutch, the right linkage mechanism operating the right side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and operating the right side clutch to a disengagement state when the reciprocating member is operated to the one-side operating position, and the left linkage mechanism operating the left side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and operating the left side clutch to a disengagement state when the reciprocating member is operated to the other-side operating position.

[0010] According to the present invention, when the front wheels are steered within a set angle range to the right and left from the straight ahead position, the right and left side clutches are operated into a transmission state, and the four wheels, i.e., the right and left front wheels and the right and left rear wheels, are rotated and driven.

[0011] According to the present invention, when the front wheels are steered to the right (left) beyond the set right (left) angle, the right and left front wheels and the rear wheel on the outside of the turn are driven to rotate, and the side clutch on the turning center side is repeatedly operated alternately between the transmission state and the disconnection state. As a result, even if the rear wheel on the side of the turning center stops when the side clutch on the side of the turning center is operated to the disengaged state, the rear wheel on the side of the turning center will be driven to rotate the next time the side clutch on the side of the turning center is operated to the transmission state.

[0012] According to the present invention, even when a large resistance is applied to the rear wheels, the rear wheels on the side of the turning center are configured to rotate and stop repeatedly, thereby preventing the rear wheels on the side of the turning center from changing direction while remaining stopped in that position, and instead allowing the rear wheels on the side of the turning center to change direction while rotating little by little as the vehicle turns, thereby reducing the damage to the rice field surface caused by the rear wheels on the side of the turning center.

[0013] As a configuration different from the present invention, a configuration can be considered in which, in the right and left friction multi-plate side clutches, the side clutch on the turning center side is operated in a semi-transmitting state, and power is transmitted little by little to the rear wheel on the turning center side while the side clutch on the turning center side is slipped. In this configuration, when a particularly large resistance is applied to the rear wheels, the side clutch on the side closest to the turning center slips completely, causing the rear wheels on the side closest to the turning center to not be driven to rotate. If the side clutch on the side closest to the turning center is kept in a slipping state for a long period of time, heat and wear will occur in the side clutch, which may result in a decrease in the durability of the side clutch.

[0014] According to the present invention, the side clutch on the turning center side is operated alternately between a transmission state and a disengaged state, and the side clutch on the turning center side is unlikely to enter a semi-transmission state, so the above-mentioned problems are unlikely to occur.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the side clutch operating unit has a drive unit and a linkage mechanism that transmits the operation of the drive unit to the right and left side clutches and operates the right and left side clutches to a transmission state and a disengagement state.

[0016] According to the present invention, by controlling the drive unit in the side clutch operating unit, it is possible to easily operate the side clutch on the turning center side alternately and repeatedly between the transmission state and the disengagement state. Furthermore, by controlling the drive unit, it is possible to easily set the transmission time during which the side clutch on the turning center side is operated to the transmission state and the disengagement time during which the side clutch on the turning center side is operated to the disengagement state to the same length, or to make the transmission time longer or shorter than the disengagement time.

[0017] According to the present invention, the side clutch operating unit is configured so that the operation of the drive unit is transmitted to the right and left side clutches via a linkage mechanism, making it easier to place the drive unit at a relatively high position above the rice field surface, which can prevent mud and water from adhering to the drive unit and is advantageous in terms of improving the durability of the drive unit.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that a rear axle case is provided that supports the right and left rear wheels and houses the right and left side clutches, and that the linkage mechanism has a relay member arranged between the axle of the front wheels and the axle of the rear wheels in a side view, a first linkage member connected between the drive unit and the relay member, and a second linkage member connected between the relay member and the right and left side clutches.

[0019] Paddy field working machines may be provided with a rear axle case that supports the right and left rear wheels, and the rear axle case may be supported on the machine frame in a rolling manner or may be supported on the machine frame via a suspension mechanism.

[0020] According to the present invention, when the right and left side clutches are accommodated in the rear axle case, in the linkage mechanism of the side clutch operating unit, the relay member of the linkage mechanism is positioned in front of the rear axle case, and the second linkage member of the linkage mechanism extends rearward from the relay member and is connected to the right and left side clutches of the rear axle case. As a result, even if the rear axle case rolls or moves up and down due to the suspension mechanism, the second linkage member of the linkage mechanism swings around the relay member as a fulcrum, smoothly absorbing the rolling action and up and down movement of the rear axle case.

[0021] According to the present invention, the first linking member of the linking mechanism is connected across the drive unit and the relay member of the linking mechanism, making it easy to position the drive unit at a relatively high position above the rice field surface using the first linking member of the linking mechanism.

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that right and left suspension links are supported so as to be able to swing up and down around an axis along the left-right direction in a portion of the body frame between the axle of the front wheels and the axle of the rear wheels in a side view, and extend rearward from the axis, the rear axle case is supported at the rear of the suspension links and is supported on the body frame via suspension springs, and the relay member is arranged between the right and left suspension links in a plan view.

[0023] In paddy field working machines, when the rear axle case is configured to be supported on the machine frame via a suspension mechanism, right and left suspension links are supported on the machine frame between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle so that they can swing up and down and extend rearward, and the rear axle case is supported at the rear of the suspension links and supported on the machine frame via suspension springs (for example, a five-link type or a three-link type).

[0024] According to the present invention, in the above-mentioned state, the relay member of the linkage mechanism is positioned between the right and left suspension links in a planar view, so that the space between the right and left suspension links can be effectively utilized to position the relay member of the linkage mechanism compactly.

[0025] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second linking member be disposed along the right and left suspension links in a side view.

[0026] According to the present invention, as described above, when the relay member of the linkage mechanism is positioned between the right and left suspension links in a plan view, the second linkage member of the linkage mechanism is positioned along the right and left suspension links in a side view, thereby enabling the second linkage member of the linkage mechanism to be positioned compactly.

[0027] In the present invention, it is preferable that the drive unit be disposed at a position rearward of the relay member and higher than the rear axle case.

[0028] In paddy field farming machines, the driver's seat is located above the rear axle case, and the floor on which the driver places his or her feet while standing or sitting in the driver's seat is sometimes located in front of the driver's seat, which can sometimes result in a space between the rear axle case and the driver's seat.

[0029] According to the present invention, if space is created above the rear axle case, the drive unit can be placed in this space, thereby making effective use of the space created above the rear axle case and allowing the drive unit to be placed compactly.

[0030] In the present invention, the drive unit has an actuator and a reciprocating member reciprocated by the actuator, the actuator reciprocatingly drives the reciprocating member between a neutral position and a one-side operating position, the actuator reciprocatingly drives the reciprocating member between the neutral position and the other-side operating position, and a right linking mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the right side clutch and a left linking mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the left side clutch are provided, and the right linking mechanism operates the right side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and operates the right side clutch to a disengaged state when the reciprocating member is operated to the one-side operating position. It is preferable that the left linkage mechanism has a right flexibility part that operates the left side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and that operates the left side clutch to a disengaged state when the reciprocating member is operated to the other-side operation position, and that operates the left side clutch to a disengaged state when the reciprocating member is operated to the one-side operation position, and that operates the left side clutch to a transmission ....

[0031] According to the present invention, when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position by the actuator in the drive section, the right and left side clutches are operated to the transmission state. In the drive unit, when the actuator reciprocates the reciprocating member between the neutral position and the one-side operating position, the movement of the reciprocating member is transmitted to the right side clutch via the right linkage mechanism, and the right side clutch is operated between the transmission state and the disengagement state. In this case, the movement of the reciprocating member to the one-side operating position is not transmitted to the left side clutch by the interchangeable portion of the left linkage mechanism, and the left side clutch is maintained in the transmission state.

[0032] In the drive unit, when the actuator reciprocates the reciprocating member between the neutral position and the other-side operating position, the movement of the reciprocating member is transmitted to the left side clutch via the left linkage mechanism, and the left side clutch is operated between the transmission state and the disengagement state. In this case, the movement of the reciprocating member to the other-side operating position is not transmitted to the right side clutch by the interchangeable portion of the right linkage mechanism, and the right side clutch is maintained in the transmission state.

[0033] According to the present invention, by a simple operation of using an actuator to reciprocate the reciprocating member between the neutral position and one side operating position, and by a simple operation of using an actuator to reciprocate the reciprocating member between the neutral position and the other side operating position, it is possible to obtain a state in which the right side clutch is operated between the transmission state and the disengagement state, and a state in which the left side clutch is operated between the transmission state and the disengagement state, which is advantageous in terms of simplifying the side clutch operating unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a riding rice transplanter. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a riding rice transplanter. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a side clutch operating portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the transmission system to the front and rear wheels and a side clutch operating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an operating state of a side clutch operating portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the vicinity of the link mechanism when the seedling planting device is lowered. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the link mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a left side view of the vicinity of the link mechanism when the seedling planting device is raised. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] A 10-row planting riding rice transplanter, which is an example of a paddy field working machine, is shown in Figures 1 to 10. In Figures 1 to 10, F indicates the forward direction, B indicates the backward direction, U indicates the upward direction, D indicates the downward direction, R indicates the rightward direction, and L indicates the leftward direction.

[0036] (Overall configuration of riding rice transplanter) 1 and 2, the riding rice transplanter is provided with a link mechanism 3 and a hydraulic cylinder 4 for raising and lowering the link mechanism 3 at the rear of a machine frame 30 having right and left front wheels 1 and right and left rear wheels 2, and a seedling planting device 5 is supported at the rear of the link mechanism 3, and the seedling planting device 5 is supported so as to be able to rise and fall at the rear of the machine frame 30. In addition to the seedling planting device 5, the riding rice transplanter is equipped with a soil leveling device 11, a fertilizer applicator 12, and a chemical sprayer 28.

[0037] (Configuration of seedling planting device) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seedling planting device 5 is provided with five planting transmission cases 6 arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction, a rotating case 7 rotatably supported on the right and left sides of the planting transmission case 6, a planting arm 8 supported on both ends of the rotating case 7, five floats 9, a seedling tray 10, etc.

[0038] In the seedling planting device 5, the seedling tray 10 is driven to move laterally while the rotary case 7 is driven to rotate, and the planting arm 8 takes out the seedlings from the bottom of the seedling tray 10 and plants them on the surface of the rice paddy.

[0039] (Configuration of ground leveling device) 1 and 8, a soil leveling device 11 for leveling the rice field surface is supported below the front part of the seedling planting device 5. The soil leveling device 11 is provided with a drive shaft 11a rotatably supported about an axis P1 extending in the left-right direction, and a number of soil leveling bodies 11b attached to the drive shaft 11a. When the drive shaft 11a of the soil leveling device 11 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 8, the soil leveling bodies 11b of the soil leveling device 11 level the rice field surface.

[0040] (Configuration of fertilizer application device and chemical spraying device) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a fertilizer applicator 12 is supported across the rear of the body frame 30 and the seedling planting device 5, and the fertilizer applicator 12 is provided with a hopper 13, a feed section 14, a blower 15, a furrow former 16, a hose 17, etc.

[0041] In the fertilizer applicator 12, a hopper 13 for storing fertilizer and a delivery section 14 are provided at the upper rear part of the machine frame 30, and a blower 15 is provided on the outer left side of the delivery section 14. A furrow former 16 is attached to the float 9, and a hose 17 is connected between the delivery section 14 and the furrow former 16.

[0042] In the fertilizer applicator 12, fertilizer in a hopper 13 is delivered by a delivery section 14 and supplied to a furrow former 16 through a hose 17 by the conveying air of a blower 15. As furrows are formed on the surface of the rice field by the furrow former 16, fertilizer is supplied from the furrow former 16 to the furrows on the surface of the rice field.

[0043] A chemical spraying device 28 is supported on a support frame 29 connected to the central planting transmission case 6. Chemicals such as herbicides are sprayed from the chemical spraying device 28 onto the rice field surface behind the seedling planting device 5.

[0044] (Front and rear wheel transmission systems) 1, 3, and 4, right and left body frames 30 each shaped like a square pipe are arranged along the front-to-rear direction, and a transmission case 18 is connected to the front of the body frames 30. A support frame 19 is connected to the front of the transmission case 18, and an engine 20 is supported by the support frame 19.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, a front wheel support case 21 is connected to the right and left parts of the transmission case 18, and the right and left front wheels 1 are supported by the front wheel support case 21 in a steerable manner. A rear axle case 22 is supported at the rear of the vehicle frame 30, and the right and left rear wheels 2 are supported on the rear axle case 22.

[0046] A hydrostatic type continuously variable transmission 23 is connected to the side of the transmission case 18, and the power of the engine 20 is transmitted to the continuously variable transmission 23 via a transmission belt 24. The power of the continuously variable transmission 23 is transmitted to an auxiliary transmission (not shown) inside the transmission case 18, and then transmitted to the right and left front wheels 1 via a front wheel differential device (not shown) and a transmission shaft (not shown) inside the front wheel support case 21.

[0047] 3, 4, and 6, an output shaft 25 is supported facing rearward at the rear of the transmission case 18. Power branched from the auxiliary transmission is transmitted from the output shaft 25 to an input shaft 31 of the rear axle case 22 via a universal joint 26 and a transmission shaft 27, and is then transmitted to the right and left rear wheels 2 as described later in (Transmission system of the rear axle case).

[0048] (Front wheel steering configuration) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a steering handle 32 is provided at the front of the vehicle frame 30, and a speed change lever 37 is provided on the left side of the steering handle 32. The speed change lever 37 operates the continuously variable transmission 23 continuously between the neutral stop position, the forward side, and the reverse side.

[0049] Right and left vertical wall-shaped support members 38 are provided at the rear of the right and left machine frames 30, and the driver's seat 33 and the hopper 13 and delivery section 14 of the fertilizer applicator 12 (see the above-mentioned (Configuration of the fertilizer applicator and chemical sprayer)) are supported on the upper parts of the support members 38. A floor 34 on which the driver places his / her feet while standing or sitting in the driver's seat 33 is provided at a low position between the steering handle 32 and the driver's seat 33.

[0050] 6, a steering member 35 operated by a steering handle 32 is supported at the bottom of the transmission case 18 so as to be swingable about an axis P2 along the vertical direction, and tie rods 36 are connected between the steering member 35 and the right and left front wheels 1. By operating the steering handle 32, the steering member 35 is steered from a straight ahead position N to a right steering limit R2 and a left steering limit L2, and the front wheels 1 are steered by the steering handle 32.

[0051] (Rear axle case support structure) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, right and left upper suspension links 41, right and left lower suspension links 42, and a lateral link 43 are provided.

[0052] In a side view, right and left brackets 39 are connected to the right and left body frames 30 between the axles 1a (see FIG. 6) of the front wheels 1 and the axles 2a (see FIG. 6) of the rear wheels 2. Right and left upper suspension links 41 are supported by the brackets 39 so as to be able to swing up and down around an axis P3 that runs in the left-right direction, and extend rearward from the axis P3.

[0053] In a side view, a bracket 40 is connected to the right and left body frames 30 between the axles 1a of the front wheels 1 (see FIG. 6) and the axles 2a of the rear wheels 2 (see FIG. 6), and the bracket 40 is disposed forward of the bracket 39. The bracket 40 is also connected to the transmission case 18, and the right and left frames 65 are connected across the right and left portions of the bracket 40 and the rear portions of the right and left body frames 30. The right and left lower suspension links 42 are supported by the bracket 40 so as to be able to swing up and down about an axis P4 that runs along the left-right direction, and extend rearward from the axis P4.

[0054] Right and left support brackets 44 are connected to the right and left portions of the front of the rear axle case 22. The rear portions of the right and left upper suspension links 41 are swingably supported on the tops of the right and left support brackets 44. The rear portions of the right and left lower suspension links 42 are swingably supported on the bottoms of the right and left support brackets 44.

[0055] A lateral link 43 is disposed behind the rear axle case 22, and the lateral link 43 is swingably connected across the rear of the left vehicle frame 30 and the right part of the rear of the rear axle case 22.

[0056] Right and left support brackets 45 are connected to the right and left portions of the front of the rear axle case 22, and spring bearing portions 46 are connected to the rear portions of the right and left body frames 30. Right and left suspension springs 47 are attached across the support brackets 45 and the spring bearing portions 46, and the rear axle case 22 is supported by the body frames 30 via the suspension springs 47.

[0057] As described above, the right and left upper suspension links 41, the right and left lower suspension links 42, the lateral link 43, and the right and left suspension springs 47 constitute a five-link type suspension mechanism.

[0058] (Rear axle case transmission system) As shown in Figure 6, inside the rear axle case 22, the transmission shaft 48 is supported along the left-right direction, and a bevel gear 48a connected to the transmission shaft 48 is engaged with a bevel gear 31a connected to the input shaft 31.

[0059] A right side clutch 51 and a left side clutch 52 are provided on the right and left portions of the transmission shaft 48. The right and left side clutches 51, 52 are configured as a friction multi-plate type and are biased into a transmission state by built-in springs (not shown). A gear-type right reduction mechanism 49 is provided between the right side clutch 51 and the axle 2 a of the right rear wheel 2, and a gear-type left reduction mechanism 49 is provided between the left side clutch 52 and the axle 2 a of the left rear wheel 2.

[0060] With the above configuration, the power transmitted to the input shaft 31 is transmitted to the right rear wheel 2 via the transmission shaft 48, the right side clutch 51, and the right reduction mechanism 49, and is transmitted to the left rear wheel 2 via the transmission shaft 48, the left side clutch 52, and the left reduction mechanism 49.

[0061] (Overview of the right and left side clutch operating system) 5, 6, and 7, there is provided a side clutch operating unit 50 that operates right and left side clutches 51, 52 to a transmission state and a disengagement state. The side clutch operating unit 50 has a drive unit 54, a right linkage mechanism 55, and a left linkage mechanism 56.

[0062] The right linkage mechanism 55 is connected across the drive unit 54 and the right side clutch 51 so as to transmit the operation of the drive unit 54 to the right side clutch 51 and operate the right side clutch 51 in a transmission state and a disconnection state.

[0063] The left linkage mechanism 56 is connected across the drive unit 54 and the left side clutch 52 so as to transmit the operation of the drive unit 54 to the left side clutch 52 and operate the left side clutch 51 between a transmission state and a disconnection state.

[0064] (Configuration of drive unit in side clutch operating unit) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a support frame 53 is connected to the rear of the left body frame 30, and a drive unit 54 is supported by the support frame 53.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, a support member 57 is connected to the support frame 53. A fan-shaped operating gear 58 (corresponding to a reciprocating member) is supported by the support member 57 so as to be able to swing back and forth around an axis P5 extending in the left-right direction, and an angle sensor 59 that detects the operating angle of the operating gear 58 is attached to the support member 57.

[0066] A gear mechanism 63 having a pinion gear 63a is attached to the support member 57, and the pinion gear 63a of the gear mechanism 63 is engaged with the operation gear 58. An electric motor 64 (corresponding to an actuator) that drives the gear mechanism 63 is attached to the gear mechanism 63. The electric motor 64 drives the operation gear 58 to reciprocate around the axis P5 via the gear mechanism 63.

[0067] As a result, the drive unit 54 is disposed at a position rearward of the right and left relay members 60, 70 described below (Configuration of the right and left linkage mechanisms in the side clutch operating unit), and at a position higher than the rear axle case 22. The drive unit 54 is disposed in the space between the rear axle case 22 and the driver's seat 33 in a side view, and is disposed in the space between the right and left support members 38 (see FIG. 1) in a plan view.

[0068] (Configuration of right and left linkage mechanism in side clutch operating section) 5, 6, and 7, the right linking mechanism 55 has a right relay member 60, a right first linking member 61, and a right second linking member 62. The left linking mechanism 56 has a left relay member 70, a left first linking member 71, and a left second linking member 72.

[0069] 3, 4, and 5, right and left brackets 66 are connected to the front portions of the right and left frames 65, and an intermediate shaft 67 is supported across the right and left brackets 66. The right relay member 60 and the left relay member 70 are supported by the intermediate shaft 67 so as to be able to swing independently of each other about an axis P6 extending in the left-right direction.

[0070] As a result, the right and left relay members 60, 70 are arranged between the axle 1a of the front wheel 1 (see Figure 6) and the axle 2a of the rear wheel 2 (see Figure 6) in a side view, and are arranged between the right and left suspension links 41, 42 and between the right and left body frames 30 in a plan view.

[0071] The right relay member 60 is configured by connecting an upward arm 60b and a downward arm 60c to a boss portion 60a rotatably attached to an intermediate shaft 67. The left relay member 70 is configured by connecting an upward arm 70b and a downward arm 70c to a boss portion 70a rotatably attached to the intermediate shaft 67.

[0072] The right first linking member 61 is connected between the operation gear 58 of the drive unit 54 and the arm 60b of the right relay member 60. The left first linking member 71 is connected between the operation gear 58 of the drive unit 54 and the arm 70b of the left relay member 70.

[0073] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 7, a right operating unit 73 and a left operating unit 74, which can operate the right and left side clutches 51, 52 to transmission and disengagement states, are supported downward on the rear axle case 22 so as to be swingable around an axis P7 along the vertical direction.

[0074] The front part of the right second linking member 62 is connected to the arm 60c of the right relay member 60, and a connection part 62a is connected to the rear part of the right second linking member 62, and an elongated connection hole 62b (corresponding to the right interchangeable part) is opened in the connection part 62a. An arm 73a is connected to the right operating part 73, and a pin 73b connected to the arm 73a is inserted into the connection hole 62b of the right second linking member 62, and the right second linking member 62 is connected to the right side clutch 51 via the right operating part 73.

[0075] The front portion of the left second linking member 72 is connected to the arm 70c of the left relay member 70, and a connection portion 72a is connected to the rear portion of the left second linking member 72, with an elongated connection hole 72b (corresponding to the left interchangeable portion) opening in the connection portion 72a. An arm 74a is connected to the left operating portion 74, and a pin 74b connected to the arm 74a is inserted into the connection hole 72b of the left second linking member 72, and the left second linking member 72 is connected to the left side clutch 52 via the left operating portion 74.

[0076] As a result, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the right and left first linking members 61, 71 are arranged to extend diagonally upward and rearward from the right and left relay members 60, 70 in a side view, and are arranged to intersect with the transmission shaft 27, the right and left body frames 30, and the right and left upper suspension links 41.

[0077] In plan view, the right and left first linking members 61, 71 are arranged between the right and left second linking members 62, 72, between the right and left upper suspension links 41, between the right and left lower suspension links 42, and between the right and left body frames 30.

[0078] The right and left second linking members 62, 72 are arranged along the right and left lower suspension links 42 in a side view, and are arranged below the right and left lower suspension links 42. The right and left second linking members 62, 72 are arranged so as to intersect with the right and left lower suspension links 42, and so as to intersect with the right and left body frames 30 in a plan view.

[0079] (Control system configuration) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the steering angle sensor 68 (corresponding to the steering angle detection unit) is supported by the frame 65 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the steering angle sensor 68 is disposed between the transmission case 18 and the right and left relay members 60, 70 in plan view and side view.

[0080] A linking rod 69 is connected between the steering member 35 and the steering angle sensor 68, and the steering angle sensor 68 can detect the steering angle (direction) of the front wheel 1 via the steering member 35 and the linking rod 69. A control device 80 is supported on the vehicle frame 30, and the detection values ​​of the steering angle sensor 68 and the angle sensor 59 are input to the control device 80.

[0081] Based on the detection value of the steering angle sensor 68 and the detection value of the angle sensor 59, the control device 80 operates the electric motor 64 of the side clutch operating unit 50 (drive unit 54) as described below in (Operating state of the side clutch operating unit in a straight-ahead state), (Operating state of the side clutch operating unit in a right-turn state), and (Operating state of the side clutch operating unit in a left-turn state), and the electric motor 64 operates the operating gear 58 to a neutral position A1, one-side operating position A2, and the other-side operating position A3.

[0082] (Side clutch operating part operation state when traveling straight) 6 and 7, in terms of the steering angle (direction) of the front wheels 1, a right set angle R1 is set between the straight ahead position N and a right steering limit R2. A left set angle L1 is set between the straight ahead position N and a left steering limit L2, and the right set angle R1 and the left set angle L1 are the same value.

[0083] The riding rice transplanter is in a state of approximately straight travel when the steering angle (direction) of the front wheels 1 is in a range of a set angle R1 to the right from the straight-ahead position N, or in a range of a set angle L1 to the left from the straight-ahead position N. In this state, the operating gear 58 is operated to the neutral position A1 by the electric motor 64, as shown in Figure 7.

[0084] When the operating gear 58 is operated to the neutral position A1, the right and left operating units 73, 74 are operated to the transmission position ON, and the right and left side clutches 51, 52 are operated to the transmission state. In this state, the pins 73b, 74b of the right and left operating units 73, 74 are positioned at the rear ends of the connection holes 62b, 72b of the right and left second linkage members 62, 72.

[0085] (Side clutch operating section operation state when turning right) 6 and 7, when the front wheels 1 are steered to the right beyond the right set angle R1 (when the steering angle (direction) of the front wheels 1 is in the range between the right set angle R1 and the right steering limit R2), the riding rice transplanter turns right. In this state, the electric motor 64 drives the operating gear 58 to reciprocate between the neutral position A1 and one-side operating position A2.

[0086] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the neutral position A1 to the one-side operating position A2, the right first linkage member 61 is pulled toward the operating gear 58 (see direction B11), the right relay member 60 swings counterclockwise in Fig. 7, and the right second linkage member 62 is pulled toward the right relay member 60 (see direction B11). The right operating unit 73 is operated to the disengaged position OFF via the connection portion 62a of the right second linkage member 62, and the right side clutch 51 is operated to the disengaged state.

[0087] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the one-side operating position A2 to the neutral position A1, the right first linking member 61 is pushed toward the right relay member 60 (see direction B12), the right relay member 60 swings clockwise in Figure 7, and the right second linking member 62 is pushed toward the right operating unit 73 (see direction B12). Because the right side clutch 51 is biased to the transmission state (see (rear axle case transmission system) above), the right operating unit 73 is operated to the transmission position ON, and the right side clutch 51 is operated to the transmission state.

[0088] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the neutral position A1 to the one-side operating position A2, the left first linkage member 71 is pushed toward the left relay member 70 (see direction B22), the left relay member 70 swings counterclockwise in Figure 7, and the left second linkage member 72 is pushed toward the left operating part 74 (see direction B22).

[0089] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the one-side operating position A2 to the neutral position A1, the left first linkage member 71 is pulled toward the operating gear 58 (see direction B21), the left relay member 70 swings clockwise in Figure 7, and the left second linkage member 72 is pulled toward the left relay member 70 (see direction B21).

[0090] In this case, due to the flexibility of the connection hole 72b of the left second linkage member 72, the movement of the operating gear 58 from the neutral position A1 to the one-side operating position A2 is not transmitted to the left operating unit 74 (left side clutch 52), and the connection part 72a of the left second linkage member 72 moves back and forth between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dotted line in Figure 7 relative to the left operating unit 74.

[0091] As a result, the left operating unit 74 is not operated to the disconnecting position OFF, and because the left side clutch 52 is biased to the transmission state (see the above-mentioned (rear axle case transmission system)), the left side clutch 52 is maintained in the transmission state and the left operating unit 74 is maintained in the transmission position ON.

[0092] As described above, the electric motor 64 reciprocates the operating gear 58 between the neutral position A1 and the one-side operating position A2, so that the left side clutch 52 is operated (maintained) in a transmission state, while the right side clutch 51 is operated alternately between a transmission state and a disconnected state.

[0093] (Side clutch operating state when turning left) 6 and 7, when the front wheels 1 are steered to the left beyond the left set angle L1 (when the steering angle (direction) of the front wheels 1 is in the range between the left set angle L1 and the left steering limit L2), the riding rice transplanter turns left. In this state, the electric motor 64 drives the operating gear 58 to reciprocate between the neutral position A1 and the other-side operating position A3.

[0094] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the neutral position A1 to the other-side operating position A3, the left first linkage member 71 is pulled toward the operating gear 58 (see direction B21), the left relay member 70 swings clockwise in Figure 7, and the left second linkage member 72 is pulled toward the right relay member 70 (see direction B21). The left operating unit 74 is operated to the disengaged position OFF via the connection portion 72a of the left second linkage member 72, and the left side clutch 52 is operated to the disengaged state.

[0095] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the other-side operating position A3 to the neutral position A1, the left first linkage member 71 is pushed toward the left relay member 70 (see direction B22), the left relay member 70 swings counterclockwise in Figure 7, and the left second linkage member 72 is pushed toward the left operating unit 74 (see direction B22). Because the left side clutch 52 is biased to the transmission state (see (rear axle case transmission system) above), the left operating unit 74 is operated to the transmission position ON, and the left side clutch 52 is operated to the transmission state.

[0096] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the neutral position A1 to the other side operating position A3, the right first linkage member 61 is pushed toward the right relay member 60 (see direction B12), the right relay member 60 swings clockwise in Figure 7, and the right second linkage member 62 is pushed toward the right operating part 73 (see direction B12).

[0097] When the operating gear 58 is operated from the other side operating position A3 to the neutral position A1, the right first linkage member 61 is pulled toward the operating gear 58 (see direction B11), the right relay member 60 swings counterclockwise in Figure 7, and the right second linkage member 62 is pulled toward the right relay member 60 (see direction B11).

[0098] In this case, due to the flexibility of the connection hole 62b of the right second linkage member 62, the movement of the operating gear 58 from the neutral position A1 to the other side operating position A3 is not transmitted to the right operating part 73 (right side clutch 51), and the connection part 62a of the right second linkage member 62 moves back and forth between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dotted line in Figure 7 relative to the right operating part 73.

[0099] As a result, the right operating unit 73 is not operated to the disconnecting position OFF, and because the right side clutch 51 is biased to the transmission state (see the above-mentioned (rear axle case transmission system)), the right side clutch 51 is maintained in the transmission state and the right operating unit 73 is maintained in the transmission position ON.

[0100] As described above, the electric motor 64 reciprocates the operating gear 58 between the neutral position A1 and the other side operating position A3, so that the right side clutch 51 is operated (maintained) in a transmission state, while the left side clutch 52 is operated alternately between a transmission state and a disconnected state.

[0101] (Transmission system to ground leveling equipment) As shown in Figure 6, an output shaft 75 is supported facing rearward inside the rear axle case 22, and a bevel gear 75a connected to the output shaft 75 is engaged with the bevel gear 48a of the transmission shaft 48, and a ground leveling clutch 76 is provided on the output shaft 75.

[0102] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, an output case 77 is connected rearward to the rear of the rear axle case 22, and an output case 78 is supported by the output case 77 so as to be able to swing up and down around an axis P8 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0103] The power of the ground leveling clutch 76 is transmitted to the rearward-facing output shaft 79 of the output case 78 via a bevel gear mechanism (not shown) inside the output case 77, a transmission shaft (not shown) arranged concentrically with the axis P8 across the output cases 77 and 78, and a bevel gear mechanism (not shown) inside the output case 78.

[0104] 8 and 9, in the ground leveling device 11, a drive case 81 is attached via a bearing (not shown) to the left-right center of the drive shaft 11a of the ground leveling device 11. An input shaft 82 is supported by the drive case 81 facing forward, and inside the drive case 81, a bevel gear (not shown) connected to the input shaft 82 is engaged with a bevel gear (not shown) connected to the drive shaft 11a of the ground leveling device 11. A telescopic transmission shaft 83 is connected between the output shaft 79 and the input shaft 82 via a universal joint 84.

[0105] With the above configuration, the power of the transmission shaft 48 is transmitted to the input shaft 82 via the output shaft 75, the ground leveling clutch 76, the output shaft 79, and the transmission shaft 83, and the drive shaft 11a of the ground leveling device 11 is rotated counterclockwise in Figure 8.

[0106] (Ground leveling clutch operating system) 4, 8, and 9, the link mechanism 3 has right and left upper links 3a, right and left lower links 3b, and a vertical link 3c connected to the rear of the upper link 3a and lower link 3b, and the seedling planting device 5 is supported by the vertical link 3c. A connecting member 85, which is channel-shaped in plan view, is connected to the rear end of the hydraulic cylinder 4, and the connecting member 85 is connected to the connecting portion between the lower link 3b of the link mechanism 3 and the vertical link 3c.

[0107] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, an operating arm 86 is provided to operate the ground leveling clutch 76 between the transmission state and the disengagement state, and a connecting rod 87 is connected between the upper link 3a of the link mechanism 3 and the operating arm 86.

[0108] 8 and 9, an operating member 88 is connected to the output case 78, and a linking rod 89 is connected between the lower link 3b of the link mechanism 3 and the operating member 88. An operating member 90 is connected to the drive case 81, and a linking rod 91 is connected between the connection member 85 and the operating member 90.

[0109] 1 and 8 show the state in which the seedling planting device 5 is lowered by the link mechanism 3 and the hydraulic cylinder 4. In this state, the linking rod 87 is lowered, and the ground leveling clutch 76 is operated to a transmission state by the operating arm 86.

[0110] When the seedling planting device 5 is lowered, the linking rod 89 is lowered, and the output case 78 and the output shaft 79 are oriented diagonally downward. The linking rod 91 is raised, and the drive case 81 and the input shaft 82 are oriented horizontally or diagonally upward. This minimizes bending at the universal joint 84, and the power of the output shaft 79 is transmitted smoothly to the input shaft 82 via the transmission shaft 83 and the universal joint 84.

[0111] 10 shows the state in which the seedling planting device 5 is raised by the link mechanism 3 and the hydraulic cylinder 4. In this state, the link rod 87 is raised, the ground leveling clutch 76 is disengaged by the operating arm 86, and the ground leveling device 11 stops.

[0112] When the seedling planting device 5 is raised, the linking rod 89 is raised, and the output case 78 and the output shaft 79 are oriented obliquely upward. The linking rod 91 is lowered, and the drive case 81 and the input shaft 82 are oriented obliquely downward. This minimizes bending at the universal joint 84.

[0113] (First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) Instead of the five-link type suspension mechanism, a three-link type suspension mechanism having right and left suspension links and a lateral link may be employed. The suspension mechanism may be eliminated and the rear axle case 22 may be configured to be supported by the vehicle frame 30 so as to be able to roll around an axis along the fore-and-aft direction, or the rear axle case 22 may be connected to the vehicle frame 30 so as not to be able to move up and down or roll.

[0114] (Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) The right interchangeable portion may be provided at the connection portion between the operating gear 58 and the right first linkage member 61, the connection portion between the right first linkage member 61 and the right relay member 60, or the connection portion between the right second linkage member 62 and the right relay member 60.

[0115] The left interchangeable portion may be provided at the connection portion between the operating gear 58 and the left first linkage member 71, the connection portion between the left first linkage member 71 and the left relay member 70, or the connection portion between the left second linkage member 72 and the left relay member 70.

[0116] (Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) In the side clutch operating unit 50, the right and left drive units 54 may be attached directly to the rear axle case 22. According to this configuration, a right linkage mechanism 55 connected between the right drive unit 54 and the right side clutch 51 is attached to the rear axle case 22, and a left linkage mechanism 56 connected between the left drive unit 54 and the left side clutch 52 is attached to the rear axle case 22. According to this configuration, the right and left side clutches 51, 52 are operated to the transmission state and the disconnection state independently of each other, so that no interchange unit is required. [Industrial Applicability]

[0117] The present invention can be applied not only to riding rice transplanters, but also to riding direct seeding machines that supply seeds to the surface of rice paddies and riding management machines that supply chemicals to the surface of rice paddies. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 front wheel 1a axle 2 rear wheels 2a axle 22 Rear axle case 30 aircraft frame 41 Suspension link 42 Suspension link 47 Suspension spring 50 Side clutch operating part 51 Side clutch 52 Side clutch 54 Drive unit 55 Coordination Mechanism 56 Coordination Mechanism 60 Relay member 61 First connecting member 62 Second connecting member 62b Flexibility Department 64 Electric motor (actuator) 58 Operating gear (reciprocating member) 68 Steering angle sensor (steering angle detection unit) 70 Relay parts 71 First connecting member 72 Second connecting member 72b Flexibility Department A1 Neutral position A2 One side operation position A3 Other side operation position N Straight ahead position R1 Setting angle L1 setting angle P3 axis center P4 axis center

Claims

1. steerable and rotationally driven right and left front wheels; right and left rear wheels, a right side clutch capable of transmitting and interrupting power to the right rear wheel, and a left side clutch capable of transmitting and interrupting power to the left rear wheel; a steering angle detection unit that detects the direction of the front wheels; a side clutch operating unit that can operate the right and left side clutches to a transmission state and a disengagement state based on detection by the steering angle detecting unit, The side clutch operating unit is When the front wheels are positioned within a set angle range to the right and left from a straight-ahead position, the right and left side clutches are operated to a transmission state, The side clutch operating unit includes a drive unit and a linking mechanism that transmits the operation of the drive unit to the right and left side clutches and operates the right and left side clutches to a transmission state and a disengagement state, the drive unit has an actuator and a reciprocating member that is reciprocally driven by the actuator, and the actuator reciprocates the reciprocating member; the actuator is an electric motor located above the reciprocating member, and drives the reciprocating member to reciprocate by rotation of the electric motor; the linking mechanism includes right and left relay members disposed between the axles of the front wheels and the axles of the rear wheels in a side view, two first linking members connected between the drive unit and the right and left relay members, respectively, and two second linking members connected between the right and left relay members and the right and left side clutches, respectively; The right relay member and the left relay member are supported on the same shaft extending in the left-right direction so as to be swingable independently of each other in the paddy field working machine.

2. It is equipped with left and right fuselage frames arranged along the front-to-back direction, The paddy field working machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposed between the right body frame and the left body frame in a plan view.

3. 3. The paddy field working machine according to claim 2, wherein the reciprocating member is a plate-like member having a surface perpendicular to the left-right direction, and is driven by the actuator to swing about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

4. A paddy field working machine as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the relay member, the first linking member and the second linking member are arranged between the right body frame and the left body frame in a plan view.

5. a gear mechanism that transmits the driving force of the actuator to the reciprocating member; 4. The paddy field working machine according to claim 2, wherein the gear mechanism and the reciprocating member are disposed below the actuator.

6. the drive unit drives the reciprocating member to reciprocate between a neutral position and a one-side operation position by the actuator, and drives the reciprocating member to reciprocate between the neutral position and the other-side operation position by the actuator, a right linkage mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the right side clutch, and a left linkage mechanism connected between the reciprocating member and the left side clutch, the right linkage mechanism operates the right side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and operates the right side clutch to a disengaged state when the reciprocating member is operated to the one-side operation position, 2. The paddy field working machine according to claim 1, wherein the left linkage mechanism operates the left side clutch to a transmission state when the reciprocating member is operated to the neutral position, and operates the left side clutch to a disengaged state when the reciprocating member is operated to the other side operating position.

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