Grooving machine

Abstract

To easily secure distribution of water between a previously cut groove and a newly cut groove according to a grooving machine of the present invention.SOLUTION: There are provided a driving mechanism containing driving wheels, a steering handle, a grooving plate 40, and a soil-crushing mechanism 5 arranged at a rear end of the grooving plate 40 and having a soil-crushing member 59. The grooving plate 40 forms a groove with its shape by applying a load and forms a slope face at a side face of the formed groove. The soil-crushing mechanism 5 is configured switchable, by a spring hinge operated by operation of an operation unit, between a first state where an approaching section 59b of the soil-crushing member 59 is apart from the slope face of the groove formed by the grooving plate 40, and a second state where the approaching section 59b of the soil-crushing member 59 projects so as to approach to the slope face of the groove formed by the grooving plate 40. Consequently the slope face of the groove formed by a worker at a cross point of the groove or the like can be arbitrarily collapsed so as to form distribution of water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a furrow opening machine that forms furrows for quickly draining a field, and more particularly to a furrow opening machine that connects furrows at their intersections. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a furrow cutting machine has been used to form furrows for quickly draining a field. For example, the applicant has proposed a furrow cutting machine that can easily and properly cut such furrows. The furrow cutting machine shown in Patent Document 1 has a driven front wheel, and when an operator straddles it and operates it like a bicycle within the field, the furrow cutting plate at the rear allows the operator to easily cut a furrow with a bottom surface with slopes formed on both sides. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-184700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a second groove is cut perpendicular to the groove cut by this type of machine, the second groove will block the flow of water from the first groove. For this reason, in the past, it was necessary to manually collapse the second groove to ensure water flow.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to easily ensure the flow of water between the grooves cut first and the grooves cut later by a groove cutting machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the trench cutting device of the present invention comprises a drive mechanism having a drive wheel provided at the front of the frame and a drive source for rotating the drive wheel, a steering handle provided at the front of the frame, a trench cutting section having a trench cutting member arranged at the rear of the frame, and a soil crushing mechanism having a soil crushing member arranged at the rear end of the trench cutting member, wherein the trench cutting member forms a trench according to its shape when a load is applied and forms a slope on the side of the formed trench, and the soil crushing mechanism is configured to be switchable by a switching mechanism operated by an operating unit between a first state in which the soil crushing member moves away from the slope of the trench formed by the trench cutting member and a second state in which the soil crushing member protrudes to enter the slope of the trench formed by the trench cutting member.

[0007] The operating unit is preferably configured to be switchable by an operating member disposed in front of the operator riding on the vehicle via a transmission member. The transmission member may be a wire, and the operating member may be a lever that pulls the wire.

[0008] The soil crushing member may be configured to be constantly biased to the second state and to be displaceable to the first state by an operating member. The switching mechanism may be configured such that the soil crushing member is fixed to a spring hinge fixed to the furrow cutting portion and is always biased to be in the second state.

[0009] It is preferable that the soil crushing member be displaced to the first state side when an obstacle comes into contact with the soil crushing member and a load equal to or greater than a threshold value is generated. It is also preferable that the operating section includes a locking mechanism capable of fixing the soil crushing members in a position where the soil crushing members are in the first state.

[0010] The groove cutting member preferably has a top end portion that forms a top end that is continuous with the slope formed on the side of the formed groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the groove cutting machine of the present invention, the flow of water between the first cut groove and the second cut groove can be easily ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view from the upper left rear showing the entire groove cutting machine of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the groove cutting machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the groove cutting machine of this embodiment with the handle turned. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of only the crushing mechanism extracted from the trench cutter of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating section from the soil crushing mechanism in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the groove cutting plate portion from the soil crushing mechanism in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 6 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member in a second state from the groove cutting plate of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member in the first state shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the soil crushing member in a second state. [Figure 10] 10 is a plan view showing the soil crushing member in the first state shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing the soil crushing member in a second state. [Figure 12] 12 is a right side view showing the soil crushing member in the first state shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the soil crushing member in the second state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a rear view showing the soil crushing member in the first state shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member in a second state as viewed from the lower left front. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member in the first state shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a rear view, and FIG. 1C is a right side view of a grooved plate portion in a first state of the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a rear view, and FIG. 10C is a right side view of the grooved plate portion in the second state of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] 1(a) to 1(e) are diagrams showing the procedure of a groove cutting operation using the groove cutting machine of this embodiment. [Figure 20] 1(a) to 1(e) are diagrams showing the procedure for trench cutting work at an intersection using the trench cutting machine of this embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a furrow before intersection during furrow cutting work in a farm field. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a state in which intersecting grooves are cut by a conventional groove cutting machine. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the state in which intersecting grooves have been cut by the groove cutting machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intersection when cutting intersecting grooves with the groove cutting machine of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 25] 1 is a schematic diagram of an intersection after cutting intersecting grooves with the groove cutting machine of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the upper left rear showing the soil harrowing member in the second state of another embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member shown in FIG. 26 in a first state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the groove cutting machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. (Outline of this embodiment) In rice cultivation, mid-season drainage is performed a certain period after planting to prevent ineffective tillers and promote root development. Ditch cutting is also performed to promote drainage. In recent years, this practice has often involved the use of a furrow cutting machine. With a furrow cutting machine like the furrow cutting machine 1 of this embodiment, an operator can operate the furrow cutting efficiently. With such a furrow cutting machine, as shown in Figure 19(c), a furrow D is created by clearing the soil with a furrow cutting plate 40 to form a deep bottom B. The soil discharged from this bottom B forms slopes S on both sides. The top of this slope S forms a horizontal plane called a crest T, whose height is approximately equal to the water bottom WB. Outside the crest T, residual soil SS from forming the furrow D forms a ridge-like shape. Its height is generally lower than the water level WL but higher than the water bottom WB. Therefore, the introduction of water from the sides of the furrow D is limited to the area sandwiched between the residual soil SS.

[0014] As shown in Figure 21, the trench cutting work involves forming a trench D1 along the spacing between the rice rows. Then, as shown in Figure 22, the machine turns 90 degrees to form a trench D2 so that it intersects with the previously formed trench D1. Figure 20(c) shows a cross section of the S2-S2 portion of Figure 22. As shown in Figure 20(c), a slope S for a new trench D2 is formed, blocking the previously formed trench D1. This slope S blocks the water flow between trenches D1 and D2 at the intersection C. Therefore, in the past, after forming trench D2 as shown in Figure 22, the slope S at the intersection C was manually destroyed, creating a state as shown in Figure 23 to allow water W to flow through. However, this work required the operator to get off the trench cutting machine to break up the SS section or to break up the surplus soil SS section while still on the machine, which was extremely burdensome for the operator.

[0015] In order to solve such problems, the present invention provides a mechanism for easily directing water to the intersection C in the groove cutting machine. (Configuration of this embodiment) <Overall structure> The overall configuration of the groove cutting machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the upper left rear showing the entire groove cutting machine 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the groove cutting machine 1 of this embodiment. The trench cutting machine 1 of this embodiment is ridden by an operator straddling a saddle 36 with his feet on the ground, and is shaped like a bicycle overall, but rather than being driven by pedaling with a chain, the driving wheels 21 are driven by an engine 22 on the front wheel. Also, a trench cutting plate 40 is provided in place of the rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0017] <Driver 2> A drive unit 2 is disposed at the front of the vehicle body. The drive unit 2 is equipped with drive wheels 21. The output of an engine 22, which is a drive source, is transmitted to a gear box 24, which is a drive mechanism, via a power transmission shaft 23. The rotation speed is reduced in the gear box 24, and the drive force is transmitted to the drive wheels 21 via hubs 21c inside the gear box 24, thereby driving the drive wheels 21 to rotate.

[0018] As described above, the drive wheel 21 is made up of an outer ring 21b on which anti-skid members 21a are provided at regular intervals, and spokes 21d that connect the outer ring 21b to the hub 21c. The drive wheel 21, engine 22, power transmission shaft 23, and gearbox 24 constitute the drive unit 2.

[0019] <Front 3F of the frame> The hub 21c of the drive wheel 21 is rotatably supported from one side via a gear box 24 fixed to an inverted U-shaped front fork 31. A handle stem 32 is provided on the upper part of the front fork 31, and a handle 30 is provided on the upper end of the handle stem 32.

[0020] As described above, the front frame portion 3F is made up of the front fork 31 (drive wheel support portion), the handle stem 32 (handle shaft), and the handle 30 for steering. A handle stem 32 of the front frame portion 3F passes through a cylindrical head tube 33 of the rear frame portion 3R and is supported so as to be freely rotatable.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the trench cutter 1 of this embodiment with the handlebars 30 turned. The state shown in FIG. 2 is the position of the handlebars 30 when traveling straight. When the operator applies force to the handlebars 30 from this position in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 3, a clockwise moment force is generated around the handlebar stem 32 in a plan view, causing the handlebars 30 to rotate rightward around the handlebar stem 32. At this time, the front fork 31 and the drive unit 2 supported thereon also rotate rightward. As a result, the drive wheel 21 also deviates to the right with respect to the rear frame portion 3R, and the course of the trench cutter 1 turns rightward relative to the direction of straight travel.

[0022] <Rear frame 3R> The handle stem 32 is fitted into a cylindrical head tube 33 at the rear frame portion 3R and is supported so as to be freely rotatable.

[0023] A top tube 34, made of a straight, rectangular pipe with a vertically elongated cross section, is connected to the generally vertical head tube 33 and extends diagonally downward to the rear. A generally vertical seat tube 35 is attached to the rear end of the top tube 34. The seat tube 35 is a cylindrical metal pipe with an open top, into which a cylindrical seat post (not shown) with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the seat tube 35 is slidably inserted. A saddle 36 is attached to the upper end of the seat post. The saddle 36 is composed of a horizontal metal plate welded to the seat post, an elastic body such as a sponge or spring inside the upper part, and a vinyl leather outer skin that encases these, allowing the user to straddle the bike stably and comfortably.

[0024] A seat height adjustment member is provided at the upper end of the seat tube 35, and the saddle 36 can be adjusted to any height by tightening or loosening the inserted seat post. A round pipe-shaped upper stay 37 extends straight rearward behind the seat tube 35, on the extension line of the top tube 34. This upper stay 37 bends toward the ground midway. A lower stay 38, made of a square pipe similar to the top tube 34, extends straight from near the bottom end of the seat tube 35 in parallel with the upper stay 37 and merges with it. The lower end of the upper stay 37 is open, forming a grooved mounting portion 39.

[0025] Thus, the rear frame portion 3R is composed of the head tube (handle shaft support portion) 33, top tube 34, seat tube 35, saddle 36, upper stay 37, lower stay 38, and grooved portion mounting portion 39.

[0026] <Groove section 4> A groove cutting section 4 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle body. A groove cutting plate stay 41 made of a round pipe with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the upper stay 37 is inserted into the groove cutting section mounting section 39 of the rear frame 3R. A groove cutting plate 40 is fixed to the lower end of the groove cutting plate stay 41. The groove cutting plate 40 is attached to the groove cutting section mounting section 39 so that the angle can be slightly changed by the groove cutting plate stay 41, and is fixed with a pin inserted into a through hole that passes through the groove cutting section mounting section 39 and the groove cutting plate stay 41 in the diameter direction. The through holes are arranged in three positions, one above the other, allowing the vertical mounting position to be adjusted.

[0027] Figure 17 is (a) a plan view, (b) a back view, and (c) a right side view of a portion of the groove cutting plate 40 in a first state of this embodiment. Figure 18 is (a) a plan view, (b) a back view, and (c) a right side view of a portion of the groove cutting plate 40 in a second state of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 17(a) and 18(a), the groove cutting plate 40 has an overall shield shape in plan view, with the front portion being a roughly isosceles triangle that is long from front to back and the rear portion being a roughly isosceles triangle that is short from front to back.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 17(b) and 18(b), the grooved plate 40 has a generally vertically long hexagonal shape in rear view, with top ends 42c extending to the left and right. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17(c) and 18(c), when viewed from the right side, the trench cutting plate 40 has a horizontal bottom surface 42b formed at the bottom, and a roughly triangular slope 42a formed diagonally upward toward the front from the front end of the bottom surface 42b. A top edge 42c that is horizontal on both sides and formed diagonally upward toward the front is formed along the upper end of the slope 42a. When the trench cutting plate 40 moves forward (leftward in Figure 17(c)), the top edge 42c compresses the soil discharged to the left and right of the trench from above, forming a horizontal top edge T.

[0029] <Groove cutting procedure> Figure 19 is a diagram showing the procedure for trench cutting work using the trench cutting machine 1 of this embodiment. In the S1-S1 portion of Figure 22, starting from a state where there is no trench D as shown in Figure 19(a), a trench D is cut with a trench cutting plate 40 as shown in Figure 19(b). At this time, the shape of the trench cutting plate 40 is transferred, and as shown in Figure 19(c), the trench D is formed with a horizontal bottom surface B and a pair of opposing slopes S, S consisting of flat surfaces that widen toward the top.

[0030] Additionally, flange-shaped top ends 42c, 42c extending horizontally in the width direction are provided from the upper ends of the slope portions 42a, 42a of the trench cutting board 40. These top ends 42c, 42c, together with the bottom portion 42b and the slope portions 42a, 42a, align the top of the soil that was pushed to the side during trench cutting to a certain height, forming a top end T. The top end 42c acts to prevent the trench cutting board 40 from sinking more than necessary into the soft soil, and for this reason, the top end T is typically formed at approximately the same height as the water bottom WB.

[0031] The bottom surface 42b, slope 42a, and top end 42c remove soil from the bottom WB and push it out to the side of the trench D as residual soil SS. The residual soil SS forms a ridge-like mound along the top end T of the trench D. Its height is higher than the top end T and lower than the water surface WL.

[0032] <Crushing mechanism 5> Figure 4 is a perspective view of only the crushing mechanism 5 extracted from the trench cutter 1 of Figure 1. The crushing mechanism 5 is composed of an operating unit 50, a transmission member (wire 54, etc.), a switching mechanism (spring hinge 58, etc.), and a crushing member 59.

[0033] The soil crushing mechanism 5 triggers the collapse of the slopes S, S on both sides of the trench D formed by the trench cutting plate 40 at the entry portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 arranged at the rear end of the trench cutting plate 40. <Basic function of soil crushing mechanism 5> The trench cutter 1 of this embodiment is switchable between a "first state" in which the soil crushing mechanism 5 does not operate, and a "second state" in which the soil crushing mechanism 5 operates.

[0034] Here, with reference to Figure 19, we will explain the basic operation of the soil crushing mechanism 5 when the furrow cutter 1 is in the "second state." Here, we will explain the operation of the soil crushing mechanism 5 in a field where a furrow D has not yet been formed, such as furrow D1 shown in Figure 21. When the furrow cutter 1 is changed from the state shown in Figure 19(a) to the second state and a furrow is cut, the furrow cutting plate 40 first passes through and forms furrow D, as shown in Figure 19(b). At this stage, the entrance portion 59b of the furrow cutting member 59 arranged behind the furrow cutting plate 40 has not yet passed, so the operation of the furrow cutting plate 40 to form furrow D in the first state and the second state is the same and there is no difference. As a result, a furrow D as shown in Figure 19(c) is first formed.

[0035] As the trencher 1 advances further, in the first state, the entry section 59b passes without touching the slope S, completing the process of forming the trench D. Meanwhile, in the second state, immediately after the trench D is formed, the entry section 59b of the soil-breaking member 59, located behind the trenching plate 40, passes under the slope S. At this stage, as shown in Figure 19(d), the entry sections 59b, 59b enter the underside of the slopes S, S, and scoop out a portion of the bottom of the slopes S, S that were just formed by the trenching plate 40. These slopes S, S are formed by compacting soft, moist soil with the trenching plate 40, but are susceptible to collapse due to water pressure if triggered. As a result, the tops of the slopes S, S whose bottoms have been scooped out and the tops T, T collapse, as shown in Figure 19(e). Furthermore, the residual soil SS, SS formed outside of them also collapses.

[0036] <Action at intersection C of soil crushing mechanism 5> Next, the operation of the soil crushing mechanism 5 at the intersection C when the trench cutter 1 is in the "second state" will be described with reference to FIG. 20. At the S0-S0 portion of the intersection C shown in FIG. 21, the bottom surface B of the trench D1 is formed deeper than the original water bottom WB, as shown in FIG. 20(a). When the trench cutting plate 40 enters the intersection C from this state as shown in FIG. 20(b), soil has already been removed by the trench D1 at the intersection C, but as shown in FIG. 20(c), slopes S, S are formed by the soil carried by the top end 42c. In this case, because the amount of soil is small, residual soil SS, SS as shown in FIG. 19(c) is often not formed. Even so, the slopes S, S obstruct the flow of the already cut trench D1. When a new trench D2 is created by intersecting an already cut trench D1 as shown in FIG. 22, the slope S of the new trench D2 obstructs the flow of water W in the already formed trench D1. Up to this point, the action is the same whether the groove cutting machine 1 is in the "first state" or the "second state."

[0037] After this, the trench cutter 1 is put into the "second state" and, as shown in Figure 20(d), the crushing mechanism 5 causes the entry portion 59b of the crushing member 59 to enter the lower part of the slopes S, S of the new trench D2 with the entry portion 59b of the crushing member 59 protruding.

[0038] Therefore, simply by protruding the entry part 59b of the soil crushing member 59 and entering the slopes S, S to scoop out the lower part, this triggers the collapse of the slopes S, S. Furthermore, the water pressure of the water flowing into the new trench D2 or the already formed trench D1 that intersects with it accelerates the collapse, resulting in a gentle shape that does not interfere with the exchange of water between trenches D1 and D2, as shown in Figure 20(e).

[0039] <Effect after passing through intersection C> It is necessary to avoid damaging the slopes S, S of the newly formed trench D2 except when it intersects with the already formed trench D1. Therefore, after passing through the intersection C, the trench cutter 1 is set to the "first state" in which the entry portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is positioned away from the slopes S, S.

[0040] These operations can be easily performed by the operator, while straddling the saddle 36 of the trench cutting machine 1, by operating the lever 51 provided near the handle 30 when crossing the already formed trench D1, to switch from the "first state" to the "second state." Once the operator has passed the already formed trench D1, the operator can easily return from the "second state" to the "first state" by operating the lever 51 again. Note that when the lever 51 is in the first state, the first state is always maintained by the locking mechanism 52, allowing the operator to continue trench cutting work without having to do anything.

[0041] <Configuration of soil crushing mechanism 5> The operating unit 50, transmission members (wires 54, etc.), switching mechanism (spring hinges 58, etc.), and soil crushing members 59 that constitute the soil crushing mechanism 5 will be described in detail below.

[0042] <Operation unit 50> FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating unit 50 from the soil crushing mechanism 5 in FIG. 4. The operating unit 50 has a mounting base 53b, which is a rectangular metal plate, fixed to the handle stem 32 (FIG. 1) by a mounting portion 53a, with its surface oriented along the direction of travel. A lever 51 is rotatably attached to the mounting base 53b via a pivot 51b. The lever 51 has a rod-shaped operating end 51a extending radially from the pivot 51b. The lever 51 has a movable range from a substantially vertically upward position (second position) shown in FIG. 5 to a substantially horizontal position (first position). A locking recess 52b is recessed into the operating end 51a on the mounting base 53b side. The mounting base 53b also has a spring plunger 52a that constitutes the locking mechanism 52. The spring plunger 52a is a well-known mechanical component for positioning and fixing the lever 51. A spring is built into the cylindrical body, and the ball or pin at the tip sinks into the body when a load is applied, and returns to its original position by the force of the spring when the load is released. The spring plunger 52a is provided so as to protrude to the left in the direction of travel of the groove cutting machine 1. When the lever 51 reaches the first position and the tip of the spring plunger 52a engages with the locking recess 52b, the rotation of the lever 51 is restricted. As will be described later, the lever 51 is biased by the wire 54 toward the second position, but is locked in the first position by the spring plunger 52a.

[0043] When the operator urges lever 51, which is locked in the first position, toward the second position with his / her finger, the tip of spring plunger 52a sinks into the main body, releasing the lock. Lever 51 is then urged by wire 54 and automatically returns to the second position.

[0044] <Transmission components> The wire 54 constituting the transmission member is a wire equivalent to a bicycle wire cable. An inner cable 54b made of stranded steel wire is freely inserted into a hollow outer cable 54a, which is made of spirally wound steel wire and coated with vinyl. One end of the wire 54 is connected to the operating unit 50. The outer cable 54a of the wire 54 is fixed to the mounting base 53b. The inner cable 54b is fixed to the pivot 51b of the lever 51. Therefore, when the lever 51 is tilted horizontally from the second position shown in Figure 5 to the first position, the inner cable 54b is pulled. At this time, the end of the outer cable 54a is fixed to the mounting base 53b and cannot move. Therefore, the inner cable 54b slides within the outer cable 54a. As shown in Figure 4, the other end of the inner cable 54b of the wire 54 is fixed to a spring hinge 58, which is a switching mechanism for the soil-crushing mechanism 5 fixed to the groove cutting plate 40.

[0045] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion from the soil crushing mechanism 5 to the trench cutting plate 40 in FIG. 4. The wire 54 is branched into two wires 54, 54 by a branch wire 55. The two branched wires 54, 54 have outer cables 54a, 54a fixed to a wire fixing portion 56 fixed to the lower stay 38. Inner cables 54b, 54b are drawn out from the outer cables 54a, 54a. Carabiner-shaped hooks 57, 57 are attached to the ends of the inner cables 54b, 54b, respectively. The hooks 57, 57 are connected to holes in a wire mounting portion 58f of a spring hinge 58, which serves as a switching mechanism. At this time, the inner cables 54b, 54b drawn out from the wire fixing portion 56 are connected to the wire mounting portion 58f in a crossed state. As a result, the wire mounting portions 58f, 58f are pulled from inside the trench cutting machine 1.

[0046] <Switching mechanism (spring hinge 58, etc.)> FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member 59 in the second state from the groove cutting plate 40 in FIG. 5. A spring hinge 58, which serves as a switching mechanism, is located along one side of the upper end of the rear portion of the V-shaped groove cutting plate 40 in a plan view. The spring hinge 58 has a torsion coil spring 58e passing through a pin (not shown) that penetrates the inside of the joint of a normal hinge. The arms extending linearly from both ends of the torsion coil spring 58e are fixed to the blades 58a, 58a on both sides of the hinge. Therefore, when the opening angle of the pair of blades 58a, 58a changes (in this case, when they are closed), the torsion coil spring 58e is twisted, storing elastic energy, which acts as an elastic force when the external force is released. In other words, the spring hinge 58e returns to its initial position (in this case, the opening angle of the blades 58a, 58a is approximately 90 degrees).

[0047] 7, the pair of blades 58a, 58a are biased to the maximum limit of opening by the elasticity of torsion coil spring 58e, ie, the opening angle of pair of blades 58a, 58a is approximately 90 degrees. This state is the second state.

[0048] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the soil crushing member 59 in Figure 7 in a first state. When the lever 51 shown in Figure 5 is set to the first position, the inner cable 54b of the wire 54 is pulled. This pulls the inner cable 54b, with the wire fixing portion 56 shown in Figure 6 as the base point. When the inner cable 54b shown in Figure 8 is pulled, the hook 57 is pulled. At this time, when the wire mounting portion 58f connected to the hook 57 is pulled, the ends of the blades 58a, 58a are pulled inward. This causes the blades 58a, 58a to rotate in a closing direction, and the two blades 58a, 58a close so that they overlap.

[0049] In the second state, when an obstacle abuts on the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 and a load exceeding the threshold is generated, the spring hinge 58 displaces the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 toward the first state. This allows the entrance portion 59b to absorb the impact and avoid damage to the entrance portion 59b, for example, if there is a foreign object such as a stone in the soil. Furthermore, even if the entrance portion 59b hits the base of a rice bundle, the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 58e of the spring hinge 58 is not strong enough to knock over the rice bundle, so the entrance portion 59b tilts and protects the rice.

[0050] <Soil crushing material 59> The soil crusher 59 is a component that penetrates the slope S and triggers the collapse of the slope S. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the soil crusher 59 of this embodiment includes a base plate 59a made of a doughnut-shaped metal plate and an entry portion 59b that protrudes from one side along the central axis of the base plate 59a. The entry portion 59b of this embodiment is made of a metal wire, with both ends located at opposing positions on the base plate 59a, and the entire structure is formed into a house-shaped ring shape within a plane including the central axis. The base plate 59a is attached to the soil crusher mounting portion 58g with a fixing screw 59c that penetrates a hole in its center. The soil crusher mounting portion 58g is an L-shaped component with orthogonal planes. One side is fixed to the screw hole 58d of the blade 58a, and the base plate 59a is attached to a mounting hole provided on the other side with a fixing screw 59c. Therefore, the base plate 59a and the blade 58a are perpendicular to each other. The base plate 59a can be rotated by loosening the fixing screw 59c, thereby changing the orientation of the entrance portion 59b. The base plate 59a and the soil crushing member mounting portion 58g have multiple corresponding projections and recesses, which enable positioning in a changed orientation and prevent the orientation of the entrance portion 59b from changing when the fixing screw 59c is tightened.

[0051] <First state and second state> The second state shown in FIG. 7 and the first state shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to other drawings.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the soil crushing member in a second state. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the soil crushing member in Fig. 9 in a first state. The second state is a state in which the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is entered into the slope S. As shown in Fig. 9, in the second state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is in a state in which it extends sufficiently to the left and right and is in a position in which it can enter the slope S. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10, in the first state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is retracted inward and the soil crushing member 59 is separated from the slope S.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the second state. FIG. 12 is a right side view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 with FIG. 11 being the first state. When viewed from the right side, as shown in FIG. 11, in the second state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 protrudes horizontally. As shown in FIG. 12, in the first state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 jumps up diagonally upward, and the soil crushing member 59 is separated from the slope S. In particular, FIG. 11 clearly shows that in the second state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 deeply digs into the portion of the slope S near the bottom B.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the second state. FIG. 14 is a rear view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 with FIG. 13 being the first state. Even when viewed from the rear, in the second state as shown in FIG. 13, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 protrudes horizontally. As shown in FIG. 14, in the first state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 jumps up diagonally upward, and it can be seen that the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is separated from the slope S. It can also be seen from FIG. 11 that in the second state, the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 deeply digs into the portion of the slope S near the bottom B.

[0055] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from the lower right front showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the second state. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the first state shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the groove cutting surface 42 of the groove cutting plate 40 includes a horizontal bottom surface 42b, a slope portion 42a extending upward from the bottom surface 42b, and a horizontal flange-shaped top end 42c at its upper end. As shown in FIG. 15, even when viewed from approximately the same plane as the slope portion 42a, the positional relationship in which the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is deeply embedded in the face of the slope portion 42a is clearly visible. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 16, when viewed from approximately the same plane as the slope portion 42a, the positional relationship in which the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is spaced apart from the face of the slope portion 42a is clearly visible.

[0056] (Action of this embodiment) The groove cutting machine 1 of this embodiment has the above-described configuration and therefore has the following functions.

[0057] 17A, 17B, and 17C are a plan view, a rear view, and a right side view, respectively, of a grooved plate 40 in a first state according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 18A, 18B, and 18C are a plan view, a rear view, and a right side view, respectively, of a grooved plate 40 in a second state according to the present embodiment.

[0058] <Normal groove cutting work> FIG. 19 shows the procedure for trench cutting using the trench cutting machine 1 of this embodiment. When performing normal trench cutting from the state shown in FIG. 19(a), the entry portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 is moved away from the slope S formed by the trench cutting plate 40, as shown in FIG. 19(b). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the bottom surface 42b of the trench cutting plate 40 is pressed into the water bottom WB, pushing soil out on both sides and forming the bottom surface B of the trench D. The soil pushed out on both sides is leveled by the slope portion 42a of the trench cutting plate 40 to form a flat slope S. The top of the slope S is leveled horizontally by the top end 42c of the trench cutting plate 40 to form the top edge T. At this time, the slope S and top edge T of the trench D are compressed by the trench cutting plate 40, which expels moisture and compacts the soil. Furthermore, excess soil is pushed out to the sides of the top edge T, forming ridge-like residual soil SS on the water bottom WB.

[0059] The bottom surface B of the trench D formed in this way is deeper than the water depth in the field. The slope S of the trench D is also formed up to the top surface T, which is approximately the same height as the water bottom WB. The ridge-shaped residual soil SS formed around it is higher than the water bottom WB and lower than the water surface WL. This ridge-shaped residual soil SS is highly fluid soil that contains moisture, and is washed away and leveled by the water current.

[0060] <Function of the soil crushing member 59> As shown in Figure 19(b), the work is the same up to the formation of the trench D in the first state by the normal trench cutting work shown in Figure 17. In the second state in which the earth crushing member 59 is acted upon, the entry part 59b of the earth crushing member 59 immediately after the trench cutting plate 40 enters the part of the formed slope S close to the bottom surface B, as shown in Figure 19(d).

[0061] Here, the trench cutting work of this embodiment will be explained step by step. First, Fig. 19(a) shows the state before the trench cutting work. Here, water W is stored on the water bottom WB up to the water surface WL. Figure 19(b) shows trench cutting work using a trench cutting plate 40. Here, the trench cutting plate 40 forms a trench D with a horizontal bottom surface B, slopes S, S on both sides, and tops T, T, as shown in Figure 19(c). Furthermore, ridge-like surplus soil SS, SS is formed outside the tops T, T.

[0062] 19(d) shows a state in which the approaching portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 arranged immediately behind the groove cutting plate 40 approaches the slope S. Note that only the approaching portions 59b, 59b are shown, and the groove cutting plate 40 is omitted.

[0063] Figure 19(e) shows the state after the entry section 59b of the soil crushing member 59 has entered the slope S. When the entry section 59b cuts into the slope S, the slope S collapses. When the slope S collapses, the top T also collapses, and the ridge-like residual soil SS also collapses, causing water W to enter. The water flow causes the residual soil SS on both sides of the ditch D to collapse, dropping below the bottom WB of the water. As a result, there is nothing to obstruct the flow of water W into the ditch D from the surrounding area, and water W can now flow into the ditch D from the surrounding area.

[0064] <Procedure for cutting furrows in the field> Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing furrows before intersection during furrow cutting work in a farm field. In the farm field, furrows D1 are cut from a water inlet (not shown) along the row spacing. First, the furrow is cut along the ridge. For work efficiency, once a furrow is cut in one direction, the furrow is turned 180 degrees at the edge of the field and the next furrow D1 is cut several rows apart. Finally, it is connected to a water outlet that drains water out of the field.

[0065] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a state in which intersecting ditches have been cut using a conventional trench cutter. In other words, this is the same as the state in which a trench is cut in the first state without using the soil crushing mechanism 5 using the trench cutter 1 of this embodiment. When a new trench D2 is cut so as to intersect with an already cut trench D1, the slope S of the new trench D2 makes it difficult for the water flow in the already cut trench D1 to flow. In addition, the water flowing into the new trench D2 also makes it difficult for it to flow into the already cut trench D1.

[0066] 23 is a schematic diagram of the groove cutting machine 1 of this embodiment in the second state, cutting an intersecting groove D2. In this embodiment, the flow of water in these intersecting grooves D1 and D2 is made free, thereby improving the drainage effect.

[0067] <Destruction of slope S due to soil crushing member 59 at intersection C> Figure 24 is a schematic plan view of the intersection C when the trench cutter 1 of this embodiment cuts an intersecting trench D2. The procedure for changing the state shown in Figure 22 to the state shown in Figure 23 is described below. First, with the trench cutter 1 in the first state, a new trench D2 is formed perpendicular to the already cut trench D1. Then, when the entry section 59b of the soil crushing mechanism 5 passes the switching point P1, the operator operates the lever 51 to switch from the first state to the second state. This causes a portion of the slope S to be gouged out, causing the slope S to collapse. This triggers the collapse of the top T and the residual soil SS. At this time, because the bottom B of the trench is deeper than the water bottom WB of the surrounding field, the water W around the trench D2 flows into the trench D2. At this time, the soft soil that formed the ridge-shaped residual soil SS also flows away, causing the residual soil SS to sink below the water bottom WB. Furthermore, when the entry part 59b of the soil crushing mechanism 5 approaches the intersection C, the ridge-shaped residual soil SS in the trench D1 is also destroyed in the same way. Then, when the entry part 59b of the soil crushing mechanism 5 reaches the center of the trench D1, the flow of water W from the trench D1 also causes the residual soil SS in the trench D2 to collapse in the same way.

[0068] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the intersection C after cutting the intersecting trench D2 in the second state of the trench cutter 1 of this embodiment. The trench D1 and trench D2 are connected by the above-described action. Then, when the entry section 59b of the soil crushing mechanism 5 of the trench cutter 1 passes through the switching point P2, the operator again operates the lever 51 to switch from the second state to the first state. This again forms a trench D with a bottom surface B, a slope S, a top surface T, and residual soil SS, allowing water to flow efficiently. Forming trench D in this way connects trench D1 and trench D2. Furthermore, surrounding water W from the collapsed slope S also easily flows into trench D2. Furthermore, in areas other than the intersection C, the regularly shaped trench D efficiently promotes drainage of the field.

[0069] The action described in this embodiment is merely an example, and its action changes depending on the height of the water surface WL in the field, the viscosity and fluidity of the soil due to its properties and water content. The action also changes depending on the state of entry of the groove cutting plate 40 into the water bottom WB and the relative positions of the groove cutting plate 40 and the water bottom WB. Furthermore, the state of collapse of the residual soil SS also changes depending on the flow of water W. In either state, the entry portion 59b enters the slope S, causing the slope S to collapse, which acts to improve the conduction of water W at the intersection C of the grooves D1 and D2.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case where the new trench D2 intersects with an already cut trench D1 has been described, but even in places where the trenches D do not intersect, changing the soil crushing mechanism 5 from the first state to the second state also has the effect of promoting the introduction of water into the trench D from the surrounding field. In this case, by cutting the residual soil SS down to the water bottom WB, it is possible to prevent the residual soil SS from obstructing the water flow near the water bottom WB.

[0071] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The furrow cutting machine 1 of this embodiment has the advantage of easily ensuring the flow of water between the first-cut furrow D1 and the second-cut furrow D2 at the intersection C. Furthermore, even in places where the furrows D do not intersect, by changing the soil crushing mechanism 5 from the first state to the second state, it has the advantage of promoting the introduction of water into the furrows D from the surrounding fields.

[0072] (2) The soil crushing mechanism 5 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the entry part 59b is separated from the slope S of the trench D formed by the trench cutting plate 40, and a second state in which the entry part 59b protrudes to enter the slope S, by operating the operating part 50 using a switching mechanism with a spring hinge 58. This has the effect of allowing the slope S of the trench D that the mechanism has formed to be collapsed at will only when necessary.

[0073] (3) The operating unit 50 is configured to be switchable between the first state and the second state by a lever 51 disposed in front of the operator riding in the vehicle via a transmission member made up of a wire 54. This has the effect of allowing the operator to freely switch between the first state and the second state while remaining in the vehicle.

[0074] (4) The spring hinge 58, which is the switching mechanism for the soil crushing member 59, is always biased to the second state. Therefore, the operating member can be operated in one direction, which has the effect of simplifying the structure. (5) As a switching mechanism, the soil crushing member 59 is fixed to a spring hinge 58 fixed to the groove cutting plate 40, and is configured to be constantly biased to the second state. The spring hinge 58 has a torsion coil spring 58e housed inside, which has the effect of making it difficult for foreign matter to get in during the groove cutting operation.

[0075] (6) When an obstacle comes into contact with the entry portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 and a load equal to or greater than the threshold is generated, the entry portion 59b is displaced to the first state side by the spring hinge 58. This prevents the soil crushing member 59 from being damaged by a foreign object or from knocking over the roots of the rice bundles.

[0076] (7) The lever 51 is provided with a locking mechanism using a spring plunger 52a that can fix the soil crushing member 59 in a position where it is in the first state. This ensures that the first state can be maintained, and prevents the slope S from being destroyed by accidentally shifting to the second state.

[0077] (8) The groove cutting plate 40 has a top end 42c that forms a top end T that is continuous with the slope S formed on the side of the formed groove D. This allows moisture to be drained from the slope S and the top end T and compacted. It also prevents the groove cutting plate 40 from sinking more than necessary into the water bottom WB. Furthermore, by preventing the height of the slope S from becoming too high and ensuring that the top of the slope S is roughly at the same height as the water bottom WB, it is possible to form a groove D with a regular shape that makes it easy to introduce water W.

[0078] (Another example of the present invention) The above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can modify and implement it as follows.

[0079] <Another example of groove cutter 1> In the present embodiment, the riding trench cutting machine 1 is illustrated as having the engine 22 in the front, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the trench cutting machine may have the engine 22 in the rear.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a riding trencher 1, and may be applied to a push-type trencher. <Another example of the operation unit 50> In the present embodiment, the operating unit 50 is disposed on the handle stem 32, and the lever 51 is fixed by the spring plunger 52a. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0081] The positioning location may be, for example, on the handlebars 30 or in front of the top tube 34, as long as the operator can operate it while cutting the groove. The lever 51 shown in the figure may be configured like a bicycle brake lever. Also, a handle grip may be configured to rotate.

[0082] The locking mechanism is not limited to the one that uses the spring plunger 52a for fixing, but may be one that uses a ratchet for locking. It is also desirable to have a configuration in which locking and unlocking are repeated each time an operation is performed.

[0083] Alternatively, a toggle mechanism may be used to switch between locking and unlocking. <Another example of a transmission component> Although the wire 54 is exemplified in this embodiment, it may be replaced by a link mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, or a hydraulic mechanism.

[0084] <Another example of a switching mechanism> The spring hinge 58, which is the switching mechanism in this embodiment, is biased so that it is always in the second state, but it may also be configured so that it is always biased so that it is in the first state and can be switched to the second state by operating the operating unit 50.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the spring hinge 58 having the torsion coil spring 58e is illustrated as the switching mechanism. However, instead of the spring hinge 58, a spring such as a leaf spring or a torsion spring, or a configuration biased by air pressure may be used.

[0086] Alternatively, instead of the spring hinge 58, the soil crushing member 59 may be biased to the second state by the elastic deformation of a plate spring or a plate-shaped resin or rubber having elasticity. The piston may be configured to not rotate the entry portion 59b but to extend and retract linearly. In this case, a magnetic plunger may be electrically used to switch between the first and second states. A pneumatic or hydraulic plunger may also be used.

[0087] <Another example of crushing material 59> Figure 26 is a perspective view from the upper right rear showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the second state of another embodiment. Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the entrance portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in the first state shown in Figure 26. In the above embodiment, the soil crushing member 59 having a ring-shaped entrance portion 59b was exemplified. This is one example of the soil crushing member 59, and the soil crushing member 59 of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the soil crushing member 59 having the plate-shaped entrance portion 59b shown in Figures 26 and 27 may also be used.

[0088] The shape of the entrance portion 59b is not limited to a ring or a plate, and may be a rod, a net, a sphere, or any other shape selected by a person skilled in the art depending on the field and purpose. It is also preferable that the entrance portion 59b be replaceable depending on the condition of the soil.

[0089] The entry portion 59b of the soil crushing member 59 in this embodiment is made of a highly rigid, rust-resistant metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and obstacles are avoided by the elastic force of the spring hinge 58. As another example, the entry portion 59b may be made of an elastic metal, resin, rubber, or the like, and may be configured to avoid obstacles by its own elasticity.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the entrance portions 59b are illustrated as a pair of left and right entrance portions 59b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of entrance portions 59b may be provided. Although the protruding width and protruding direction of the entry portion 59b in the second state are constant, a person skilled in the art can change the protruding amount and protruding direction according to the soil condition of the field, the row spacing, etc. Furthermore, the protruding width and protruding direction of the entry portion 59b in the second state may be variable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Grooving machine 2...Drive mechanism 21...Drive wheel 21a...Anti-slip 21b...Outer ring 21c...hubs 21d…Spoke 22...Engine (power source) 23...Power transmission shaft 24...Gearbox 3...Frame 3F...Front of frame 3R...Rear of frame 30...Handle 31...Front fork (drive wheel support part) 32...Handle stem (handle shaft) 33...Head tube (handle shaft support) 34…Top tube 35...Seat tube (saddle support part) 36...Saddle 37...Upper stay 38...Lower stay 39...Groove mounting part 4…Groove section 40...Groove plate (groove member) 41...Grooved plate stay 42…Groove surface 42a...Slope part 42b…Bottom part 42c...Top end 5…Soil crushing mechanism 50...Operation unit 51... Lever (operating member) 51a...Operation end 51b...rotating shaft 52...locking mechanism 52a...Spring plunger 52b...Latching recess 53a...Mounting part 53b...Mounting board 54...Wire (transmission member) 54a...Outer cable 54b...Inner cable 55...Branch wire 56...Wire fixing part 57...Hook 58...Spring hinge (switching mechanism) 58a...Feather 58b...pin 58c…tube 58d...Screw hole 58e...Torsion coil spring 58f...Wire attachment part 58g...Soil crushing material attachment part 59...Soil crushing material 59a...Substrate 59b…Entry section 59c...Fixing screw D…Groove B…Bottom surface S...Slope T...Top edge SS...Remains of soil C...intersection W…Water WB…Underwater WL…Water surface

Claims

1. a drive mechanism having a drive wheel provided at the front of the frame and a drive source for rotating the drive wheel; a steering handle provided at the front of the frame; a furrow cutting section having a furrow cutting member disposed at the rear of the frame; and a soil crushing mechanism having a soil crushing member disposed at the rear end of the furrow cutting member. Equipped with The groove cutting member forms a groove by its shape when a load is applied, and also forms a slope on the side surface of the formed groove, This trench cutting machine is characterized in that the soil crushing mechanism is configured to be switchable by a switching mechanism operated by an operating unit between a first state in which the soil crushing member moves away from the slope of the trench formed by the trench cutting member, and a second state in which the soil crushing member protrudes to enter the slope of the trench formed by the trench cutting member.

2. 2. The groove cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is configured to be switchable by an operating member disposed in front of an operator riding on the machine via a transmission member.

3. 3. The groove cutting machine according to claim 2, wherein the transmission member is a wire, and the operating member is a lever for pulling the wire.

4. The soil crushing member is always biased to the second state, 2. The groove cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the groove cutting machine is configured to be displaceable to the first state by an operating member.

5. The trench cutting machine described in claim 4, characterized in that the switching mechanism is configured so that the crushing member is fixed to a spring hinge fixed to the trench cutting portion and is always biased to be in the second state.

6. 6. The trench cutter according to claim 5, wherein the soil crushing member is displaced to the first state side when an obstacle comes into contact with the soil crushing member and a load equal to or greater than a threshold value is generated.

7. 5. The trenching machine according to claim 4, wherein the operating unit includes a locking mechanism that can fix the soil crushing member in a position where the soil crushing member is in the first state.

8. 2. The groove cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the groove cutting member has a top end portion that forms a top end that is continuous with the slope formed on the side of the formed groove.

Images