Work equipment

Abstract

To solve such a problem that there is a demand to enable a supply amount of agricultural materials to a farm field surface to be adjusted according to the states or the like of a paddy field or agricultural materials in a state where there is no risk of damage on a work device even though the work device does not have a special device for regulation.SOLUTION: A work machine includes: a first transmission device 24 which transmits the motive power of a prime mover part; a gear-shift operation tool 30 which adjusts the transmission state of the first transmission device 24; and a control device 63 which prevents the motive power of the second transmission device 45 from being transmitted to a work device when the gear-shift operation tool 30 is operated to the backward travel side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine such as a paddy field working machine that supplies agricultural materials such as seedlings, seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals to a field, such as a riding type rice transplanter or a riding type direct seeder.

Background Art

[0002] Among riding type rice transplanters, which are an example of paddy field working machines, there are those having a configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the power of an engine (corresponding to a power source) is transmitted to a main transmission, and the power after being shifted is branched and transmitted to wheels for traveling and a seedling planting device (corresponding to a working device).

[0003] Thereby, seedlings are planted on the field surface by the seedling planting device at a plant spacing (corresponding to a supply amount) set in advance along the traveling direction of the machine body. Even if the main transmission is operated and the traveling speed of the machine body changes, the power transmitted to the seedling planting device is also the power shifted by the main transmission, so the plant spacing by the seedling planting device is maintained at a constant interval.

[0004] And the power of the main transmission is transmitted to the seedling planting device through a gear shift type plant spacing transmission device, and by operating the plant spacing transmission device, the plant spacing by the seedling planting device can be changed. By changing the plant spacing, the supply amount of seedlings supplied to the field surface is changed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the conventional configuration described above, the main transmission transmits the power after gear shifting to the wheels used for driving, so there are both forward and reverse transmission states to accommodate not only forward driving but also reverse driving. However, in the conventional configuration described above, the inter-row transmission is a gear-type transmission, and power is transmitted directly to the work device in both the forward and reverse transmission states.

[0007] Conventionally, when the machine is moving in reverse, measures have been taken to prevent the transmission of reverse power by switching the work clutch, which intermittently intermittently transmits power to the work equipment, to the disengaged state. However, if, for example, the work clutch is disengaged too late or malfunctions, reverse power may be transmitted to the work equipment, potentially causing damage due to improper operation. To prevent such damage, it was necessary to equip the work equipment with a special device to regulate the reverse power.

[0008] Therefore, there is a demand for a system that allows for the adjustment and setting of the amount of agricultural materials supplied to the field according to the condition of the field and agricultural materials, without requiring special regulatory devices on the work equipment and without risking damage to the work equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The work machine of the present invention is equipped with a first transmission to which the power of the driving unit is transmitted, the power of the first transmission is transmitted to at least the travel transmission system, a work device, a second transmission that changes the speed of the power of the work transmission system and transmits it to the work device, a gear shifting device for changing the gear shift state of the first transmission, and a control device that allows the power of the second transmission to be transmitted to the work device when the gear shifting device is operated to the forward travel side, and prevents the power of the second transmission from being transmitted to the work device when the gear shifting device is operated from the forward travel side to the reverse travel side. Based on the set supply interval, the control device continuously changes the speed of the second transmission, and the work device intermittently supplies agricultural materials to the field at the set supply interval along the direction of travel of the machine. Alternatively, the machine is equipped with a first transmission to which the power of the drive unit is transmitted, the power of the first transmission is transmitted to at least the travel transmission system, a working device, a second transmission that changes the speed of the power of the work transmission system and transmits it to the working device, a gear shifting device for changing the gear shift state of the first transmission, and a control device that allows the power of the second transmission to be transmitted to the working device when the gear shifting device is operated to the forward travel side, and prevents the power of the second transmission from being transmitted to the working device when the gear shifting device is operated from the forward travel side to the reverse travel side, and the control device operates the second transmission in a stepless manner based on a set supply amount per unit time, and the working device continuously supplies agricultural materials to the field at the set supply amount per unit time along the direction of travel of the machine. . Furthermore, the paddy field implement of the present invention comprises a first transmission unit to which power from the drive unit is transmitted, a work device that supplies agricultural materials to the field in a preset supply amount along the direction of travel of the machine, a branching unit that branches the power from the first transmission unit to the travel transmission system and the work transmission system, wheels for travel to which power from the travel transmission system is transmitted, a second transmission unit that changes the speed of the power from the work transmission system and transmits it to the work device, and a gear shifting device for changing the gear shift state of the first transmission unit. The system is equipped with a control device that switches the second transmission to the neutral position when the gear shifting device is operated to the reverse driving position. Furthermore, the paddy field implement of the present invention includes a first transmission to which the power of the drive unit is transmitted, a work device that supplies agricultural materials to the field in a predetermined supply amount along the direction of travel of the machine, a branching section that branches the power of the first transmission to a travel transmission system and a work transmission system, wheels for travel to which the power of the travel transmission system is transmitted, and a second transmission that changes the speed of the power of the work transmission system and transmits it to the work device, and the second transmission is equipped with a restraining mechanism that allows the forward rotation power of the power of the work transmission system to be transmitted to the work device, and restrains the transmission of reverse rotation power to the work device.

[0010] In this configuration, the power from the first transmission's work transmission system is transmitted to the work device through the second transmission, and by operating the second transmission, the amount of agricultural material supplied to the field can be changed and set within the transmission's shifting range.

[0011] For example, if the first transmission is set to forward rotation and the machine is moving forward while the work device is supplying agricultural materials, and the second transmission is changed to output reverse rotation power, there is a risk that the work device may not function properly.

[0012] However, with this configuration, the restraining mechanism provided in the second transmission prevents the transmission of reverse power from the second transmission to the work device. As a result, no reverse power is output to the work device, and only forward power can be transmitted without the need for any special device on the work device side to restrict reverse power.

[0013] Therefore, it has become possible to change and set the amount of agricultural materials supplied to the field according to the condition of the field and agricultural materials, without requiring special regulatory devices to be installed on the work equipment, and without risking damage to the work equipment.

[0014] In the present invention, the second transmission is configured as a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission. Preferably, the restraining mechanism is composed of a contact member that restrains the shift arm, which operates the trunnion shaft in the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, from being operated into the reverse operation range.

[0015] In this configuration, the second transmission is a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, allowing for stepless speed control of the power transmission system. By changing the speed steplessly in this way, the amount of agricultural material supplied to the field can be set to any amount between the highest and lowest speed positions of the continuously variable transmission, according to the working conditions. As a result, the supply amount can be precisely and appropriately set according to the field conditions and the state of the agricultural material, thereby improving the working accuracy of the paddy field implement.

[0016] A hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) allows for stepless speed control not only for forward rotation but also for reverse rotation. Therefore, by using a contact member to restrict contact between the speed control arm that operates the trunnion shaft and the transmission arm, the trunnion shaft is prevented from being operated into the reverse rotation range. This mechanical restraint ensures that reverse rotation power is not transmitted to the work device.

[0017] The contact member can be anything that restricts contact with the speed shift arm and can be of a simple structure. Furthermore, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which the speed shift arm is operated by an actuator, even if the actuator is excessively operated due to factors such as detection errors in the sensor that detects the operating state of the trunnion shaft, it is possible to reliably prevent the transmission of reverse power to the work device.

[0018] In the present invention, a gear shift operating tool for changing the gear shift state of the first gear shift device, Preferably, the system is equipped with a control device that switches the second transmission to the neutral position when the gear shifting device is operated to the reverse driving position.

[0019] In this configuration, when the gear shift lever is operated from the forward driving range to the reverse driving range, the second gear shift operation is switched to the neutral state. Operation to the reverse driving side may include, for example, the gear shift lever being operated to the lowest speed position in the forward driving range (a position corresponding to the neutral state), the gear shift lever being in the neutral operating position, or being in the lowest speed position in the reverse driving range (a position corresponding to the neutral state).

[0020] In this way, the gear shifting mechanism switches the second gear to the neutral position based on an operation that has a high probability of switching to the reverse transmission state, even if there is a slight time delay in the switching operation, it is possible to avoid the transmission of reverse power to the work equipment and prevent damage to the work equipment.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that the work device intermittently supplies agricultural materials to the field at pre-set supply intervals along the direction of travel of the machine.

[0022] According to this configuration, as the vehicle body travels, the working device intermittently supplies agricultural materials to the field at intervals. By changing the speed of the second transmission device and changing the set interval at which the working device supplies agricultural materials, the supply amount can be changed. In this configuration, since the overall supply amount can be changed without changing the amount of agricultural materials supplied at one time, the adjustment work for the supply amount is not required and the response becomes easy.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the working device includes a seeding device that dibbles seeds as agricultural materials onto the field at a preset supply interval along the traveling direction of the vehicle body.

[0024] According to this configuration, seeds can be dibbled onto the field by the seeding device while the vehicle body is traveling, and it becomes easy to accurately manage the interval between dibblings of seeds during the seeding operation.

[0025] In the present invention, it is preferable that the working device includes a seedling planting device that supplies seedlings as agricultural materials onto the field at a preset supply interval along the traveling direction of the vehicle body.

[0026] According to this configuration, seedlings can be planted onto the field by the seedling planting device while the vehicle body is traveling, and it becomes easy to accurately manage the planting interval of seedlings during the seedling planting operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an overall side view of a riding type rice transplanter. [Figure 2] It is an overall plan view of a riding type rice transplanter. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal rear view showing the transmission structure. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal rear view showing the transmission structure. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the control configuration.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] An example of an embodiment of the present invention, specifically a riding-type rice transplanter which is an example of a paddy field implement (implementation machine), will be described based on the drawings. In this embodiment, the forward-backward and left-right directions are described as follows unless otherwise specified. When the mobile body 11 is moving, the forward direction is "forward," and the reverse direction is "rear." The direction corresponding to the right side, relative to the forward-facing posture in the forward-backward direction, is "right," and the direction corresponding to the left side is "left." That is, the direction indicated by the symbol (F) in Figures 1 and 2 is the front side of the mobile body, and the direction indicated by the symbol (B) in Figures 1 and 2 is the rear side of the mobile body. The direction indicated by the symbol (L) in Figure 2 is the left side of the mobile body, and the direction indicated by the symbol (R) in Figure 2 is the right side of the mobile body.

[0029] (Overall configuration of a riding-type rice transplanter) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the riding-type rice transplanter has a traveling body 11 equipped with right and left front wheels 1 (corresponding to the wheels for travel) and right and left rear wheels 2 (corresponding to the wheels for travel). At the rear of the traveling body 11, there is a link mechanism 3 and a hydraulic cylinder 4 that drives the link mechanism 3 up and down. A seedling planting device 5 (corresponding to the working device) is supported at the rear of the link mechanism 3.

[0030] The seedling planting device 5 includes planting transmission cases 6 arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction, rotating cases 7 rotatably supported on the right and left rear sides of the planting transmission cases 6, a pair of planting arms 8 provided at both ends of the rotating cases 7, floats 9, and seedling trays 10, etc.

[0031] Right and left markers 12 are provided on the right and left sides of the seedling planting device 5. The markers 12 can be changed between an operating position where they are in contact with the field surface G (see Figure 1) and a retracted position where they are positioned above the field surface G, and a rotating body 12a is rotatably supported at the tip of the marker 12. In the operating position of the marker 12, the rotating body 12a of the marker 12 is in contact with the field surface G, and as the traveling machine 11 moves, the rotating body 12a of the marker 12 rotates and forms an indicator on the field surface G.

[0032] (Configuration of the area around the driver's compartment) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle body 11 is equipped with a driver's seat 13 and a steering wheel 14 for steering the front wheels 1.

[0033] The front right and left sides of the traveling body 11 are equipped with right and left vertical support frames 16, and a spare seedling tray 15 is supported on the vertical support frames 16. A horizontal support frame 17 is connected across the upper part of the right and left vertical support frames 16.

[0034] In the lateral support frame 17, a position measuring device 18 is attached to the part located at the left-right center CL of the mobile body 11 in a plan view. The position measuring device 18 is equipped with a receiving device (not shown) that acquires position information by a satellite positioning system, and an inertial measuring device (not shown) that detects the tilt (pitch angle, roll angle) of the mobile body 11. The position measuring device 18 outputs positioning data indicating the position of the mobile body 11.

[0035] In the rear axle case 22 supporting the right and left rear wheels 2, an inertial measuring device 19 for measuring inertial information is mounted at the part located at the left-right center CL of the running body 11 in a plan view. The inertial measurement of the inertial measuring device 19 and the position measuring device 18 is performed by an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).

[0036] A representative example of the aforementioned satellite positioning systems (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System) is GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS measures the position of the receiving device of the position measuring device 18 using multiple GPS satellites orbiting the Earth, control stations that track and control the GPS satellites, and receiving devices equipped on the object being positioned (mobile vehicle 11).

[0037] The inertial measurement device 19 includes a gyro sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the angular velocity of the yaw angle of the mobile body 11, and an accelerometer (not shown) that detects acceleration in three mutually orthogonal axis directions. The inertial information measured by the inertial measurement device 19 includes orientation change information detected by the gyro sensor and position change information detected by the accelerometer. As a result, the position measurement device 18 and the inertial measurement device 19 detect the position and orientation of the mobile body 11.

[0038] (Configuration around the transmission case) A transmission case 20 is supported at the front of the running body 11, and the right and left front wheels 1 are supported by front axle cases 21 connected to the right and left sides of the transmission case 20. A rear axle case 22 is supported at the rear of the running body 11, and the right and left rear wheels 2 are supported by the rear axle case 22.

[0039] The engine 23 (corresponding to the driving unit) is supported at the front of the transmission case 20. A first transmission 24, consisting of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, is connected to the left side of the transmission case 20, and the power from the engine 23 is transmitted to the input shaft 24a of the first transmission 24 via a transmission belt 25.

[0040] The first transmission 24 is configured to allow stepless speed changes between the neutral position, forward, and reverse, and is operated by the main transmission lever 30, which is a gear shifting device located on the left side of the steering handle 14. To elaborate, as shown in Figure 3, the first transmission 24 is a well-known hydrostatic continuously variable transmission in which an archial plunger type hydraulic pump 24P and an archial plunger type hydraulic motor 24M are integrally housed in a casing 24C.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the main speed shift lever 30 and the speed shift arm 24d for operating the trunnion shaft 24c for operating the swash plate of the hydraulic pump 24P are linked together by a linkage mechanism 30R. By operating the main speed shift lever 30 and changing the tilt of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump 24P, the rotational power can be changed steplessly.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the main shift lever 30 can be swung in the forward and backward directions. A forward operating range is set forward from the neutral position N, which is midway between the forward and backward positions, and a reverse operating range is set backward from the neutral position N. The further forward the main shift lever 30 is swung from the neutral position N into the forward operating range, the faster the forward travel speed becomes. The further backward the main shift lever 30 is swung from the neutral position N into the reverse operating range, the faster the reverse travel speed becomes. The forward and reverse operating ranges are offset from each other in the left and right directions, and the main shift lever 30 can be shifted laterally between the forward neutral position and the reverse neutral position at the neutral position N. Therefore, it is not possible to swing the lever directly from the forward operating position to the reverse operating range in one go.

[0043] (Configuration of the drivetrain for the front and rear wheels) As shown in Figure 3, a hydraulic pump 26 is connected to the right side of the transmission case 20, and the hydraulic pump 26 supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder 4, etc. The input shaft 24a of the first transmission 24 is inserted into the transmission case 20, and a transmission shaft 27 is connected between the input shaft 26a of the hydraulic pump 26 and the input shaft 24a of the first transmission 24.

[0044] Inside the transmission case 20, the transmission shafts 28 and 29 are supported along the left-right direction, and the output shaft 24b of the first transmission 24 is connected to the end of the transmission shaft 28. Inside the transmission case 20, a gear-shift type auxiliary transmission 31 is provided, extending across the transmission shafts 28 and 29.

[0045] The auxiliary transmission 31 includes a low-speed gear 32 and a high-speed gear 33 connected to the transmission shaft 28, and a shift gear 34 fitted onto the transmission shaft 29 via a spline structure so as to be able to rotate and slide as an integral part of the transmission shaft 29. The shift gear 34 can be operated by sliding it using an auxiliary transmission lever (not shown) located near the driver's seat 13.

[0046] In the sub-transmission 31, when the shift gear 34 is engaged with the low-speed gear 32, the power from the transmission shaft 28 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 29 at a low speed, and when the shift gear 34 is engaged with the high-speed gear 33, the power from the transmission shaft 28 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 29 at a high speed. When performing planting work in a paddy field, the auxiliary transmission 31 is operated to a low speed setting, and when driving at high speed on a road or the like, the auxiliary transmission 31 is operated to a high speed setting.

[0047] The right and left front axles 35, which transmit power to the right and left front wheels 1, are supported across the transmission case 20 and the front axle case 21, and a front differential device 36 is provided between the right and left front axles 35. A transmission gear 37 connected to the transmission shaft 29 and a transmission gear 38 connected to the case 36a of the front differential device 36 are meshed together.

[0048] An output shaft 39 is supported along the longitudinal direction at the rear of the transmission case 20, and a bevel gear 40 connected to the case 36a of the front wheel differential device 36 meshes with a bevel gear 39a formed at the front of the output shaft 39.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, a transmission shaft 41 is connected to the rear of the output shaft 39 via a universal joint (not shown), and the rear of the transmission shaft 41 is connected to the input shaft (not shown) of the rear axle case 22 via a universal joint (not shown).

[0050] With the above configuration, the power shifted by the first transmission 24 is transmitted from the output shaft 24b of the first transmission 24 to the right and left front wheels 1 via the transmission shaft 28, the auxiliary transmission 31, the transmission shaft 29, the transmission gears 37 and 38, the front differential 36, and the front axle 35. The power transmitted to the front differential device 36 is transmitted to the right and left rear wheels 2 via the bevel gear 40, output shaft 39, transmission shaft 41, and a transmission shaft (not shown) inside the rear axle case 22.

[0051] A multi-plate type brake 42 is fitted onto the output shaft 39, and the brake 42 can be operated to a braking state by pressing the brake pedal 43 shown in Figure 2. By applying braking to the output shaft 39 with the brake 42, braking can be applied to the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2.

[0052] The differential lock member 44 is fitted onto the left front axle 35 by a key structure so as to be able to rotate and slide as an integral part of the axle. By pressing the differential lock pedal (not shown) located below the driver's seat 13, the differential lock member 44 is slid and engaged with the case 36a of the front wheel differential device 36, thereby operating the front wheel differential device 36 in a differential lock state.

[0053] With the above configuration, the power from the first transmission 24 is branched in parallel at the transmission shaft 28 to the drive transmission system and the work transmission system, and the power from the drive transmission system is transmitted to the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2 (wheels for driving) via the auxiliary transmission 31. Therefore, the transmission shaft 28 constitutes the branching point.

[0054] (Configuration of the work transmission system for the seedling planting device) As shown in Figure 4, a second transmission 45, consisting of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), is connected to the right side of the transmission case 20. Similar to the first transmission 24, the second transmission 45 is a well-known hydrostatic continuously variable transmission in which an archial plunger type hydraulic pump 45P and an archial plunger type hydraulic motor 45M are integrally housed in a casing 45C. By changing the inclination of the swash plate (not shown) provided on the hydraulic pump 45P, the rotational power can be changed steplessly.

[0055] The input shaft 45a of the second transmission 45 is connected to the transmission shaft 28. The input shaft 45a of the second transmission 45 protrudes from the opposite side of the transmission case 20, and a heat dissipation fan 46 that supplies cooling air to the second transmission 45 is connected to the protruding part of the input shaft 45a of the second transmission 45. In other words, the fan 46 is provided in a state where it rotates together with the hydraulic pump 45P.

[0056] A transmission shaft 47 is connected to the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45. Inside the transmission case 20, transmission shafts 48 and 49 are supported along the left-right direction, and the end of transmission shaft 49 is supported concentrically with transmission shaft 47 so as to be able to rotate relative to it.

[0057] A transmission gear 50, equipped with two sets of gears, is rotatably fitted onto the outside of the transmission shaft 48. The transmission gear 47a formed on the transmission shaft 47 meshes with the large-diameter gear portion of the transmission gear 50, and the transmission gear 51 connected to the transmission shaft 49 meshes with the small-diameter gear portion of the transmission gear 50.

[0058] Inside the transmission case 20, a gear-shift type unequal speed transmission device 52 is provided across the transmission shafts 48 and 49, with a bevel gear 53 connected to the transmission shaft 48. An output shaft 54 ​​is supported at the rear of the transmission case 20 along the longitudinal direction, and a bevel gear 55 is fitted onto the front of the output shaft 54 ​​via a mounting clutch 56, with the bevel gears 53 and 55 meshing with it.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, a transmission shaft 57 is connected to the rear of the output shaft 54 ​​via a universal joint (not shown), and the rear of the transmission shaft 57 is connected to the input shaft (not shown) of the seedling planting device 5 via a universal joint (not shown).

[0060] With the above configuration, the power shifted by the first transmission 24 is transmitted from the output shaft 24b of the first transmission 24 to the second transmission 45 via the transmission shaft 28 and the input shaft 45a of the second transmission 45.

[0061] The power shifted by the second transmission 45 is transmitted from the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45 to the seedling planting device 5 via the transmission shaft 47 (transmission gear 47a), transmission gears 50, 51, transmission shaft 49, unequal speed transmission 52, transmission shaft 48, bevel gears 53, 55, planting clutch 56, output shaft 54, and transmission shaft 57.

[0062] When the planting clutch 56 is operated to the transmission state, power is transmitted to the seedling planting device 5, and the seedling planting device 5 operates. When the seedling planting device 5 is activated, as shown in Figure 5, the seedling tray 10 is driven to move back and forth horizontally, causing the rotating case 7 to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 5. Two sets of planting arms 8 alternately take out seedlings A (corresponding to agricultural materials) from the bottom of the seedling tray 10 and plant them in the field area G. As a result, seedlings A are intermittently planted in the field area G along the travel direction F1 of the traveling machine body 11 at a preset spacing L1 (corresponding to the supply interval). When the planting clutch 56 is operated to the disengaged position, power to the seedling planting device 5 is cut off, the seedling planting device 5 stops, and the seedling tray 10 and the rotating case 7 also stop.

[0063] With the above configuration, the power from the first transmission 24 (transmission) is branched in parallel to the travel transmission system and the work transmission system, and the power from the work transmission system is transmitted to the seedling planting device 5 (work device) via the second transmission 45 and the unequal speed transmission 52.

[0064] (Configuration of an uneven-speed transmission) As shown in Figure 4, the unequal speed transmission 52 includes a constant speed gear 58 and three unequal speed gears 59 connected to the transmission shaft 49, and a constant speed gear 60 and three unequal speed gears 61 fitted onto the transmission shaft 48 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The constant speed gears 58 and 60 mesh with each other, and the three unequal speed gears 59 and 61 mesh with each other.

[0065] A key-shaped speed-shifting member 62 is slidably supported inside the transmission shaft 48. By sliding the speed-shifting member 62 and engaging it with one of the constant-speed gear 60 and the three unequal-speed gears 61, either the constant-speed gear 60 or the three unequal-speed gears 61 with which the speed-shifting member 62 is engaged can be connected to the transmission shaft 48.

[0066] The constant velocity gears 58 and 60 are circular gears of the same diameter. As a result, when the speed change member 62 is engaged with the constant velocity gear 60, the power of one rotation of the transmission shaft 49 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 48 as power for one rotation while maintaining a constant angular velocity.

[0067] The unequal speed gears 59 and 61 are elliptical gears, eccentric gears, or non-circular gears. As a result, when the speed change member 62 is engaged with one of the unequal speed gears 61, the power of one rotation of the transmission shaft 49 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 48 as power for one rotation, but the angular velocity changes between high and low within that rotation.

[0068] When the unequal speed gears 59 and 61 are eccentric gears, multiple gear tooth displacements are set for a single eccentric gear, with different displacements for each gear tooth. This reduces variations in the backlash of the unequal speed gears 59 and 61, resulting in smoother power transmission by the unequal speed gears 59 and 61.

[0069] (Configuration of the control system that operates the continuously variable transmission) As shown in Figure 5, the mobile unit 11 is equipped with a control device 63. A setting unit 64 for setting the set interval L1 is provided near the driver's seat 13 or steering wheel 14, and the operation signal from the setting unit 64 is input to the control device 63.

[0070] The setting unit 64 is a type of operating lever that is manually operated by the operator, and the operator can set (select) the set plant spacing L1 steplessly between the maximum spacing L11 and the minimum spacing L12.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, a gear-shaped rotating body 49a is connected to a transmission shaft 49 so as to rotate as a whole. A pickup sensor type working rotation speed detection unit 65 is provided for the rotating body 49a, and the value detected by the working rotation speed detection unit 65 is input to the control device 63.

[0072] As a result, downstream of the second transmission 45 and upstream of the unequal speed transmission 52, the rotational speed of the transmission system (transmission shaft 49) between the second transmission 45 and the unequal speed transmission 52 is detected by the working rotational speed detection unit 65 as the rotational speed of the power from the second transmission 45 and input to the control device 63.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, a gear-shaped rotating body 28a is connected to the transmission shaft 28 so as to rotate together with the transmission shaft 28. A pickup sensor type travel speed detection unit 66 is provided for the rotating body 28a of the transmission shaft 28, and the value detected by the travel speed detection unit 66 is input to the control device 63.

[0074] As a result, the upstream side of the auxiliary transmission 31 is equipped with a travel speed detection unit 66 that detects the rotational speed of the transmission system between the branching point (transmission shaft 28) of the travel transmission system and the work transmission system and the auxiliary transmission 31.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the second transmission 45 is equipped with a drive mechanism 67 that operates the second transmission 45 by changing the angle of the swash plate (not shown) of the hydraulic pump 45P in the second transmission 45, and an operation signal is output from the control device 63 to the drive mechanism 67. The second transmission 45 is equipped with a gearbox arm 45d for operating the trunnion shaft 45c for operating the swash plate. The drive mechanism 67 is equipped with an electric motor with a reduction gear 67A, a drive arm 67B that is oscillated by the electric motor 67A, and a rod 67C that pivotally connects the drive arm 67B and the gearbox arm 45d. By oscillating the drive arm 67B, the gearbox arm 45d is oscillated by pushing and pulling with the rod 67C, and the gear shift operation is performed. Although not shown, a potentiometer-type detection sensor is provided to detect the oscillating position of the drive arm 67B, and the detected value of the detection sensor is input to the control device 63.

[0076] The control device 63 is equipped with a slip ratio detection unit 68, a control unit 69, a timer 70, a first travel distance detection unit 71, a second travel distance detection unit 72, and a supply interval detection unit 73, all as software.

[0077] (Detection of front and rear wheel slip ratio) When planting in a paddy field, slippage occurs in the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2, so the slip rate detection unit 68 detects the slip rate of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 as described below.

[0078] In this case, the state in which slippage occurs in the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2 means that the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2 are spinning freely, and the vehicle body 11 is not moving forward despite the rotation of the front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2.

[0079] During the planting process, a certain first point in time and a second point in time, which occurs after a set time has elapsed since the first point in time, are detected by the timer 70. From the first time point to the second time point, the first distance traveled by

[0080] From the first to the second time point, the second travel distance detection unit 72 detects (calculates) the travel distance of the vehicle body 11 based on the outer diameters of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 and the values ​​detected by the travel rotation speed detection unit 66 (rotation speed of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2). In this case, the values ​​detected by the second travel distance detection unit 72 do not include slip in the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2.

[0081] The slip ratio detection unit 68 compares the value detected by the first travel distance detection unit 71 with the value detected by the second travel distance detection unit 72. When slippage occurs in the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2, the value detected by the first mileage detection unit 71 becomes smaller than the value detected by the second mileage detection unit 72. The larger the difference between the detected values ​​of the first mileage detection unit 71 and the second mileage detection unit 72, the more slippage is likely to occur in the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2.

[0082] As a result, the slip ratio detection unit 68 detects the slip ratio of the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2 based on the values ​​detected by the first mileage detection unit 71 and the second mileage detection unit 72. When the slip ratio of front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 from the first time point to the second time point is detected, the slip ratio of front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 from the second time point to the next third time point after a set time has elapsed is detected, and so on, and the detection of the slip ratio of front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 is performed continuously and repeatedly.

[0083] (Setting the spacing between plants at the start of planting work) When planting in a rice paddy, the following operations are performed. At the start of planting, the operator sets (selects) the plant spacing L1 using the setting unit 64. When the plant spacing L1 is set by the setting unit 64 and planting is started, the control unit 69 outputs an operation signal to the drive mechanism 67 corresponding to the plant spacing L1, and the drive mechanism 67 operates the second transmission 45. At this time, the position of the drive arm is controlled based on the detected value of the detection sensor.

[0084] At this stage, slippage of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 is not taken into consideration, so the shift position of the second transmission 45 is uniquely determined, and the second transmission 45 is operated to the shift position corresponding to the set interval L1.

[0085] Because hydraulic fluid leakage may occur in the second transmission 45, the rotational speed of the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45 will be slightly lower than the rotational speed at the gear position corresponding to the set plant spacing L1, and as a result, the actual plant spacing Lx (corresponding to the supply interval) may be slightly larger than the set plant spacing L1.

[0086] In this case, based on the value detected by the working rotation speed detection unit 65 (the rotation speed of the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45), the second transmission 45 is operated to a shift position corresponding to the set plant spacing L1, and the drive mechanism 67 makes fine adjustments to the rotation speed of the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45 so that the rotation speed of the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45 becomes the rotation speed corresponding to the set plant spacing L1.

[0087] (Adjusting the spacing between plants based on the detection of the slip rate of the front and rear wheels during planting.) As described above, when the second transmission 45 is operated to the gear position corresponding to the set plant spacing L1, the slip rate detection unit 68 detects the slip rate of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 as the planting work progresses, and the second transmission 45 is automatically operated as described below so that the actual plant spacing Lx becomes the set plant spacing L1.

[0088] Based on the values ​​detected by the working rotation speed detection unit 65 (the rotation speed of the output shaft 45b of the second transmission 45) and the values ​​detected by the traveling rotation speed detection unit 66 (the rotation speeds of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2), the actual plant spacing Lx is detected by the supply interval detection unit 73. Specifically, the length corresponding to the slip ratio of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 is calculated, and this length corresponding to the slip of the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 is subtracted from the set spacing L1 to detect the actual spacing Lx.

[0089] The control unit 69 outputs an operation signal to the drive mechanism 67 so that the actual plant spacing Lx detected by the supply interval detection unit 73 becomes the set plant spacing L1, and the drive mechanism 67 operates the second transmission 45.

[0090] (Operation of the unequal speed transmission based on the set interval) If the set spacing L1 set by the setting unit 64 is neither particularly large nor particularly small, the operator only needs to set the unequal speed transmission device 52 to a state in which power is transmitted by the equal speed gears 58 and 60.

[0091] If the set spacing L1 set by the setting unit 64 is set to be particularly large or particularly small, the operator can slide the gear changer in the unequal speed transmission device 52 to select the unequal speed gear 59 or 61 that is suitable for the set spacing L1 set by the setting unit 64 (by connecting it to the transmission shaft 48).

[0092] If the set spacing L1 set by the setting unit 64 is set to a particularly large value, using constant speed gears 58 and 60 will result in the rotation speed of the rotating case 7 becoming too slow in the region from when the planting arm 8 removes seedlings A from the seedling tray 10 to when the planting arm 8 plants seedlings A in the field surface G. Therefore, by selecting unequal speed gears 59 and 61 that are suitable for the set spacing L1, the rotation speed of the rotating case 7 can be increased slightly by the unequal speed transmission device 52 in the aforementioned region, allowing seedlings A to be planted appropriately in the field surface G.

[0093] If the set spacing L1 set by the setting unit 64 is set to a particularly small value, the rotation speed of the rotating case 7 becomes too high in the region from when the planting arm 8 removes the seedling A from the seedling tray 10 to when the planting arm 8 plants the seedling A in the field surface G. Therefore, by selecting unequal speed gears 59 and 61 that are suitable for the set spacing L1, the rotation speed of the rotating case 7 can be slightly reduced by the unequal speed transmission device 52 in the aforementioned region, so that the seedling A can be planted properly in the field surface G.

[0094] (Configuration that restrains the second transmission) The second transmission 45 is equipped with a restraining mechanism K that allows forward rotation power from the power transmission system to be transmitted to the seedling planting device 5, while restraining the transmission of reverse rotation power to the seedling planting device 5.

[0095] Specifically, the restraint mechanism K consists of a contact member 74 that restrains the shift arm 45d, which operates the trunnion shaft 45c in the second transmission 45, from being operated into the reverse rotation range. That is, as shown in Figure 5, when the shift arm 45d swings from the neutral position in a predetermined direction (to the right in Figure 5), it switches to the forward rotation range. When the shift arm 45d swings from the neutral position in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (to the left in Figure 5), it switches to the reverse rotation range. The second transmission 45 can shift such that when the shift arm 45d is switched into the forward rotation range, the speed of the forward rotation force increases as the swing angle increases. The second transmission 45 can also shift such that when the shift arm 45d is switched into the reverse rotation range, the speed of the reverse rotation force increases as the swing angle increases.

[0096] However, a contact member 74 is provided at the point where the gear shift arm 45d swings from the neutral position to the reverse rotation range. This contact member 74 mechanically intercepts and restrains the gear shift arm 45d from moving to the reverse rotation range. Therefore, only forward rotation power is transmitted from the second gear shift 45 to the seedling planting device 5, and no reverse rotation power is transmitted.

[0097] Furthermore, the control device 63 is configured to control the drive mechanism 67 so as to switch the second transmission 45 to the neutral position when the main transmission lever 30 is operated to the reverse driving position. As shown in Figure 5, a lever position sensor 75, consisting of a potentiometer that detects the swing operation position of the main shift lever 30, is provided at the pivot point of the main shift lever 30. The detection result of this lever position sensor 75 is input to the control device 63.

[0098] When the control device 63 detects that the main shift lever 30 has been operated to the neutral position based on the value detected by the lever position sensor 75, it activates the drive mechanism 67 to switch the second transmission 45 to the neutral position. The neutral position N of the main shift lever 30 may be the lowest speed position N1 in the forward operating range, the lowest speed position N2 in the reverse operating range, or an intermediate position. When the main shift lever 30 is operated from the forward operating range toward the reverse driving side and switched to the neutral position N, the second transmission 45 will be switched to the neutral position.

[0099] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the restraining mechanism K is shown to be composed of a contact member 74 that contacts and restrains the shift arm 45d from being operated into the reverse operation range. However, instead of this configuration, the restraining mechanism K may be configured to contact the drive arm 67B, which is linked to the shift arm 45d via a rod 67c, to restrain the drive arm 67B from being operated into the reverse operation range. Furthermore, the restraining mechanism K is not limited to a configuration that contacts and restricts the shift arm 45d or the drive arm 67B, but may be configured as follows. For example, the output section of the second transmission 45 may be equipped with a one-way rotation restricting mechanism that transmits the rotational power to the downstream side when the output rotating body rotates in the forward direction, and that slips when the output rotating body rotates in the reverse direction, preventing the power from being transmitted to the downstream side.

[0100] (2) In the above embodiment, as an example of the main shift lever 30 being operated to the reverse driving side, the second transmission 45 is controlled to switch to the neutral state when the main shift lever 30 is operated to the neutral position N. However, instead of this configuration, the second transmission 45 may be controlled to switch to the neutral state when the main shift lever 30 is operated in the reverse operation mode.

[0101] (3) In the above embodiment, the work device (seedling planting device 5) is configured to intermittently supply agricultural materials (seedlings) to the field at pre-set supply intervals along the direction of travel of the machine. However, instead of this configuration, the work device may be configured to continuously supply agricultural materials to the field along the direction of travel of the machine. When agricultural materials are supplied continuously in this manner, the amount of agricultural materials supplied per unit time when supplied continuously can be changed and adjusted by changing the speed of the second transmission 45.

[0102] (4) In the above embodiment, the vehicle body is equipped only with a seedling planting device 5 as a work device at the rear. However, instead of this configuration, a fertilizer application device may be provided separately to supply fertilizer to the field where seedlings have been planted by the seedling planting device 5. When providing such a fertilizer application device, it is necessary to supply power for the fertilizer application device in parallel with the seedling planting device. Therefore, a transmission mechanism for driving the fertilizer application device may be provided inside the transmission case 20.

[0103] (5) In the above embodiment, the present invention was shown to be applied to a riding-type rice transplanter equipped with a seedling planting device 5 as a working device. However, the present invention can also be applied to a paddy field work machine (riding-type direct seeder) equipped with a seeding device that sows seeds as agricultural materials on the field surface at a predetermined supply interval along the direction of travel of the machine body as a working device. When applied to a riding-type direct seeder in this way, the interval between seeds to be sowed on the field surface along the direction of travel can be changed by operating the second transmission.

[0104] (6) In the above embodiment, seedlings or seeds were shown to be supplied as agricultural materials, but other agricultural materials such as fertilizers and chemicals may also be supplied to the field. [Industrial applicability]

[0105] The present invention can be applied to paddy field machinery that supplies agricultural materials such as seedlings, seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals to the field, such as riding-type rice transplanters and riding-type direct seeders. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1,2 wheels 5. Working equipment 24 First transmission 30 Gear shifting mechanism 45 Second transmission 45c Trunnion Shaft 45d shift arm 63 Control device 74 Contact Member K check mechanism

Claims

1. It is equipped with a first transmission that transmits power from the drive unit, The power of the first transmission is transmitted to at least the drive transmission system. Work equipment and A second transmission that changes the speed of the power transmission system and transmits it to the work device, A gear shift operating device for changing the gear shift state of the first transmission, The system includes a control device that, when the gear shifting device is operated to the forward travel side, allows the power of the second transmission to be transmitted to the work device, and when the gear shifting device is operated from the forward travel side to the reverse travel side, prevents the power of the second transmission from being transmitted to the work device. A work machine in which, based on a set supply interval, the control device continuously changes the speed of the second transmission, and the work device intermittently supplies agricultural materials to the field at the set supply interval along the direction of travel of the machine.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the supply interval can be set steplessly and arbitrarily within the range of a maximum value and a minimum value.

3. A first transmission is provided through which the power of the driving unit is transmitted, The power of the first transmission is transmitted to at least the drive transmission system. Work equipment and A second transmission that changes the speed of the power transmission system and transmits it to the work device, A gear shift operating device for changing the gear shift state of the first transmission, The system includes a control device that, when the gear shifting device is operated to the forward travel side, allows the power of the second transmission to be transmitted to the work device, and when the gear shifting device is operated from the forward travel side to the reverse travel side, prevents the power of the second transmission from being transmitted to the work device. An implement in which, based on a set supply amount per unit time, the control device continuously changes the speed of the second transmission, and the implement continuously supplies agricultural materials to the field in the set supply amount per unit time along the direction of travel of the machine.

4. The work machine according to claim 3, wherein the supply amount per unit time can be set steplessly within the range of a maximum value and a minimum value.

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