Combine harvester

Abstract

A waste straw discharging device of this combine harvester includes a receiving member (28) capable of swinging around an axis (P3) extending along the left-right direction. The receiving member (28) in a state in which no waste straw is received extends rearward of the axis (P3), and is positioned in a receiving posture in which a swinging end of the receiving member (28) is at a position higher than a base part of the receiving member (28). When the weight of the received waste straw reaches a prescribed weight set in advance, the receiving member (28) swings downward from the receiving posture to discharge the waste straw to the field, and returns to the receiving posture. The receiving member (28) can change the posture to a non-use posture (A3) of extending downward from the axis (P3).

Description

combine

[0001] The present invention relates to a configuration for discharging straw into a field in a combine harvester.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, some combine harvesters are equipped with a straw transport device that transports straw, which is the stalk of grain that has been threshed, from the threshing device rearward in a sideways position, and a receiving member is provided below the end of the straw transport device.

[0003] The receiving member, in a receiving position extended rearward, receives waste straw that falls from the end of the waste straw conveying device. When the weight of the waste straw received and piled up on the receiving member reaches a predetermined weight, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position, and the waste straw is discharged from the receiving member onto the field, after which the receiving member returns to the receiving position. As a result, when waste straw after threshing continuously comes out of the threshing device and the waste straw conveying device, a predetermined amount of waste straw is discharged onto the field in a bundle, and this state is repeated.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-54 (JP2020-54 A)

[0005] In a combine harvester, when the straw that has been threshed continuously comes out of the threshing device and the straw conveying device, there is a demand for an operation mode in which the straw is continuously discharged onto the field, in addition to the operation mode in which the straw is discharged onto the field in a predetermined amount in a bundle, as described above.The object of the present invention is to configure a combine harvester equipped with a receiving member so that it can also be used for an operation mode in which the straw is continuously discharged onto the field.

[0006] The present invention is a combine harvester equipped with a threshing device that threshers harvested stalks, a straw transporting device that transports straw after threshing in a sideways position from the threshing device toward the rear, and a straw discharge device that discharges the straw from the terminal end of the straw transporting device into a field, wherein the straw discharge device has a receiving member that can swing around an axis that runs in the left-right direction, and when the receiving member is not receiving straw, it extends rearward from the axis and is in a receiving position where the swinging end of the receiving member is higher than the base of the receiving member, and in the receiving position, the receiving member can receive straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the straw transporting device, and when the weight of the received straw reaches a predetermined weight, it swings downward from the receiving position to discharge the straw into the field and returns to the receiving position, and the receiving member can be changed to an unused position in which it extends downward from the axis.

[0007] According to the present invention, in an operation mode in which a predetermined amount of waste straw is discharged onto a field in a bundle, the waste straw that falls from the terminal end of the waste straw conveying device is received and piled up by a receiving member in a receiving position. In the receiving position, the swinging end of the receiving member is positioned higher than the base of the receiving member, so that the waste straw that falls onto the receiving member is unlikely to fall backward from the swinging end of the receiving member. When the weight of the waste straw piled up on the receiving member reaches a predetermined weight, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position, and the waste straw is discharged from the receiving member onto the field, after which the receiving member returns to the receiving position.

[0008] In an operation where straw is continuously discharged onto the field, the operator simply sets the receiving member to the unused position, so that straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device passes through the receiving member and is discharged onto the field without being received by the receiving member, and the straw is continuously discharged onto the field.

[0009] As described above, in a combine equipped with a receiving member, in addition to the operating mode in which a predetermined amount of waste straw is discharged into the field in a bundled state, it is also possible to perform an operating mode in which waste straw is continuously discharged into the field, thereby improving the workability of the combine.

[0010] The present invention relates to a combine harvester comprising a threshing device for threshing harvested stalks, a straw transport device for transporting the threshed straw in a sideways position from the threshing device toward the rear, and a straw discharge device for discharging the straw from the terminal end of the straw transport device into a field. The straw discharge device has a receiving member that can swing around an axis along the left-right direction, and a guide member that extends downward from a position above the receiving member. When the receiving member is not receiving the straw, the receiving member can swing around the axis. The receiving member extends rearward from the core and is positioned in a receiving position in which the swinging end of the receiving member overlaps with the lower part of the guide member in a side view.In this receiving position, the receiving member is capable of receiving waste straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the waste straw conveying device.When the weight of the received waste straw reaches a predetermined weight, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position to discharge the waste straw into the field and then returns to the receiving position.The receiving member can then be changed to an unused position in which it is away from the lower part of the guide member.

[0011] According to the present invention, in an operation mode in which a predetermined amount of waste straw is discharged into a field in a bundle, the waste straw that falls from the terminal end of the waste straw conveying device is received and piled up by a receiving member in a receiving position. A guide member is provided that extends downward from a position above the receiving member, and when the receiving member is in the receiving position, the swinging end of the receiving member overlaps with the lower part of the guide member in a side view. As a result, even if the waste straw that has fallen onto the receiving member tries to fall rearward from the swinging end of the receiving member, the waste straw is easily stopped by the guide member, so that the waste straw that has fallen onto the receiving member rarely falls rearward from the swinging end of the receiving member. When the weight of the waste straw piled up on the receiving member reaches a predetermined weight, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position, and the waste straw is discharged from the receiving member into the field, after which the receiving member returns to the receiving position.

[0012] In an operation where straw is continuously discharged onto the field, the operator simply sets the receiving member to the unused position, so that straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device passes through the receiving member and is discharged onto the field without being received by the receiving member, and the straw is continuously discharged onto the field.

[0013] As described above, in a combine equipped with a receiving member, in addition to the operating mode in which a predetermined amount of waste straw is discharged into the field in a bundled state, it is also possible to perform an operating mode in which waste straw is continuously discharged into the field, thereby improving the workability of the combine.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the guide member be capable of changing its position to a retracted position in which it is positioned above the receiving member in the receiving position.

[0015] In an operation mode in which waste straw is continuously discharged onto the field, the operator simply sets the guide members to the retracted position, so that the waste straw that falls from the end of the waste straw conveying device is discharged onto the field with little interference from the guide members, allowing the waste straw to be continuously discharged onto the field in an efficient manner.

[0016] In the present invention, the straw waste conveying device is provided with a guide section in a rearward-facing position that guides the straw that has fallen from the terminal end to the receiving member in the receiving position, and it is preferable that the unused position is set to a position forward of an imaginary line that extends diagonally downward from the guide section along the guide section when viewed from the side.

[0017] According to the present invention, the straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is guided by the guide section to the receiving member in the receiving position, so that the straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is less likely to reach a position outside the receiving member. This allows for a stable operation in which a predetermined amount of straw is discharged into the field in a bundle.

[0018] When the receiving member is set to the unused position, the receiving member is positioned forward of an imaginary line extending diagonally downward from the guide member in a side view. This reduces the chance of waste straw dropping from the end of the straw conveying device coming into contact with the receiving member as it passes through, which is advantageous in terms of improving the durability of the receiving member.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the non-use position is set to a position forward of an imaginary vertical line passing through the axis in a side view.

[0020] According to the present invention, for example, when a combine is turned or reversed near an obstacle such as a ridge during harvesting operations, if the receiving member is set in an unused position forward of an imaginary vertical line passing through the axis, the possibility of the receiving member coming into contact with the obstacle such as the ridge is reduced, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the receiving member.

[0021] In the present invention, the straw discharge device preferably has an axial member that is arranged concentrically with the axial core and is capable of swinging around the axial core, and a plurality of the receiving members are attached to the axial member at intervals along the left-right direction, and is capable of setting the receiving position and the unused position, and is equipped with a position setting device arranged at one of the left and right ends of the axial member.

[0022] According to the present invention, a shaft member that can swing around an axis is provided, and multiple receiving members are attached to the shaft member at intervals in the left-right direction. An attitude setting device is provided at one of the left and right ends of the shaft member, and the attitude setting device acts on the shaft member to set the receiving member (shaft member) between a receiving attitude and an unused attitude. This allows the attitude setting device to act smoothly on all of the receiving members, making it possible to make the attitude setting device more compact.

[0023] In the present invention, the attitude setting device preferably has a base member that can swing around the axis to a reference attitude and in one direction from the reference attitude, a biasing member that biases the base member to the reference attitude, and an attachment portion that can attach and change the position of the shaft member to a first attachment position and a second attachment position on the base member, and when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the first attachment position, the receiving member is in the receiving attitude when the base member is positioned in the reference attitude, and when the base member is swung to one direction from the reference attitude, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving attitude, and when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position, the receiving member is in the unused attitude when the base member is positioned in the reference attitude.

[0024] According to the present invention, when the shaft member is attached to the base member, the shaft member, the receiving member, and the base member swing together around the axis and are biased together by the biasing member. When the shaft member is attached to the base member at the first mounting position, the receiving member is positioned in the receiving position when the base member is positioned in the reference position.

[0025] The straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is received by the receiving member in a receiving position, and when the weight of the straw received by the receiving member overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member, the base member swings from the standard position against the biasing member, and the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position, and the straw is discharged from the receiving member into the field. After this, the base member returns to the standard position by the biasing member, and the receiving member returns to the receiving position.

[0026] According to the present invention, when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position, the receiving member is positioned in the unused position when the base member is positioned in the standard position. When the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position and the base member is positioned in the standard position (when the receiving member is positioned in the unused position), the base member can swing from the standard position against the biasing member, and the receiving member can swing forward from the unused position. As a result, for example, even if the combine harvester moves backward during harvesting and the receiving member in the unused position comes into contact with an obstacle, the receiving member swings forward from the unused position upon contact with the obstacle, reducing damage to the receiving member.

[0027] As described above, in the position setting device, the receiving position and the unused position of the receiving member can be obtained by changing the mounting position of the shaft member with respect to the swinging base member, which simplifies the structure of the position setting device. When the receiving member is in the unused position, damage to the receiving member can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the receiving member.

[0028] In the present invention, it is preferable that the receiving member be capable of changing its position to a storage position in which it extends upward from the axis.

[0029] According to the present invention, when a combine harvester is transported on the bed of a truck or a container, the operator simply sets the receiving member to the storage position. This makes it easier to create space between the lower part of the rear of the combine harvester and the floor of the bed (container), making it easier to place other transported items in this space, which is advantageous in terms of improving the transport efficiency of the combine harvester.

[0030] In the present invention, the straw discharge device preferably has an axial member that is arranged concentrically with the axial core and is capable of swinging around the axial core, and a plurality of the receiving members are attached to the axial member at intervals along the left-right direction, and is capable of setting the receiving posture, the unused posture, and the storage posture, and is equipped with a posture setting device arranged at one of the left and right ends of the axial member.

[0031] According to the present invention, a shaft member that can swing around an axis is provided, and multiple receiving members are attached to the shaft member at intervals along the left-right direction. An attitude setting device is provided at one of the left and right ends of the shaft member, and the attitude setting device acts on the shaft member to set the receiving member (shaft member) to a receiving attitude, an unused attitude, or a stored attitude. This allows the attitude setting device to act smoothly on all of the receiving members, making it possible to make the attitude setting device more compact.

[0032] In the present invention, the attitude setting device preferably includes a base member that can swing around the axis to a reference attitude and in one direction from the reference attitude, a biasing member that biases the base member to the reference attitude, and an attachment portion that can attach and change the position of the shaft member to a first attachment position, a second attachment position, and a third attachment position relative to the base member, wherein when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the first attachment position, the receiving member is in the receiving attitude when the base member is positioned in the reference attitude, and when the base member is swung to one direction from the reference attitude, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving attitude, when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position, the receiving member is in the non-use attitude when the base member is positioned in the reference attitude, and when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the third attachment position, the receiving member is in the stored attitude when the base member is positioned in the reference attitude.

[0033] According to the present invention, when the shaft member is attached to the base member, the shaft member, the receiving member, and the base member swing together around the axis and are biased together by the biasing member. When the shaft member is attached to the base member at the first mounting position, the receiving member is positioned in the receiving position when the base member is positioned in the reference position.

[0034] The straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is received by the receiving member in a receiving position, and when the weight of the straw received by the receiving member overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member, the base member swings from the standard position against the biasing member, and the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position, and the straw is discharged from the receiving member into the field. After this, the base member returns to the standard position by the biasing member, and the receiving member returns to the receiving position.

[0035] According to the present invention, when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position, the receiving member is positioned in the unused position when the base member is positioned in the standard position. When the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position and the base member is positioned in the standard position (when the receiving member is positioned in the unused position), the base member can swing from the standard position against the biasing member, and the receiving member can swing forward from the unused position. As a result, even if the combine harvester moves backward during harvesting and the receiving member in the unused position comes into contact with an obstacle, the receiving member swings forward from the unused position upon contact with the obstacle, reducing damage to the receiving member. According to the present invention, when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the third attachment position, the receiving member is positioned in the stored position when the base member is positioned in the standard position.

[0036] As described above, in the position setting device, by changing the mounting position of the shaft member with respect to the swinging base member, the receiving position, the unused position, and the stored position of the receiving member can be obtained, thereby simplifying the structure of the position setting device. When the receiving member is in the unused position, damage to the receiving member can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the receiving member.

[0037] In the present invention, it is preferable that the threshing device be provided with a dust discharge port at the rear of the threshing device for discharging straw dust and the like generated by the threshing device, and a partition wall portion be provided between the dust discharge port and the receiving member for guiding the straw dust from the dust discharge port to the field.

[0038] In a combine harvester, a dust discharge port is provided at the rear of the threshing device, and straw dust and other materials generated by the threshing device are discharged through the dust discharge port. According to the present invention, a partition wall is provided between the dust discharge port and the receiving member, and the straw dust discharged from the dust discharge port is guided by the partition wall and discharged into the field with little adhesion to the straw discharge device (receiving member). This reduces malfunctions of the straw discharge device caused by straw dust adhering to the straw discharge device.

[0039] In the present invention, it is preferable that the partition wall portion is a guide portion in a rearward-leaning position that guides the waste straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the waste straw conveying device to the receiving member in the receiving position.

[0040] According to the present invention, the straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is guided by the partition wall to the receiving member in the receiving position, so that the straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device is less likely to reach a position outside the receiving member. This allows for a stable operation in which a predetermined amount of straw is discharged into the field in a bundle.

[0041] In the present invention, it is preferable that a cover having an upper portion, right and left side portions, and a rear portion is provided between the dust outlet and the receiving member, and that the rear portion is the partition wall portion.

[0042] According to the present invention, straw dust discharged from the dust discharge port is guided by the cover and discharged into the field with little adhesion to the straw discharge device (receiving member). In this case, since the cover has an upper side, right and left side sides, and a rear side, the straw dust discharged from the dust discharge port is sufficiently prevented from flying up, which is advantageous in reducing malfunctions of the straw discharge device caused by straw dust adhering to the straw discharge device.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a combine harvester. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rear of the combine harvester. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the rear of the combine harvester. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the vicinity of the guide member and locking member in the cover of the rear of the combine harvester. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the vicinity of the guide member and locking member in the cover of the rear of the combine harvester. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the vicinity of the receiving member (receiving position and downward position) in the straw discharge device. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal right side view of the vicinity of the base member in the position setting device. FIG. 8 is a transverse plan view of the vicinity of the base member in the position setting device. FIG. 9 is a left side view of the vicinity of the receiving member (unused position) in the straw discharge device. FIG. 10 is a left side view of the vicinity of the receiving member (storage position) in the straw discharge device. FIG. 11 is a left side view of a combine harvester in a first alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figures 1 to 11 show a head-feeding combine harvester, and in Figures 1 to 11, F indicates the forward direction, B indicates the rearward direction, U indicates the upward direction, D indicates the downward direction, R indicates the rightward direction, and L indicates the leftward direction.

[0045] (Overall configuration of combine harvester) As shown in Figure 1, right and left crawler-type traveling devices 2 are attached to a machine body 1, and the machine body 1 is supported by the traveling devices 2. A reaping unit 3 and a driving unit 4 are provided at the front of the machine body 1, and a threshing device 5 and a grain tank 6 are provided at the rear of the machine body 1. A straw discharge device 41 is provided at the rear of the machine body 1, behind the threshing device 5 and the grain tank 6.

[0046] As the machine body 1 moves forward, the culms in the field are cut by the cutting unit 3, and the cut culms are conveyed rearward while being changed into a sideways position, and the bases of the culms are handed over to the feed chain 7 of the threshing device 5 and conveyed rearward. While the bases of the culms are conveyed rearward by the feed chain 7, the tips of the culms are threshed by the threshing device 5, and the grains are collected and stored in the grain tank 6.

[0047] 1, 2 and 3, the threshed stalks are transported diagonally rearward and rightward from the threshing device 5 in a sideways position by the straw transport device 8 as straw, and are supplied from the end of the straw transport device 8 to the straw discharge device 41, from which they are discharged into the field. The straw discharge device 41 has a cover 10, guide plates 27 (corresponding to the guide portion) (corresponding to the partition wall portion), a shaft member 34, a receiving member 28, a guide member 33, etc., as will be described later.

[0048] A grain discharge device 9 extends upward from the rear lower portion of the grain tank 6. When the grain tank 6 is full, the grain stored in the grain tank 6 is discharged from the grain discharge device 9 and transferred to another truck (not shown) or the like.

[0049] (Correspondence with the claims in the overall structure of the combine) The combine is equipped with a threshing device 5 that threshes the harvested stalks, a straw conveying device 8 that transports the straw from the threshing device 5 rearward in a horizontal position after threshing, and a straw discharge device 41 that discharges the straw from the end of the straw conveying device 8 into the field.

[0050] 1, 2, and 3, a cover 10 is attached to the rear of the machine body 1. The cover 10 is formed in a box shape with a flat right side portion 11 (corresponding to the side portion), a left side portion 12 (corresponding to the side portion), a rear side portion 13 (corresponding to the partition wall portion), and an upper side portion 14, and a large space is formed inside the cover 10. The front and lower sides of the cover 10 are open, and the upper side portion 14 is inclined downward toward the rear.

[0051] Flat rubber cover plates 15 are attached to the lower end of the right side 11, left side 12, and rear side 13 of the cover 10. Straw dust and the like that comes out of the dust outlet 5a (see Figure 1) at the rear of the threshing device 5 enters the space inside the cover 10 and is guided downward by the cover 10, cover plate 15, and guide plate 27 (described later) and is discharged into the field.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a frame 16 that supports the lower part of the grain discharge device 9 is provided on the machine body 1 along the vertical direction, and the right side part 11 of the cover 10 is attached to the frame 16 so as to be swingable about an axis P1 that also extends along the vertical direction. The state shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is a state in which the cover 10 is operated to an operating position connected to the rear of the threshing device 5.

[0053] The cover 10 is swung rearward around the axis P1 and operated to a non-working position rearward and away from the dust outlet 5a of the threshing device 5, allowing the worker to perform maintenance work on the inside of the threshing device 5 from the dust outlet 5a of the threshing device 5.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, covers 23, 24 are detachably provided across the rear of the left part of the threshing device 5 and the left part 12 of the cover 10, and the left side of the dust outlet 5a of the threshing device 5 is covered by the covers 23, 24. The covers 23, 24 are formed by bending a plate material, and the lower part of the cover 23 and the upper part of the cover 24 are connected by spot welding at multiple points.

[0055] (Configuration for Holding the Cover in the Working Position) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a guide member 17 is connected to the upper part of the front part of the left side part 12 of the cover 10 .

[0056] In the guide member 17, a first portion 17a is connected to the left side portion 12 of the cover 10 and extends leftward, and a second portion 17b extends forward from the left end of the first portion 17a. A recess 17c that is open forward is provided in the second portion 17b, and a pin 17d is connected to the upper portion of the second portion 17b.

[0057] A locking member 18 is attached to the second portion 17b of the guide member 17 so as to be swingable about an axis P2 along the left-right direction. In the locking member 18, an engaging portion 18a extends forward from the front portion of the locking member 18, and a handle portion 18b extends downward from the rear portion of the locking member 18. A first opening 18c and a second opening 18d are provided in the rear portion of the locking member 18.

[0058] In the locking member 18, a pin 18e is connected to the front portion of the locking member 18, and a contact portion 18f is provided on the upper portion of the locking member 18. A spring 19 is connected across the pin 17d of the guide member 17 and the pin 18e of the locking member 18, and the spring 19 biases the locking member 18 in the clockwise direction in FIG.

[0059] 4 and 5, the abutment portion 18f of the locking member 18 abuts against the pin 17d of the guide member 17, so that the locking member 18 is stopped at the position shown in FIGS.

[0060] A pin-shaped engaged portion 20a is provided on a frame 20 connected to the rear left portion of the threshing device 5. The state shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a state in which the cover 10 is operated to the working position connected to the rear portion of the threshing device 5. The engaged portion 20a of the frame 20 fits into the recess 17c of the guide member 17, and the engaging portion 18a of the locking member 18 engages with the engaged portion 20a of the frame 20, and the cover 10 is fixed in the working position.

[0061] The operator grasps the handle portion 18b of the locking member 18 and moves it backward, thereby swinging the locking member 18 counterclockwise in Figure 4, thereby moving the engaging portion 18a of the locking member 18 downward away from the engaged portion 20a of the frame 20. This allows the operator to move the cover 10 to the non-operating position.

[0062] 4 and 5, a stepped pin-shaped restraining member 21 and a retaining pin 22 are provided. With the cover 10 fixed in the working position, the operator inserts the restraining member 21 into the first opening 18c of the locking member 18 and attaches the retaining pin 22 to the end of the restraining member 21.

[0063] As a result, even if the handle portion 18b of the locking member 18 is operated backward (even if the locking member 18 is operated to swing counterclockwise in Figure 4), the restraining member 21 will come into contact with the first portion 17a of the guide member 17, and the locking member 18 will not be operated to swing from the position shown in Figure 4.

[0064] When the worker operates the cover 10 to the non-operating position, the worker removes the retaining pin 22 from the restraining member 21 and removes the restraining member 21 from the first opening 18c of the locking member 18. The worker inserts the restraining member 21 into the second opening 18d of the locking member 18 and attaches the retaining pin 22 to the end of the restraining member 21.

[0065] This allows the operator to grasp the handle portion 18b of the locking member 18 and move it backward to swing the locking member 18 counterclockwise in Figure 4, thereby operating the cover 10 to the non-working position.

[0066] When the worker operates the cover 10 to the working position and engages the engaging portion 18a of the locking member 18 with the engaged portion 20a of the frame 20 (see Figure 4), he removes the anti-slip pin 22 from the restraining member 21, removes the restraining member 21 from the second opening 18d of the locking member 18, inserts the restraining member 21 into the first opening 18c of the locking member 18, and attaches the anti-slip pin 22 to the end of the restraining member 21.

[0067] 1, 2 and 3, a cover 29 is attached to the upper rear portion of the threshing device 5, and the upper end of the straw conveying device 8 is covered by the cover 29. A frame 30, which is bent into a channel shape in a plan view, is connected to the cover 29 and extends rearward. A bracket 31 and a hook-shaped receiving portion 32 are connected to the left and right portions of the rear of the frame 30.

[0068] A plurality of rod-shaped guide members 33 are attached to the bracket 31 and extend downward. The orientation of the guide members 33 extending downward from the bracket 31 is a guiding orientation A5 of the guide members 33.

[0069] The guide member 33 is attached to the bracket 31 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction. When the guide member 33 is not in use, the worker can lift the guide member 33 upward and left and hook it onto the receiving portion 32, thereby setting the guide member 33 to a retracted position A6 (see dashed line in Figure 3) along the left and right portions of the frame 30.

[0070] When the guide member 33 is set to the retracted position A6, the guide member 33 extends leftward from the bracket 31. In this case, since the bracket 31 is connected to the right part of the left and right parts of the frame 30, even when the guide member 33 is set to the retracted position A6, the end of the guide member 33 does not extend leftward from the left part of the threshing device 5.

[0071] 1, 2 and 3, a square pipe-shaped frame 25 and a flat plate-shaped frame 26 are connected to the right and left upper parts of the rear part 13 of the cover 10 and extend obliquely downward toward the rear. A flat plate-shaped guide plate 27 is connected across the frames 25 and 26 in a rearward-sloping position.

[0072] A shaft member 34 is attached across the frames 25, 26. The shaft member 34 is attached to the frames 25, 26 so as to be swingable around an axis P3 extending in the left-right direction and so as to be movable along the axis P3.

[0073] A plurality of elongated flat receiving members 28 are connected to the right portion of the shaft member 34 at intervals in the left-right direction. The receiving members 28 are disposed below the right portion of the lower part of the guide plate 27 and below the guide member 33 in the guide position A5. As will be described later, the position of the receiving members 28 can be changed among a receiving position A1, a non-use position A3 (see FIG. 9), and a storage position A4 (see FIG. 10).

[0074] 3, 6, 7, and 8, the attitude setting device 42 is provided at the left end of the shaft member 34. As will be described later, the attitude setting device 42 has a base member 35, an adjustment lever 36, a spring 37 (corresponding to a biasing member), an attachment member 38, a spring receiving portion 39, a spring 40, etc.

[0075] 6, 7, and 8, inside the frame 25, a base member 35 having a triangular shape in a side view is attached to a shaft member 34 so as to be rotatable about an axis P3. A first mounting hole 35a (corresponding to a mounting portion), a second mounting hole 35b (corresponding to a mounting portion), and a third mounting hole 35c (corresponding to a mounting portion) are formed in the base member 35. Two pins 35d and 35e are connected to the base member 35.

[0076] A first contact portion 25a and a second contact portion 25b are provided on the lower part of the frame 25. The base member 35 can swing around the axis P3 within a range in which the pin 35d of the base member 35 spans the first contact portion 25a and the second contact portion 25b of the frame 25.

[0077] The attitude in which the pin 35d of the board member 35 abuts the first abutment portion 25a of the frame 25 is the reference attitude B1 of the board member 35, and the attitude in which the pin 35d of the board member 35 abuts the second abutment portion 25b of the frame 25 is the swing attitude B2 of the board member 35. The pin 35e of the board member 35 is not located within the range of the first abutment portion 25a and the second abutment portion 25b of the frame 25, and therefore does not abut the first abutment portion 25a and the second abutment portion 25b of the frame 25.

[0078] An adjustment lever 36 is attached to the upper part of the frame 25 so as to be swingable up and down about an axis P4 extending in the left-right direction. By attaching the adjustment lever 36 to a lever guide 25c of the frame 25, the up and down position of the adjustment lever 36 can be set arbitrarily.

[0079] A spring 37 is attached across the pins 35d, 35e of the base member 35 and the adjustment lever 36, and the base member 35 is biased to the reference position B1 by the spring 37. The biasing force of the spring 37 is changed by vertically changing the attachment position of the adjustment lever 36 on the lever guide 25c of the frame 25.

[0080] Inside the frame 25, a mounting member 38 is connected to the shaft member 34, and a pin 38a is connected to the end of the mounting member 38. Outside the frame 25, a spring bearing portion 39 is connected to the shaft member 34, and a spring 40 is provided between the frame 25 and the spring bearing portion 39, and the spring 40 urges the shaft member 34 to the right (upward in Figure 8).

[0081] (Function of the posture setting device that determines the posture of the receiving member) As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, when the receiving member 28 (shaft member 34) is operated to the left (downward in Figure 8), the pin 38a of the mounting member 38 is removed from the first mounting hole 35a, the second mounting hole 35b, and the third mounting hole 35c of the base member 35.

[0082] Next, the receiving member 28 (shaft member 34) is rotated relative to the base member 35 and moved to the right (upward in Figure 8), so that the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is inserted into one of the first mounting hole 35a, second mounting hole 35b, and third mounting hole 35c of the base member 35 and mounted.

[0083] The spring 40 biases the receiving member 28 (shaft member 34) to the right (upward in Figure 8), and the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is biased toward the side that inserts into the first mounting hole 35a (second mounting hole 35b, third mounting hole 35c) of the base member 35.

[0084] When the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is inserted into one of the first mounting hole 35a, the second mounting hole 35b, and the third mounting hole 35c of the base member 35 and mounted, the mounting posture of the receiving member 28 relative to the base member 35 is changed, and the receiving member 28 (shaft member 34) and the base member 35 can swing up and down together around the axis P3.

[0085] (Receiving position and downward position of receiving member) The state shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8 is a state in which the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is inserted into the first mounting hole 35a of the base member 35 and mounted, and the receiving member 28 is mounted at the first mounting position relative to the base member 35.

[0086] 6, 7, and 8, when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1, the receiving member 28 is in the receiving position A1, extending obliquely upward and rearward from the shaft member 34 (axial center P3). The spring 37 biases the base member 35 to the reference position B1, and biases the receiving member 28 to the receiving position A1.

[0087] In the receiving posture A1, the swinging end (rear end) of the receiving member 28 is positioned higher than the base (shaft member 34) of the receiving member 28. The lower part of the guide member 33 in the guiding posture A5 is positioned between the swinging end (rear end) of the receiving member 28 in the receiving posture A1, and the swinging end (rear end) of the receiving member 28 and the lower part of the guide member 33 overlap in a side view.

[0088] When the base member 35 is in the swing position B2 (see the dashed line in FIG. 6 ), the receiving member 28 is in the downward position A2, extending diagonally downward and rearward from the shaft member 34 (axial center P3). In a side view, the receiving member 28 in the downward position A2 is located rearward of an imaginary vertical line C1 passing through the axial center P3, and is aligned with an imaginary line C2 extending diagonally downward from the guide plate 27 along the guide plate 27.

[0089] (Unused position and stored position of receiving member) The state shown in Figure 9 is a state in which the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is inserted into the second mounting hole 35b of the base member 35 and mounted, and the receiving member 28 is mounted at the second mounting position relative to the base member 35.

[0090] 9, when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1 (see FIG. 7), the receiving member 28 is in the unused position A3, extending diagonally downward and forward from the shaft member 34 (axial center P3). The spring 37 biases the base member 35 to the reference position B1, and biases the receiving member 28 to the unused position A3.

[0091] In a side view, the receiving member 28 in the unused position A3 is located forward of an imaginary vertical line C1 passing through the axis P3. When the base member 35 swings from the reference position B1 to the swing position B2 (see FIG. 7), the receiving member 28 swings forward from the unused position A3.

[0092] The state shown in Figure 10 is a state in which the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) is inserted into the third mounting hole 35c of the base member 35 and mounted, and the receiving member 28 is mounted at the third mounting position relative to the base member 35.

[0093] 10, when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1 (see FIG. 7), the receiving member 28 is in the storage position A4, extending upward from the shaft member 34 (axial center P3). The spring 37 biases the base member 35 to the reference position B1, and biases the receiving member 28 to the storage position A4.

[0094] (Correspondence of receiving members to claims) - 1 The straw discharge device 41 has an axial member 34 that is arranged concentrically with the axis P3 and is swingable around the axis P3, and multiple receiving members 28 are attached to the axial member 34 at intervals along the left-right direction.

[0095] The shaft member 34 is provided with a position setting device 42 that can be set between a receiving position A1 and a non-use position A3 and is provided at one of the left and right ends of the shaft member 34. The position setting device 42 has a base member 35 that can swing to a reference position B1 around the axis P3 and in one direction from the reference position B1, a biasing member (spring 37) that biases the base member 35 to the reference position B1, and mounting portions (first mounting hole 35a, second mounting hole 35b) that can mount the shaft member 34 to a first mounting position and a second mounting position relative to the base member 35 and change its position.

[0096] When the shaft member 34 is attached to the base member 35 at the first attachment position, the receiving member 28 is positioned in the receiving position A1 when the base member 35 is positioned in the reference position B1, and when the base member 35 swings to one side from the reference position B1, the receiving member 28 swings downward from the receiving position A1. When the shaft member 34 is attached to the base member 35 at the second attachment position, the receiving member 28 is positioned in the unused position A3 when the base member 35 is positioned in the reference position B1.

[0097] (Correspondence of the Receiving Member to the Claims)-2 The receiving member 28 can be changed to a storage position A4 in which it extends upward from the axis P3. The receiving position A1, the non-use position A3, and the storage position A4 can be set, and a position setting device 42 is provided at one of the left and right ends of the shaft member 34.

[0098] The attitude setting device 42 has a base member 35 that can swing to a reference attitude B1 around an axis P3 and in one direction from the reference attitude B1, a biasing member (spring 37) that biases the base member 35 to the reference attitude B1, and mounting portions (first mounting hole 35a, second mounting hole 35b, third mounting hole 35c) that can mount and change the position of the shaft member 34 to a first mounting position, a second mounting position, and a third mounting position relative to the base member 35.

[0099] When the shaft member 34 is attached to the base member 35 at the first attachment position, the receiving member 28 is in the receiving position A1 when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1, and when the base member 35 swings to one side from the reference position B1, the receiving member 28 swings downward from the receiving position A1. When the shaft member 34 is attached to the base member 35 at the second attachment position, the receiving member 28 is in the unused position A3 when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1. When the shaft member 34 is attached to the base member 35 at the third attachment position, the receiving member 28 is in the stored position A4 when the base member 35 is in the reference position B1.

[0100] 6, 7, and 8, in an operation mode in which a predetermined amount of straw is discharged into the field in a bundle, the operator inserts pin 38a of shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) into first mounting hole 35a of base member 35 to mount receiving member 28 at the first mounting position relative to base member 35. Due to the biasing force of spring 37, base member 35 is positioned at reference position B1, and receiving member 28 is positioned at receiving position A1.

[0101] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the threshed grain stalks are transported diagonally to the rear right from the threshing device 5 in a sideways position by the straw transport device 8 as straw, and fall from the end of the straw transport device 8.

[0102] The straw falls along the upper portion 14 of the cover 10 and the guide plate 27, and is received and piled up by the receiving member 28 in the receiving position A1. In this case, since the guide member 33 is in the guiding position A5, the amount of straw that falls rearward from the receiving member 28 is reduced.

[0103] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, when the weight of the waste straw accumulated on the receiving member 28 reaches a predetermined weight corresponding to the spring force of the spring 37, the base member 35 swings from the reference position B1 to the swinging position B2, and the receiving member 28 swings to the downward position A2 (see the dashed line in Figure 6).

[0104] As a result, the receiving member 28 swings downward from the receiving position A1 and separates downward from the lower part of the guide member 33, and the straw is discharged into the field from the receiving member 28. After this, the base member 35 returns to the reference position B1 by the spring 37, and the receiving member 28 returns to the receiving position A1. Thereafter, this state is repeated.

[0105] In this case, when the receiving member 28 reaches the downward position A2 (see the dotted line in Figure 6) (when the base member 35 reaches the swing position B2), the pin 35d of the base member 35 hits the second contact portion 25b of the frame 25 and is stopped, so the receiving member 28 cannot swing forward beyond the downward position A2.

[0106] Due to factors such as a change in the weight of the waste straw received and piled up on the receiving member 28, the receiving member 28 may swing downward from the receiving position A1 and then return to the receiving position A1 before reaching the downward position A2 (see the dashed line in Figure 6). Due to factors such as a change in the weight of the waste straw received and piled up on the receiving member 28, the receiving member 28 may swing from the receiving position A1 to the downward position A2, stop at the downward position A2, and then return to the receiving position A1.

[0107] (Correspondence to the claims in the working form of the straw discharge device) The straw discharge device 41 has a receiving member 28 that can swing about an axis P3 that runs along the left-right direction. The straw discharge device 41 has a receiving member 28 that can swing about an axis P3 that runs along the left-right direction, and a guide member 33 that extends downward from a position above the receiving member 28.

[0108] When not receiving discharged straw, the receiving member 28 extends rearward from the axis P3 and is in a receiving position A1 where the swinging end of the receiving member 28 is higher than the base of the receiving member 28. When not receiving discharged straw, the receiving member 28 extends rearward from the axis P3 and is in a receiving position A1 where the swinging end of the receiving member 28 overlaps with the lower part of the guide member 33 in a side view.

[0109] The receiving member 28 is capable of receiving waste straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the waste straw conveying device 8 in the receiving position A1, and when the weight of the received waste straw reaches a predetermined weight that has been set in advance, it swings downward from the receiving position A1 to discharge the waste straw into the field and then returns to the receiving position A1.

[0110] (Operational Form of the Straw Discharge Device)-2 As shown in Figure 9, in an operation form in which straw is continuously discharged into a field, the operator inserts pin 38a of shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) into second mounting hole 35b of base member 35 to mount it, and mounts receiving member 28 at the second mounting position relative to base member 35. Due to the biasing force of spring 37, base member 35 is positioned in reference position B1, and receiving member 28 is positioned in unused position A3.

[0111] The straw that falls from the end of the straw conveying device 8 falls along the upper part 14 of the cover 10 and the guide plate 27, and is discharged into the field without coming into contact with the receiving member 28 in the unused position A3. In this case, the operator may set the guide member 33 to the retracted position A6 (see the dashed line in Figure 3).

[0112] (Correspondence to the claims in the operational form of the straw discharge device) The receiving member 28 can be changed to the unused position A3 in which it extends downward from the axis P3. The receiving member 28 can be changed to the unused position A3 in which it is spaced downward from the lower part of the guide member 33.

[0113] The straw conveying device 8 is provided with a guide section (guide plate 27) in a downward-rearward position that guides straw that has fallen from the end thereof to a receiving member 28 in the receiving position A1. In a side view, the unused position A3 is set in a position forward of an imaginary line C2 that extends diagonally downward from the guide section (guide plate 27) along the guide section (guide plate 27). In a side view, the unused position A3 is set in a position forward of an imaginary vertical line C1 that passes through the axis P3. The guide member 33 can be changed to a retracted position A6 that is positioned above the receiving member 28 in the receiving position A1.

[0114] (Operational form of the straw discharge device)-3 As shown in Figure 10, for example, when the combine harvester is loaded onto the bed of a truck or a container for transport, the operator inserts the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) into the third mounting hole 35c of the base member 35 to mount it, and mounts the receiving member 28 at the third mounting position relative to the base member 35. Due to the biasing force of the spring 37, the base member 35 is positioned at the reference position B1, and the receiving member 28 is positioned at the storage position A4. The operator sets the guide member 33 to the retracted position A6 (see the dashed line in Figure 3).

[0115] This creates a space between the lower rear portion (cover plate 15 and receiving member 28) of the combine (machine body 1) and the floor of the loading platform (container). The reaping unit 3 removed from the machine body 1 and other transported items can be placed in this space.

[0116] (Correspondence to claims regarding the cover) A dust outlet 5a is provided at the rear of the threshing device 5, and is used to discharge straw dust and the like generated by the threshing device 5. A partition wall portion (rear portion 13 of the cover 10, guide plate 27) is provided between the dust outlet 5a and the receiving member 28, and is used to guide the straw dust from the dust outlet 5a to the field.

[0117] The partition wall (guide plate 27) is a guide portion (guide plate 27) in a rearward-leaning position that guides the straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the straw conveying device 8 to the receiving member 28 in receiving position A1. It has an upper side portion 14, right and left lateral sides (right side portion 11 and left side portion 12), and a rear side portion 13, and is equipped with a cover 10 provided between the dust outlet 5a and the receiving member 28, and the rear side portion 13 is the partition wall portion.

[0118] (First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) As shown in Fig. 11, a straw cutter 43 may be provided inside the cover 10. The straw cutter 43 can cut the straw into small pieces of a predetermined short length.

[0119] According to the above-described configuration, the upper part 14 of the cover 10 can be configured to be able to open and close vertically, with the rear part of the upper part 14 as a fulcrum. When the upper part 14 of the cover 10 is operated to the closed position (see the solid line in FIG. 11 ), the straw falls from the end of the straw conveying device 8, along the upper part 14 of the cover 10 and the guide plate 27, and into the straw discharge device 41 (the receiving member 28 in receiving position A1). When the upper part 14 of the cover 10 is operated to the open position (see the dashed line in FIG. 11 ), the straw enters the inside of the cover 10 from the end of the straw conveying device 8 and is supplied to the straw cutter 43 where it is cut into small pieces.

[0120] Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention The base member 35 may be provided with the first mounting hole 35a and the second mounting hole 35b, and the third mounting hole 35c (storage position A4) may be eliminated.

[0121] According to the above-described configuration, for example, when the combine harvester is loaded onto the bed of a truck or the like or a container and transported, the operator inserts the pin 38a of the shaft member 34 (mounting member 38) into the second mounting hole 35b of the base member 35 to mount it, and mounts the receiving member 28 at the second mounting position relative to the base member 35, thereby positioning the receiving member 28 in the non-use position A3.

[0122] (Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) The non-use position A3 may be set to the same position as the downward position A2 of the receiving member 28. The non-use position A3 may be set to a position between the downward position A2 and the vertical line C1 of the receiving member 28, or may be set to the position of the vertical line C1. The position setting device 42 may be provided on the right end of the shaft member 34.

[0123] (Fourth alternative embodiment of the invention) The feed chain 7 may be provided on the right side of the threshing device 5, and the straw may be transported diagonally leftward and rearward from the threshing device 5 in a sideways position by the straw transport device 8. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the receiving member 28 may be provided on the left side of the shaft member 34, and the guide member 33 may be attached to the left side of the left and right parts of the frame 30.

[0124] The present invention can be applied to head-feeding combine harvesters.

[0125] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Threshing device 5a Dust discharge port 8 Straw discharge transport device 10 Cover 11 Right side (side side) 12 Left side (side side) 13 Rear side (partition wall) 14 Upper side 27 Guide plate (guide part) (partition wall) 28 Receiving member 33 Guide member 34 Shaft member 35 Base member 35a First mounting hole (mounting part) 35b Second mounting hole (mounting part) 35c Third mounting hole (mounting part) 37 Spring (biasing member) 41 Straw discharge device 42 Position setting device A1 Receiving position A3 Unused position A4 Storage position A6 Retracted position B1 Reference position C1 Vertical line C2 Virtual line P3 Axis

Claims

1. A combine harvester comprising: a threshing device for threshing harvested stalks; a straw transporting device for transporting straw after threshing in a sideways position from the threshing device toward the rear; and a straw discharge device for discharging straw from a terminal end of the straw transporting device into a field, wherein the straw discharge device has a receiving member that can swing around an axis along the left-right direction, and when the receiving member is not receiving straw, it extends rearward from the axis and is in a receiving position where the swinging end of the receiving member is higher than the base of the receiving member, and in the receiving position, the receiving member is capable of receiving straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the straw transporting device, and when the weight of the received straw reaches a predetermined weight, it swings downward from the receiving position to discharge the straw into the field and returns to the receiving position, and the receiving member is capable of being changed to an unused position in which it extends downward from the axis.

2. A combine harvester comprising: a threshing device for threshing harvested stalks; a straw transporting device for transporting straw after threshing in a sideways position from the threshing device toward the rear; and a straw discharge device for discharging straw from a terminal end of the straw transporting device into a field, wherein the straw discharge device has a receiving member that can swing about an axis along the left-right direction, and a guide member that extends downward from a position above the receiving member, the receiving member extends rearward from the axis when not receiving straw, and is in a receiving position in which the swinging end of the receiving member overlaps with the lower part of the guide member in a side view, the receiving member is capable of receiving straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the straw transporting device in the receiving position, and when the weight of the received straw reaches a predetermined weight, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving position to discharge the straw into the field and returns to the receiving position, The receiving member is capable of being changed to an unused position away from the lower portion of the guide member.

3. A combine harvester as described in claim 2, wherein the guide member is capable of being changed to a retracted position in which it is positioned above the receiving member in the receiving position.

4. A combine harvester as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a guide portion in a rearward-facing position that guides the straw that has fallen from the end of the straw conveying device to the receiving member in the receiving position, and the unused position is set, in a side view, at a position forward of an imaginary line that extends diagonally downward from the guide portion along the guide portion.

5. A combine harvester as described in claim 4, wherein the unused position is set in a position forward of an imaginary vertical line passing through the shaft center when viewed from the side.

6. A combine harvester as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the straw discharge device has an axis member that is arranged concentrically with the axis and is capable of swinging around the axis, a plurality of the receiving members are attached to the axis member at intervals along the left-right direction, and the receiving position and the unused position can be set by an attitude setting device arranged at one of the left and right ends of the axis member.

7. The attitude setting device has a base member which can swing around the axis to a reference attitude and in one direction from the reference attitude, a biasing member which biases the base member to the reference attitude, and a mounting portion which can mount and change the position of the shaft member to a first mounting position and a second mounting position relative to the base member, wherein when the shaft member is mounted to the base member at the first mounting position, the receiving member is positioned in the receiving attitude when the base member is located in the reference attitude, and when the base member swings to one direction from the reference attitude, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving attitude, and when the shaft member is mounted to the base member at the second mounting position, the receiving member is positioned in the unused attitude.

8. A combine harvester as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving member is capable of being changed to a storage position in which it extends upward from the shaft core.

9. A combine harvester as described in claim 8, wherein the straw discharge device has an axis member that is concentric with the axis and can swing around the axis, a plurality of the receiving members are attached to the axis member at intervals along the left-right direction, and the receiving posture, the non-use posture and the storage posture can be set by an attitude setting device provided at one of the left and right ends of the axis member.

10. The attitude setting device has a base member which can swing around the axis to a reference attitude and in one direction from the reference attitude, a biasing member which biases the base member to the reference attitude, and an attachment portion which can attach and change the position of the shaft member to a first attachment position, a second attachment position and a third attachment position relative to the base member, wherein when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the first attachment position, the receiving member is in the receiving attitude when the base member is located in the reference attitude, and when the base member swings to one direction from the reference attitude, the receiving member swings downward from the receiving attitude, when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the second attachment position, the receiving member is in the unused attitude, and when the shaft member is attached to the base member at the third attachment position, the receiving member is in the stored attitude when the base member is located in the reference attitude.

11. A combine harvester as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a dust discharge outlet provided at the rear of the threshing device for discharging straw dust and the like generated by the threshing device; and a partition wall portion provided between the dust discharge outlet and the receiving member for guiding the straw dust from the dust discharge outlet to a field.

12. A combine harvester as described in claim 11, wherein the partition wall portion is a guide portion in a downward-facing position that guides the straw that has fallen from the terminal end of the straw transporting device to the receiving member in the receiving position.

13. A combine harvester as described in claim 11, further comprising a cover having an upper portion, right and left side portions, and a rear portion, the cover being provided between the dust outlet and the receiving member, the rear portion being the partition wall portion.

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