Sugar cane harvester

Abstract

This sugar cane harvester comprising a reaping part, a first conveying device 4, and a sorting device 7. The sugar cane harvester further comprises: a storage part 8 capable of receiving and storing crops falling from the sorting device 7; and a second conveying device 9 that extends obliquely upward from the storage part 8, that is capable of swinging upward around a fulcrum P2 at a starting end, that conveys the crops in the storage part 8 obliquely upward, and that discharges the crops from an end part. The sugar cane harvester further comprises a spill prevention part 27 that is provided to the storage part 8 and / or the second conveying device 9, that can prevent crops from spilling to the outside, and that can be elastically deformed or displaced by contact with the sorting device 7 accompanying the rising of the second conveying device 9.

Description

sugarcane harvester

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for transporting crop to a transport vehicle in a sugarcane harvester.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, some sugarcane harvesters include a reaping unit, a first conveying device, a sorting device, a storage unit, and a second conveying device. In Patent Document 1, crops in a field are harvested by the reaping unit, and the harvested crops are transported diagonally upward and backward by the first conveying device. The crops are supplied from the terminal end of the first conveying device to the sorting device, where impurities are separated, and the crops fall from the sorting device to the storage unit and the starting end of the second conveying device. The dropped crops are transported diagonally upward by the second conveying device and supplied from the terminal end of the second conveying device to the loading platform of a transport vehicle such as a truck traveling alongside the sugarcane harvester.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-40567

[0004] There is a concern that crops that have fallen from the sorting device to the storage section and the starting end of the second conveying device may spill outside depending on the storage state of the crops in the storage section, and an improvement is desired.The present invention aims to reduce the risk of crops that have fallen from the sorting device to the storage section and the starting end of the second conveying device spilling outside in a sugarcane harvester.

[0005] The sugarcane harvester of the present invention comprises a cutting unit that cuts crops in a field, a first conveying device that transports the crops cut by the cutting unit diagonally upward and backward, a sorting device that is provided at the terminal end of the first conveying device and that uses sorting wind to separate and discharge impurities from the crops falling from the terminal end of the first conveying device, a storage unit that is provided below the sorting device and is capable of receiving and storing the crops that fall from the sorting device, and a second conveying device that extends diagonally upward from the storage unit and is capable of swinging upward around a fulcrum at its starting end, and transports the crops in the storage unit diagonally upward and discharges them from the terminal end, and is provided with a spill prevention unit that is provided on at least one of the storage unit and the second conveying device and is capable of preventing the crops from spilling outside, and is elastically deformable or displaceable when it comes into contact with the sorting device as the second conveying device rises.

[0006] According to the present invention, when crops fall from the sorting device into the storage section and the starting end of the second conveying device, even if the crops attempt to spill outside, the spill prevention section prevents the crops from spilling outside, thereby reducing the amount of crops spilling outside and improving the efficiency of crop recovery.

[0007] When a transport vehicle such as a truck accompanies a sugarcane harvester, the transport vehicle often travels to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester. The second conveying device extends from the storage unit to the side of the transport vehicle, and the end of the second conveying device is located above the bed of the transport vehicle. In this case, when the transport vehicle approaches the sugarcane harvester, the side wall (tilt plate) of the bed of the transport vehicle may come into contact with the bottom of the second conveying device, causing the second conveying device to be lifted by the side wall (tilt plate) of the bed of the transport vehicle. If this occurs, there is a possibility that the spill prevention unit will rise together with the second conveying device and come into contact with the sorting device.

[0008] According to the present invention, even if the spill prevention part rises and comes into contact with the sorting device, the spill prevention part elastically deforms or displaces, absorbing the contact between the spill prevention part and the sorting device. This prevents damage to the spill prevention part, the sorting device, etc.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the spill prevention section is provided across the storage section and the second transport device, passing through a connection portion between the storage section and the second transport device.

[0010] According to the present invention, the spill prevention section is provided over a relatively long range extending from the storage section to the second conveying device, which is advantageous in reducing the amount of crops spilling outside and in improving the efficiency of crop recovery.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the spill prevention portion is provided on an outer wall portion that surrounds the inside of the storage portion and extends upward.

[0012] According to the present invention, since the spill prevention section is provided on the outer wall of the storage section, the spill prevention section is provided at a relatively high position on the storage section, which is advantageous in terms of reducing the amount of crops spilling outside and improving the efficiency of crop recovery.

[0013] In the present invention, the second conveying device has a bottom portion and horizontal portions extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom portion, and it is preferable that the spill prevention portion is provided in a portion of the horizontal portion located below the sorting device and extends upward from the horizontal portion.

[0014] According to the present invention, since the spill prevention section is provided on the side of the second conveying device, the spill prevention section is provided at a relatively high position on the second conveying device, which is advantageous in terms of reducing the amount of crops spilling outside and improving the efficiency of crop collection.

[0015] According to the present invention, the spill prevention section is provided in the part located below the sorting device on the side of the second conveying device, so there is no need to make the spill prevention section longer than necessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0016] In the present invention, in the installation portion in which the anti-spill portion is provided on the lateral portion and the non-installation portion in which the anti-spill portion is not provided on the lateral portion, it is preferable that the distance from the bottom to the upper end of the installation portion in a direction perpendicular to the bottom, when viewed from the side, is set to be shorter than the distance from the bottom to the upper end of the non-installation portion in a direction perpendicular to the bottom.

[0017] According to the present invention, the installation area of ​​the side portion of the second conveying device where the spill prevention unit is installed is smaller than the non-installation area where the spill prevention unit is not installed, in side view. In other words, the smaller the installation area, the larger the area where the spill prevention unit is installed, so a large spill prevention unit can be installed without difficulty.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a large spill prevention section, which makes it possible to increase the range of elastic deformation or displacement of the spill prevention section, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the spill prevention section, sorting device, etc.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the installation portion is formed so that an upper end of the installation portion is located at a position farther outward laterally from the bottom than an upper end of the non-installation portion.

[0020] According to the present invention, the installation portion of the lateral portion of the second conveying device is open outward to the side more than the non-installation portion, and the spill prevention portion is also likely to open outward to the side, which is advantageous in terms of reducing the amount of crops spilling outside and improving the efficiency of crop recovery.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second conveying device has a bottom portion and a horizontal portion extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom portion, and that a cover covering the top of the second conveying device is provided at the upper end of the horizontal portion.

[0022] According to the present invention, by providing a cover at the upper end of the lateral part of the second conveying device, even if the crops attempt to spill out from the second conveying device while being transported by the second conveying device, the cover prevents the crops from spilling out, which is advantageous in terms of reducing the amount of crops spilling out and improving the efficiency of crop collection.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that an outlet for discharging separated impurities in a horizontal direction is provided at the top of the sorting device, and that the cover is formed so that the upper end of the cover is positioned above the upper end of the flow area of ​​the impurities flowing outward from the outlet.

[0024] According to the present invention, a cover is provided at the lower part (upstream part) of the second conveying device where crops are likely to spill, and since the cover is not provided over the entire area of ​​the second conveying device, the structure can be simplified and made lighter.

[0025] In sugarcane harvesters, a discharge port for discharging separated impurities is sometimes provided at the top of the sorting device. According to the present invention, the upper end of the cover is located above the upper end of the flow area of ​​the impurities flowing outward from the discharge port of the sorting device, so that the impurities discharged from the discharge port of the sorting device are less likely to enter the crop on the second conveying device, which is advantageous in terms of improving the efficiency of crop recovery.

[0026] In the present invention, the second conveying device has a lower conveying section extending diagonally upward from the storage section and an upper conveying section extending diagonally upward from the upper end of the lower conveying section, and the attitude of the upper conveying section relative to the lower conveying section is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section relative to the horizontal plane, and the second conveying device has a bottom and a lateral section extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom, and the lateral section has a first side wall extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom and a second side wall extending upward from the first side wall, and it is preferable that the second side wall is provided from the storage section to the connection portion between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section.

[0027] When performing work using a sugarcane harvester, as described above, the transport vehicle runs to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester, the second conveying device extends from the storage section to the side of the transport vehicle, and the terminal end of the second conveying device is positioned above the loading platform of the transport vehicle to perform work.

[0028] According to the present invention, the second conveying device has a lower conveying section and an upper conveying section, and is slightly bent at the connection between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section. As a result, when the transporter is traveling alongside the sugarcane harvester, the operator of the sugarcane harvester or the transporter can operate the second conveying device so that the bent section is above the side wall (gate plate) of the transporter's bed, making it easy to position the terminal end of the second conveying device above the center of the left and right of the transporter's bed.

[0029] According to the present invention, the second conveying device has a bottom portion and a lateral portion extending upward from an end of the bottom portion. In this case, the lateral portion has a first side wall extending upward from the end of the bottom portion and a second side wall extending upward from the first side wall, and the lateral wall is relatively high. This prevents the crops from spilling out of the second conveying device while the second conveying device is transporting the crops, which is advantageous in terms of reducing the amount of crops spilling out and improving the efficiency of crop collection.

[0030] As mentioned above, when the bent portion of the second conveying device is operated so that it is positioned above the side wall (tilt board) of the transport vehicle's loading platform, the upper conveying section of the second conveying device is located within the range of the transport vehicle's loading platform in a plan view, so that even if the crops spill from the upper conveying section of the second conveying device, the crops will fall onto the loading platform of the transport vehicle.

[0031] According to the present invention, when the lateral portion of the second conveying device has a first side wall and a second side wall, the second side wall is provided from the storage section to the connection between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section. The second side wall is provided on the lateral portion of the second conveying device outside the range of the carrier bed where it is necessary to prevent crops from spilling (the lower conveying section of the second conveying device), and the second side wall is not provided on the lateral portion of the second conveying device within the range of the carrier bed where it is less necessary to prevent crops from spilling (the upper conveying section of the second conveying device). This prevents the second side wall from being provided longer than necessary on the lateral portion of the second conveying device, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing weight.

[0032] In the present invention, it is preferable that a light is provided to illuminate the second transport device.

[0033] When performing work using a sugarcane harvester, as described above, the transport vehicle runs to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester, the second conveying device extends from the storage section to the side of the transport vehicle, and the terminal end of the second conveying device is positioned above the loading platform of the transport vehicle to perform work.

[0034] According to the present invention, a light is provided to illuminate the second conveying device, making it easier for the sugarcane harvester operator or the transporter operator to understand the positional relationship between the second conveying device and the side wall (tilt board) of the transporter bed during night work. This makes it easier for the sugarcane harvester operator or the transporter operator to position the terminal end of the second conveying device above the transporter bed, improving workability.

[0035] In the present invention, the second conveying device has a lower conveying section extending diagonally upward from the storage section and an upper conveying section extending diagonally upward from the upper end of the lower conveying section, and the attitude of the upper conveying section relative to the lower conveying section is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section relative to the horizontal plane, and it is preferable that the light illuminates the connection portion between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section.

[0036] According to the present invention, the second conveying device has a lower conveying section and an upper conveying section, and is slightly bent at the connection between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section. As a result, when the transporter is traveling alongside the sugarcane harvester, the operator of the sugarcane harvester or the transporter can operate the second conveying device so that the bent section is above the side wall (gate plate) of the transporter's bed, making it easy to position the terminal end of the second conveying device above the center of the left and right of the transporter's bed.

[0037] According to the present invention, the light illuminates the connecting portion between the lower and upper conveying portions of the second conveying device, making it easier for the sugarcane harvester operator or the transporter operator to understand the positional relationship between the bent portion of the second conveying device and the side wall (gate plate) of the transporter bed during night work. This makes it easier for the sugarcane harvester operator or the transporter operator to position the terminal end of the second conveying device above the transporter bed, which is advantageous in terms of improving workability.

[0038] In the present invention, it is preferable that a headlight is provided to illuminate the area ahead of the reaping unit, and when the headlight is turned on, the light is turned on in conjunction with this.

[0039] According to the present invention, the light is turned on in conjunction with the turning on of the headlight that illuminates the area ahead of the reaping unit, which is advantageous in terms of improving workability.

[0040] In the present invention, it is preferable that the spill prevention portion is an elastically deformable rubber plate.

[0041] According to the present invention, the spill prevention portion is simply formed of an elastically deformable rubber plate, so that the structure can be simplified.

[0042] 13. A left side view of the sugarcane harvester. A left side view of the vicinity of the sorting device and the storage section. A plan view of the vicinity of the storage section. A left side view of the vicinity of the first part of the lower conveying section of the second conveying device. A cross-sectional view taken from the direction V-V in FIG. 4. A left side view of the vicinity of the second part of the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section of the second conveying device. An exploded left side view of the vicinity of the connecting section between the first and second parts of the lower conveying section of the second conveying device. A cross-sectional view of the connecting section between the first and second parts of the lower conveying section of the second conveying device. A perspective view of the connecting member. A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the chain guide in the second conveying device. An exploded plan view of the vicinity of the first part of the lower conveying section of the second conveying device. An exploded plan view of the vicinity of the second part of the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section of the second conveying device. A plan view showing the attachment state of the bottom of the second conveying device. A cross-sectional view taken from the direction XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. A cross-sectional view taken from the direction XV-XV in FIG. 13.

[0043] Figures 1 to 15 show a sugarcane harvester, and in Figures 1 to 15, F indicates the forward direction, B indicates the backward direction, U indicates the upward direction, D indicates the downward direction, R indicates the rightward direction, and L indicates the leftward direction.

[0044] (Overall configuration of sugarcane harvester) As shown in Fig. 1, a reaping unit 3 and a first conveying device 4 are connected to form a machine body 5. The first conveying device 4 extends diagonally upward and rearward from the rear of the reaping unit 3. Right and left front wheels 1 are attached to the right and left parts of the reaping unit 3, and right and left rear wheels 2 are provided at the bottom of the rear of the first conveying device 4, with the machine body 5 being supported by the front wheels 1 and the rear wheels 2. The first conveying device 4 is provided along the front-to-rear direction between the right and left rear wheels 2 in a plan view.

[0045] The driving unit 6 is provided above the reaping unit 3, and a headlight 17 that illuminates the area ahead of the reaping unit 3 is provided at the front end of the roof portion 6a of the driving unit 6. The sorting device 7 is connected to the terminal end of the first conveying device 4. The storage unit 8 is provided below the sorting device 7, and the second conveying device 9 extends from the storage unit 8 diagonally upward and rearward.

[0046] (Operating state of sugarcane harvester) As shown in Figure 1, as the machine body 5 moves forward, the crops in the field are felled forward by the reaping unit 3, the bases of the crops are cut, and the crops are supplied from the bases to the first conveying device 4. The crops supplied to the first conveying device 4 are transported diagonally backward along the first conveying device 4, and at the end of the first conveying device 4, the crops are cut to a predetermined length and supplied to the upper part of the interior of the sorting device 7.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, crops supplied to the sorting device 7 pass through the inside of the sorting device 7 and fall into the storage section 8 below. The sorting device 7 is provided with a sorting fan 13, which generates a sorting wind directed upward inside the sorting device 7. The crops fall into the storage section 8 below. Impurities are separated from the crops by the sorting wind and are discharged from the discharge outlet 14 of the sorting device 7.

[0048] A transport vehicle such as a truck travels to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester, and a second conveying device 9 extends from the storage section 8 laterally toward the transport vehicle, with the terminal end of the second conveying device 9 located above the bed of the transport vehicle. The crops that fall into the storage section 8 are transported diagonally upward by the second conveying device 9 and supplied from the terminal end of the second conveying device 9 to the bed of the transport vehicle.

[0049] (Configuration of Sorting Device 7) As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting device 7 has a main body 10, an upper portion 11, a hydraulic motor 12, a sorting fan 13, an outlet 14, and the like.

[0050] The main body 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and is connected to the end of the first conveying device 4. A plurality of short chains 15 are attached to the lower rear part of the main body 10 and hang down (see FIG. 3).

[0051] The upper part 11 is formed in a box shape with a top plate part 11a, right and left side parts 11b, and a front part 11c, and is attached to the upper end part of the main body part 10. The outlet 14 is formed in a box shape with a top plate part 14a, right and left side parts 14b, is open toward the rear, and is attached to the rear part of the upper part 11.

[0052] A cylindrical member 16 is connected to the top plate portion 11a of the upper portion 11 and extends downward, and a sorting fan 13 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the cylindrical member 16. A hydraulic motor 12 is attached to the top plate portion 11a of the upper portion 11. The power of the hydraulic motor 12 is transmitted to the sorting fan 13 via a transmission shaft (not shown) inside the cylindrical member 16, thereby driving the sorting fan 13 to rotate.

[0053] When the sorting fan 13 is rotated, air below the main body 10 is introduced into the inside of the main body 10, rises inside the main body 10, passes through the sorting fan 13 and the inside of the upper part 11, and is discharged horizontally from the exhaust outlet 14.

[0054] An upper cutting blade 4a that is driven to rotate counterclockwise in Fig. 2, a lower cutting blade 4a that is driven to rotate clockwise in Fig. 2, and a guide plate 4b are provided at the end of the first conveying device 4. The crops are cut to a predetermined length as they pass between the upper and lower cutting blades 4a of the first conveying device 4 and are released rearward, where they hit the guide plate 4b of the first conveying device 4 and are then thrown into the sorting device 7 (main body 10).

[0055] The crop passes through the inside of the sorting device 7 (main body 10) and falls into the storage section 8 below. Impurities are separated from the crop by the sorting wind of the sorting fan 13 and discharged horizontally from the discharge outlet 14 of the sorting device 7.

[0056] 1 and 2 , a support frame 18 is connected to the rear lower part of the first transfer device 4. A swing frame 19 is attached to the support frame 18 so as to be swingable about an axis P1 along the vertical direction. A hydraulic cylinder 20 that swings the swing frame 19 is attached across the support frame 18 and the swing frame 19.

[0057] The starting end of the second conveying device 9 is attached to the swing frame 19 so as to be swingable about a horizontal axis P2. The storage unit 8 is provided at the starting end of the second conveying device 9, and the starting end of the second conveying device 9 forms the bottom of the storage unit 8. In this case, the axis P2 corresponds to the fulcrum of the starting end of the second conveying device 9.

[0058] A ring member 21 is attached to the main body 10 of the sorting device 7 so as to be rotatable along the outer periphery of the main body 10 of the sorting device 7. Right and left hydraulic cylinders 22 are connected to the right and left parts of the ring member 21. Right and left link members 23 are attached to the ends of the hydraulic cylinder 22 so as to be swingable around an axis P3 extending in the horizontal direction, and are attached to the second conveying device 9 so as to be swingable around an axis P4 extending in the horizontal direction.

[0059] By operating the hydraulic cylinder 22 to extend or retract, the second transfer device 9 (storage section 8) is swung up and down around the axis P2, thereby changing the posture of the second transfer device 9. The state shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 22 is fully contracted and the second transfer device 9 is operated to the highest position.

[0060] When the swing frame 19 is swung right and left by the hydraulic cylinder 20, the ring member 21 is rotated in conjunction with this relative to the main body 10 of the sorting device 7. The second conveying device 9 (storage section 8) and the hydraulic cylinder 22 are changed in orientation to the right and left as a unit, and their orientation is changed within a range extending from the rear of the machine body 5 to the right and left outward.

[0061] When the second conveying device 9 comes into contact with the side wall (tilt) of the transport vehicle's loading platform and is about to be lifted, the link member 23 swings upward around the axis P3, allowing the second conveying device 9 to be lifted.

[0062] 2 and 3 , the storage section 8 has a front outer wall section 24, right and left outer wall sections 25, a front section 26 of a second conveying device 9 described later, right and left side sections 33, a bottom section 49, etc. The front section 26, side sections 33, and bottom section 49 of the second conveying device 9 form the bottom portion of the storage section 8.

[0063] The outer wall 24 is connected to the front part 26 of the second conveying device 9 and extends diagonally forward and upward. The outer wall 25 is connected to the lateral part 33 of the second conveying device 9 and extends diagonally outward and upward. The rear part of the outer wall 24 is connected to the front part of the outer wall 25, and a plurality of elongated mud removal openings 24a, 25a are opened in the outer wall parts 24, 25. The chain 15 of the sorting device 7 is located above the bottom part 49 of the second conveying device 9.

[0064] The interior of the storage unit 8 (the front part 26, the side part 33 and the bottom part 49 of the second conveying device 9) is surrounded in plan view by the outer wall parts 24, 25 and the chain 15 of the sorting device 7. The lower end of the sorting device 7 (main body part 10) and the upper end of the storage unit 8 (outer wall parts 24, 25) are arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction.

[0065] As described above, the crops that fall from the sorting device 7 (main body 10) fall into the bottom of the storage section 8 (the front section 26, side section 33, and bottom section 49 of the second conveying device 9) and are stored there. The mud easily escapes to the outside through the mud removal openings 24a, 25a in the outer walls 24, 25.

[0066] (Overall Configuration of Second Conveyor Device 9) As shown in FIG. 1, the second conveyor device 9 has an upper conveyor section 29 and a lower conveyor section 30, and is formed in a channel shape as a whole.

[0067] The lower conveying section 30 extends obliquely upward from the storage section 8. In the intermediate section between the starting end and the terminal end (upper end) of the lower conveying section 30, it is divided into a first section 31 extending from the intermediate section toward the starting end of the lower conveying section 30, and a second section 32 extending from the intermediate section toward the terminal end (upper end) of the lower conveying section 30. The first section 31 and the second section 32 are connected to form the lower conveying section 30.

[0068] In the lower conveying section 30, the first section 31 has a lower section 31a extending obliquely upward from the storage section 8 and an upper section 31b extending obliquely upward from the terminal end (upper end) of the lower section 31a. The upper section 31b is configured to be longer than the lower section 31a, and the second section 32 is configured to be shorter than the upper section 31b of the first section 31.

[0069] In the lower conveying section 30, the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are linearly connected. The attitude (angle) of the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 with respect to the lower portion 31a is set so that the angles of the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 with respect to the horizontal plane (ground) are greater than the angle of the lower portion 31a of the first portion 31 with respect to the horizontal plane (ground).

[0070] The upper conveying section 29 extends obliquely upward from the terminal end (upper end) of the lower conveying section 30, and is configured to be shorter than the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 of the lower conveying section 30. The attitude (angle) of the upper conveying section 29 with respect to the lower conveying section 30 is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section 29 with respect to the horizontal plane (ground) is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section 30 (the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32) with respect to the horizontal plane (ground).

[0071] (Positional Relationship of the Sorting Device 7, Storage Unit 8, and Second Conveying Device 9) For example, when a sugarcane harvester is transported mounted on the bed of a truck, the sugarcane harvester climbs up a running board that is provided between the bed of the truck and the ground, thereby loading the sugarcane harvester onto the bed of the truck. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hydraulic cylinder 22 is operated to its most contracted state, and the second conveying device 9 is operated to its highest position.

[0072] As described above, when the sugarcane harvester climbs the running board, the machine body 5 is raised at the front. In this case, the support frame 18 and the swing frame 19 are disposed at the lowest position (the lowest position at which the departure angle is ensured) among the heights at which the support frame 18, the swing frame 19 and the second conveying device 9 are prevented from contacting the ground, and the angle of the lower part 31 a of the first part 31 of the second conveying device 9 relative to the horizontal plane (the ground) is set.

[0073] 1 and 2, the support frame 18 and the swing frame 19 are disposed at approximately the same height as the axle 2a of the rear wheel 2 in a side view, and are disposed at a sufficiently low position on the vehicle body 5. In this case, the position of the axle 2a of the rear wheel 2 is the lowest position mentioned above.

[0074] By positioning the support frame 18 and swing frame 19 at a low position, the vertical distance between the upper end (sorting fan 13) of the main body 10 of the sorting device 7 and the upper end of the storage section 8 (outer wall sections 24, 25) is sufficiently large.

[0075] As a result, even if the sorting fan 13 in the sorting device 7 is rotated at a low speed, the sorting wind of the sorting fan 13 easily separates the impurities from the crops and discharges them from the discharge port 14 of the sorting device 7. By rotating the sorting fan 13 at a low speed, the durability of the hydraulic motor 12, the sorting fan 13, etc. is improved.

[0076] (Configuration of the lower portion 31a of the first part 31 in the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the lower portion 31a of the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30 is provided with right and left frames 45, 46, right and left vertical frames 47, 48, a front portion 26, right and left horizontal portions 33, bottom portions 49, 50 (see Figure 11), support frames 37, 38, 39 (see Figure 11), etc.

[0077] A vertical frame 47 is connected to the front ends of the frames 45 and 46, and the semi-cylindrical front portion 26 is connected to the vertical frame 47. As will be described later, frames 51, 52, and 53 are provided on the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 of the lower conveying section 30. Frame 51 is connected across frames 45 and 46, frame 52 is connected to frame 45, frame 53 is connected to frame 46, and vertical frame 48 is connected across frames 46 and 51.

[0078] The horizontal portions 33 are connected to the frames 45 and extend upward. Bottom portions 49, 50 are provided across the lower parts of the right and left horizontal portions 33 (right and left frames 45). As described above, the outer wall portion 25 of the storage portion 8 is connected to the horizontal portions 33 and extends obliquely outward and upward. The frame 46 (second conveying device 9 and storage portion 8) is attached to the swing frame 19 so as to be swingable about the axis P2.

[0079] (Configuration of upper portion 31b of first part 31 in lower conveying section 30 of second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the upper portion 31b of the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30 is provided with right and left frames 51, 52, 53, right and left vertical frames 54, 55, right and left horizontal portions 34, a bottom 56 (see Figure 11), support frames 37, 38, 39 (see Figure 11), a horizontal frame 57, covers 58, 59, etc.

[0080] Vertical frames 54 and 55 are connected across frames 51 , 52 and 53 , horizontal frame 57 is connected across frame 53 , and a flat cover 58 is connected to horizontal frame 57 .

[0081] The horizontal portion 34 has a first side wall 41 and a second side wall 42. The first side wall 41 is connected across the frames 51, 52, and the second side wall 42 is connected to the frame 51 and extends upward. A bottom portion 56 is provided across the lower parts of the first side walls 41 of the right and left horizontal portions 34 (the right and left frames 52).

[0082] The second side wall 42 of the horizontal portion 34 has a lower portion 42a and an upper portion 42b. The upper portion 42b extends vertically upward from the frame 51. The lower portion 42a extends diagonally outward and upward from the frame 51, is connected to the outer wall 25 of the storage section 8, and is located below the sorting device 7 (main body 10) (see FIG. 2).

[0083] 4, in a side view, in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 56 (frame 52), a distance L1 is assumed to be from the bottom 56 (frame 52) to the upper end of the lower portion 42a of the second side wall 42, and a distance L2 is assumed to be from the bottom 56 (frame 52) to the upper end of the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42. Distance L1 is shorter than distance L2.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3, in a plan view, a distance W1 between the upper ends of the lower portions 42a of the right and left second side walls 42 is assumed, and a distance W2 between the upper ends of the upper portions 42b of the right and left second side walls 42 is assumed.

[0085] The distance W2 is the same throughout the entire upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42. The distance W1 is approximately the same as the distance W2 at the connection between the lower portion 42a and the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42, and is greater than the distance W2 at positions closer to the storage section 8 (outer wall portion 25).

[0086] (Configuration of cover 59 of second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 2 to 5, a cover 59 is attached to the upper portion 31b of the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9, spanning the upper ends of the upper portions 42b of the right and left second side walls 42.

[0087] The cover 59 has a flat plate portion 59a attached to the upper end of the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42 (horizontal portion 34) and a plurality of reinforcing frames 59b attached to the underside of the flat plate portion 59a. The upper end portion 59c of the cover 59 is located at the dividing portion (connecting portion) between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30, and the lower end portion 59d of the cover 59 is located at the connecting portion between the lower portion 42a and the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42.

[0088] 2, it is assumed that an imaginary line LL1 is formed by extending the top plate portion 14a of the discharge port 14 of the sorting device 7 in a side view. In this case, the area below the imaginary line LL1 corresponds to the flow area of ​​the impurities flowing outward from the discharge port 14 of the sorting device 7, and the imaginary line LL1 corresponds to the upper end of the flow area.

[0089] 1 and 2 show a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 22 is fully contracted and the second conveying device 9 is fully raised. In this state, the upper end 59c of the cover 59 is located above the imaginary line LL1 (the upper end of the flow area) in a side view.

[0090] When the hydraulic cylinder 22 is fully extended and the second conveying device 9 is lowered to its lowest position, the upper end 59c of the cover 59 is positioned above the imaginary line LL1 (the upper end of the flow area) or at a position substantially flush with the imaginary line LL1 (the upper end of the flow area). This reduces the chance of impurities discharged from the discharge port 14 of the sorting device 7 getting into the crops on the second conveying device 9.

[0091] 2, 3, and 4, right and left spill prevention parts 27 made of elastically deformable rubber plates are provided. The spill prevention parts 27 are attached across the upper end of the outer wall part 25 of the storage part 8 and the upper end of the lower part 42a of the second side wall 42 of the second conveying device 9.

[0092] In this case, the lower portion 42a of the second side wall 42 of the second conveying device 9 corresponds to the portion of the horizontal section 34 located below the sorting device 7, and corresponds to the installation portion of the horizontal section 34 where the spill prevention unit 27 is provided. The upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42 of the second conveying device 9 corresponds to the non-installation portion of the horizontal section 34 where the spill prevention unit 27 is not provided.

[0093] The spill prevention portion 27 extends almost vertically upward from the upper end of the outer wall portion 25 of the storage portion 8. The spill prevention portion 27 extends obliquely upward and laterally inward (to the left-right center of the storage portion 8) from the upper end of the lower portion 42a of the second side wall 42 of the second conveying device 9.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the side, a distance L2 is assumed to be from the bottom 56 (frame 52) to the upper end of the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 56 (frame 52), and a distance L3 is assumed to be from the bottom 56 (frame 52) to the upper end of the spill prevention portion 27.

[0095] Distance L3 is approximately the same as distance L2 at the connection between the lower portion 42a and the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42, and the closer the position is to the storage section 8 (outer wall portion 25), the greater the value becomes than distance L2.

[0096] As shown in Figure 3, in a plan view, a distance W1 between the upper ends of the lower portions 42a of the right and left second side walls 42 is assumed, a distance W2 between the upper ends of the upper portions 42b of the right and left second side walls 42 is assumed, and a distance W3 between the upper ends of the right and left spill prevention portions 27 is assumed.

[0097] The distance W3 is approximately the same as the distance W2 at the connection between the lower portion 42a and the upper portion 42b of the second side wall 42, and becomes larger than the distance W2 at a position closer to the storage section 8 (outer wall portion 25). The distance W3 is slightly smaller than the distance W1.

[0098] As described above, when crops are loaded from the first conveying device 4 into the inside of the sorting device 7 (main body 10), pass through the inside of the sorting device 7 (main body 10), and fall into the storage section 8, the crops are prevented from spilling from the storage section 8 to the outside by the outer wall sections 24, 25 of the storage section 8, the chain 15 of the sorting device 7 (main body 10), and the spill prevention section 27.

[0099] (Configuration of spill prevention unit 27)-2 When working with a sugarcane harvester, as mentioned above, the transport vehicle runs to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester, the second conveying device 9 extends from the storage unit 8 to the side of the transport vehicle, and the upper conveying unit 29 of the second conveying device 9 is positioned above the loading platform of the transport vehicle, and work is carried out in this state.

[0100] Since the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29 of the second conveying device 9 are connected in a slightly bent state (see Figure 1), the operator of the sugarcane harvester or the operator of the transport vehicle can easily position the upper conveying section 29 of the second conveying device 9 above the center of the left and right sides of the transport vehicle's loading platform by operating the device so that the connecting part between the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29 of the second conveying device 9 is positioned above the side wall (tilt board) of the transport vehicle's loading platform.

[0101] In the above-described state, the second conveying device 9 may come into contact with the side wall (tilt) of the platform of the transport vehicle and attempt to be lifted. When the second conveying device 9 attempts to be lifted, the link member 23 (see FIG. 2) swings upward about the axis P3, thereby allowing the second conveying device 9 to be lifted.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, when the hydraulic cylinder 22 is fully contracted and the second conveying device 9 is operated to the highest position, if the second conveying device 9 is lifted, the spill prevention part 27 may rise together with the second conveying device 9 and come into contact with and be pressed against the sorting device 7 (main body part 10).

[0103] Even if the second conveying device 9 rises and the spill prevention part 27 comes into contact with the sorting device 7 (main body part 10), the spill prevention part 27 elastically deforms, thereby absorbing the contact between the spill prevention part 27 and the sorting device 7 (main body part 10).

[0104] Since the spill prevention section 27 extends diagonally upward and laterally inward (toward the center of the storage section 8) from the upper end of the lower part 42a of the second side wall 42 of the second conveying device 9 (see Figure 3), the spill prevention section 27 is likely to elastically deform laterally inward (toward the center of the storage section 8) upon contact with the sorting device 7 (main body section 10).

[0105] (Configuration of the second part 32 and the upper conveying part 29 in the lower conveying part 30 of the second conveying device 9) - 1 As shown in Figure 6, the second part 32 of the lower conveying part 30 is provided with right and left frames 61, 62, 63, right and left vertical frames 64, right and left horizontal parts 35, a bottom 65 (see Figure 12), support frames 37, 38, 39 (see Figure 12), a horizontal frame 66, etc.

[0106] The upper conveying section 29 is provided with right and left frames 71, 72, 73, right and left vertical frames 74, right and left horizontal sections 36, a bottom section 75 (see Figure 12), support frames 37, 38, 39 (see Figure 12), a horizontal frame 76, etc.

[0107] In the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30, a vertical frame 64 is connected across the frames 61, 62, and 63, and a horizontal frame 66 is connected across the frame 63. The horizontal portion 35 has a first side wall 43 and a second side wall 44. The first side wall 43 is connected across the frames 61 and 62, and the second side wall 44 is connected to the frame 61 and extends upward. A bottom portion 65 is provided across the lower parts of the first side walls 43 of the right and left horizontal portions 35 (the right and left frames 62).

[0108] In the upper conveying section 29, a vertical frame 74 is connected across the frames 71, 72, and 73, and a horizontal frame 76 is connected across the frame 73. The horizontal section 36 is connected across the frames 71 and 72. A bottom section 75 is provided across the lower parts of the right and left horizontal sections 36 (the right and left frames 72).

[0109] In the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29, the frames 61 and 71 are connected, and the frames 62 and 72 are connected. The frame 73 is connected across the frames 62 and 63, the vertical frame 64, and the horizontal section 35 (first side wall 43), and is connected to the frames 71 and 72 and the vertical frame 74. The right and left frames 67 are connected to the vertical frames 64 and 74, the first side wall 43 of the horizontal section 35, and the horizontal section 36.

[0110] This connects the second portion 32 of the lower conveying unit 30 and the upper conveying unit 29. As described above, the attitude (angle) of the upper conveying unit 29 with respect to the lower conveying unit 30 is set so that the angle of the upper conveying unit 29 with respect to the horizontal plane (ground) is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying unit 30 (the upper portion 31b of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32) with respect to the horizontal plane (ground). In this case, the frames 67 and 73 correspond to a linear frame in a side view that connects the horizontal portion 35 (first side wall 43) of the lower conveying unit 30 (second portion 32) and the horizontal portion 36 of the upper conveying unit 29.

[0111] (Configuration of the second section 32 and the upper conveying section 29 in the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9)-2 As shown in Fig. 6, right and left guide frames 68 are connected across the ends of the horizontal frames 66 of the second section 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the ends of the horizontal frames 76 of the upper conveying section 29. A flat guide plate 69 is connected across the right and left guide frames 68.

[0112] As described above, when the transport vehicle travels to the right or left of the sugarcane harvester and the upper transport section 29 of the second transport device 9 is positioned above the bed of the transport vehicle, if the second transport device 9 comes into contact with the side wall (tilt plate) of the bed of the transport vehicle, it is mainly the guide frame 68 and the guide plate 69 that come into contact with the side wall (tilt plate) of the bed of the transport vehicle, thereby preventing damage to the second transport device 9 due to contact with the side wall (tilt plate) of the bed of the transport vehicle.

[0113] Lights 77 are attached to the right and left portions near the connection between the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29. Lights 78 are attached to the right and left portions near the terminal end (upper end) of the upper conveying section 29. The lights 77 and 78 illuminate the areas near the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29, as well as the area near the guide plate 69, and illuminate the area below the guide plate 69.

[0114] When the operator of the driver's section 6 of the sugarcane harvester turns on the headlight 17 (see Figure 1), the lights 77, 78 are automatically turned on in conjunction with this. By turning on the lights 77, 78 during nighttime work, it becomes easier for the operator of the sugarcane harvester or the operator of the transport vehicle to visually check the connection between the lower transport section 30 and the upper transport section 29 of the second transport device 9 and the side wall (gate plate) of the loading platform of the transport vehicle.

[0115] (Connection structure between the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9) -1 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, right and left first flanges 81, right and left second flanges 82, and right and left third flanges 83 are connected to the terminal end (upper end) of the first part 31 (upper part 31b) of the lower conveying section 30.

[0116] The first flange 81 is connected across the ends of the frames 52, 53 and the lower end of the first side wall 41 (horizontal portion 34), and is formed along a direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 56 (frames 52, 53) when viewed from the side.

[0117] The second flange 82 is connected across the end of the frame 51 and the upper end of the first side wall 41 (horizontal portion 34), and is located closer to the starting end (storage section 8) of the lower conveying section 30 than the first flange 81 when viewed from the side, and is formed along a direction perpendicular to the bottom 56 (frame 51).

[0118] The third flange 83 is connected to the end of the upper and lower middle part of the first side wall 41 (horizontal portion 34), and is connected across the upper end of the first flange 81 and the lower end of the second flange 82, and is inclined relative to the bottom 56 (frames 51, 52) when viewed from the side.

[0119] Right and left first flanges 91, right and left second flanges 92, and right and left third flanges 93 are connected to the starting end (lower end) of the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30. The first flanges 91 are connected across the ends of the frames 62, 63 and the lower end of the first side wall 43 (horizontal portion 35), and are formed along a direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 65 (frames 62, 63) in a side view.

[0120] The second flange 92 is connected across the end of the frame 61 and the upper end of the first side wall 43 (horizontal portion 35), and is located closer to the starting end (storage section 8) of the lower conveying section 30 than the first flange 91 when viewed from the side, and is formed along a direction perpendicular to the bottom 65 (frame 61).

[0121] The third flange 93 is connected to the end of the upper and lower middle part of the first side wall 43 (horizontal portion 35), and is connected across the upper end of the first flange 91 and the lower end of the second flange 92, and is inclined relative to the bottom 65 (frames 61, 62) when viewed from the side.

[0122] In this case, the first flanges 81 and 91 correspond to the first divided portion, the second flanges 82 and 92 correspond to the second divided portion, and the third flanges 83 and 93 correspond to the third divided portion.

[0123] A channel-shaped support frame 40 is connected across the ends of the right and left frames 52. A channel-shaped support frame 60 is connected across the ends of the right and left frames 62. An angle-shaped cross frame 79 is connected across the ends of the right and left frames 53. An angle-shaped cross frame 80 is connected across the ends of the right and left frames 63.

[0124] (Connection structure between the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9)-2 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the terminal end (upper end) of the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30 and the starting end (lower end) of the second part 32 are aligned, and the first flanges 81, 91, the second flanges 82, 92, the third flanges 83, 93, the support frames 40, 60, and the horizontal frames 79, 80 are aligned.

[0125] The right and left guide plates 28 are connected to the terminal ends (upper ends) of the first side walls 41 (horizontal portions 34). When the terminal end (upper end) of the first portion 31 of the lower conveying section 30 and the starting end (lower end) of the second portion 32 are aligned, the positions of the first side walls 41 (horizontal portions 34) and the first side walls 43 (horizontal portions 35) are aligned by the guide plates 28.

[0126] The bolts 70 connect the lower portions of the first flanges 81, 91. The bolts 70 connect the upper and lower middle portions of the first flanges 81, 91 to the support frames 40, 60. The bolts 70 connect the upper portions of the first flanges 81, 91, connect the second flanges 82, 92, and connect the third flanges 83, 93. The bolts 70 connect the horizontal frames 79, 80.

[0127] (Configuration of connecting member 84 connecting the first part 31 and the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 of the second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the lower conveying section 30, the connecting member 84 connects the horizontal part 34 of the first part 31 (upper part 31b) and the horizontal part 35 of the second part 32.

[0128] 9, the connecting member 84 has right and left first frames 85, right and left second frames 86, and a third frame 87. The first frame 85 is formed in a square pipe shape, and flat plate-shaped mounting portions 85a, 85b, and 85c are connected to the first frame 85.

[0129] The second frame 86 is formed in a channel shape and is provided with mounting portions 86a and 86b, and is connected to the middle portion of the first frame 85 and extends upward. The third frame 87 is formed by connecting a square pipe material and a channel material, and is connected to the upper end of the second frame 86.

[0130] 7, 8, and 9, flat plate-shaped mounting portions 51a and 51b are connected to a frame 51. Flat plate-shaped mounting portions 61a and 61b are connected to a frame 61.

[0131] The terminal end (upper end) of the second side wall 42 (upper portion 42b) of the horizontal portion 34 is bent to provide an attachment portion 42c, and an angled attachment portion 42d is connected to the second side wall 42 (upper portion 42b) of the horizontal portion 34. The starting end (lower end) of the second side wall 44 of the horizontal portion 35 is bent to provide an attachment portion 44a, and an angled attachment portion 44b is connected to the second side wall 44 of the horizontal portion 35.

[0132] The mounting portions 85a, 85c of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) are inserted into the gap between the frame 51 and the second side wall 42 (upper portion 42b). A bolt 88 connects the mounting portion 85a of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) to the mounting portion 51a of the frame 51. A bolt 88 connects the mounting portion 85c of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) to the mounting portion 51b of the frame 51. A bolt 88 connects the first frame 85 of the connecting member 84 to the mounting portion 42d of the second side wall 42 (upper portion 42b). A bolt 88 connects the mounting portion 86a of the connecting member 84 (second frame 86) to the mounting portion 42c of the second side wall 42 (upper portion 42b).

[0133] The mounting portions 85b, 85c of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) are inserted into the gap between the frame 61 and the second side wall 44. The mounting portion 85b of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) is connected to the mounting portion 61a of the frame 61 by a bolt 88. The mounting portion 85c of the connecting member 84 (first frame 85) is connected to the mounting portion 61b of the frame 61 by a bolt 88. The first frame 85 of the connecting member 84 is connected to the mounting portion 44b of the second side wall 44 by a bolt 88. The mounting portion 86b of the connecting member 84 (second frame 86) is connected to the mounting portion 44a of the second side wall 44 by a bolt 88.

[0134] Various hydraulic hoses (not shown) and harnesses (not shown) pass through the inside of the third frame 87 of the connecting member 84, and the hydraulic hoses and harnesses are arranged so as to straddle the upper part of the second conveying device 9 (lower conveying section 30).

[0135] (Relationship between the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30 in the second conveying device 9 and the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29) As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, in the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30, frames 45, 46 and vertical frames 47, 48, frames 51, 52, 53 and vertical frames 54, 55, and horizontal frame 57 are square pipe frames, angle frames and channel frames.

[0136] In the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29, the frames 61, 62, 63 and the vertical frame 64, the frames 71, 72, 73 and the vertical frame 74, and the horizontal frames 66, 76 are round pipe frames, square pipe frames, angle frames, and channel frames.

[0137] The thickness of the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30 and the frame 61 to the horizontal frame 76 of the upper conveying section 29 is set to be smaller than the smallest thickness of the frame 45 to the horizontal frame 57 of the first part 31 of the lower conveying section 30.

[0138] (Crop transport structure in second transport device 9)-1 As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the lower ends of the horizontal portions 33 to 36 are located above the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75, and the lower ends of the horizontal portions 33 to 36 are bent outward laterally.

[0139] Right and left chain guides 89 are formed between the lower ends of the horizontal sections 33 to 36 and the frames 45, 52, 62, and 72. The chain guides 89 are channel-like spaces that extend laterally outward from the horizontal sections 33 to 36, and are formed in the horizontal sections 33 to 36 so as to extend from the starting end (see FIG. 4) of the lower conveying section 30 (the lower portion 31a of the first part 31) to the terminal end (see FIG. 6) of the upper conveying section 29, along the upper side of the bottom sections 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75.

[0140] Right and left angled chain guides 90 are connected to the frames 46, 53, 63, and 73. The chain guides 90 are provided along the underside of the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75, spanning from the start of the lower transport section 30 (the lower portion 31a of the first section 31) (see FIG. 4) to the end of the upper transport section 29 (see FIG. 6).

[0141] A slide plate 94 is attached to the chain guide 89 (the lower ends of the horizontal portions 33 to 36 and the frames 45 , 52 , 62 , 72 ) and the chain guide 90 with a square root bolt 95 and a nut 96 .

[0142] The square-root bolt 95 has a dish-shaped (conical) head 95a, a threaded portion 95b, and a rotation prevention portion 95c. The rotation prevention portion 95c is formed in a square shape and is provided at the connection portion between the head 95a and the threaded portion 95b.

[0143] A dish-shaped (conical) opening is formed in the slide plate 94. The head 95a and anti-rotation portion 95c of the square root bolt 95 are inserted into the opening in the slide plate 94, and a nut 96 is attached to and tightened on the threaded portion 95b of the square root bolt 95. The anti-rotation portion 95c of the square root bolt 95 bites into the opening in the slide plate 94, thereby preventing the square root bolt 95 from rotating and allowing the nut 96 to be tightened smoothly, with the slide plate 94 and the head 95a of the square root bolt 95 being flush with each other.

[0144] 11 and 12 , right and left driven wheels 97 are rotatably mounted on the starting end of the lower conveying section 30 (the lower part 31 a of the first section 31). A support plate 99 is attached across the right and left frames 72, 73 at the terminal end of the upper conveying section 29. Right and left drive wheels 98 are rotatably mounted on the support plates 99, and a hydraulic motor 100 that drives the drive wheels 98 is attached to the support plates 99.

[0145] 5, 10, 11, and 12, right and left conveyor chains 101 are attached across driven wheels 97 and drive wheels 98. The conveying portion (upper portion) of the conveyor chain 101 is disposed on chain guide 89 (slide plate 94), and the return portion (lower portion) of the conveyor chain 101 is disposed on chain guide 90 (slide plate 94). A large number of conveyors 102, each rectangular in front view, are attached across the right and left conveyor chains 101 and are spaced at predetermined intervals along the direction of movement of the conveyor chain 101.

[0146] The chain guide 89, slide plate 94, and conveying chain 101 do not protrude from the inner wall surface of the horizontal portions 33 to 36 (toward the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75) toward the inner side of the second conveying device 9 (toward the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75) (see Figures 5 and 10).

[0147] As the drive wheel 98 is rotated by the hydraulic motor 100, the conveying chain 101 and the conveying body 102 move above the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75, guided by the chain guide 89, from the starting end of the lower conveying section 30 (the lower part 31a of the first part 31) toward the terminal end of the upper conveying section 29.

[0148] As mentioned above, the crops that fall into the storage section 8 are transported by the conveying chain 101 and the conveying body 102 along the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, 75 toward the end of the upper conveying section 29, and fall downward from the position of the drive wheel 98 and support plate 99, and are supplied to the loading platform of the transport vehicle accompanying the sugarcane harvester.

[0149] After passing through the drive wheel 98, the conveying chain 101 and conveying body 102 are guided by the chain guide 90 and move below the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 from the end of the upper conveying section 29 to the beginning of the lower conveying section 30 (the lower part 31a of the first part 31).

[0150] 11 and 12, the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 are formed in a flat plate shape. Two bottoms 49, 50, 65, and 75 are provided, and four bottoms 56 are provided. The bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 are divided into multiple parts in the width direction (width direction of the second conveying device 9) across one and the other horizontal portions 33 to 36.

[0151] Stud bolts 104 are attached to the underside of one end and the other end and the middle portion of the bottom portions 56, 65, 75 and protrude downward. Mud removal openings 106 are opened in the portions of the bottom portions 56, 65, 75 where no stud bolts 104 are provided. The mud removal openings 106 are elongated holes that run along the direction of movement of the conveyor chain 101 and the conveyor body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the bottom portions 56, 65, 75).

[0152] The bottom 75 has portions 75a, 75b near one and the other ends where the mud removal openings 106 are not opened. The portion 75a of the bottom 75 is located at the connection portion (see FIG. 6 ) between the lower conveying section 30 (second section 32) and the upper conveying section 29, where the angle with respect to the horizontal plane (ground surface) changes, and therefore the mud removal openings 106 are not opened in the portion 75a of the bottom 75. The portion 75b of the bottom 75 is located on the support plate 99, and therefore the mud removal openings 106 are not opened in the portion 75b of the bottom 75.

[0153] Stud bolts 104 are attached to the undersides of one and the other ends of the bottom portions 49, 50 and protrude downward. Since the bottom portion 49 is located below the sorting device 7 (see Figures 2 and 3), the mud removal opening 106 is not opened in the bottom portion 49.

[0154] The bottom 50 is located at the connection between the lower part 31a and the upper part 31b of the lower conveying section 30 (first part 31) (see Figures 2 and 3), and is located at the part where the angle with respect to the horizontal plane (ground) changes, so the mud removal opening 106 is not opened at the bottom 50.

[0155] As mentioned above, when the crops that have fallen into the storage section 8 are transported along the bottoms 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 by the conveying chain 101 and the conveying body 102, the mud adhering to the crops tends to fall downward through the mud removal openings 106 in the bottoms 56, 65, and 75.

[0156] 11 and 12 , in the second conveying device 9 (the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29), the support frames 37, 38, 40, 60 are connected across the right and left frames 45, 52, 62, 72. The support frames 37, 38, 40, 60 are provided along a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9).

[0157] A support frame 39 divided into a plurality of pieces is connected to the left and right central portions of the support frames 37, 38, 40, and 60 along the movement direction of the transport body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the second transport device 9).

[0158] 13, openings 103 are formed in the support frames 37, 38, 40, the frames 45, 52, 62, 72, and the support plate 99. The openings 103 are elongated holes extending along the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9). In this case, the support frames 37, 38, 39 correspond to the support portion. The openings 103, the stud bolts 104, and the nuts 105 correspond to the fixing portion.

[0159] 11, 13, 14, and 15, in the lower portion 31a (see FIG. 4) of the lower conveying section 30 (first portion 31), two bottom portions 49 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the lower conveying section 30, and two bottom portions 50 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the lower conveying section 30. The bottom portions 49, 50 are arranged side by side along the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9).

[0160] The bottoms 49 and 50 are placed on the support frames 37, 38, 39 and the frame 46 and are supported from below by the support frames 37, 38, 39 and the frame 46. Both ends of the bottoms 49 that are adjacent in the width direction of the lower conveying section 30 are supported by the support frame 39. Both ends of the bottoms 50 that are adjacent in the width direction of the lower conveying section 30 are supported by the support frame 39.

[0161] Stud bolts 104 on the bottoms 49, 50 are inserted into openings 103 on the support frames 37, 38, 39 and frame 46, and nuts 105 are attached to the stud bolts 104 on the bottoms 49, 50 and tightened.

[0162] Both the ends of the bottom 49 and the bottom 50, which are adjacent in the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (the longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9), are supported by the support frame 38, and the stud bolts 104 of the bottom 49 and the stud bolts 104 of the bottom 50 are inserted into one opening 103.

[0163] (Installation structure of bottom 56 in second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 11, 13, 14, and 15, in the upper part 31b (see Figure 4) of the lower conveying section 30 (first part 31), two bottoms 56 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the lower conveying section 30, and two bottoms 56 are arranged side by side along the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9).

[0164] The bottom portion 56 is placed on the support frames 37, 38, 39, 40 and the frame 52, and is supported from below by the support frames 37, 38, 39, 40 and the frame 52. Both ends of the bottom portion 56 that are adjacent in the width direction of the lower conveying section 30 are supported by the support frame 39.

[0165] Stud bolts 104 on the bottom 56 are inserted into openings 103 on the support frames 37, 38, 39, 40 and frame 52, and nuts 105 are attached to the stud bolts 104 on the bottom 56 and tightened.

[0166] Both ends of adjacent bottom portions 56 in the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9) are supported by the support frame 38, and two stud bolts 104 of adjacent bottom portions 56 are inserted into one opening 103.

[0167] Of the four bottom portions 56, the upper two bottom portions 56 extend into the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30. The upper two bottom portions 56 are placed on the support frames 38, 39, 60 and the frame 62 in the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30, and are supported from below by the support frames 38, 39, 60 and the frame 62.

[0168] The two upper stud bolts 104 of the bottom 56 are inserted into openings 103 in the support frame 38 and frame 62 of the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30, and nuts 105 are attached to the stud bolts 104 of the bottom 56 and tightened.

[0169] (Mounting structure of bottom portion 65 in second conveying device 9) As shown in Figures 12 to 15, in the second part 32 of the lower conveying section 30, two bottom portions 65 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the lower conveying section 30.

[0170] The bottom portion 65 is placed on the support frames 37, 38, 39 and the frame 62, and is supported from below by the support frames 37, 38, 39 and the frame 62. Both ends of the bottom portion 65 that are adjacent in the width direction of the lower conveying section 30 are supported by the support frame 39.

[0171] Stud bolts 104 on the bottom 65 are inserted into openings 103 in the support frames 37, 38, 39 and frame 62, and nuts 105 are attached to the stud bolts 104 on the bottom 65 and tightened.

[0172] As described above, the two bottom portions 56 above the upper portion 31b of the lower conveying section 30 (first portion 31) extend into the second portion 32 of the lower conveying section 30, and the bottom portions 56, 65 are arranged side by side along the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9). Both ends of the bottom portions 56, 65 adjacent to each other in the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9) are supported by the support frame 38, and two stud bolts 104 of the adjacent bottom portions 56, 65 are inserted into one opening 103.

[0173] (Attachment Structure of Bottom Portions 75 in Second Conveyor Device 9) As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, in the upper conveyor section 29, two bottom portions 75 are provided side by side along the width direction of the upper conveyor section 29.

[0174] The bottom portion 75 is placed on the support frames 37, 38, and 39, the frame 72, and the support plate 99, and is supported from below by the support frames 37, 38, and 39, the frame 72, and the support plate 99. Both ends of the bottom portion 75 that are adjacent in the width direction of the upper conveying section 29 are supported by the support frame 39.

[0175] Stud bolts 104 on the bottom 75 are inserted into openings 103 in the support frames 37, 38, 39 and frame 62 and support plate 99, and nuts 105 are attached to the stud bolts 104 on the bottom 75 and tightened.

[0176] The bottoms 65 and 75 of the lower conveying section 30 (second portion 32) are arranged side by side along the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9). Both ends of the bottoms 65, 75 that are adjacent in the movement direction of the conveying body 102 (longitudinal direction of the second conveying device 9) are supported by the support frame 38, and two stud bolts 104 of the adjacent bottoms 65, 75 are inserted into one opening 103.

[0177] (Removal of Bottom Parts 49, 50, 56, 65, 75 in Second Conveyor Device 9) The operation of removing the bottom parts 49, 50, 56, 65, 75 by an operator from the state shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 will be described below with reference to the bottom part 56.

[0178] The worker removes the conveying body 102 (see FIG. 5 ) located above the bottom portion 56 to be removed from the conveying chain 101, and removes the nuts 105 from the stud bolts 104 on the bottom portion 56. The worker lifts the bottom portion 56 slightly and pulls the stud bolts 104 on the bottom portion 56 upward through the openings 103 in the support frames 37, 38, 39 and frame 52.

[0179] The chain guide 89, slide plate 94, and conveyor chain 101 do not protrude from the inner wall surface (bottom 56 side) of the horizontal portion 33 toward the inner side (bottom 56 side) of the lower conveyor section 30 (see FIGS. 5 and 10). As a result, when an operator lifts the bottom portion 56, the end of the bottom portion 56 is less likely to rub against the chain guide 89, slide plate 94, and conveyor chain 101.

[0180] The worker moves the bottom portion 56 toward the center of the left and right of the lower conveying section 30, separates it from the horizontal portions 34, and lifts it upward to remove it. By separating the bottom portion 56 from the horizontal portions 34, the end of the bottom portion 56 is less likely to rub against the horizontal portions 33 when the worker lifts the bottom portion 56 upward to remove it. When installing the bottom portion 56, the worker simply performs the above-described operations in reverse order. The removal and installation operations of the bottom portions 49, 50, 65, and 75 are also similar to those described above.

[0181] When the vertical distance between the conveying body 102 and the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 is set to a large value, the worker can remove the stud bolts 104 of the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 upward through the openings 103 by lifting the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 until they contact the conveying body 102. This allows the worker to remove and install the bottom portions 49, 50, 56, 65, and 75 without removing the conveying body 102 from the conveying chain 1010.

[0182] (First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention) The spillage prevention unit 27 may be attached to the outer wall 25 of the storage unit 8, and may not be attached to the side portion 34 (lower portion 42a of the second side wall 42) of the second conveying device 9. The spillage prevention unit 27 may be attached to the side portion 34 (lower portion 42a of the second side wall 42) of the second conveying device 9, and may not be attached to the outer wall 25 of the storage unit 8.

[0183] (Second Modification of the Invention) The spillage prevention portion 27 may be made of a metal plate or a synthetic resin plate that is less susceptible to elastic deformation, instead of an elastically deformable rubber plate.

[0184] According to the above-described configuration, the spill prevention unit 27 may be attached to the storage unit 8 (second conveying device 9) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a spring (not shown) may be provided to bias the spill prevention unit 27 to its original position. Alternatively, the lower part of the spill prevention unit 27 may be attached to the storage unit 8 (second conveying device 9) so as to be swingable in the horizontal direction, and a spring (not shown) may be provided to bias the spill prevention unit 27 to its original position.

[0185] As a result, when the spill prevention part 27 comes into contact with the sorting device 7 (main body part 10), the spill prevention part 27 slides or swings relative to the storage part 8 (second conveying device 9), thereby absorbing the contact between the spill prevention part 27 and the sorting device 7 (main body part 10). When the spill prevention part 27 moves away from the sorting device 7 (main body part 10), the spill prevention part 27 returns to its original position by the spring.

[0186] (Third alternative embodiment of the invention) In addition to the lights 77 and 78, light-emitting light tape (not shown) or reflective tape (not shown) may be attached to the connecting portion (guide frame 68 and guide plate 69) between the lower conveying section 30 (second part 32) and the upper conveying section 29 of the second conveying device 9.

[0187] The lights 77 and 78 may be eliminated, and the aforementioned light tape or reflective tape may be attached to the connecting portion (guide frame 68 and guide plate 69) between the lower conveying section 30 (second part 32) and the upper conveying section 29 of the second conveying device 9.

[0188] (Correspondence to Claims) -1 With the above configuration, a reaping unit 3 is provided for reaping crops in a field. A first conveying device 4 is provided for conveying the crops reaped by the reaping unit 3 diagonally upward and rearward. A sorting device 7 is provided at the end of the first conveying device 4, and uses sorting air to separate and discharge impurities from the crops that drop from the end of the first conveying device 4.

[0189] A storage section 8 is provided below the sorting device 7 and is capable of receiving and storing crops that fall from the sorting device 7. A second conveying device 9 is provided, which extends diagonally upward from the storage section 8 and is capable of swinging upward around a fulcrum (axis P2) at the starting end, conveying the crops in the storage section 8 diagonally upward and discharging them from the terminal end.

[0190] A spillage prevention part 27 is provided on at least one of the storage part 8 and the second conveying device 9, and is capable of preventing the crops from spilling outside, and is elastically deformable or displaceable when it comes into contact with the sorting device 7 as the second conveying device 9 rises. The spillage prevention part 27 is an elastically deformable rubber plate.

[0191] (Correspondence to Claims) -2 With the above-described configuration, the spill prevention unit 27 is provided across the storage unit 8 and the second conveying device 9, passing through the connection between the storage unit 8 and the second conveying device 9. The spill prevention unit 27 is provided on the outer wall 25 that surrounds the inside of the storage unit 8, and extends upward.

[0192] The second conveying device 9 has a bottom portion 56 and horizontal portions 34 extending upward from one end and the other end of the bottom portion 56. The spill prevention portion 27 is provided in a portion of the horizontal portion 34 located below the sorting device 7 (lower portion 42a), and extends upward from the horizontal portion 34.

[0193] In the installation portion (lower portion 42a) on the lateral portion 34 where the anti-spill portion 27 is provided and the non-installation portion (upper portion 42b) on the lateral portion 34 where the anti-spill portion 27 is not provided, the distance L1 from the bottom 56 to the upper end of the installation portion (lower portion 42a) in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 56 is set to be shorter than the distance L2 from the bottom 56 to the upper end of the non-installation portion (upper portion 42b) in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 56 when viewed from the side.

[0194] The installation portion (lower portion 42a) is formed so that the upper end of the installation portion (lower portion 42a) is located further outward laterally from the bottom 56 than the upper end of the non-installation portion (upper portion 42b).

[0195] (Correspondence to Claims)-3 With the above-described configuration, the second conveying device 9 has a bottom 56 and horizontal portions 34 extending upward from one end and the other end of the bottom 56. A cover 59 that covers the top of the second conveying device 9 is provided at the upper end of the horizontal portions 34.

[0196] An outlet 14 for discharging the separated impurities in a horizontal direction is provided at the top of the sorting device 7. The cover 59 is formed so that an upper end 59c of the cover 59 is positioned above the upper end (imaginary line LL1) of the flow area of ​​the impurities flowing outward from the outlet 14.

[0197] (Correspondence to Claims)-4 With the above configuration, the second conveying device 9 has a lower conveying section 30 extending obliquely upward from the storage section 8, and an upper conveying section 29 extending obliquely upward from the upper end of the lower conveying section 30. The attitude of the upper conveying section 29 relative to the lower conveying section 30 is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section 29 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section 30 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0198] The second conveying device 9 has bottom portions 56, 65, 75 and horizontal portions 34, 35, 36 extending upward from one end and the other end of the bottom portions 56, 65, 75. The horizontal portions 34, 35 have first side walls 41, 43 extending upward from one end and the other end of the bottom portions 56, 65, and second side walls 42, 44 extending upward from the first side walls 41, 43. The second side walls 42, 44 are provided from the storage portion 8 to the connection portion between the lower conveying portion 30 and the upper conveying portion 29.

[0199] Lights 77 and 78 are provided to illuminate the second conveying device 9. The lights 77 and 78 illuminate the connection between the lower conveying section 30 and the upper conveying section 29. A headlight 17 is provided to illuminate the area ahead of the reaping section 3. When the headlight 17 is turned on, the lights 77 and 78 are turned on in conjunction with this.

[0200] The present invention is applicable to sugarcane harvesters.

[0201] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Harvesting section 4 First conveying device 7 Sorting device 8 Storage section 9 Second conveying device 14 Discharge outlet 17 Headlight 25 Outer wall section 27 Spill prevention section 29 Upper conveying section 30 Lower conveying section 33 Horizontal section 34 Horizontal section 35 Horizontal section 36 Horizontal section 41 First side wall 42 Second side wall 42a Lower section (section located below sorting device) (installed section) 42b Upper section (non-installed section) 43 First side wall 44 Second side wall 49 Bottom section 50 Bottom section 56 Bottom section 59 Cover 59c Upper end section 65 Bottom section 75 Bottom section 77 Light 78 Light L1 Distance L2 Distance LL1 Virtual line (upper end section of flow area) P2 Axis (fulcrum)

Claims

1. A sugarcane harvester comprising: a cutting unit that cuts crops in a field; a first conveying device that transports the crops cut by the cutting unit diagonally upward and backward; a sorting device that is provided at the end of the first conveying device and that uses sorting wind to separate and discharge impurities from the crops that fall from the end of the first conveying device; a storage unit that is provided below the sorting device and is capable of receiving and storing the crops that fall from the sorting device; and a second conveying device that extends diagonally upward from the storage unit and is capable of swinging upward about a fulcrum at its starting end, and that transports the crops in the storage unit diagonally upward and discharges them from the end; and a spill prevention unit that is provided on at least one of the storage unit and the second conveying device and is capable of preventing the crops from spilling outside, and that is elastically deformable or displaceable when it comes into contact with the sorting device as the second conveying device is raised.

2. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 1, wherein the spill prevention section is provided between the storage section and the second conveying device, passing through the connection between the storage section and the second conveying device.

3. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the spill prevention section is provided on an outer wall section that surrounds the inside of the storage section and extends upward.

4. A sugarcane harvester as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second conveying device has a bottom and horizontal portions extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom, and the spill prevention portion is provided in a portion of the horizontal portion located below the sorting device and extends upward from the horizontal portion.

5. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 4, wherein in the installation portion on the lateral portion where the anti-spill portion is provided and the non-installation portion on the lateral portion where the anti-spill portion is not provided, the distance from the bottom to the upper end of the installation portion in a direction perpendicular to the bottom is set to be shorter than the distance from the bottom to the upper end of the non-installation portion in a direction perpendicular to the bottom when viewed from the side.

6. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 5, wherein the installation portion is formed so that the upper end of the installation portion is located further laterally outward from the bottom than the upper end of the non-installation portion.

7. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 1, wherein the second conveying device has a bottom portion and lateral portions extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom portion, and a cover that covers the top of the second conveying device is provided at the upper end of the lateral portions.

8. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 7, wherein a discharge outlet for discharging separated impurities in a horizontal direction is provided at the top of the sorting device, and the cover is configured so that the upper end of the cover is positioned higher than the upper end of the flow area of ​​the impurities flowing outward from the discharge outlet.

9. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 1, wherein the second conveying device has a lower conveying section extending diagonally upward from the storage section and an upper conveying section extending diagonally upward from the upper end of the lower conveying section, and the attitude of the upper conveying section relative to the lower conveying section is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section relative to the horizontal plane; the second conveying device has a bottom and horizontal sections extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom, the horizontal sections having first side walls extending upward from one and the other ends of the bottom, and a second side wall extending upward from the first side wall, and the second side wall is provided from the storage section to the connection between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section.

10. A sugarcane harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a light for illuminating the second transport device.

11. A sugarcane harvester as described in claim 10, wherein the second conveying device has a lower conveying section extending diagonally upward from the storage section and an upper conveying section extending diagonally upward from the upper end of the lower conveying section, the attitude of the upper conveying section relative to the lower conveying section is set so that the angle of the upper conveying section relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the lower conveying section relative to the horizontal plane, and the light illuminates the connection between the lower conveying section and the upper conveying section.

12. A sugarcane harvester as claimed in claim 10 or 11, further comprising a headlight for illuminating the area ahead of the harvesting unit, and when the headlight is turned on, the light is turned on in conjunction with the headlight.

13. A sugarcane harvester as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spill prevention part is an elastically deformable rubber plate.

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