Field work machine and boarding device

Abstract

This field work machine includes: a work machine body having a machine body 100, a first wheel 8 supporting the machine body 100, and a work device 5 supported by the machine body 100; a boarding device 30 having a seat part 31 on which the worker sits, and a second wheel 32 supporting the seat part 31 and rotatable around a vertical shaft core; and a travel operation tool 33 provided in the work machine body or the boarding device 30 and serving to steer the work device 5.

Description

Field work machines and riding devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a field work machine and a riding device.

[0002] As a field work machine, for example, a walk-behind rice transplanter, which is an example of a walk-behind work machine, is known, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. With a walk-behind rice transplanter, an operator plants seedlings in a field by gripping a handle provided at the rear of the machine and operating the walk-behind rice transplanter while walking.

[0003] A technology is disclosed for this walk-behind rice transplanter in which a seat on which an operator sits is connected to the rear of the machine body.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-99336

[0005] Generally, the handle of a walk-behind rice transplanter does not have the function of steering the wheels. Therefore, when turning, the operator holding the handle and walking behind the walk-behind rice transplanter disengages the clutch of the wheel on the inside of the turn and applies force to the handle in the direction of the outside of the turn to turn the machine.

[0006] However, when a seat is provided on the walk-behind rice transplanter described in Patent Document 1, the operator is seated on the seat and is unable to apply force to the handle in the outward direction of the turn, so turning is performed only by operating the clutch. As a result, for example, the turning radius becomes large, making it difficult for the operator to turn properly while remaining seated.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a field work machine that allows an operator to turn appropriately while sitting on it.

[0008] The characteristic configuration of a field work machine for achieving the above-mentioned object is that it comprises a work machine main body having a machine body, a first wheel that supports the machine body, and a work device supported on the machine body, a boarding device having a seat on which an operator sits and a second wheel that supports the seat and is rotatable around a vertical axis, and a steering operating device that is provided on the work machine main body or the boarding device and that steers the work device.

[0009] According to the above characteristic configuration, when an operator performs a turning operation while sitting on the seat, the second wheel provided on the boarding device can rotate around the vertical axis, allowing for more appropriate turning compared to a configuration in which turning is performed by clutch operation only.

[0010] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the riding device has a handle for steering the second wheel as the steering operation tool.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned characteristic configuration, when the operator performs a turning operation while sitting on the seat, the operator can steer the second wheel using the handle provided on the boarding device, which allows for more appropriate turning compared to a configuration in which turning is performed only by operating the clutch.

[0012] Another characteristic configuration of the field work machine of the present invention is that the boarding device is located rearward of the work machine body, the handle is supported so as to be rotatable around a first vertical axis, the second wheel is rotatable around a second vertical axis which also serves as the vertical axis, and the boarding device has an inversion mechanism which rotates the second wheel in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the handle.

[0013] The second wheel of the riding device is located rearward of the first wheel of the work machine body. In this case, when performing a turning operation, the operator needs to rotate the second wheel in the opposite direction to the turning direction of the field work machine. This operation can easily cause the operator sitting on the seat to lose balance when performing a turning operation. According to the above characteristic configuration, the operator can use the reversing mechanism to turn the handle in the direction in which he or she wants to turn the field work machine, thereby rotating the second wheel in the opposite direction to the turning direction of the handle. This makes it less likely that the operator will lose balance when performing a turning operation while sitting on the seat. Therefore, it is easier for the operator to perform a turning operation while sitting on the seat.

[0014] Another characteristic configuration of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the reversing mechanism comprises a first link member connected to the handle and rotatable about the first vertical axis, a second link member connected to the second wheel and rotatable about the second vertical axis, and a connecting member connecting the first link member and the second link member, and when the first link member is rotated to one side, the second link member is rotated by the connecting member in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member, and the second wheel is rotated about the second vertical axis to a side different from the rotation direction of the handle.

[0015] According to the above characteristic configuration, when the operator turns the handle in the direction in which he or she wants to turn the field work machine, the first link member is rotated in the same direction as the handle's rotation. The second link is rotated in the opposite direction to the first link member's rotation. This allows the operator to use the reversing mechanism to rotate the second wheel in the opposite direction to the handle's rotation. This makes it less likely that the operator will lose balance when performing a swing operation while sitting on the seat.

[0016] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the riding device has a cover member that covers the top and side surfaces of at least the upper portion of the second wheel.

[0017] According to the above characteristic configuration, the cover member covers the top surface and side surfaces of at least the upper portion of the second wheel, making it less likely that the feet of an operator seated on the seat of the boarding device will come into contact with the second wheel.

[0018] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the riding device has left and right foot rests provided near the center of rotation of the second wheel.

[0019] According to the above characteristic configuration, an operator seated on the seat of the riding device can place his / her feet on the footrest, making it easier for the operator to operate the field work machine while sitting on the seat.

[0020] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the axles that support the second wheels so that they can rotate freely protrude to the left and right, and the protruding parts of the axles form the footrests.

[0021] According to the above characteristic configuration, the protruding portion of the axle of the second wheel serves as the footrest, so that the footrest can be provided while minimizing the number of additional parts.

[0022] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that the second wheel is supported rotatably about the vertical axis located forward of the center of rotation of the second wheel.

[0023] According to the above characteristic configuration, the upper and lower axes are located forward of the center of rotation of the second wheel, so when the second wheel is steered, the part located forward of the center of rotation of the second wheel is less likely to sway from side to side.

[0024] Another characteristic feature of the field work machine according to the present invention is that it further comprises a link mechanism below the work device that connects the machine body and the riding device, the link mechanism having an upper link that can swing around an axis that runs along the left-right direction of the machine body, and a lower link that is located below the upper link and can swing around an axis that runs along the left-right direction of the machine body.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned characteristic configuration, the machine body and the riding device are connected by a link mechanism so that they can swing up and down. This makes it difficult for vertical vibrations of the machine body to be transmitted to the riding device when the first wheels of the machine body go over steps or other obstacles in the field. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the field work machine while sitting on the seat.

[0026] The characteristic configuration of the boarding device for achieving the above-mentioned object is that it is a boarding device that is connected to a walk-behind working machine that has a body, a first wheel that supports the body, and a working device supported on the body, and that has a seat on which the worker sits, and a second wheel that is supported so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis.

[0027] According to the above characteristic configuration, when a worker performs a turning operation while sitting on the seat, the second wheel provided on the boarding device can rotate around the vertical axis, allowing the walk-behind work machine to turn appropriately.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a left side view showing the rice transplanter. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the rice transplanter. Fig. 3 is a left side view showing the riding device. Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the riding device. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the reversing mechanism for the straight traveling position. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the reversing mechanism for the left turning position. Fig. 7 is a left side view showing another example of the rice transplanter.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a side view of a rice transplanter, which is an example of a field work machine of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the rice transplanter. In each figure, F indicates the front direction, B indicates the rear direction, U indicates the up direction, D indicates the down direction, R indicates the right direction, and L indicates the left direction.

[0030] This rice transplanter comprises a work machine body (corresponding to a walk-behind work machine) and a riding device 30 connected to the work machine body.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work machine body has a configuration in which the handle has been removed from a conventional walk-behind rice transplanter. A specific description will be given below. A transmission case 1 is provided in the center of the front of the machine body 100, and an engine 3 is supported on an engine frame 2 connected to the front of the transmission case 1. A machine frame 4 is connected to the rear of the transmission case 1 and extends rearward, and a seedling planting device 5 (corresponding to a work device) is connected to the rear of the machine frame 4, and a spare seedling tray 15 is supported on the machine frame 4. In other words, the machine body 100 is made up of the transmission case 1, engine frame 2, engine 3, machine frame 4, etc.

[0032] 1 and 2 , a right (left) support case 7 is supported so as to be swingable up and down around a first horizontal axis P1 in the left-right direction on the right (left) part of the transmission case 1, and extends rearward. A right wheel 8 (corresponding to the first wheel) for running is rotatably supported on the right part of the axle case 7a at the rear of the right support case 7, and a left wheel 8 (corresponding to the first wheel) for running is rotatably supported on the left part of the axle case 7a at the rear of the left support case 7. In other words, the left and right wheels 8 support the vehicle body 100.

[0033] The power of the engine 3 is transmitted to a transmission in the transmission case 1. The power output from the transmission case 1 is transmitted to the left and right axle cases 7a. The power output from the axle cases 7a is transmitted to the left and right wheels 8.

[0034] The work machine body also includes a center float 9 and left and right side floats 10 .

[0035] The seedling planting device 5 includes a feed case, a planting case, a planting arm, and a seedling tray 14. The seedling planting device 5 is supported by a machine body 100.

[0036] 1 and 2, a pair of left and right support frames 17 are connected to the rear end of the body frame 4. The left and right support frames 17 extend rearward and upward from the rear end of the body frame 4.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an operation panel 20 is supported on the upper ends of the left and right support frames 17. The operation panel 20 is provided so that the left-right center of the operation panel 20 is located to one side of the left-right center of the machine body 100 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the left-right center of the operation panel 20 is provided so that it is located to the right of the left-right center of the machine body 100. The operation panel 20 is provided with various lever operating devices for operating the walk-behind rice transplanter. In this embodiment, three lever operating devices, lever 21a, lever 21b, and lever 21c, are provided.

[0038] 1 and 2, seedling tray support frames 18 extending in the width direction of the machine body are supported at the upper and lower midpoints of the left and right support frames 17. The seedling tray support frames 18 support the seedling trays 14 so that they can slide in the width direction (left and right direction) of the machine body.

[0039] 3 and 4, the boarding device 30 is connected to the walk-behind working machine. The boarding device 30 has a seat 31 on which the worker sits, wheels 32 (corresponding to second wheels) that support the seat 31, a handle 33 (corresponding to a steering tool) that steers the wheels 32, a pair of left and right frame sections 34, a cover member 36 that covers the top and side surfaces of at least the upper portions 32a of the wheels 32, and left and right foot rests 37 provided near the center of rotation C1 of the wheels 32. The boarding device 30 is located rearward of the working machine body.

[0040] The left and right frame portions 34 are connected at their front ends and at their rear ends. The frame portions 34 have a first portion 34a extending in the vertical direction and a second portion 34b extending rearward from the upper end of the first portion 34a. The first portion 34a extends obliquely upward and rearward from the front end of the frame portions 34. The second portion 34b extends horizontally from the rear end of the first portion 34a.

[0041] The seat portion 31 is supported by the second portion 34b of the frame portion 34. The handle 33 is connected to the second portion 34b of the frame portion 34.

[0042] 3 and 4, the handlebars 33 are located in front of the seat 31. The handlebars 33 include left and right handlebars 33a, left and right steering levers 33b that can be swung up and down, and steering cables that extend between the transmission case 1 and the steering levers 33b.

[0043] The handlebar 33a extends laterally outward from the boarding device 30 in a plan view, and then extends toward the rear of the boarding device 30.

[0044] The left and right steering levers 33b are provided below the left and right handlebars 33a. Specifically, the left steering lever 33b is provided below the left handlebar 33a. The right steering lever 33b is provided below the right handlebar 33a.

[0045] When the left steering lever 33b is gripped and swung upward, the driving clutch of the transmission case 1 releases the power transmission from the engine 3 to the left wheel 8.

[0046] Furthermore, when the right steering lever 33b is gripped and swung upward, the driving clutch of the transmission case 1 releases the power transmission from the engine 3 to the right wheel 8.

[0047] In other words, when only one of the left and right steering levers 33b is swung upward, a difference in rotation occurs between the left and right wheels 8, causing the rice transplanter to turn in a predetermined direction.

[0048] [Wheels] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, wheels 32 are provided below the frame portion 34. The wheels 32 are located below the handle 33. The wheels 32 are supported by axles 32b extending in the left-right direction so as to be freely rotatable. The wheels 32 are supported by the frame portion 34 so as to be rotatable about second vertical axes A2 (corresponding to the vertical axes). In contrast, the handle 33 is supported by the frame portion 34 so as to be rotatable about a first vertical axis A1. The first vertical axis A1 is located forward of the second vertical axis A2. In other words, the first vertical axis A1 is located at a different position from the second vertical axis A2.

[0049] 3 and 4, the upper portion 32a of the wheel 32 is the portion above the center of rotation C1 of the wheel 32. The cover member 36 has a plate-shaped upper plate 36a that covers the top surface of the upper portion 32a, and plate-shaped left and right side plates 36b that cover the side surfaces of the upper portion 32a.

[0050] The right side plate 36b extends downward from the right end of the upper plate 36a and is located to the right of the upper portion 32a of the wheel 32.

[0051] The left side plate 36b extends downward from the left end of the upper plate 36a and is located to the left of the upper portion 32a of the wheel 32.

[0052] 3 and 4, the axle 32b protrudes to the left and right, and the protruding portions of the axle 32b form the footrests 37. Specifically, the left footrest 37 protrudes from the axle 32b to the left outer side of the riding device 30. The right footrest 37 protrudes from the axle 32b to the right outer side of the riding device 30.

[0053] The footrest 37 is provided along the rotation center C1 of the wheel 32. That is, as shown in FIG.

[0054] 3, the boarding device 30 is supported via a link mechanism 22 on the lower portion of the seedling tray support frame 18 on the left and right support frames 17 of the machine body 100. In other words, the rice transplanter is provided with a link mechanism 22 that connects the machine body 100 and the boarding device 30 below the seedling planting device 5.

[0055] The link mechanism 22 has left and right upper links 22a and left and right lower links 22b.

[0056] The upper link 22a extends along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 100. The upper link 22a is swingable about an axis that is aligned with the left-right direction of the vehicle body 100. Specifically, the front portion of the left upper link 22a is swingably connected to the left support frame 17 about a second horizontal axis P2 that is located midway up and down. In addition, the front portion of the right upper link 22a is swingably connected to the right support frame 17 about a second horizontal axis P2 that is located midway up and down.

[0057] The rear portion of the left upper link 22a is connected to the first portion 34a of the left frame portion 34 so as to be swingable about the third horizontal axis P3. The rear portion of the right upper link 22a is connected to the first portion 34a of the right frame portion 34 so as to be swingable about the third horizontal axis P3.

[0058] The lower link 22b extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 100. The lower link 22b is located lower than the upper link 22a and is swingable about an axis that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body 100. Specifically, the front portion of the left lower link 22b is swingably connected to the left support frame 17 about a fourth horizontal axis P4 that is located midway up and down. The front portion of the right lower link 22b is swingably connected to the right support frame 17 about a fourth horizontal axis P4 that is located midway up and down.

[0059] The rear portion of the left lower link 22b is pivotally connected about a fifth horizontal axis P5 located at the first portion 34a of the left frame portion 34. The rear portion of the right lower link 22b is pivotally connected about a fifth horizontal axis P5 located at the first portion 34a of the right frame portion 34.

[0060] 1 and 3, when the ground contact height of the left and right wheels 8 of the vehicle body 100 is the same as the ground contact height of the wheels 32 of the boarding device 30, the link mechanism 22 is in the lowered position. In the lowered position of the link mechanism 22, the upper link 22a and the lower link 22b extend horizontally.

[0061] Although not shown, when the rice transplanter goes over a step in a field, the ground contact height of the left and right wheels 8 of the machine body 100 becomes higher than the ground contact height of the wheels 32 of the boarding device 30. In this case, the link mechanism 22 moves from the lowered position to the raised position. When the link mechanism 22 is in the raised position, the upper link 22a and the lower link 22b extend diagonally downward and rearward from the support frame 17. The weight of the machine body 100 causes the link mechanism 22 to move from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0062] [Reversal Mechanism] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the boarding device 30 has a reversal mechanism 35 that rotates the wheels 32 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the handle 33 is rotated.

[0063] The reversal mechanism 35 comprises a first link member 35a connected to the handle 33, a second link member 35b connected to the wheel 32, a connecting member 35c connecting the first link member 35a and the second link member 35b, and a groove-like portion 35d provided in the second link member 35b and along which the connecting member 35c is guided.

[0064] The first link member 35a is an arm-shaped member extending along the front-rear direction of the boarding device 30. The first link member 35a is rotatable about a first vertical axis A1. Specifically, the front end of the first link member 35a is rotatable about the first vertical axis A1. The rear end of the first link member 35a is connected to the second link member 35b by a connecting member 35c.

[0065] The second link member 35b is an arm-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction of the boarding device 30. The second link member 35b is rotatable about a second vertical axis A2. Specifically, the rear end of the second link member 35b is rotatable about the second vertical axis A2.

[0066] The connecting member 35c is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. The groove-shaped portion 35d is a groove-shaped portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the second link member 35b. The connecting member 35c penetrates the groove-shaped portion 35d. The connecting member 35c is movable along the groove-shaped portion 35d in the longitudinal direction of the second link member 35b.

[0067] [Movement of the reversing mechanism by steering the handle] As shown in Figure 5, when the rice transplanter travels straight, the reversing mechanism 35 assumes a straight-ahead position in which the first link member 35a and the second link member 35b are aligned in the same straight line. In the straight-ahead position, the connecting member 35c is located at the rear end of the groove-shaped portion 35d.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, when the handle 33 is rotated counterclockwise around the first vertical axis A1 while the rice transplanter is moving straight, the first link member 35a is rotated counterclockwise from its straight-ahead position. The connecting member 35c is rotated counterclockwise in conjunction with the rotation of the first link member 35a. The connecting member 35c also moves from the rear end of the grooved portion 35d toward the front end of the grooved portion 35d. The movement of the grooved portion 35d causes the second link member 35b to rotate clockwise from its straight-ahead position. As a result, the wheel 32 is rotated clockwise around the second vertical axis A2 by the second link member 35b.

[0069] When the connecting member 35c comes into contact with the front end of the groove-shaped portion 35d and stops, the first link member 35a and the second link member 35b assume a left-turning position in which they extend in perpendicular directions when the rice transplanter turns left.

[0070] Although not shown, when the handle 33 is rotated clockwise around the first vertical axis A1 while the rice transplanter is moving straight, the first link member 35a is rotated clockwise from its straight-ahead position. The connecting member 35c is rotated clockwise in conjunction with the rotation of the first link member 35a. The connecting member 35c also moves from the rear end of the grooved portion 35d toward the front end of the grooved portion 35d. As the grooved portion 35d moves, the second link member 35b is rotated counterclockwise from its straight-ahead position. As a result, the wheel 32 is rotated counterclockwise around the second vertical axis A2 by the second link member 35b.

[0071] When the connecting member 35c comes into contact with the front end of the groove-shaped portion 35d and stops, the first link member 35a and the second link member 35b assume a right-turning position in which they extend in perpendicular directions when the rice transplanter turns right.

[0072] With the above configuration, the wheel 32 rotates around the second vertical axis A2 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the handle 33. Furthermore, by rotating the first link member 35a to one side, the second link member 35b is rotated by the connecting member 35c in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member 35a. As a result, when the rice transplanter turns, the wheel 32 is steered in a predetermined direction, which makes it possible to reduce the turning radius of the rice transplanter compared to when the wheel 32 is not steered. In other words, the seedling planting device 5 is steered and operated by the handle 33.

[0073] [Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the present invention may be configured as in the following other embodiments. In the other embodiments described below, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same numbers and symbols as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0074] [1] As shown in Figure 7, the work machine body may be provided with a handle 6 (corresponding to a steering device) for steering the seedling planting device 5 by switching the travel clutch of the transmission case 1. In this case, the boarding device 30 may not be provided with a handle 33 for steering the wheels 32 and a reversing mechanism 35. In other words, the boarding device 30 may be configured so that the wheels 32 can freely rotate around the vertical axis (second vertical axis A2).

[0075] [2] In the above-described embodiment, the second vertical axis A2 on which the wheel 32 is supported is located at approximately the same position as the center of rotation C1 of the wheel 32 in the front-rear direction. However, as shown in Fig. 7, if the boarding device 30 does not include a handle 33, the wheel 32 may be supported by the second vertical axis A2 located forward of the center of rotation C1 of the wheel 32. In this case, the left and right arm members connecting the wheel 32 and the second portion 34b of the frame portion 34 may extend obliquely forward and forward from the axle 32b of the wheel 32 and then extend upward.

[0076] [3] In the above-described embodiment, the cover member 36 covers the upper surface and side surfaces of the upper portion 32a of the wheel 32. However, the cover member 36 may cover not only the upper surface and the upper portion 32a of the wheel 32, but also the portion of the wheel 32 below the center of rotation C1.

[0077] [4] In the above-described embodiment, the footrests 37 are provided along the rotation center C1 of the wheels 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tip portions of the footrests 37 may be positioned away from the rotation center C1 of the wheels 32. For example, the left and right footrests 37 may be bent downward from the axles 32b and then bent outward to the left and right of the riding device 30. Alternatively, the footrests 37 may extend significantly forward and backward from the axles 32b. This prevents the riding comfort from being adversely affected by the height of the operator. Alternatively, a mechanism may be provided that allows the extension of the footrests 37 to be adjusted forward and backward or outward to the left and right.

[0078] [5] In this application, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, the operation of the handle 33 of a walk-behind rice transplanter has been described as the basis, but this is not limiting. For example, the rice transplanter may be provided with a steering wheel instead of the above-mentioned handle 33. In this case, the rice transplanter may be provided with a power steering mechanism as the drive shaft of the steering wheel, or may be configured such that the driving force of the drive shaft of the steering wheel is transmitted to the wheels 8 or 32 via a relay member via a pitman arm structure below, allowing the wheels 8 or 32 to be steered.

[0079] [6] The center float 9 or the side float 10 may be provided with an unevenness detector that detects unevenness in the field. In this case, the unevenness detector may be linked to the link mechanism 22 to automatically adjust the working (planting) height of the seedling planting device 5. As a specific example of the link mechanism, a hydraulic valve may be provided to detect the detection results of the unevenness detector and control the elevation of the link mechanism 22. Alternatively, tension may be generated in a wire or the like using a solenoid or electric motor to directly elevate and lower the link mechanism 22.

[0080] Furthermore, one of the main purposes of the link mechanism 22 is to absorb shock to the boarding device 30, but in addition to the link mechanism 22, the rice transplanter may also be provided with a spring mechanism between the link mechanism 22 and the machine body 100, or between the link mechanism 22 and the boarding device 30. Instead of the link mechanism 22, the machine body 100 and the boarding device 30 may be connected by a spring mechanism.

[0081] [7] In the above-described embodiment, the rice transplanter is driven and moved by the engine 3. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the foot rest 37 may be pedal-shaped. In this case, a drive chain may be provided between the wheels 32 and the foot rest 37, and the wheels 32 may be driven by using the foot rest 37 as a drive source.

[0082] The rice transplanter may also include a first drive source, such as the engine 3 or an electric motor, and a pedal-like footrest 37 as a second drive source. In this case, the rice transplanter is driven and moved by the first and second drive sources. That is, the rice transplanter may be configured with a combination of two drive sources. In this embodiment, the second drive source may serve as the main drive source used to move the rice transplanter, with the first drive source providing assistance when auxiliary assistance is required. Alternatively, the first drive source (engine 3, motor, etc.) may be the main drive source used for movement, and the second drive source may also be used when high torque is required in heavily soiled rice fields, etc. This improves the energy fuel efficiency of the first drive source, and using the second drive source in combination allows for the use of a relatively lighter first drive source, thereby reducing the weight of the work machine itself. In this embodiment, the operation panel 20 may include an operation terminal (adjustment unit) capable of adjusting the output of the first drive source, and an alarm device (alert unit) that displays the current output value. Furthermore, these adjustment units and notification units may be provided as separate terminals on the handle 33 closer to the operator.

[0083] [8] In the above-described embodiment, the handle 33 steers the wheels 32. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the handle 33 may steer the wheels 8. In this case, the work machine body may be provided with the handle 33. In this embodiment, the handle 33 extends from the work machine body toward the seat 31. If there is a distance between the work machine body and the seat 31, the handle 33 may be adjustable to extend and retract in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the handle 33 may be operated by the operator via another member. In this case, the second vertical axis A2 is located forward of the seat 31, and the handle 33 swings the work machine body around the second vertical axis A2.

[0084] [9] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to walk-behind rice transplanters and other walk-behind work machines, but can also be applied to ride-on rice transplanters, ride-on seed sowing machines, and other work machines.

[0086] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Machine body 5: Seedling planting device (working device) 6: Handle (steering operation device) 8: Wheel (first wheel) 22: Link mechanism 22a: Upper link 22b: Lower link 30: Boarding device 31: Seat 32: Wheel (second wheel) 32a: Upper portion 32b: Axle 33: Handle (steering operation device) 35: Reversing mechanism 35a: First link member 35b: Second link member 35c: Connecting member 36: Cover member 37: Footrest A1: First vertical axis A2: Second vertical axis (vertical axis) C1: Center of rotation

Claims

1. A field work machine comprising: a work machine body having a machine body, a first wheel supporting the machine body, and a work device supported on the machine body; a boarding device having a seat on which an operator sits and a second wheel supporting the seat and rotatable around a vertical axis; and a steering device provided on the work machine body or the boarding device for steering the work device.

2. A field work machine according to claim 1, wherein the riding device has a handle for steering the second wheel as the steering operation tool.

3. A field work machine as described in claim 2, wherein the boarding device is located rearward of the work machine body, the handle is supported so as to be rotatable about a first vertical axis, the second wheel is rotatable about a second vertical axis which serves as the vertical axis, and the boarding device has an inversion mechanism which rotates the second wheel in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the handle.

4. A field work machine as described in claim 3, wherein the reversing mechanism comprises a first link member connected to the handle and rotatable about the first vertical axis, a second link member connected to the second wheel and rotatable about the second vertical axis, and a connecting member connecting the first link member and the second link member, and when the first link member is rotated to one side, the second link member is rotated by the connecting member in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member, and the second wheel is rotated about the second vertical axis in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the handle.

5. A field work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the riding device has a cover member that covers the top and side surfaces of at least the upper portion of the second wheel.

6. A field work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the riding device has left and right foot rests provided near the center of rotation of the second wheel.

7. A field work machine according to claim 6, wherein the axle supporting the second wheel so as to be able to rotate freely protrudes to the left and right, and the protruding portion of the axle forms the footrest.

8. A field work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second wheel is supported rotatably around the vertical axis located forward of the center of rotation of the second wheel.

9. A field work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a link mechanism below the work device that connects the machine body and the riding device, the link mechanism having an upper link that can swing around an axis that runs along the left-right direction of the machine body, and a lower link that is positioned below the upper link and can swing around an axis that runs along the left-right direction of the machine body.

10. A boarding device that is connected to a walk-behind working machine having a body, a first wheel that supports the body, and a working device supported on the body, the boarding device having a seat on which an operator sits, and a second wheel that is supported so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis.

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