Field work machine

Abstract

This field work machine comprises: a work machine body having a machine body 100, first wheels for supporting the machine body 100, a drive source for driving the first wheels, and a work device 5 supported by the machine body 100; and a boarding device 30 having a seat part 32 on which an operator sits, and second wheels 33 that support the seat part 32 and are capable of rotating about an axis A1. The boarding device 30 is positioned farther toward the rear than the work machine body.

Description

Field working machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a field working machine.

[0002] As an example of a field working machine, a walking type rice transplanter is known, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the walking type rice transplanter, a traveling machine body equipped with a seedling planting device is operated by an operator from the rear side. Further, by the operator operating the traveling machine body while walking, seedlings are planted in the field.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-99336

[0004] The walking type rice transplanter disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have a seat for the operator to work while sitting. While the walking type rice transplanter is more compact and more maneuverable than a riding type rice transplanter, since the operator plants seedlings while walking, the working burden on the operator is large in long-term work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a field working machine capable of performing both work while walking and work while sitting.

[0006] A characteristic configuration of the field working machine for achieving the above object includes a working machine main body having a machine body, a first wheel supporting the machine body, a drive source driving the first wheel, and a working device supported by the machine body, a seat on which an operator sits, and a riding device having a second wheel supporting the seat and rotatable around an axis, and the riding device is located at a point behind the working machine main body.

[0007] According to the above characteristic configuration, since the riding device is located behind the working machine main body, the seat is provided at a position where the operator can easily sit. Thereby, since the operator can perform both work while walking and work while sitting, the operator can select an appropriate working method according to the work content.

[0008] Another characteristic configuration of the field working machine according to the present invention is that the working device is located at a point behind the first wheel and behind the front side of the second wheel.

[0009] According to the above-described configuration, since the heaviest working device is positioned between the first and second wheels, the overall weight balance of the field implement is more easily maintained, improving stability during operation.

[0010] Another characteristic configuration of the field implement according to the present invention is that the implement body comprises a float that follows the ground contact of the field surface and a float support frame that supports the float, and the riding device is connected to the float support frame.

[0011] According to the above-described configuration, since the boarding device is connected to the float support frame, the boarding device can easily follow the movement of the float. As a result, the boarding device is less likely to sway up and down due to unevenness in the tilled soil.

[0012] Another characteristic configuration of the field implement according to the present invention is that the riding device is connected to the main body of the implement and includes a connecting frame to which the second wheel can be attached, and the mounting position of the second wheel on the connecting frame is changeable.

[0013] According to the above-described configuration, the mounting position of the second wheel to the connecting frame can be changed, so the position of the second wheel can be changed to an appropriate position according to the work being done.

[0014] Another characteristic feature of the field implement according to the present invention is that it is equipped with a steering device for steering the field implement, and the riding device is inclined toward the steering device.

[0015] According to the above-described configuration, the seating device is inclined toward the steering device, so when the operator sits on the seat, the operator's posture is tilted toward the steering device. As a result, the operator's arms are closer to the steering device, making it easier to operate the steering device.

[0016] Another characteristic feature of the field implement according to the present invention is that the width of the second wheel is smaller than the width of the first wheel.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the second wheel is lighter than the first wheel, which is the drive wheel. This makes it easier for the second wheel to follow the first wheel as it moves.

[0018] Another characteristic feature of the field implement according to the present invention is that the front-to-rear central portion of the seat is located in front of the rotation center of the second wheel.

[0019] According to the above characteristic configuration, the front-to-back center of the seat is located in front of the rotation center of the second wheel, so the weight of the worker when seated on the seat is more likely to be applied to the front of the second wheel. This makes it easier for the second wheel to move forward in conjunction with the rotation of the first wheel.

[0020] This is a left side view showing a walking-type rice transplanter. This is a top view showing a walking-type rice transplanter. This is a left side view showing the boarding device. This is a top view showing the boarding device. This is a rear view showing the boarding device.

[0021] The following description will explain a walking-type rice transplanter, which is an example of a field work machine according to the present invention, based on the drawings. In the following description, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be "forward", the direction of arrow B will be "backward", the direction of arrow U will be "up", the direction of arrow D will be "down", the direction of arrow R will be "right", and the direction of arrow L will be "left".

[0022] This walking-type rice transplanter comprises a workpiece body and a riding device 30 connected to the workpiece body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the riding device 30 is connected to the rear of the workpiece body and is located behind the workpiece body.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the implement body includes a transmission case 1 located in the left and right center of the front of the machine body 100, an engine frame 2 connected to the front of the transmission case 1, an engine 3 (corresponding to the drive source) supported by the engine frame 2, a machine frame 4 connected to the rear of the transmission case 1 and extending toward the rear, a seedling planting device 5 (corresponding to the work device) connected to the rear of the machine frame 4, a spare seedling tray 11 supported by the machine frame 4, and a handle 22 (corresponding to the steering device) for steering the walking-type rice transplanter. In other words, the machine body 100 is composed of the transmission case 1, engine frame 2, engine 3, machine frame 4, etc.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the right support case 6 is connected to the right side of the transmission case 1 and extends towards the rear. The left support case 6 is connected to the left side of the transmission case 1 and extends towards the rear.

[0025] The right wheel 8 (corresponding to the first wheel) for driving is rotatably supported on the right side of the right axle case 7, which is located at the rear of the right support case 6. Similarly, the left wheel 8 (corresponding to the first wheel) for driving is rotatably supported on the left side of the left axle case 7, which is located at the rear of the left support case 6. The left and right wheels 8 support the machine body 100.

[0026] The power from engine 3 is transmitted to the transmission in transmission case 1. The power output from transmission case 1 is transmitted to the left and right axle cases 7, and then from the left and right axle cases 7 to the left and right wheels 8. In other words, engine 3 drives the left and right wheels 8.

[0027] The implement body is located in the left-right center of the machine body 100 and includes a center float 9 (equivalent to a float) that follows the contact with the field surface, and a rod-shaped float support frame 10 that supports the center float 9. The front part of the center float 9 is connected to the lower part of the transmission case 1, and the rear part of the center float 9 is connected to the rear part of the float support frame 10. The rear part of the float support frame 10 extends along the left-right direction of the implement body.

[0028] The seedling planting device 5 includes a feed case, a planting case, a planting arm, and a seedling tray 12, etc. The seedling planting device 5 is supported by the machine body 100. As shown in Figure 1, the seedling planting device 5 is located behind the engine 3.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a pair of left and right support frames 13 are connected to the rear end of the aircraft frame 4. The left and right support frames 13 extend rearward and upward from the rear end of the aircraft frame 4. The lower part of the left support frame 13 is connected to the float support frame 10.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the control panel 20 is supported at the upper ends of the left and right support frames 13. The control panel 20 is equipped with various levers 21 for operating the walking-type rice transplanter.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the handle 22 is connected to the upper ends of the left and right support frames 13. The handle 22 steers the walking-type rice transplanter by switching the travel clutch of the transmission case 1. Although not shown in the figures, the handle 22 has left and right steering levers. When the left steering lever is squeezed, the travel clutch of the transmission case 1 disengages the power transmission from the engine 3 to the left wheel 8. Similarly, when the right steering lever is squeezed, the travel clutch of the transmission case 1 disengages the power transmission from the engine 3 to the right wheel 8. In other words, by squeezing only one of the left or right steering levers, a rotational difference is created between the left and right wheels 8, causing the walking-type rice transplanter to turn in a predetermined direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a seedling tray support frame 14 is supported at the upper and lower intermediate portion of the left and right support frames 13, extending along the left-right direction of the work machine body. The seedling tray support frame 14 supports the seedling tray 12 so that it can slide along the left-right direction of the work machine body.

[0033] [Boarding Device] As shown in Figure 1, the boarding device 30 is configured to allow an operator to board. The boarding device 30 comprises a connecting frame 31 connected to the float support frame 10 (main body of the work machine), a seat 32 on which the operator sits, and wheels 33 (corresponding to the second wheels) that support the seat 32. The boarding device 30 is tilted downwards towards the front. In other words, the boarding device 30 is tilted toward the handle 22. The boarding device 30 is also connected to the float support frame 10 via the connecting frame 31.

[0034] The seedling planting device 5 is located behind the wheels 8, which correspond to the front wheels, and in front of the wheels 33, which correspond to the rear wheels. In other words, the seedling planting device 5 is located in the front-to-back center of the walking-type rice transplanter.

[0035] [Connecting Frame] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the connecting frame 31 extends diagonally upward and backward from the rear of the work machine body, and a wheel 33 is attached to its rear. The connecting frame 31 has a rod-shaped front frame 34 that is connected to the float support frame 10, and a rod-shaped rear frame 35 that is located behind the front frame 34 and to which the wheel 33 can be attached.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front frame 34 is U-shaped in a forward-facing position in plan view. The front frame 34 is sloped downwards towards the front. The front frame 34 is connected to multiple positions on the float support frame 10. The front frame 34 has a rod-shaped front connecting portion 34a that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rear of the front frame 34.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rear frame 35 extends in an S-shape from the rear of the front frame 34 diagonally upward and rearward. Specifically, the rear frame 35 has a first portion 35a extending diagonally upward and rearward from the rear of the front frame 34, a second portion 35b extending parallel to the first portion 35a at a position rearward and spaced upward from the first portion 35a, and a third portion 35c connecting the first portion 35a and the second portion 35b. As shown in Figure 3, the third portion 35c has a larger angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane than the first portion 35a and the second portion 35b.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the rear frame 35 has a rear connecting portion 35d that sandwiches the front connecting portion 34a of the front frame 34 from above and below. The rear connecting portion 35d is U-shaped in a forward-facing position when viewed from the side. The front connecting portion 34a of the front frame 34 and the rear connecting portion 35d of the rear frame 35 are connected by welding.

[0039] Furthermore, a pin 35e extending diagonally downward and rearward from the upper part of the rear connecting portion 35d is inserted through the flange portion 34b extending radially outward from the side surface of the front connecting portion 34a. The pin 35e is located on the front side of the front connecting portion 34a of the front frame 34 and extends along the front connecting portion 34a.

[0040] [Seat portion] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the seating surface of the seat portion 32 extends in a downwardly inclined manner. Also, the front and rear central portion of the seat portion 32 is located on the front side of the rotation center C of the wheel 33. The seat portion 32 has a rod-shaped seat frame 32a that extends obliquely downward and rearward from the seat portion 32.

[0041] [Wheel] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wheel 33 is rotatable left and right around the axis A1. Also, the wheel 33 is a driven wheel that rotates around the axis A2 extending along the left-right direction of the riding device 30 with the rotation center C. The wheel 33 is made of metal. Without being limited to this, the wheel 33 may be composed of a rubber-made main body portion and a plurality of wheel lugs provided along the circumferential direction of the main body portion and extending radially outward of the main body portion.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the left-right width of the wheel 33 is smaller than the left-right width of the wheel 8 which is a driving wheel. The wheel 33 is located at the left and right center of the walking type rice transplanter. In FIG. 5, the wheel 8 is shown by a two-dot chain line. Also, the wheel 33 is at a position overlapping with the axis A1 in a rear view.

[0043] In FIG. 3, a line L1 extending vertically through the rotation center C of the wheel 33 is shown. The wheel 33 has a wheel frame 33a that extends obliquely upward and forward from the rotation center C.

[0044] The wheel frame 33a is a downward U-shape that covers the wheel 33 from above. The lower portion of the seat frame 32a is connected to the wheel frame 33a by bolts.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the axis A1 extends obliquely upward and forward of the walking type rice transplanter. That is, due to the angle θ1 (caster angle) formed by the axis A1 and the line L1, the impact transmitted to the operator sitting on the seat portion 32 when the wheel 33 contacts a stone or the like is reduced compared to the configuration where the axis A1 extends along the vertical direction.

[0046] In FIG. 3, a grounding point P1, which is the intersection of the line L1 and the tillage plow G of the field, is shown. The distance (caster trail amount) between the grounding point P1 and the intersection of the axis A1 and the tillage plow G is smaller than in the configuration where the axis A1 extends along the vertical direction. As a result, when the walking-type rice transplanter turns, the wheels 33 can easily rotate around the axis A1, so that the walking-type rice transplanter can easily turn with the operator seated on the seat portion 32.

[0047] 〔Regarding the change in the mounting position of the wheels〕 As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting position of the wheels 33 with respect to the connecting frame 31 can be changed. In the present embodiment, the mounting position of the wheels 33 with respect to the connecting frame 31 can be changed back and forth. Specifically, the rear frame 35 has a first mounting portion 35f to which the wheels 33 can be mounted and a second mounting portion 35g that is located on the rear side of the first mounting portion 35f and to which the wheels 33 can be mounted. In FIG. 3, a second state S2 in which the wheels 33 are mounted on the second mounting portion 35g is shown by a solid line. Also, a first state S1 in which the wheels 33 are mounted on the first mounting portion 35f is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0048] The first mounting portion 35f and the second mounting portion 35g are cylindrical. The upper end portion of the wheel frame 33a is inserted into the first mounting portion 35f or the second mounting portion 35g and fixed to the first mounting portion 35f or the second mounting portion 35g by bolts.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 3, the wheels 33 are mounted on the second mounting portion 35g. By changing the mounting position of the wheel frame 33a from the second mounting portion 35g to the first mounting portion 35f, the position of the wheels 33 is changed to the front side and the lower side than in the second state S2. As a result, the axial distance (wheelbase) between the wheels 8 and the wheels 33 becomes smaller than in the second state S2, so that the walking-type rice transplanter can easily make a small turn when turning. Also, the position of the seat portion 32 is changed to a position closer to the handle 22.

[0050] On the other hand, by changing the mounting position of the wheel frame 33a from the first mounting part 35f to the second mounting part 35g, the position of the wheel 33 is changed to be further rearward and higher than in the first state S1. As a result, the distance between the axles of the wheel 8 and the wheel 33 (wheelbase) becomes larger than in the first state S1, so the wheel 33 is less likely to swing from side to side when the walking-type rice transplanter is moving in a straight line. Therefore, the straight-line stability of the walking-type rice transplanter is improved.

[0051] [Alternative Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, it may be configured as in the following alternative embodiments. In the alternative embodiments described below, components identical to those in the embodiments are denoted by the same numbers and reference numerals as in the embodiments described above.

[0052] [1] In the above embodiment, the boarding device 30 is connected to the float support frame 10. However, the boarding device 30 may be connected to other parts of the work machine body, such as the support frame 13.

[0053] [2] In the above-described embodiment, the boarding device 30 is inclined downwards towards the front. However, the boarding device 30 may also have a connecting frame 31 or a seat portion 32 that extends horizontally.

[0054] [3] In the above-described embodiment, the seat portion 32 is connected to the wheel 33. However, the seat portion 32 may also be attached to the connecting frame 31. In other words, the wheel 33 may support the seat portion 32 via the connecting frame 31.

[0055] [4] In the above-described embodiment, the rear frame 35 has a first mounting portion 35f and a second mounting portion 35g. However, the rear frame 35 may have only one mounting portion. In other words, the mounting position of the wheel 33 to the connecting frame 31 does not need to be changeable in the front-rear and rear directions. Alternatively, the mounting position of the wheel 33 to the connecting frame 31 may be configured to be changeable in the front-rear and rear directions and left-right directions.

[0056] [5] In the above-described embodiment, the walking-type rice transplanter is steered by the handle 22. However, the walking-type rice transplanter may be steered by a steering wheel instead of the handle 22. In this case, the walking-type rice transplanter may be equipped with a power steering mechanism as the drive shaft of the steering wheel. Alternatively, the driving force of the drive shaft of the steering wheel may be transmitted to the wheel 8 or wheel 33 via a relay member by a pitman arm structure, thereby steering the wheel 8 or wheel 33.

[0057] [6] In the above-described embodiment, the work machine body is equipped with a center float 9. However, the work machine body may also be equipped with side floats located to the left and right of the machine body 100, in addition to the center float 9. In this case, the rear of the side floats is connected to the rear of the float support frame 10.

[0058] [7] In the above embodiment, the walking-type rice transplanter is driven and moved by the engine 3. However, the implement body may also include a battery, an electric motor, and an inverter that converts DC power from the battery into AC power and supplies it to the electric motor. In other words, the left and right wheels 8 may be driven by the electric motor. The riding device 30 may also include pedals, and a drive chain may be provided between the pedals and the wheels 33. In this case, the pedals may be used as a drive source, and the wheels 33 may be driven by the pedals being rotated manually.

[0059] Furthermore, the walking-type rice transplanter may include an electric motor as a first drive source, a battery, an inverter that converts DC power from the battery into AC power and supplies it to the electric motor, and a pedal as a second drive source. In this case, the walking-type rice transplanter may be driven and moved by the first and second drive sources. In other words, the walking-type rice transplanter may be a system that combines the two drive sources. In this embodiment, the second drive source may be used as the main drive source for moving the walking-type rice transplanter, and the first drive source may be used to provide assistance when auxiliary assistance is needed. Alternatively, the first drive source (engine 3, electric motor, etc.) may be used as the main drive source for movement, and the second drive source (pedal) may also be used when strong torque is needed in heavily wet fields, etc. This improves the energy efficiency of the first drive source, and by using the second drive source in combination, it becomes possible to use a relatively lighter first drive source, thereby reducing the weight of the implement body. In this embodiment, the control panel 20 may be equipped with an operating terminal (adjustment unit) capable of adjusting the output of the first drive source, or it may be equipped with a notification device (notification unit) that indicates the current output value. Alternatively, these adjustment units and notification units may be provided separately as terminals on the handle 22, which is closer to the operator.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive source, such as the engine 3 or electric motor, may be located behind the seedling planting device 5.

[0061] [8] The front-to-rear center of the seat 32 may be located above the rotation center C of the wheel 33 in a side view. In other words, the seat 32 is located directly above the rotation center C of the wheel 33. This makes it easier for the worker's weight to be applied to the wheel 33 when the worker sits on the seat 32, and makes it easier for the wheel 33 to be pressed against the tilling pan G. Also, because the front-to-rear center of the seat 32 is located near directly above the rotation center C of the wheel 33, the front-to-rear distance from the rotation center C to the seat 32 in a plan view is reduced. This makes it less likely for the wheel 33 to sway from side to side around the axis A1 due to shaking during travel. Therefore, the straight-line stability of the walking-type rice transplanter is improved. The front-to-rear center of the seat 32 may also be located behind the rotation center C of the wheel 33.

[0062] [9] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, insofar as they do not cause a contradiction, and the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the object of the present invention.

[0063] This invention can be applied to field implements.

[0064] 5: Seedling planting device (working device) 8: Wheel (first wheel) 9: Center float (float) 10: Float support frame 22: Handle (steering device) 30: Boarding device 31: Connecting frame 32: Seat 33: Wheel (second wheel) 100: Body A1: Axle C: Center of rotation

Claims

1. A field implement comprising: a work implement body having a machine body, a first wheel supporting the machine body, a drive source for driving the first wheel, and a work device supported by the machine body; and a riding device having a seat on which an operator sits, and a second wheel supporting the seat and rotatable around an axis, wherein the riding device is located behind the work implement body.

2. The field implement according to claim 1, wherein the work device is located behind the first wheel and in front of the second wheel.

3. The field implement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the implement body comprises a float that follows the ground contact of the field surface and a float support frame that supports the float, and the riding device is connected to the float support frame.

4. The field implement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the riding device is connected to the main body of the implement and comprises a connecting frame to which the second wheel can be attached, and the mounting position of the second wheel with respect to the connecting frame is changeable.

5. A field implement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the field implement is equipped with a steering device for steering the field implement, and the riding device is inclined toward the steering device.

6. The field implement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the second wheel is smaller than the width of the first wheel.

7. The field implement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the front-to-rear central portion of the seat is located in front of the rotation center of the second wheel.

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