JP7531389B2 - Sugarcane harvester - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sugarcane harvester that harvests sugarcane from a field.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sugarcane harvester is provided with a cutting device in the reaping section, and as the machine moves forward, the base of the crop in the field is cut by the cutting device, and the crop is then harvested by the reaping section.

The cutting device is configured so that left and right drive shafts extend downward from an upper drive case, and left and right rotary blades are supported at the bottom of the left and right drive shafts, and the rotary blades are rotated by the drive shafts. As the machine moves forward, the base of the crop is introduced between the left and right rotary blades and cut.

JP 2008-5715 A

In order for sugarcane harvesters to harvest crops without waste, it is necessary to cut the part of the crop close to the field surface at the base of the plant. Therefore, in the cutting device, a drive shaft extends downward from the drive case, and the rotary blade is supported on the lower part of the drive shaft. As a result, as the machine moves forward, a load may be placed on the cutting device, pushing the rotary blade backwards by the crop.

The present invention aims to configure a sugarcane harvester so that it can adequately support the load that causes the rotating blade to be pushed backward by the crop as the machine moves forward.

The sugarcane harvester of the present invention has left and right side walls and is equipped with a cutting unit having a cutting device that cuts the base of crops in the field that are introduced between the left and right side walls as the machine moves forward. The cutting device is arranged between the left and right side walls and has a drive case having a main body and a lid , left and right drive shafts extending downward from the right and left parts of the drive case, and left and right rotary blades supported on the lower parts of the left and right drive shafts and driven to rotate by the drive shafts. The cutting device is configured to cut the base of crops that are introduced between the left and right rotary blades with the left and right rotary blades as the machine moves forward. The right end of the main body and the right end of the lid are fastened together to a connecting part provided on the right side wall, and the left end of the main body and the left end of the lid are fastened together to a connecting part provided on the left side wall.

According to the present invention, the right end of the drive case is connected to the right side wall of the cutting unit, and the left end of the drive case is connected to the left side wall of the cutting unit, so that the cutting device is supported with sufficient strength.
In the present invention, it is preferable that a horizontal frame is provided that is connected across the left and right side walls, and the drive case is supported by the horizontal frame.
According to the present invention, when a load is applied to the cutting device such that the rotary blade is pushed backward by the crop as the machine body advances, a state may occur in which the drive case tends to be displaced due to this load.

According to the present invention, even if a state occurs in which the drive case tends to displace as described above, this state is supported and prevented by the horizontal frame, and the cutting device is supported with sufficient strength against the load described above.
According to the present invention, the horizontal frame is connected across the left and right side walls of the harvesting section and supported with sufficient strength, which is advantageous in that the cutting device can be supported with sufficient strength against the above-mentioned loads.

According to the present invention, the horizontal frame supports the drive case, and is therefore positioned at a relatively high position in the cutting section. This means that when crops are introduced into the field between the left and right side walls of the cutting section as the machine moves forward, the horizontal frame is less likely to impede the introduction of the crops.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a front portion of the drive case, which is located forward of the drive shaft, is mounted and supported on the horizontal frame.

If a load is applied to the cutting device such that the rotary blade is pushed backward by the crop as the machine moves forward, this load may cause the front of the drive case to try to drop.

According to the present invention, the front part of the drive case, which is located forward of the drive shaft, is supported on the horizontal frame, so that the front part of the drive case that tries to drop is smoothly received and supported by the horizontal frame.

According to the present invention, the front portion of the drive case, which is located forward of the drive shaft, is mounted and supported on the horizontal frame, so that the horizontal frame is located at the front of the drive case, and it can be expected that the horizontal frame will function as a protector for the drive case.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the right end portion of the main body and the right end portion of the cover are fastened together to the connecting portion provided on the right side wall and the right end portion of the horizontal frame, and that the left end portion of the main body and the left end portion of the cover are fastened together to the connecting portion provided on the left side wall and the left end portion of the horizontal frame.

The sugarcane harvester of the present invention has left and right side walls and is provided with a cutting unit having a cutting device that cuts the base of a crop in a field that is introduced between the left and right side walls as the machine body moves forward. The cutting device has a drive case arranged between the left and right side walls, left and right drive shafts extending downward from the right and left parts of the drive case, and left and right rotary blades supported on the lower parts of the left and right drive shafts and driven to rotate by the drive shafts. The cutting device is configured to cut the base of a crop that is introduced between the left and right rotary blades as the machine body moves forward. A horizontal frame connected across the left and right side walls is provided, and a front part of the drive case located forward of the drive shaft is placed on and supported by the horizontal frame. The right end of the drive case is fastened to a connecting part provided on the right side wall and the right end of the horizontal frame, and the left end of the drive case is fastened to a connecting part provided on the left side wall and the left end of the horizontal frame.

According to the present invention, when a load is applied to the cutting device such that the rotary blade is pushed backward by the crop as the machine body advances, a state may occur in which the drive case tends to be displaced due to this load.
According to the present invention, even if a state occurs in which the drive case tends to displace as described above, this state is supported and prevented by the horizontal frame, and the cutting device is supported with sufficient strength against the load described above.
According to the present invention, the horizontal frame is connected across the left and right side walls of the harvesting section and supported with sufficient strength, which is advantageous in that the cutting device can be supported with sufficient strength against the above-mentioned loads.
According to the present invention, since the horizontal frame supports the drive case, the horizontal frame is disposed at a relatively high position in the cutting section, so that when crops are introduced between the left and right side walls of the cutting section as the machine body advances, the horizontal frame is unlikely to interfere with the introduction of the crops.
According to the present invention, the right end of the drive case is connected to the right side wall of the cutting unit, and the left end of the drive case is connected to the left side wall of the cutting unit, so that the cutting device is supported with sufficient strength.
If a load is applied to the cutting device such that the rotary blade is pushed backward by the crop as the machine moves forward, this load may cause the front of the drive case to try to drop.
According to the present invention, the front portion of the drive case, which is located forward of the drive shaft, is supported on the horizontal frame, so that any downward movement of the front portion of the drive case is smoothly received and supported by the horizontal frame.
According to the present invention, the front portion of the drive case, which is located forward of the drive shaft, is mounted and supported on the horizontal frame, so that the horizontal frame is located at the front of the drive case, and it can be expected that the horizontal frame will function as a protector for the drive case.
According to the present invention, the right end (left end) of the drive case is fastened to the connecting portion of the right (left) side wall of the cutting unit and the right end (left end) of the horizontal frame, thereby supporting the cutting device with sufficient strength.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a right support member that supports the load applied from the drive case to the connecting portion of the right side wall is connected between the right side wall and the connecting portion of the right side wall, and a left support member that supports the load applied from the drive case to the connecting portion of the left side wall is connected between the left side wall and the connecting portion of the left side wall.

With the right end (left end) of the drive case connected to the connecting portion on the right (left) side wall of the cutting unit, when a load is applied to the cutting device such that the rotating blade is pushed backward by the crop as the machine moves forward, this load is also applied to the connecting portion of the side wall of the cutting unit via the drive case.
According to the present invention, since the support member is connected across the side wall of the cutting part and the connecting part, it is advantageous in that the cutting device can be supported with sufficient strength against the above-mentioned load.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the sugarcane harvester. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sugarcane harvester. FIG. 2 is a front view of the sugarcane harvester with the outer screw of the divider device operated to a use state. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vicinity of the divider device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a divider device. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional front view of the vicinity of a lower portion of an outer screw in the divider device. FIG. 2 is a front view of the sugarcane harvester with the outer screw of the divider device operated to a retracted state. This is a left side view of the vicinity of the plant body. This is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of the plant body. FIG. 2 is a front view of the cutting device and the horizontal frame. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cutting device and the horizontal frame. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional left side view of a drive case and a horizontal frame of the cutting device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the rear of the reaping unit and the transport device. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional left side view of the rear part of the reaping unit and the transport device. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the rear of the reaping unit and the transport device. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a transmission system of an upper rotating body of the conveying device. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a transmission system of a lower rotating body of the conveying device. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of an upper rotating body in the conveying device. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the upper rotating body of the transport device with the right bearing mechanism removed. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the upper rotating body of the transport device, in the vicinity of the left bearing mechanism. FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the upper rotating body of the transport device in the middle of removing the left bearing mechanism. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the upper rotating body of the transport device with the left bearing mechanism removed. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of the lower front rotating body in the conveying device. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of a lower rotating body rearward of the lower foremost rotating body in the conveying device; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifting cylinder supporting the front wheels and the cutting device. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lifting cylinder supporting the front wheels and the cutting device and its surroundings. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connection between a lifting cylinder that supports the front wheels and a hydraulic cylinder that steers the front wheels. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a steering system for the front wheels. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a front wheel lifting/lowering operation system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of mowing height control. 13 is a front view of the lift cylinder supporting the front wheels and the restricting member operated to the non-restricting state and its vicinity. FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view of the vicinity of the regulating member operated to the non-regulating state. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the vicinity of the regulating member operated to the non-regulating state. FIG. 13 is a front view of the vicinity of the regulating member operated to a regulated state. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the vicinity of the regulating member operated to a regulated state. FIG. 13 is a left side view of the vicinity of the regulating member, deck and step operated to the regulated state. FIG.

A sugarcane harvester is shown in Figures 1 to 41, and in Figures 1 to 41, 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.

(Overall configuration of sugarcane harvester)
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the body of the sugarcane harvester as a whole is supported by left and right front wheels 1 which serve as running devices, and left and right rear wheels 2 which also serve as running devices.

The machine body is provided with a harvesting unit 3, a transport device 4 installed in a rear-upward tilted position, a separation device 5 which is a post-processing device connected to the rear of the transport device 4, a conveyor 6 which is a post-processing device extended upward in a tilted position from a location below the separation device 5, a driving unit 7 installed above the harvesting unit 3, and an engine 8.

With the above configuration, as the machine moves forward, the cutting unit 3 cuts the base of the crops in the field and cuts the crops, and the crops cut by the cutting unit 3 are transported upward and to the rear of the machine by the transport device 4.

When the crop reaches the end of the conveying device 4, it is chopped at the end and fed to the separating device 5. The chopped crop passes downward inside the separating device 5 and falls to the front of the conveyor 6. Inside the separating device 5, sorting air is fed to the crop, blowing away the debris and separating it before discharging it.

The crops that fall to the front of the conveyor 6 are transported upward and rearward by the conveyor 6 and discharged from the discharge section at the top of the rear of the conveyor 6 onto the loading platform of an accompanying transport vehicle such as a truck (not shown) for collection.

(Overall configuration of the reaping unit)
As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cutting unit 3 is provided with left and right divider devices 10, left and right grass dividing bodies 11, a knocking device 12, a cutting device 13, and an upper cutting device 48.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cutting section 3 is provided with left and right support frames 49 aligned in the up-down direction, left and right side walls 9, 72, left and right support frames 73 aligned in the front-to-rear direction, left and right support frames 74 aligned in the front-to-rear direction, and left and right support frames 75 connected across the front of the support frames 73, 74.

The left and right side walls 72 are connected to the support frames 49, 73, 74, and 75, and are arranged parallel to the front-rear and up-down directions. The knocking device 12 and the cutting device 13 are supported between the left and right side walls 72.

As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the left and right upper support frames 82 are supported on the upper part of the support frame 75 so as to be able to swing up and down about an axis P6 along the left-right direction, and the left and right lower support frames 83 are supported on the lower part of the support frame 75 so as to be able to swing up and down about an axis P7 along the left-right direction. The left and right vertical frames 84 are connected between the front parts of the upper support frames 82 and the front parts of the lower support frames 83 and are arranged to extend along the vertical direction.

Single-acting left and right hydraulic cylinders 92 are attached to the support frame 75, and a chain 93 is connected between the hydraulic cylinders 92 and the lower support frame 83. The hydraulic cylinders 92 and the chain 93 determine the vertical positions of the upper support frame 82, the lower support frame 83, and the vertical frame 84. The side walls 9 are connected to the upper support frame 82, the lower support frame 83, and the vertical frame 84, and the divider device 10 and the grass dividing body 11 are supported by the vertical frame 84.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, with the above configuration, as the machine advances, the left and right dividing bodies 11 and the left and right divider devices 10 separate the crops to be cut from the crops to be left in the field, while the upper leaves of the crops to be cut by the upper cutting device 48, and the crops to be cut are introduced between the left and right side walls 9. The crops introduced between the left and right side walls 9 are knocked forward by the knocking device 12, while the base of the plant is cut by the cutting device 13, and the crops are supplied to the transport device 4 from the base of the plant.

(Composition of grass segments in the harvested area)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, left and right flat grounding portions 85 are connected across the lower portion of the vertical frame 84 and the lower portion of the side wall 9, and a support portion 85a is provided in front of the grounding portions 85.

As shown in Figures 4, 9, and 10, the divided plant body 11 is configured as a long, thin flat plate. The upper part of the rear part of the divided plant body 11 is supported by a connection pin 94 to the upper part of the support part 85a of the grounding part 85 so that it can swing up and down, and the lower part of the rear part of the divided plant body 11 is connected by a shear pin 95 to the lower part of the support part 85a of the grounding part 85, and the posture of the divided plant body 11 is set by the connection pin 94 and the shear pin 95.

If a large load is applied to the plant segment 11 from the crop or field, the shear pin 95 breaks, allowing the plant segment 11 to swing upward around the connection pin 94, preventing damage to the plant segment 11 and the ground contact portion 85, etc.

(Configuration of the divider device in the reaping section)
As shown in Figures 3 to 6, an inner screw 96 and an outer screw 97 are provided in the left and right divider devices 10, and the inner screw 96 and the outer screw 97 are configured in a shape in which a spiral body is attached to the outer periphery of an elongated cylindrical main body.

A bracket 84a is connected to the upper part of the vertical frame 84, and the internal screw 96 is supported between the bracket 84a of the vertical frame 84 and the ground contact part 85 so as to be rotatable about an axis P8 along the vertical direction. The left and right lower support frames 83 are provided at the lower right and lower left parts of the cutting part 3, and the lower part of the internal screw 96 is supported by the lower support frames 83 via the vertical frame 84.

A hydraulic motor 98 that rotates the internal screw 96 is mounted on the bracket 84a of the vertical frame 84. A cover 99 that covers the support portion at the bottom of the internal screw 96 is mounted on the ground contact portion 85, and a cover 101 that covers the hydraulic motor 98 is mounted on the bracket 84a of the vertical frame 84.

The left and right support frames 102 are detachably bolted to the rear (rear) parts of the upper part of the vertical frame 84, and the support frames 102 extend diagonally forward to the right and left from the vertical frame 84, and the brackets 102a are detachably bolted to the front ends of the support frames 102.

The outer screw 97 is supported rotatably around an axis P9 along the vertical direction between the bracket 102a of the support frame 102 and the lower part of the vertical frame 84, and is positioned laterally outward of the inner screw 96 when viewed from the front.

A hydraulic motor 103 that rotates the outer screw 97 is provided on a bracket 102a of the support frame 102, and a cover 104 that covers the hydraulic motor 103 is provided on the bracket 102a of the support frame 102.

With the divider device 10, grass division body 11, ground contact portion 85 and side wall 9 supported on the vertical frame 84, as described above (Overall configuration of the cutting unit), the vertical frame 84 is supported by the upper support frame 82 and the lower support frame 83 so that it can move up and down, and the lower limit position of the vertical frame 84 is determined by the hydraulic cylinder 92 and the chain 93.

When the ground contact part 85 runs over a convex part of the field as the machine advances, the chain 93 slackens, the upper support frame 82 and the lower support frame 83 swing upward, and the vertical frame 84 and the divider device 10 etc. rise.

When the ground contact portion 85 passes over a convex portion of the field, the weight of the vertical frame 84 and the divider device 10 etc. causes the upper support frame 82 and the lower support frame 83 to swing downward, and the vertical frame 84 and the divider device 10 etc. to descend to their lowest positions. The lower limit position of the vertical frame 84 can be changed up or down by extending or retracting the hydraulic cylinder 92.

(Configuration of support for the lower part of the outer screw in the reaping section)
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support arm 84b is connected to the lower part of the vertical frame 84 and extends laterally outward, and the support member 105 is supported by the support arm 84b of the vertical frame 84 so as to be swingable around an axis P10 along the front-to-rear direction.

The support member 105 has a base portion 105a, a support arm 105b, a holder 105c, a bearing 105d, and a ring portion 105e. The support arm 105b is connected to the disk-shaped base portion 105a, and the support arm 105b is supported by the support arm 84b of the vertical frame 84 so as to be swingable around the axis P10.

In the support member 105, a holder 105c is connected to a substrate portion 105a, a bearing 105d is supported by the holder 105c, and a ring portion 105e, which is a flat plate formed into a ring shape, is connected to the outer periphery of the substrate portion 105a.

A bottom plate portion 97a is connected to the lower portion of the outer screw 97, and a support shaft 97b is connected downward to the bottom plate portion 97a. The support shaft 97b of the outer screw 97 is inserted into the bearing 105d of the support member 105 and is supported rotatably around the axis P9.

The lower end 97c of the outer screw 97 is close to the outer periphery of the base portion 105a of the support member 105, and the ring portion 105e of the support member 105 fits into the inner periphery of the lower end 97c of the outer screw 97.

A disk-shaped cover member 107 is attached to the underside of the bearing 105d of the support member 105, and a nut 106 for preventing it from coming loose is attached to the bottom of the support shaft 97b of the outer screw 97. A cover 108 (see Figure 4) that covers the support member 105 is provided at the bottom of the vertical frame 84.

With the above-described configuration, in the left and right divider devices 10, the lower portions of the outer screws 97 are supported so as to be swingable about the axis P10 along the front-rear direction.
The bearing 105d of the support member 105 is arranged in a space surrounded by the base portion 105a and cover member 107 of the support member 105, the lower end portion 97c of the external screw 97, the ring portion 105e of the support member 105, and the bottom plate portion 97a of the external screw 97, and is protected from field soil, crop debris, etc.

(Use and storage state of the outer screw in the reaping section)
The state shown in Figures 3 to 6 is a state in which, in the left and right divider devices 10, the support frame 102 is bolted to the rear of the upper part of the vertical frame 84, and the bracket 102a of the support frame 102 is attached to the rear of the upper part of the outer screw 97, and the outer screw 97 is set to the usage state C1 in which it separates crops to be harvested from crops to be left in the field.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the left and right upper support frames 82 and the left and right lower support frames 83 are arranged in an inclined state in which the more forward they are, the more outward they are to the side. The left and right inner screws 96 are supported in an inclined position in which the upper part of the inner screw 96 is closer to the left-right center CL of the cutting unit 3 than the lower part of the inner screw 96 when viewed from the front.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in the use state C1, the left and right outer screws 97 are supported in an inclined position so that the upper part of the outer screw 97 is located laterally outward relative to the lower part of the outer screw 97 when viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 4, in a side view, the angle of the rearward inclination of the outer screw 97 is greater than the angle of the rearward inclination of the inner screw 96 (the outer screw 97 is more upright than the inner screw 96), and the inner screw 96 and the outer screw 97 intersect.

As described later (positioning of the regulating member) and shown in FIG. 3, the driver's section 7 is provided with left and right side mirrors 7b, and left and right guide frames 134 are provided along the front and rear directions on the lateral sides of the vehicle body. In the left and right divider devices 10, the upper part of the external screw 97 in the usage state C1 is located laterally outward from the side mirrors 7b and guide frames 134 of the driver's section 7 in a front view, and the upper part of the external screw 97 in the usage state C1 is the outermost lateral part on the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

When switching the outer screw 97 to the storage state C2 in the left and right divider devices 10, the support frame 102 shown in Figures 3 to 6 is removed from the upper part of the vertical frame 84 and the bracket 102a.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outer screw 97 is swung around the axis P10 toward the inner screw 96 so that the position of the upper part of the outer screw 97 is closer to the inner screw 96 in a front view than the position of the upper part of the outer screw 97 in the use state C1 (see Figure 3), thereby setting the outer screw 97 to the stored state C2. A fixing member such as a belt (not shown) can be attached to the outer screw 97 to hold the outer screw 97 in the stored state C2.

In the stored state C2, the upper parts of the external screws 97 of the left and right divider devices 10 are closer to the left and right center CL of the cutting unit 3 than the left and right guide frames 134 when viewed from the front. In this case, the side mirrors 7b of the driver's unit 7 or the guide frames 134 are the outermost left and right parts of the machine body other than the upper parts of the external screws 97.

(Configuration of the falling device in the reaping section)
3, 15, and 16, two sets of the falling devices 12 are provided across the left and right side walls 72 of the reaping unit 3. The falling devices 12 are configured by a plurality of falling plates 12b, each having an uneven end, attached radially to the outer periphery of a cylindrical main body 12a, and are supported across the left and right side walls 72 so as to be rotatable about an axis P1 extending in the left-right direction.

An opening 72a is formed in the left side wall 72, and the left end of the rear-side tilting device 12 faces the opening 72a of the left side wall 72, and a gear 12c is connected to the left end of the rear-side tilting device 12. A rotation speed sensor (not shown) attached to an outer frame (not shown) of the left side wall 72 faces the gear 12c of the rear-side tilting device 12, and the rotation speed sensor detects the rotation speed of the rear-side tilting device 12.

As described below (Configuration of the right bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device) and as shown in FIG. 23, a ring-shaped cover (not shown) similar to cover 115d provided on the right bearing mechanism 115 is provided on the bearing (not shown) supporting the main body 12a of the knockdown device 12.

(Configuration of cutting device in reaping section)
As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 29, the cutting device 13 has a drive case 15, left and right drive shafts 16, left and right rotary blades 14, and a hydraulic motor 20.
The drive case 15 has a lower main body portion 15 a and an upper flat plate-shaped lid portion 15 b , and the lid portion 15 b is connected to the main body portion 15 a by a bolt 113 .

The left and right drive shafts 16 are supported on the right and left parts of the drive case 15 so as to be rotatable around the axis P2 along the vertical direction, and extend downward from the right and left parts of the drive case 15. A number of scraping members 19, the ends of which are formed with an uneven shape, are attached to the drive shafts 16 along the vertical direction, and a flange portion 16b is connected to the lower end of the drive shafts 16.

In the rotary blade 14, multiple blades 18 are radially bolted to the underside of the disk member 17. The disk member 17 is connected to the flange portion 16b of the drive shaft 16 by shear bolts 109, and the rotary blade 14 is attached to the drive shaft 16.

A hydraulic motor 20 is connected to the top surface of the drive case 15, and inside the drive case 15, the drive gear 20a of the hydraulic motor 20 meshes with the input gear 16a of the left drive shaft 16. Inside the drive case 15, a relay gear 21 is rotatably supported, and meshes with the drive gear 20a of the hydraulic motor 20, and the input gear 16a of the right drive shaft 16 meshes with the relay gear 21.

The hydraulic motor 20 rotates the drive gear 20a of the hydraulic motor 20, and the power of the hydraulic motor 20 is transmitted to the left drive shaft 16, causing the left rotary blade 14 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 12.

At the same time, the power of the hydraulic motor 20 is transmitted to the input gear 16a of the right drive shaft 16 via the relay gear 21, and then to the right drive shaft 16, rotating the right rotary blade 14 counterclockwise in FIG. 12. As described above, the left and right rotary blades 14 are rotated in opposite directions by the common hydraulic motor 20.

With the above configuration, the crop is introduced between the left and right side walls 72, and the felling device 12 acts on the top of the crop, causing the crop to fall forward relative to the machine body. When the base of the crop fallen by the felling device 12 reaches the cutting device 13, the base of the crop is introduced between the left and right rotary blades 14 and cut by the left and right rotary blades 14. The base of the cut crop is supplied to the conveying device 4 by the rotation of the left and right rotary blades 14, and the crop is drawn into the conveying device 4.

When the base of a crop is introduced between the left and right rotary blades 14 and cut, if a large load is applied to the rotary blades 14, the shear bolt 109 breaks. This prevents damage to the drive shaft 16 and drive case 15.

(Configuration of support for cutting device in reaping section)
11, 12, and 13, in the reaping unit 3, left and right flat connecting parts 110 are connected to the left and right side walls 72 along the front-to-rear direction. A right support member 111 having a channel shape in a side view is connected between the front part of the upper surface of the right connecting part 110 and the right side wall 72. A left support member 111 having a channel shape in a side view is connected between the front part of the upper surface of the left connecting part 110 and the left side wall 72.

As shown in FIG. 14, a horizontal frame 112 is provided. The horizontal frame 112 has a square pipe-shaped main body 112a, to the right and left ends of which flat left and right flanges 112b are connected, and flat left and right connecting portions 112c are connected between the main body 112a and the flanges 112b.

As shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the right flange portion 112b of the horizontal frame 112 is connected to the lower portion of the right connecting portion 110 on the right side wall 72 relative to the front portion, and the left flange portion 112b of the horizontal frame 112 is connected to the lower portion of the left connecting portion 110 on the left side wall 72 relative to the front portion, so that the horizontal frame 112 is connected across the left and right side walls 72.

The right end of the drive case 15 is abutted against the underside of the right connecting part 110, and the front part of the right end of the drive case 15 is inserted between the right connecting part 110 and the right connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112.

The left end of the drive case 15 is abutted against the underside of the left connecting part 110, and the front part of the left part of the drive case 15 is inserted between the left connecting part 110 and the left connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112.

A bolt 114 is inserted between the front of the right end of the drive case 15, the right connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112, and the front of the right connecting part 110, and the right end of the drive case 15, the right connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112, and the right connecting part 110 are fastened together by the bolt 114.

A bolt 114 is inserted between the front of the left end of the drive case 15, the left connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112, and the front of the left connecting part 110, and the left end of the drive case 15, the left connecting part 112c of the horizontal frame 112, and the left connecting part 110 are fastened together by the bolt 114.

The rear portions of the right and left ends of the drive case 15 are connected to the rear portions of the left and right connecting portions 110 by bolts 114 .
With the above configuration, the right end of the drive case 15 is connected to the right side wall 72 of the cutting unit 3 , and the left end of the drive case 15 is connected to the left side wall 72 of the cutting unit 3 .

The bolts 113 of the drive case 15 rest on the upper surface of the main body 112a of the horizontal frame 112. This allows the drive case 15 to be supported by the horizontal frame 112, and the front of the drive case 15 (the front part of the drive case located forward of the left and right drive shafts 16) is supported on the horizontal frame 112 (the drive case 15 is supported from below).

With the above configuration, the cutting device 13 is supported between the left and right side walls 72, and when viewed from the side, the drive shaft 16 (axis center P2) is set in a forward-inclined position (see Figures 15 and 16), and the rotary blade 14 is in a forward-downward inclined position.

When a load is applied to the cutting device 13, such as when the rotary blade 14 is pushed backward by the crop as the machine advances, the drive case 15 tends to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 13, causing the front of the drive case 15 to displace downward. The state (load) in which the front of the drive case 15 is displaced downward is received and prevented by the horizontal frame 112.

When the front of the drive case 15 is displaced downward (load), and a load is applied from the right and left ends of the drive case 15 to the left and right connecting parts 110, the aforementioned load is supported by the left and right support members 111.

(Overall configuration of the conveying device)
As shown in Figures 15 to 19, in the conveying device 4, left and right side walls 22 are provided, a plurality of frames 23 are connected across the upper and lower parts of the left and right side walls 22, and a bottom plate 24 is connected across the lower parts of the left and right side walls 22, so that a box-shaped structure is formed by the side walls 22, the frames 23 and the bottom plate 24.

Six sets of rotating body units 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 are supported inside the aforementioned structure, the front of the side wall 22 is connected to the rear of the cutting section 3 (side wall 72), and the rear of the side wall 22 and the bottom plate 24 are connected to the separation device 5.

Each of the rotor units 31 to 36 has an upper rotor 31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a, 36a that can rotate around an axis P11, P21, P31, P41, P51, P61 that runs along the left-right direction, and a lower rotor 31b, 32b, 33b, 34b, 35b, 36b that can rotate around an axis P12, P22, P32, P42, P52, P62 that runs along the left-right direction, and the rotor units 31 to 36 are arranged at intervals along the crop transport direction.

The upper rotating bodies 31a to 36a are rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 16, and the lower rotating bodies 31b to 36b are rotated clockwise in FIG. 16, so that the upper rotating bodies 31a to 36a and the lower rotating bodies 31b to 36b are rotated in opposite directions.

The upper rotors 31a to 35a and the lower rotors 31b to 35b have a cylindrical main body 25 with a cylindrical outer periphery to which multiple scraping members 26, each with an uneven end, are radially connected.

In the rotor unit 36 located at the end of the conveying device 4, the upper rotor 36a and the lower rotor 36b have multiple horizontally elongated shredding blades 27 radially connected to the outer periphery of the cylindrical main body 25.

With the above configuration, as described above in (Overall configuration of sugarcane harvester) and (Overall configuration of harvesting unit), when the base of the crop harvested by the harvesting unit 3 is supplied to the transport device 4, the base of the crop is pulled in between the upper rotor 31a and the lower rotor 31b. The crop is sandwiched between the upper rotors 31a-35a and the lower rotors 31b-35b and transported so that the base of the crop leads the top of the crop.

When the crop reaches the end of the conveying device 4, it is sandwiched between the upper rotor 36a and the lower rotor 36b, chopped by the chopping blade 27, and fed to the top of the separating device 5.

(Configuration of the swing support member supporting the upper rotor of the rotor unit in the transport device)
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the rotating body units 31 to 35 are provided with a swing support member 28 that supports the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a so that they can swing up and down.

As shown in Figures 16 and 20, the swing support member 28 has left and right flat support plates 28b connected to the right and left ends of the support shaft 28a. A first arc-shaped opening 28c and a pair of second openings 28d extending outward from the first opening 28c are opened in the support plate 28b.

A nut 28e is welded to the inner surface of the support plate 28b adjacent to the second opening 28d. A fall prevention member 28f, which is a ring-shaped member made of an elongated plate material, is connected to the inner surface of the support plate 28b so as to surround the first opening 28c, the second opening 28d, and the nut 28e.

As shown in Figures 15, 16, 18, and 20, in the conveying device 4, the swing support member 28 is supported by the left and right side walls 22 so as to be swingable up and down around the axis P13, P23, P33, P43, and P53 along the left-right direction, and the support plate 28b of the swing support member 28 is along the inner surface of the side wall 22. An opening 22a that is arc-shaped in side view is opened in the side wall 22, and the support plate 28b of the swing support member 28 faces the opening 22a of the side wall 22.

As a result, the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 becomes part of the side wall 22 of the transport device 4, and the first opening 28c and the second opening 28d of the oscillating support member 28 become openings in the side wall 22 of the transport device 4. The anti-falling member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 is attached to the side wall 22 of the transport device 4.

As shown in Figures 15, 17, and 18, the right bearing mechanism 115 is supported by the right support plate 28b of the swing support member 28 and is supported by the right side wall 22. The left bearing mechanism 116 is supported by the left support plate 28b of the swing support member 28 and is supported by the left side wall 22.

With the above configuration, the right parts of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a are supported on the right support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 by the right bearing mechanism 115, and the left parts of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a are supported on the left support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 by the left bearing mechanism 116.

The upper rotors 31a to 35a are supported by the left and right support plates 28b of the swing support member 28 via left and right bearing mechanisms 115, 116 so as to be rotatable about the axis centers P11 to P51.
The left and right anti-fall-off members 28f of the swing support member 28 are inserted into the inner periphery of the left and right lateral ends of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (see Figures 22, 23 and 26).

The upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a are supported by the swing support member 28 so that they can swing up and down around the axes P13 to P53, and are supported so that they can move toward and away from the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b. The weight of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a and the swing support member 28 causes the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a to move toward the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b.

The stopper portion (not shown) of the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 comes into contact with the lower end of the opening 22a of the side wall 22, thereby stopping the oscillating movement of the oscillating support member 28 and determining the closest position of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a to the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b. As a result, even if the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a reach their closest position, they will not come into contact with the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b.

(Configuration of the right bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device)
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the right bearing mechanism 115 has a base member 115a, a holder 115b, two bearings 115c, a cover 115d, and shaft members 41 to 45.

The base member 115a is flat and connected to a cylindrical holder 115b. The shaft members 41 to 45 are inserted into the holder 115b, and a bearing 115c is attached between the shaft members 41 to 45 and the holder 115b, such that the shaft members 41 to 45 are supported by the base member 115a and the holder 115b so as to be rotatable around the axes P11 to P51 via the bearing 115c. A ring-shaped cover 115d that protects the inner bearing 115c is attached to the end of the holder 115b.

Sprockets 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a, and 45a are connected to the outer ends of shaft members 41 to 45, and first male spline portions 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b, and 45b are formed on the inner ends of shaft members 41 to 45.

In the rotor units 31 to 35, the left and right side plates 25a, which are the lateral parts, are connected to the inside of the main body 25 of the upper rotors 31a to 35a, a boss portion 25b is connected to the right side plate 25a, and a second female spline portion 25c is formed on the inner surface of the boss portion 25b.

(Installation state of the right bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device)
The state shown in Figures 17 and 22 is a state in which, in the conveying device 4, the holder 115b and shaft members 41 to 45 of the right bearing mechanism 115 are inserted into the opening 22a of the right side wall 22 and the first opening 28c and second opening 28d of the oscillating support member 28, and the right bearing mechanism 115 is connected to the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28, and is connected to the right side wall 22 from the outside.

The first splined portions 41b to 45b of the shaft members 41 to 45 are inserted into the boss portion 25b (second splined portion 25c) of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a (main body portion 25), and the shaft members 41 to 45 are attached to the upper rotating body 31a to 35a so as to be able to rotate integrally with them.

In this case, to avoid interference between the cover 115d of the right bearing mechanism 115 and the end of the boss portion 25b of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a (main body portion 25), the inner corner of the end of the boss portion 25b of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a (main body portion 25) is cut off.

The base member 115a of the right bearing mechanism 115 is placed against the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 from the outside, and the bolt 117 is fastened to the nut 28e of the oscillating support member 28 from the outside of the right side wall 22 through the base member 115a of the right bearing mechanism 115, connecting the base member 115a and holder 115b of the right bearing mechanism 115 to the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28.

With the above configuration, in the right bearing mechanism 115, the shaft members 41 to 45 are attached to the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (main body 25), and the base member 115a and holder 115b are attached to the right side wall 22 of the transport device 4.

(Removal of the right bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body of the transport device)
When removing the right bearing mechanism 115, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the bolt 117 is removed from the outside of the right side wall 22, whereby the base member 115a and holder 115b of the right bearing mechanism 115 can be removed from the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28, and the right bearing mechanism 115 can be removed from the outside of the right side wall 22.

As a result, the first splined portions 41b to 45b of the shaft members 41 to 45 are pulled out from the boss portion 25b (second splined portion 25c) of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (main body portion 25), and the shaft members 41 to 45 are removed from the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a.

The base member 115a and holder 115b of the right bearing mechanism 115 are removed outward from the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28, so that the right bearing mechanism 115 is removed outward to the right of the right side wall 22. To attach the right bearing mechanism 115 to the right side wall 22, the above-described operations are carried out in reverse.

The anti-falling member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 fits inside the right lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotating body 31a-35a and is positioned on the outer periphery side of the holder 115b of the right bearing mechanism 115.

As a result, even if the right bearing mechanism 115 is removed, the anti-fall-off member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 abuts the right lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a from the inner periphery, so the right parts of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a are supported from the inner periphery by the anti-fall-off member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 and will not fall off.

The gap between the fall-off prevention member 28f of the swing support member 28 and the right lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotors 31a to 35a may be set small.
This prevents crop debris and the like transported by the conveying device 4 from entering the interior of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a along the inner surface of the right side wall 22, which is advantageous in terms of protecting the bearing 115c of the right bearing mechanism 115.

(Configuration of the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device)
As shown in Figures 22 and 26, the left bearing mechanism 116 has a base member 116a, a holder 116b, one bearing 116c, a cover 116e, shaft members 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and a flange portion 116d.

The base member 116a is flat and connected to a cylindrical holder 116b. The shaft members 121-125 are inserted into the holder 116b, and the bearings 116c are attached between the shaft members 121-125 and the holder 116b, so that the shaft members 121-125 are supported by the base member 116a and the holder 116b so as to be rotatable around the axes P11-P51 via the bearings 116c.

A pair of flanges 116d are connected to the inner ends of the shaft members 121 to 125. A ring-shaped cover 116e that protects the inside of the bearing 116c is attached to the end of the holder 116b.

In the upper rotors 31a to 35a, an opening 25d is provided in the center of the left side plate 25a of the main body 25. A nut 25e is welded to the inner surface of the left side plate 25a of the main body 25 at a portion facing the second opening 28d (see Figure 20) of the swing support member 28.

(Mounting state of the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the conveying device)
15, 22 and 24 show a state in which the holder 116b and shaft members 121 to 125 of the left bearing mechanism 116 in the transport device 4 are inserted into the first opening 28c and second opening 28d of the swing support member 28. In the state shown in FIG.

The flange portion 116d of the left bearing mechanism 116 is abutted from the outside against the left side plate 25a of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (main body portion 25), and the shaft members 121 to 125 of the left bearing mechanism 116 are inserted into the opening 25d of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (main body portion 25).
The left bearing mechanism 116 is connected to the support plate 28b of the swing support member 28, and is connected to the left side wall 22 from the outside.

The bolt 118, which is the shaft connector, is tightened from the outside of the left side wall 22 through the flange portion 116d of the left bearing mechanism 116 and into the nut 25e of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a (main body 25), connecting the flange portion 116d of the left bearing mechanism 116 to the left side plate 25a of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a (main body 25). This connects the shaft members 121 to 125 to the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a, and the shaft members 121 to 125 are attached to the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a so that they can rotate together.

The base member 116a of the left bearing mechanism 116 is placed against the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28 from the outside, and the bolt 117 is passed through the base member 116a of the left bearing mechanism 116 from the outside against the left side wall 22 and tightened into the nut 28e of the oscillating support member 28, connecting the base member 116a of the left bearing mechanism 116 to the support plate 28b of the oscillating support member 28.

With the above configuration, in the left bearing mechanism 116, the shaft members 121 to 125 are attached to the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a (main body portion 25), and the base member 116a and holder 116b are attached to the left side wall 22.

(Removal of the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body of the transport device)
When removing the left bearing mechanism 116, as shown in Figures 22 and 24, the bolt 117 is removed from the outside of the left side wall 22. Next, as shown in Figure 25, the base member 116a and holder 116b of the left bearing mechanism 116 are rotated about 90 degrees around the shaft members 121 to 125 to change the phase.

In this case, the base member 116a and holder 116b of the left bearing mechanism 116 are supported by the shaft members 121 to 125 via the bearing 116c, so that the phase can be changed smoothly by rotating the base member 116a and holder 116b of the left bearing mechanism 116.

As shown in FIG. 25, when the phase of the base member 116a and the holder 116b of the left bearing mechanism 116 is changed, the second opening 28d of the swing support member 28 is exposed. The second opening 28d of the swing support member 28 is the gap between the base member 116a of the left bearing mechanism 116 and the opening 22a of the left side wall 22.

As described above (Configuration of the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device), a nut 25e is provided on the inner surface of the left side plate 25a of the main body 25 of the upper rotating body 31a to 35a, in a portion facing the second opening 28d of the swing support member 28. As a result, when the second opening 28d of the swing support member 28 is exposed, the bolt 118 can be seen from the outside of the left side wall 22 through the opening 22a of the left side wall 22 and the second opening 28d of the swing support member 28.

A tool such as a wrench (not shown) is inserted from the outside of the left side wall 22 through the opening 22a of the left side wall 22 and the second opening 28d of the swing support member 28, and the bolt 118 is removed with the tool. This releases the connection between the shaft members 121-125 and the upper rotating bodies 31a-35a.

As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the left bearing mechanism 116 is removed to the left of the left side wall 22 by pulling the left bearing mechanism 116 outward while passing the flange portion 116d of the left bearing mechanism 116 through the second opening 28d of the oscillating support member 28.
When mounting the left bearing mechanism 116 on the left side wall 22, the above-described operations are carried out in reverse order.

The anti-falling member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 is inserted into the inner periphery of the left lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotating body 31a-35a, and is positioned outer than the holder 116b of the left bearing mechanism 116.

As a result, even if the left bearing mechanism 116 is removed, the anti-fall-off member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 abuts from the inner periphery against the left lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a, so the left parts of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a are supported from the inner periphery by the anti-fall-off member 28f of the oscillating support member 28 and will not fall off.

The gap between the fall-off prevention member 28f of the swing support member 28 and the left lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the upper rotors 31a to 35a may be set small.
This prevents crop debris and the like transported by the conveying device 4 from entering the interior of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a along the inner surface of the left side wall 22, which is advantageous in terms of protecting the bearing 116c of the left bearing mechanism 116.

(Support structure of the lower rotor of the rotor unit in the transport device)
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, support members 119 for supporting the lower rotors 31 b to 35 b of the rotor units 31 to 35 are provided on the left and right side walls 22 .

As shown in FIG. 21, the support member 119 is formed with a flat support plate 119a, an arc-shaped first opening 119b, and a pair of second openings 119c extending from the first opening 119b. A nut 19d is connected by welding to the inner surface of the support plate 119a adjacent to the second opening 119c. A fall prevention member 119e, which is a member formed from an elongated plate material into a ring shape, is connected to the inner surface of the support plate 119a so as to surround the first opening 119b, the second opening 119c, and the nut 119d.

As shown in Figures 27 and 28, in the conveying device 4, the support member 119 is connected to the left and right side walls 22 so that the fall prevention members 119e of the support member 119 are inserted inward relative to the left and right side walls 22.

As a result, the support plate 119a of the support member 119 becomes part of the side wall 22 of the transport device 4, and the first opening 119b and the second opening 119c of the support member 119 become openings in the side wall 22 of the transport device 4. The second opening 119c of the support member 119 becomes a gap (see (Removing the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device) and Figure 25 above). The anti-fall-out member 119e of the support member 119 is attached to the side wall 22 of the transport device 4.

As shown in Figures 19, 27, and 28, the right bearing mechanism 127 is supported by the right support member 119 and supported by the right side wall 22 with respect to the front lower rotating body 31b. The left bearing mechanism 128 is supported by the left support member 119 and supported by the left side wall 22.

For the lower rotors 32b to 35b, the right bearing mechanism 115 is supported by the right support member 119 and is supported on the right side wall 22. The left bearing mechanism 116 is supported by the left support member 119 and is supported on the left side wall 22.

With the above configuration, the right parts of the lower rotors 31b to 35b are supported on the right support member 119 by the right bearing mechanisms 115 and 127, and the left parts of the lower rotors 31b to 35b are supported on the left support member 119 by the left bearing mechanisms 116 and 128.

The lower rotors 31b to 35b are supported by left and right support members 119 via left and right bearing mechanisms 115, 116, 127, and 128 so as to be rotatable about axes P12 to P52.
The fall-off prevention members 119e of the left and right support members 119 are inserted into the inner peripheral side of the left and right lateral ends of the outer peripheral part of the main body 25 of the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b.

(Configuration of the right bearing mechanism of the lower rotating body in the transport device)
27, the right bearing mechanism 127 for the lower rotor 31b, like the right bearing mechanism 115 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) for the upper rotors 31a to 35a, has a base member 127a, a holder 127b, two bearings 127c, and a shaft member 51. In addition, the right bearing mechanism 127 has seal members 127d provided on both ends of the holder 127b.

The base member 127a is flat and connected to a cylindrical holder 127b. The shaft member 51 is inserted into the holder 127b, and a bearing 127c is attached between the shaft member 51 and the holder 127b, such that the shaft member 51 is supported by the base member 127a and the holder 127b so as to be rotatable around the axis P12 via the bearing 127c. A sprocket 51a is connected to the outer end of the shaft member 51, and a first male spline portion 51b is formed on the inner end of the shaft member 51.

A grease nipple 51c is provided at the outer end of the shaft member 51, and a passage 51d is provided in the shaft member 51, spanning the space between the two bearings 127c in the holder 127b and the grease nipple 51c.

As shown in Figure 28, the right bearing mechanism 115 for the lower rotors 32b to 35b has the same base member 115a, holder 115b, two bearings 115c, and cover 115d as the bearing mechanism 115 for the upper rotors 31a to 35a (see Figures 22 and 23), and has shaft members 52 to 55.

Sprockets 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b, 55a, and 55b are connected to the outer ends of shaft members 52 to 55, and first male spline portions 52c, 53c, 54c, and 55c are formed on the inner ends of shaft members 52 to 55.

Similar to the upper rotors 31a to 35a (see Figures 22, 23, and 26), the left and right side plates 25a, which are the lateral parts, are connected to the inside of the main body 25 of the lower rotors 31b to 35b, a boss portion 25b is connected to the right side plate 25a, and a second female spline portion 25c is formed on the inner surface of the boss portion 25b.

(Installation and removal of the right bearing mechanism of the lower rotating body in the transport device)
The state shown in Figures 27 and 28 is a state in which, in the conveying device 4, the holders 127b, 115b and shaft members 51-55 of the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115 are inserted into the first opening 19b and the second opening 119c of the support member 119, similar to the right bearing mechanism 115 (see Figures 22 and 23) for the upper rotating bodies 31a-35a, and the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115 are connected to the support plate 119a of the support member 119, and are connected to the right side wall 22 from the outside.

The first splined portions 51b, 52c to 55c of the shaft members 51 to 55 are inserted into the boss portion 25b (second splined portion 25c) of the lower rotating body 31b to 35b (main body portion 25), and the shaft members 51 to 55 are attached to the lower rotating body 31b to 35b so as to be able to rotate integrally therewith.

The base members 127a, 115a of the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115 are placed against the support plate 119a of the support member 119 from the outside, and the bolts 117 are passed through the base members 127a, 115a of the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115 from the outside against the right side wall 22 and tightened into the nuts 119d of the support member 119, connecting the base members 127a, 115a of the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115 to the support plate 119a of the support member 119.

The anti-falling member 119e of the support member 119 fits inside the right lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the lower rotor 31b-35b, and is positioned on the outer periphery side of the holders 127b, 115b of the right bearing mechanisms 127, 115.

The difference between the right bearing mechanism 127 and the right bearing mechanism 115 is that the seal member 127d of the right bearing mechanism 127 is attached to the outer surface of the boss portion 25b of the lower rotating body 31b (main body portion 25). Grease can be filled into the space inside the holder 127b of the right bearing mechanism 127 and the bearing 127c through the passage 51d from the grease nipple 51c of the shaft member 51.

With the above configuration, in the right bearing mechanism 127, 115, the shaft members 51 to 55 are attached to the lower rotating body 31b (main body 25), and the base members 127a, 115a and holders 127b, 115b are attached to the right side wall 22.

To remove the right bearing mechanism 127, 115, simply carry out the same operations as described above (removing the right bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device) and shown in Figures 22 and 23.

(Configuration of the left bearing mechanism of the lower rotating body in the transport device)
27, the left bearing mechanism 128 for the lower rotor 31b has a base member 128a, a holder 128b, one bearing 128c, a shaft member 121, and a flange portion 128d, similar to the left bearing mechanism 116 for the upper rotors 31a to 35a (see FIGS. 22 and 26). In addition, the left bearing mechanism 128 has a seal member 128e, a cover member 128f, and a grease nipple 128g.

The base member 128a is flat and connected to a cylindrical holder 128b. The shaft member 121 is inserted into the holder 128b, and a bearing 128c is attached between the shaft member 121 and the holder 128b, such that the shaft member 121 is supported by the base member 128a and the holder 128b so as to be rotatable around the axis P12 via the bearing 128c. A pair of flanges 128d are connected to the inner end of the shaft member 121.

A seal member 128e is provided in the holder 128b between the bearing 128c and the flange portion 128d. A cover member 128f is provided at the outer end of the holder 128b, and a grease nipple 128g is provided in the cover member 128f at a portion radially outward from the axis P12.

As shown in Figure 28, the left bearing mechanism 116 for the lower rotors 32b to 35b has the same base member 116a, holder 116b, one bearing 116c, flange portion 116d, and cover 116e as the left bearing mechanism 116 for the upper rotors 31a to 35a (see Figures 22 and 26), and has shaft members 122 to 125.

Similar to the upper rotors 31a to 35a (see Figures 22, 23, and 26), an opening 25d is provided in the center of the left side plate 25a of the main body 25 of the lower rotors 31b to 35b. A nut 25e is welded to the inner surface of the left side plate 25a of the main body 25 at a portion facing the second opening 119c of the support member 119.

(Installation and removal of the left bearing mechanism of the lower rotating body in the transport device)
The state shown in Figures 27 and 28 is a state in which, in the conveying device 4, the holders 128b, 116b and shaft members 121-125 of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 are inserted into the first opening 119b and second opening 119c of the support member 119, similar to the left bearing mechanism 116 (see Figures 22 and 24) for the upper rotating bodies 31a-35a.

The flange portions 128d, 116d of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 are abutted from the outside against the left side plate 25a of the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b (main body portion 25), and the shaft members 121 to 125 of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 are inserted into the openings 25d of the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b (main body portion 25).
The left bearing mechanism 128, 116 is connected to the support plate 119a of the support member 119, and is connected to the left side wall 22 from the outside.

The bolt 118, which is the shaft connector, is fastened from the outside of the left side wall 22 through the flanges 128d, 116d of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 to the nut 25e of the lower rotors 31b-35b (main body 25), connecting the flanges 128d, 116d of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 to the left side plate 25a of the lower rotors 31b-35b (main body 25). This connects the shaft members 121-125 to the lower rotors 31b-35b, and the shaft members 121-125 are attached to the lower rotors 31b-35b so that they can rotate together with them.

The base members 128a, 116a of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 are placed against the support plate 119a of the support member 119 from the outside, and the bolts 117 are passed through the base members 128a, 116a of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 from the outside against the left side wall 22 and tightened to the nuts 119d of the support member 119, connecting the base members 128a, 116a of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116 to the support plate 119a of the support member 119.

The anti-fall-off member 119e of the support member 119 fits inside the left lateral end of the outer periphery of the main body 25 of the lower rotating body 31b to 35b, and is positioned outer than the holders 128b, 116b of the left bearing mechanisms 128, 116.
Grease can be filled into the internal space of the holder 128b and the bearing 128c of the left bearing mechanism 128 through a grease nipple 128g of the left bearing mechanism 128.

With the above configuration, in the left bearing mechanism 128, 116, the shaft members 121-125 are attached to the lower rotating bodies 31b-35b (main body 25), and the base members 128a, 116a and holders 128b, 116b are attached to the left side wall 22.

When removing the left bearing mechanism 128, 116, the same operations as those described above (removing the left bearing mechanism of the upper rotating body in the transport device) and shown in Figures 22, 24, 25, and 26 can be performed.

(Configuration of Rotational Driving of Upper Rotating Body of Rotating Body Unit in Conveying Device)
17 and 18 , in the rotating body unit 36, a drive shaft 46 is connected to the upper rotating body 36a, and the upper rotating body 36a is rotatably supported by the drive shaft 46 around an axis P61 of the side wall 22. A hydraulic motor 29 is connected to the left side wall 22, and the upper rotating body 36a is rotationally driven by the hydraulic motor 29.

A sprocket 46a and a first gear 46b are connected to the portion of the drive shaft 46 that protrudes outward from the right side wall 22. A support shaft 37 is rotatably supported on the right side wall 22, and a gear 37a of the support shaft 37 meshes with a first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46, and a large diameter flywheel 38 is connected to the support shaft 37.

In the right side wall 22, intermediate shafts 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 are rotatably supported in the portions corresponding to the shaft centers P13, P23, P33, P43, and P53. A support member 39 is connected to the ends of the intermediate shafts 61 and 62 via a bearing (not shown). Another support member 39 is connected to the ends of the intermediate shafts 62 and 63 via a bearing (not shown). Another support member 39 is connected to the ends of the intermediate shafts 63 and 64 via a bearing (not shown). Another support member 39 is connected to the ends of the intermediate shafts 64 and 65 via a bearing (not shown).

Sprockets 61a and 61b are connected to intermediate shaft 61. Sprockets 62a, 62b, 62c, 63a, 63b, 63c, 64a, 64b, 64c, 65a, 65b, and 65c are connected to intermediate shafts 62 to 65, respectively.

The transmission chain 71 is attached between the sprocket 61a of the intermediate shaft 61 and the sprocket 62a of the intermediate shaft 62, between the sprocket 62b of the intermediate shaft 62 and the sprocket 63b of the intermediate shaft 63, between the sprocket 63a of the intermediate shaft 63 and the sprocket 64a of the intermediate shaft 64, between the sprocket 64b of the intermediate shaft 64 and the sprocket 65b of the intermediate shaft 65, and between the sprocket 65a of the intermediate shaft 65 and the sprocket 46a of the drive shaft 46.

Tension rollers 40 made of synthetic resin are provided on the transmission chain 71 to maintain tension in the transmission chain 71. Tension rollers 40 are arranged on the transmission chain 71 at the following locations: near the sprocket 61a of the intermediate shaft 61, near the sprocket 62b of the intermediate shaft 62, near the sprocket 63a of the intermediate shaft 63, near the sprocket 64b of the intermediate shaft 64, and near the sprocket 65a of the intermediate shaft 65.

The transmission chain 91 is attached between the sprocket 61b of the intermediate shaft 61 and the sprocket 41a of the shaft member 41, between the sprocket 62c of the intermediate shaft 62 and the sprocket 42a of the shaft member 42, between the sprocket 63c of the intermediate shaft 63 and the sprocket 43a of the shaft member 43, between the sprocket 64c of the intermediate shaft 64 and the sprocket 44a of the shaft member 44, and between the sprocket 65c of the intermediate shaft 65 and the sprocket 45a of the shaft member 45.

(Configuration of Rotational Driving of Lower Rotating Body of Rotating Body Unit in Conveying Device)
17 and 19 , in the rotating body unit 36, a drive shaft 56 is connected to the lower rotating body 36b, and the lower rotating body 36b is rotatably supported by the drive shaft 56 around an axis P62 of the side wall 22. A hydraulic motor 30 is connected to the left side wall 22, and the lower rotating body 36b is rotationally driven by the hydraulic motor 30.

A sprocket 56a and a second gear 56b are connected to the portion of the drive shaft 56 that protrudes outward from the right side wall 22. The first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46 and the second gear 56b of the drive shaft 56 are meshed, and the first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46 and the second gear 56b of the drive shaft 56 are configured to have the same diameter.

Sprocket 51a is connected to shaft member 51. Sprockets 52a, 52b, 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b, 55a, and 55b are connected to shaft members 52 to 55, respectively.

The transmission chain 81 is attached between sprocket 51a of shaft member 51 and sprocket 52a of shaft member 52, between sprocket 52b of shaft member 52 and sprocket 53b of shaft member 53, between sprocket 53a of shaft member 53 and sprocket 54a of shaft member 54, between sprocket 54b of shaft member 54 and sprocket 55b of shaft member 55, and between sprocket 55a of shaft member 55 and sprocket 56a of drive shaft 56.

Tension rollers 47 made of synthetic resin are provided on the transmission chain 81 to maintain tension in the transmission chain 81. Tension rollers 47 are arranged on the transmission chain 81 in the following locations: near the sprocket 51a of the shaft member 51, near the sprocket 52b of the shaft member 52, near the sprocket 53a of the shaft member 53, near the sprocket 54b of the shaft member 54, and near the sprocket 55a of the shaft member 55.

(Rotational drive state of the upper rotor of the rotor unit in the transport device)
As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in the rotating body units 31 to 36, the power of the hydraulic motor 29 is transmitted to the upper rotating body 36a (drive shaft 46), and the upper rotating body 36a (drive shaft 46) is rotated clockwise in Figure 17.

The power of the upper rotating body 36a (drive shaft 46) is transmitted to the flywheel 38 via the first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46, and the flywheel 38 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction to the upper rotating body 36a (drive shaft 46). The gear 37a of the support shaft 37 is configured to have a smaller diameter than the first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46, so that the flywheel 38 is driven to rotate at high speed.

The power of the upper rotating body 36a (drive shaft 46) is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 65 via the transmission chain 71, and then to the upper rotating body 35a (shaft member 45) via the transmission chain 91, so that the upper rotating body 35a (shaft member 45) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the upper rotating body 35a (intermediate shaft 65) is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 64 via the transmission chain 71, and then to the upper rotating body 34a (shaft member 44) via the transmission chain 91, so that the upper rotating body 34a (shaft member 44) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the upper rotating body 34a (intermediate shaft 64) is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 63 via the transmission chain 71, and then to the upper rotating body 33a (shaft member 43) via the transmission chain 91, so that the upper rotating body 33a (shaft member 43) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the upper rotating body 33a (intermediate shaft 63) is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 62 via the transmission chain 71, and then to the upper rotating body 32a (shaft member 42) via the transmission chain 91, so that the upper rotating body 32a (shaft member 42) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the upper rotating body 32a (intermediate shaft 62) is transmitted to the intermediate shaft 61 via the transmission chain 71, and then to the upper rotating body 31a (shaft member 41) via the transmission chain 91, so that the upper rotating body 31a (shaft member 41) is rotated clockwise in FIG. 17.

(Rotational drive state of the lower rotor of the rotor unit in the transport device)
As shown in Figures 17 and 19, in the rotating body units 31 to 36, the power of the hydraulic motor 30 is transmitted to the lower rotating body 36b (drive shaft 56), and the lower rotating body 36b (drive shaft 56) is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 17.

The power of the lower rotating body 36b (drive shaft 56) is transmitted to the lower rotating body 35b (shaft member 55) via the transmission chain 81, and the lower rotating body 35b (shaft member 55) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. A7.

The power of the lower rotating body 35b (shaft member 55) is transmitted to the lower rotating body 34b (shaft member 54) via the transmission chain 81, and the lower rotating body 34b (shaft member 54) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the lower rotating body 34b (shaft member 54) is transmitted to the lower rotating body 33b (shaft member 53) via the transmission chain 81, and the lower rotating body 33b (shaft member 53) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the lower rotating body 33b (shaft member 53) is transmitted to the lower rotating body 32b (shaft member 52) via the transmission chain 81, and the lower rotating body 32b (shaft member 52) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 17.

The power of the lower rotating body 32b (shaft member 52) is transmitted to the lower rotating body 31b (shaft member 51) via the transmission chain 81, and the lower rotating body 31b (shaft member 51) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 17.

As shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19, in the rotating body unit 36, the first gear 46b of the drive shaft 46 of the upper rotating body 36a meshes with the second gear 56b of the drive shaft 56 of the lower rotating body 36b. This causes the rotation of the upper rotating body 36a to be synchronized with the rotation of the lower rotating body 36b, and causes the rotation of the upper rotating bodies 31a to 35a of the other rotating body units 31 to 35 to be synchronized with the rotation of the lower rotating bodies 31b to 35b.

(Front and rear wheel support configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the left and right rear wheels 2 are rotatably supported at right and left ends of a rear axle case (not shown) connected to the vehicle body, their positions are fixed relative to the vehicle body, and they are rotated by the power of an engine 8.
The left and right front wheels 1 are supported on the body so as to be capable of being raised and lowered and steered, and the power of the engine 8 is not transmitted to the front wheels 1. The support structure for the front wheels 1 will be described below.

As shown in Figures 29, 30, and 31, in the cutting unit 3, the support frame 50 is connected in the left-right direction across the upper parts of the left and right support frames 49. The left and right support arms 57 are supported on the lower parts of the support frames 49 so that they can swing up and down around the axis P3 along the front-rear direction.

Single-acting lift cylinders 58 are provided on the left and right sides, and each lift cylinder 58 has a cylinder portion 58a and a piston rod portion 58b. The lower portion of the cylinder portion 58a of the lift cylinder 58 is supported by the support portion 57a at the end of the support arm 57 so as to be rotatable around the axis P4 along the vertical direction.

A bracket 59 is connected to the upper part of the support frame 49. In the lift cylinder 58, the end 58f of the piston rod portion 58b opposite the cylinder portion 58a is connected to the bracket 59 by a connecting pin 129 along the front-rear direction. The front wheel 1 is rotatably supported by the axle portion 60 connected to the lower part of the cylinder portion 58a of the lift cylinder 58.

As shown in Figures 35 and 41, the lifting cylinder 58 is positioned below the driver's unit 7 in a vertical orientation and is connected across the vehicle body and the left and right front wheels 1, with the cylinder unit 58a facing downward and the piston rod unit 58b facing upward.

As shown in Figures 29 and 30, a support frame 66 is provided above the rear of the drive case 15 of the cutting device 13 along the left-right direction, and left and right brackets 66a are connected to the support frame 66. Left and right reciprocating hydraulic cylinders 67 are provided, and the hydraulic cylinder 67 is connected to the bracket 66a of the support frame 66 around an axis P5 that runs diagonally left-right, so that the hydraulic cylinder 67 can swing up and down, and is connected to a knuckle arm 58c that is connected to the upper part of the cylinder portion 58a of the lifting cylinder 58.

As shown in Figures 30 and 31, a channel-shaped groove 58d is formed in the knuckle arm 58c of the lift cylinder 58. A connection pin 120 having an oval-shaped anti-rotation portion 120a is provided. The anti-rotation portion 120a of the connection pin 120 is fitted into the groove 58d of the lift cylinder 58, and the connection pin 120 is attached to the knuckle arm 58c of the lift cylinder 58 in a non-rotating state. A hydraulic cylinder 67 is connected to the connection pin 120.

(Configuration of front wheel steering operation)
32, the left and right hydraulic cylinders 67 are provided with control valves 68 for supplying and discharging hydraulic oil, and the control valves 68 are operated by an operation handle 69 provided on the driving section 7. An oil passage 70 is connected between the oil chambers 67a on the piston sides of the left and right hydraulic cylinders 67 and the control valves 68, and an oil passage 80 is connected between the oil chamber 67b on the bottom side of the right hydraulic cylinder 67 and the oil chamber 67b on the bottom side of the left hydraulic cylinder 67.

When the steering handle 69 is operated to the right, hydraulic oil is supplied from the control valve 68 through the right oil passage 70 to the oil chamber 67a of the right hydraulic cylinder 67, causing the right hydraulic cylinder 67 to contract. The hydraulic oil in the oil chamber 67b of the right hydraulic cylinder 67 is supplied through the oil passage 80 to the oil chamber 67b of the left hydraulic cylinder 67, causing the left hydraulic cylinder 67 to expand, and the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber 67a of the left hydraulic cylinder 67 is returned to the control valve 68 through the left oil passage 70.

In this way, the right hydraulic cylinder 67 contracts and the left hydraulic cylinder 67 extends, causing the cylinder portion 58a of the lift cylinder 58 to rotate, and the left and right front wheels 1 are steered to the right.

When the steering handle 69 is operated to the left, hydraulic oil is supplied from the control valve 68 through the left oil passage 70 to the oil chamber 67a of the left hydraulic cylinder 67, causing the left hydraulic cylinder 67 to contract. Hydraulic oil in the oil chamber 67b of the left hydraulic cylinder 67 is supplied through the oil passage 80 to the oil chamber 67b of the right hydraulic cylinder 67, causing the right hydraulic cylinder 67 to expand, and hydraulic oil in the oil chamber 67a of the right hydraulic cylinder 67 is returned to the control valve 68 through the right oil passage 70.

In this way, the right hydraulic cylinder 67 extends and the left hydraulic cylinder 67 contracts, causing the cylinder portion 58a of the lift cylinder 58 to rotate, and the left and right front wheels 1 are steered to the left.

(Configuration of front wheel lifting and lowering operation)
As shown in FIG. 33, the left and right lift cylinders 58 are provided with electromagnetically operated control valves 86 for supplying and discharging hydraulic oil, and the control valves 86 are operated by a control device 100 provided on the aircraft body.

When the control valve 86 is operated to the raised position 86U, hydraulic oil is supplied to the lift cylinder 58, the lift cylinder 58 is extended, and the front wheel 1 is lowered relative to the aircraft. When the control valve 86 is operated to the lowered position 86D, hydraulic oil is discharged from the lift cylinder 58, the lift cylinder 58 is contracted, and the front wheel 1 is raised relative to the aircraft. When the control valve 86 is operated to the neutral position 86N, the supply and discharge of hydraulic oil to the lift cylinder 58 is cut off, and the lift cylinder 58 stops.

With the above configuration, the lifting cylinder 58 is extended and retracted, thereby raising and lowering the front wheel 1 relative to the machine body. With the front wheel 1 and rear wheel 2 on the ground, the lifting cylinder 58 is extended and retracted, thereby raising and lowering the machine body (the reaping unit 3 and the transport device 4) relative to the front wheel 1, with the rear wheel 2 as the fulcrum, and the height of the reaping unit 3 and the transport device 4 relative to the front wheel 1 is changed.

(Configuration of front wheel lift control)
33 , in the cutting device 13, an oil passage 87 is connected to the hydraulic motor 20, and hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic motor 20 via the oil passage 87 to operate the hydraulic motor 20. An oil passage 88 is connected to the hydraulic motor 20, and hydraulic oil from the hydraulic motor 20 is discharged via the oil passage 88.

A bypass oil passage 89 is connected between the oil passages 87 and 88, and a relief valve 90 is provided in the oil passage 89. A load sensor 79 is provided to detect the oil pressure in the oil passage 88, and a detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 is input to the control device 100. The oil pressure in the oil passage 87 is detected by the load sensor 79, thereby detecting the oil pressure of the hydraulic motor 20, and the oil pressure of the hydraulic motor 20 is detected as the load applied to the hydraulic motor 20.

A height sensor 77 is provided to detect the vertical angle of the support arm 57 (see FIG. 29) relative to the support frame 49, and the detection value A1 of the height sensor 77 is input to the control device 100. By detecting the vertical angle of the support arm 57 relative to the support frame 49 with the height sensor 77, the vertical position of the front wheel 1 relative to the machine body is detected, and the height of the reaping unit 3, transport device 4, and cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) relative to the front wheel 1 (ground) is detected.

A dial-operated reference height adjuster 76 that can set the reference height K1 (see (Mowing Height Control) described below) is provided in the driving unit 7, and the signal from the reference height adjuster 76 is input to the control device 100. The operator can manually operate the reference height adjuster 76 to arbitrarily set and change the reference height K1.

A cutting height control operating device 78 that activates and stops the cutting height control described below is provided in the driving unit 7, and a signal from the cutting height control operating device 78 is input to the control device 100. The operator can manually operate the cutting height control operating device 78 to set the operating state and the stopped state.

(Mowing height control)
As shown in Figures 33 and 34 and as described below, based on the detection values A1, A2 and the reference height K1, the control device 100 operates the control valve 86, and the lifting cylinder 58 extends and retracts, thereby setting the height of the cutting unit 3, the conveying device 4, and the cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) relative to the front wheels 1 (ground surface).

When work begins, the reference height K1 is set by the operating position of the reference height adjustment device 76 (step S1), detection is performed by the height sensor 77 (step S2), and the lifting cylinder 58 extends and retracts so that the detection value A1 of the height sensor 77 becomes the reference height K1 (step S3).

When the cutting height control operating device 78 is operated to the stop position (step S4), the process returns to step S1. When the operator operates the reference height adjustment device 76 to change the reference height K1 (step S1), the lifting cylinder 58 extends and retracts so that the detection value A1 of the height sensor 77 becomes the changed reference height K1 (step S3).

When the cutting height control operating device 78 is operated to the stop position, the operator can operate the reference height adjustment device 76 to arbitrarily change the height of the cutting unit 3, the conveying device 4, and the cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) relative to the front wheels 1 (ground surface).

When the cutting height control operating device 78 is operated to the actuated position (step S4), detection is performed by the load sensor 79 (step S5). In this case, an upper set value AU and a lower set value AD lower than the upper set value AU are preset in the control device 100 with respect to a detected value A2 of the load sensor 79.
When the detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 is lower than the upward set value AU and higher than the downward set value AD (step S6), the lift cylinder 58 is stopped (step S7).

When the detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 becomes higher than the upward set value AU (step S6), it is determined that the load on the cutting device 13 (hydraulic motor 20) has increased, and the lifting cylinder 58 is extended, causing the cutting unit 3, conveying device 4, and cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) to be raised relative to the front wheels 1 (ground surface) (step S8).

After this, when the detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 falls below the upward set value AU (step S6), it is determined that the load on the cutting device 13 (hydraulic motor 20) has returned to an appropriate value, and the lifting cylinder 58 stops (step S7).

When the detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 becomes lower than the lowering set value AD (step S6), it is determined that the load on the cutting device 13 (hydraulic motor 20) has decreased, and the lifting cylinder 58 contracts, lowering the cutting unit 3, conveying device 4, and cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) relative to the front wheels 1 (ground surface) (step S11).

After this, when the detection value A2 of the load sensor 79 rises to a value higher than the lowering side set value AD (step S6), it is determined that the load on the cutting device 13 (hydraulic motor 20) has returned to an appropriate value, and the lifting cylinder 58 stops (step S7).

When the lifting cylinder 58 contracts in steps S6 and S11, the reaping unit 3, conveying device 4, and cutting device 13 (rotary blade 14) are permitted to be lowered when the detection value A1 of the height sensor 77 is higher than the reference height K1 (steps S9 and S10).

When the lift cylinder 58 is contracted in steps S6 and S11, the lift cylinder 58 stops when the detection value A1 of the height sensor 77 reaches the reference height K1 (step S7). This prevents the lift cylinder 58 from contracting beyond the reference height K1. In this case, the worker can change the reference height K1 by operating the reference height adjustment tool 76.

(Configuration of the restriction member capable of restricting the contraction operation of the lift cylinder)
As shown in Figures 29, 35 and 41, there are provided left and right regulating members 126. As shown in Figure 36, the regulating members 126 have an inner portion 126a, an outer portion 126b, a contact portion 126c, a pin 126d and a connection hole 126e.

In the restricting member 126, flat outer parts 126b are connected to both sides of a channel-shaped inner part 126a, and a U-shaped abutment part 126c is connected to the ends of the inner part 126a and the outer part 126b. A pin 126d is connected to the middle part of the outer part 126b, and a connection hole 126e is opened at the end of the outer part 126b opposite the abutment part 126c.

As shown in Figures 29, 35, 37, and 38, the connection pin 129 is inserted into the connection hole 126e of the regulating member 126 (outer portion 126b), and the regulating member 126 is supported by the connection pin 129 so as to be able to swing up and down. The regulating member 126 is supported by the end portion 58f of the piston rod portion 58b of the lift cylinder 58 via the connection pin 129 so as to be able to swing up and down.

(Unrestrained and restrained states of the restraining member)
The states shown in Figures 35, 37, and 38 are states in which the regulating member 126 is swung upward around the connection pin 129 and the contact portion 126c of the regulating member 126 is operated to a non-regulating state B1 in which the contact portion 126c is separated upward from the piston rod portion 58b of the lifting cylinder 58.

As shown in FIG. 39, the holding member 130 is fixed to the upper part of the regulating member 126. The holding member 130 is made of an elastically deformable leaf spring, with an engagement hole 130a opening at one end and a handle portion 130b provided at the other end.

As shown in Figures 35, 37, and 38, after lifting the restricting member 126 to the non-restricted state B1, the pin 126d of the restricting member 126 is inserted into the engagement hole 130a of the holding member 130 while holding the handle portion 130b of the holding member 130 and slightly elastically deforming the holding member 130. This allows the holding member 130 to hold the restricting member 126 in the non-restricted state B1.

When the restricting member 126 is held in the non-restricted state B1, the steering of the front wheel 1 described above in (Front wheel steering configuration) is permitted, and the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder 58 described above in (Mowing height control) is permitted.

In the non-restricted state B1, the restricting member 126 is located above the cylinder portion 58a of the lift cylinder 58 and extends laterally outward from the piston rod portion 58b of the lift cylinder 58.

For example, when a sugarcane harvester is loaded onto the bed of a truck for transportation, or when the sugarcane harvester is stored in a warehouse or the like, the following operations are performed.
39 and 40 , while holding the handle portion 130b of the holding member 130, the pin 126d of the regulating member 126 is pulled out from the engagement hole 130a of the holding member 130 while slightly elastically deforming the holding member 130. The regulating member 126 is swung downward so that the abutment portion 126c of the regulating member 126 abuts against the end portion 58e of the cylinder portion 58a of the lifting cylinder 58 on the piston rod portion 58b side.

As a result, the regulating member 126 is attached across the end 58f of the piston rod portion 58b of the lift cylinder 58 and the end 58e of the cylinder portion 58a, resulting in a regulated state B2 in which the contraction operation of the lift cylinder 58 can be regulated.

(Arrangement of the Restriction Member)
As shown in Figures 1, 35, and 41, left and right doors 7a for getting on and off are provided on the right and left parts of the driver's section 7 so as to be able to be opened and closed around a fulcrum along the up-down direction at the front part of the door 7a. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, left and right side mirrors 7b that can be stored are provided on the upper part of the right part and the upper part of the left part of the driver's section 7. As shown in Figures 2, 35, and 41, left and right decks 131 for getting on and off the driver's section 7 are provided so as to extend laterally outward from the lower part of the driver's section 7 (below the door 7a of the driver's section 7).

As shown in Figures 35, 37, and 38, the restricting member 126 in the non-restricted state B1 is disposed below the deck 131 and is located below the driving section 7, and the restricting member 126 in the non-restricted state B1 is disposed closer to the driving section 7 than the outer lateral end of the deck 131.

As shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41, the regulating member 126 in the regulated state B2 is disposed below the deck 131 and is located below the driving unit 7, and the regulating member 126 in the regulated state B2 is disposed closer to the driving unit 7 than the deck 131.

As shown in Figures 35 and 41, left and right steps 132, 133 for getting on and off the driver's unit 7 are provided below the deck 131. The step 132 has a step frame 132a connected across the upper front part of the driver's unit 7 and the rear part of the deck 131, and a footrest 132b connected to the step frame 132a. The step 133 is connected to a guide frame 134 provided along the front-to-rear direction on the side of the aircraft body.

The step 132 is positioned laterally outward from the regulating member 126 in a front view. The tread portion 132b of the step 132 is positioned rearward from the regulating member 126 in a side view, and the step frame 132a of the step 132 overlaps with the regulating member 126 in the regulated state B2 in a side view. The regulating member 126 in the non-regulated state B1 is positioned between the deck 131 and the step frame 132a of the step 132 in a front view and a side view.

(First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
When a load is applied to the cutting device 13, such as when the rotary blade 14 is pushed rearward by the crop as the machine moves forward, the drive case 15 tends to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 13, causing the rear of the drive case 15 to be displaced upward. In this case, the horizontal frame 112 can be positioned so that it is pressed against the upper part of the rear of the drive case 15 from above.
As a result, the horizontal frame 112 receives and prevents the rear of the drive case 15 from being displaced upward (load).

(Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
In the above-mentioned (first alternative embodiment of the invention), the horizontal frame 112 may be configured to be connected to a portion of the right side wall 72 above the rear of the right connecting portion 110, and to a portion of the left side wall 72 above the rear of the left connecting portion 110.
The right support member 111 may be configured to be connected between the rear portion of the underside of the right connecting portion 110 and the right side wall 72, and the left support member 111 may be configured to be connected between the rear portion of the underside of the left connecting portion 110 and the left side wall 72.

In the above-described configuration, the right and left ends of the drive case 15 are abutted against the upper surfaces of the left and right connecting parts 110, and the rear parts of the right and left ends of the drive case 15 are inserted between the left and right connecting parts 110 and the horizontal frame 112.

Bolts 114 are inserted between the rear of the right end and the rear of the left end of the drive case 15, the horizontal frame 112, and the rear of the left and right connecting parts 110, and the right and left ends of the drive case 15, the horizontal frame 112, and the left and right connecting parts 110 are fastened together by the bolts 114. The front of the right end and the front of the left end of the drive case 15 and the front of the left and right connecting parts 110 are connected by the bolts 114.

(Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
It is also possible to provide both a horizontal frame 112 (see FIG. 13) against which the front part of the drive case 15 is abutted from above, and a horizontal frame 112 (see the above-mentioned (first alternative embodiment of the invention)) against which the rear part of the drive case 15 is abutted from below.

The present invention can be applied to sugarcane harvesters.

3 reaping unit 13 cutting device 14 rotary blade 15 drive case
15a Main body
15b Lid
16 Drive shaft 72 Side wall 110 Connection portion 111 Support member 112 Horizontal frame

Claims (6)

The reaping unit has left and right side walls and a cutting device that cuts the base of a crop in a field introduced between the left and right side walls as the machine body moves forward.
The cutting device is disposed between the left and right side walls and includes a drive case having a main body and a lid , left and right drive shafts extending downward from the right and left parts of the drive case, and left and right rotary blades supported on lower parts of the left and right drive shafts and driven to rotate by the drive shafts, and is configured to cut the base of a crop introduced between the left and right rotary blades by the left and right rotary blades as the machine body advances,
The right end of the main body and the right end of the lid are fastened together to a connecting portion provided on the right side wall,
A sugarcane harvester , wherein the left end portion of the main body and the left end portion of the lid are fastened together to a connecting portion provided on the left side wall . A horizontal frame is provided that is connected across the left and right side walls,
2. The sugarcane harvester of claim 1, wherein the drive case is supported by the cross frame. 3. The sugarcane harvester according to claim 2 , wherein a front portion of the drive case located forward of the drive shaft is placed on and supported by the horizontal frame. The right end portion of the main body and the right end portion of the cover are fastened together to the connecting portion provided on the right side wall and the right end portion of the horizontal frame,
The sugarcane harvester according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the left end portion of the main body and the left end portion of the lid are fastened together to the connecting portion provided on the left side wall and the left end portion of the horizontal frame. The reaping unit has left and right side walls and a cutting device that cuts the base of a crop in a field introduced between the left and right side walls as the machine body moves forward.
the cutting device has a drive case disposed between the left and right side walls, left and right drive shafts extending downward from the right and left parts of the drive case, and left and right rotary blades supported on lower parts of the left and right drive shafts and driven to rotate by the drive shafts, and is configured to cut the base of a crop introduced between the left and right rotary blades by the left and right rotary blades as the machine body advances;
A horizontal frame is provided that is connected across the left and right side walls,
a front portion of the drive case located forward of the drive shaft is mounted and supported on the horizontal frame,
The right end of the drive case is fastened to a connecting portion provided on the right side wall and to a right end of the horizontal frame,
A sugarcane harvester, wherein the left end of the drive case is fastened to a connecting portion provided on the left side wall and to the left end of the horizontal frame. a right support member that supports a load applied from the drive case to the connecting portion of the right side wall is connected between the right side wall and the connecting portion of the right side wall,
A sugarcane harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a left support member that supports the load applied from the drive case to the connection portion of the left side wall is connected across the left side wall and the connection portion of the left side wall.

Images