JP7617834B2 - combine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a combine harvester.

The combine harvester described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a threshing drum frame that supports the threshing drum and can swing up and down, a cylinder that swings the threshing drum frame upward, and an operation switch that operates the cylinder. When the operation switch is operated, the cylinder is actuated and the threshing drum frame swings upward. With the threshing drum frame raised to a specified position, the straw stuck around the threshing drum can be removed.

JP 2019-97558 A

In order to remove the clogged stalks, it is necessary to wait for the feed chain to stop. From the viewpoint of work efficiency, it is preferable for the feed chain to stop quickly. Patent Document 1 does not state anything about stopping the feed chain quickly.

The object of the present invention is to provide a means for quickly stopping the feed chain to efficiently clear the stalk jam and for properly resuming threshing operations.

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a combine harvester of the present invention includes a feed chain for transporting reaped stalks, a drive sprocket for driving the feed chain, a threshing device for threshing the reaped stalks transported by the feed chain, a loosening mechanism changeable between a normal state in which tension is applied to the feed chain and an abnormal state in which tension on the feed chain is loosened, a first linkage mechanism changeable between a holding state in which the loosening mechanism can be maintained in the normal state and a change state in which the loosening mechanism is changed from the normal state to the abnormal state, and a first linkage mechanism changeable between a normal state in which it does not act on the feed chain and an abnormal state in which the feed chain and the drive sprocket are separated in a direction in which they are disengaged. The device comprises a state-changeable separation mechanism, a second linkage mechanism whose state can be changed between a holding state that can hold the separation mechanism in the normal state and a change state that changes the separation mechanism from the normal state to the non-normal state, an operating tool that is manually operated, and a state-change mechanism that automatically performs, in sequence, a first operation that changes the state of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from the holding state to the change state in response to the manual operation of the operating tool , and a second operation that returns the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from the change state to the holding state after the first operation, wherein the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism are configured not to automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state when the state-change mechanism performs the second operation.

According to this configuration, when the operating tool is manually operated, the state-changing mechanism performs a first operation. The loosening mechanism goes into a non-normal state, loosening the tension on the feed chain. The separation mechanism goes into a non-normal state, separating the feed chain and the drive sprocket in a direction that disengages them. This causes the feed chain to stop quickly. Therefore, the work of clearing the jammed grain can be carried out efficiently.

The state-changing mechanism then performs the second operation after the first operation. The first and second cooperation mechanisms automatically return from the changed state to the held state. Therefore, when threshing is resumed, there is no need to manually operate the state-changing mechanism, the first and second cooperation mechanisms, and the workload associated with resuming threshing can be reduced.

On the other hand, even if the state-changing mechanism performs the second operation, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism do not automatically return to the normal state. Therefore, to resume threshing, further operations or tasks from the operator are required. In other words, threshing can be resumed only after a human operation or other indication of intent, and the procedure for resuming threshing is appropriate.

In particular, even if the operator mistakenly starts the engine and begins threshing before performing the recovery operation, the separation mechanism remains in a non-normal state. Because the feed chain and the drive sprocket are separated, the feed chain will not move even if the drive sprocket rotates. This prevents damage to the feed chain caused by contact with the rotating drive sprocket.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the loosening mechanism and the first linking mechanism are configured to be in contact with each other when the loosening mechanism is in the normal state and to be separated from each other when the loosening mechanism is in the non-normal state, and that the separation mechanism and the second linking mechanism are configured to be in contact with each other when the separation mechanism is in the normal state and to be separated from each other when the separation mechanism is in the non-normal state.

According to this configuration, since the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism in the abnormal state are separated from the first and second linking mechanisms, even if the state-changing mechanism performs the second operation, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism cannot return to the normal state. Therefore, the procedure for resuming the threshing operation becomes more appropriate.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the first coordination mechanism includes a first wire that transmits the first action by being pulled toward the actuator, and the second coordination mechanism includes a second wire that transmits the first action by being pulled toward the actuator.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the device further includes a first return operating tool and a second return operating tool that are manually operated, the loosening mechanism being configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the first return operating tool, and the separation mechanism being configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the second return operating tool.

According to this configuration, when the first return operating tool and the second return operating tool are manually operated, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism are returned to their normal states. In other words, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism are returned to their normal states through manual operation, and threshing can be resumed, so the procedure for resuming threshing is appropriate.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the second linking mechanism includes a locking portion, the separating mechanism includes a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion, the locked portion is biased in a direction away from the locking portion, and when the second linking mechanism changes state from the holding state to the changing state, the state-changing mechanism operates the locking portion to release the lock of the locked portion to the locking portion, and the locked portion separates from the locking portion.

With this configuration, the lock is released by the state change mechanism and the locked part is biased away from the locking part, so the separation mechanism quickly changes to the abnormal state, allowing the work of clearing the jammed grain to be carried out efficiently.

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a combine harvester of the present invention includes a feed chain for transporting reaped stalks, a drive sprocket for driving the feed chain, a threshing device for threshing the reaped stalks transported by the feed chain, a loosening mechanism capable of changing between a normal state in which tension is applied to the feed chain and an abnormal state in which tension applied to the feed chain is loosened, a first linkage mechanism capable of changing between a holding state in which the loosening mechanism can be maintained in the normal state and a change state in which the loosening mechanism is changed from the normal state to the abnormal state, a normal state in which the loosening mechanism does not act on the feed chain, and a linkage mechanism for linking the feed chain and the drive sprocket. a separating mechanism capable of changing its state between a holding state in which the separating mechanism is held in the normal state and a changed state in which the separating mechanism is changed from the normal state to the non-normal state; a manipulating tool that is manually operated; and a state-changing mechanism that performs a first operation to change the state of the first and second linkage mechanisms from the holding state to the changed state in response to the manipulating tool being manually operated, and a second operation to return the first and second linkage mechanisms from the changed state to the holding state after the first operation. The change mechanism is configured not to automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state when the second action is performed, and further includes a first return operating tool and a second return operating tool that are manually operated, the loosening mechanism is configured to return from the non-normal state to the normal state by manually operating the first return operating tool, the separating mechanism is configured to return from the non-normal state to the normal state by manually operating the second return operating tool, the second linking mechanism includes a locking portion, the separating mechanism includes a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion, the locked portion is biased in a direction away from the locking portion, and the second linking mechanism changes state from the held state to the changed state. When the state-change mechanism is in the held state, the state-change mechanism operates the engaging portion to release the engaged portion from the engaging portion and move the engaged portion away from the engaging portion, the engaging portion includes a first member and a second member capable of swinging relative to the first member, and when the second linking mechanism is in the held state, the engaged portion is located in a storage portion formed between the first member and the second member and is in contact with and engaged with the second member, and when the second linking mechanism changes from the held state to the changed state, the state-change mechanism swings the second member relative to the first member, creating an opening in the storage portion and causing the engaged portion to exit the storage portion through the opening.

According to this configuration, when the operating tool is manually operated, the state-changing mechanism performs a first operation. The loosening mechanism is put into a non-normal state to loosen the tension on the feed chain. The separation mechanism is put into a non-normal state to separate the feed chain and the drive sprocket in a direction to disengage from each other. This causes the feed chain to stop quickly. Therefore, the work of clearing the jammed straw can be carried out efficiently.
The state-changing mechanism performs the second operation after the first operation. The first and second cooperation mechanisms automatically return from the changed state to the holding state. Therefore, when threshing is resumed, there is no need to manually operate the state-changing mechanism, the first and second cooperation mechanisms, and therefore the workload associated with resuming threshing can be reduced.
On the other hand, even if the state-changing mechanism performs the second operation, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism do not automatically return to the normal state. Therefore, in order to resume the threshing operation, further operations or tasks from the operator are required. In other words, the threshing operation can be resumed after a human operation or other intention is expressed, so that the procedure for resuming the threshing operation is appropriate.
In particular, even if the operator mistakenly starts the engine and starts threshing before performing the return operation, the separation mechanism remains in the abnormal state. Since the feed chain and the drive sprocket are separated, the feed chain does not move even if the drive sprocket rotates. Therefore, damage to the feed chain caused by contact with the rotating drive sprocket is suppressed.
According to this configuration, when the first return operating tool and the second return operating tool are manually operated, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism are returned to their normal states. In other words, the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism are returned to their normal states through manual operation, and threshing can be resumed, so that the procedure for resuming threshing is appropriate.
According to this configuration, the lock is released by the state-changing mechanism and the locked portion is forced away from the locking portion, so that the separation mechanism quickly changes to the non-normal state, enabling the work of clearing the jammed grain straw to be carried out efficiently.
According to this configuration, the state-change mechanism causes the second member to swing to create an opening in the storage section and the engaged part to withdraw from the storage section, so that the separation mechanism quickly changes to the non-normal state, enabling the work of clearing the jammed grain straw to be carried out efficiently.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the normal line of the first contact surface of the second member, which is the contact surface with the locked portion when the locked portion is positioned in the storage portion, intersects with the pivot axis of the second member and is aligned with the biasing direction of the locked portion.

With this configuration, the line of action of the force acting from the locked portion to the second member intersects with the pivot axis of the second member, so no moment is generated in the second member. Therefore, the second member does not pivot due to the force from the locked portion, so it is possible to prevent the lock from being released without the operation of the state change mechanism.

In the present invention, the separation mechanism is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by the locked portion moving and being locked by the locking portion in response to manual operation of the second return operating tool, and the normal line of the second contact surface of the second member, which is the surface that comes into contact with the locked portion when the separation mechanism returns to the normal state, intersects with the direction of movement of the locked portion when the first return operating tool is manually operated, and it is preferable that the second contact surface is pressed by the locked portion to cause the second member to swing in the direction in which the opening is created.

According to this configuration, when the second contact surface is pressed against the locked portion by manual operation, an opening is created, and the locked portion can enter the storage portion through the opening. In other words, it is possible to restore the separation mechanism to its normal state by simple manual operation.

FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the loosening mechanism in a normal state, the first linkage mechanism in a holding state, the separation mechanism in a normal state, the second linkage mechanism in a holding state, and the state-changing mechanism. FIG. A left side view showing the loosening mechanism in a non-normal state, the first linkage mechanism in a changed state, the separation mechanism in a non-normal state, the second linkage mechanism in a changed state, and the state-change mechanism that has completed the first operation. 13 is a left side view showing the loosening mechanism in a normal state and the first linkage mechanism in a holding state. FIG. 11 is a left side view, partially in section, showing the loosening mechanism in a normal state and the first linkage mechanism in a holding state; FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the loosening mechanism in a non-normal state and the first linkage mechanism in a changed state. FIG. 13 is a left side view showing the loosening mechanism in a non-normal state and the first linkage mechanism in a holding state. FIG. 13 is a left side view, partially in section, showing the loosening mechanism in a non-normal state and the first linkage mechanism in a holding state; FIG. FIG. 13 is a right side view showing the spacing mechanism in a normal state and the second linkage mechanism in a holding state. FIG. FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the spacing mechanism in a non-normal state and the second linkage mechanism in a changed state. 13 is a right side view showing the spacing mechanism in a non-normal state and the second linkage mechanism in a holding state. FIG. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the groove and the extrusion member of the drive pulley. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system.

The following describes an embodiment of a combine harvester according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In each drawing, the direction indicated by the symbol (FR) is the front side of the machine, the direction indicated by the symbol (BK) is the rear side of the machine, the direction indicated by the symbol (LH) is the left side of the machine, the direction indicated by the symbol (RH) is the right side of the machine, the direction indicated by the symbol (UP) is the top side, and the direction indicated by the symbol (DW) is the bottom side. The forward direction of the machine is the front side of the machine, the backward direction is the rear side of the machine, the right side of the machine when facing the forward direction of the machine is the right side of the machine, and the left side is the left side of the machine.

[Combine configuration]
A head-feeding combine harvester is shown in Fig. 1. This combine harvester comprises a machine frame 1 and a traveling device 2 that supports the machine frame 1. A driver's section 3, on which a driver sits, is provided on the right side at the front of the machine. An engine EG (see Fig. 14) is provided below the driver's section 3.

In front of the driving unit 3, there is a harvesting unit 4 that harvests the planted culms. Behind the driving unit 3, there is a storage tank 5 that stores grains. A grain discharge device 6 is provided to discharge the grains in the storage tank 5.

On the left side of the machine body, there is provided a conveying section 7 that conveys the planted stalks cut by the cutting section 4 to the rear, and a feed chain 8 that receives the cut stalks conveyed by the conveying section 7 and conveys them to the rear. As shown in FIG. 2, a guide frame 8a is provided to guide and support the feed chain 8. The guide frame 8a guides and supports the portion of the travel path of the feed chain 8 that corresponds to the upper path. The guide frame 8a extends from the conveying start end to the conveying end end of the portion of the travel path of the feed chain 8 that corresponds to the upper path. A drive sprocket 8b is provided to drive the feed chain 8.

A threshing device 9 is provided to the left of the storage tank 5. The threshing device 9 threshes the harvested stalks transported by the feed chain 8. A straw waste conveying device 10 is provided behind the threshing device 9. The straw waste conveying device 10 receives the straw waste after threshing from the feed chain 8 and clamps and conveys it to the rear. A straw waste cutting device 11 is provided below the end of the transport path of the straw waste conveying device 10, which cuts the straw waste transported by the straw waste conveying device 10.

A manually operated push button switch 12 (an example of an "operating tool") is provided. The switch 12 is located at the front end on the left side of the threshing device 9. In other words, the switch 12 is located near the stalk entrance of the threshing device 9. The switch 12 is connected to the combine harvester's control device 16 (see FIG. 14). In response to the switch 12 being operated, the stop control unit 17 (described below) activates the state change mechanism E (described below).

[Feed chain emergency stop mechanism]
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, on the left side of the threshing device 9, there are provided a loosening mechanism A, a first linking mechanism B, a separation mechanism C, a second linking mechanism D, and a state change mechanism E as mechanisms for emergency stopping the feed chain 8.

The loosening mechanism A is configured to be able to change between a normal state in which tension is applied to the feed chain 8 and a non-normal state in which the tension applied to the feed chain 8 is loosened.

The first linkage mechanism B is configured to be able to change between a holding state that can hold the loosening mechanism A in a normal state and a change state that changes the state of the loosening mechanism A from the normal state to a non-normal state.

The separation mechanism C is configured to be able to change between a normal state in which it does not act on the feed chain 8 and a non-normal state in which the feed chain 8 and the drive sprocket 8b are separated in a direction that disengages the meshing.

The second linkage mechanism D is configured to be able to change between a holding state that can hold the separation mechanism C in a normal state and a change state that changes the state of the separation mechanism C from the normal state to a non-normal state.

The state change mechanism E is configured to execute a first operation to change the state of the first linkage mechanism B and the second linkage mechanism D from the holding state to the change state in response to manual operation of the switch 12, and a second operation to return the first linkage mechanism B and the second linkage mechanism D from the change state to the holding state after the first operation.

In this embodiment, the loosening mechanism A and the separation mechanism C are configured so as not to automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state when the state-changing mechanism E performs the second operation.

[State change mechanism]
The state-changing mechanism E shown in Fig. 2 includes an actuator W, a shaft member 13, and an operating member 14. The actuator W is a rotary motor. The shaft member 13 is connected to a rotation shaft of the actuator W. The operating member 14 is a plate-shaped member supported by the shaft member 13. The shaft member 13 and the operating member 14 are driven to rotate around a horizontal axis X1 by the actuator W. A wire 36 of a first linkage mechanism B and a wire 63 of a second linkage mechanism D are connected to the operating member 14.

The operation of the state-change mechanism E is controlled by the combine's control device 16 (Figure 14). The first operation described above is an operation in which the actuator W rotates the shaft member 13 a predetermined angle clockwise when viewed from the left side of the machine body. The second operation is an operation in which the actuator W rotates the shaft member 13 a predetermined angle counterclockwise when viewed from the left side of the machine body. When the second operation is performed, the state-change mechanism E returns to the state it was in before the first operation was performed.

[Loosening mechanism, first linking mechanism]
The loosening mechanism A and the first cooperation mechanism B will be described with reference to FIG.

The loosening mechanism A includes a swing arm 31, an idler roller 32, and a locking member 33.

The first linkage mechanism B includes a substrate member 34, a gate member 35, and a wire 36.

The swing arm 31 is an arm-shaped member that is supported on the left side of the threshing device 9 in a state in which it can swing around the horizontal axis X4. The tip of the swing arm 31 is provided with an axis member 31a that protrudes to the left.

The idler roller 32 is supported at the tip of the swing arm 31 in a state in which it can rotate around the horizontal axis X5. More specifically, the idler roller 32 is supported by the shaft member 31a of the swing arm 31. The shaft member 31a protrudes from the left side surface of the idler roller 32 and extends leftward.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the loosening mechanism A is in the normal state, the idler roller 32 contacts the feed chain 8 from below and applies tension to the feed chain 8. In other words, the swing arm 31 and the idler roller 32 are biased in a direction in which the idler roller 32 moves away from the feed chain 8 by gravity and the tension of the feed chain 8.

The interlocking member 33 has a plate-shaped support portion 33a that protrudes laterally from the swing arm 31, a headed pin 33b that protrudes from the support portion 33a toward the right of the machine body, and a collar 33c that is supported by the shaft portion of the headed pin 33b.

The base member 34 is a plate-shaped member that is fixed to the left side of the threshing device 9.

The gate member 35 is a plate-shaped member that is supported by the base member 34 and can swing around the horizontal axis X6 relative to the base member 34.

The wire 36 is elastically deformable. The front end of the wire 36 is connected to the upper end of the gate member 35, and the rear end is connected to the upper end of the operating member 14 of the state-changing mechanism E. In other words, the wire 36 connects the state-changing mechanism E and the gate member 35.

When the loosening mechanism A is in the normal state (Figs. 2 and 4), the swing arm 31 is in a position extending along the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body, and the idler roller 32 is in contact with the feed chain 8. In this state, the locked member 33 is held by the base member 34 and the gate member 35. In other words, the first linkage mechanism B holds the loosening mechanism A in the normal state.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the collar 33c of the locked member 33 enters the groove 34a of the base member 34 and comes into contact with the protruding portion 35a of the gate member 35 to be locked. In other words, the collar 33c of the locked member 33 is positioned in the storage portion P1 formed between the base member 34 and the gate member 35. This holds the swing arm 31 in the illustrated position (FIGS. 2 and 4), and tension is applied to the feed chain 8.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the collar 33c of the locked member 33 is located in the storage section P1, the normal 35c of the first contact surface 35b, which is the contact surface of the gate member 35 with the collar 33c, intersects with the horizontal axis X6 (swing axis) of the gate member 35 and is in a state along the biasing direction 33d of the locked member 33 (locked portion). As a result, even if a force acts on the gate member 35 from the locked member 33, no moment is generated around the horizontal axis X6, and the gate member 35 does not move. The biasing of the locked member 33 is due to the reaction force on the idler roller 32 caused by the tension of the feed chain 8, and the gravity acting on the swing arm 31, the idler roller 32, and the locked member 33. The biasing direction 33d is the tangent direction of a circle centered on the horizontal axis X4.

When the loosening mechanism A is in a non-normal state (Figs. 3 and 6), the swing arm 31 extends vertically, and the idler roller 32 is separated from the feed chain 8. No tension is applied to the feed chain 8.

[Changing the state of the loosening mechanism and the first linking mechanism]
The state change of the loosening mechanism A and the first linking mechanism B will now be described. When the combine is in a normal state, the loosening mechanism A is in a normal state, and the first linking mechanism B is in a holding state (FIGS. 2 and 4).

When the switch 12 is operated, the state-changing mechanism E performs a first operation (an operation of rotating the shaft member 13 clockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine). The operating member 14 rotates, and the wire 36 moves rearward. The gate member 35 swings clockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine, and the protruding portion 35a of the gate member 35 moves forward (the state of the first linkage mechanism B changes from the holding state to the changed state). The swing arm 31, the idler roller 32, and the engaged member 33 swing counterclockwise around the horizontal axis X4 as viewed from the left side of the machine. The idler roller 32 moves away from the feed chain 8 (the state of the loosening mechanism A changes from the normal state to the non-normal state).

More specifically, the state-changing mechanism E swings the gate member 35 relative to the base member 34, which creates an opening Q1 (Fig. 6) in the storage section P1. Then, the collar 33c of the locked member 33 exits from the storage section P1 through the opening Q1. In this manner, the loosening mechanism A changes state from the normal state to the abnormal state (Figs. 3 and 6).

After the first operation of the state-changing mechanism E is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the state-changing mechanism E performs a second operation (rotating the shaft member 13 counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine). The operating member 14 rotates, and the wire 36 moves forward. The gate member 35 is pushed by the wire 36 and swings counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine. The protruding portion 35a of the gate member 35 moves rearward (the state of FIG. 7). This closes the opening Q1 of the storage section P1 (the state of the first linkage mechanism B changes from the changed state to the holding state). That is, the gate member 35 (second member) is urged in the direction of closing the opening Q1 of the storage section P1 by the restoring force of the wire 36.

When the loosening mechanism A is in the non-normal state, the loosening mechanism A and the first linking mechanism B are separated. More specifically, the locked member 33 (collar 33c) of the loosening mechanism A is separated from the base member 34 and gate member 35 of the first linking mechanism B. Therefore, even if the state-changing mechanism E performs the second operation, the swing arm 31 does not move from the position in FIG. 7 to the position in FIG. 4. In other words, when the state-changing mechanism E performs the second operation after the first operation, the loosening mechanism A does not automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state.

In other words, when the loosening mechanism A is in a normal state and the first linking mechanism B is in a holding state, the loosening mechanism A and the first linking mechanism B are in physical contact and the mechanical link is connected. When the loosening mechanism A is in a non-normal state, the mechanical link between the loosening mechanism A and the first linking mechanism B is broken.

To return the loosening mechanism A to its normal state, the operator must manually operate the loosening mechanism A. In more detail, the operator holds the shaft member 31a of the swing arm 31 and moves it forward, swinging the swing arm 31 clockwise around the horizontal axis X4 as viewed from the left side of the machine body, as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the collar 33c of the locked member 33 comes into contact with the second contact surface 35d (the lower surface of the protruding portion 35a) of the gate member 35.

Here, the normal 35e of the second contact surface 35d intersects with the movement direction 33e of the collar 33c caused by the operator's manual operation. The collar 33c pushes the second contact surface 35d, causing the gate member 35 to swing clockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine. In other words, the second contact surface 35d is pushed by the locked member 33, causing the gate member 35 to swing in a direction that creates an opening Q1 in the storage section P1. The locked member 33 then enters the storage section P1 through the created opening Q1, and the restoring force of the wire 36 causes the gate member 35 to swing counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine. The opening Q1 in the storage section P1 is closed, and the loosening mechanism A returns from the abnormal state to the normal state.

The shaft member 31a of the swing arm 31 is an example of the "first return operating tool" described in the claims. The loosening mechanism A is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the shaft member 31a (first return operating tool).

[Tension mechanism]
2, the tension mechanism T includes a tension roller 41, a swing arm 42, a biasing mechanism S, and a switching mechanism R. The tension mechanism T applies tension by bringing the tension roller 41 into contact with the feed chain 8 from the side opposite the idler roller 32 across the feed chain 8.

The tension roller 41 is supported at the lower end of the swing arm 42 in a state in which it can rotate around the horizontal axis X7. The swing arm 42 is supported on the left side of the threshing device 9 in a state in which it can rotate around the horizontal axis X8.

The biasing mechanism S biases the tension roller 41 toward the feed chain 8. The switching mechanism R switches the biasing mechanism S between a normal state in which it biases the tension roller 41 (solid lines in Figures 2 and 9) and a non-normal state in which it does not bias the tension roller 41 (two-dot chain line in Figure 9).

As shown in FIG. 9, the biasing mechanism S includes a coil spring 43, a support 44, and a bracket 45. The front end of the coil spring 43 is connected to the swing arm 42. The rear end of the coil spring 43 is connected to the support 44. The bracket 45 is fixed to the left side of the threshing device 9. The switching mechanism R includes a lever 46.

In the normal state shown by the solid lines in Figures 2 and 9, the support 44 of the biasing mechanism S is supported by the bracket 45. The front end of the lever 46 of the switching mechanism R is sandwiched between the support 44 and the bracket 45. In this normal state, the coil spring 43 of the biasing mechanism S biases the swing arm 42 rearward.

In the normal state, when the operator swings the rear end of the lever 46 diagonally forward and left with the bracket 45 as the fulcrum, the support 44 is pushed by the front end of the lever 46 and moves away from the bracket 45 (double-dashed line in FIG. 9). In this state, the coil spring 43 of the biasing mechanism S does not bias the swing arm 42.

[Separation mechanism, second linkage mechanism]
The separating mechanism C and the second linking mechanism D will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 10-13.

The separation mechanism C includes a base member 51, a pusher member 52, a slide member 53, a latch member 54, an operating lever 55, and a biasing member 56.

The second linkage mechanism D includes a substrate member 61, a gate member 62, a wire 63, and a biasing member 64.

The separation mechanism C and the second linking mechanism D are located inside the travel path of the feed chain 8 when viewed from the left-right direction of the machine body. The separation mechanism C and the second linking mechanism D are disposed below the guide frame 8a.

The base member 51 is a plate-shaped member supported on the left side of the threshing device 9. The base member 51 has a support portion 51a that supports the pusher member 52 and the slide member 53.

The pusher member 52 is a rod-shaped member that is supported by the support portion 51a of the base member 51 so that it can slide forward and backward. The front portion of the pusher member 52 is a straight rod, and the front end portion is connected to the slide member 53. The rear portion of the pusher member 52 is an arc shape that follows the outer peripheral shape of the drive sprocket 8b.

The pusher member 52 can be changed between a non-contact state (Fig. 2) in which it is positioned between the feed chain 8 and the drive sprocket 8b without contacting the feed chain 8, and a contact state (Fig. 3) in which it moves radially outward from the drive sprocket 8b beyond its non-contact position and contacts the feed chain 8, pushing out the feed chain 8. The pusher member 52 is in a non-contact state when the separation mechanism C is in a normal state, and in a contact state when the separation mechanism C is in a non-normal state.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a non-contact state, the extrusion member 52 extends rearward from the front of the drive sprocket 8b over the rotating shaft 8c, curves downward in an arc along the outer periphery of the drive sprocket 8b, and extends below the rotating shaft 8c.

The slide member 53 is supported by the support part 51a of the base member 51 in a state in which the rod-shaped member 53a at the rear part can slide in the front-rear direction. The front part of the push-out member 52 is fixed to the upper part of the slide member 53. The slide member 53 and the push-out member 52 slide in the front-rear direction together.

The front part of the pusher member 52 is fixed to the top of the slide member 53 in a form that prevents it from rotating. In detail, the fitting part of the pusher member 52, which is formed in the same shape as an elongated hole, fits into an elongated hole formed in the top of the slide member 53, thereby preventing it from rotating.

When the spacing mechanism C is in a normal state as shown in Figures 2 and 10, the push member 52 does not contact the feed chain 8. When the spacing mechanism C is in a non-normal state as shown in Figures 3 and 11-12, the push member 52 pushes the feed chain 8 backward to separate it from the drive sprocket 8b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the drive sprocket 8b has a groove 8d formed on its outer periphery, extending circumferentially and recessed in the radial direction. When the spacing mechanism C is in the normal state (FIG. 2), the pusher member 52 is located inside the groove 8d provided in the drive sprocket 8b. When the spacing mechanism C is in the non-normal state (FIG. 3), the pusher member 52 protrudes rearward out of the groove 8d.

The interlocking member 54 includes a support part 54a attached to the rear of the slide member 53, an axis member 54b protruding from the support part 54a toward the right of the aircraft body, and a collar 54c supported by the axis member 54b. The support part 54a is attached to the slide member 53 by a bolt through an elongated hole formed in the support part 54a so that the position of the support part 54a in the fore-aft direction relative to the slide member 53 can be adjusted.

The operating lever 55 is a rod-shaped member bent into an L-shape. The front end of the operating lever 55 is fixed to the slide member 53. A colored portion 55a is provided at the upper end of the operating lever 55. In this embodiment, the colored portion 55a is a yellow resin cap.

The biasing member 56 biases the pusher member 52 rearward. In this embodiment, the pusher member 52 is a compression coil spring.

The base member 61 is a plate-shaped member that is fixed to the left side of the threshing device 9.

The gate member 62 is a plate-shaped member that is supported by the base member 61 and can swing around the horizontal axis X9 relative to the base member 61.

The wire 63 is elastically deformable. The front end of the wire 63 is connected to the upper end of the gate member 62, and the rear end is connected to the lower part of the operating member 14 of the state-changing mechanism E. In other words, the wire 63 connects the state-changing mechanism E and the gate member 62.

The biasing member 64 biases the gate member 62 in a direction that rotates the gate member 62 around the horizontal axis X9 counterclockwise when viewed from the left side of the aircraft. In this embodiment, the biasing member 64 is a tension spring.

When the separation mechanism C is in the normal state (Figs. 2 and 10), the pusher member 52 is separated from the feed chain 8. In this state, the engaged member 54 is held by the base member 61 and the gate member 62. In other words, the second linkage mechanism D holds the separation mechanism C in the normal state.

More specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the collar 54c of the locked member 54 enters the groove 61a of the base member 61 and comes into contact with the protruding portion 62a of the gate member 62, becoming locked. In other words, the collar 54c of the locked member 54 is positioned in the storage portion P2 formed between the base member 61 and the gate member 62. This causes the pusher member 52 to be held in the illustrated position (Figs. 2 and 10).

As shown in FIG. 10, when the collar 54c of the locked member 54 is located in the storage section P2, the normal 62c of the first contact surface 62b, which is the contact surface of the gate member 62 with the collar 54c, intersects with the horizontal axis X9 (swing axis) of the gate member 62 and is in a state along the biasing direction 54d of the locked member 54 (locked portion). As a result, even if a force acts on the gate member 62 from the biased locked member 54, no moment is generated around the horizontal axis X9, and the gate member 62 does not move. The biasing of the locked member 54 is caused by the biasing member 56. The biasing direction 54d is parallel to the movement direction of the pusher member 52 and the slide member 53.

When the separation mechanism C is in a non-normal state (Figs. 3 and 11), the pusher member 52 protrudes rearward from the drive sprocket 8b and pushes the feed chain 8 rearward. The feed chain 8 separates from the drive sprocket 8b.

[Changing the State of the Separation Mechanism and the Second Linkage Mechanism]
An explanation will be given of state changes of the spacing mechanism C and the second linkage mechanism D. When the combine is in a normal state, the spacing mechanism C is in a normal state, and the second linkage mechanism D is in a holding state (FIGS. 2 and 10).

When the switch 12 is operated, the state-changing mechanism E performs a first operation (rotating the shaft member 13 clockwise as viewed from the left side of the machine). The operating member 14 rotates, and the wire 63 moves forward (change from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3). The gate member 62 swings counterclockwise as viewed from the right side of the machine, and the protruding portion 62a of the gate member 62 moves downward (change from FIG. 10 to FIG. 11, state change of the second linkage mechanism D from the holding state to the changed state). The pushing member 52, the sliding member 53, and the locked member 54 slide forward. The pushing member 52 pushes the feed chain 8 backward, and the feed chain 8 separates from the drive sprocket 8b (change from FIG. 10 to FIG. 11, state change of the separation mechanism C from the normal state to the non-normal state).

More specifically, the state-changing mechanism E swings the gate member 62 relative to the base member 61, which creates an opening Q2 (Fig. 11) in the storage section P2. Then, the collar 54c of the locked member 54 exits the storage section P2 through the opening Q2. In this manner, the separation mechanism C changes state from the normal state (Figs. 2 and 10) to the abnormal state (Figs. 3 and 11).

After the first operation of the state-changing mechanism E is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the state-changing mechanism E performs a second operation (rotating the shaft member 13 counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the aircraft). The operating member 14 rotates, and the wire 63 moves rearward. The gate member 62 is pulled by the biasing member 64 and swings clockwise as viewed from the right side of the aircraft. The protruding portion 62a of the gate member 62 moves upward (the state of FIG. 12). This closes the opening Q2 of the storage section P2 (the state of the second linkage mechanism D changes from the changed state to the holding state).

When the separation mechanism C is in the non-normal state, the separation mechanism C and the second linkage mechanism D are separated. More specifically, the interlocking member 54 (collar 54c) of the separation mechanism C is separated from the base member 61 and gate member 62 of the second linkage mechanism D. Therefore, even if the state-change mechanism E performs the second operation, the push-out member 52 does not move from the position in FIG. 11 to the position in FIG. 10. In other words, when the state-change mechanism E performs the second operation after the first operation, the separation mechanism C does not automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state.

In other words, when the separation mechanism C is in a normal state and the second linkage mechanism D is in a holding state, the separation mechanism C and the second linkage mechanism D are in physical contact and the mechanical link is connected. When the separation mechanism C is in a non-normal state, the mechanical link between the separation mechanism C and the second linkage mechanism D is disconnected.

To return the separation mechanism C to its normal state, the operator must manually operate the separation mechanism C. More specifically, the operator holds the operating lever 55 and moves it forward, thereby moving the slide member 53 forward as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the collar 54c of the locked member 54 comes into contact with the second contact surface 62d (the rear surface of the protruding portion 62a) of the gate member 62.

Here, the normal 62e of the second contact surface 62d intersects with the movement direction 54e of the collar 54c caused by the operator's manual operation. The collar 54c presses against the second contact surface 62d, causing the gate member 62 to swing counterclockwise as viewed from the right side of the aircraft. In other words, the second contact surface 62d is pressed against the interlocking member 54, causing the gate member 62 (second member) to swing in a direction that creates an opening Q2 in the storage section P2. The interlocking member 54 then enters the storage section P2 through the created opening Q2, and the gate member 62 swings clockwise as viewed from the left side of the aircraft due to the biasing force of the biasing member 64. The opening Q2 in the storage section P2 is closed, and the separation mechanism C returns from the abnormal state to the normal state.

The operating lever 55 is an example of a "second return operating device" described in the claims. The separation mechanism C is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the operating lever 55 (second return operating device).

The engaging portion F is constituted by the base member 61 and gate member 62 of the second linking mechanism D. The base member 61 corresponds to the "first member" described in the claims, and the gate member 62 corresponds to the "second member." The engaged member 54 (collar 54c) of the separation mechanism C corresponds to the "engaged portion" described in the claims.

[Operation timing of the loosening mechanism and the separation mechanism]
In this embodiment, each mechanism is configured so that the separation mechanism C operates later than the loosening mechanism A. That is, when the switch 12 is operated, the loosening mechanism A operates first to release the tension on the feed chain 8, and then the separation mechanism C operates to separate the feed chain 8 from the drive sprocket 8b.

In this embodiment, the differences in operation timing described above are realized by the structures of the first linkage mechanism B, the second linkage mechanism D, and the state change mechanism E, which will be described below. The explanation will be given with reference to Figure 3.

In the operating member 14 of the state-changing mechanism E, the distance L1 between the horizontal axis X1 and the connection point 36a of the wire 36 is greater than the distance L2 between the horizontal axis X1 and the connection point 63a of the wire 63. Therefore, when the actuator W operates and the operating member 14 swings around the horizontal axis X1, the amount of movement of the wire 36 of the first linkage mechanism B is greater than the amount of movement of the wire 36 of the second linkage mechanism D.

The distance L3 between the horizontal axis X6 of the gate member 35 of the first linkage mechanism B and the connection point 36b of the wire 36 is smaller than the distance L4 between the horizontal axis X9 of the gate member 62 of the second linkage mechanism D and the connection point 63b of the wire 63. Therefore, when the actuator W operates and the wires 36 and 63 move, the angle of oscillation of the gate member 35 is larger than the angle of oscillation of the gate member 62.

Therefore, when the switch 12 is operated to operate the actuator W of the state-changing mechanism E, an opening Q1 is first created in the storage section P1 of the first linking mechanism B, and then an opening Q2 is created in the storage section P2 of the second linking mechanism D. This causes the loosening mechanism A to operate first, and then the separation mechanism C to operate.

[Other embodiments]

(1) The first and second operations of the state-changing mechanism E may be operations different from those in the above-described embodiment. For example, the rotation direction of the shaft member 13 by the second operation may be the same as the rotation direction of the shaft member 13 by the first operation.

(2) The state-changing mechanism E may be configured to include multiple actuators W, with another actuator W individually changing the state of the first linking mechanism B and the second linking mechanism D. In this case, the delay in the operation of the separation mechanism C relative to the loosening mechanism A may be achieved by adjusting the operation timing of the actuator W.

(3) The stop control unit 17 may be configured to cause the state change mechanism E to execute a second operation in response to receiving manual operation from an operator after execution of the first operation.

(4) The loosening mechanism A may include an actuator. The loosening mechanism A may be configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by the operation of the actuator based on the manual operation of a push button switch or the like (first return operating device).

(5) The separation mechanism C may include an actuator. The separation mechanism C may be configured to return from the non-normal state to the normal state by the activation of the actuator based on the manual operation of a push button switch or the like (second return operating device).

(6) The configurations of the separation mechanism C, the loosening mechanism A, and the tension mechanism T are not limited to the above examples. For example, the separation mechanism C may be equipped with a member that pulls the feed chain 8 backward instead of the pushing member 52. In addition, the shape of the pushing member 52 is not limited to the above examples.

The present invention can be applied to head-feeding combine harvesters that harvest planted crops while moving.

8: Feed chain 8b: Drive sprocket 9: Threshing device 31a: Shaft member (first return operating tool)
36: Wire (first wire)
54: Locked member (locked part)
54d: biasing direction 54e: moving direction 55: operating lever (second return operating tool)
61: Substrate member (first member)
62: Gate member (second member)
62b: First contact surface 62c: Normal line 62d: Second contact surface 62e: Normal line
63: Wire (second wire)
A: Loosening mechanism B: First linking mechanism C: Separation mechanism D: Second linking mechanism E: State change mechanism F: Locking portion P2: Storage portion Q2: Opening
W: Actuator
X9: Horizontal axis (oscillating axis)

Claims (8)

A feed chain for transporting the harvested stalks;
a drive sprocket that drives the feed chain;
A threshing device that threshes the harvested stalks transported by the feed chain;
a release mechanism that can change between a normal state in which tension is applied to the feed chain and a non-normal state in which tension applied to the feed chain is released;
A first cooperation mechanism that can change between a holding state that can hold the loosening mechanism in the normal state and a change state that changes the loosening mechanism from the normal state to the non-normal state;
a separation mechanism that can be changed between a normal state in which it does not act on the feed chain and a non-normal state in which the feed chain and the drive sprocket are separated in a direction in which they are disengaged from each other;
a second cooperation mechanism capable of changing a state between a holding state in which the spacing mechanism can be held in the normal state and a change state in which the spacing mechanism is changed from the normal state to the non-normal state;
An operating tool that is manually operated;
a state-changing mechanism that automatically executes, in sequence, a first operation in which an actuator operates in response to manual operation of the operating tool to change the state of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from the held state to the changed state, and a second operation in which, after the first operation, the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism return from the changed state to the held state;
A combine harvester, wherein the loosening mechanism and the spacing mechanism are configured not to automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state when the state-changing mechanism performs the second operation. the loosening mechanism and the first linking mechanism are configured to be in contact with each other when the loosening mechanism is in the normal state and to be separated from each other when the loosening mechanism is in the non-normal state;
The combine harvester according to claim 1 , wherein the spacing mechanism and the second linkage mechanism are configured to be in contact with each other when the spacing mechanism is in the normal state and to be separated from each other when the spacing mechanism is in the non-normal state. the first linkage mechanism includes a first wire that transmits the first motion toward the actuator by being pulled by the first wire;
The combine harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second linking mechanism includes a second wire that transmits the first motion by being pulled toward the actuator. Further comprising a first reset operation tool and a second reset operation tool which are manually operated,
The loosening mechanism is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the first return operating tool,
The combine harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the separation mechanism is configured to return from the non-normal state to the normal state by manually operating the second return operating device. The second linking mechanism includes a locking portion,
the separation mechanism includes a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion,
The engaged portion is biased in a direction away from the engaging portion,
A combine harvester as described in claim 4, wherein when the second linking mechanism changes state from the holding state to the change state, the state-change mechanism operates the locking portion, so that the locked portion is released from the locking portion and the locked portion moves away from the locking portion. A feed chain for transporting the harvested stalks;
a drive sprocket that drives the feed chain;
A threshing device that threshes the harvested stalks transported by the feed chain;
a release mechanism that can change between a normal state in which tension is applied to the feed chain and a non-normal state in which tension applied to the feed chain is released;
A first cooperation mechanism that can change between a holding state that can hold the loosening mechanism in the normal state and a change state that changes the loosening mechanism from the normal state to the non-normal state;
a separation mechanism that can be changed between a normal state in which it does not act on the feed chain and a non-normal state in which the feed chain and the drive sprocket are separated in a direction in which they are disengaged from each other;
a second cooperation mechanism capable of changing a state between a holding state in which the spacing mechanism can be held in the normal state and a change state in which the spacing mechanism is changed from the normal state to the non-normal state;
An operating tool that is manually operated;
a state-changing mechanism that executes a first operation of changing a state of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from the held state to the changed state in response to manual operation of the operating tool, and a second operation of returning the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from the changed state to the held state after the first operation,
the loosening mechanism and the separating mechanism are configured not to automatically return from the non-normal state to the normal state when the state-change mechanism executes the second operation ;
Further comprising a first reset operation tool and a second reset operation tool which are manually operated,
The loosening mechanism is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the first return operating tool,
The separating mechanism is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by manually operating the second return operating tool,
The second linking mechanism includes a locking portion,
the separation mechanism includes a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion,
The engaged portion is biased in a direction away from the engaging portion,
When the second linkage mechanism changes from the holding state to the changing state, the state-changing mechanism operates the locking portion to release the lock of the locked portion from the locking portion and separate the locked portion from the locking portion;
The locking portion includes a first member and a second member that is pivotable relative to the first member,
When the second linkage mechanism is in the held state, the locked portion is located in a storage portion formed between the first member and the second member and is in contact with and locked to the second member,
When the second linking mechanism changes from the holding state to the change state, the state-change mechanism swings the second member relative to the first member, creating an opening in the storage section and allowing the engaged portion to exit the storage section through the opening . A combine harvester as described in claim 6, wherein the normal of a first contact surface of the second member, which is the contact surface with the engaged portion when the engaged portion is positioned in the storage section, intersects with the swing axis of the second member and is aligned with the biasing direction of the engaged portion . the separating mechanism is configured to return from the abnormal state to the normal state by the second return operation tool being manually operated to move the engaged portion and being engaged with the engaging portion,
a normal line of a second contact surface of the second member, which is a surface that comes into contact with the engaged portion when the separating mechanism is returned to the normal state, intersects with a moving direction of the engaged portion when the second return operation tool is manually operated,
The combine harvester according to claim 7 , wherein the second member swings in a direction in which the opening is created by the second contact surface being pressed by the engaged portion.

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