JP7683967B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and an agricultural machine.

Claws for agricultural machinery include tilling tines attached to rotary implements and plowing tines attached to tillers. These tines come into contact with the field during tilling or plowing, and gradually wear out. As wear progresses, the tines' release, turning, and mixing capabilities decrease, and ultimately the tilling or plowing performance decreases, making it impossible to perform the work properly. For this reason, agricultural workers regularly check the wear condition of the tines, and when wear reaches a certain level, they are replaced promptly.

In order to determine when to replace such work claws, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a rib that can be seen from both sides is provided at a position along the wear line that serves as a guide for replacing the work claws.

In addition, while working with agricultural machinery, farmers estimate the working conditions, such as the tilling depth, by visual inspection or based on information such as the sounds and vibrations caused by the working claws acting on the field, but this estimation is based on the farmer's experience and intuition.

Utility Model Registration No. 3198032

However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, the farmer must ultimately visually check the wear condition of the working tines, and if he forgets to check or neglects to do so because it is too much of a bother, there is a risk that he will miss the time to replace the working tines.

In addition, for example, when performing tilling work with a rotary implement or a tiller, dirt or mud may adhere to the tiller tines. In such cases, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the dirt or mud may make it impossible to visually check the ribs, making it impossible to determine the state of wear.

In addition, the working conditions of agricultural machinery during operation had to be determined based on the experience and intuition of the farmer, making it difficult to quantitatively evaluate the working conditions without relying on the farmer.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an information processing device and an agricultural work machine that can evaluate the wear state of the working claws without relying on the agricultural worker's visual inspection. Alternatively, it aims to provide an information processing device and an agricultural work machine that can evaluate the working condition of a field without relying on the agricultural worker's experience or intuition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing device receives a torque value measured in a power transmission unit that transmits power received from the traveling machine body to a claw shaft on which a working claw that acts on a field is attached, and a vehicle speed value of the traveling machine body when the torque value was measured, and evaluates the wear state of the working claw based on the torque value and the vehicle speed value.

A first torque value, which is the torque value in a first state, may be acquired, and a second torque value, which is the torque value in a second state that is after the first state and in which the working claw has not been replaced since the first state, may be acquired, and the wear state of the working claw may be evaluated based on the first torque value and the second torque value.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural work machine is equipped with a power transmission unit that includes a working claw that acts on a field, a claw shaft to which the working claw is attached, and transmits power received from the traveling machine body to the claw shaft, and a sensor that measures the torque value of the power transmission unit.

The power transmission unit may further include an input shaft to which power from the traveling machine body is input, and the sensor may be provided on the input shaft.

The power transmission unit may further include an input shaft to which power from the traveling machine body is input, and a drive shaft to transmit the power input to the input shaft to the claw shaft, and the sensor may be provided on the claw shaft or the drive shaft.

The claw shaft or the drive shaft may have a hollow structure, and the sensor may be provided on the inner wall of the hollow structure.

The claw shaft or the drive shaft has a hollow structure, the sensor is provided on the outer periphery of the claw shaft or the drive shaft, and the wiring connected to the sensor may pass through the inside of the hollow structure and be connected to an output device that outputs a sensing signal measured by the sensor to an external device.

The power transmission unit may further include an input shaft to which power from the traveling machine body is input, a drive shaft to which the power input to the input shaft is transmitted, a winding transmission unit that transmits the power of the drive shaft to the claw shaft, and a tensioner that applies tension to the winding transmission unit, and the sensor may be provided on the tensioner.

The device may further include an evaluation device that evaluates the wear condition of the working claws based on the vehicle speed value of the traveling machine body and the torque value when the torque value is measured.

According to the present invention, it is possible to evaluate the wear condition of the working claws without relying on the farmer's visual inspection. Also, it is possible to evaluate the working condition of the field without relying on the farmer's experience or intuition.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an agricultural work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of an agricultural work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an input shaft portion of an agricultural work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the results of an investigation into the relationship between the state of wear of the work claws and changes in torque in the power transmission unit in the agricultural machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method for evaluating the state of wear of a work claw based on a change in torque in a power transmission unit in an agricultural machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a drive shaft, a chain drive unit, and a claw shaft of an agricultural machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a chain case of an agricultural machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Below, an information processing device and agricultural machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, these information processing devices and agricultural machines can be implemented in many different ways, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents of the examples shown below. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated with the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals followed by an alphabet, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

In the specification and claims of this application, "up" refers to a direction moving vertically away from the field, and "down" refers to a direction moving vertically toward the field. Additionally, "front" refers to the direction in which the traveling body is located relative to the work machine, and "rear" refers to a direction 180° opposite from front. Additionally, "left" refers to the left direction when facing the direction in which the traveling body is located relative to the work machine, and "right" refers to a direction 180° opposite from left.

In the following embodiments, a tiller is used as an example of an agricultural working machine, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the agricultural working machine shown in the following embodiments may be an agricultural working machine equipped with a working claw, such as a tiller, a soil crusher, or a ridger, in addition to a tiller. In addition, a case is shown in which the power transmission unit that transmits the power received from the traveling body to the working claw is composed of an input shaft, a drive shaft, a chain drive unit, and a claw shaft, but the power transmission unit may be composed of some of these components, or may be composed of other components in addition to the above components. Furthermore, the techniques of different embodiments can be combined as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

First Embodiment
[Configuration of agricultural machine 100]
The configuration of an agricultural work machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the agricultural work machine of the first embodiment from the rear side. Figure 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the agricultural work machine of the first embodiment from the side. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a state in which the side plate 140 and the chain drive unit 160 of the agricultural work machine 100 are omitted and the tilling rotor 150 is visible.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the agricultural work machine 100 of this embodiment broadly includes an input shaft section 101, a frame 110, a shield cover 120 (see Figure 2), an apron 130, a side plate 140 (see Figure 1), a tilling rotor 150, a chain drive section 160 (see Figure 1), and a control device 170.

The input shaft 101 is connected to the center of the frame 110 in the left-right direction. The shield cover 120 is provided below the frame 110 and fixed to the frame 110. The apron 130 is rotatably connected to the shield cover 120 at a connection portion 125 (see FIG. 2) at the rear of the shield cover 120. The shield cover 120 is positioned to cover the top of the tillage rotor 150 (described later), and the apron 130 is positioned behind the tillage rotor 150.

The side plates 140 are fixed to the frame 110, the shield cover 120, and the apron 130 at both left and right ends of these components. A chain case containing the chain drive unit 160 is fixed to one of the side plates 140. The tilling rotor 150 is rotatably connected to the side plates 140 between the side plates 140. The control device 170 is provided on the shield cover 120.

As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 110 is connected to a traveling machine body (not shown) such as a tractor by an input shaft section 101, a top mast 135, and a lower link connection section 136. The input shaft section 101 is provided with an input shaft 102 that receives power from a PTO shaft of the traveling machine body such as a tractor. The frame 110 is, for example, cylindrical, and a drive shaft 111 (see Fig. 1) is provided therein. The input shaft 102 is connected to the drive shaft 111 via a conversion section 103 (see Fig. 3), and the drive shaft 111 rotates in conjunction with the input shaft 102. The drive shaft 111 extends in a direction intersecting the input shaft 102.

The tilling rotor 150 is composed of a claw shaft 180 extending in the width direction of the agricultural work machine 100, a holder 190 attached to the claw shaft 180, and a number of working claws 200 attached to the holder 190. In other words, the agricultural work machine 100 in this embodiment is a holder-type working machine. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the rear side of the agricultural work machine 100, the multiple working claws 200 are composed of a working claw 200L curved to the left and a working claw 200R curved to the right, and are attached at intervals in the axial direction of the claw shaft 180. In this embodiment, the working claws 200L and 200R are attached at regular intervals in the axial direction of the claw shaft 180. In the following description, when there is no particular distinction between the working claws 200L and 200R, they are simply referred to as working claws 200.

The drive shaft 111 and the claw shaft 180 are connected in the following configuration. The chain drive unit 160B has a winding transmission unit 161B (see FIG. 7), which is wound around a driving sprocket 162B connected to the drive shaft 111 and a passive sprocket 163B connected to the claw shaft 180. In this way, the rotational power of the drive shaft 111 is transmitted to the claw shaft 180. When the claw shaft 180 rotates, the working claw 200 rotates around the claw shaft 180, and tilling work is performed on the field. In this embodiment, a chain is used as the winding transmission unit 161B, but other members such as a belt may also be used. When a belt is used as the winding transmission unit 161B, a pulley can be used instead of the above-mentioned sprocket.

As described above, the power input from the PTO shaft is transmitted to the input shaft 102, the drive shaft 111, the chain drive unit 160, and the claw shaft 180. Therefore, these components are sometimes collectively referred to as the "power transmission unit."

When the working claw 200 rotates to till the field, the field in contact with the working claw 200 acts as a resistance to the rotational motion of the working claw 200, affecting the torque of the claw shaft 180. The torque generated in the claw shaft 180 is transmitted to the wrapping transmission part 161B, the drive shaft 111, and the input shaft 102. In other words, the torque value of the claw shaft 180 caused by tilling the field with the working claw 200 can be measured in the power transmission part. Details will be described later, but for example, a strain sensor can be provided in the power transmission part to detect the strain in the power transmission part, thereby measuring the torque value of the claw shaft 180.

In this embodiment, multiple holders 190 and working claws 200 are attached to one claw shaft 180 at approximately the same position in the direction in which the axis of the claw shaft 180 extends (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction). As shown in FIG. 2, four holders 190 are attached to the claw shaft 180 at approximately the same position in the axial direction, and two working claws 200L and two working claws 200R are attached to these holders 190. However, the type and number of working claws attached are not limited to this configuration.

As shown in Fig. 1, when the agricultural work machine 100 is viewed from the rear side, the tips of the work tines 200R and 200L that are arranged opposite each other overlap each other. Therefore, the widths of the areas in which the individual work tines 200L and 200R dig up the soil partially overlap between adjacent work tines 200L and 200R. In the agricultural work machine 100 of this embodiment, the tilling rotor 150 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow W in Fig. 2.

The center of gravity of the apron 130 is behind the connection part 125, so the apron 130 tends to descend under its own weight. A stainless steel leveling plate 132 is attached to the rear end of the apron 130. The leveling plate 132 is configured to draw a loop from the inside to the outside of the apron 130. This leveling plate 132 flattens the field that has been dug up by the tilling rotor 150.

As shown in FIG. 1, movable extension leveling boards 134 are provided on both ends of the leveling board 132. By opening the extension leveling boards 134, it becomes possible to level a wide area together with the leveling board 132.

The control device 170 is an information processing device that includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage unit (memory), and a communication unit (not shown), and has the functions of processing signals received from outside the agricultural work machine 100 (e.g., remote control signals), analyzing signals generated by the agricultural work machine 100 (e.g., data acquired by a sensor), and transmitting the signals to the outside. The storage unit stores various data and programs. The central processing unit reads and executes programs from the storage unit to control the operation of the actuators and other drive units of the agricultural work machine 100 and analyzes the sensor signals measured in the power transmission unit. Specifically, the central processing unit receives torque values and vehicle speed values obtained based on the measured sensor signals, and evaluates the wear state of the working claws 200 based on the torque values and vehicle speed values.

The communication unit is a functional unit for performing wired or wireless communication. For example, in the case of wireless communication, the communication unit may be equipped with a module that enables short-range wireless communication or a module that enables wireless communication according to a communication standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In other words, the communication unit provided in the control device 170 may have a function of controlling communication between an information processing device such as a server or mobile communication terminal connected to a network, or a communication terminal mounted on the traveling vehicle.

3 is a diagram showing the input shaft of an agricultural machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view (A) and a front view (B) of an enlarged input shaft 101. For convenience of explanation, the sensor control unit 310 and the fastener 320 provided above the input shaft 102 are omitted in the top view (A). As shown in FIG. 3, the input shaft 101 has a conversion unit 103 in addition to the input shaft 102. The conversion unit 103 converts the rotational power of the input shaft 102 into the rotational power of the drive shaft 111. In front of the conversion unit 103, a sensor 300 is provided to sandwich the input shaft 102. The two sensors 300 sandwich the input shaft 102 from the left and right directions and are attached to the input shaft 102 with an adhesive. The base 305 sandwiches the input shaft 102 from the top and bottom directions and is fixed to the input shaft 102 by being tightened by a fastener 320 such as a bolt. The sensor control unit 310 is fixed to the top of the base 305 with screws.

As the sensor 300, for example, a strain sensor is used. The strain sensor outputs an output value based on the strain generated in the input shaft 102. As the strain sensor, a cross-gauge type strain sensor in which two strain gauges are arranged crosswise is used. In FIG. 3, each of the two sensors 300 sandwiching the input shaft 102 is a strain sensor. Note that, in addition to the strain sensor, a physical quantity sensor such as a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor can be used as the sensor 300. However, sensors other than those mentioned above can be used as the sensor 300. In addition, the work claw 200 may be provided with a sensor for detecting moisture in the soil, a sensor for detecting the salinity of the soil, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the soil, or a sensor for detecting the pH (hydrogen ion exponent) of the soil.
A soil sensor such as a sensor for detecting soil particles may be provided. Although details will be described later, the wear state of the work claw 200 may be evaluated using a parameter indicating the state of the field acquired by the sensor provided in the work claw 200.

The sensor control unit 310 has a communication device and a power supply device. For example, a wireless communication device can be used as the communication device. A bridge box may be incorporated in the communication device. The communication device receives the output value output by the sensor 300 and transmits the output value to an information processing device that evaluates the wear state of the work claw 200, such as the control device 170 or a mobile communication terminal. The power supply device supplies power to the sensor 300. The power supply device may receive power from another power source device, may include a generator, or may include a power storage device. When the power supply device includes a generator, power may be generated by using the rotation of the input shaft 102. A wired communication device may be used as the communication device.

[Method for evaluating the wear state of the work claw 200]
A method for evaluating the wear state of the working claw 200 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the results of investigating the relationship between the wear state of the working claw and the torque in the power transmission unit in an agricultural work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 is the vehicle speed value of the traveling machine body that pulls the agricultural work machine 100, and the vertical axis is the torque value measured in the power transmission unit (the average value of the torque values measured during work). The torque value in Fig. 4 is a value calculated based on the output value of the sensor 300 provided on the input shaft 102 as shown in Fig. 3. When the tilling of the tilling rotor 150 is started by driving the engine, the torque value initially becomes relatively large, but then gradually decreases, and although it fluctuates slightly, the average value of the torque value shows stable behavior. The torque value in Fig. 4 shows the average value of the torque value measured for about 15 seconds during a period showing stable behavior.

In FIG. 4, torque values are measured for the work claws 200 with different wear conditions. The torque values in FIG. 4 are measured under three conditions with different wear conditions of the work claws 200. In the first condition ((1) new claw: ●), the work claws 200 are in a new state, in the second condition ((2) worn claw A: ◆), the work claws 200 are somewhat worn but do not yet require replacement, and in the third condition ((3) worn claw B: ■), the work claws 200 are further worn and it is determined that the work claws 200 need to be replaced. In FIG. 4, the claw widths shown for each of (1) new claw to (3) worn claw B are the widths from the cutting edge of the work claws 200 to the ridge at the tip of the cutting edge (shortest claw width). The torque values under each of (1) to (3) conditions are values measured when the vehicle speed is 1.2 km/h, 1.7 km/h, and 2.1 km/h.

As shown in FIG. 4, at any vehicle speed value, the torque value gradually decreases in the order of (1) new claw → (2) worn claw A → (3) worn claw B. In other words, the torque value tends to decrease as the wear of the work claw 200 progresses. In addition, the torque value changes according to the vehicle speed value under each of the conditions (1) to (3), but the same relationship as above exists between (1) to (3) under each vehicle speed value condition. Specifically, at any vehicle speed value, the torque value of (3) worn claw B is about 2/3 of (1) new claw. In other words, when the measurement is performed at the same vehicle speed value, if the measured torque value becomes 2/3 of the torque value measured when the work claw 200 is new, it can be determined that the wear of the work claw 200 may have progressed to a state requiring replacement. As described above, the torque value in a state where the wear of the work claw 200 may have progressed to a state requiring replacement (for example, 2/3 of the torque value measured when the work claw 200 is new) is called the "threshold value". The threshold value is not limited to 2/3 of the torque value measured when the working claw 200 is new, as described above, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of agricultural work machine 100 and the type of working claw 200.

As described above, the wear state of the work claw 200 can be evaluated based on the torque value (first torque value) in the initial state (first state) of the work claw 200 and the vehicle speed value when the first torque value is measured, and the torque value (second torque value) in the subsequent state (second state) and the vehicle speed value when the second torque value is measured. It is assumed that the work claw 200 is not replaced between the first state and the second state. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first torque value and the second torque value, they are simply referred to as torque values. The wear evaluation of the work claw 200 is performed by an information processing device such as a mobile communication terminal capable of communicating with the control device 170 or the sensor control unit 310 provided in the agricultural work machine 100. Specifically, the wear evaluation is realized by a program stored in the control device 170 or an application downloaded to the mobile communication terminal. The information processing device that performs the wear evaluation of the work claw 200 includes a look-up table (LUT) that stores at least a vehicle speed value, a torque value, and a threshold value in association with each other, receives the torque value and the vehicle speed value at the time when the torque value was measured from the sensor control unit 310, and evaluates the wear state of the work claw 200 based on the received torque value and vehicle speed value. The wear evaluation of the work claw 200 may be performed by a server that can communicate with the sensor control unit 310.

In addition to the above parameters, the LUT may store parameters related to working conditions such as tilling depth, rotation speed of the work claw 200, pressure adjustment amount of the apron 130, amount of soil attached to the shield cover 120 or side plate 140 (for example, whether the attached soil contacts the work claw 200), soil quality, water content in the soil, field condition (already cultivated or uncultivated), amount of residue such as grass and stubble, etc. in association with the torque value. In other words, the wear condition of the work claw 200 may be evaluated using the above parameters in addition to the torque value and vehicle speed value. The above LUT may be prepared for each shape (or variety) of the work claw 200, and the above parameters may be set for each shape (or variety) of the work claw 200 by one LUT.

The operation flow for evaluating the wear state of the working claw 200 is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S401, the working claw 200 is replaced, and a new working claw 200 is attached to the agricultural machine 100. After the working claw 200 is replaced, the process proceeds to the next step S403, for example, based on a first torque value acquisition instruction input by the mobile communication terminal. In step S403, a torque value (first torque value) in the initial state (first state) is acquired. The torque value is measured for a plurality of vehicle speed conditions. Based on the torque value in the initial state acquired in step S403 and the LUT, the torque value at which the working claw 200 needs to be replaced is calculated and set as a threshold value. The torque value acquired in step S403 may be a torque value acquired by a dedicated operation for acquiring the torque value in the initial state, or may be a torque value acquired during normal work for a predetermined period after the working claw 200 is replaced.

After acquiring the first torque value in step S403, the process proceeds to step S405 based on a second torque value acquisition instruction input, for example, by the mobile communication terminal. In step S405, a torque value (second torque value) in a working state (second state) in which the working claw 200 has not been replaced since the initial state is acquired, which is a state after the initial state. The working state refers to a state in which tilling work is actually performed using the agricultural machine 100. The torque value acquired in S405 is compared with the threshold value set in S403. In S407, if the torque value acquired in S405 is equal to or greater than the threshold value ("No" in S407), the process returns to step S405, and steps S405 and S407 are repeated. On the other hand, if the torque value acquired in S405 is below the threshold value ("Yes" in S407), a warning is issued to the user indicating that the working claw 200 has worn down to the point where replacement is required (step S409).

In the example of FIG. 5, the operation flow for acquiring the torque value in the initial state when the work claw 200 is new is shown, but the torque value in the initial state may be acquired when the work claw 200 is not new. For example, after the work claw 200 is replaced with a new one (for example, after the input of the first torque value acquisition instruction), the torque value may be acquired with the state in which the work claw 200 has been used for a certain period of time as the initial state. In this case, the input of the second torque value acquisition instruction can be omitted. In addition, when the torque value is proportional to the vehicle speed value, the measurement of the torque value in the initial state is performed only for one vehicle speed condition, and the threshold value for another vehicle speed may be set based on the measured torque value and the vehicle speed value at which the torque value was measured. The first torque value acquisition instruction and the second torque value acquisition instruction may be input via the server or may be directly input to the agricultural work machine 100. The first torque value acquisition instruction may be issued by a signal indicating that the work claw has been attached to the agricultural work machine 100, for example, by a sensor provided in the work claw.

As described above, with the agricultural work machine and information processing device according to this embodiment, the wear condition of the working claw 200 can be evaluated from the torque value measured in the power transmission section (input shaft 102) of the agricultural work machine 100, and the worker can know whether or not the working claw 200 needs to be replaced without having to directly check the working claw 200.

Second Embodiment
An agricultural work machine 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a drive shaft, a chain drive unit, and a claw shaft of an agricultural work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a drive shaft 111A, a chain drive unit 160A, and a claw shaft 180A. A sensor 400A is provided on the drive shaft 111A, and a sensor 430A is provided on the claw shaft 180A. FIG. 6B shows a detailed configuration of the sensors 400A and 430A. The arrangement of each sensor will be described in detail below. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the drive shaft 111A is connected to the input shaft 102A. The input shaft 102A, the drive shaft 111A, the chain drive unit 160A (wrapping transmission unit), and the claw shaft 180A are included in the power transmission unit. For convenience of explanation, the wrapping transmission unit wrapped around the drive sprocket 162A and the driven sprocket 163A is omitted in FIG. 6.

Sensors 401A and 403A, wiring 410A, and an external output device 420A are provided on the drive shaft 111A. A drive sprocket 162A is also connected to the drive shaft 111A. The sensors 401A and 403A are provided on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 111A so as to sandwich the drive shaft 111A. Strain sensors can be used as the sensors 401A and 403A, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the sensors 401A and 403A are arranged so as to cross each other. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the sensors 401A and 403A, these sensors will be collectively referred to simply as sensor 400A.

The sensor 400A is attached to the outer circumference of the drive shaft 111A via an adhesive layer. The sensor 400A may be the same as the sensor 300 in FIG. 3. The drive shaft 111A has a hollow structure with a hollow section 112A provided therein. The wiring 410A passes through the inside of the hollow structure (hollow section 112A) and connects the sensor 400A to the external output device 420A. The sensor 400A, the wiring 410A, and the external output device 420A rotate together with the drive shaft 111A and the drive sprocket 162A. The external output device 420A includes, for example, a slip ring, and outputs a sensing signal measured by the sensor 400A to the information processing device described above.

The claw shaft 180A is provided with sensors 431A, 433A, wiring 440A, and an external output device 450A. The claw shaft 180A is also connected to the driven sprocket 163A, the tilling shaft 183A, and the flange shaft 185A. The claw shaft 180A has a hollow structure. The sensors 431A and 433A are provided so as to face each other on the inner wall 181A of the hollow structure of the claw shaft 180A. As the sensors 431A and 433A, strain sensors can be used, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the sensors 431A and 433A are arranged so as to cross each other. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the sensors 431A and 433A, these sensors are collectively referred to simply as the sensor 430A.

The sensor 430A is attached to the inner wall 181A of the claw shaft 180A via an adhesive layer. A sensor similar to the sensor 300 in FIG. 3 can be used as the sensor 430A. The claw shaft 180A has a hollow structure formed by the inner wall 181A up to the flange shaft 185A, and has a hollow structure with a hollow section 182A provided inside from the flange shaft 185A to the tip of the claw shaft 180A. The wiring 440A passes through the hollow section 182A and connects the sensor 430A to the external output device 450A. The sensor 430A, the wiring 440A, and the external output device 450A rotate together with the claw shaft 180A, the passive sprocket 163A, the tilling shaft 183A, and the flange shaft 185A. The external output device 450A includes, for example, a slip ring, and outputs a sensing signal measured by the sensor 430A to the above-mentioned information processing device.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. The configuration of drive shaft 111A may be applied to claw shaft 180A. Conversely, the configuration of claw shaft 180A may be applied to drive shaft 111A. Also, a sensor may be attached to only one of drive shaft 111A and claw shaft 180A. In other words, either sensor 400A or sensor 430A may be omitted. Also, external output devices 420A and 450A have the same function as sensor control unit 310 in FIG. 3.

As described above, with the agricultural work machine according to this embodiment, the wear condition of the working claw 200A can be evaluated from the torque value measured in the power transmission section (drive shaft 111A, claw shaft 180A) of the agricultural work machine 100A, and the worker can know whether or not the working claw 200A needs to be replaced without having to directly check the working claw 200A.

Third Embodiment
An agricultural work machine 100B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a chain case of an agricultural work machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing a chain drive section 160B inside the chain case, with the chain case cover omitted. Fig. 7(B) is a diagram showing a sensor 540B provided in a tensioner 500B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the chain drive unit 160B is provided with a drive sprocket 162B and a driven sprocket 163B, and the winding transmission unit 161B is wound around these sprockets. A tensioner 500B that applies tension to the winding transmission unit 161B is provided between the two sprockets. The input shaft 102B, drive shaft 111B, winding transmission unit 161B, tensioner 500B, and claw shaft 180B are included in the power transmission unit.

The tensioner 500B has a sliding member 510B and a tension adjustment member 520B. The sliding member 510B slides against the circulating wrapped transmission part 161B. The sliding member 510B also rotates about a rotating shaft 511B. The tension adjustment member 520B presses the sliding member 510B toward the wrapped transmission part 161B. In the example of FIG. 7, the tension adjustment member 520B is composed of a bolt 521B and a nut 523B. However, the configuration of the tension adjustment member 520B is not limited to this configuration.

The torque of the claw shaft 180B generated by the work claw 200B tilling the field affects the tension of the wrapped transmission part 161B. Therefore, by measuring the tension of the wrapped transmission part 161B, the torque value generated by the tilling work can be measured. In FIG. 7, the tension of the wrapped transmission part 161B is measured by attaching a sensor 540B to the tension adjustment member 520B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sensor 540B is provided in a hollow part 525B provided in the bolt 521B. A strain sensor for measuring axial force can be used as the sensor 540B. The sensor 540B is connected to an external output device via a wiring 541B.

As described above, with the agricultural work machine according to this embodiment, the wear condition of the working claw 200B can be evaluated from the torque value measured in the power transmission section (wrapping transmission section 161B) of the agricultural work machine 100B, and the worker can know whether or not the working claw 200B needs to be replaced without having to directly check the working claw 200B.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a person skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify components as appropriate based on the information processing device and agricultural machine of this embodiment, and this is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is maintained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as there are no mutual contradictions, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each embodiment even if not explicitly stated.

Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, if they are clear from the description in this specification or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

100: Agricultural work machine, 101: Input shaft portion, 102: Input shaft, 103: Conversion portion, 110: Frame, 111: Drive shaft, 112A: Hollow portion, 120: Shield cover, 125: Connection portion, 130: Apron, 132: Ground leveling plate, 134: Extension ground leveling plate, 135: Top mast, 136: Lower link connection portion, 140: Side plate, 150: Cultivation rotor, 160: Chain drive portion, 161B: Winding transmission portion, 162: Drive sprocket, 163: Passive sprocket, 170: Control device, 180: Claw shaft, 181A: Inner wall, 182A: Hollow portion, 183A: Cultivation shaft, 185A: Flange shaft, 190: Holder, 200: Working claw, 300: Sensor, 310: Sensor control unit, 320: Fastener, 400A: Sensor, 401A: Sensor, 403A: Sensor, 410A: Wiring, 420A: External output device, 430A: Sensor, 431A: Sensor, 433A: Sensor, 440A: Wiring, 450A: External output device, 500B: Tensioner, 510B: Sliding member, 511B: Rotating shaft, 520B: Tension adjustment member,
521B: Bolt, 523B: Nut, 525B: Hollow portion, 540B: Sensor,
541B: Wiring

Claims (2)

An information processing device that evaluates the wear condition of the working claw based on a torque value measured in a power transmission unit that transmits power received from the traveling body to the working claw acting on a field, the vehicle speed value of the traveling body , the type of the working claw, and the type of agricultural machine . A program that causes a computer to evaluate the wear condition of the working tines based on a torque value measured in a power transmission unit that transmits power received from the traveling body to the working tines acting on a field, the vehicle speed value of the traveling body, the type of the working tines, and the type of agricultural machine.

Images