JP7688844B2 - agricultural machinery - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an agricultural machine equipped with an engine and an electric motor as the driving source for the traveling gear and the working gear.

Conventionally, agricultural machines equipped with an engine and an electric motor (a so-called motor) are known as a power source for agricultural machines equipped with a working device and a traveling device for performing agricultural work.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an agricultural work machine in which the working implement is driven by power output from an engine, and the traveling device is driven by an electric motor using electricity stored in a battery. This conventional agricultural work machine is configured so that the working implement is driven by the engine, and the traveling device is driven by the electric motor.

JP 2012-175945 A

However, with this conventional configuration in which the working equipment is driven by an engine and the traveling equipment is driven by an electric motor, the operation of the engine is essential to carry out agricultural work, and when agricultural work is carried out in closed cultivation facilities such as vinyl greenhouses, there is a problem that exhaust gas accumulates inside the facility. In addition, there is also a problem that the noise and vibration generated by the agricultural work machine when the engine is operating is too loud.

In addition, if agricultural machinery is equipped with only an electric motor, without an engine, there is a problem that the output of the electric motor is smaller than that of an engine, making it impossible to carry out tasks that require high output or to travel at high speeds.

The present invention therefore aims to provide an agricultural machine that can carry out agricultural work without emitting exhaust gases and with reduced noise and vibration, and that can perform work requiring high power or travel at high speeds when necessary.

The object of the present invention is to
A traveling device that travels in a field;
A working device attached to the traveling device and used for agricultural work;
A traveling transmission system that transmits power to the traveling device;
a work transmission system that transmits power to the work device;
An agricultural machine equipped with an engine and an electric motor as a power source,
The output shaft of the engine is connected to the output shaft of the electric motor and configured to rotate the output shaft of the electric motor in cooperation with the output shaft of the electric motor;
a power transmission means is attached to an output shaft of the electric motor for supplying rotational power of the output shaft to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system;
A power switching clutch is interposed between the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor,
When the power switching clutch is in an engaged state, the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor rotate in conjunction with each other, and the power of the engine is supplied from the power transmission means to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system,
This is achieved by an agricultural work machine characterized in that, when the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state, the connection between the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor is released, and the power of the electric motor is supplied from the power transmission means to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system.

According to the present invention, a power transmission means for transmitting power to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system is attached to the output shaft of the electric motor, which is one of the power sources for the traveling device and the work device. Therefore, by driving the electric motor with the power switching clutch, which switches between connecting and disconnecting the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor, in the off state, the traveling device and the work device can be driven by the power output from the electric motor. Therefore, agricultural work can be carried out without generating exhaust gas and with noise and vibration suppressed.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the engine is operating and the power switching clutch is engaged, rotational power is transmitted (supplied) from the engine output shaft to the motor output shaft. Therefore, when necessary, the engine can be used as a power source to drive the traveling device and the working device, making it possible to carry out work that requires high power and to travel at high speeds.

In addition, according to the present invention, the power source for the traveling device and the working device can be easily switched between the engine and the electric motor by disconnecting the power switching clutch, which simplifies the power source switching mechanism and allows the agricultural work machine to be made smaller and lighter even while still having an engine and an electric motor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a battery for supplying power to the electric motor;
A charge/discharge switching device for switching between charging and discharging the battery;
a detection means for detecting whether the power changeover clutch is in an on state or a disengaged state,
an output shaft of the engine and an output shaft of the electric motor are arranged coaxially;
The electric motor is constituted by a motor generator,
when the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the electric motor, if the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in an engaged state, the charge/discharge switching device switches from a discharging state in which power can be supplied from the battery to the electric motor to a charging state in which power generated by the electric motor is charged to the battery,
When the power switching clutch is in the on state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the engine, if the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in the disengaged state, the charge/discharge switching device is configured to switch from a charging state in which the power generated by the electric motor is charged to the battery to a discharging state in which power can be supplied from the battery to the electric motor.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engine output shaft and the electric motor output shaft are arranged coaxially, so it is easy to configure a power switching clutch that switches the power transmission between the output shafts on and off.

In addition, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric motor is configured as a motor generator, so that when the power switching clutch that switches the connection state between the engine output shaft and the electric motor output shaft is connected, the output shaft is rotated by the engine drive, and the electric motor rotates (regenerative drive), generating electricity, and when the power switching clutch is detected as being connected (on state), the charge/discharge switching device is configured to switch to a charging state in which the generated electricity is charged to the battery, so that the engine can drive the traveling device and the working device and charge the battery at the same time.

In addition, by using the engine to drive the traveling device and working device in this way, the battery can be charged, eliminating the need for the operator to remove the battery to charge it, which is highly convenient.

Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the power switching clutch is switched to the disconnected state (disconnected), the detection means detects the disconnection of the power switching clutch, and the charge/discharge switching device switches to a discharge state in which the power charged in the battery can be supplied to the electric motor, so that when the power switching clutch is switched to the disconnected state, a smooth transition can be made to motor drive using battery power.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,
An operating tool for switching the power switching clutch between an on state and a off state is disposed near a driver's seat of the agricultural work machine,
When the power switching clutch is in the on state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the engine, and an operation is performed using the operating tool to switch the power switching clutch to a disengaged state, the engine is configured to automatically stop.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the power switching clutch that connects the engine output shaft and the electric motor output shaft is in the on state and an operation is performed to switch the power switching clutch to the off state while the engine is driven, the engine is configured to automatically stop, so that a smooth transition from engine drive to motor drive can be made with a single operation, and energy consumption can be reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,
An operating tool for switching the power switching clutch between an on state and a off state is disposed near a driver's seat of the agricultural work machine,
When the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the electric motor, the engine is configured to automatically start when an operation is performed using the operating tool to switch the power switching clutch to an engaged state.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the power switching clutch that connects the engine output shaft and the electric motor output shaft is in a disengaged state and an operation is performed to switch the power switching clutch to an on state while the motor is driven, the engine is configured to automatically start, so that a smooth transition from motor drive to engine drive can be achieved with a single operation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,
While the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state, starting of the engine is restricted.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, while the power switching clutch is detected to be in a disconnected state (disconnected), i.e., while the motor is driven, engine start is restricted. Therefore, even if the engine start operation is performed while the motor is driven, unnecessary engine operation can be prevented, and burnout of the engine harness and unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The agricultural machine is configured as a walk-behind type in which an operator operates the machine while walking behind the machine.
The control unit for operating the agricultural machinery is located at the rear of the machine.
The battery includes a plurality of batteries connected in series, each of the plurality of batteries being housed in a battery box, one of the battery boxes being disposed below the operation unit, and the other of the battery boxes being disposed at a front portion of the aircraft body,
The battery can be removed from the rear of each battery box.

According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, a number of batteries connected in series are provided to supply power to the electric motors that power the traveling and working devices, and one of the battery boxes housing these batteries is located below the operating unit located at the rear of the vehicle, and the other is located at the front of the vehicle, ensuring sufficient power capacity and stabilizing the weight balance between the front and rear of the vehicle.

In addition, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the batteries are configured to be removable from the rear of each battery box, which helps prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from entering the battery boxes while the vehicle is traveling forward.

The present invention makes it possible to provide an agricultural work machine that can carry out agricultural work without emitting exhaust gases and with reduced noise and vibration, and that can perform work that requires high power or travel at high speeds when necessary.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit block diagram showing a battery charge/discharge mechanism including the charge/discharge switching device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a root vegetable harvester including the power mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic left side view of the root vegetable harvester shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the power mechanism and its surroundings of the root vegetable harvester shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the root vegetable harvester shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a main switch for starting the engine shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a crop puller equipped with the power mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic left side view of the crop puller shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the crop puller shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of each battery box shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the vicinity of a power mechanism of a root vegetable harvester configured to transmit power from a first transmission mechanism to a traveling transmission system and a working transmission system.

Below, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be given with reference to the attached drawings.

First, a power mechanism including an engine and an electric motor (electric motor) mounted on various agricultural machines equipped with a traveling device and a working device will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 .
<Power mechanism>
FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a power mechanism 8 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(a) is a schematic plan view of the power mechanism 8 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(b) is a schematic left side view of the power mechanism 8 shown in FIG. 1(a), and FIG. 1(c) is a schematic front view of the power mechanism 8 shown in FIG. 1(a).

The "front" and "rear" directions shown in FIG. 1 are the same as the front and rear directions when the traveling direction of each of the agricultural working machines 1 and 4 shown in FIG. 4 and subsequent figures on which the power mechanism 8 is mounted is considered to be the front, and the "left" and "right" directions shown in FIG. 1 are the same as the left and right directions when facing the traveling direction of each of the agricultural working machines 1 and 4 shown in FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

However, the orientation of the power mechanism relative to the agricultural machine is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the position and orientation of the transmission mechanism to the traveling device (hereinafter referred to as the "traveling transmission system") and the transmission mechanism to the working device (hereinafter referred to as the "working transmission system").

In FIG. 1, the positions in the front-to-rear direction correspond to each other between FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b), and the positions in the up-to-down direction correspond to each other between FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(c).

The power mechanism 8 includes an engine 6 having an output shaft 6a formed by a crankshaft or the like, an electric motor 7 having an output shaft (rotating shaft) 7a, a first transmission mechanism 10 and a second transmission mechanism 20 attached to the output shaft 7a, a battery 30 which is a power source for the electric motor 7, an inverter 31 which adjusts the rotation speed of the electric motor 7, a charging device 33 which charges the battery 30, and a charge/discharge switching device 32 which switches between charging and discharging the battery 30. The first transmission mechanism 10 and the second transmission mechanism 20 are each an example of a "power transmission means" of the present invention.

The engine 6 and electric motor 7 are power sources that drive the traveling gear and working gear of the agricultural machine, and as described in detail below, while the traveling gear and working gear are driven by the engine 6, power is not transmitted from the electric motor 7 to the traveling gear and working gear, and while the traveling gear and working gear are driven by the electric motor 7, power is not transmitted from the engine 6 to the traveling gear and working gear.

In the following, the state in which the traveling device and the working device are driven by the engine 6 is referred to as "engine driven," and the state in which the traveling device and the working device are driven by the electric motor 7 is referred to as "motor driven."

The output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 are arranged coaxially (in other words, on the same axis) and are linked (connected) to each other via the engine clutch 34. In other words, the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 arranged coaxially are connected, and the engine clutch 34 is interposed between the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7. When the engine 6 operates with the engine clutch 34 connected, the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft 6a of the engine 6. In other words, when the engine 6 operates with the engine clutch 34 connected, rotational power is transmitted (supplied) from the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 to the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7. The engine clutch 34 corresponds to the "power switching clutch" of the present invention. In this specification, the state in which the engine clutch 34 is connected is also referred to as the "on state", and the state in which the engine clutch 34 is disconnected is also referred to as the "disconnected state".

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the first transmission mechanism 10 includes first to third pulleys 11 to 13 and an endless belt 14 wound around the first pulley 11 and the third pulley 13. The second pulley 12 is a tension pulley that applies tension to the endless belt 14.

When the electric motor 7 is driven to rotate the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7, or when the engine 6 operates with the engine clutch 34 connected (on state) and the output shaft 6a rotates to rotate the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7, the first pulley 11, the endless belt 14, and the third pulley 13 of the first transmission mechanism 10 are each rotated.

The third pulley 13 is a pulley that transmits power to the traveling transmission system and/or the working transmission system. For example, a transmission rod or the like belonging to the traveling transmission system and/or the working transmission system is attached to the third pulley 13 so as to be rotatable integrally therewith, thereby transmitting power to the traveling transmission system and/or the working transmission system.

The second transmission mechanism 20 includes fourth to sixth pulleys 21 to 23 and an endless belt 24 wound around the fourth pulley 21 and the sixth pulley 23. The fifth pulley 22 is a pulley that applies tension to the endless belt 24.

When the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 is rotated by driving the electric motor 7 or by operating the engine 6 with the engine clutch 34 connected (on state), the fourth pulley 21, the endless belt 24, and the sixth pulley 23 of the second transmission mechanism 20 are each rotated. The sixth pulley 23, like the third pulley 13, is a pulley that transmits power to the traveling transmission system and/or the work transmission system.

In this way, the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 are coaxially arranged and connected, and the first and second transmission mechanisms 10, 20 are provided on the output shaft 7a, so that the power transmission means for the traveling transmission system and the working transmission system can be shared whether the vehicle is driven by the engine 6 or the electric motor.

As a result, there are fewer changes required from the layout of conventional agricultural machines, in which the travel gear and working equipment are driven only by the engine, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

The engine clutch 34 is connected when the engine is driven and disconnected when the motor is driven. As described in detail later, when switching between engine drive and motor drive, the operator performs an operation to connect and disconnect the engine clutch 34. When the engine clutch 34 is disconnected, the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 are not connected (the connection is released).

A clutch actuation cylinder 35 that switches the engine clutch 34 on and off and a clutch position detection device 36 that detects the engine clutch 34 on and off are provided near the engine clutch 34. The engine clutch 34 is switched on and off by the clutch actuation cylinder 35 expanding and contracting based on the operator's operation.

Figure 2 is a schematic circuit block diagram showing the charging and discharging mechanism of the battery 30 including the charge/discharge switching device 32 shown in Figure 1.

The electric motor 7 is configured as a motor generator that can also be used as a generator. When the engine 6 is operating, power is transmitted from the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 to the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7, provided that the engine clutch 34 is engaged, and the electric motor 7 (its rotor) is rotated to generate electricity.

The charge/discharge switching device 32, indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2, is equipped with switches 41 to 43 provided in three locations, and a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as "BMS") 38 that controls these switches 41 to 43 based on control signals from a BCU 46 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later.

When the clutch position detector 36 detects that the engine clutch 34 is engaged, the BMS 38 switches the switch 41 from the inverter 31 side to the charge controller 39 side that controls the charger 33, turns off the switch 43, and turns on the switch 42.

Therefore, while the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 is rotating and the engine clutch 34 is engaged, i.e., while the engine is running, electricity generated by the electric motor 7 is supplied to the battery 30 via the charging device 33 and stored in the battery 30.

The charging device 33 converts the power generated by the electric motor 7 into a direct current suitable for charging the battery 30 and supplies it to the battery 30.

The battery 30 is equipped with a voltage device (not shown) that detects the remaining charge (voltage value), and the current path extending to the battery 30 is provided with a protection switch 40 that opens and closes this current path, and a current transformer 44 that detects the current.

The detection results of the voltage device and current transformer 44 are output to a battery control unit (hereinafter referred to as "BCU") 46, which monitors the state of the battery 30. To prevent overcharging, the protection switch 40 is controlled by the BCU 46, and a control signal is sent from the BCU 46 to the BMS 38.

On the other hand, when the clutch position detector 36 detects that the engine clutch 34 has been disengaged, the BMS 38 switches the switch 41 from the charging control unit 39 side to the inverter 31 side, turns off the switch 42, and turns on the switch 43.

As a result, the electric motor 7 can be driven by power supplied from the battery 30 via the inverter 31.

In this way, the charge/discharge switching device 32 controls the switches 41 to 43 according to the connection/disconnection state of the engine clutch 34, and can switch between a discharge state in which power can be supplied from the battery 30 to the electric motor 7, and a charge state in which the power generated by the electric motor 7 is charged to the battery 30.

As described above, the engine clutch 34 is connected when the engine is driven, and is disconnected when the motor is driven. Therefore, when the engine is driven, the battery 30 is in a charging state in which the power generated by the electric motor 7 is charged, and when the motor is driven, the battery 30 is in a discharging state in which power can be supplied from the battery 30 to the electric motor 7.

The inverter 31 converts DC voltage into AC voltage, and can turn the electric motor 7 on and off and change the rotation speed by adjusting the power supplied to the electric motor 7 based on the drive signal output from the inverter drive circuit 49. The inverter drive circuit 49 outputs a drive signal to the inverter 31 according to a control signal input from the inverter control unit 48 of the agricultural machine control device 47 (see Figure 6).

The battery 30 can be formed by connecting multiple batteries in series, as in the crop puller 4 shown in Figures 8 to 11, making it possible to drive the electric motor 7 for a long period of time.

The power mechanism 8 configured as described above can be used in a variety of agricultural machines including tractors, rice transplanters, combines, crop harvesters, as well as walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers, crop pullers, and tractors.
<Riding root vegetable harvester>
As an example of an agricultural machine equipped with the above-mentioned power mechanism 8, a riding root vegetable harvester will be described below.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the root vegetable harvester 1 equipped with the power mechanism 8 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a schematic left side view of the root vegetable harvester 1 shown in Figure 3.

In Figures 3 and 4, the vicinity of the power mechanism 8 shown in Figure 1 is shown exposed.

Figure 5 is a simplified enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the power mechanism 8 of the root vegetable harvester 1 shown in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the root vegetable harvester 1 is equipped with a traveling crawler 2 as a traveling device.

The root vegetable harvester 1 also includes, as working devices, a lifting device 3a that lifts the stems and leaves of root vegetables such as carrots, a soiler 3b that loosens the soil attached to the root vegetables by vibration, a pulling and conveying device 3c that pulls the root vegetables out of the field and harvests them, then conveys them upward and rearward, a tapping device 3d that takes over the root vegetables from the pulling and conveying device 3c and cuts off the stems and leaves of the root vegetables while conveying them backward, a residual leaf processing conveyor 3e that removes any remaining leaves remaining on the root vegetables, and a conveying conveyor 3f that conveys the root vegetables with their stems and leaves cut off to the right on the machine body.

The root vegetable harvester 1 further includes a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (hereinafter referred to as "HST") 50 (see FIG. 3) and a traveling transmission device 53 (see FIG. 4) as a traveling transmission system that transmits power to the traveling crawler 2, which is the traveling device.

The root vegetable harvester 1 also includes, as a work transmission system that transmits power to each of the work devices 3a to 3f, a transmission rod 55 (see FIG. 5) that receives power from the second transmission mechanism 20, an intermediate connecting portion 57 (see FIG. 5), two transmission rods 58, 59 (see FIG. 5) to which power is distributed from the intermediate connecting portion 57, a work transmission 61 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) that receives power from the transmission rod 59, an output shaft 62 (hereinafter, see FIG. 4) extending from the work transmission 61, a transmission case 63 that receives power from the output shaft 62, and a transmission rod 64 that outputs power from the transmission case 63.

As shown in FIG. 5, the input shaft 51 of the HST 50 is attached to the third pulley 13 of the first transmission mechanism 10 so as to be able to rotate integrally with it, and when the engine 6 or the electric motor 7 is driven to rotate the third pulley 13, rotational power is input to the HST 50.

The power that has been changed in speed within the HST 50 is transmitted to the traveling transmission device 53 shown in FIG. 4 through the output shaft 52 of the HST 50, and then transmitted to a drive sprocket 54 attached to a traveling shaft (not shown) that extends to the left and right from the traveling transmission device 53. As a result, the traveling crawler 2 is driven, and the root vegetable harvester 1 travels.

On the other hand, a transmission rod 55 is attached to the sixth pulley 23 of the second transmission mechanism 20 via a clutch (not shown). When the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55 rotate due to the drive of the engine 6 or the electric motor 7, the power of the transmission rod 55 is distributed to the two transmission rods 58 and 59 at the intermediate connector 57.

The power distributed to the transmission rod 58 is transmitted to the residual leaf processing conveyor 3e, the transport conveyor 3f, and the soyer 3b shown in FIG. 3. The rotational speed of the rotational power output by the transmission rod 58 depends on the rotational speed of the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7.

In contrast, the power distributed to the transmission rod 59 is input to the work transmission 61 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and then transmitted to the transmission case 63 through the output shaft 62 of the work transmission 61.

The power transmitted to the transmission case 63 is transmitted to the tapping device 3d and the pulling and conveying device 3c via the transmission rod 64, and is further transmitted from the front of the pulling and conveying device 3c to the lifting device 3a.

In this way, the power transmitted to the tapping device 3d, the extraction and conveying device 3c, and the lifting device 3a is transmitted via the work transmission 61. Therefore, the rotational speed of the rotational power downstream of the work transmission 61 does not necessarily depend on the rotational speed of the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7, and the drive speed of these work devices can be adjusted according to the traveling speed, etc.

The tapping device 3d and the pulling and conveying device 3c each have a pair of endless belts (not shown) wound around pulleys arranged at the front and rear, and the power transmitted from the transmission rod 64 rotates each endless belt together with the pulley, so that the pair of endless belts can clamp the stems and leaves of the crops and convey them backwards.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of the root vegetable harvester 1 shown in Figure 3, and Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing the main switch 5 that starts the engine 6 shown in Figure 3.

The control device 47 of the root vegetable harvester 1 includes a solenoid drive means 45, a BCU 46 that transmits control signals to the BMS 38, including switching signals for the switches 41 to 43 shown in FIG. 2, and an inverter control unit 48 that transmits control signals to the inverter drive circuit 49 (see FIG. 6).

The solenoid driving means 45 drives the solenoid 35a, which expands and contracts the clutch actuation cylinder 35 shown in FIG. 5 to connect and disconnect the engine clutch 34, and the solenoid 71, which connects and disconnects the clutch provided between the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55.

The control device 47 also controls the HST servo motor 70 according to the operating position of the main shift lever 68 shown in FIG. 5, and adjusts the HST opening (trunnion opening), thereby adjusting the vehicle speed of the root vegetable harvester 1, switching between forward and reverse travel, and stopping the vehicle.

Furthermore, based on the operation of the main switch 5 shown in FIG. 7, the control device 47 can drive the engine start motor 72 to start the engine 6, and can also control the fuel injection device (not shown) for the engine 6 to stop the engine 6 when necessary.

On the other hand, the main switch 5 that starts the engine 6 is configured to be operable to each of the "OFF", "ON", and "START" positions shown in FIG. 7.

When the main switch 5 is turned to the "off" position, all equipment of the root vegetable harvester 1, including the engine 6 and the control device 47, is stopped.

When the main switch 5 is turned to the "on" position, all equipment except the engine 6 operates.

When the main switch 5 is operated to the "start" position, the engine 6 starts. After the engine 6 starts, the main switch 5 is automatically returned to the "on" position. The main switch 5 is configured as a separate unit from the key of the root vegetable harvester 1, but may also be configured as a key switch that is inserted into a key cylinder.

When switching from an engine-driven state in which the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f are driven by the engine 6 to a motor-driven state in which the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f are driven by the electric motor 7, the clutch switch 67 shown in Figures 4 and 6 is operated first.

In this embodiment, the clutch switch 67 is located in an operating section 66 provided near the driver's seat 65 (more specifically, immediately in front of the driver's seat 65) from which the root vegetable harvester 1 is operated, and the engine clutch 34 is electronically switched on and off when operated by an operator. In other words, the clutch switch 67 is located near the driver's seat 65.

When the engine is running, the engine clutch 34 is connected as described above, and when the clutch switch 67 is operated while the engine is running, the solenoid drive means 45 disconnects the engine clutch 34 based on the operation signal output from the clutch switch 67.

In this way, when the engine clutch 34 is disengaged, the clutch position detector 36 detects the actual disengagement of the engine clutch 34, and based on the control signal from the BCU 46, the charge/discharge switching device 32 switches to a discharge state in which power can be supplied from the battery 30 to the electric motor 7, as described above.

Next, the operator turns the main switch 5 to the "off" position and stops the engine 6.

Finally, the main switch 5 is turned to the "on" position.

By performing these operations in this order, the engine 6 is not operating and the control device 47 including the inverter control unit 48 is operating, and for the first time, work can be performed by motor drive.

In other words, in this embodiment, even if the engine clutch 34 is disengaged, motor driving is not permitted (motor driving cannot be performed) while the engine 6 is operating. By configuring in this way, it is possible to electrify the vehicle while maintaining the same configuration as before.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the main switch 5 is operated to the "start" position while the motor is driven, the control device 47 is configured not to drive the engine start motor (so-called starter) 72 and to restrict the starting of the engine 6.

Therefore, even if the main switch 5 is mistakenly turned to the "start" position while the motor is running, the engine 6 will not start, and unnecessary fuel consumption can be prevented by the engine 6 continuing to operate even though farm work is being carried out by the electric motor 7. This also prevents the engine harness from burning out and unnecessary power consumption.

Whether or not the vehicle is in the motor-driven state is determined based on a detection signal from the clutch position detector 36 (see FIG. 5), and while the engine clutch 34 is detected as being disengaged, the engine start motor 72 (also known as the starter) is not operated. This configuration makes it easy to detect whether the vehicle is in the motor-driven state or the engine-driven state.

When the root vegetable harvester 1 actually starts to travel by motor drive, the sub-speed lever 69 shown in FIG. 4 is operated to the "travel" position (not shown) and the main speed lever 68 is operated forward or backward.

As a result, the electric motor 7 is driven by the inverter 31, and power is transmitted from the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 to the first transmission mechanism 10, and then transmitted to the traveling crawler 2 via a traveling transmission system such as the HST 50, and the root vegetable harvester 1 begins to move forward or backward at a vehicle speed changed within the HST 50 based on the operating position of the main speed change lever 68. At this time, the clutch provided between the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55 is disengaged.

When the vehicle starts traveling to perform farm work using the motor, the main shift lever 68 is operated forward or backward while the sub-shift lever 69 shown in FIG. 4 is operated to the "digging" position.

As a result, the electric motor 7 is driven by the inverter 31, and power is transmitted from the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 to the first and second transmission mechanisms 10 and 20.

Then, power is transmitted from the first and second transmission mechanisms 10, 20 to the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f via a traveling transmission system such as the HST 50 or a working transmission system such as the transmission rod 55, and the root vegetable harvester 1 begins to move forward or backward while performing agricultural work using each of the working devices 3a to 3f. At this time, the clutch provided between the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55 is connected.

When switching from motor drive to engine drive, the main switch 5 shown in FIG. 7 is first operated from the "ON" position to the "START" position, and the engine 6 is started.

Next, within a predetermined time after the engine 6 is started, the clutch switch 67 (see FIG. 4) is operated to connect the engine clutch 34, making it possible to carry out work driven by the engine.

In addition, instead of the clutch switch 67, a separate clutch pedal may be provided on the operating unit 66, and the engine clutch may be electronically switched on and off based on the depression of the clutch pedal. The clutch switch 67 and the clutch pedal correspond to the "operating tool" of the present invention.

When the root vegetable harvester 1 actually starts to travel due to engine drive, the main speed change lever 68 is operated forward or backward while the sub-speed change lever 69 shown in FIG. 4 is operated to the "travel" position (not shown).

As a result, power is transmitted from the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 via the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 to the first transmission mechanism 10, and then transmitted to the traveling crawler 2 via a traveling transmission system such as the HST 50, and the root vegetable harvester 1 begins to move forward or backward at a vehicle speed changed within the HST 50 based on the operating position of the main speed change lever 68. At this time, the clutch provided between the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55 is disengaged.

When the vehicle begins to travel while working on the farm, the main shift lever 68 is operated forward or backward while the sub-shift lever 69 shown in FIG. 4 is set to the "digging" position.

As a result, power is transmitted from the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 to the first and second transmission mechanisms 10, 20 via the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7.

Thereafter, power is transmitted from the first and second transmission mechanisms 10, 20 to the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f via a traveling transmission system such as the HST 50 or a work transmission system such as the transmission rod 55, and the root vegetable harvester 1 begins to move forward or backward while performing farm work using each of the working devices 3a to 3f. At this time, the clutch provided between the sixth pulley 23 and the transmission rod 55 is engaged.
<Technical significance of this embodiment>
According to the present embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, first and second transmission mechanisms 10, 20 serving as power transmission means for transmitting power to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system are attached to the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7, which is one of the power sources of the traveling crawler 2, which is an example of a traveling device, and each of the work devices 3a to 3f. Therefore, when the electric motor 7 is driven, the traveling crawler 2 and each of the work devices 3a to 3f can be driven by the power output from the electric motor 7, and therefore agricultural work can be carried out without operating the engine 6.

In addition, because agricultural work can be carried out without operating the engine 6, it becomes possible to use the agricultural machine for work indoors or in greenhouses where exhaust gas emissions are not permitted.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the engine 6 is operating and the engine clutch 34 is engaged (in other words, on condition that the engine clutch 34 is engaged), power is transmitted from the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 to the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7. Therefore, the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f can be driven using the engine 6 as a power source, making it possible to carry out work that requires high power and to travel at high speeds.

In addition, in this embodiment, unlike hybrid vehicles, where the power of the engine and the electric motor are combined using a gear-changing differential rotation mechanism or the like, the power source of the traveling crawler 2 and each of the work devices 3a to 3f is limited to either the engine 6 or the electric motor 7 (in other words, the power of the engine 6 and the power of the electric motor 7 are not combined, but only one is transmitted).

As a result, the power source can be controlled by connecting and disconnecting the engine clutch 34, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the root vegetable harvester 1, which is an example of an agricultural machine equipped with a power mechanism 8 including an engine 6 and an electric motor 7.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 are connected via the engine clutch 34, so that damage to the engine 6 can be prevented by disengaging the engine clutch 34 when the motor is driven.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 are arranged coaxially, so it is easy to configure a clutch that turns on and off the transmission of power between the output shafts 6a and 7a.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the electric motor 7 is configured as a motor generator, so that when the engine clutch 34 connecting the output shaft 6a of the engine 6 and the output shaft 7a of the electric motor is connected, the output shaft 7a is rotated by the drive of the engine 6, and the electric motor 7 rotates (regenerative drive), thereby generating electricity. When the engine clutch 34 is connected, the connection is detected by the clutch position detection device 36, which corresponds to the "detection means" of the present invention, and the charge/discharge switching device 32 is configured to automatically switch to a charging state in which the generated electricity is charged to the battery 30. Therefore, the driving of the traveling crawler 2 and each of the working devices 3a to 3f by the engine 6 and the charging of the battery 30 can be performed simultaneously.

Furthermore, by driving the traveling crawler 2 and each of the work devices 3a to 3f with the engine 6 in this manner, the battery 30 can be charged, so there is no need for the worker to remove the battery 30 to charge it, which is highly convenient.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, while the disengagement of the engine clutch 34 is detected, i.e., while the engine is driven by the motor, the starting of the engine 6 is restricted. Therefore, even if the engine start operation is performed by the main switch 5 while the engine is driven by the motor, unnecessary driving of the engine 6 and fuel consumption can be prevented, and burning of the engine harness and unnecessary power consumption due to the driving of the engine start motor 72 can be prevented.
<Walking-behind crop puller>
The riding root vegetable harvester 1 has been described above. Below, as a second example of an agricultural machine equipped with the power mechanism 8 shown in Figures 1 and 2, a crop puller that is operated (driven) by an operator walking behind the machine body will be described.

The power mechanism 8 and control device 47 of the walk-behind crop puller are configured in the same way as the root vegetable harvester 1 shown in Figures 3 to 7, and therefore the main switch 5 and clutch switch 67 can be used to switch between engine drive and motor drive in the same way as the root vegetable harvester 1. In the walk-behind crop puller described below, the same reference numerals are used for the various parts that are configured in the same way as the root vegetable harvester 1 described above, and explanations will be omitted.

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the crop puller 4 equipped with the power mechanism 8 shown in Figure 1, Figure 9 is a schematic left side view of the crop puller 4 shown in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a schematic front view of the crop puller 4 shown in Figure 8.

The crop puller 4 is equipped with a power mechanism 8, a pair of left and right drive wheels 2' as the traveling device of the machine, a lifting device 3g and a pull-out device 3h as the working device, a transmission rod 80, a gear box 86, an output shaft 87, and a chain case 81 as the traveling transmission system that transmits power to the drive wheels 2', and a transmission rod 55, an intermediate connector 57, a gear box 84 (see Figure 4), a universal joint 82, a chain case 83, and a universal joint 89 as the working transmission system that transmits power to the lifting device 3g and the pull-out device 3h.

The third pulley 13 shown in Figures 1 and 8 is attached to the transmission rod 80 shown in Figures 8 to 10 so that the transmission rod 80 can rotate integrally with the third pulley 13. When the output shaft 7a of the electric motor 7 is rotated by engine drive or motor drive, the transmission rod 80 rotates as the third pulley 13 rotates.

The power transmitted to the transmission rod 80 is transmitted to the gear box 86, and then input to a pair of left and right chain cases 81 shown in FIG. 10 via an output shaft 87 (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10) that extends outward in the width direction of the vehicle through left and right transmission cases 88 supported by the gear box 86.

Then, the force is transmitted downward inside each chain case 81 and then to each drive wheel 2', so that the crop puller 4 moves forward. Note that the wheel 85 shown in FIG. 9 is a driven wheel.

Meanwhile, the power transmitted to the transmission rod 55 through the second transmission mechanism 20 by engine drive or motor drive is transmitted to the gear box 84 shown in FIG. 9 through the transmission rod 59 (see FIG. 8) extending forward from the intermediate connecting portion 57.

In the gear box 84, the power is divided into forward and upward power, and the forward power is transmitted to the lifting device 3g via the chain case 83, and the upward power is transmitted to the pulling device 3h via the universal joint 82.

As a result, the stems and leaves of the crops, such as radishes, raised by the raising device 3g are pulled upward and rearward through the conveying area 99 while being sandwiched between a pair of endless conveying belts 100 (see FIG. 8) by the rotational drive of a pulley (not shown) in the raising device 3g, and the crops are pulled out of the field.

The drive wheels 2' and each of the working devices 3g, 3h are driven at an infinitely variable speed when driven by the electric motor 7, whose rotation speed is controlled by the inverter control unit 48 (see FIG. 6) of the control device 47, and the rotation speed of the electric motor 7, i.e., the traveling speed and working speed, are adjusted according to the operating position of a speed adjustment dial 92 arranged on an operating unit 93 that operates the crop puller 4. The speed adjustment dial 92 replaces the main speed change lever 68 shown in FIG. 6.

The speed adjustment dial 92 is located on the right side of the operating unit 93, similar to the speed change lever of a conventional crop puller, making it easy for the operator to recognize the speed adjustment dial 92 as a speed change operating tool.

The operating section 93 shown in FIG. 9 includes a speed adjustment dial 92, as well as a main switch 5 (see FIG. 7) that starts the engine 6, and a clutch switch 67 that connects and disconnects the engine clutch 34 shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 8, the battery 30 of the power mechanism 8 is configured by connecting a rear battery 30a and a front battery 30b in series (30a, 30b). Each battery 30a, 30b is configured from one or more battery cells.

The rear battery 30a is located to the left of the fuel tank 98 of the engine 6 and the transport area 99 of the extraction device 3h shown in FIG. 8, and the front battery 30b is located at the front right of the aircraft body 4.

The battery 30 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of two batteries 30a, 30b connected in series, and is distributed at the front and rear of the vehicle 4 (more specifically, the front right and rear left). This allows the capacity of the battery 30 to be maintained while making each battery 30a, 30b smaller and achieving a weight balance between the front and rear of the vehicle 4.

Here, in conventional crop pullers, a weight is attached to the right front of the machine to ensure the weight balance of the machine, but in this embodiment, the weight balance is good due to the distributed placement of the batteries 30, so the weight can be omitted.

Each battery 30a, 30b is housed in a battery box 90 or 91, which protects the battery and prevents electric shock to the operator.

In addition, each battery 30a, 30b is detachable and can be removed from the machine body 4 for charging. In the unlikely event that the charge generated by the engine is insufficient or the batteries 30a, 30b deteriorate, the batteries 30a, 30b can be replaced with spare batteries to continue work. The battery box 90 that houses the rear battery 30a is located below the operating unit 93 as shown in Figure 9, so the operator can easily replace the battery by interrupting work.

Figure 11 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of each battery box 90, 91 shown in Figure 8.

Each battery box 90, 91 has a box body 94 and a lid 95 attached to the box body 94 so as to be pivotable about an axis 96.

The lower part of the lid 95 is removably attached to the lower rear surface of the box body 94 by a magnet (not shown), and both left and right ends of the shaft 96 are fixed to the upper rear part of the box body 94.

The opening/closing portion (opening/closing surface) 97 of the battery boxes 90, 91 formed by the lid body 95 is provided on the side opposite to the direction of travel, i.e., on the rear side, so that the batteries 30a, 30b housed in the battery boxes 90, 91 can be removed from the rear side, and soil and dust can be prevented from entering the battery boxes 90, 91 while the crop puller 4 is moving forward.

The battery box 90 and the inverter 31 are arranged side by side, one behind the other, so that they are in contact with each other, and the contact surface is made of metal, so that the rear battery 30a in the battery box 90 and the inverter 31 are electrically connected. Therefore, the wiring connecting the battery box 90 and the inverter 31 is omitted, and there is no risk of disconnection.

The electric motor 7 and the inverter 31 are connected by a plurality of wires (not shown), and these wires are routed together into a single corrugated wire, thereby reducing the risk of wire breakage.
<Technical significance of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8 to 11, the battery 30 that supplies power to the electric motor 7 as the power source for the drive wheel 2' and each working device 3g, 3h has a plurality of batteries 30a, 30b connected in series, and one of the battery boxes that houses these batteries 30a, 30b, which is a battery box 90, is located below an operating unit 93 provided at the rear of the body 4 (see Figure 9), and the other is located at the front of the body 4.Therefore, the multiple batteries 30a, 30b can ensure power capacity and stabilize the front-to-rear weight balance of the body 4.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the battery 30a or 30b can be removed from the rear of each battery box 90, 91, which prevents dirt, dust, etc. from entering each battery box 90, 91 while driving forward.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in each of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11, the electric motor 7 is configured as a motor generator, but it is not necessarily required that the electric motor have the function of a generator.

In addition, in each embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, the clutch position detection device 36 detects the engagement and disengagement of the engine clutch 34 and switches between charging and discharging, but it is not necessarily necessary to detect the engagement and disengagement of the engine clutch using the clutch position detection device. When the electric motor, which is a motor generator, is rotating by receiving the output of the engine, it is expected that the rotation speed of the electric motor is higher than when the electric motor is driven by the power of the battery. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to configure the engine clutch to be detected as being engaged or disengaged by a means for detecting the rotation speed of the electric motor 7. In this case, when the rotation speed of the electric motor 7 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is recognized that the engine clutch is engaged, and it is desirable to configure the charge/discharge switching device to start charging the battery.

In addition, in each embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 11, the first pulley 11 and the fourth pulley 21 shown in Fig. 1 are configured separately, but a double pulley configured as an integral unit may be used. Also, the first pulley 11 and the fourth pulley 21 are directly attached to the output shaft 7a, but a clutch may be provided between them and the output shaft 7a so that the transmission to the first and second transmission mechanisms can be disconnected by the clutch.

In addition, in each embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, when the clutch switch 67 shown in Figures 4 and 9 is operated and the engine clutch 34 is disengaged while the engine is running (engine clutch 34 is engaged), the clutch position detection device 36 detects that the engine clutch 34 has been disengaged, and the charge/discharge switching device 32 switches the battery 30 to a discharged state in which the power stored in the battery 30 can be supplied to the electric motor 7. However, when the engine clutch is disengaged using the clutch switch while the engine is running, the charge/discharge switching device may automatically switch to a discharged state based on a control signal from the control device, and the control device may automatically stop the engine.

In this case, when switching from engine drive to motor drive, the time and effort required to operate the main switch to turn the engine on and off can be eliminated, allowing for a smooth transition to motor drive using the battery.

Similarly, in each embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11, when the clutch switch 67 is operated in the motor-driven state (engine clutch 34 is off) and the engine clutch 34 is connected, the clutch position detection device 36 detects the connection of the engine clutch 34, and the charge/discharge switching device 32 switches to a charging state in which the power generated by the electric motor 7 is supplied to the battery 30. However, when the engine clutch 34 is connected in the motor-driven state, the charge/discharge switching device may be automatically switched to a charging state based on a control signal from the control device, and the control device may automatically start the engine.

In this case, when switching from motor drive to engine drive, the effort and time required to operate the main switch before operating the clutch switch is eliminated, allowing for a smooth transition to engine drive and reducing energy consumption.

In addition, in this case, safety can be improved by automatically starting the engine and automatically adjusting the HST to the neutral side by the HST servo motor to slow down the agricultural machine or temporarily stop it.

In the embodiment of the root vegetable harvester 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first transmission mechanism 10 is configured to transmit power to the traveling transmission system, and the second transmission mechanism 20 is configured to transmit power to the working transmission system, but as described above, the third pulley 13 and the sixth pulley 23 of the first and second transmission mechanisms 10 and 20 can both be configured to transmit power to the traveling transmission system and/or the working transmission system.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to configure the system so that after inputting from the third pulley 13 of the first transmission mechanism 10 to the HST 50 via the input shaft 51, the power is output from one output shaft 52 of the HST 50 to the traveling transmission system, and from another output shaft 60 of the HST 50 to the work transmission system. In this case, the input shaft 51 and the HST 50 belong to both the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system.

The power output from the HST 50 to the work transmission system is transmitted to the transmission rod 104 by the drive of the endless belt 103 wound around the pulley 101 and pulley 102 attached to the output shaft 60, and then transmitted to the intermediate connector 108 by a transmission mechanism using two sets of pulleys 105 and 106 and an endless belt 107 in the same way.

The power thus transmitted to the intermediate connector 108 is input to the work transmission 61 via the transmission rod 109, and is then transmitted from the work transmission 61 to the tapping device 3d, the extraction and conveying device 3c, and the lifting device 3a via the output shaft 62, the transmission case 63, and the transmission rod 64 shown in FIG. 4.

In other words, the transmission mechanism up to the work mission 61, including the HST 50, transmission rod 104, transmission rod 109, etc., is replaced with the transmission mechanism using the output shaft 59 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and by passing through the HST 50, the rotational power transmitted to each of the work devices 3a, 3c, and 3d can be finely adjusted to match the traveling speed. In addition, by passing through the HST 50, it is possible to turn on and off the power output for each of the output shafts 52 and 60, so it is possible to configure the system so that only one of the traveling device and the work device can be driven without using a separate clutch.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the crop puller 4 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8 to 11, as shown in Figure 9, the battery box 90 that houses the battery 30a is disposed behind the inverter 31 that controls the drive of the electric motor 7. However, if the battery box is disposed immediately above the inverter, it is possible to prevent the inverter from being exposed to direct sunlight and to prevent a sudden increase in temperature of the inverter.

In the embodiment of the crop puller 4 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8 to 11, all of the working devices 3g, 3h of the crop puller 4 are configured to be driven by the electric motor 7, but some of the working devices may be configured to be driven by a separately prepared electric motor. For example, when the puller is driven by a separately prepared electric motor, an inverter that controls the rotation speed of the electric motor is placed below each battery that supplies power to each electric motor, so that the inverter is not exposed to direct sunlight, and therefore a sudden rise in the inverter temperature can be prevented.

Furthermore, in this case, by arranging the two batteries at the positions of batteries 30a and 30b shown in Figure 8, the weight balance between the front and rear of the machine body can be achieved, and the weights provided in conventional crop pullers can be eliminated. In addition, in this case, the rotation speed of the separately provided electric motor is automatically adjusted by the control device and inverter according to the running speed, i.e., the operating position of the speed adjustment dial, eliminating the need for the operator to adjust the running speed each time.

In the embodiment of the crop puller 4 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 8 to 11, a pair of drive wheels 2', which are an example of a traveling device, are both rotated by the driving force of the electric motor 7, but a separate electric motor may be provided to drive part of the traveling device, for example, one of the left and right drive wheels. In this case, it is desirable to arrange the electric motor so that the rotation direction of the input part to the traveling gear box and the rotation direction of the motor shaft coincide with each other, and by configuring it in this way, it is possible to reduce the loss of power when transmitting to the gear box.

1. Agricultural machinery (root vegetable harvesting machine)
2 Traveling device 3 Working device 4 Agricultural work machine (crop puller)
Reference Signs List 5: main switch 6: engine 6a: output shaft 6b: flywheel 7: electric motor 7a: output shaft 8: power mechanism 10: first transmission mechanism 11: first pulley 12: second pulley 13: third pulley 14: endless belt 20: second transmission mechanism 21: fourth pulley 22: fifth pulley 23: sixth pulley 24: endless belt 30: battery 31: inverter 32: charge/discharge switching device 33: charging device 34: engine clutch 35: clutch actuating cylinder 35a: solenoid 36: clutch position detection device 37: charge/discharge switching unit 38: BMS
39 Charging control unit 40 Protection switch 41 Switch 42 Switch 43 Switch 44 Current transformer 45 Solenoid driving means 46 Battery control unit (BCU)
47 Control device 48 Inverter control unit 49 Inverter drive circuit 50 Hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (HST)
51 HST input shaft 52 HST output shaft (travel transmission system)
53 Traveling transmission device 54 Drive sprocket 55 Transmission rod 57 Intermediate connecting portion 58 Transmission rod 59 Transmission rod 60 Output shaft of HST (work transmission system)
61 work transmission 62 output shaft of work transmission 63 transmission case 64 transmission rod 65 cockpit 66 operation unit 67 clutch switch 68 main speed change lever 69 sub speed change lever 70 HST servo motor 71 solenoid 72 engine start motor 80 transmission rod 81 chain case 82 universal joint 83 chain case 84 gear box 85 driven wheel 86 gear box 87 output shaft 88 transmission case 89 universal joint 90 battery box 91 battery box 92 speed adjustment dial 93 operation unit 94 box body 95 lid 96 shaft 97 opening/closing unit 98 fuel tank 99 conveying area 100 conveyor belt 101 pulley 102 pulley 103 endless belt 104 transmission rod 105 pulley 106 pulley 107 endless belt 108 intermediate connecting portion 109 transmission rod

Claims (6)

A traveling device that travels in a field;
A working device attached to the traveling device and used for agricultural work;
A traveling transmission system that transmits power to the traveling device;
a work transmission system that transmits power to the work device;
An agricultural machine equipped with an engine and an electric motor as a power source,
The output shaft of the engine is connected to the output shaft of the electric motor and configured to rotate the output shaft of the electric motor in cooperation with the output shaft of the electric motor;
a power transmission means is attached to an output shaft of the electric motor for supplying rotational power of the output shaft to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system;
A power switching clutch is interposed between the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor,
When the power switching clutch is in an engaged state, the output shaft of the engine and the output shaft of the electric motor rotate in conjunction with each other, and the power of the engine is supplied from the power transmission means to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system,
an output shaft of the engine and an output shaft of the electric motor are disconnected when the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state, and power from the electric motor is supplied from the power transmission means to the traveling transmission system and the work transmission system. a battery for supplying power to the electric motor;
A charge/discharge switching device for switching between charging and discharging the battery;
a detection means for detecting whether the power changeover clutch is in an on state or a disengaged state,
an output shaft of the engine and an output shaft of the electric motor are arranged coaxially;
The electric motor is constituted by a motor generator,
when the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the electric motor, if the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in an engaged state, the charge/discharge switching device switches from a discharging state in which power can be supplied from the battery to the electric motor to a charging state in which power generated by the electric motor is charged to the battery,
2. The agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein when the power switching clutch is in an engaged state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the engine, if the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state, the charge/discharge switching device switches from a charging state in which power generated by the electric motor is charged to the battery to a discharging state in which power can be supplied from the battery to the electric motor. An operating tool for switching the power switching clutch between an on state and a off state is disposed near a driver's seat of the agricultural work machine,
3. The agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein when the power switching clutch is in an engaged state and the traveling device and the working device are driven by the engine, an operation for switching the power switching clutch to a disengaged state is performed by the operating tool, the engine is automatically stopped. An operating tool for switching the power switching clutch between an on state and a off state is disposed near a driver's seat of the agricultural work machine,
3. The agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein the engine is configured to automatically start when the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state and the traveling device and the work device are driven by the electric motor, and an operation is performed by the operating tool to switch the power switching clutch to an engaged state. The agricultural machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the engine is prevented from starting while the detection means detects that the power switching clutch is in a disengaged state. The agricultural machine is configured as a walk-behind type in which an operator operates the machine while walking behind the machine.
The control unit for operating the agricultural machinery is located at the rear of the machine.
The battery includes a plurality of batteries connected in series, each of the plurality of batteries being housed in a battery box, one of the battery boxes being disposed below the operation unit, and the other of the battery boxes being disposed at a front portion of the aircraft body,
6. The agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein the battery is removable from a rear side of each of the battery boxes.