JP7482769B2 - Sugarcane harvester - Google Patents

Description

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

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a sugarcane harvester that is provided with a reaping and conveying device, a separating device, and a conveyor, and a driving section is provided above the reaping and conveying device.
As the machine moves forward, crops in the field are cut and transported by a harvesting and transporting device, and debris is separated from the crops in a separating device. The crops from which debris has been removed are then transported by a conveyor, and the crops are supplied from the conveyor to a transport vehicle that accompanies the sugarcane harvester.

JP 2008-5715 A

Since sugarcane harvesters harvest crops while traveling, there is a demand for improved operability of the harvesting and transporting devices, etc.
An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a harvesting and conveying device and the like in a sugarcane harvester.

The sugarcane harvester of the present invention comprises a harvesting and transporting device that harvests crops in a field and transports them toward the rear of a machine body, a separation device that is connected to the rear of the harvesting and transporting device and separates waste from the crops transported by the harvesting and transporting device, a conveyor that extends upward from a lower portion of the separation device and transports the crops from which waste has been separated by the separation device, and a driver's section that is provided above the harvesting and transporting device and has a driver's seat and side panels provided on the left and right sides of the driver's seat, and that is manually operated to move the harvester forward. A harvesting and conveying device operating tool capable of operating the harvesting and conveying device, a conveyor operating tool capable of operating the conveyor by manual operation, and a main operating tool capable of allowing and prohibiting operation of the harvesting and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool by manual operation are provided in a front area formed in the front part of the operating surface of the side panel, and the main operating tool, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are arranged side by side along a first imaginary inclined line that is located laterally outward and rearward from the driver's seat in a planar view.

In sugarcane harvesting machines, apart from steering the machine using a control handle or the like and controlling the machine's running speed using a gear lever or the like, the frequency of operation of the harvesting and transporting device and the conveyor is high. Similarly, the frequency of operation of the main operating devices that can permit and prohibit the operation of the harvesting and transporting device operating devices and the conveyor operating devices is also high.

In the driver's section, when the side panels are installed on the left and right sides of the driver's seat and the operator sits in the driver's seat and takes a natural posture with the right arm (left arm) extended forward, the operator's right hand (left hand) is often located near the front of the operating surface of the side panel.

According to the present invention, a harvesting and conveying device operating tool capable of operating the harvesting and conveying device, a conveyor operating tool capable of operating the conveyor, and a main operating tool capable of allowing and prohibiting operation of the harvesting and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool are provided in a front area formed in the front part of the operating surface of the side panel.
As a result, when the operator sitting in the driver's seat assumes a natural posture, the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are located near the operator's right hand (left hand), so the operator can easily operate the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool with his or her right hand (left hand), improving operability.

In the present invention, a speed change device for traveling is provided, and a speed change lever that can be operated manually to operate the speed change device is provided in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side relative to the front area on the operating surface of the side panel, and the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are configured to have mutually different operating forms, and it is preferable that the speed change lever, the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are arranged side by side in this order along the left-right direction.

In sugarcane harvesting machines, the traveling speed of the machine is frequently controlled using a gear shift lever.
According to the present invention, a shift lever capable of operating the traveling transmission is provided in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side relative to the front area on the operating surface of the side panel, so that when an operator sitting in the driver's seat assumes a natural posture, the shift lever is located near the operator's right hand (left hand), allowing the operator to effortlessly operate the shift lever with his or her right hand (left hand), improving operability.

By moving the right hand (left hand) slightly outward while holding the gear shift lever, the operator sitting in the driver's seat can easily operate the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool with his or her right hand (left hand), improving operability.

According to the present invention, the main operating tool, the reaping and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are configured to have different operating modes from each other. The main operating tool is disposed closer to the speed change lever than the reaping and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool, and the reaping and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool are disposed slightly farther from the speed change lever than the main operating tool.
As a result, when an operator sitting in the driver's seat moves his/her right hand (left hand) slightly outward from the shift lever, he/she can easily distinguish between the main operating tool, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool, thereby improving operability.

In the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the main operating tool, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool is configured in an operating form in which it is operated along a second virtual inclined line that is perpendicular to the first virtual inclined line in a planar view.

According to the present invention, at least one of the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool is configured in an operating form in which it is operated along a second imaginary inclined line that is perpendicular to the first imaginary inclined line in a planar view.
As a result, when an operator sitting in the driver's seat holds the gear shift lever and moves his/her right hand (left hand) slightly outward as described above, the operation of at least one of the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool will be in the direction in which the operator's right hand (left hand) extends, improving the operability of at least one of the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool.

In the present invention, it is preferable that an armrest is provided that is disposed behind the shift lever and at a position higher than the operating surface of the side panel, and that an adjustment tool that is manually operated is provided on the operating surface of the side panel, rearward of the front area and in an area on the opposite side of the driver's seat from the armrest.

According to the present invention, the armrest is positioned behind the shift lever and higher than the operating surface of the side panel, making it easy for an operator sitting in the driver's seat to place his or her right (left) hand on the armrest.

Sugarcane harvesters are sometimes equipped with adjustment devices for making various adjustments, but the frequency of operation of the adjustment devices is lower than that of the main operating device, the harvesting and transporting device operating device, and the conveyor operating device.

According to the present invention, the adjustment tool is provided on the operating surface of the side panel, rearward of the front region and in the region opposite the driver's seat with respect to the armrest, so that the adjustment tool is hidden by the armrest for an operator sitting in the driver's seat.
As a result, by providing the adjustment tools which are operated less frequently in the area described above on the operating surface of the side panel, the main operating tool, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool which are operated more frequently can be comfortably positioned in the front area.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a separate operating tool that is different from the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool and that is operated manually is provided in an area rearward of the front area on the operating surface of the side panel, and that the separate operating tool is configured in an operating form in which it is operated along a virtual line that is located forward and laterally outward from the driver's seat in a plan view.

According to the present invention, when a separate operating tool different from the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool is provided on the operating surface of the side panel, the separate operating tool is provided in a rear area relative to the front area of the side panel.

When an operator sitting in the driver's seat adopts a natural posture, the right hand (left hand) may extend diagonally (radially) to the side from the operator's body in a plan view.
According to the present invention, an imaginary line is assumed to be positioned toward the front and toward the outside of the driver's seat in a plan view, and the separate operating tool is configured to be operated along the imaginary line.
As a result, when the operator sitting in the driver's seat takes a natural posture, the operation of the separate operating tool will be in the direction in which the operator's right hand (left hand) extends, improving the operability of the separate operating tool.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a transmission for driving is provided, a shift lever capable of operating the transmission by manual operation is provided on the operating surface of the side panel in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side relative to the front area, a plurality of manually operated operating tools are provided on a grip of the shift lever facing the driver's seat, and a horn operating tool capable of operating a horn by manual operation is provided on a part of the grip of the shift lever lower than the operating tools and facing the opposite side of the driver's seat.

In sugarcane harvesting machines, the traveling speed of the machine is frequently controlled using a gear shift lever.
According to the present invention, a shift lever capable of operating the traveling transmission is provided in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side relative to the front area on the operating surface of the side panel, so that when an operator sitting in the driver's seat assumes a natural posture, the shift lever is located near the operator's right hand (left hand), allowing the operator to effortlessly operate the shift lever with his or her right hand (left hand), improving operability.

According to the present invention, multiple operating tools are provided on the grip of the shift lever facing the driver's seat, so that the operator sitting in the driver's seat can operate the multiple operating tools with the right hand (left hand) holding the grip of the shift lever, and the operator sitting in the driver's seat can easily visually check the multiple operating tools on the grip of the shift lever, improving operability.

According to the present invention, a horn operating device that can be operated manually to operate the horn is provided on the grip of the gear shift lever at a location lower than the multiple operating devices and facing away from the driver's seat.

According to the present invention, when multiple operating tools are provided on the grip of the shift lever facing the driver's seat, the horn operating tool is provided at a lower position than the operating tools, and the horn operating tool is provided on the opposite side of the operating tools. This makes it easier for an operator holding the grip of the shift lever to distinguish between the operating tools provided on the grip of the shift lever and the horn operating tool, reducing erroneous operation of the operating tools and the horn operating tool and improving operability.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the sugarcane harvester. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sugarcane harvester. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the side panel and the vicinity of the driver's seat. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional left side view of the vicinity of the turning pedal and the locking device in a restricted state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the vicinity of the turning pedal and the locking device in a restricted state. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the vicinity of the rotation pedal and the locking device in a restricted state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the vicinity of the turning pedal and the locking device in an unrestricted state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the vicinity of the rotation pedal depressed to the right and the locking device in an unrestricted state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the vicinity of the turning pedal depressed to the left and the locking device in an unrestricted state. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the control device and the reaping unit, the transport device, the separating device, and the conveyor. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the control device and a driving section, an engine, a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, an auxiliary transmission, and front wheels. FIG.

A sugarcane harvester is shown in Figures 1 to 15, and in Figures 1 to 15, F indicates the forward direction, B indicates the backward direction, U indicates the upward direction, D indicates the downward direction, R indicates the rightward direction, and L indicates the leftward direction.

(Overall configuration of sugarcane harvester)
1 and 2, the machine body, which is the entire sugarcane harvester, is supported by left and right front wheels 1 and left and right rear wheels 2. The machine body is provided with a harvesting unit 3 which is a harvesting and transporting device, a transporting device 4 which is also a harvesting and transporting device provided in a rear-upward tilted position from the harvesting unit 3, a separating device 5 connected to the rear of the transporting device 4, a conveyor 6 which extends upward in a tilted position from a position below the separating device 5, a driving unit 7 which is provided above the harvesting unit 3 and the transporting device 4, and an engine 8.

With the above configuration, as the machine advances, the cutting unit 3 cuts the base of the crops in the field and cuts the crops, and the crops cut by the cutting unit 3 are transported rearward by the transport device 4.

When the crop reaches the end of the conveying device 4, it is chopped at the end and fed to the separating device 5. The chopped crop passes downward through the separating device 5 and falls into the hopper 6b at the front of the conveyor 6. Inside the separating device 5, sorting air is fed to the crop, and the debris is separated, blown away, and discharged.

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

(Configuration of the reaping unit)
As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 14, the reaping unit 3 has left and right screws 9, a tilting device 10, a cutting device 11, an upper cutting device 87, and the like.

There are right inner and outer screws 9 and left inner and outer screws 9, and the screws 9 are configured in such a way that a helical body is attached to the outer periphery of an elongated cylindrical main body.

A hydraulic motor 12 is provided on the upper part of the screw 9, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 62 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 12. The hydraulic motor 12 drives the screw 9 to rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction.
Left and right hydraulic cylinders 13 are provided that can change the height of the left and right screws 9, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 63 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to and from the hydraulic cylinders 13.

The two sets of toppling devices 10 are provided behind the screw 9, and are configured by attaching multiple toppling plates (not shown) with uneven ends radially to the outer periphery of a cylindrical main body (not shown). The toppling devices 10 are driven to rotate around an axis along the left-right direction by a hydraulic motor 14, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 64 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 14.

The left and right cutting devices 11 are provided behind the knocking device 10 and have a rotary blade supported for rotation around an axis along the vertical direction. The rotary blade is driven to rotate by a hydraulic motor 15, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 65 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 15.

The upper cutting device 87 is supported above the screw 9, and has a rotary blade supported for rotation around an axis along the vertical direction. The rotary blade is driven to rotate by a hydraulic motor 16, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 66 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 16. A hydraulic cylinder 101 is provided that can change the height of the upper cutting device 87, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 102 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 101.

With the above configuration, as the machine progresses, the left and right screws 9 separate the crops to be harvested from those to be left in the field, while the upper leaves of the crops to be harvested are cut by the upper cutting device 87, and the crops to be harvested are introduced between the left and right screws 9. The crops introduced between the left and right screws 9 are then fallen forward by the falling device 10, while the base of the plant is cut by the cutting device 11, and the crops are supplied from the base to the transport device 4.

(Configuration of the conveying device)
As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 14, the conveying device 4 has left and right side panels (not shown) that are arranged in a front-to-rear direction with a rear-upward inclination, and an upper rotating body (not shown) and a lower rotating body (not shown) are supported on the side panels with a gap between them in the crop transport direction.

The upper and lower rotors are driven to rotate in opposite directions around a central axis that runs in the left-right direction, so that the crop is sandwiched between the upper and lower rotors and transported backwards so that the base of the crop leads the top of the crop.

The upper and lower rotors located at the end of the conveying device 4 are provided with chopping blades (not shown), and when the crop reaches the end of the conveying device 4, the crop is cut to a specified length by the chopping blades and supplied to the separating device 5. A hydraulic motor 17 is provided to rotate the upper and lower rotors, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 67 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 17.

(Configuration of Separation Device)
1, 2 and 14, the separation device 5 has a cylindrical main body 18 connected to the rear of the transport device 4 and arranged along the vertical direction, and a fan-shaped blower 19 supported inside the main body 18 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction. The blower 19 is rotationally driven by a hydraulic motor 20, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 70 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 20.

When chopped crops are supplied to the main body 18 from the conveying device 4, the crops pass downward through the inside of the main body 18 and fall into the hopper 6b of the conveyor 6. A sorting wind is generated from the bottom to the top of the main body 18 by the blower 19, and the sorting wind separates the waste from the crops and blows it upward, where it is discharged from the discharge outlet 18a at the top of the main body 18.

(Conveyor configuration)
1, 2 and 14, the conveyor 6 has left and right frames (not shown) arranged in a rear-upward tilted position, and a conveyor belt (not shown) is rotatably supported between the left and right frames. A hydraulic motor 21 is provided to rotate the conveyor belt, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 71 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor 21.

A hopper 6b is provided at the front of the conveyor 6, and the crops from the separation device 5 can be received and stored in the hopper 6b. A discharge section 6a is provided at the rear end of the conveyor 6, and a guide member 23 is provided at the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6, and the orientation of the guide member 23 is changed up and down by an electric motor 24. By changing the orientation of the guide member 23 up and down, the orientation of the crops discharged from the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6 can be changed up and down.

The conveyor 6 is supported so that it can swing left and right around a vertical axis P1 that passes through the front of the conveyor 6 in the up-down direction, and is supported so that it can swing up and down with the front of the conveyor 6 as a fulcrum. A hydraulic cylinder 22 that can swing the conveyor 6 left and right, and a hydraulic cylinder 33 that can swing the conveyor 6 up and down are provided, and electromagnetically operated control valves 72 and 73 that supply and discharge hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinders 22 and 33 are provided.

By swinging the conveyor 6 left and right, the direction of the conveyor 6 and the position of the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6 can be changed left and right, and by swinging the conveyor 6 up and down, the position of the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6 can be changed up and down.

(Configuration of transmission system to rear wheels)
15 , a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26, which is a travel transmission, is provided between the engine 8 and the auxiliary transmission 25. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 has a hydraulic pump 26a connected to the engine 8, a hydraulic motor 26b connected to the auxiliary transmission 25, and a hydraulic hose 26c connected between the hydraulic pump 26a and the hydraulic motor 26b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 is configured to be capable of continuously changing the speed from a neutral position to the forward side and the reverse side by changing the angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump 26a.

The sub-transmission device 25 is configured as a gear shift type and can be shifted to two speeds, high speed and low speed. A hydraulic cylinder 27 is provided to operate the sub-transmission device 25, and an electromagnetically operated control valve 77 is provided to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to and from the hydraulic cylinder 27.

With the above configuration, the engine 8 drives the hydraulic pump 26a of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26, and the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic pump 26a is supplied to the hydraulic motor 26b via the hydraulic hose 26c to drive the hydraulic motor 26b. The power of the hydraulic motor 26b of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 is transmitted to the auxiliary transmission 25 and then to the left and right rear wheels 2. Left and right brakes 28 capable of braking the left and right rear wheels 2 are provided.

(Front wheel support configuration)
15, the left and right hydraulic cylinders 29 are disposed vertically on the right and left sides of the front of the machine body, and the pistons 29b of the hydraulic cylinders 29 are connected to the machine body. The main body 29a of the hydraulic cylinder 29 is supported rotatably about the axis of the hydraulic cylinder 29 by a support arm 31 supported on the machine body so as to be swingable up and down.

A hydraulic cylinder 30 is provided for rotating the main body 29a of the hydraulic cylinder 29 relative to the piston 29b of the hydraulic cylinder 29, and the front wheel 1 is rotatably supported by the main body 29a of the hydraulic cylinder 29. An electromagnetically operated control valve 79 is provided for supplying and discharging hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 29, and a mechanically operated control valve 80 is provided for supplying and discharging hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 30.

By raising and lowering the front wheels 1 relative to the machine body using the hydraulic cylinder 29, the front of the machine body can be raised and lowered with the rear wheels 2, which are in contact with the field, as the fulcrum. By rotating the main body 29a of the hydraulic cylinder 29 using the hydraulic cylinder 30, the front wheels 1 can be steered.

(Configuration of the driving section)
1, 2 and 3, the driver's section 7 is covered by a cabin 41. The driver's section 7 is provided with a driver's seat 42, a handle post 43 provided in front of the driver's seat 42, a steering wheel 44 which is a manual operation tool supported on the upper part of the handle post 43 and operated manually, an operation box 45 disposed on the right side of the driver's seat 42 in the left-right direction, a side panel 54 provided on the upper part of the operation box 45, a liquid crystal monitor 34 supported on the right pillar 32 of the left and right pillars 32 of the cabin 41, and the like.

On the floor 46 of the driver's section 7, the swivel pedal 50 and locking device 61 (see the "Configuration of the swivel pedal" and "Configuration of the locking device" described below) are positioned to the left of the center CL of the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, and are positioned to the left of the handle post 43.

On the floor 46 of the driver's section 7, the accelerator pedal 47, brake pedal 48, and lock lever 49 are positioned offset to the right of the left-right center CL of the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, and are positioned to the right of the handle post 43. The accelerator pedal 47 is configured to be operated back and forth along a tenth imaginary inclined line L10, which is an imaginary line that extends diagonally forward and to the right from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 15, the accelerator pedal 47 is biased in the return direction by a spring (not shown), and the operating position of the accelerator pedal 47 is input to a control device 100 provided on the aircraft. An electronically controlled accelerator unit 88 is provided to control the amount of fuel injected into the engine 8, and the accelerator unit 88 is operated by the control device 100 based on the operating position of the accelerator pedal 47.

The steering handle 44 and the control valve 80 are mechanically connected. When an operator seated in the driver's seat 42 operates the steering handle 44 to operate the control valve 80, the front wheels 1 are steered by the hydraulic cylinder 30.

The brake pedal 48 and the brake 28 are mechanically connected via a linkage mechanism 60. An operator seated in the driver's seat 42 can operate the brake 28 into a braking state by stepping on the brake pedal 48.

As shown in FIG. 3, an operator seated in the driver's seat 42 can hold the brake pedal 48 in a depressed state by applying the lock lever 49 to the brake pedal 48 while depressing the brake pedal 48. This holds the brake 28 in a braking state, allowing the brake 28 to be used for parking.

(Side panel configuration)
As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the side panel 54 is provided with an inner operating surface 55 closer to the driver's seat 42 and an outer operating surface 56 on the opposite side of the driver's seat 42 (the side farther from the driver's seat 42) from the inner operating surface 55.

The inner and outer operation surfaces 55, 56 are formed in a vertically elongated shape along the front-rear direction, and the inner operation surface 55 is formed on a surface that is approximately parallel (approximately horizontal) to the floor 46.
The outer operating surface 56 is arranged at a higher position than the inner operating surface 55, and is formed as an inclined surface facing the driver's seat 42 so that the part of the outer operating surface 56 farther from the driver's seat 42 is higher than the part of the outer operating surface 56 closer to the driver's seat 42.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54 is provided with a first region 56a, which is a front region formed at the front of the outer operating surface 56, a second region 56b formed rearward of the first region 56a, a third region 56c formed rearward of the second region 56b, a fourth region 56d formed rearward of the third region 56c and closer to the armrest 68, and a fifth region 56e formed rearward of the third region 56c and farther from the armrest 68.

As shown in Figures 3 to 6, a support frame 69 extends upward from a portion of the operation box 45 near the driver's seat 42, and an armrest 68 is supported on the upper part of the support frame 69.

The armrest 68 is located behind the shift lever 51 (see (Configuration of a shift lever capable of operating a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission) described below) and is arranged in the front-to-rear direction above the inner operating surface 55 of the side panel 54. The armrest 68 is located lower than the upper end of the grip portion 51a of the shift lever 51 and higher than the inner and outer operating surfaces 55, 56 of the side panel 54.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the rear side panel 57 is provided on the rear side of the side panel 54. The rear side panel 57 is formed into an inclined surface so that the rear of the rear side panel 57 is higher than the front of the rear side panel 57. The rear side panel 57 is provided with a cup holder 58 and a small item storage section 59.

(Configuration of a speed change lever capable of operating a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission)
4, 5 and 6, a speed change lever 51, which is a manual operating tool capable of operating the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 and which is manually operated, is provided in the front part of an operating surface 55 on the inside of the side panel 54. As a result, the speed change lever 51 is provided in an area on the inside and outside operating surfaces 55, 56 of the side panel 54, adjacent to the driver's seat 42 side with respect to a first area 56a (front area) of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54.

As shown in FIG. 15, the shift lever 51 and the hydraulic pump 26a of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 are mechanically connected via a linkage mechanism 78. As shown in FIG. 6, the neutral path 38 along the left-right direction, the forward path 39 extending forward from the left part of the neutral path 38, and the reverse path 40 extending backward from the right part of the neutral path 38 are provided on the inner operation surface 55 of the side panel 54.

The operator seated in the driver's seat 42 holds the grip 51a of the shift lever 51 with his right hand and manually operates the shift lever 51 to the neutral path 38, the forward path 39, or the reverse path 40. In this case, the grip 51a of the shift lever 51 is positioned slightly higher than the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54 and the armrest 68.

When the shift lever 51 is operated to the neutral path 38, the hydraulic pump 26a of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 is operated to the neutral position and the aircraft is stopped. When the shift lever 51 is operated to the forward path 39, the hydraulic pump 26a of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 is operated to the forward high speed side, and when the shift lever 51 is operated to the reverse path 40, the hydraulic pump 26a of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26 is operated to the reverse high speed side.

(Configuration of the first area on the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in FIG. 6 , the main operating tool 35 , the reaping and transporting device operating tool 36 , and the conveyor operating tool 37 are provided in a first area 56 a of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54 .

The main operating device 35 is configured as a dial switch and is manually rotated to operate it between the operating position and the stop position, and the operating position of the main operating device 35 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15. When the main operating device 35 is operated to the operating position, the operations described in this section (Configuration related to the first area on the operating surface outside the side panel) to the later section (Operation state of the turning pedal) are permitted.

When the main operating tool 35 is operated to the stop position, the hydraulic cylinders 13, 22, 33, 101, hydraulic motors 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, and electric motor 24 shown in FIG. 14 are forcibly stopped, so the operations described in this section (Configuration related to the first area on the operating surface outside the side panel) to the following section (Operation state of the turning pedal) are prohibited.

The harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 is configured as a seesaw switch type that can be operated by manually pushing the front and rear parts, and can be operated to a stop position, a forward rotation position, and a reverse rotation position. The operating position of the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 is input to the control device 100 shown in Figure 15, and the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 operates the control valves 62, 64, 65, and 67 shown in Figure 14 to operate the hydraulic motors 12, 14, 15, and 17.

When the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 is operated to the forward rotation position, the hydraulic motors 12, 14, 15, and 17 operate in the forward direction, when the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 is operated to the reverse rotation position, the hydraulic motors 12, 14, 15, and 17 operate in the reverse direction, and when the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 is operated to the stop position, the hydraulic motors 12, 14, 15, and 17 stop.

Under normal operating conditions, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool 36 is operated to the forward rotation position. If an abnormality occurs, such as crops or the like becoming clogged in the harvesting unit 3 or the transporting device 4, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool 36 is operated to the reverse rotation position to clear the clog in the harvesting unit 3 or the transporting device 4.

The conveyor operating device 37 is configured as a seesaw switch type that can be operated by manually pushing the front and rear parts, and can be operated to the stop position, forward rotation position, and reverse rotation position. The operating position of the conveyor operating device 37 is input to the control device 100 shown in Figure 15, and the conveyor operating device 37 operates the control valve 71 shown in Figure 14 to operate the hydraulic motor 21.

When the conveyor operating device 37 is operated to the forward rotation position, the hydraulic motor 21 operates in the forward direction, when the conveyor operating device 37 is operated to the reverse rotation position, the hydraulic motor 21 operates in the reverse direction, and when the conveyor operating device 37 is operated to the stop position, the hydraulic motor 21 stops.

Under normal operating conditions, the conveyor operating device 37 is operated to the forward rotation position. If an abnormality occurs, such as crops or the like becoming clogged in the conveyor 6, the conveyor operating device 37 is operated to the reverse rotation position to clear the clog in the conveyor 6.

(Arrangement of the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool in the first area of the outer operating surface of the side panel)
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the dial switch type main operating tool 35 and the seesaw switch type reaping and transporting device operating tool 36 and conveyor operating tool 37 are configured to have mutually different operating modes.

On the inner and outer operation surfaces 55, 56 of the side panel 54, the speed change lever 51, the main operation tool 35, the harvesting and transporting device operation tool 36, and the conveyor operation tool 37 are arranged side by side in this order along the left-right direction.

In the first region 56a of the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, assuming a first imaginary inclined line L1 located laterally outward and rearward from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, the main operating tool 35, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool 36, and the conveyor operating tool 37 are arranged side-by-side along the first imaginary inclined line L1 in a plan view.

Assuming that a second imaginary inclined line L2 is perpendicular to the first imaginary inclined line L1 in a plan view, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 and the conveyor operating tool 37 are configured in an operating form (seesaw switch type) that is operated along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

When the second imaginary inclined line L2 is extended rearward from between the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 and the conveyor operating tool 37 in a plan view, it intersects with the armrest 68 and reaches the right rear part of the driver's seat 42.

In other words, the second imaginary inclined line L2 extends obliquely from the driver's seat 42 toward the first area 56a of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54 in a plan view. The second imaginary inclined line L2 is inclined so that it is positioned forward as it becomes laterally outward relative to the driver's seat 42 in a plan view.

(Configuration of the second area on the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in FIG. 6, a separator device operating tool 74 and an upper cutting device operating tool 75 are provided on the second region 56 b of the operating surface 56 on the outer side of the side panel 54 .

The separation device operating tool 74 is configured as a dial switch, and is manually rotated to an operating position or a stopped position. The operating position of the separation device operating tool 74 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the separation device operating tool 74 operates the control valve 70 shown in FIG. 14 to operate and stop the hydraulic motor 20.

The upper cutting device operating tool 75 is configured as a seesaw switch type that can be operated manually by pressing the right and left parts, and can be operated to the stop position, forward rotation position, and reverse position. The operating position of the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is input to the control device 100 shown in Figure 15, and the upper cutting device operating tool 75 operates the control valve 66 shown in Figure 14 to operate the hydraulic motor 16.

When the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is operated to the forward rotation position, the hydraulic motor 16 operates in the forward direction, when the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is operated to the reverse rotation position, the hydraulic motor 16 operates in the reverse direction, and when the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is operated to the stop position, the hydraulic motor 16 stops.

Under normal operating conditions, the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is operated to the forward rotation position. If an abnormality occurs, such as crops or the like getting stuck in the upper cutting device 87, the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is operated to the reverse rotation position to clear the blockage in the upper cutting device 87.

(Arrangement of the separation device operating tool and the upper cutting device operating tool in the second region of the outer operating surface of the side panel)
As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the dial switch type separation device operating tool 74 and the seesaw switch type upper cutting device operating tool 75 are configured to have different operating modes.

In the second region 56b of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54, assuming a third imaginary inclined line L3 located laterally outward and rearward from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, the upper cutting device operating tool 75 is configured in an operating form (see-saw switch type) that is operated along the third imaginary inclined line L3.

The separation device operating tool 74 and the upper cutting device operating tool 75 are arranged in this order side-by-side along the third imaginary inclined line L3 in a plan view. In this case, the third imaginary inclined line L3 is approximately parallel to the first imaginary inclined line L1.

An identification line 76 of a different color (e.g., yellow, red, or orange) from the outer operation surface 56 of the side panel 54 is drawn to surround the outer periphery of the first area 56a and the second area 56b of the outer operation surface 56 of the side panel 54. The main operation tool 35, the reaping and conveying device operation tool 36, the conveyor operation tool 37, the separation device operation tool 74, and the upper cutting device operation tool 75 are arranged inside the identification line 76.

(Configuration of the third area on the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in FIG. 6, a cutting height control operation device 81, a conveyor lift operation device 82, and an automatic accumulation operation device 83 are provided in the third region 56c of the operation surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54.

The cutting height control operating device 81 is configured as a dial switch, and is manually rotated to an operating position and a stopped position. The operating position of the cutting height control operating device 81 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the cutting height control (see (Cutting Height Control) described below) is activated and stopped.

The conveyor lifting/lowering operation device 82 is configured as a seesaw switch type that can be operated by manually pushing the front and rear parts, and can be operated to a stopped position, a raised position, and a lowered position. The operating position of the conveyor lifting/lowering operation device 82 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the conveyor lifting/lowering operation device 82 operates the control valve 73 shown in FIG. 14, and the conveyor 6 is raised and lowered by the hydraulic cylinder 33.

The automatic storage operation device 83 is configured as a dial switch, and is manually rotated to an operating position or a stopped position. The operating position of the automatic storage operation device 83 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the automatic storage control (see (Automatic Storage Control) described below) is activated and stopped.

(Layout of the mowing height control tool, the conveyor lifting tool, and the automatic storage tool in the third area of the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the dial switch type mowing height control operating device 81 and automatic accumulation operating device 83, and the seesaw switch type conveyor lifting operating device 82 are configured to have mutually different operating modes.

Assuming that a fourth imaginary inclined line L4 is located laterally outward and rearward from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view in the third region 56c of the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, the cutting height control operating tool 81 and the conveyor lifting operating tool 82 are arranged side-by-side along the fourth imaginary inclined line L4 in a plan view. In this case, the fourth imaginary inclined line L4 is approximately parallel to the first imaginary inclined line L1 and the third imaginary inclined line L3.

Assuming that a fifth imaginary inclined line L5 is perpendicular to the fourth imaginary inclined line L4 in a plan view, the conveyor lifting/lowering operation device 82 is configured in an operation form (seesaw switch type) that is operated along the fifth imaginary inclined line L5. When the fifth imaginary inclined line L5 is extended rearward from the conveyor lifting/lowering operation device 82 in a plan view, it intersects with the armrest 68 and reaches near the right rear portion of the driver's seat 42.

In other words, the fifth imaginary inclined line L5 extends obliquely from the driver's seat 42 toward the third region 56c of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54 in a plan view. The fifth imaginary inclined line L5 is inclined so that it is positioned forward as it becomes more lateral and outward with respect to the driver's seat 42 in a plan view.

The automatic storage operation device 83 is disposed behind the cutting height control operation device 81 and slightly behind the conveyor lift operation device 82. The main operation device 35, the separation device operation device 74, the cutting height control operation device 81, and the automatic storage operation device 83 are disposed in a straight line from the front in this order along the first imaginary front-rear line LL1 that runs along the front-rear direction.

(Mowing height control)
In the cutting height control, the following operations are carried out.
As described above (Front wheel support configuration) and as shown in Figure 15, by raising and lowering the front wheel 1 relative to the machine body using a hydraulic cylinder 29, the front part of the machine body (cutting part 3) can be raised and lowered with the rear wheel 2, which is in contact with the field, as a fulcrum.

In the harvesting unit 3, the cutting device 11 cuts the part of the field near the base of the crop, so the load on the cutting device 11 changes depending on the condition of the crop, the condition of the field, the height of the harvesting unit 3, etc.

A load sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the load applied to the hydraulic motor 15 of the cutting device 11, and when the detected value of the load sensor becomes greater than the reference load (when the load applied to the cutting device 11 becomes greater), the hydraulic cylinder 29 raises the front part of the body (the cutting part 3) to reduce the load applied to the cutting device 11.
When the detected value of the load sensor returns to the reference load (when the load on the cutting device 11 returns to the reference load), the hydraulic cylinder 29 lowers the front part of the machine body (the cutting unit 3).

(Automatic storage control)
In the automatic storage control, the following operations are carried out.
As described above in (Overall Configuration of the Sugarcane Harvester), as the work progresses, when the loading platform of the accompanying transporter becomes full, the transporter leaves the sugarcane harvester.

In this case, the operator of the driving section 7 temporarily stops work, supplies all the crops remaining on the conveyor 6 to the transport vehicle so that there are no crops on the conveyor 6, operates the conveyor operating device 37 to the stop position, and waits for the next transport vehicle to accompany the sugarcane harvester.

Until the next transport vehicle is ready to accompany the sugarcane harvester, the operator of the driving section 7 may resume work with the conveyor 6 stopped. By resuming work, crops are stored in the hopper 6b of the conveyor 6, and the state of the stored crops in the hopper 6b of the conveyor 6 is photographed by a camera (not shown) and displayed on the LCD monitor 34.

When the hopper 6b of the conveyor 6 becomes full, the operator of the driving unit 7 operates the automatic accumulation operation device 83 to the operating position. This causes the conveyor 6 to start operating, and the crops in the hopper 6b of the conveyor 6 are transported by the conveyor 6, during which time work can continue. When the crops reach just before the discharge part 6a of the conveyor 6, the conveyor 6 automatically stops, and the operator of the driving unit 7 temporarily suspends work.

In this case, the operating time from when the automatic storage operating device 83 is operated to the operating position and the conveyor 6 starts operating is detected by a timer (not shown), and when the detected time of the timer reaches the set time, it is determined that the crops have reached just before the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6.
Instead of using a timer, the number of rotations of the drive system of the conveyor 6, such as the hydraulic motor 21, may be detected to determine that the crop has reached just before the discharge portion 6a of the conveyor 6.

(Configuration of the fourth area on the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in FIG. 6, an adjustment device, a blower RPM adjustment device 84, an adjustment device, a reference height adjustment device 85, and an adjustment device, a reference load adjustment device 86 are provided in the fourth region 56d of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54.

The blower speed adjuster 84 is configured as a dial switch and is manually rotated. The operating position of the blower speed adjuster 84 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the control valve 70 shown in FIG. 14 is operated to change the rotation speed of the hydraulic motor 20 (blower 19) between high and low.

The reference height adjuster 85 is configured as a dial switch and is manually rotated, and the operating position of the reference height adjuster 85 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15. The reference height adjuster 85 can be used to set the reference height for mowing height control (see (Mowing Height Control) above), and the reference height can be changed to a higher or lower value.

As described above in (Mowing Height Control), when the load sensor detection value returns to the reference load and the hydraulic cylinder 29 lowers the front of the machine (cutting unit 3), the limit value at which the lowering of the front of the machine (cutting unit 3) is stopped is the reference height described above.

The reference load adjuster 86 is configured as a dial switch and is manually rotated, and the operating position of the reference load adjuster 86 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15. The reference height adjuster 85 allows the reference load for mowing height control (see (Mowing Height Control) above) to be set, and the reference load can be changed between high and low.

(Layout of the blower speed adjuster, reference height adjuster and reference load adjuster in the fourth region of the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the dial switch type blower rotation speed adjuster 84, the reference height adjuster 85, and the reference load adjuster 86 are configured to have the same operation mode.

The blower speed adjuster 84, the reference height adjuster 85, and the reference load adjuster 86 are arranged in this order from the front in a straight line along the second imaginary front-to-rear line LL2 that runs in the fore-and-aft direction.

The blower speed adjuster 84, the reference height adjuster 85, and the reference load adjuster 86 are provided on the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, rearward of the first area 56a (front area) and in a fourth area 56d on the opposite side (right side) of the driver's seat 42 from the armrest 68.

The second imaginary front-rear line LL2 of the blower speed adjustment device 84, the reference height adjustment device 85, and the reference load adjustment device 86 is positioned slightly toward the armrest 68 (the driver's seat 42) in a plan view relative to the first imaginary front-rear line LL1 of the main operation device 35, the separation device operation device 74, the mowing height control operation device 81, and the automatic storage operation device 83.

(Configuration of the fifth area on the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in FIG. 6 , an accelerator lever 52 , which is a separate operating tool, and an auxiliary speed change lever 53 , which is a separate operating tool, are provided in a fifth region 56 e of the operating surface 56 on the outside of the side panel 54 .

The accelerator lever 52 is configured to be able to be held in any position by friction, and as shown in FIG. 15, the operating position of the accelerator lever 52 is input to the control device 100. The accelerator section 88 is operated by the control device 100 based on the operating position of either the accelerator pedal 47 or the accelerator lever 52, whichever is operated to the high-speed side.

When traveling at a constant speed, as during normal work, the operator seated in the driver's seat 42 operates the accelerator unit 88 by manually operating the accelerator lever 52 while holding it in his right hand. In this state, if the operator wishes to temporarily operate the accelerator unit 88 to the higher speed side, he or she can operate it by stepping on the accelerator pedal 47.

As shown in FIG. 15, the operating position of the sub-speed change lever 53 is input to the control device 100. Based on the operating position of the sub-speed change lever 53, the control device 100 operates the control valve 77, and the hydraulic cylinder 27 operates the sub-speed change device 25 to the low-speed position and the high-speed position.

(Arrangement of the accelerator lever and the sub-gear shift lever in the fifth area of the outer operation surface of the side panel)
As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the fifth area 56e of the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, the accelerator lever 52 and the sub-shift lever 53 are arranged in a straight line along the front-to-rear direction so that the accelerator lever 52 is at the front and the sub-shift lever 53 is at the rear.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the accelerator lever 52 and the sub-speed lever 53 are located above the main operating tool 35, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool 36, the conveyor operating tool 37, the separating device operating tool 74, the upper cutting device operating tool 75, the harvesting height control operating tool 81, the conveyor lifting operating tool 82, the automatic accumulation operating tool 83, the blower RPM adjusting tool 84, the reference height adjusting tool 85, and the reference load adjusting tool 86. The upper end of the accelerator lever 52 and the upper end of the sub-speed lever 53 are at approximately the same height as the armrest 68.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the fifth region 56e of the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, assuming a sixth imaginary inclination line L6 and a seventh imaginary inclination line L7, which are imaginary lines positioned toward the front and toward the lateral outside of the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, the accelerator lever 52 is configured to be operated along the sixth imaginary inclination line L6, and the sub-shift lever 53 is configured to be operated along the seventh imaginary inclination line L7. In this case, the sixth imaginary inclination line L6 and the seventh imaginary inclination line L7 are approximately parallel.

In other words, in the fifth region 56e of the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, assuming an eighth imaginary inclined line L8 and a ninth imaginary inclined line L9 which are imaginary lines extending diagonally from the driver's seat 42 toward the fifth region 56e of the side panel in a plan view, the accelerator lever 52 is configured in an operating mode in which it is operated along the eighth imaginary inclined line L8, and the sub-shift lever 53 is configured in an operating mode in which it is operated along the ninth imaginary inclined line L9.

(Configuration of the grip of the gear shift lever)
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a wide grip portion 51a is provided on the upper part of the shift lever 51, and an operator sitting in the driver's seat 42 operates the shift lever 51 by holding the grip portion 51a of the shift lever 51 with his/her right hand.

The upper part of the grip part 51a of the shift lever 51, the rear part 51b which faces the driver's seat 42, is provided with the lifting operation tools 89, 91, 93, 95 and the lowering operation tools 90, 92, 94, 96. The upper part of the grip part 51a of the shift lever 51, the front part 51c which faces the opposite side of the driver's seat 42, is provided with the lifting operation tool 97 and the lowering operation tool 98.

The ascent operation devices 89, 91, 93, 95, 97 and the descent operation devices 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 are reset-type push buttons, and the operating positions of the ascent operation devices 89, 91, 93, 95, 97 and the descent operation devices 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 are input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15.

A horn operating device 99 that can be manually operated to operate the horn (not shown) is provided on the grip portion 51a of the shift lever 51 at a portion lower than the lift operating devices 89, 91, 93, 95, 97 and the lowering operating devices 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, and at a portion 51d facing the opposite side of the driver's seat 42.

The horn operating device 99 is a reset type push button, and the operating position of the horn operating device 99 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15. When the horn operating device 99 is pressed, the horn is activated, and when the horn operating device 99 is no longer pressed, the horn is stopped.

(Configuration of the lifting and lowering controls at the grip of the gear shift lever)
Based on the operating positions of the lifting operating devices 89, 91, 93, 95, 97 and the lowering operating devices 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the control device 100 operates the control valves 63, 79, 102 shown in Figures 14 and 15, and the hydraulic cylinders 13, 29, 101 and the electric motor 24 are operated as described below.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the raising operation device 89 is pushed while the cutting height control operation device 81 is in the stopped position, the hydraulic cylinder 29 raises the front of the machine body. When the lowering operation device 90 is pushed, the hydraulic cylinder 29 lowers the front of the machine body. When the raising operation device 89 and the lowering operation device 90 are not pushed, the hydraulic cylinder 29 stops.

When the lifting operation tool 91 is pushed, the hydraulic cylinder 101 lifts the upper cutting device 87. When the lowering operation tool 92 is pushed, the hydraulic cylinder 101 lowers the upper cutting device 87. When the lifting operation tool 91 and the lowering operation tool 92 are not pushed, the hydraulic cylinder 101 stops.

When the raising operation device 93 is pushed, the left screw 9 is raised by the left hydraulic cylinder 13. When the lowering operation device 94 is pushed, the left screw 9 is lowered by the left hydraulic cylinder 13. When the raising operation device 93 and the lowering operation device 94 are not pushed, the left hydraulic cylinder 13 stops.

When the raising operation tool 95 is pushed, the electric motor 24 raises the guide member 23. When the lowering operation tool 96 is pushed, the electric motor 24 lowers the guide member 23. When the raising operation tool 95 and the lowering operation tool 96 are not pushed, the electric motor 24 stops.

When the lifting operation device 97 is pushed, the right screw 9 is lifted by the right hydraulic cylinder 13. When the lowering operation device 98 is pushed, the right screw 9 is lowered by the right hydraulic cylinder 13. When the lifting operation device 97 and the lowering operation device 98 are not pushed, the right hydraulic cylinder 13 stops.

(Configuration of turning pedal)
As described above in (Configuration of Driving Section) and as shown in FIG. 3 , the turning pedal 50 and the locking device 61 are provided on the floor 46 of the driving section 7 .

As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, the support bracket 103 is connected to the floor 46. The support bracket 103 has front and rear support plates 103a and 103b, and the left and right pin-shaped stopper portions 103c are connected to the support plates 103a and 103b.

As shown in FIG. 3, assuming an eleventh imaginary inclined line L11, which is an imaginary line extending diagonally forward to the left from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the fulcrum shaft 104 is connected to the support plates 103a and 103b of the support bracket 103 so as to be aligned with the horizontal axis P2 along the eleventh imaginary inclined line L11.

The boss portion 105 is supported by the fulcrum shaft 104 so as to be rotatable around the horizontal axis P2. The operation plate 106 is connected to the boss portion 105 so as to be rotatable integrally with the boss portion 105, and is disposed between the left and right stopper portions 103c of the support bracket 103. The operation plate 106 passes through the opening 46a in the floor 46 and extends downward relative to the floor 46, and an operation pin 106a is connected to the lower portion of the operation plate 106.

The footboard 107 is connected to the upper part of the operation plate 106. The footboard 107 is provided with a planar tread surface portion 107a, with left and right ends 107b of the tread surface portion 107a formed upward, and left and right recesses 107c formed in the tread surface portion 107a.

As described above, the turning pedal 50 is provided, which has the boss portion 105, the operation plate 106, the operation pin 106a, and the footplate 107 (the step surface portion 107a and the end portion 107b).
As shown in FIG. 3, the turning pedal 50 is positioned, in a plan view, offset to the left or right with respect to the left-right center CL of the driver's seat 42, and is configured to be swingable around a horizontal axis P2 along an eleventh imaginary inclined line L11 extending diagonally forward from the driver's seat 42, so that an operator seated in the driver's seat 42 can manually operate the turning pedal 50 to the left or right with his or her left foot.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the receiving member 108 is connected to the end of the fulcrum shaft 104 and passes through the opening 46a of the floor 46 to the lower side of the floor 46. A coil-shaped neutral spring 109 is attached to the boss portion 105, and the right end 109a and left end 109b of the neutral spring 109 pass through the opening 46a of the floor 46 to the lower side of the floor 46, and the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106 (swivel pedal 50) and the receiving member 108 are inserted between the right end 109a and the left end 109b.

A channel-shaped support bracket 110 is connected to the underside of the floor 46, and a potentiometer-type position sensor 111 is attached to the support bracket 110. The position sensor 111 is provided with a detection arm 111a that can swing around an axis P3 parallel to the horizontal axis P2, and a spring (not shown) provided inside the position sensor 111 urges the detection arm 111a in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9, causing the detection arm 111a to come into contact with the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106 (swivel pedal 50). The detection value of the position sensor 111 is input to the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15.

(Configuration of the locking device)
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the locking device 61 is supported on the upper part of the support bracket 103 so as to be swingable about an axis P4 perpendicular to the horizontal axis P2.

The locking device 61 is integrally formed from hard rubber and has a flat tread portion 61a, a horizontally elongated convex portion 61b formed on the underside of the tread portion 61a along the axis P4 and protruding downward, and left and right fulcrum portions 61c supported on the upper portion of the support bracket 103 so as to be swingable around the axis P4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the locking device 61 is configured to be operated back and forth along an eleventh imaginary inclined line L11, which is an imaginary line extending diagonally forward to the right from the driver's seat 42 in a plan view, and can be switched between a restricted state A1 and an unrestricted state A2.

The state shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10 is the state in which the locking device 61 is operated to the restricted state A1. When the locking device 61 is operated to the restricted state A1, the tread surface portion 61a of the locking device 61 enters between the left and right ends 107b of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107), and the convex portion 61b of the locking device 61 contacts the tread surface portion 107a of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107) from above. The fulcrum portion 61c of the locking device 61 enters the concave portion 107c of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107).

As a result, the convex portion 61b of the locking device 61 contacts the step surface portion 107a of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107) from above, and the fulcrum portion 61c of the locking device 61 fits into the recessed portion 107c of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107), thereby holding the rotation pedal 50 in a neutral position and restricting the operation of stepping on the rotation pedal 50. An operator seated in the driver's seat 42 can place his/her left foot on the locking device 61, which functions as a footrest.

When the locking device 61 is switched to the non-restricted state A2, the locking device 61 is swung upward around the axis P4 until the end 61d of the fulcrum 61c of the locking device 61 hits the upper end of the support plate 103b of the support bracket 103. This causes the center of gravity of the locking device 61 to cross the axis P4 to the opposite side of the rotation pedal 50, so that the locking device 61 is held in the non-restricted state A2.

As shown in Figures 8 and 10, in the restricted state A1, the rear end of the tread portion 61a of the locking device 61 is located rearward (toward the driver's seat 42) from the turning pedal 50 (footplate 107), so an operator seated in the driver's seat 42 can switch the locking device 61 to the unrestricted state A2 by lifting the rear end of the tread portion 61a of the locking device 61 upward with the toes of his left foot.

When the locking device 61 is switched to the non-restricted state A2, the convex portion 61b of the locking device 61 moves upward away from the tread surface portion 107a of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107), and the fulcrum portion 61c of the locking device 61 moves upward away from the recessed portion 107c of the rotation pedal 50 (step plate 107), allowing the rotation pedal 50 to be stepped on.

(Turn pedal operation state)
11 shows a state in which the locking device 61 is switched to the non-restricted state A2 and the swing pedal 50 is held in the neutral position by the neutral spring 109. The position sensor 111 detects the operating position of the swing pedal 50. When the swing pedal 50 is operated to the neutral position, the swing operation of the conveyor 6 is stopped.

When the rotation pedal 50 is stepped to the right from the state shown in FIG. 11 as shown in FIG. 12, the operation plate 106 swings in the clockwise direction in FIG. 12. With the right end 109a of the neutral spring 109 stopped by the receiving member 108, the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106 pushes the left end 109b of the neutral spring 109 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 12, and the detection arm 111a of the position sensor 111 swings in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 12 to follow the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106. When the operation plate 106 hits the stopper portion 103c of the support bracket 103, the operation of stepping on the rotation pedal 50 to the right is stopped.

When the rotation pedal 50 is depressed to the right, the position sensor 111 detects this, and the control valve 72 shown in FIG. 14 is operated by the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the conveyor 6 is swung in the counterclockwise direction B1 in a plan view by the hydraulic cylinder 22, as shown in FIG. 2.
When the rotation pedal 50 is released from the rightward depression, the rotation pedal 50 returns to the neutral position shown in FIG. 11 by the biasing force of the neutral spring 109, and the swinging operation of the conveyor 6 is stopped.

When the turning pedal 50 is stepped to the left from the state shown in FIG. 11 as shown in FIG. 13, the operation plate 106 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 13. With the left end 109b of the neutral spring 109 stopped by the receiving member 108, the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106 pushes the right end 109a of the neutral spring 109 counterclockwise in FIG. 13, and the detection arm 111a of the position sensor 111 is swung clockwise in FIG. 13 by the operation pin 106a of the operation plate 106. When the operation plate 106 hits the stopper portion 103c of the support bracket 103, the turning pedal 50 is stopped from being stepped to the left.

When the turning pedal 50 is depressed to the left, the position sensor 111 detects this, and the control valve 72 shown in FIG. 14 is operated by the control device 100 shown in FIG. 15, and the conveyor 6 is swung in the clockwise direction B2 in a plan view by the hydraulic cylinder 22, as shown in FIG. 2.
When the leftward depression of the swing pedal 50 is stopped, the swing pedal 50 returns to the neutral position shown in FIG. 11 by the biasing force of the neutral spring 109, and the swinging operation of the conveyor 6 is stopped.

A sugarcane harvester works along one side of a field, and when it reaches the edge of the field, it makes a 180-degree turn at the edge of the field, then travels in the opposite direction along the side of the field to continue working, repeating this operation.

In this case, when working along one side of the field, for example, if the transport vehicle is traveling on the right side of the sugarcane harvester and the conveyor 6 is facing right, then when the sugarcane harvester turns at the edge of the field and travels in the opposite direction along one side of the field, the transport vehicle will be traveling on the left side of the sugarcane harvester, so the conveyor 6 must be facing left.

In the above-mentioned working configuration, when turning at the edge of the field, the direction of the conveyor 6 is changed by the turning pedal 50, and the conveyor 6 is raised and lowered by the conveyor lifting operation device 82 (see the above-mentioned (configuration related to the third area on the outer operation surface of the side panel) and Figure 6) to adjust the height of the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6 to match the height of the transport vehicle.

(First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
In addition to the functions described above in (Operation state of the rotation pedal), the conveyor 6 may be provided with the functions of automatic rotation and automatic lifting/lowering described below.

The conveyor 6 is provided with an orientation selection device (not shown) that can select the central position, the rightward position, or the leftward position by setting three positions: a central position (see FIG. 2) where the conveyor 6 faces directly backwards, a rightward position where the conveyor 6 is rotated a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the right from the central position in a plan view, and a leftward position where the conveyor 6 is rotated a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the left from the central position in a plan view.

It is equipped with a height sensor (not shown), such as an ultrasonic type, that detects the height of the transport vehicle relative to the discharge section 6a of the conveyor 6, and is equipped with a height selection device (not shown) that can select the storage position and the working position.

When the worker operates the orientation selection tool to select the right-facing position (left-facing position) (neutral position), the conveyor 6 is automatically rotated and automatically stops in the right-facing position (left-facing position) (neutral position).

When a worker operates the height selection operating tool to select a work position, the conveyor 6 is automatically raised and lowered based on the detection value of the height sensor, and the conveyor 6 automatically stops when the discharge portion 6a of the conveyor 6 is at a height that matches the transport vehicle.
When the worker operates the height selection tool to select the storage position, the conveyor 6 is automatically raised and automatically stops at the upper limit position. This state may be set when moving from one farm field to the next.

(Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
In the driver's section 7 , the operation box 45 , the side panel 54 , and the armrest 68 may be disposed on the left side of the driver's seat 42 .

The swivel pedal 50 and the locking device 61 may be positioned to the right, either to the left or right, relative to the left-right center CL of the driver's seat 42 in a plan view. In this configuration, the swivel pedal 50 and the locking device 61 may be positioned to the right of the accelerator pedal 47.

(Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
On the inner and outer operating surfaces 55, 56 of the side panel 54, the positions of the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 and the conveyor operating tool 37 may be reversed left-right so that the speed change lever 51, the main operating tool 35, the conveyor operating tool 37 and the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 are arranged side-by-side in this order along the left-right direction.

On the outer operating surface 56 of the side panel 54, the first area 56a and the second area 56b may be the front area.

(Fourth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
The main operating device 35 may be configured to have two push buttons, an operating position button that can be manually pressed, and a stop position button that can be manually pressed.
In this configuration, the actuated position button and the stopped position button may be arranged along a second imaginary inclined line L2.

(Fifth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
The harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 and the conveyor operating tool 37 may be configured in an operation form having three push buttons: a stop position button that can be manually pressed, a forward rotation position button that can be manually pressed, and a reverse rotation position button that can be manually pressed.
In this configuration, the stop position button, the forward rotation position button, and the reverse rotation position button may be arranged along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

(Sixth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
The main operating tool 35, the reaping and transporting device operating tool 36, and the conveyor operating tool 37 may all be configured to be operated along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

The main operating tool 35, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36, and the conveyor operating tool 37 may be configured in an operating form in which only the main operating tool 35, only the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36, or only the conveyor operating tool 37 is operated along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

The main operating tool 35, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36, and the conveyor operating tool 37 may be configured in an operating form in which the main operating tool 35 and the harvesting and conveying device operating tool 36 are operated along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

The main operating tool 35, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool 36, and the conveyor operating tool 37 may be configured in an operating form in which the main operating tool 35 and the conveyor operating tool 37 are operated along the second imaginary inclined line L2.

(Seventh Alternative Embodiment of the Invention)
Instead of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 26, a gear-type transmission (not shown) capable of changing speeds in multiple stages or a belt-type continuously variable transmission (not shown) may be provided as a transmission for traveling.

The present invention can be applied to sugarcane harvesters.

3. Harvesting unit (harvesting and transporting device)
4. Transport device (harvesting and transport device)
5 Separation device 6 Conveyor 7 Driving unit 26 Hydrostatic stepless speed change device (speed change device)
35 Main operating tool 36 Harvesting and conveying device operating tool 37 Conveyor operating tool 42 Driver's seat 51 Speed change lever 51a Grip portion 51b Rear portion (part)
51d part 52 Accelerator lever (separate operating tool)
53 Sub-speed change lever (separate operating tool)
54 Side panel 55 Operation surface 56 Operation surface 56a First area (front area)
56d Fourth Area (Area)
56e Fifth Area (Area)
68 Armrest 84 Blower speed adjuster (adjuster)
85 Reference height adjustment tool (adjustment tool)
86 Standard Load Adjuster (Adjuster)
89 Lifting operation tool (operation tool)
90 Lowering operation tool (operation tool)
91 Lifting operation tool (operation tool)
92 Lowering operation tool (operation tool)
93 Lifting operation tool (operation tool)
94 Lowering operation tool (operation tool)
95 Lifting operation tool (operation tool)
96 Lowering operation tool (operation tool)
99 Horn operating tool L1 First imaginary inclined line L2 Second imaginary inclined line L6 Sixth imaginary inclined line (imaginary line)
L7 Seventh imaginary inclined line (imaginary line)

Claims (6)

A harvesting and transporting device that harvests crops in a field and transports them toward the rear of the machine body;
a separating device connected to a rear portion of the harvesting and conveying device and configured to separate waste from the crops conveyed by the harvesting and conveying device;
a conveyor extending upward from a lower portion of the separating device and transporting the crop from which the waste has been separated by the separating device;
A driving section is provided above the harvesting and transporting device and has a driver's seat and side panels provided on the left and right sides of the driver's seat,
A harvesting and conveying device operating tool capable of operating the harvesting and conveying device by being manually operated, a conveyor operating tool capable of operating the conveyor by being manually operated, and a main operating tool capable of allowing and prohibiting the operation of the harvesting and conveying device operating tool and the conveyor operating tool by being manually operated are provided in a front area formed in the front part of the operating surface of the side panel ,
A sugarcane harvester in which the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are arranged side-by-side along a first imaginary inclined line that is located laterally outward and rearward of the driver's seat in a plan view. A transmission for driving is provided,
a shift lever that can be manually operated to operate the transmission is provided in an operating surface of the side panel in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side with respect to the front area,
The main operating tool, the reaping and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are configured to have different operating forms from each other,
2. The sugarcane harvester according to claim 1, wherein the speed change lever, the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool are arranged in this order in a lateral arrangement along the left-right direction. The sugarcane harvester according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the main operating tool, the harvesting and transporting device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool is configured in an operating form in which it is operated along a second imaginary inclined line perpendicular to the first imaginary inclined line in a planar view. An armrest is provided behind the gear shift lever and at a position higher than the operation surface of the side panel.
4. A sugarcane harvester as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein a manually operated adjustment device is provided on an operating surface of the side panel, rearwardly of the front region and in an area opposite the driver's seat with respect to the armrest. A separate operating tool that is different from the main operating tool, the harvesting and conveying device operating tool, and the conveyor operating tool and is operated manually is provided in a rear area of the operating surface of the side panel relative to the front area,
The sugarcane harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separate operating tool is configured in an operating form in which it is operated along an imaginary line located more forward and laterally outboard than the driver's seat in a plan view. A transmission for driving is provided,
a shift lever that can be manually operated to operate the transmission is provided in an operating surface of the side panel in an area adjacent to the driver's seat side with respect to the front area,
A plurality of manually operated operating devices are provided on a grip portion of the shift lever facing the driver's seat,
A sugarcane harvester as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a horn operating device that can be operated manually to operate a horn is provided on a grip portion of the shift lever at a portion lower than the operating device and facing the opposite side of the driver's seat.

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