Patent Description:
The present invention also relates to a combine provided with a threshing device for threshing a harvested product harvested by a harvesting unit, a threshing tank for storing the threshing, and a supply/convey device that extends between the threshing device and the threshing tank and is for supplying the threshing obtained by the threshing device to the threshing tank.

In a harvester such as a combine harvester, there is demand for an improvement in work efficiency by increasing the size of a crop processing device such as a threshing device provided on the machine body.

In order to increase the size of the crop processing device without increasing the size of the harvester itself, it is necessary to reduce the size of other devices or reduce the amount of empty space between devices. If the amount of empty space between devices is reduced, it becomes difficult for a hand or a tool to enter the space between the devices, which may reduce the ease-of-maintenance. For example, a mechanism for transmitting operation force from an operation lever provided in the driving cabin to the transmission is arranged in the vicinity of the transmission, and if the amount of empty space around the transmission is reduced, ease-of-maintenance for that mechanism decreases.

In view of the above-described circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a harvester that has an improved ease-of-maintenance for the mechanism for transmitting the operating force by making an innovation in the arrangement of that mechanism.

Means for Solving Problem The outlined technical problem is solved by means of a combine having the features of claim <NUM>.

A combine according to the present invention includes: a threshing device configured to thresh a harvested product harvested by a harvesting unit; a threshing tank that is configured to store a threshing product obtained by the threshing device, and includes a lower tapered portion formed in a bottom portion; a bottom screw that is provided inside the lower tapered portion and is configured to discharge the threshing product from the threshing tank; and a threshing discharge device that is connected to the bottom screw and is configured to convey the threshing product from the bottom screw and discharge the threshing product in a body outward direction, wherein the threshing tank includes an inspection port formed in a bottom section of the lower tapered portion, and a lid configured to open and close the inspection port, and the lid opens and closes by swinging upward and downward about a swing axis that is not parallel with a screw axis of the bottom screw.

According to this configuration, the lid can be supported by the lower tapered portion so as to swing about a coupling axis that is a pivot axis extending in a direction not parallel with the screw axis. Accordingly, the lid can smoothly open and close while enabling compactness for the lid pivoting structure. Also, when the lid is opened, the lid becomes inclined such that the portion of the lid on the side opposite to the swing support point is lower than the inspection port. Accordingly, the lid can be used as a guide member for guiding the downward flow of threshing product that comes out through the inspection port. Accordingly, threshing product can be retrieved without preparing a special guide member.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the lid includes a lid bottom plate portion and a pair of lid side plate portions that rise upward from respective lateral end portions of the lid bottom plate portion, and the pair of lid side plate portions are inclined so as to extend along a side plate portion of the lower tapered portion such that a gap between the lid side plate portions becomes wider toward an upper end side of the lid side plate portions.

According to this configuration, when the lid is in the closed state, the lid side plate portions extend along the side plate portions of the lower tapered portion, thus preventing the lid from becoming misaligned. Accordingly, the inspection port can be reliably closed such that threshing product does not leak out through the inspection port. Also, when the lid is used as a guide member for guiding the downward flow of the threshing product from the inspection port, the threshing product is stopped by the lid side plate portions so as to not be likely to spill out from the lid. Accordingly, the threshing product can be retrieved more easily.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the lid includes an inner lid portion that is located inside the inspection port and is flush with an inward surface of the lid bottom plate portion and an inward surface of the bottom section when the lid is in a closed state, and an outer lid portion that comes into contact with an outward surface of the bottom section around the inspection port, the combine further comprises a hinge member that extends between the lid bottom plate portion and the bottom section and is configured to support the lid to the lower tapered portion so as to be capable of swinging open and closed, a coupling shaft that couples the hinge member to the bottom section projects outward from the bottom section, and a lock mechanism configured to fix the lid in the closed state includes a screw shaft that projects outward from the lower tapered portion, an elongated hole portion formed in the lid side plate portion, and a nut configured to be fastened to the screw shaft that has been inserted through the elongated hole portion.

According to this configuration, when the lid is in the closed state, the inward surface of the lid and the inward surface of the bottom section are flush with each other, and the coupling shaft does not protrude into the lower tapered portion. Accordingly, regardless of the existence of the inspection port and the coupling shaft, threshing product smoothly flows inside the lower tapered portion, and the threshing product is not likely to remain inside the lower tapered portion. For this reason, the threshing product can be quickly retrieved and is not likely to remain.

Moreover, when the lid is opened and closed, the lid can be fixed in the closed state and unfixed from the closed state by operating the nut from outside the lid side plate portions. For this reason, the lid can be opened and closed easily.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the axis is located at an end portion of the lid that is on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the bottom screw.

According to this configuration, when the threshing product remaining inside the lower tapered portion is discharged through the inspection port by rotation of the bottom screw, the threshing product being pushed by the bottom screw is pushed in a direction conforming to the inclined direction of the open lid. Accordingly, the threshing product can be retrieved smoothly.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the inspection port is biased toward a side on which the threshing discharge device is located relative to a center of the bottom section in a conveying direction of the bottom screw.

According to this configuration, when the threshing discharge device and the lower tapered portion are cleaned at the same time, the cleaning can be performed easily because the threshing discharge device and the lid are close to each other.

[<NUM>] The following is a means for solving the issues corresponding to Issue [<NUM>].

The present disclosure also presents a combine which includes: a threshing device configured to thresh a harvested product harvested by a harvesting unit; a threshing tank configured to store a threshing product; and a supply/convey device that extends between the threshing device and the threshing tank, and is configured to supply a threshing product obtained by the threshing device to the threshing tank, wherein the supply/convey device includes a conveying case, a drive rotating body arranged inside a lower end portion of the conveying case, a driven rotating body arranged in an upper end portion of the conveying case, an endless rotating body wound around the drive rotating body and the driven rotating body, and a conveying body that is supported by the endless rotating body and is configured to convey the threshing product, a support shaft of the driven rotating body is supported by the upper end portion so as to be capable of displacement in a conveying direction, the combine further includes a coupling body that connects two ends of the support shaft, and one position adjustment mechanism configured to perform djustment for changing a position of the support shaft is provided so as to apply position changing force to the coupling body.

According to this configuration, position changing force from one position adjustment mechanism is applied to the coupling body. The position changing force is transmitted from the coupling body to both ends of the support shaft of the driven rotating body. For this reason, by operating the one position adjustment mechanism, it is possible to move the ends of the support shaft of the driven rotating body in parallel and adjust the position of the driven rotating body relative to the conveying case.

Accordingly, the tension state of the endless rotating body can be easily and quickly adjusted by operating the one position adjustment mechanism.

In this combine, it is preferable that the coupling body includes a one-side support arm that is provided on an outward side of a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the conveying case from which one end portion of the support shaft protrudes, and that is configured to support the one end portion, an other-side support arm that is provided on an outward side of a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the conveying case from which another end portion of the support shaft protrudes, and that is configured to support the other end portion, and a connecting member that connects the one-side support arm and the other-side support arm, and the position adjustment mechanism applies force to the connecting member.

According to this configuration, position changing force from the position adjustment mechanism is branched by the connecting member and transmitted to the one support arm and the other support arm, and is transmitted from the one support arm to one end of the support shaft, and from the other support arm to the other end of the support shaft. For this reason, the support shaft is moved and adjusted without becoming misaligned with the conveying case. Accordingly, the tension of the endless rotating body can be adjusted smoothly.

In this combine, it is preferable that the connecting member is provided so as to extend along an outer circumferential surface of the conveying case, and the position adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment rod that extends downward from the connecting member along the outer circumferential surface of the conveying case, and a positioning mechanism that is provided at a lower portion of the adjustment rod and is configured to position the adjustment rod relative to the conveying case.

According to this configuration, the positioning mechanism can operate at a position in the conveying case that is below the position where the driven rotating body is located. The position adjustment mechanism operates by operation of the positioning mechanism. Accordingly, the tension of the endless rotating body can be adjusted from a low position.

In this combine, it is preferable that the combine further includes: a first holding member that is supported by the conveying case and is configured to hold an intermediate portion of the adjustment rod while allowing relative movement of the adjustment rod; a guide rod that extends in a up-down direction from the support arm; and a second holding member that is supported by the conveying case and is configured to hold the guide rod while allowing relative movement of the guide rod.

According to this configuration, when the adjustment rod is operated by the positioning mechanism and operation force is transmitted to the connecting member, deformation caused by reaction force is prevented by the first holding member during the transmission of the operation force. Also, when the coupling body is moved by the adjustment rod so as to move the support shaft, the movement is guided by the guide rod and the second holding member. Accordingly, the driven rotating body can be adjusted smoothly. In other words, the tension of the endless rotating body can be adjusted smoothly.

In this combine, it is preferable that a conveying surface that forms a threshing product conveying path is provided inside the conveying case, the conveying surface is divided into a conveying-end-side conveying surface portion having a portion that extends along a periphery of the driven rotating body, and a conveying surface portion that is a portion other than the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion, and the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion is configured to move along with the support arms.

According to this configuration, when the driven rotating body is moved and adjusted, the support arms move together with the support shaft of the driven rotating body, and the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion follows the movement of the support arms. Accordingly, the conveying path extends up to the position where the driven rotating body is located regardless of movement of the driven rotating body.

In other words, when the tension of the endless rotating body is adjusted, the conveying path can reliably extend up to the driven rotating body inside the conveying case without requiring a special operation for forming the conveying path. Accordingly, the threshing product can be conveyed without obstruction.

The present disclosure also relates to a harvester which includes: a harvesting unit; a threshing device that is provided rearward of the harvesting unit and is configured to thresh a harvest product harvested by the harvesting unit; a conveying device that extends rearward and upward from the harvesting unit and is configured to convey a whole culm of the harvest product from the harvesting unit to the threshing device; a driver portion provided at a position that is adjacent to a front of the threshing device and above the conveying device; and a transmission apparatus that is provided at a position that is adjacent to a front of the threshing device and below the conveying device, and is configured to adapt motive power from a drive source and transmit the adapted motive power to a traveling device, wherein a manual transmission operation tool configured to instruct a change in a transmission state of the transmission apparatus is provided in the driver portion, and a transmission mechanism by which operation force applied to the transmission operation tool is transmitted to the transmission apparatus extends in a horizontal direction between the transmission apparatus and the threshing device.

According to this feature configuration, the transmission mechanism extends in the horizontal direction between the transmission apparatus and the threshing device. For this reason, the transmission mechanism can be configured such that the portion that frequently requires maintenance is located outward in the body left-right direction, thus making it possible to improve the ease-of-maintenance of the transmission mechanism.

In this harvester, it is preferable that the transmission mechanism includes a rod that extends in the horizontal direction between the transmission apparatus and the threshing device, and an operation wire that connects the rod and the transmission operation tool to each other, a first end portion that is one end portion of the rod is connected to the transmission apparatus, a second end portion that is another end portion of the rod is connected to a third end portion that is one end portion of the operation wire, a fourth end portion that is another end portion of the operation wire is connected to the transmission operation tool, and a connection portion where the second end portion and the third end portion are connected is located outward of the conveying device in a body left-right direction.

According to this configuration, the transmission mechanism includes the rod and the operation wire, thus making it possible to reliably perform operations with the rod, and the operation wire makes it possible to ensure freedom with respect to arrangement. Also, because the connection between the rod and the operation wire realizes reliable operation of the transmission mechanism, it is preferable that maintenance is frequently performed on the connection. According to this configuration, the connection between the second end portion and the third end portion, that is to say the connection between the rod and the operation wire, is located outward of the conveying device in the body left-right direction. For this reason, maintenance can be easily performed on the connection, and it is possible to improve the ease-of-maintenance of the transmission mechanism.

In this harvester, it is preferable that the transmission mechanism includes a first arm that is arranged between the transmission apparatus and the first end portion and can undergo swing displacement, and a second arm that is arranged between the second end portion and the third end portion and can undergo swing displacement, and the operation wire extends upward beyond a connection portion where the operation wire and the second arm are connected.

According to this configuration, the first arm and the second arm that can undergo swing displacement are provided, and therefore the connection between the transmission apparatus and the rod and the connection between the rod and the operation wire can be realized with a simple structure. Also, the operation wire extends upward beyond the connection portion connected to the second arm. This configuration is preferable because it is therefore possible to reduce the amount of bending of the operation wire that extends from the second arm to the driver portion.

In this harvester, it is preferable that the harvester further includes: a drive shaft case that extends in the horizontal direction from the transmission apparatus and supports a drive shaft configured to transmit motive power to the traveling device; and a support frame that extends along a front-rear direction above the drive shaft case and supports the drive shaft case, wherein the support frame includes a support portion that supports an outer casing of the operation wire, and the support portion is provided on a side surface of the support frame that is on a side on which the transmission apparatus is located.

According to this configuration, the outer casing of the operation wire is supported by the strong support frame that supports the drive shaft case. For this reason, the operation wire is reliably fixed, and the transmission mechanism operates reliably. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the transmission mechanism.

In this harvester, it is preferable that the harvester further includes: a gear switch type of gear transmission apparatus that is arranged between the transmission apparatus and the traveling device and is configured to adapt motive power from the transmission apparatus and transmit the adapted motive power to the traveling device; and a manual gear transmission operation tool that is provided in the driver portion and is configured to instruct a change in a transmission state of the gear transmission apparatus, wherein an operation mechanism configured to operate the gear transmission apparatus in accordance with an operation performed on the gear transmission operation tool extends in the horizontal direction between the gear transmission apparatus and the threshing device.

According to this configuration, the operation mechanism extends in the horizontal direction between the gear transmission apparatus and the threshing device. Accordingly, the operation mechanism can be configured such that the portion that frequently requires maintenance is located outward in the body left-right direction. As a result, it is possible to improve the ease-of-maintenance of the operation mechanism.

In this harvester, it is preferable that the harvester further includes: a connecting frame that connects the threshing device and the gear transmission apparatus to each other, wherein the operation mechanism includes an actuator configured to operate in accordance with an operation performed on the gear transmission operation tool, and a link mechanism configured to transmit movement of the actuator to the gear transmission apparatus, and the actuator is supported by the connecting frame.

According to this configuration, the actuator is supported by the strong connecting frame that connects the threshing device and the gear transmission apparatus to each other. For this reason, the actuator is reliably fixed, and the operation mechanism operates reliably. As a result, it is possible to improve the reliability of the operation mechanism.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment, which is an example of the present invention, will be described with reference to <FIG>. Note that in the following description, with respect to the body of a combine, the direction of an arrow F shown in <FIG> is "body forward", the direction of an arrow B is "body rearward", the direction of an arrow U is "body upward", the direction of an arrow D is "body downward", the direction toward the front side of the paper is "body leftward", and the direction of the back side of the paper is "body rightward".

The combine shown in <FIG> includes a body frame <NUM>, a pair of left and right front wheels <NUM> that are drivable and attached to a front portion of the body frame <NUM>, and a pair of left and right rear wheels <NUM> that are steerable and attached to a rear portion of the body frame <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> is provided with a pair of left and right main frames 1a that extend in the body front-rear direction. A riding type of driver portion <NUM> is formed in the front portion of the machine body. The driver portion <NUM> is provided with a cabin <NUM> that surrounds a riding space. A harvest conveying device <NUM> is coupled to the front portion of the body frame <NUM>. The harvest conveying device <NUM> is provided with a harvesting unit <NUM>, which is provided in front the machine body and is for reaping and harvesting the grain culm of a crop such as paddy rice, wheat, or rapeseed located in front the machine body during traveling operation, and a feeder <NUM> for conveying the reaped grain culm that was harvested by the harvesting unit <NUM>. The front portion of the feeder <NUM> is coupled to the rear portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. The feeder <NUM> is coupled to the body frame <NUM> so as ascend and descend by swinging about a coupling axis P1 that extends in the body left-right direction. The harvesting unit <NUM> is raised and lowered between a lowered operation state and a raised non-operation state due to the feeder <NUM> being swing up and down by the extension/retraction of a hydraulic elevating cylinder <NUM> that is coupled to the feeder <NUM>. Also, a threshing device <NUM> is provided in the rear portion of the machine body. The threshing device <NUM> receives the reaped grain culm conveyed by the feeder <NUM> and threshes the reaped grain culm, and sorts the threshed product. A threshing tank <NUM> is provided above the front portion of the threshing device <NUM>. The threshing tank <NUM> collects and stores the separated grains that were obtained by the threshing device <NUM> and conveyed by a supply/convey device (not shown). A threshing discharge device <NUM> is connected to a left side portion of the lower portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> discharges the stored grain. A motor power portion <NUM> that has an engine <NUM> is formed above the rear portion of the threshing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, dividers <NUM> for separating unreaped grain culm into harvest-target grain culm and non-harvest-target grain culm are provided at the left and right end portions of the front end portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. A rotary reel <NUM> for raking in the harvest-target grain culm with the grain tip facing rearward is provided above the front portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. A clipper type of reaping device <NUM> for cutting the stalk base of the raked-in grain culm is provided rearward of the dividers <NUM>. An auger <NUM> for gathering the reaped grain culm toward the front side of the feeder <NUM> and supplying the entirety of the gathered reaped grain culm, from the base stalk to the grain tip, to the feeder <NUM> is provided rearward of the reaping device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a front wall portion 11f of the threshing tank <NUM> is inclined such that the lower portion extends rearward as it extends downward. Also, a rear wall portion 11r of the threshing tank <NUM> is inclined such that the lower portion extends forward as it extends downward. Accordingly, a lower tapered portion <NUM> that extends over the full width of the bottom portion of the threshing tank <NUM> is formed at the bottom portion. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower tapered portion <NUM> is provided with a bottom section 20a that is in a horizontal orientation, a front side plate portion 20b that rises up from the front end portion of the bottom section 20a, and a rear side plate portion 20b that rises up from the rear end portion of the bottom section 20a. As shown in <FIG>, a discharge opening <NUM> is formed in the end portion of the lower tapered portion <NUM> that is at the left side of the threshing tank. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a bottom screw <NUM> is rotatably provided inside the lower tapered portion <NUM>. A drive pully <NUM> is non-relatively-rotatably supported by a screw shaft 22a of the bottom screw <NUM> outside the lower tapered portion <NUM> at the right side of the threshing tank.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a connection case <NUM> is provided at the left end portion of the bottom portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> extends from the connection case <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> and the bottom screw <NUM> are connected via the connection case <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> and the bottom screw <NUM> are interlockingly joined inside the connection case <NUM>, and motive power can be transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the threshing discharge device <NUM>.

Specifically, the threshing discharge device <NUM> is constituted by a screw conveyor that extends from the connection case <NUM>. A conveyor cylinder of the screw conveyor is in communication with the discharge opening <NUM> via the connection case <NUM>. Inside the connection case <NUM>, a screw shaft of the screw conveyor and the screw shaft 22a of the bottom screw <NUM> are coupled so that motive power is transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the screw conveyor.

The connection case <NUM> is rotatably supported by the threshing tank <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is coupled to the connection case <NUM>. The connection case <NUM> can rotate due to extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

The connection case <NUM> is rotated by the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> in order to discharge grain from the threshing tank <NUM>. Accordingly, the threshing discharge device <NUM> is changed from a stowed state of extending along a lateral portion of the machine body to an in-use state of protruding laterally outward from the machine body.

When a power transmission system, which is for transmitting motive power from the engine <NUM> to the drive pully <NUM>, is switched to a power transmission on state, the drive pully <NUM> is driven, and the bottom screw <NUM> is driven. Then, motive power is transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the threshing discharge device <NUM>, and the threshing discharge device <NUM> is driven. When the bottom screw <NUM> and the threshing discharge device <NUM> are driven, the bottom screw <NUM> discharges grain stored in the threshing tank <NUM> through the discharge opening <NUM> to the inside of the connection case <NUM>. The grain discharged into the connection case <NUM> is received by the threshing discharge device <NUM> and conveyed by the threshing discharge device <NUM> so as to be discharged from a discharge opening 12a (see <FIG>) provided in the leading end portion of the threshing discharge device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower tapered portion <NUM> is provided with an inspection port <NUM> that is formed in the bottom section 20a of the lower tapered portion <NUM> and a lid <NUM> for opening and closing the inspection port <NUM>.

More specifically, the inspection port <NUM> is provided in a state of being biased toward the side where the threshing discharge device <NUM> is located relative to the central portion of the bottom section 20a in the conveying direction of the bottom screw <NUM>. Because the inspection port <NUM> and the threshing discharge device <NUM> are located close to each other, a task such as cleaning for discharging the grain remaining in the lower tapered portion <NUM> through the inspection port <NUM>, and a task such as inspecting the threshing discharge device <NUM> can be easily performed at the same time.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a hinge member <NUM> is provided so as to extend between the bottom section 20a and the end portion of the lid <NUM> on the upper side in the conveying direction of the bottom screw <NUM>. The hinge member <NUM> and the bottom section 20a are coupled by a coupling shaft <NUM> that projects outward from the bottom section 20a. The coupling shaft <NUM> is supported by the bottom section 20a so as to not protrude inward of the bottom section 20a. Specifically, the coupling shaft <NUM> projects from a support portion <NUM> that is formed on the outer surface side of the bottom section 20a. In the present embodiment, a connecting screw is used as the coupling shaft <NUM>. The coupling shaft <NUM> is not limited to being a connecting screw, and can be a coupling bar, a coupling pin, or the like. Due to the hinge member <NUM>, the end portion of the lid <NUM> on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the bottom screw <NUM> has a pivot axis P2 that is not parallel with the screw axis of the bottom screw <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is supported by the lower tapered portion <NUM> so as to open and close by swinging upward and downward about the axis P2. In the present embodiment, the axis P2 that is orthogonal to the screw axis in a plan view is employed as the axis P2 that is not parallel with the screw axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. The "axis that is not parallel with the screw axis" in the configuration of the present invention is a concept that includes not only an axis that is orthogonal to the screw axis in a plan view, but also an axis that slightly deviates from an angle orthogonal to the screw axis in a plan view, that is to so say an axis that is substantially orthogonal to the screw axis in a plan view.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is provided with an outer lid portion 27a and an inner lid portion 27b. The outer lid portion 27a is provided with a lid bottom plate portion 27c and lid side plate portions 27d that rise upward from the two lateral end portions of the lid bottom plate portion 27c. As shown in <FIG>, the lid side plate portions 27d at the two lateral end portions are inclined so that a gap between the lid side plate portions 27d becomes wider toward the upper end side of the lid side plate portion 27d.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer lid portion 27a is configured such that, when the lid <NUM> is in the closed state of the lid <NUM>, one of the lid side plate portions 27d extends along the outward surface of the front side plate portion 20b of the lower tapered portion <NUM>, the other lid side plate portion 27d extends along the outward surface of the rear side plate portion 20b of the lower tapered portion <NUM>, and the lid bottom plate portion 27c is in contact with the outward surface of the bottom section 20a around the inspection port <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner lid portion 27b is inside the inspection port <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in the closed state. The inner lid portion 27b is configured such that when the lid <NUM> is in the closed state, an inward surface <NUM> of the lid bottom plate portion 27c is flush with an inward surface <NUM> of the bottom section 20a.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, lock mechanisms <NUM> for fixing the lid <NUM> in the closed state are provided over a range between the free end portion of the lid <NUM> and the front and rear sides of the lower tapered portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front lock mechanism <NUM> and the rear lock mechanism <NUM> each have a screw shaft 31a that projects outward from the side plate portion 20b of the lower tapered portion <NUM>, an elongated hole portion <NUM> formed in the lid side plate portion 27d, and a nut 31b that is fastened to the screw shaft 31a. In the present embodiment, a cutout hole portion is adopted as the elongated hole portion <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, depending on the inclination angle and the rising length of the lid side plate portion 27d, it is possible to adopt an elongated hole portion having a shape that is not open on the upper side of the lid side plate portion 27d. In the present embodiment, a wing nut is adopted as the nut 31b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various nut members such as hexagon nuts and capped nuts can be adopted.

In the front and rear lock mechanisms <NUM>, the screw shafts 31a enter the elongated hole portions <NUM> as the lid body <NUM> swings toward the closed state. Then, when the lid <NUM> is in the closed state, the screw shafts 31a are in a state of passing through the elongated hole portions <NUM>. After the screw shafts 31a have passed through the elongated hole portions <NUM>, when a worker then fastens the nuts 31b to the screw shafts 31a, the lid side plate portions 27d are fastened to the side plate portions 20b due to the fastening force of the nuts 31b and the screw shafts 31a, and the lid <NUM> is fixed in the closed state. Also, if the nuts 31b are unfastened from the screw shafts 31a, the fastening of the lid side plate portions 27d to the side plate portions 20b is canceled, and the lid <NUM> is no longer fixed in the closed state. Accordingly, the lid <NUM> can be changed from the closed state to the open state.

Under normal conditions, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lid <NUM> is swing upward about the axis P2 toward the lower tapered portion <NUM> and brought into contact with the lower tapered portion <NUM>, the lid <NUM> enters the closed state, and the inspection port <NUM> becomes closed. When the lid <NUM> is in the closed state, if the nuts 31b are fastened to the front and rear screw shafts 31a, the lid <NUM> is fixed in the closed state by the front and rear lock mechanisms <NUM>. The grain in the threshing tank <NUM> can be then be discharged by the bottom screw <NUM> and the threshing discharge device <NUM>. Here, the inward surface <NUM> of the lid bottom plate portion 27c and the inward surface <NUM> of the bottom section 20a are flush due to the inner lid portion 27b. Accordingly, grain can be smoothly discharged without entering the inspection port <NUM>. Also, the lid bottom plate portion 27c is in contact with the outward surface of the bottom section 20a around the inspection port <NUM>, and the pair of lid side plate portions 27d extend along the front and rear side plate portions 20b. The inspection port <NUM> is therefore tightly closed. As a result, grain can be discharged while being prevented from leaking out through the inspection port <NUM>.

If grain remains in the lower tapered portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the worker can unfasten the nuts 31b from the front and rear screw shafts 31a, and swing the lid <NUM> downward about the axis P2 away from the lower tapered portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the free end side of the lid <NUM> moves downward and away from the lower tapered portion <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> enters the open state. As a result, the inspection port <NUM> is opened. Grain in the lower tapered portion <NUM> can thus be discharged through the inspection port <NUM>. Also, a ceiling plate 10t of the threshing device <NUM> is arc-shaped, and therefore a free space is formed between the threshing tank <NUM> and the ceiling plate 10t. Due to the free end side of the lid <NUM> entering the free space, the free end side of the lid <NUM> can be lowered a large amount. Grain can thus be discharged easily. Also, the lid <NUM> can be opened by swinging about the axis P2 that is not parallel with the screw axis of the bottom screw <NUM>. Accordingly, the lid <NUM> can be used as a guide member for guiding the grain that falls out through the inspection port <NUM>. Also, the grain flowing down along the lid <NUM> is prevented from falling off the lid <NUM> by the lid side plate portions 27d. Grain can thus be discharged easily. Furthermore, the lid <NUM> can open by swinging about the axis P2 that is located at the end portion of the lid <NUM> on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the bottom screw <NUM>. Accordingly, when the bottom screw <NUM> is rotated and grain is pushed out through the inspection port <NUM> by the bottom screw <NUM>, the grain is pushed out in a direction along the inclined direction of the open lid <NUM>. As a result, grain is discharged smoothly.

The following describes modifications of the embodiment described above. The matter other than the matter described in the following variations is similar to the matter described above embodiment. The above embodiment and the following variations may be appropriately combined as long as no contradiction arises. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the following variations.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment, which is an example of the present invention, will be described with reference to <FIG>. Note that in the following description, with respect to the body of a combine, the directions of arrows F and B shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are respectively "body forward" and "body rearward", the directions of arrows U and D shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are respectively "body upward" and "body downward", and the directions of arrows L and R shown in <FIG> are respectively "body leftward" and "body rightward".

The combine shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> includes a body frame <NUM>, a pair of left and right front wheels <NUM> that are drivable and attached to a front portion of the body frame <NUM>, and a pair of left and right rear wheels <NUM> that are steerable and attached to a rear portion of the body frame <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> is provided with a pair of left and right main frames 101a that extend in the body front-rear direction. A riding type of driver portion <NUM> is formed in the front portion of the machine body. The driver portion <NUM> is provided with a cabin <NUM> that surrounds a riding space. A harvest conveying device <NUM> is coupled to the front portion of the body frame <NUM>. The harvest conveying device <NUM> is provided with a harvesting unit <NUM>, which is provided in front the machine body and is for reaping and harvesting the grain culm of a crop such as paddy rice, wheat, or rapeseed located in front the machine body during traveling operation, and a feeder <NUM> for conveying the reaped grain culm that was harvested by the harvesting unit <NUM>. The front portion of the feeder <NUM> is coupled to the rear portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. The feeder <NUM> is coupled to the body frame <NUM> so as ascend and descend by swinging about a coupling axis P11 that extends in the body left-right direction. The harvesting unit <NUM> is raised and lowered between a lowered operation state and a raised non-operation state due to the feeder <NUM> being swing up and down by the extension/retraction of a hydraulic elevating cylinder <NUM> that is coupled to the feeder <NUM>. A threshing device <NUM> is provided in the rear portion of the machine body. The threshing device <NUM> receives the reaped grain culm conveyed by the feeder <NUM> and threshes the reaped grain culm, and performs sorting processing on the threshed product. A threshing tank <NUM> is provided above the front portion of the threshing device <NUM>. The threshing tank <NUM> collects and stores the separated grains that were obtained by the threshing device <NUM> and conveyed by a supply/convey device <NUM>. A threshing discharge device <NUM> for discharging the stored grain is connected to a left side portion of the lower portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. A motor power portion <NUM> that has an engine <NUM> is formed above the rear portion of the threshing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, dividers <NUM> for separating unreaped grain culm into harvest-target grain culm and non-harvest-target grain culm are provided at the left and right end portions of the front end portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. A rotary reel <NUM> for raking in the harvest-target grain culm with the grain tip facing rearward is provided above the front portion of the harvesting unit <NUM>. A clipper type of reaping device <NUM> for cutting the stalk base of the raked-in grain culm is provided rearward of the dividers <NUM>. An auger <NUM> for gathering the reaped grain culm toward the front side of the feeder <NUM> and supplying the entirety of the gathered reaped grain culm, from the base stalk to the grain tip, to the feeder <NUM> is provided rearward of the reaping device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the supply/convey device <NUM> includes a slat conveyor <NUM> and a screw conveyor <NUM>. The slat conveyor <NUM> is provided extending along the body up-down direction between a right-side outer portion of the lower portion of the threshing device <NUM> and the rear portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. Further, the screw conveyor <NUM> is provided extending between the upper portion of the slat conveyor <NUM> and the interior of the threshing tank <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the slat conveyor <NUM> is provided with a conveying case <NUM> that extends from the right-side outer portion of the lower portion of the threshing device <NUM> to the rear portion of the lower portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. The threshing device <NUM> is also provided with a first screw conveyor 110a. The lower end portion of the conveying case <NUM> is connected to the conveying end portion of the first screw conveyor 110a. Separated grains, which are a first product obtained in the sorting portion of the threshing device <NUM>, are supplied by the first screw conveyor 110a to the interior of the lower end portion of the conveying case <NUM>. The upper end portion of the conveying case <NUM> is connected to the conveying start portion of the screw conveyor <NUM> via a connection case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a drive sprocket <NUM> serving as a drive rotating body is provided inside the lower end portion of the conveying case <NUM>. One end side of the screw shaft of the first screw conveyor 110a extends into the conveying case <NUM>. The drive sprocket <NUM> is non-relatively-rotatably supported by the extending portion of the screw shaft. The drive sprocket <NUM> is rotatably supported by the conveying case <NUM> via the screw shaft of the first screw conveyor 110a. The drive sprocket <NUM> is driven by motive power from the first screw conveyor 110a.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a driven sprocket <NUM> serving as a driven rotating body is provided inside the upper end portion of the conveying case <NUM>. The driven sprocket <NUM> is non-relatively-rotatably to a support shaft <NUM>. The left end portion of the support shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by a left support arm <NUM> via bearings 139a and a bearing case <NUM>. The left support arm <NUM> is provided laterally outward of a left side wall 133a of the conveying case <NUM>. The right end portion of the support shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by a right support arm <NUM> via bearings 139a and a bearing case <NUM>. The right support arm <NUM> is provided laterally outward of a right side wall 133b of the conveying case <NUM>. The driven sprocket <NUM> is supported by the conveying case <NUM> via the support shaft <NUM>, the left and right bearings 139a, the left and right bearing cases <NUM>, and the left and right support arms <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an endless roller chain <NUM> serving as an endless rotating body is wound around the drive sprocket <NUM> and the driven sprocket <NUM>. Conveying bodies (slats) <NUM> are provided at multiple locations along the lengthwise direction of the endless roller chain <NUM>. A conveying surface <NUM> is provided extending between the outer circumferential portion of the drive sprocket <NUM> and the outer circumferential portion of the driven sprocket <NUM>. A conveying path <NUM> is formed by the conveying surface <NUM> and the conveying case <NUM>. The conveying portions of the endless roller chain <NUM> move upward along the conveying path <NUM>. The conveying path <NUM> can thus lift grain with the conveying bodies <NUM>. The conveying surface <NUM> is divided into a conveying-end-side conveying surface portion 142a having a portion that extends along the outer circumferential surface of the driven sprocket <NUM>, and a conveying surface portion 142b that is the portion other than the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion 142a.

In the slat conveyor <NUM>, separated grains, which are the first product obtained by sorting in the threshing device <NUM>, are supplied by the first screw conveyor 110a into the lower end portion of the conveying case <NUM>. The drive sprocket <NUM> is driven by motive power from the first screw conveyor 110a. The endless roller chain <NUM> is driven by the drive sprocket <NUM>. Accordingly, the conveying bodies <NUM> are moved upward along the conveying path <NUM> by the endless roller chain <NUM>. The grain supplied to the interior of the conveying case <NUM> is lifted along the conveying path <NUM> by the conveying bodies <NUM>, and at the end portion of the conveying path <NUM>, is supplied to the screw conveyor <NUM> via the connection case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an attachment portion 138a formed at the lower portion of the right support arm <NUM> is inserted between the right side wall 133b and a support portion <NUM> of the right side wall 133b so as to be able to slide in the up-down direction. The right support arm <NUM> is supported by the right side wall 133b so as to be able to slide in the up-down direction. Similarly to the right support arm <NUM>, in the left support arm <NUM>, an attachment portion 138a formed at the lower portion of the left support arm <NUM> is inserted between the left side wall 133a and a support portion <NUM> of the left side wall 133a so as to be able to slide in the up-down direction. The left support arm <NUM> is supported by the left side wall 133a so as to be able to slide in the up-down direction. As shown in <FIG>, through-holes <NUM> for the passage of a support shaft <NUM> are formed in the left side wall 133a and the right side wall 133b. The through-holes <NUM> are formed as elongated holes that allow the support shaft <NUM> to move in a direction along the conveying direction of the slat conveyor <NUM>. In other words, the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> are supported by the conveying case <NUM> so as to support the support shaft <NUM> while also allowing the support shaft <NUM> to slide in the conveying direction of the slat conveyor <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion 142a is coupled to the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> by coupling bolts <NUM>. Spacers <NUM> are inserted between the left support arm <NUM> and the conveying surface portion 142a and between the right support arm <NUM> and the conveying surface portion 142a. The spacers <NUM> have a plate thickness equivalent to the wall thickness of the left side wall 133a and the right side wall 133b. Also, the spacers <NUM> extend into the through-holes <NUM> of the left side wall 133a and the right side wall 133b. When the left support arm <NUM>, the right support arm <NUM>, and the support shaft <NUM> are moved, the conveying surface portion 142a moves along with the left and right support arms <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a guide mechanism <NUM> for guiding the movement of the left support arm <NUM> is provided extending between the left support arm <NUM> and the left side wall 133a. A guide mechanism <NUM> for guiding the movement of the right support arm <NUM> is provided extending between the right support arm <NUM> and the right side wall 133b. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide mechanism <NUM> for the left support arm <NUM> and the guide mechanism <NUM> for the right support arm <NUM> each include a guide rod <NUM> that is provided on the support arm <NUM> and a second holding member <NUM> that is supported by the left side wall 133a or the right side wall 133b.

The guide rods <NUM> extend downward from support portions 138b formed on the attachment portions 138a of the support arms <NUM>, and are supported by the support arm <NUM> in an orientation extending along the up-down direction. The second holding members <NUM> are supported by the support portions <NUM> so as to hold the guide rods <NUM> while allowing relative movement thereof. Specifically, the second holding members <NUM> are constituted by tube members that hold the guide rods <NUM> while allowing relative movement thereof.

In both the guide mechanism <NUM> for the left support arm <NUM> and the guide mechanism <NUM> for the right support arm <NUM>, when the support arm <NUM> is moved, the guide rod <NUM> moves along with the support arm <NUM> while being held by the second holding member <NUM>, and thus movement of the support arm <NUM> is guided. Accordingly, the support arms <NUM> move smoothly without rattling against the support portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> are connected by a connecting member <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> is provided extending along the outer circumferential surface of the conveying case <NUM>. Specifically, the connecting member <NUM> is provided extending along the outward surface of a front side wall 133c of the conveying case <NUM>. The left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> are interlockingly joined by the connecting member <NUM> such that the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> interlockingly move in the same moving direction. A coupling body <NUM> that connects the two ends of the support shaft <NUM> is constituted by the left support arm <NUM>, the right support arm <NUM>, and the connecting member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an adjustment rod <NUM> extends downward from the connecting member <NUM>. The adjustment rod <NUM> extends along the outer circumferential surface of the conveying case <NUM>, similarly to the connecting member <NUM>. Specifically, the adjustment rod <NUM> is extends along the outward surface of the front side wall 133c of the conveying case <NUM>. An intermediate portion of the adjustment rod <NUM> is held by a first holding member <NUM> can move relatively thereto. The first holding member <NUM> is supported by the conveying case <NUM>. Specifically, the first holding member <NUM> is constituted by a tube member through which the adjustment rod <NUM> is inserted and can move relatively thereto.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a positioning mechanism <NUM> is provided at the bottom portion of the adjustment rod <NUM>. The positioning mechanism <NUM> can be used to perform adjustment for raising/lowering the adjustment rod <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM>, and positioning the adjustment rod <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the positioning mechanism <NUM> includes a positioning portion <NUM> and threaded members <NUM>. The positioning portion <NUM> is supported by the conveying case <NUM> such that the adjustment rod <NUM> passes through the positioning portion <NUM> while being able to move in the up-down direction. Also, the threaded members <NUM> are mounted to a threaded portion of the adjustment rod <NUM> on the upper and lower sides of the positioning portion <NUM>.

In the positioning mechanism <NUM>, when the upper threaded member <NUM> is rotated in a taught direction, the upper threaded member <NUM> pushes the adjustment rod <NUM> upward with use of the positioning portion <NUM> as a reaction force point. Accordingly, the position of the adjustment rod <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM> is adjusted upward. Also, when the lower threaded member <NUM> is rotated in the slack direction, the lower threaded member <NUM> pushes the adjustment rod <NUM> downward with use of the positioning portion <NUM> as a reaction force point. Accordingly, the position of the adjustment rod <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM> is adjusted downward. Also, when the upper threaded member <NUM> and the lower threaded member <NUM> are rotated so as to clamp positioning portion <NUM>, the adjustment rod <NUM> is fixed by the positioning portion <NUM> so as to not be able to move up or down. Accordingly, the adjustment rod <NUM> is positioned relative to the conveying case <NUM>. In other words, the position of the adjustment rod <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM> is held at the raised/lowered position.

A position adjustment mechanism <NUM> is constituted by the adjustment rod <NUM> and the positioning mechanism <NUM>. The position adjustment mechanism <NUM> enables the position of the support shaft <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM> to be changed in the conveying direction.

In the position adjustment mechanism <NUM>, the adjustment rod <NUM> pushes the coupling body <NUM> upward if the positioning mechanism <NUM> is operated in the taught direction. Accordingly, the coupling body <NUM> raises the support shaft <NUM> relative to the conveying case <NUM>. As a result, the endless roller chain <NUM> is adjusted so as to become more taught.

As shown in <FIG>, an inspection port <NUM> that enables detection of the tension state of the endless roller chain <NUM> is formed in the conveying case <NUM>. The inspection port <NUM> can be opened and closed by a removable lid <NUM>. The inspection port <NUM> is formed in a portion of the conveying case <NUM> located below the positioning mechanism <NUM>. When the tension of the endless roller chain <NUM> is adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism <NUM>, the tension can be adjusted while detecting the tension state of the endless roller chain <NUM> through the inspection port <NUM>.

A worker can detect whether or not the tension of the endless roller chain <NUM> is loose by inserting a hand through the inspection port <NUM> into the inside of the conveying case <NUM> and pushing and pulling the endless roller chain <NUM>. Accordingly, it can be determined whether or not the endless roller chain <NUM> needs to be subjected to tension adjustment. If tension adjustment needs to be performed on the endless roller chain <NUM>, tension adjustment can be performed on the endless roller chain <NUM> by the position adjustment mechanism <NUM>.

If the tension of the endless roller chain <NUM> is loose, the worker rotates a threaded member <NUM> in the taught direction. At this time, the worker can operate the threaded member <NUM> while detecting the tension state of the endless roller chain <NUM> through the inspection port <NUM>. When the threaded member <NUM> is rotated in the taught direction, the adjustment rod <NUM> is lifted toward the conveying case <NUM> by the threaded members <NUM>. Accordingly, the connecting member <NUM> is pushed upward by the adjustment rod <NUM>, and the coupling body <NUM> is lifted toward the conveying case <NUM>. As a result, the two ends of the support shaft <NUM> are lifted by the coupling body <NUM>. In other words, the support shaft <NUM> is lifted toward the conveying case <NUM> by the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM>. Accordingly, the driven sprocket <NUM> is moved downstream in the conveying direction, and the endless roller chain <NUM> is tightened.

When the adjustment rod <NUM> lifts the coupling body <NUM>, deformation caused by reaction force is prevented by the first holding member <NUM> during the lifting. Furthermore, when lifting the support shaft <NUM>, the left support arm <NUM> and the right support arm <NUM> are guided by the guide mechanism <NUM> during the lifting. Accordingly, the support shaft <NUM> is lifted smoothly, and the endless roller chain <NUM> is tightened smoothly. Even when the support shaft <NUM> is lifted, the conveying-end-side conveying surface portion 142a moves along with the support arms <NUM>, and the conveying path <NUM> is reliably formed up to the outer circumferential surface of the driven sprocket <NUM> whose position changed.

When the endless roller chain <NUM> has been tightened, the worker clamps the positioning portion <NUM> with the upper and lower threaded members <NUM>. Accordingly, the adjustment rod <NUM> is positioned relative to the conveying case <NUM> by the positioning mechanism <NUM>, and the coupling body <NUM> is fixed at the lifted position. The endless roller chain <NUM> can thus be held in the achieved tension state.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a conveying end portion 132a of the screw conveyor <NUM>, which is the conveying end portion of the supply/convey device <NUM>, is inserted into the threshing tank <NUM> through a through-hole <NUM> formed in a rear wall portion 111r of the threshing tank <NUM> from below the threshing tank <NUM>. A pair of support frames <NUM> are coupled to the upper portion of the conveying end portion 132a and a front wall portion 111f of the threshing tank <NUM>. The pair of support frames <NUM> are provided such that the gap between the support frames <NUM> increases toward the front wall portion 111f. The portion of the conveying end portion 132a inside the tank is supported by the threshing tank <NUM> via the support frames <NUM>. In the present embodiment, two support frames <NUM> are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one or three or more support frames <NUM> may be provided. An endless belt <NUM> is wound around a drive pully <NUM> of the screw conveyor <NUM> and a belt pulley <NUM>. Note that the belt pulley <NUM> is non-relatively-rotatably supported by the support shaft <NUM> of the slat conveyor <NUM>.

In the screw conveyor <NUM>, motive power is transmitted from the slat conveyor <NUM> to the drive pully <NUM>, and a screw 132b is driven by the drive pully <NUM>. Accordingly, grain supplied by the slat conveyor <NUM> is transmitted by the screw 132b to a high location inside the threshing tank <NUM>, and is ejected through discharge openings <NUM> into the threshing tank <NUM>. As a result, grain from the slat conveyor <NUM> is supplied to the threshing tank <NUM>.

The conveying end portion 132a of the screw conveyor <NUM> passes through the through-hole <NUM> of the threshing tank <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> is formed in a portion of the rear wall portion 111r of the threshing tank <NUM> that is near the bottom portion where the lower tapered portion <NUM> is formed. Also, the discharge openings <NUM> are formed in the conveying end portion of the conveying end portion 132a. More specifically, the through-hole <NUM> is formed in a portion of the rear wall portion 111r of the threshing tank <NUM> that is inclined forward toward the lower end.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a sealing member <NUM> is arranged between the outer circumferential portion of the through-hole <NUM> and the conveying end portion 132a. The sealing member <NUM> is made of a resin. The sealing member <NUM> is configured to allow the conveying end portion 132a to move relative to the through-hole <NUM> in the insertion direction due to relative oscillation of the threshing device <NUM> and the threshing tank <NUM> while also preventing grain inside the threshing tank <NUM> from leaking out through the through-hole <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the sealing member <NUM> is provided with a base portion 168a and a sliding contact portion 168b. The base portion 168a is in contact with the inward surface of the rear wall portion 111r. The sliding contact portion 168b extends from the base portion 168a in the insertion direction of the conveying end portion 132a and is in sliding contact with the outward surface of the conveying end portion 132a along the outward surface. The base portion 168a is fastened and fixed to the rear wall portion 111r by attachment screws attached at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. As shown in <FIG>, multiple rib portions 168c are provided extending between the base portion 168a and the sliding contact portion 168b. The rib portions 168c are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the sliding contact portion 168b. As shown in <FIG>, divided portions <NUM> are provided over the base portion 168a and the sliding contact portion 168b at four locations in the circumferential direction of the conveying end portion 132a of the sealing member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing member <NUM> is constituted by four sealing member section 168P that are divided in the circumferential direction of the conveying end portion 132a. The sealing member <NUM> can be mounted as the four separate sealing member sections 168P.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front wall portion 111f of the threshing tank <NUM> is inclined such that the lower portion extends rearward as it extends downward. Also, the rear wall portion 111r of the threshing tank <NUM> is inclined such that the lower portion extends forward as it extends downward. Accordingly, a lower tapered portion <NUM> that extends over the full width of the bottom portion of the threshing tank <NUM> is formed at the bottom portion. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower tapered portion <NUM> is provided with a bottom portion 120a that is in a horizontal orientation, a front side plate portion that rises up from the front end portion of the bottom portion 120a, and a rear side plate portion that rises up from the rear end portion of the bottom portion 120a. A discharge opening <NUM> is formed in the end portion of the lower tapered portion <NUM> that is at the left side of the threshing tank. A bottom screw <NUM> is rotatably provided inside the lower tapered portion <NUM>. A drive pully <NUM> is non-relatively-rotatably supported by a screw shaft 122a of the bottom screw <NUM> outside the lower tapered portion <NUM> at the right side of the threshing tank.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a connection case <NUM> is provided at the left end portion of the bottom portion of the threshing tank <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> extends from the connection case <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> and the bottom screw <NUM> are connected via the connection case <NUM>. The threshing discharge device <NUM> and the bottom screw <NUM> are interlockingly joined inside the connection case <NUM>. Accordingly, motive power can be transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the threshing discharge device <NUM>.

Specifically, the threshing discharge device <NUM> is constituted by a screw conveyor that extends from the connection case <NUM>. A conveyor cylinder of the screw conveyor is in communication with the discharge opening <NUM> via the connection case <NUM>. Inside the connection case <NUM>, a screw shaft of the screw conveyor and the screw shaft 122a of the bottom screw <NUM> are coupled to each other. Accordingly, motive power is transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the screw conveyor.

The connection case <NUM> is rotatably supported by the threshing tank <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is coupled to the connection case <NUM>. Accordingly, the connection case <NUM> can rotate due to extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

When a power transmission system, which is for transmitting motive power from the engine <NUM> to the drive pully <NUM>, is switched to a power transmission on state, the drive pully <NUM> is driven, and the bottom screw <NUM> is driven. Then, motive power is transmitted from the bottom screw <NUM> to the threshing discharge device <NUM>, and the threshing discharge device <NUM> is driven. When the bottom screw <NUM> and the threshing discharge device <NUM> are driven, the bottom screw <NUM> discharges grain stored in the threshing tank <NUM> through the discharge opening <NUM> to the inside of the connection case <NUM>. The grain discharged into the connection case <NUM> is received by the threshing discharge device <NUM> and conveyed by the threshing discharge device <NUM> so as to be discharged from a discharge opening 112a (see <FIG>) provided in the leading end portion of the threshing discharge device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower tapered portion <NUM> is provided with an inspection port <NUM> and a lid <NUM> for opening and closing the inspection port <NUM>. The inspection port <NUM> is formed in the bottom portion 120a of the lower tapered portion <NUM>. Grain remaining in the lower tapered portion <NUM> can be discharged through the inspection port <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is supported by the bottom portion 120a so as to open and close by swinging upward and downward about a pivot axis P12 of a hinge member.

As shown in <FIG>, a return screw conveyor <NUM> extends from a lower portion of the threshing device <NUM>. A second product obtained by the sorting portion of the threshing device <NUM> is supplied to the return screw conveyor <NUM> by a second screw conveyor <NUM> (see <FIG>), and is returned to a swing sorting device (not shown) by the return screw conveyor <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the return screw conveyor <NUM> includes a vertically-oriented vertical conveying case 170a and a connection case 170b that extends from the lower portion of the vertical conveying case 170a toward the threshing device, is fitted around the second screw conveyor <NUM>, and receives the second product from the second screw conveyor <NUM>. In the connection case 170b, a case interior space S1 above the second screw conveyor <NUM> is larger than a case interior space S2 below the screw conveyor <NUM>. Inside the connection case 170b, the second product flows upward from the second screw conveyor <NUM> and is received by the return screw conveyor <NUM>. At this time, because the case interior space S1 is large, the second product smoothly flows toward the return screw conveyor <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment, which is an example of the present invention, will be described with reference to <FIG>. Specifically, the following describes a case in which an embodiment of a harvester according to the present invention is applied to a normal-type combine.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a combine includes a reaping/conveying unit <NUM> that reaps and conveys a crop rearward, a driver portion <NUM> that is surrounded by a cabin <NUM>, a threshing device <NUM> that threshes the crop reaped by the reaping/conveying unit <NUM>, a grain tank <NUM> that stores grain obtained by the threshing performed by the threshing device <NUM>, a motor power portion <NUM> having an engine <NUM> as a drive source, a pair of left and right front wheels <NUM> as traveling devices that are not steerable and are driven to rotate, and a pair of left and right rear wheels <NUM> that are steerable. The driver portion <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the front of the threshing device <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the front-rear direction of the machine body is defined as extending along the body advancing direction in the operating state, and the left-right direction of the machine body is defined by the left and right in a view along the body advancing direction. Specifically, the direction indicated by reference sign "F" in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is "front", and the direction indicated by reference sign "B" in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is "rear". The direction indicated by reference sign "L" in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is "left", and the direction indicated by reference sign "R" in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is "right".

The reaping/conveying unit <NUM> is swingably/elevatably supported about a lateral support point in the front portion of the machine body. The reaping/conveying unit <NUM> can be driven to rise and descend by operation of a reaper elevating cylinder <NUM>. The reaping/conveying unit <NUM> includes a reaping header <NUM> (corresponding to a "harvesting unit") that reaps a standing crop and gathering the reaped crop toward the central portion in the reaping width direction, and a grain culm conveying device <NUM> (corresponding to a "conveying device") that conveys the whole culm of the reaped and gathered crop rearward toward the threshing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the grain culm conveying device <NUM> extends from the reaping header <NUM> rearward and upward toward the threshing device <NUM>. The driver portion <NUM> is provided at a position above the grain culm conveying device <NUM>.

The reaping header <NUM> includes a rotary reel <NUM> that rakes in the reaping-target crop with the grain tip facing rearward, clipper-type reaping blades <NUM> for cutting the stalk base of the crop, a horizontal feed auger <NUM> for gathering the reaped crop to the central portion in the reaping width direction, and the like.

The threshing device <NUM> is provided at a position below the center in the body left-right direction. The grain tank <NUM> is provided in front of and above the threshing device <NUM>. Also, the engine <NUM> is provided as a drive source behind and above the threshing device <NUM>. In other words, the grain tank <NUM> and the engine <NUM> are aligned in the front-rear direction.

The following describes the body support structure.

As shown in <FIG>, a body frame <NUM> that overall supports the machine body is constituted by a pair of left and right main frames <NUM> (corresponding to "support frames") that extend in the body front-rear direction, a front coupling portion <NUM> that couples the front portions of the left and right main frames <NUM>, and a rear coupling portion <NUM> that couples the rear portions of the left and right main frames <NUM>.

The left and right main frames <NUM> are constituted by channel members having an approximately C-shaped cross-section, and as shown in <FIG>, extend in the front-rear direction from the body front portion to the body rear portion. The wheels 208a and 209a that constitute the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM> are provided at a position lower than the left and right main frames <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM> are provided so as to be located outward of the left and right main frames <NUM> in the body left-right direction. The left and right main frames <NUM> are supported by the left and right front wheels <NUM> and the left and right rear wheels <NUM>.

The left and right main frames <NUM> each include a base portion 222A. The base portions 222A are integrally coupled so as to project forward from the front end portions of the left and right main frames <NUM>.

The following describes the front coupling portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the front coupling portion <NUM> includes an upper horizontal frame <NUM> that couples the left and right base portions 222A of the main frames <NUM>, and a lower horizontal frame <NUM> (corresponding to a "connecting frame") that couples left and right side portions that are below the left and right base portions 222A.

The upper horizontal frame <NUM> extends between the left and right base portions 222A, and the left and right sides thereof are integrally coupled to the base portions 222A. Left and right axle cases <NUM> (corresponding to "drive shaft cases") that rotatably support the left and right front wheels <NUM> are coupled to the lower surface sides of the left and right base portions 222A. Accordingly, the front portion sides of the main frames <NUM> are supported by the front wheels <NUM>. In other words, the main frames <NUM> extend along the front-rear direction above the axle cases <NUM>. The axle cases <NUM> are supported by the base portions 222A of the main frames <NUM>. The axle cases <NUM> will be described later.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower horizontal frame <NUM> includes left and right longitudinal coupling bodies <NUM> that extend in the front-rear direction, a rear lateral coupling body <NUM> that couples rear portions of the left and right longitudinal coupling bodies <NUM>, and a front lateral coupling body <NUM> that couples front portions of the left and right longitudinal coupling bodies <NUM>. The front lateral coupling body <NUM> is bolt-fastened to the left and right axle cases <NUM>. Rear lower portions of the left and right axle cases <NUM> are coupled to a lateral pipe frame <NUM>, which is a round pipe member. The space inside the lateral pipe frame <NUM> is used as a hydraulic fluid storage portion.

A travel transmission device <NUM> that performs gear-change on motive power from the engine <NUM> is provided between the upper horizontal frame <NUM> and the lower horizontal frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the travel transmission device <NUM> includes a transmission case <NUM> that houses a gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> (corresponding to a "gear transmission apparatus"), and a hydrostatic stepless transmission apparatus (HST) <NUM> (corresponding to a "transmission apparatus") that is integrally coupled to one lateral side of the transmission case <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the travel transmission device <NUM> (hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM>) is provided at a position that is adjacent to the front of the threshing device <NUM> and below the grain culm conveying device <NUM>.

Left and right travel drive shafts <NUM> (corresponding to "drive shafts"), which extend outward in the left-right direction from left and right portions of the transmission case <NUM> and are for transmitting adapted motive power to the left and right front wheels <NUM>, and left and right axle cases <NUM> (corresponding to "drive shaft cases"), which respectively cover the left and right travel drive shafts <NUM>, are provided on the left and right sides of the transmission case <NUM>. A front end portion of the transmission case <NUM> is coupled to an intermediate portion, with respect to the left-right direction, of the lateral pipe frame <NUM> via a coupling member <NUM>.

The left and right axle cases <NUM> each include a cylindrical case portion 229a and a front wheel drive case portion 229b. The cylindrical case portion 229a extends laterally outward from the transmission case <NUM>. The front wheel drive case portion 229b is connected to the cylindrical case portion 229a, houses a gear-type deceleration mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>), and supports the corresponding front wheel <NUM>. The cylindrical case portion 229a and the front wheel drive case portion 229b are integrally coupled to each other. The left and right front wheel drive case portions 229b are coupled by the lower horizontal frame <NUM>.

The following describes the rear coupling portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear coupling portion <NUM> includes a rear coupling body <NUM> that is constituted by a round pipe member and extends between the left and right main frames <NUM> at a position below the left and right main frames <NUM>. Also, a rear wheel support body <NUM>, which extends between the left and right rear wheels <NUM>, is supported by the rear coupling body <NUM> so as to be capable of swinging about a longitudinal axis.

Also, portions of the left and right main frames <NUM> at the rear side of the vehicle bodies are provided with left and right support frames <NUM> that project downward. Also, the rear coupling body <NUM> is coupled so as to span between the left and right support frames <NUM>. A rolling support portion <NUM> is fixed to a lateral intermediate portion of the rear coupling body <NUM>, and an intermediate portion, with respect to the body width direction, of the lateral rear wheel support body <NUM> is supported by the rolling support portion <NUM> so as to be capable of swinging about an axis that extends in the body front-rear direction.

The left and right rear wheel <NUM> are supported by the left and right end portions of the rear wheel support body <NUM> so as to be capable of swinging about a longitudinal axis, and a steering cylinder <NUM> is provided extending along the left-right direction rearward of the rear wheel support body <NUM>. The rear wheels <NUM> can swing about the longitudinal axis when the steering cylinder <NUM> in order to steer the machine body.

The following mainly describes a support structure for supporting the threshing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the threshing device <NUM> includes a threshing unit <NUM> that performs threshing and a sorting portion <NUM> that performs sorting processing on the product of the threshing performed by the threshing unit <NUM>.

The threshing unit <NUM> includes an approximately box-shaped frame that surrounds the outer circumference, and a threshing cylinder that is provided inside the frame and rotates about a rotation shaft that extends in the body front-rear direction.

The frame that constitutes the threshing unit <NUM> is placed on and supported by the left and right main frames <NUM>. Although not described in detail, the frame includes left and right side wall portions, a rear wall portion, and a front wall portion that are integrally coupled to each other. Multiple reinforcement support bodies constituted by rectangular tube members, angle members, or the like are also included.

The sorting portion <NUM> includes a frame constituted by a rectangular peripheral wall portion, and a sorting processing unit that is provided inside the frame and is for shaking to move the threshed product so as to be sorted into secondary products such as grain and grain with branches, and straw waste, for example.

The frame that constitutes the sorting portion <NUM> is hung from and supported by the left and right main frames <NUM>. Although not described in detail, the frame is shaped as a rectangular frame and includes side wall portions that cover the left and right sides of the sorting portion <NUM> and a front support portion that couples the front portion sides of the left and right side wall portions. Upper end portions of the left and right side wall portions are brought into contact with the lower surfaces of the left and right main frames <NUM> and fixed thereto by bolt fastening. The frame is thus supported in a hung manner.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear lateral coupling body <NUM> of the lower horizontal frame <NUM> is connected to the front end portion of the sorting portion <NUM>. The rear lateral coupling body <NUM> of the lower horizontal frame <NUM> is also connected to the sorting portion <NUM> of the threshing device <NUM>. The front lateral coupling body <NUM> of the lower horizontal frame <NUM> is connected to the transmission case <NUM> via the axle cases <NUM>, the lateral pipe frame <NUM>, and the coupling member <NUM>. In other words, the lower horizontal frame <NUM> connects the threshing device <NUM> and the transmission case <NUM> (gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM>).

The following describes a power transmission structure for transmitting motive power from the engine <NUM> to the front wheel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the transmission case <NUM> of the travel transmission device <NUM> includes an input shaft <NUM> that projects outward to the right side of the machine body. Specifically, the input shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> passes through the transmission case <NUM> and projects rightward from the right side surface of the transmission case <NUM>. An input pulley <NUM> is provided on the input shaft <NUM>. Motive power is input from the engine <NUM> to the input pulley <NUM>.

The motive power transmitted to the input shaft <NUM> is adapted by the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> and the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> in the transmission case <NUM>, is then transmitted to the left and right travel drive shafts <NUM> via a differential mechanism <NUM>, and then transmitted to wheel shafts 208a of the front wheels <NUM> via gear-type deceleration mechanisms <NUM>.

The following describes the structure of the travel transmission device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> includes a hydraulic pump <NUM> and a hydraulic motor <NUM>. The hydraulic pump <NUM> includes an input shaft <NUM> and a pump swash plate <NUM>. Also, the hydraulic motor <NUM> includes a motor output shaft <NUM> and a motor swash plate <NUM>.

Motive power input from the engine <NUM> to the input shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the motor output shaft <NUM> via the pump swash plate <NUM> and the motor swash plate <NUM>. At this time, drive power is adapted between the pump swash plate <NUM> and the motor swash plate <NUM> in the power transmission path.

The drive power transmitted to the motor output shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the differential mechanism <NUM> via the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM>. At this time, the drive power is adapted in the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM>. The drive power transmitted to the differential mechanism <NUM> is then distributed to the left and right travel drive shafts <NUM>.

The left and right travel drive shafts <NUM> are provided extending outward from the differential mechanism <NUM> in the body left-right direction. The travel drive shafts <NUM> are coupled to the wheel shafts 208a via the gear-type deceleration mechanisms <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front wheels <NUM> are fixed to the wheel shafts 208a. According to this configuration, motive power transmitted to the travel drive shafts <NUM> is transmitted to the front wheels <NUM> via the gear-type deceleration mechanism <NUM> and the wheel shafts 208a. The front wheels <NUM> are thus driven. In other words, the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> adapts motive power from the engine <NUM> and transmits the adapted motive power to the front wheels <NUM> via the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM>, the travel drive shaft <NUM>, the gear-type deceleration mechanism <NUM>, and the wheel shafts 208a. The gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> is arranged between the hydrostatic transmission apparatus <NUM> and the front wheels <NUM>, and adapts the motive power from the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> and transmits the adapted motive power to the front wheels <NUM>.

The hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> includes a trunnion shaft <NUM>. The trunnion shaft <NUM> projects rearward from the rear surface of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM>. The trunnion shaft <NUM> is arranged such that the central axis (axis P23) thereof is parallel with the body front-rear direction. When the trunnion shaft <NUM> is rotated, the angle of the pump swash plate <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> changes, and the transmission ratio in the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> changes.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a manual main gearshift lever <NUM> (corresponding to a "transmission operation tool") for instructing a change in the transmission state of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> is provided in the driver portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a transmission mechanism A transmits operation force from the main gearshift lever <NUM> to the trunnion shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM>. The transmission mechanism A includes an operation wire <NUM>, a right arm portion <NUM> (corresponding to a "second arm"), a rod <NUM>, and a left arm portion <NUM> (corresponding to a "first arm").

The operation wire <NUM> includes an outer casing 262A and an inner wire 262D. The inner wire 262D is inserted into the outer casing 262A in a state of being capable of moving relative to the outer casing 262A.

Out of the two end portions of the outer casing 262A, an end portion 262B on the main gearshift lever <NUM> side is arranged inside the driver portion <NUM>, and is fixed inside an operation panel portion 261B (see <FIG> and <FIG>) that supports the main gearshift lever <NUM>.

Out of the two end portions of the outer casing 262A, an end portion 262C on the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> side is supported by a bracket 222B (corresponding to a "support portion") of the right main frame <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The bracket 222B is provided on a left side surface 222C of the right main frame <NUM>, which is on the side where the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> is located.

Out of the two end portions of the inner wire 262D, an end portion 262E (corresponding to a "fourth end portion") on the main gearshift lever <NUM> side is connected to an arm end 261A of the main gearshift lever <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Out of the two end portions of the inner wire 262D, an end portion 262F (corresponding to a "third end portion") on the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> side is connected to the right arm portion <NUM> (described later), as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner wire 262D extends upward from the connection portion (end portion 262F) that is connected to the right arm portion <NUM>. In other words, the operation wire <NUM> extends upward from the connection portion that is connected to the rod <NUM> via the right arm portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the operation wire <NUM> extends diagonally rearward and downward from the driver portion <NUM>, extends downward behind the grain culm conveying device <NUM>, and extends downward behind the transmission case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the right arm portion <NUM> includes a cylinder 263A, a rear arm plate 263B that extends downward from a rear portion of the cylinder 263A, and a front arm plate 263D that extends downward from a front portion of the cylinder 263A. The cylinder 263A is a hollow cylinder, and is supported so as to be relatively rotatable by a shaft member 231B of a bracket 231A provided on an upper surface of the rear lateral coupling body <NUM> of the lower horizontal frame <NUM>. The shaft member 231B is arranged such that the central axis (axis P22) thereof is parallel with the body front-rear direction. The cylinder 263A, the rear arm plate 263B, and the front arm plate 263D can undergo swing displacement about the axis P22. In other words, the right arm portion <NUM> can undergo swing displacement about the axis P22 that is parallel to the body front-rear direction.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the end portion 262F of the inner wire 262D is connected to a right end portion 263C of the front arm plate 263D. A right end portion 264A (corresponding to a "second end portion") of the rod <NUM> is connected to a lower end portion 263E of the rear arm plate 263B.

In the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the right end portion 263C of the front arm plate 263D is located outward (rightward) of the grain culm conveying device <NUM> in the body left-right direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the rod <NUM> is provided extending between the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> (or transmission case <NUM>) and the sorting portion <NUM> (threshing device <NUM>) in the body left-right direction (corresponding to the "horizontal direction"). In other words, the rod <NUM>, which is a portion of the transmission mechanism A, is provided extending in the horizontal direction between the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> and the threshing device <NUM>.

A shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the right end portion 264A of the rod <NUM> is connected to the lower end portion 263E of the rear arm plate 263B of the right arm portion <NUM>. The left end portion 264B (corresponding to a "first end portion") of the rod <NUM> is connected to the lower end portion 265A of the left arm portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rod <NUM> extends diagonally upward to the left from the right end portion 264A.

As shown in <FIG>, the left arm portion <NUM> is attached to the trunnion shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> and extends downward from the trunnion shaft <NUM>. The lower end portion 265A of the left arm portion <NUM> is connected to the left end portion 264B of the rod <NUM>. The left arm portion <NUM>, together with the trunnion shaft <NUM>, can undergo swing displacement about the axis P23 along with the trunnion shaft <NUM>.

The following can be said due to the transmission mechanism A being configured as described above. The left arm portion <NUM> (corresponding to a "first arm") is arranged between the trunnion shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> (corresponding to the "transmission apparatus") and the left end portion 264B of the rod <NUM> (corresponding to a "first end portion"). In other words, the left end portion 264B of the rod <NUM> is connected to the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> via the left arm portion <NUM>.

The right arm portion <NUM> (corresponding to a "second arm") is arranged between the right end portion 264A of the rod <NUM> (corresponding to a "second end portion") and the end portion 262F of the inner wire 262D (corresponding to a "third end portion"). In other words, the right end portion 264A of the rod <NUM> is connected to the end portion 262F of the inner wire 262D via the right arm portion <NUM>.

The following describes how operation force applied to the main gearshift lever <NUM> is transmitted to the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> by the transmission mechanism A with reference to <FIG>.

The main gearshift lever <NUM> is arranged in the driver portion <NUM> so as to be capable of undergoing swing displacement about the axis P21 that extends in the body left-right direction. <FIG> shows the state where the main gearshift lever <NUM> is at a neutral position NL.

When the main gearshift lever <NUM> is moved forward and swings to a forward travel range FW1, the inner wire 262D connected to the arm end 261A is pulled toward the main gearshift lever <NUM>, and moves relative to the outer casing 262A. The front arm plate 263D of the right arm portion <NUM> is pulled upward by the inner wire 262D, and the right arm portion <NUM> swings counterclockwise in a body forward view. The rod <NUM> is pulled by the rear arm plate 263B of the right arm portion <NUM> and moves diagonally downward to the right. Accordingly, the lower end portion 265A of the left arm portion <NUM> is pulled by the rod <NUM>, and the left arm portion <NUM> swings counterclockwise in a body forward view, and swings to a forward travel range FW2. The trunnion shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> is rotated by the left arm portion <NUM>, and the angle of the pump swash plate <NUM> changes to an angle that corresponds to the operation position of the main gearshift lever <NUM>. Due to the operations described above, motive power input from the engine <NUM> to the input shaft <NUM> is adapted between the pump swash plate <NUM> and the motor swash plate <NUM>, and transmitted to the front wheels <NUM> via the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> and the like, and thus the combine moves forward. The farther the main gearshift lever <NUM> is moved forward in the forward travel range FW1, the higher the stepless increase in the forward travel speed is.

When the main gearshift lever <NUM> is moved rearward and swings to a rearward travel range BW1, the inner wire 262D connected to the arm end 261A is pushed away from the main gearshift lever <NUM>, and moves relative to the outer casing 262A. The front arm plate 263D of the right arm portion <NUM> is pushed downward by the inner wire 262D, and the right arm portion <NUM> swings clockwise in a body forward view. The rod <NUM> is pushed by the rear arm plate 263B of the right arm portion <NUM> and moves diagonally upward to the left. Accordingly, the lower end portion 265A of the left arm portion <NUM> is pushed by the rod <NUM>, and the left arm portion <NUM> swings clockwise in a body forward view, and swings to a rearward travel range BW2. The trunnion shaft <NUM> of the hydrostatic stepless transmission <NUM> is rotated by the left arm portion <NUM>, and the angle of the pump swash plate <NUM> changes to an angle that corresponds to the operation position of the main gearshift lever <NUM>. Due to the operations described above, motive power input from the engine <NUM> to the input shaft <NUM> is adapted between the pump swash plate <NUM> and the motor swash plate <NUM>, and transmitted to the front wheels <NUM> via the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> and the like, and thus the combine moves rearward. The farther the main gearshift lever <NUM> is moved rearward in the rearward travel range BW1, the higher the stepless increase in the rearward travel speed is.

In the present embodiment, the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> is configured such that the transmission state can be switched between a low speed state and a high speed state. The transmission state is switched by pivoting of a shift shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a manual auxiliary gearshift switch 261C (corresponding to a "gear transmission operation tool") for instructing a switch of the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> is provided on the main gearshift lever <NUM> provided in the driver portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an operation mechanism B2 is provided for operating the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> in response to an operation performed on the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C. The operation mechanism B2 includes a control device <NUM>, a valve unit <NUM>, an actuator <NUM>, and a link mechanism <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> includes a microcomputer and executes control according to a preset control program. Information indicating an operating state of the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is input to the control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> is configured to control the valve unit <NUM> based on the input information from the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C so as to control the operation of the actuator <NUM>.

The valve unit <NUM> is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuator <NUM> to extend and retract the actuator <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> is a hydraulic cylinder that extends and retracts upon receiving the supply of hydraulic fluid from the valve unit <NUM>. A cylinder rod 273A of the actuator <NUM> is connected to the link mechanism <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is supported by a bracket 231C included in the rear lateral coupling body <NUM> of the lower horizontal frame <NUM>. Specifically, a bracket 273B provided on the actuator <NUM> is attached to the bracket 231C by multiple bolts. The bracket 231C is provided projecting rightward from the right side surface of the rear lateral coupling body <NUM>.

The link mechanism <NUM> transmits the movement of the actuator <NUM> to the shift shaft <NUM> of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM>. The link mechanism <NUM> includes a right link plate <NUM>, a left link plate <NUM>, and a gearshift arm <NUM>.

The right link plate <NUM> is a plate-shaped member that extends in the body left-right direction, and has a right end portion 275A that is connected to the cylinder rod 273A of the actuator <NUM>, and a left end portion 275B that is connected to the left link plate <NUM>.

The left link plate <NUM> is a plate-shaped member that extends in the body left-right direction, and has a right end portion 276A that is connected to the left link plate <NUM>, and a left end portion 276B that is connected to the gearshift arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the left link plate <NUM> is bent in a crank shape between the right end portion 276A and the left end portion 276B. As shown in <FIG>, the right end portion 276A is located in front of the left end portion 276B and is located in front of the rear end of the transmission case <NUM> as well. The left end portion 276B is located behind the actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is located in front of the rear end of transmission case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the right link plate <NUM> and the left link plate <NUM> are provided extending in the body left-right direction (corresponding to the "horizontal direction") between the transmission case <NUM> and the sorting portion <NUM> (threshing device <NUM>) extending. In other words, the right link plate <NUM> and the left link plate <NUM> of the link mechanism <NUM>, which are a part of the operation mechanism B2, are provided in a state of extending in the horizontal direction between the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> and the threshing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the gearshift arm <NUM> is attached to the shift shaft <NUM> of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> and extends downward from the shift shaft <NUM>. A lower end portion 277A of the gearshift arm <NUM> is connected to the left end portion 276B of the left link plate <NUM>.

The following describes operation of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> by the operation mechanism B2 in accordance with an operation performed on the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C, with reference to <FIG>.

The auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is constituted by a push-operated switch that turns on only when pushed and turns off when pushing is stopped. When the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is pushed, information indicating the on state is input from the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C to the control device <NUM>.

Each time information indicating the on state is input, the control device <NUM> controls the actuator <NUM> via the valve unit <NUM> such that the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> switches between the high speed state, the neutral state, and the low speed state.

<FIG> shows a state in which the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> is in the neutral state, and the gearshift arm <NUM> is in the neutral position NL, which corresponds to the neutral state. In this state, when the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is pushed, the control device <NUM> controls the valve unit <NUM> to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuator <NUM> such that the cylinder rod 273A moves leftward. When the cylinder rod 273A moves leftward, the right link plate <NUM> and the left link plate <NUM> move leftward. The gearshift arm <NUM> swings counterclockwise about the axis P23, and the gearshift arm <NUM> swings to a low speed position Lo, which corresponds to the low speed state. Due to the gearshift arm <NUM>, the shift shaft <NUM> of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> rotates, and the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> switches from the neutral state to the low speed state.

Next, when the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is pushed, the control device <NUM> controls the valve unit <NUM> to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuator <NUM> such that the cylinder rod 273A moves rightward and returns to the state shown in <FIG>. When the cylinder rod 273A moves rightward, the right link plate <NUM> and the left link plate <NUM> move rightward. The gearshift arm <NUM> swings clockwise about the axis P23, and the gearshift arm <NUM> swings to the neutral position NL, which corresponds to the neutral state. Due to the gearshift arm <NUM>, the shift shaft <NUM> of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> rotates, and the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> switches from the low speed state to the neutral state.

Next, when the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is pushed, the control device <NUM> controls the valve unit <NUM> to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuator <NUM> such that the cylinder rod 273A moves rightward. When the cylinder rod 273A moves rightward, the right link plate <NUM> and the left link plate <NUM> move rightward. The gearshift arm <NUM> swings clockwise about the axis P23, and the gearshift arm <NUM> swings to a high speed position Hi, which corresponds to the high speed state. Due to the gearshift arm <NUM>, the shift shaft <NUM> of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> rotates, and the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> switches from the neutral state to the high speed state.

Thereafter, each time the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C is pushed, the transmission state of the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> switches from the high speed state to the neutral state and from the neutral state to the low speed state. As described above, the operation mechanism B2 operates the gear-type transmission mechanism <NUM> in accordance with operations performed on the auxiliary gearshift switch 261C.

The present invention is applicable to not only a combine that has front wheels and rear wheels, but also a combine that has a crawler-type traveling device or a traveling device that includes a combination of wheels and a mini crawler.

Claim 1:
A combine comprising:
a threshing device (<NUM>) configured to thresh a harvested product harvested by a harvesting unit (<NUM>);
a threshing tank (<NUM>) that is configured to store a threshing product obtained by the threshing device, and includes a lower tapered portion (<NUM>) formed in a bottom portion;
a bottom screw (<NUM>) that is provided inside the lower tapered portion and is configured to discharge the threshing product from the threshing tank; and
a threshing discharge device (<NUM>) that is connected to the bottom screw and is configured to convey the threshing product from the bottom screw and discharge the threshing product in a body outward direction,
wherein the threshing tank includes an inspection port (<NUM>) formed in a bottom section (20a) of the lower tapered portion, and a lid (<NUM>) configured to open and close the inspection port,
characterized in that
the threshing tank (<NUM>) is provided above a front portion of the threshing device (<NUM>),
the threshing device (<NUM>) includes a ceiling plate (10t) that is arc-shaped such that a free space is formed between the threshing tank (<NUM>) and the ceiling plate (10t),
the lid opens and closes by swinging upward and downward about a swing axis that is not parallel with a screw axis of the bottom screw , and
the lid (<NUM>) has a free end side capable of entering the free space moving downward and away from the lower tapered portion thus opening the inspection port (<NUM>).