JP6557621B2 - Route generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating a route when an obstacle exists in a work area where work is performed by a work vehicle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique is known in which a tractor includes a position detection unit and a direction detection unit, travels in a farm field, detects a corner position, performs so-called teaching travel, and sets a work path of the farm field. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-66405

  In the above-mentioned technique, obstacles such as utility poles, rocks and trees existing in the field have not been considered. Therefore, when the work route is set so as to avoid the obstacle, a complicated route may be generated so as to avoid the obstacle, leading to a reduction in work efficiency.

  The present invention has been made in view of the situation as described above, and when an obstacle is close to the periphery of the field, a marginal area set around the obstacle is integrated with the headland to create a complicated route. Therefore, it is intended to provide a work travel route generation device that can prevent a decrease in work efficiency without being generated.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.
In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a route generation device including a control unit capable of generating a route that can autonomously travel and work in the field, and the control unit generates a work route for performing work on the field. A first area, a second area that is set around the first area that does not generate a work path but can generate a travel path for traveling, and a third area that is prohibited from traveling in the field. It is possible to set a region and a fourth region set around the third region in which a work route is not generated but a travel route for traveling can be generated, and the second region and the fourth region are In the case of overlapping, the fourth area is included in the second area, and a travel route can be generated in the second area .

In Claim 2, it is a path | route production | generation apparatus provided with the control part which can produce | generate the path | route which can carry out autonomous driving | running | working and work in the agricultural field, Comprising: The said control part produces | generates the working path | route which performs work in the said agricultural field 1st An area, a second area that is set around the first area that does not generate a work route but can generate a travel route for traveling, and a third area that is prohibited from traveling in the field The fourth area set around the third area where the work route is not generated but the travel route for traveling can be generated can be set, and the second area and the fourth area have a predetermined width. When facing less than the sixth region, the fourth region and the sixth region are included in the second region, and a travel route can be generated in the second region .

  In Claim 3, when the said control part has several 3rd area | regions and 4th area | regions in the said agricultural field, when 4th area | regions oppose across the 7th area | region less than predetermined width, The seventh area can be set by including any of the fourth areas.

  By using the above-mentioned means, the route is set so that the route with poor work efficiency is omitted when there is an obstacle that is prohibited from traveling near the outer periphery of the field, and the efficiency is reduced. You will be able to work well.

The schematic side view of an autonomous traveling working vehicle and a traveling working vehicle. Control block diagram. The figure which shows an initial screen. The figure which shows agricultural field setting. The figure which shows the area | region of an agricultural field. The figure which shows the area | region when an obstruction exists in a farm field. The figure which shows the position setting around an obstruction. The figure which shows the path | route in the case of working in order on two farms where an obstacle exists. The figure which shows the path | route in the case of working separately with the two agricultural fields in which an obstruction exists. The figure which shows the farm field where an obstacle area | region overlaps with a headland. The figure which shows the agricultural field from which the obstruction area | region separated from the headland by the predetermined distance. The figure which shows the agricultural field in which there existed a plurality of obstacle areas and was separated by a predetermined distance. The figure which shows the setting of the width of a headland. The figure which shows the setting of the width of a headland when a headland inclines with respect to a longitudinal direction. The figure which shows the setting of the width | variety of the side margin in the case of making a turn by turning twice.

  An autonomous traveling work vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an unmanned vehicle) 1 that can be autonomously traveled unmanned, and a manned traveling work vehicle that is operated by a worker (user) in cooperation with the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 An embodiment will be described in which 100 is a tractor (hereinafter may be referred to as a manned vehicle), and the autonomous tilling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100 are each equipped with a rotary tiller as a work implement. However, the work vehicle is not limited to a tractor, and may be a combine, etc., and the work machine is not limited to a rotary tiller, but is a vertical stand, a mower, a rake, a seeder, a fertilizer, or the like. May be.

  In the present specification, “autonomous traveling” means that a tractor travels along a predetermined route by controlling a configuration related to traveling provided by a control unit (ECU) provided in the tractor. Executing farm work in a single farm with unmanned vehicles and manned vehicles may be referred to as cooperative work of farm work, follow-up work, accompanying work, and the like. In addition, as cooperative work of farm work, in addition to “performing farm work in a single farm field with unmanned vehicles and manned vehicles”, “farm work in different farm fields such as adjacent farm fields with unmanned vehicles and manned vehicles at the same time” Performing ”may be included.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an autonomous traveling work vehicle and a traveling work vehicle, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing their control configuration. 1 and 2, an overall configuration of a tractor that becomes an autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 will be described. The vehicle body of the tractor has an engine 3 installed in the hood 2, a dashboard 14 provided in the cabin 11 at the rear of the hood 2, and a steering handle 4 serving as a steering operation means provided on the dashboard 14. It has been. The steering wheel 4 is rotated to rotate the front wheels 9 and 9 through the steering device. A steering actuator 40 that operates the steering device is connected to a steering controller 301 that constitutes the control unit 30. The steering direction of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is detected by the steering sensor 20. The steering sensor 20 is composed of an angle sensor such as a rotary encoder, and is disposed at the rotation base of the front wheel 9. However, the detection configuration of the steering sensor 20 is not limited as long as the steering direction is recognized, and the rotation of the steering handle 4 may be detected or the operation amount of the power steering may be detected. The detection value obtained by the steering sensor 20 is input to the steering controller 301 of the control unit 30.

  The control unit 30 includes a steering controller 301, an engine controller 302, a shift control controller 303, a horizontal control controller 304, a work control controller 305, a positioning control unit 306, an autonomous traveling control controller 307, and the like, each of which is a CPU (central processing unit). And a storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, an interface, and the like. The storage device stores programs, data, and the like for operation, and communication is possible so that information, data, and the like can be transmitted and received through CAN communication.

  A driver seat 5 is disposed behind the steering handle 4, and a mission case 6 is disposed below the driver seat 5. Rear axle cases 8 and 8 are connected to the left and right sides of the transmission case 6, and rear wheels 10 and 10 are supported on the rear axle cases 8 and 8 via axles. The power from the engine 3 is shifted by a transmission (a main transmission or an auxiliary transmission) in the mission case 6 so that the rear wheels 10 and 10 can be driven. The transmission is constituted by, for example, a hydraulic continuously variable transmission, and the movable swash plate of a variable displacement hydraulic pump is operated by a transmission means 44 such as a motor so that the transmission can be changed. The transmission means 44 is connected to the transmission control controller 303 of the control unit 30. The rotation speed of the rear wheel 10 is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 27 and is input to the shift control controller 303 as the traveling speed. However, the vehicle speed detection method and the arrangement position of the vehicle speed sensor 27 are not limited.

  The transmission case 6 houses a PTO clutch and a PTO transmission, and the PTO clutch is turned on and off by the PTO on / off means 45. The PTO on / off means 45 is connected to the autonomous traveling control controller 307 of the control unit 30 via the display means 49. It is connected, and the connection / disconnection of power to the PTO shaft can be controlled. In addition, when a sowing machine, a cocoon coater, or the like is mounted as a work machine, a work machine controller 308 is provided so that the work machine can perform its own control, and the work machine controller 308 is connected via information communication wiring (so-called ISOBUS). To the work control controller 305.

  A front axle case 7 is supported on a front frame 13 that supports the engine 3, front wheels 9 and 9 are supported on both sides of the front axle case 7, and power from the transmission case 6 can be transmitted to the front wheels 9 and 9. It is configured. The front wheels 9 and 9 are steered wheels, which can be turned by turning the steering handle 4, and the front wheels 9 and 9 are steered left and right by a steering actuator 40 comprising a power steering cylinder as a driving means of the steering device. It can be turned. The steering actuator 40 is connected to and controlled by the steering controller 301 of the control unit 30.

  An engine speed sensor 61, a water temperature sensor, a hydraulic pressure sensor, and the like are connected to an engine controller 302 serving as an engine rotation control means so that the state of the engine can be detected. The engine controller 302 detects the load from the set rotational speed and the actual rotational speed and controls it so as not to be overloaded, and transmits the state of the engine 3 to the remote operation device 112 described later so that it can be displayed on the display device 113. ing.

  The fuel tank 15 disposed below the step is provided with a level sensor 29 for detecting the fuel level and is connected to the display means 49. The display means 49 is provided on the dashboard of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, The remaining amount of is displayed. Then, the remaining amount of fuel is calculated by the autonomous travel controller 307, the workable time is calculated, information is transmitted to the remote operation device 112 via the communication device 110, and the remaining fuel amount and work are displayed on the display device 113 of the remote operation device 112. Possible time can be displayed. The display means for displaying the tachometer, fuel gauge, hydraulic pressure, and abnormality and the display means capable of displaying the current position and the like may be configured separately.

  On the dashboard 14, display means 49 for displaying an engine tachometer, a fuel gauge, a hydraulic pressure, etc., an abnormal monitor, a set value, and the like are arranged. The display means 49 is a touch panel type like the remote operation device 112, and data input, selection, switch operation, button operation, etc. are also possible.

  In addition, a rotary tiller 24 is mounted on the rear part of the vehicle body of the tractor as a work implement via a work implement mounting device 23 so as to be movable up and down. An elevating cylinder 26 is provided on the transmission case 6, and the elevating arm 26 constituting the work implement mounting device 23 is rotated by moving the elevating cylinder 26 to extend and lower the rotary tiller 24. The lift cylinder 26 is expanded and contracted by the operation of the lift actuator 25, and the lift actuator 25 is connected to the horizontal control controller 304 of the control unit 30. In addition, an inclination cylinder is provided on the left and right lift links of the work implement mounting device 23, and an inclination actuator 47 that operates the inclination cylinder is connected to a horizontal control controller 304.

  The positioning control unit 306 serving as a position detector is connected to a mobile GPS antenna (positioning antenna) 34 and a data receiving antenna 38 for enabling detection of position information. The mobile GPS antenna 34 and the data receiving antenna 38 are connected to the cabin 11. Provided on top. The positioning control unit 306 is provided with a position calculating means for calculating the latitude and longitude so that the current position can be displayed on the display means 49 or the display device 113 of the remote operation device 112. In addition to GPS (US), high-precision positioning can be performed by using a satellite positioning system (GNSS) such as a quasi-zenith satellite (Japan) or a Glonus satellite (Russia). In this embodiment, GPS is used. explain.

  The autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 includes a gyro sensor 31 for obtaining posture change information of the vehicle body, and an azimuth angle detection unit 32 for detecting a traveling direction, and is connected to the control unit 30. However, since the traveling direction can be calculated from the GPS position measurement, the azimuth angle detection unit 32 can be omitted. The gyro sensor 31 detects the angular velocity of the front-rear direction inclination (pitch) of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, the angular velocity of the left-right direction inclination (roll), and the angular velocity of turning (yaw). By integrating and calculating the three angular velocities, it is possible to obtain the front-rear and left-right inclination angles and the turning angle of the vehicle body of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. Specific examples of the gyro sensor 31 include a mechanical gyro sensor, an optical gyro sensor, a fluid gyro sensor, and a vibration gyro sensor. The gyro sensor 31 is connected to the control unit 30 and inputs information related to the three angular velocities to the control unit 30.

  The azimuth angle detection unit 32 detects the direction (traveling direction) of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. A specific example of the azimuth angle detection unit 32 includes a magnetic azimuth sensor. The azimuth angle detection unit 32 inputs information to the autonomous traveling control controller 307 via the CAN communication means.

  In this way, the autonomous traveling control controller 307 calculates the signals acquired from the gyro sensor 31 and the azimuth angle detecting unit 32 by the attitude / azimuth calculating means, and calculates the attitude (direction, vehicle body front-rear direction and vehicle body left-right direction) of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. Direction inclination, turning direction).

  Next, the position information of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is acquired using a GPS (Global Positioning System) which is one of satellite positioning systems. As a positioning method using GPS, there are various methods such as single positioning, relative positioning, DGPS (differential GPS) positioning, RTK-GPS (real-time kinematics-GPS) positioning, and any of these methods can be used. However, in this embodiment, the RTK-GPS positioning method with high measurement accuracy is adopted.

  RTK-GPS positioning performs GPS observation simultaneously with a reference station whose position is known and a mobile station whose position is to be obtained, and transmits data observed by the reference station to the mobile station in real time using a method such as wireless communication. This is a method for obtaining the position of the mobile station in real time based on the position result of the mobile station.

  In the present embodiment, a positioning control unit 306, a mobile GPS antenna 34, and a data receiving antenna 38 that are mobile stations are arranged in the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, and a fixed communication device 35, a fixed GPS antenna 36, and a data transmitting antenna that are reference stations. 39 is disposed at a predetermined position. In the RTK-GPS positioning of this embodiment, phase measurement (relative positioning) is performed at both the reference station and the mobile station, and data measured by the fixed communication device 35 of the reference station is transmitted from the data transmission antenna 39 to the data reception antenna 38. .

  The mobile GPS antenna 34 arranged in the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 receives signals from GPS satellites 37, 37. This signal is transmitted to the positioning control unit 306 for positioning. At the same time, signals from GPS satellites 37, 37... Are received by the fixed GPS antenna 36 serving as a reference station, measured by the fixed communication device 35 and transmitted to the positioning control unit 306, and the observed data is analyzed and moved. Determine the station location.

  Thus, the autonomous traveling controller 307 is provided as an autonomous traveling means for autonomously traveling the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. That is, the various information acquisition units connected to the autonomous traveling controller 307 acquire the traveling state of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 as various information, and the various control units connected to the autonomous traveling controller 307 allow the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 to Control autonomous driving. Specifically, it receives radio waves transmitted from the GPS satellites 37, 37,... And obtains position information of the vehicle body at set time intervals in the positioning control unit 306, and the vehicle body from the gyro sensor 31 and the azimuth angle detection unit 32. Displacement information and azimuth information are obtained, and the steering actuator 40, speed change is performed so that the vehicle body travels along a route (travel route and work route) R set in advance based on the position information, displacement information, and azimuth information. The means 44, the lift actuator 25, the PTO on / off means 45, the engine controller 302, etc. are controlled so that they can autonomously run and work automatically.

  In addition, an obstacle sensor 41 is disposed on the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and connected to the control unit 30 so as not to collide with the obstacle. For example, the obstacle sensor 41 is configured by a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a camera, arranged at the front part, the side part, or the rear part of the vehicle body part and connected to the control unit 30. Whether or not there is an obstacle in the rear or the rear is detected, and control is performed to stop traveling when the obstacle approaches within a set distance.

  In addition, the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is mounted with a camera 42F that captures the front, a work implement behind the camera 42R, and a camera 42R that captures the state of the field after work, and is connected to the control unit 30. In this embodiment, the cameras 42F and 42R are arranged on the front part and the rear part of the roof of the cabin 11. However, the arrangement positions are not limited, and one camera is arranged on the front part and the rear part in the cabin 11. The camera 42 may be arranged at the center of the vehicle body and rotated around the vertical axis to photograph the surroundings, or the camera 42 may be arranged at the four corners of the vehicle body to photograph the periphery of the vehicle body. Moreover, when the emblem of the manufacturer of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is attached to the cabin 11 or the bonnet 2, the cameras 42F and 42R may be arranged on the back side of the emblem. In that case, a through-hole or a predetermined gap is set in the emblem, and the lens of the cameras 42F and 42R corresponds to the position of the through-hole or the gap, so that shooting is not hindered. Images captured by the cameras 42F and 42R are displayed on the display device 113 of the remote operation device 112 provided in the traveling work vehicle 100.

  The remote control device 112 sets a route R, which will be described later, of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, remotely operates the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, monitors the traveling state of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the operating state of the work implement. , And stores work data, and includes a control unit (CPU or memory) 130, a communication device 111, a display device 113, a storage device 114, and the like.

  The traveling work vehicle 100, which is a manned traveling vehicle, is driven and operated by an operator, and the traveling work vehicle 100 is equipped with a remote control device 112 so that the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 can be operated. Since the basic configuration of the traveling work vehicle 100 is substantially the same as that of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1, detailed description thereof is omitted. The traveling work vehicle 100 (or the remote control device 112) may be configured to include a GPS control unit.

  The remote control device 112 can be attached to and detached from a mounting portion (an arm member (not shown), for example, the remote control device 112 that can be mounted and fixed) provided on the dashboard of the traveling work vehicle 100 and the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 or the pillar of the cabin 11. It is said. The remote control device 112 can be operated while attached to the mounting portion of the traveling work vehicle 100, or can be carried out by being taken out of the traveling work vehicle 100, or can be operated while being attached to the mounting portion of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. It is also possible to operate. The remote control device 112 can be configured by a wireless communication terminal such as a notebook or tablet personal computer. In this embodiment, a tablet computer is used.

  Further, the remote operation device 112 and the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other wirelessly, and the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the remote operation device 112 are provided with communication devices 110 and 111 for communication, respectively. ing. The communication device 111 is configured integrally with the remote operation device 112. The communication means is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a wireless LAN such as WiFi. The remote operation device 112 is provided with a display device 113 as a touch panel type operation screen that can be operated by touching the screen on the surface of the housing, and a communication device 111, a CPU, a storage device, a battery, and the like are housed in the housing.

  Next, a procedure for setting the route R by the remote operation device 112 serving as a route generation device will be described. FIG. 3 shows an initial screen displayed on the display device of the remote control device. However, the route R can be set by the control unit 30 included in the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. The display device 113 of the remote operation device 112 is of a touch panel type, and an initial screen appears when the remote operation device 112 is activated by turning on the power. On the initial screen, as shown in FIG. 3, a tractor setting button 201, a field setting button 202, a route generation setting button 203, a data transfer button 204, a work start button 205, and an end button 206 are displayed.

  First, tractor setting will be described. When the tractor setting button 201 is touched, when a work is performed using the tractor by the remote operation device 112 in the past, that is, when there is a tractor set in the past, the tractor name (model) is displayed. When a tractor name to be used this time is touched and selected from a plurality of displayed tractor names, it is possible to proceed to the field setting described later or return to the initial screen. When newly setting a tractor, specify the tractor model. In this case, enter the model name directly. Alternatively, a plurality of tractor models are displayed in a list on the display device 113 so that a desired model can be selected.

  When the model of the tractor is set, a setting screen for the size, shape, and position of the work implement that is attached to the tractor appears. For example, the position of the work implement is selected from the front, between the front and rear wheels, the rear, and the offset. When the setting of the work implement is completed, a setting screen for the vehicle speed during work, the engine speed during work, the vehicle speed during turning, and the engine speed during turning appears. It is also possible for the vehicle speed during work to be different between the forward path and the return path. When the setting of the vehicle speed and the engine speed is completed, it is possible to proceed to the field setting described later or return to the initial screen.

  Next, the field setting will be described. FIG. 4 shows a state of outer periphery travel performed by a user riding on an autonomous traveling work vehicle at the time of field setting. FIG. 5 shows areas to be set in the agricultural field, such as a work area and a headland area. When the farm field setting button 202 is touched, the name of the farm field that has been set is displayed when the remote operation device 112 has previously performed a work using the tractor, that is, when there is a farm field that has been set in the past. When a field name to be worked on is selected by touching the displayed field names from a plurality of displayed field names, it is possible to proceed to route generation setting described later or return to the initial screen. It is also possible to edit or newly set the set field.

  If there is no registered field, a new field is set. When a new field setting is selected, the tractor (autonomous traveling work vehicle 1) is positioned at one of the four corners A in the field H, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the tractor is moved along the outer periphery of the field H to register the field shape. Next, the operator registers the angular positions A, B, C, D and inflection points from the registered farm field shapes, and identifies the farm field shape.

  When the farm field H is specified, the work start position S, the work start direction F, and the work end position G are set as shown in FIG. When there is an obstacle in the field H, the tractor is moved to the position of the obstacle, the “obstacle setting” button is touched, and the obstacle is set by traveling around the obstacle. In addition, it is possible to display a map image of the farm field on the display device 113, and when the specified farm field shape is superimposed on the map image, the periphery of the obstacle is designated on the display device 113. Thus, it may be possible to set an obstacle. When the above operation is completed or when a previously registered field is selected, a confirmation screen is displayed, and an OK (confirmation) button and an “edit / add” button are displayed. When there is a change in the field registered in the past, the “Edit / Add” button is touched.

  When the OK button is touched in the field setting, the route generation setting is made. The route generation setting can also be performed by touching the route generation setting button 203 on the initial screen. In the route generation setting, a selection screen on which position the traveling work vehicle 100 travels with respect to the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is displayed. That is, the positional relationship between the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100 is set. Specifically, (1) the traveling work vehicle 100 is located at the left rear of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. (2) The traveling work vehicle 100 is located on the right rear side of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. (3) The traveling work vehicle 100 is located directly behind the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. (4) The traveling work vehicle 100 is not accompanied (the work is performed only by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1). Are displayed and can be selected by touching.

  Next, the width of the work machine of the traveling work vehicle 100 is set. In other words, the width of the work implement is input with numbers. Next, the number of skips is set. That is, it sets how many routes are to be skipped when the autonomous mobile work vehicle 1 reaches the outer peripheral edge (headland) of the field and moves from the first route to the second route. Specifically, (1) Do not skip. (2) One column skip. (3) Skip two columns. Select one of the following. Next, overlap is set. That is, the overlapping amount of the work width in the work route adjacent to the work route is set. Specifically, (1) There is no overlap. (2) overlap. Select. If “overlap” is selected, a numerical value input screen is displayed, and it is not possible to proceed to the next unless a numerical value is input.

  Next, the outer periphery setting is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, an area outside the work area HA in which work is performed by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100 or by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 is set. In other words, the headland HB that turns in a non-working state at the end of the field and the side margin HC that is a non-working area that is in contact with the outer periphery of the left and right fields between the headland HB and the headland HB are set. . Therefore, farm field H = work area HA + headland HB + headland HB + side margin HC + side margin HC. Usually, the width Wb of the headland HB and the width Wc of the side margin HC are not more than twice the width of the working machine attached to the traveling working vehicle 100, and the autonomous traveling working vehicle 1 and the traveling working vehicle 100 are After the accompanying work is completed, the operator gets into the traveling work vehicle 100 and finishes by making two rounds of the outer periphery by manual operation. However, if the shape of the outer periphery of the field is not complicated, it is possible to work on the outer periphery with the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. In the outer periphery setting, the width Wb of the headland HB and the width Wc of the side margin HC are automatically calculated to a predetermined width according to the width of the work implement, but the calculated width of the headland HB Wb and the width Wc of the side margin HC can be changed to arbitrary widths, and the user can change the width Wb and the width Wc after the change to the desired width, respectively, and the width and side of the headland HB. It can be set as the width of the part margin HC. However, when the width can be changed to an arbitrary width, it cannot be set to be equal to or smaller than the minimum setting width calculated in consideration of traveling, work and safety in the field. For example, when the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 travels or turns in the headland HB or the side margin HC, the width that guarantees that the work implement does not jump out of the field is calculated as the minimum set width.

  When the input of the above various settings is completed, a confirmation screen appears. When touching confirmation, a route R is automatically generated. The route R includes a work route Ra and a travel route Rb, and the work route Ra is a route generated in the work area HA and travels while performing work, and is a straight route. However, when the work area HA is not rectangular, the work area HA may protrude beyond the work area HA (headland HB and side margin HC). The travel route Rb is a route generated in an area outside the work area HA and travels without performing work, and is a path that combines a straight line and a curve. Mainly, it turns on the headland HB.

  As the route R, a route R between the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100 is generated. When it is desired to view the work route after the work route is generated, a simulation image is displayed by touching the route generation setting button 203 and can be confirmed. Note that the route R is generated without touching the route generation setting button 203. When each item of the route generation setting is set, the route generation setting is displayed, and a “route setting button”, “transfer data”, and “return to home” are selectably displayed below the route generation setting.

  When transferring information related to the route (route R) generated by the route generation setting, the information can be transferred by touching the data transfer button 204 provided on the initial screen. Since this transfer is performed by the remote operation device 112, it is necessary to transfer the set information to the control device of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. This transfer includes (1) a method of transferring using a terminal and (2) a method of transferring wirelessly. In this embodiment, when a terminal is used, it is autonomously connected to the remote control device 112 using a USB cable. The control device of the traveling work vehicle 1 is directly connected, or once stored in a USB memory, transferred to the USB terminal of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 for transfer. In addition, when transferring wirelessly, transfer is performed using WiFi (wireless LAN).

  In the field setting, the case where the obstacle 400 such as a soft ground or a rock in which the traveling of the vehicle body is prohibited exists in the field H will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 6, when the obstacle 400 exists in the field H, when setting the farm field, the operator rides on the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and moves to a position near the obstacle 400, and selects the obstacle setting. And travels around the obstacle 400. At this time, four points (points) 401, 402, 403, and 404 that are the vertices of the quadrangle are designated and the third area (hereinafter referred to as an entry prohibition area K) is registered. The quadrangular sides forming the outer periphery of the entry prohibition region K are substantially parallel to the outer peripheral sides of the field H. However, registration using only the map displayed on the remote control device 112 is also possible. For example, it may be impossible to confirm the appearance, but you want to prohibit entry. If you actually drive around in soft ground, you may not be able to escape due to the depth, or a large stone is buried. It is a place, and such an obstacle can be easily registered as the entry prohibition area K without traveling.

  When the obstacle 400 has a circular shape or a sharp shape, if it is registered as a quadrangle, a blank portion (a portion where work is possible but entry is prohibited) may become large. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 7, the entry prohibition region K can be formed into a polygon by increasing the number of points to be specified (401 to 405). However, the number of points is not limited. Further, the position of the designated point can be moved or changed on the display 113. In other words, vertices are usually set automatically, so there are actually cases where you want to make it a little wider or narrower, want to tilt, want to shift the position, or set it to a polygon, etc. Changes are possible. In the case of a polygon, at least one specific side is set so as to be substantially parallel to the side of the first region in the field H so that the unworked land when the route is generated is as small as possible.

  Then, when the quadrilateral (or polygonal) entry prohibition area K in which the obstacle 400 is accommodated is set, next, the obstruction headland JB that becomes the fourth area outside the predetermined length (width) of the entry prohibition area K The obstacle side margin JC is set, and the obstacle area J is set in the work area HA. In other words, the obstacle area J includes an entry prohibited area K where travel is prohibited, an obstacle headland JB and an obstacle side portion which are the fourth area in which the work route Ra is not generated but the travel route Rb can be generated. This is an area to which a margin JC is added. The width of the fourth area of the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC is set to a length equal to or less than twice the width of the work implement so that the work can be completed by making two turns.

  Further, a fifth region (entrance region) in which no route is set between the second region (headland HB and side margin HC) and the fourth region (obstacle headland JB and obstacle side margin JC). HD) is set. That is, after the work in the work area HA is performed by the cooperative work of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the accompanying traveling work vehicle 100, the worker manually performs the work on the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC. Therefore, it is necessary to enter the obstacle headland JB or the obstacle side margin JC from the headland HB or the side margin HC. For this reason, the 5th area used as an approach path is set up so that it may connect between the 2nd field and the 4th field, and after completion of cooperation work, the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side part margin are not destroyed without ruining the existing work place. I can enter JC and work. Therefore, the width of the fifth region is set to be not less than the width of the work implement (or the vehicle body) and not more than twice the width of the work implement. When the width of the fifth area is equal to the width of the work implement, it is not necessary to work in the fifth area when entering the fourth area, but by working in the fifth area when leaving the fourth area, Uncultivated land can be eliminated. On the other hand, when the width of the fifth area is larger than the width of the work implement, uncultivated land can be eliminated by performing the work when entering the fourth area and when leaving the fourth area. By making the width of the fifth area equal to twice the width of the work implement, it is possible to prevent duplication of work even if work is performed in the fifth area when entering or leaving the fourth area. be able to.

  The entry area HD (fifth area) is provided at a position where the distance between the second area and the fourth area is shortest so that the work area when entering and exiting the fourth area is as small as possible. However, in the case where the distance between the side margin HC and the obstacle side margin JC is the shortest, if the entry area HD is provided so as to connect between them, the entry area HD is a longitudinal path in the work area HA. In some cases, the work efficiency is reduced. Therefore, if the entry area HD that is parallel to the route R is set in the area where the distance between the headland HB and the obstacle headland JB is short, the work efficiency will be reduced and the finish will be clean. Can do. In addition, since the work in the fourth area is performed after the work in the first area (work area HA) is completed, the traveling area can be shortened by setting the entry area HD closer to the work end position G, and the work efficiency is improved. it can.

  As described above, the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 that enables autonomous traveling and work using the satellite positioning system along the route R set in advance by the control unit 130, and the autonomous traveling working vehicle 1 in cooperation with each other. In a work system in which work is performed by the traveling work vehicle 100 that is operated by an operator, the control unit 30 of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 serving as a route generation device or the remote control device 112 that can communicate with the control unit 30 is used. The control unit 130 can generate a route R that can autonomously travel and work in the field H. When the obstacle 400 exists in the field H at the time of field setting, the control unit 130 performs work in the field H (work area HA). A first region in which a work route Ra to be generated is generated; a second region set around the first region in which the work route Ra is not generated but a travel route Rb for traveling can be generated; and the field A third region that is prohibited from traveling and a fourth region that is set around the third region that does not generate the work route Ra but can generate the traveling route Rb for traveling can be set. Therefore, even when an obstacle 400 that is prohibited from traveling is present in the field H, the route is automatically set and the work can be efficiently performed.

  In addition, in the first area (working area HA), the control unit 130 includes the fourth area (obstacle headland JB and obstacle side margin JC) and the second area (headland HB and side margin). HC) and the fifth area (entrance area HD) in which the work route Ra is not generated can be set, so that the work area HA can be operated in a coordinated work by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100. After the work has been completed, the work can be performed by entering the fourth area without damaging the existing work area, and the work can be withdrawn while working on the fifth area after the work is completed, so that the fourth area can be finished efficiently and cleanly.

  Further, since the control unit 130 provides the fifth area in parallel with the work path Ra generated in the first area (work area HA), the control section 130 worked out the fifth area and then exited. The subsequent finish is almost the same as the finish on the other work path Ra, and the overall finish can be made clean.

  As described above, when the obstacle region J is set and the work is performed along the route R, the work route Ra in the longitudinal direction where the obstacle region J exists is divided when viewed from the entire field H. The work area HA divided in the longitudinal direction includes the method of performing the other area after the work of one area is completed by the cooperative work of the autonomous running work vehicle 1 and the running work vehicle 100, and the autonomous running work vehicle 1 and the running work. There is a method in which the vehicle 100 works in different areas. Which one to select depends on the topography and the position of the obstacle region J, and the more efficient one is automatically selected. However, it can be arbitrarily selected manually (by an operator).

  More specifically, in FIG. 6, when the obstacle area J exists in the work area HA, the area located on the side of the obstacle area J in the work area HA and adjacent to the side margin HC is on the left side. A part work area HAL and a right part work area HAR are used, and areas adjacent to the headland HB other than the remaining obstacle area J are designated as a front work area HAF and a rear work area HAB, and autonomously run from the left work area HAL side. It is assumed that the work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100 perform cooperative work.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the left side work area HAL includes an even number of paths R, the work area HA divided in the longitudinal direction of the path R includes two autonomous traveling work vehicles 1 and 100. Work one area at a time. That is, when the work in the left side work area HAL is completed, the work in one front division area HD (the rear division work area HAB when the left side work area HAL is, for example, four) is performed, and then the right side work area HAR Next, the work of the other post-partitioning work area HAB is carried out and the process is ended.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the left side work area HAL includes an odd number of paths R, the work areas HA divided in the longitudinal direction of the path are two autonomous work vehicles 1 and 100. Each work in a separate area. That is, when the work in the left side work area HAL is completed, the traveling work vehicle 100 performs the work in one front division area HD (the rear division work area HAB when the left side work area HAL is, for example, three), and the post division work is performed. The area HAB is performed by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1. Next, the right side work area HAR is operated by the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 and the traveling work vehicle 100. In addition, when providing the approach area | region HD, according to the number of articles | stripes, the article | strip | line is emptied or it is made to run idle without working.

  As described above, the control unit 130 can generate the work route Ra in the remaining area except the third area, the fourth area, and the fifth area in the first area. Work efficiency can be improved by working the areas HA in order.

  Further, when the fourth area (obstacle headland JB or obstacle side margin JC) and the second area (headland HB or side margin HC) overlap, both areas are integrated. Set to For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the headland HB and the obstacle headland JB overlap, the headland HB and the obstacle headland JB are integrated. In this state, the control unit 130 can set the route R by regarding the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC as the headland HB, and the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin. Since it is not necessary to distinguish JC, the creation of the program can be simplified.

  As described above, the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 that enables autonomous traveling and work using the satellite positioning system and the work vehicle 100 that is operated by an operator in cooperation with the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 perform work. In the work system that performs the operation, the control unit 30 of the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 serving as a route generation device capable of generating a route that can autonomously travel and work in the field H, or the remote control device 112 that can communicate with the control unit 30. The control unit 130 includes a first region in which a work route Ra for performing work on the field H is generated, and a periphery of the first region in which the work route Ra is not generated but the travel route Rb for traveling can be generated. The second region set in the area, the third region within the field H, where travel is prohibited, and the periphery of the third region where the work route Ra is not generated but the travel route Rb for traveling can be generated Set in The fourth area (headland HB or side margin HC) overlaps with the fourth area (obstacle headland JB or obstacle side margin JC). In this case, since the fourth area can be included (integrated) in the second area, it is not necessary to consider the work processing of the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC, and the path generation is easy. Thus, the post-processing of the headland HB, the side margin HC, and the obstacle region J can be easily performed.

  Further, the second region (headland HB and side margin HC) and the fourth region (obstacle headland JB or obstacle side margin JC) face each other across a sixth region HE having a width less than a predetermined width. In this case, the fourth area and the sixth area HE can be included and set in the second area. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the obstacle headland JB is separated from the headland HB by a width Wj and the width Wj is less than a predetermined width T1, the obstacle headland JB and the headland HB The sixth area HE generated in the work area HA is integrated into the headland HB, and the work route Ra is not set and the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 or the traveling work vehicle 100 is set not to perform the work. . The width of the sixth region HE between the fourth region and the second region is, for example, such a distance that the work length by the work implement is about the entire length of the tractor, and the work efficiency is reduced when the turn is repeated frequently. It is.

  As described above, when the second region and the fourth region face each other across the sixth region HE having a width less than the predetermined width, the fourth region and the sixth region HE can be included and set in the second region. Therefore, it is not necessary to work by turning the sixth region HE, which is narrow between the second region and the fourth region, with the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 or the traveling work vehicle 100, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the area where the fourth area is integrated with the second area does not need to be considered as separate work as the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC, and the headland HB and the side margin HC The obstacle area J can be processed at a time.

  In the case where there are a plurality of third regions and fourth regions including the obstacle 400 in the field H, the seventh region is the seventh region when the fourth regions face each other across the seventh region HF having a width less than the predetermined width. The region HF can be set so as to be included in any one of the fourth regions. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the obstacle 400 and the obstacle 401 are separated from each other in the field H, and the fourth area (obstacle headland JB or obstacle side margin JC) and the fourth area (obstacle When the width Wk between the object headland JB or the obstacle side margin JC) is less than the predetermined distance T2, the seventh area HF is set so as to be included in any one of the fourth areas and integrated. . In addition, when width Wk is less than predetermined width T2, the case where the 4th area | region and the 4th area | region are separated includes the case where the part overlaps. In this way, by integrating the fourth areas, the obstacle headland JB and the obstacle side margin JC are integrated, and the route generation and the processing after the work area HA is simplified. Further, when there are a plurality of obstacles 400 in the field H and one or a plurality of fourth areas are shorter than the predetermined width T1 with respect to the second area, they are integrated in the same manner as described above. As shown in FIG. 12, in the case where a recessed area is formed between the fourth area and the second area of the obstacle 401, it can be integrated so as to eliminate the recessed section when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As the predetermined conditions, for example, the area of the recess is less than a threshold, the lateral width of the recess is less than a threshold (for example, the width of the tractor), and the longitudinal length of the recess is less than the threshold (for example, the total length of the tractor). In this case, the route generation and the processing after the work in the work area HA are simplified.

  As described above, when there are a plurality of third regions and fourth regions in the field H, the control unit 130 faces the fourth regions across the seventh region HF having a width less than a predetermined width. In addition, since the seventh region HF can be set to be included in any one of the fourth regions, route generation can be simplified.

  Next, the length when the autonomous traveling work vehicle 1 or the traveling work vehicle 100 turns on the headland will be described. The headland HB is a turning area for the tractor to move to the next work path Ra (strip) without performing work at the outer peripheral edge of the field, and has a predetermined headland width Wb. When the field H is rectangular, the headland width Wb is set with respect to the distance L1 from the turning center O of the machine body to the rear end of the work machine and the minimum turning radius (the tractor at the machine body center O) as shown in FIG. The set turning radius L2, the length L3 which is the larger of the working machine width or the machine body width, and the safety margin width Lsm are added. That is, the headland width Wb = L1 + L2 + L3 + Lsm.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, when the shape of the farm field H is a quadrangular shape and the headland HB is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the traveling direction, from the turning center O of the machine body to the rear end of the work machine. Since the distance L1 and the minimum turning radius L2 at the machine body center O are in the inclination direction, the distance L1 ′ from the machine turning center O to the rear end of the work machine in the inclined headland HB is L1cos (θ−90) = L1sinθ. Thus, the minimum turning radius L2 ′ at the center O of the inclined headland HB is L2−L2cos θ. L3 and L4 have the same length as described above. That is, the headland width Wb ′ = L1 ′ + L2 ′ + L3 + Lsm = L1sinθ + (L2−L2cosθ) + L3 + Lsm.

  Further, when it is desired to reduce the width Wc of the side margin HC as much as possible to increase the work area HA, a double turn turn shown in FIG. 15 is employed. The side margin space Wc in this two-turn turn is determined by dividing the distance L1 from the turning center O of the machine body to the rear end of the work machine on the start side, and the 3/2 working width W2 from the minimum turning radius L2 at the machine center O. The length obtained by adding the reduced length and the safety margin width Lsm. That is, Wc = L1 + L2−3 / 2W2 + Lsm. On the end side, the length obtained by adding the distance L1 from the turning center O of the airframe to the rear end of the work equipment and the minimum turning radius L2 at the airframe center O, and the length obtained by subtracting the 3/2 work width W2, and from the airframe center O This is a length obtained by adding a length L5 to the front end of the machine body and a safety margin Lsm. That is, the side margin width Wc = L1 + L2−3 / 2W2 + L5 + Lsm.

  Since the lengths of L1, L2, L3, and L5 are acquired in advance in the tractor setting, they are automatically calculated by inputting the safety margin width Lsm in the outer periphery setting in the route generation. When the operator manually sets the headland width Wb and the side margin width Wc, the input value is compared with the automatically calculated value, and the longer one is adopted so that it can be safely turned.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Autonomous traveling work vehicle 30 Control part 110 * 111 Communication apparatus 112 Remote operation apparatus 130 Control part H Field R path Ra Work path Rb Travel path HA Work area

Claims (3)

A route generation device including a control unit capable of generating a route that can autonomously travel and work in a field,
The controller is
A first region in which a work route for performing work in the field is generated;
A second area that is set around the first area that does not generate a work path but can generate a travel path for traveling;
A third area within the field and forbidden to travel;
A work route is not generated, but a travel route for traveling can be set, and a fourth region set around the third region can be set, and
When the second area and the fourth area overlap, the route generation apparatus is characterized in that the fourth area is included in the second area and a travel route can be generated in the second area . A route generation device including a control unit capable of generating a route that can autonomously travel and work in a field,
The controller is
A first region in which a work route for performing work in the field is generated;
A second area that is set around the first area that does not generate a work path but can generate a travel path for traveling;
A third area within the field and forbidden to travel;
A work route is not generated, but a travel route for traveling can be set, and a fourth region set around the third region can be set, and
When the second area and the fourth area are opposed to each other with a sixth area having a width less than the predetermined width, the fourth area and the sixth area are included in the second area, and a travel route is generated in the second area. A route generation device characterized by being enabled. The controller is
In the case where there are a plurality of third regions and fourth regions in the field, when the fourth regions are opposed to each other with a seventh region having a width less than a predetermined width, the seventh region is any one of the fourth regions. The route generation device according to claim 1, wherein the route generation device can be set.

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