JP2021083402A - Automatic travelling system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an automatic travelling system that allows an interval of row direction routes and an interval of lateral direction routes to become appropriate intervals easily.SOLUTION: An automatic travelling system for managing automatic travelling of a combine 1 having a reaping part for reaping planted grain culms in a farm field includes a route calculation part for calculating a target travel route LN for automatic travelling of the combine 1. The route calculation part is configured so as to calculate a plurality of row direction routes LA aligned in parallel, and a plurality of lateral direction routes LB aligned in parallel. Each of the row direction routes LA is a target travel route LN in a row direction, and each of the lateral direction routes LB is a target travel route LN in a direction intersecting with the row direction. A method for calculating the plurality of row direction routes LA by the route calculation part and a method for calculating the plurality of lateral direction routes LB by the route calculation part are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic traveling system that manages the automatic traveling of a combine having a cutting section for cutting planted grain culms in a field.

Patent Document 1 describes an invention of a combine capable of automatic traveling. In the harvesting work using this combine, the operator manually operates the combine at the beginning of the harvesting work, and performs a cutting run so as to go around the outer peripheral portion in the field.

In traveling on this outer peripheral portion, the direction in which the combine should travel is recorded. Then, by automatic running based on the recorded orientation, cutting running is performed in the uncut area in the field.

Jikkenhei 2-107911

Patent Document 1 does not describe in detail the calculation of the target traveling route for automatic traveling. Here, in the combine described in Patent Document 1, a grid-like target traveling path extending vertically and horizontally in a plan view is calculated, and the distance between the target traveling paths extending in the vertical direction and the target traveling paths extending in the horizontal direction are calculated. It is conceivable that the intervals between the two are the same.

In this configuration, it is conceivable to calculate the target traveling route so that the target traveling route extending in the vertical direction follows the strip direction. As a result, the target traveling route extending in the vertical direction can be used as the strip direction route. Further, the target traveling route extending in the lateral direction can be used as the lateral route.

The strip direction route is a target travel route in the strip direction. The lateral route is a target traveling route in a direction intersecting the strip direction.

However, in general, inter-row and inter-stock are different from each other. Therefore, the appropriate spacing between the strip-direction paths and the appropriate spacing between the lateral paths are different from each other.

Therefore, in the configuration in which the target traveling route is calculated as described above, it is assumed that the distance between the strip-direction routes or the distance between the lateral-direction routes is not appropriate.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic traveling system in which the distance between strip-direction routes and the distance between lateral routes are likely to be appropriate.

The feature of the present invention is an automatic traveling system that manages the automatic traveling of a combine having a cutting unit that cuts the planted grain in the field, and a route calculation unit that calculates a target traveling route for the automatic traveling of the combine. The route calculation unit is configured to calculate a plurality of parallel routes and a plurality of lateral routes arranged in parallel, and each of the route is a target in the row direction. It is a traveling route, and each of the lateral routes is the target traveling route in a direction intersecting the strip direction, and a method in which the route calculation unit calculates the plurality of strip direction routes and a plurality of the route calculation units. The method of calculating the lateral path of is different from each other.

According to the present invention, the distance between the row paths and the distance between the lateral paths can be determined independently of each other. Therefore, the spacing between the strip-direction paths and the spacing between the lateral paths tend to be appropriate.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an automatic traveling system in which the distance between the strip-direction routes and the distance between the lateral directions are likely to be appropriate.

Further, in the present invention, the route calculation unit is configured to calculate the plurality of strip direction routes so that the plurality of strip direction routes are arranged in parallel at a predetermined first interval, and the route calculation is performed. The unit is configured to calculate the plurality of lateral paths so that the plurality of lateral paths are arranged in parallel at a predetermined second interval, and the route calculation unit calculates the first interval. It is preferable to determine based on the number of cutting lines of the combine, and to determine the second interval based on the cutting width of the combine.

The greater the number of harvested rows of the combine, the wider the appropriate spacing between the strip-direction paths. Further, the wider the cutting width of the combine, the wider the appropriate distance between the lateral paths.

Here, according to the above configuration, the distance between the row paths is determined based on the number of harvested rows of the combine. In addition, the distance between the lateral paths is determined based on the cutting width of the combine. As a result, the distance between the strip-direction paths and the distance between the lateral directions can be easily determined to be an appropriate width.

Further, in the present invention, along the passage region of the harvester when the combine travels along one of the adjacent routes which are two lateral routes adjacent to each other, and along the other of the adjacent routes. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a width setting portion capable of setting an overlapping width with the passing region of the cutting portion when the combine travels.

The overlap width between the passage area of the harvester when the combine travels along one of the adjacent routes and the passage area of the harvester when the combine travels along the other of the adjacent routes is relatively large. When the automatic traveling is performed in a narrow state, it is assumed that a place where these two passing regions do not overlap partially occurs due to a control error of the automatic traveling. In this case, uncut parts will be left.

Further, when automatic driving is performed in a state where the overlapping width of these two passing regions is relatively wide, it is unlikely that a portion where these two passing regions do not overlap will occur. However, in this case, it tends to take a relatively large amount of time to complete the cutting work of the entire field.

Here, according to the above configuration, it is possible to set the overlapping width of these two passing regions according to the actual cutting work situation such as the susceptibility to control error and the state of the field. That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to set an appropriate overlap width according to the situation.

Further, in the present invention, the width setting unit is artificially operable, and includes a notification unit for notifying the influence of the overlap width on the automatic traveling of the combine when the overlap width is smaller than a predetermined width. Suitable.

According to this configuration, the operator can set the overlap width according to his / her preference. Moreover, according to this configuration, when the overlapping width is smaller than a predetermined width, the influence of the overlapping width on the automatic traveling of the combine is notified. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the operator sets the overlap width without knowing how the overlap width is set to a relatively small width, which affects the automatic driving.

It is a left side view of the combine. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a passage reference position and a line direction path. It is a figure which shows the swirl running along the cutting running path. It is a figure which shows the reciprocating running along the mowing running path. It is a block diagram which shows the structure about the control part. It is a figure which shows the middle division running. It is a figure which shows the state before the position of the streak direction path in a north region is calculated again by a shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the state after the position of the streak direction path in a north region is calculated again by a shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the state before the position of the streak direction path in the south side region is calculated again by a shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the state after the position of the streak direction path in the south side region is calculated again by the shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the state before the position of the line direction path in a work area is calculated again by a shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the state after the position of the line direction path in a work area is calculated again by a shift calculation part. It is a figure which shows the mowing travel route calculated by the route calculation part. It is a figure which shows the display screen on the touch panel. It is a figure which shows the display screen on the touch panel. It is a figure which shows the swirl running along the cutting running path. It is a figure which shows the example of the case where the traveling of a combine shifts to the reciprocating traveling at the time when the cutting traveling along the first path in the spiral traveling is completed. It is a figure which shows the example of the case where the traveling of a combine shifts to the reciprocating traveling at the time when the cutting traveling along the third path in the spiral traveling is completed. It is a figure which shows the overlap area. It is a figure which shows the overlap width setting screen.

A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the front-back direction is described as follows. That is, the traveling direction on the forward side is "forward" and the traveling direction on the reverse side is "rear" during the work travel of the aircraft. Then, the direction corresponding to the right side is "right" and the direction corresponding to the left side is "left" with respect to the forward posture in the front-rear direction.

Further, in the description with respect to FIG. 1, the direction of the arrow F is referred to as “front” and the direction of the arrow B is referred to as “rear”.

Further, the direction of the arrow N shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 13 to 13 and 16 to 18 is "north", the direction of the arrow S is "south", the direction of the arrow E is "east", and the arrow is an arrow. The direction of W is "west".

[Overall composition of combine harvester]
As shown in FIG. 1, the self-removing combine 1 includes a plurality of dividers 5, a crawler-type traveling device 11, a driving unit 12, a threshing device 13, a grain tank 14, a cutting section H, a straw discharging device 17, and grains. It is equipped with a grain ejection device 18 and a satellite positioning module 80.

The traveling device 11 is provided at the lower part of the combine 1. Further, the traveling device 11 is driven by power from an engine (not shown). Then, the combine 1 can self-propell by the traveling device 11.

Further, the operation unit 12, the threshing device 13, and the grain tank 14 are provided on the upper side of the traveling device 11. An operator who monitors the work of the combine 1 can be boarded on the driver unit 12. The operator may monitor the work of the combine 1 from outside the combine 1.

The grain discharge device 18 is connected to the grain tank 14. Further, the satellite positioning module 80 is attached to the upper surface of the operation unit 12.

A plurality of dividers 5 are provided at the front end portion of the combine 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the combine 1 includes a first divider 51, a second divider 52, a third divider 53, a fourth divider 54, a fifth divider 55, a sixth divider 56, and a seventh divider 57. The first divider 51, the second divider 52, the third divider 53, the fourth divider 54, the fifth divider 55, the sixth divider 56, and the seventh divider 57 are all dividers 5.

These dividers 5 are arranged in the order of the first divider 51, the second divider 52, the third divider 53, the fourth divider 54, the fifth divider 55, the sixth divider 56, and the seventh divider 57 from the left side of the aircraft.

Then, these dividers 5 comb the planted culms in the field.

That is, the combine 1 has a plurality of dividers 5 for combing the planted culms in the field.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting portion H is provided in the front portion of the combine 1. The cutting unit H has a hair clipper type cutting device 15 and a transport device 16.

The cutting device 15 cuts the roots of the planted culms that have been combed by the plurality of dividers 5. Then, the transport device 16 transports the grain culm cut by the cutting device 15 to the rear side.

With this configuration, the cutting section H cuts the planted culms in the field. The combine 1 can be cut by the traveling device 11 while cutting the planted culms in the field by the cutting unit H.

That is, the combine 1 has a cutting section H for cutting the planted culm in the field.

The grain culm transported by the transport device 16 is threshed by the threshing device 13. The grains obtained by the threshing treatment are stored in the grain tank 14. The grains stored in the grain tank 14 are discharged to the outside of the machine by the grain discharging device 18 as needed.

Further, the straw discharge device 17 is provided at the rear end portion of the combine 1. Then, the straw discharging device 17 discharges the straw from which the grains have been separated by the threshing process to the rear of the machine body.

In the present embodiment, the straw discharging device 17 can discharge the straw after shredding it with a cutter (not shown). In addition, the straw discharging device 17 can discharge the straw without shredding it.

Further, a communication terminal 4 (see FIG. 5) is arranged in the driving unit 12. The communication terminal 4 is configured to be able to display various information. In the present embodiment, the communication terminal 4 is fixed to the driving unit 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication terminal 4 may be configured to be detachable from the driving unit 12, and the communication terminal 4 may be located outside the combine 1. ..

Here, the combine 1 makes a round trip while harvesting grains in the outer peripheral region of the field as shown in FIG. 2, and then performs a cutting run in the inner region of the field as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By doing so, it is configured to harvest the grain in the field.

In the present embodiment, the lap running shown in FIG. 2 is performed by manual running. Further, the cutting run in the inner region shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is performed by automatic running.

The operator can change the rotation speed of the engine by operating the communication terminal 4.

The appropriate working speed depends on the condition of the crop. If the operator operates the communication terminal 4 and sets the rotation speed of the engine to an appropriate rotation speed, the work can be performed at a work speed suitable for the state of the crop.

In the field harvesting operation, the combine 1 is controlled by the automatic traveling system A (see FIG. 5). That is, the automatic traveling system A manages the automatic traveling of the combine 1. Hereinafter, the configuration of the automatic traveling system A will be described.

[Configuration of autonomous driving system]
As shown in FIG. 5, the automatic traveling system A includes a control unit 20 and a satellite positioning module 80. The control unit 20 is provided in the combine 1. Further, as described above, the satellite positioning module 80 is also provided in the combine 1.

The control unit 20 includes a vehicle position calculation unit 21, an area calculation unit 22, a route calculation unit 23, and a travel control unit 24.

The satellite positioning module 80 receives GPS signals from artificial satellites used in GPS (Global Positioning System). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the satellite positioning module 80 sends positioning data indicating the own vehicle position of the combine 1 to the own vehicle position calculation unit 21 based on the received GPS signal.

The own vehicle position calculation unit 21 calculates the position coordinates of the combine 1 over time based on the positioning data output by the satellite positioning module 80. The calculated position coordinates of the combine 1 over time are sent to the area calculation unit 22 and the travel control unit 24.

The area calculation unit 22 calculates the outer peripheral area SA and the work target area CA as shown in FIG. 3 based on the time-dependent position coordinates of the combine 1 received from the own vehicle position calculation unit 21.

More specifically, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the traveling locus of the combine 1 in the orbital traveling on the outer peripheral side of the field based on the time-dependent position coordinates of the combine 1 received from the own vehicle position calculation unit 21. .. Then, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the area on the outer peripheral side of the field where the combine 1 has traveled around while harvesting grains as the outer peripheral area SA, based on the calculated travel locus of the combine 1. Further, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the area inside the field from the calculated outer peripheral area SA as the work target area CA.

For example, in the upper part of FIG. 2, the traveling path of the combine 1 for orbiting traveling on the outer peripheral side of the field is indicated by an arrow. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the combine 1 makes three laps. Then, when the cutting run along this running path is completed, the field is in the state shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the region calculation unit 22 calculates the region on the outer peripheral side of the field in which the combine 1 circulates while harvesting grains as the outer peripheral region SA. Further, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the area inside the field from the calculated outer peripheral area SA as the work target area CA.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the calculation result by the area calculation unit 22 is sent to the route calculation unit 23.

Based on the calculation result received from the area calculation unit 22, the route calculation unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3, has a mowing travel path LN (“Mowing travel path LN” according to the present invention, which is a travel route for mowing travel in the work target area CA. Equivalent to "target driving route") is calculated. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the cutting travel path LN is a plurality of mesh lines extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the plurality of mesh lines do not have to be straight lines, and may be curved.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mowing travel path LN calculated by the route calculation unit 23 is sent to the travel control unit 24.

The travel control unit 24 is configured to be able to control the travel device 11. Then, the travel control unit 24 controls the automatic travel of the combine 1 based on the position coordinates of the combine 1 received from the own vehicle position calculation unit 21 and the cutting travel route LN received from the route calculation unit 23. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the traveling control unit 24 controls the traveling of the combine 1 so that the harvesting traveling is performed by the automatic traveling along the cutting traveling path LN.

That is, the combine 1 can automatically travel. Further, the route calculation unit 23 calculates the cutting travel route LN for the automatic traveling of the combine 1.

[Flow of harvesting work by combine harvester]
In the following, as an example of the harvesting work by the combine 1, the flow when the combine 1 performs the harvesting work in the field shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

In the present embodiment, the combine 1 is configured to harvest grains in the field by a first harvesting run and a second harvesting run. The first harvesting run is a harvesting run performed by manual running in the outer peripheral region SA of the field. The second harvesting run is a harvesting run that is automatically performed after the first harvesting run in a region inside the field from the outer peripheral region SA.

First, the operator manually operates the combine 1 and performs a cutting run so as to orbit along the boundary line BD of the field in the outer peripheral portion in the field as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the combine 1 makes three laps. When this lap run is completed, the field is in the state shown in FIG.

The area calculation unit 22 calculates the traveling locus of the combine 1 in the orbital traveling shown in FIG. 2 based on the time-dependent position coordinates of the combine 1 received from the own vehicle position calculation unit 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the area calculation unit 22 sets the outer peripheral region SA of the region on the outer peripheral side of the field in which the combine 1 orbits while cutting the planted culms, based on the calculated traveling locus of the combine 1. Calculate as. Further, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the area inside the field from the calculated outer peripheral area SA as the work target area CA.

Next, the route calculation unit 23 calculates the mowing travel route LN in the work target area CA based on the calculation result received from the area calculation unit 22 as shown in FIG.

Then, when the operator presses the automatic running start button (not shown), automatic running along the cutting running path LN is started as shown in FIG. At this time, the traveling control unit 24 controls the traveling of the combine 1 so that the harvesting traveling is performed by the automatic traveling along the cutting traveling path LN.

When the automatic traveling in the work target area CA is started, as shown in FIG. 3, the combine 1 first cuts and travels along the outer shape of the work target area CA in the outer peripheral portion of the work target area CA. I do. At this time, the combine 1 repeats traveling along the cutting travel path LN and changing the direction by the α turn. As a result, the combine 1 spirally cuts the outer peripheral portion of the uncut area of the work target area CA.

In the following, this spiral cutting run will be referred to as "swirl running".

In FIG. 3, the direction change by the α turn is performed only three times, but the direction change by the α turn may be performed four times or more. That is, the spiral running may be performed over a longer mileage than the case shown in FIG. For example, the spiral running may be performed until the combine 1 makes two laps.

When the swirl run is completed, the combine 1 covers the entire uncut area of the work target area CA by repeating the mowing run performed while advancing along the mowing run path LN and the direction change by the U-turn. Perform a mowing run as you do.

In the following, the running of cutting while moving forward and the running of repeating the direction change by the U-turn will be referred to as "reciprocating running".

That is, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so as to shift to the reciprocating travel after the spiral travel.

In this way, the automatic traveling system A performs swirling traveling in which the outer peripheral portion in the uncut region is spirally mowed, and reciprocating traveling in which the mowing traveling while advancing and the reciprocating traveling in which the direction is changed by the U-turn are repeated. A traveling control unit 24 that controls the traveling of the combine 1 is provided.

Further, the automatic traveling system A includes a route calculation unit 23 for calculating a cutting travel route LN for swirl traveling and reciprocating traveling.

Further, the swirl running and the reciprocating running are included in the above-mentioned second harvesting run. That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a route calculation unit 23 that calculates a cutting traveling route LN for the second harvesting traveling.

As described above, the cut grain culms cut by the cutting device 15 are transported to the threshing device 13 by the transport device 16 while the harvesting run is performed by the combine 1. Then, in the threshing device 13, the harvested grain culm is threshed.

[Structure related to calculation of line direction route]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mowing travel path LN includes a plurality of strip-direction paths LA and a plurality of lateral-direction paths LB. Each row direction route LA is a cutting travel route LN in the row direction for the above-mentioned second harvesting run. Further, each lateral route LB is a cutting travel route LN in a direction intersecting the strip direction for the second harvesting travel.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of strip direction routes LA for automatic traveling along the strip direction. In addition, the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of lateral routes LB for automatic traveling in the directions intersecting the strip directions.

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a route calculation unit 23 that calculates a strip direction path LA for automatic traveling along the strip direction.

The lateral path LB may or may not be orthogonal to the strip-direction path LA.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 has a passage reference position calculation unit 25. Based on the received GPS signal, the satellite positioning module 80 sends positioning data indicating the position of the own vehicle of the combine 1 to the passage reference position calculation unit 25.

The passage reference position calculation unit 25 calculates the passage reference position based on the positioning data output by the satellite positioning module 80. The passage reference position is a position where a predetermined portion of the combine 1 has passed in the harvesting run in the row direction in the above-mentioned first harvesting run.

Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined portion is the first divider 51. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the passage reference position calculation unit 25 has passed the first divider 51 in the harvesting run in the strip direction in the above-mentioned first harvesting run based on the positioning data output by the satellite positioning module 80. Calculate the position.

The present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined portion may be the seventh divider 57.

That is, the predetermined portion is the divider 5 located at the left end or the right end of the plurality of dividers 5.

For example, in the lower part of FIG. 2, it is shown that the combine 1 is performing the harvesting run in the row direction in the first harvesting run. Here, the combine 1 travels in the northern part of the field in the last lap of the first harvesting operation. Further, in the field shown in FIG. 2, the row direction is the east-west direction.

A passing line P is shown at the bottom of FIG. The passing line P is the passing position of the first divider 51. That is, in this example, the position of the passing line P is the passing reference position calculated by the passing reference position calculation unit 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the passage reference position calculated by the passage reference position calculation unit 25 is sent to the route calculation unit 23.

The route calculation unit 23 calculates the row direction route LA based on the passage reference position calculated by the passage reference position calculation unit 25.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the route calculation unit 23 determines the position of the northernmost strip direction path LA in the work target area CA at a position separated from the passage reference position by the first distance DF. .. That is, among the plurality of strip-direction paths LA, the strip-direction path LA located on the northernmost side is located at a position separated by the first distance DF from the passing line P to the south side.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of strip-direction paths LA arranged in parallel so that the spacing between the strip-direction paths LA is a predetermined first interval D1. That is, the route calculation unit 23 is configured to calculate a plurality of strip direction paths LA so that the plurality of strip direction paths LA are arranged in parallel at a predetermined first interval D1.

In the following, the first distance DF and the first interval D1 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 has a model information storage unit 26 and an inter-row acquisition unit 27. Further, the route calculation unit 23 has a distance calculation unit 23a.

The model information storage unit 26 stores various information related to the specifications of the combine 1. Here, the information stored in the model information storage unit 26 includes the number of cutting lines of the combine 1. Then, the route calculation unit 23 acquires the number of cut lines of the combine 1 from the model information storage unit 26. In the present embodiment, the number of cutting rows of the combine 1 is six.

The inter-row information unit 27 acquires inter-row information from the management server 6 provided outside the combine 1. The inter-row information is information indicating the inter-row information in the field. The space between the rows in the fields shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is G1 as shown in the lower part of FIG. That is, in this field, a plurality of rows are lined up in the north-south direction with a G1 interval from each other.

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes an inter-row acquisition unit 27 that acquires inter-row information, which is information indicating the inter-row in the field.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-row information acquisition unit 27 sends the acquired inter-row information to the route calculation unit 23.

Then, the distance calculation unit 23a calculates an appropriate first distance DF based on the number of cut rows of the combine 1 acquired from the model information storage unit 26 and the inter-row information received from the inter-row acquisition unit 27. .. As a result, the route calculation unit 23 determines the first distance DF.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 determines the distance between the passage reference position and the row direction LA based on the number of cut rows of the combine 1. Further, the route calculation unit 23 determines the distance between the passage reference position and the strip direction route LA based on the strip information.

The distance calculation unit 23a calculates the first distance DF so that the first distance DF becomes longer as the number of cutting rows of the combine 1 increases. Further, the distance calculation unit 23a calculates the first distance DF so that the wider the inter-rows indicated by the inter-row information, the longer the first distance DF.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 has a first interval calculation unit 23b. The first interval calculation unit 23b calculates an appropriate first interval D1 based on the number of cut rows of the combine 1 acquired from the model information storage unit 26 and the inter-row information received from the inter-row acquisition unit 27. .. As a result, the route calculation unit 23 determines the first interval D1.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 determines the first interval D1 based on the number of cutting lines of the combine 1. Further, the route calculation unit 23 determines the first interval D1 based on the inter-row information.

The first interval calculation unit 23b calculates the first interval D1 so that the first interval D1 becomes wider as the number of cutting rows of the combine 1 increases. Further, the first interval calculation unit 23b calculates the first interval D1 so that the wider the interval indicated by the inter-row information, the wider the first interval D1.

[Structure related to calculation of lateral route]
As shown in FIG. 3, the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of lateral routes LB arranged in parallel so that the distance between the lateral routes LB is a predetermined second interval D2. That is, the route calculation unit 23 is configured to calculate a plurality of lateral paths LB so that the plurality of lateral paths LB are arranged in parallel at a predetermined second interval D2.

The second interval D2 will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 5, the route calculation unit 23 has a second interval calculation unit 23c.

Further, the information stored in the model information storage unit 26 includes the cutting width of the combine 1. Then, the route calculation unit 23 acquires the cutting width of the combine 1 from the model information storage unit 26. In the present embodiment, the cutting width of the combine 1 is the distance between the first divider 51 and the seventh divider 57 in the width direction of the machine body.

The second interval calculation unit 23c calculates an appropriate second interval D2 based on the cutting width of the combine 1 acquired from the model information storage unit 26. As a result, the route calculation unit 23 determines the second interval D2.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 determines the second interval D2 based on the cutting width of the combine 1.

The second interval calculation unit 23c calculates the second interval D2 so that the wider the cutting width of the combine 1, the wider the second interval D2.

Further, as described above, in the automatic traveling system A, a method in which the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of row direction routes LA and a method in which the route calculation unit 23 calculates a plurality of lateral direction routes LB. Are different from each other.

[Structure related to shift of the route in the direction of the strip]
As shown in FIG. 5, the route calculation unit 23 has a shift calculation unit 23d. Hereinafter, the function of the shift calculation unit 23d will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 has a row number calculation unit 28. The row number calculation unit 28 is configured to calculate the number of rows in the uncut area in the field.

The number of rows calculation unit 28 will be described in detail. While the combine 1 is performing mowing running by manual running or automatic running, the own vehicle position calculation unit 21 calculates the position coordinates of the combine 1 over time based on the positioning data output by the satellite positioning module 80. .. The calculated position coordinates of the combine 1 over time are sent to the number calculation unit 28.

In addition, the inter-row acquisition unit 27 sends the inter-row information acquired from the management server 6 to the number calculation unit 28.

Then, the row number calculation unit 28 calculates the range of the uncut area in the field over time based on the time-dependent position coordinates of the combine 1 received from the own vehicle position calculation unit 21. Further, the number-of-row calculation unit 28 calculates the number of rows of the uncut area over time based on the calculated range of the uncut area and the inter-row information received from the inter-row acquisition unit 27.

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a row number calculation unit 28 for calculating the number of rows in the uncut area.

The calculation result by the number calculation unit 28 is sent to the shift calculation unit 23d. Then, the shift calculation unit 23d calculates the row direction path LA based on the calculation result received from the row number calculation unit 28 and the number of cut rows of the combine 1 acquired from the model information storage unit 26.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 calculates the row direction route LA based on the calculation result of the row number calculation unit 28 and the number of cut rows of the combine 1.

At this time, the shift calculation unit 23d calculates the strip direction path LA so that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA.

The predetermined condition is that "the predetermined number of dividers 5 from the left end of the plurality of dividers 5 are located on the right side of the strips located at the left end of the uncut area, and among the plurality of dividers 5. The predetermined number of dividers 5 from the right end are located on the left side of the strip located at the right end in the uncut area. "

Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number is three. That is, in the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is that "the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the strip located at the left end in the uncut area, and the fifth divider 55 is located at the right end in the uncut area. It should be located on the left side of the article. "

More specifically, after the plurality of strip direction paths LA arranged in parallel at the first interval D1 are calculated as described above, the shift calculation unit 23d determines when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA. It is determined whether or not the predetermined condition is always satisfied. This determination is made based on the calculation result of the number of rows calculation unit 28 and the number of harvested rows of the combine 1. Further, this determination is performed immediately after the calculation of the plurality of strip direction paths LA arranged in parallel at the first interval D1 and when the combine 1 is traveling along the strip direction path LA.

Then, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is not always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA, the shift calculation unit 23d may perform one or a plurality of strips of the plurality of strip direction paths LA. The position of the directional path LA is calculated again. At this time, the shift calculation unit 23d recalculates the position of the strip direction path LA so that the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA. As a result, the positions of one or more strip-direction paths LA among the plurality of strip-direction paths LA are shifted.

As described above, the route calculation unit 23 is configured to calculate the strip direction LA so that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction LA.

In the following, as an example in which the position of the row direction path LA is calculated again by the shift calculation unit 23d, the flow when the combine 1 performs the harvesting work in the field shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

In the field shown in FIG. 6, the row direction is the east-west direction. Further, in this example, the combine 1 has completed the spiral traveling in the work target area CA and is about to shift to the reciprocating traveling. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the combine 1 passes from the west to the east while cutting the middle portion in the north-south direction in the uncut area. This mowing run is a so-called middle split run. As a result, the uncut area is divided into two uncut areas, a north side area CA1 and a south side area CA2.

Then, at this time, as shown in FIG. 7, as the strip direction LA corresponding to the northern region CA1, there are three strip direction paths LA1, the Article 2 direction path LA2, and the Article 3 direction path LA3. LA has already been calculated.

The Article 1 directional route LA1, the Article 2 directional route LA2, and the Article 3 directional route LA3 are arranged in order from the north side. Further, these three strip direction paths LA are lined up with a first interval D1 from each other.

As shown in FIG. 7, the number of rows of the northern region CA1 is 16. Further, at this time, the number of rows of the northern region CA1 is calculated by the number of rows calculation unit 28 and sent to the shift calculation unit 23d. Further, at this time, the route calculation unit 23 has already acquired the number of cut lines of the combine 1 from the model information storage unit 26.

Here, the shift calculation unit 23d determines whether or not the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA in the northern region CA1. More specifically, in the shift calculation unit 23d, as shown in FIG. 7, when the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of the first directional route LA1, the third directional route LA3, and the second directional route LA2. , Determine whether the predetermined condition is always satisfied.

In the present embodiment, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so as to perform the reciprocating travel along the strip direction path LA corresponding to the rightmost portion in the uncut region. It is configured to do.

If, as shown in FIG. 7, the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of Article 1 direction path LA1, Article 3 direction path LA3, and Article 2 direction path LA2, the combine 1 first moves in the direction of Article 1. The harvesting run is performed along the route LA1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the uncut region in the northern region CA1 becomes the first uncut region CA11. The number of articles in the first uncut area CA11 is 10.

Next, the combine 1 performs a mowing run along the Article 3 directional route LA3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the uncut area in the northern region CA1 becomes the second uncut region CA12. The number of articles in the second uncut area CA12 is six.

Finally, the combine 1 performs a mowing run along the Article 2 directional route LA2. As a result, the entire northern region CA1 becomes a mowed region.

Here, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 1 direction path LA1, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the first position Q1 shown in FIG. 7. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the second position Q2 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the second position Q2. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the first position Q1. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 1 directional path LA1.

Next, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 3 direction path LA3, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the second position Q2 shown in FIG. 7. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the third position Q3 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the third position Q3. However, the fifth divider 55 is located to the right of the second position Q2. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 3 directional path LA3.

Therefore, the shift calculation unit 23d determines that the predetermined condition is not always satisfied when the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of the first article direction path LA1, the third article direction path LA3, and the second article direction path LA2. .. This determination is made before the combine 1 starts traveling along the Article 1 directional route LA1.

As a result, the shift calculation unit 23d recalculates the position of the Article 3 directional path LA3 as shown in FIG. In this example, the position of the Article 3 directional path LA3 shifts to the north side. As a result, the distance between the Article 2 directional path LA2 and the Article 3 directional path LA3 becomes the first shift interval DS1.

The first shift interval DS1 is narrower than the first interval D1.

Then, in this example, by shifting the position of the Article 3 directional route LA3 to the north side, the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the directional route LA.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 1 directional path LA1, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the first position Q1 shown in FIG. doing. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the second position Q2 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the second position Q2. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the first position Q1. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 1 directional path LA1.

Next, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 3 direction path LA3, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the second position Q2 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the third position Q3 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the third position Q3. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the second position Q2. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 3 directional path LA3.

Finally, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 2 direction path LA2, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the third position Q3 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the fourth position Q4 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the fourth position Q4. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the third position Q3. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 2 directional path LA2.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA.

Then, the combine 1 starts the mowing run in the south side region CA2 after completing the mowing run in the north side region CA1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, as the row direction route LA corresponding to the south side region CA2, three row direction paths LA of Article 4 direction path LA4, Article 5 direction path LA5, and Article 6 direction path LA6 are used. It has already been calculated.

The Article 4 directional route LA4, the Article 5 directional route LA5, and the Article 6 directional route LA6 are arranged in order from the north side. Further, these three strip direction paths LA are lined up with a first interval D1 from each other.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of rows of the southern region CA2 is 15. Further, at this time, the number of rows of the south region CA2 is calculated by the number of rows calculation unit 28 and sent to the shift calculation unit 23d. Further, at this time, the route calculation unit 23 has already acquired the number of cut lines of the combine 1 from the model information storage unit 26.

Here, the shift calculation unit 23d determines whether or not the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA in the southern region CA2. More specifically, in the shift calculation unit 23d, as shown in FIG. 9, when the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of the Article 4 directional route LA4, the Article 6 directional route LA6, and the Article 5 directional route LA5. , Determine whether the predetermined condition is always satisfied.

If, as shown in FIG. 9, the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of the Article 4 direction path LA4, the Article 6 direction path LA6, and the Article 5 direction path LA5, the combine 1 first moves in the Article 4 direction. Mowing runs along the route LA4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the uncut area in the southern region CA2 becomes the first uncut region CA21. The number of articles in the first uncut area CA21 is nine.

Next, the combine 1 performs a mowing run along the Article 6 directional route LA6. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the uncut area in the southern region CA2 becomes the second uncut region CA22. The number of articles in the second uncut area CA22 is six.

Finally, the combine 1 performs a mowing run along the Article 5 directional route LA5. As a result, the entire southern region CA2 becomes a mowed region.

Here, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 4 direction path LA4, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the fifth position Q5 shown in FIG. At this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the sixth position Q6 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the sixth position Q6. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the fifth position Q5. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 4 directional path LA4.

Next, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 6 direction path LA6, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the sixth position Q6 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the seventh position Q7 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the seventh position Q7. However, the fifth divider 55 is located to the right of the sixth position Q6. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 6 directional path LA6.

Therefore, the shift calculation unit 23d determines that the predetermined condition is not always satisfied when the combine 1 cuts and travels in the order of the Article 4 directional route LA4, the Article 6 directional route LA6, and the Article 5 directional route LA5. .. This determination is made before the combine 1 starts traveling along the Article 4 directional route LA4.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the shift calculation unit 23d recalculates the positions of the Article 5 directional path LA5 and the Article 6 directional path LA6. In this example, the positions of the Article 5 directional path LA5 and the Article 6 directional path LA6 are shifted to the north side, respectively. As a result, the distance between the Article 4 directional path LA4 and the Article 5 directional path LA5 becomes the second shift interval DS2. Further, the distance between the Article 5 directional path LA5 and the Article 6 directional path LA6 is the third shift interval DS3.

The second shift interval DS2 and the third shift interval DS3 are both narrower than the first interval D1. Further, in this example, the second shift interval DS2 and the third shift interval DS3 have the same width as each other.

Then, in this example, by shifting the positions of the Article 5 directional path LA5 and the Article 6 directional path LA6 to the north side, the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the directional path LA. become.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the combine 1 performs a mowing run along the Article 4 direction path LA4, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the fifth position Q5 shown in FIG. doing. At this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the sixth position Q6 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the sixth position Q6. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the fifth position Q5. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 4 directional path LA4.

Next, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 6 direction path LA6, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the sixth position Q6 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the seventh position Q7 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the seventh position Q7. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the sixth position Q6. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 6 directional path LA6.

Finally, when the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the Article 5 direction path LA5, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the seventh position Q7 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the eighth position Q8 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the eighth position Q8. Further, the fifth divider 55 is located on the left side of the seventh position Q7. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 1 performs the cutting run along the Article 5 directional path LA5.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 1 travels along the strip direction path LA.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the method of shifting the position of the row direction path LA differs depending on the number of rows in the uncut area. That is, the shift calculation unit 23d shifts the position of the row direction path LA according to the number of rows in the uncut area.

As described above, when the uncut area in the field is divided into a plurality of uncut areas, the shift calculation unit 23d indicates that the combine 1 is currently performing the cutting run among the plurality of uncut areas generated by the division. Only the uncut area where the combine harvester is present or the uncut area where the combine 1 is scheduled to be mowed in the immediate vicinity is targeted, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined conditions are always satisfied, and the position of the strip direction path LA is shifted. Let me.

Next, as another example in which the position of the row direction path LA is calculated again by the shift calculation unit 23d, as shown in FIG. 11, when the combine harvester 2 for 5-row cutting performs a cutting run in a predetermined work area CA3. Will be described. The work area CA3 is an uncut area.

The combine 2 has the same configuration as the combine 1 except that the number of cutting rows is different. As shown in FIG. 11, the combine 2 includes six dividers 5, a first divider 51, a second divider 52, a third divider 53, a fourth divider 54, a fifth divider 55, and a sixth divider 56.

Then, in this example, the predetermined condition is that "the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the strip located at the left end in the uncut area, and the fourth divider 54 is located at the right end in the uncut region. It should be located on the left side of. "

The strip direction in the work area CA3 is the east-west direction. Then, before starting the cutting run in the work area CA3, as shown in FIG. 11, as the line direction path LA corresponding to the work area CA3, Article 7 direction path LA7, Article 8 direction path LA8, Article 9 Four directional paths LA, directional path LA9 and Article 10 directional path LA10, have already been calculated.

From the north side, the Article 7 directional route LA7, the Article 8 directional route LA8, the Article 9 directional route LA9, and the Article 10 directional route LA10 are arranged in order. Further, these four strip-direction paths LA are lined up with a third interval D3 from each other. The third interval D3 is narrower than the first interval D1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the number of rows of the work area CA3 is 16. Further, at this time, the number of rows of the work area CA3 is calculated by the number of rows calculation unit 28 and sent to the shift calculation unit 23d. Further, at this time, the route calculation unit 23 has already acquired the number of cut lines of the combine 1 from the model information storage unit 26.

Here, the shift calculation unit 23d determines whether or not the predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 2 travels along the strip direction path LA in the work area CA3. More specifically, in the shift calculation unit 23d, as shown in FIG. 11, the combine 2 has the Article 7 directional path LA7, the Article 10 directional path LA10, the Article 8 directional path LA8, and the Article 9 directional path LA9. It is determined whether or not the predetermined conditions are always satisfied when the cutting is performed in the order of.

If, as shown in FIG. 11, the combine 2 cuts and travels in the order of Article 7 directional route LA7, Article 10 directional route LA10, Article 8 directional route LA8, and Article 9 directional route LA9, first, the combine 2 performs a mowing run along the Article 7 directional route LA7. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the uncut area in the work area CA3 becomes the first uncut area CA31. The number of articles in the first uncut area CA31 is 11.

Next, the combine 2 performs a cutting run along the Article 10 directional route LA10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the uncut area in the work area CA3 becomes the second uncut area CA32. The number of articles in the second uncut area CA32 is 10.

Next, the combine 2 performs a cutting run along the Article 8 directional route LA8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the uncut area in the work area CA3 becomes the third uncut area CA33. The number of articles in the third uncut area CA33 is five.

Finally, the combine 2 performs a mowing run along the Article 9 directional route LA9. As a result, the entire work area CA3 becomes a mowed area.

Here, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 7 direction path LA7, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the ninth position Q9 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the tenth position Q10 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the tenth position Q10. Further, the fourth divider 54 is located on the left side of the ninth position Q9. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 7 directional path LA7.

Next, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 10 direction path LA10, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the tenth position Q10 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the eleventh position Q11 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the eleventh position Q11. However, the fourth divider 54 is located to the right of the tenth position Q10. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are not satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 10 direction path LA10.

Therefore, when the combine 2 cuts and travels in the order of Article 7 direction path LA7, Article 10 direction path LA10, Article 8 direction path LA8, and Article 9 direction path LA9, the shift calculation unit 23d satisfies the predetermined conditions. It is determined that it is not always satisfied. This determination is made before the combine 2 starts traveling along the Article 7 directional route LA7.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the shift calculation unit 23d recalculates the positions of the Article 8 directional path LA8, the Article 9 directional path LA9, and the Article 10 directional path LA10. In this example, the positions of the Article 8 directional route LA8, the Article 9 directional route LA9, and the Article 10 directional route LA10 are shifted to the north side, respectively. As a result, the distance between the Article 7 directional path LA7 and the Article 8 directional path LA8 becomes the fourth shift interval DS4. Further, the distance between the Article 8 directional path LA8 and the Article 9 directional path LA9 is the fifth shift interval DS5. Further, the distance between the Article 9 directional path LA9 and the Article 10 directional path LA10 is the sixth shift interval DS6.

The fourth shift interval DS4, the fifth shift interval DS5, and the sixth shift interval DS6 are all narrower than the third interval D3. Further, in this example, the fourth shift interval DS4, the fifth shift interval DS5, and the sixth shift interval DS6 have the same width as each other.

Then, in this example, when the positions of the Article 8 directional route LA8, the Article 9 directional route LA9, and the Article 10 directional route LA10 are shifted to the north side, the combine 2 travels along the directional route LA. Predetermined conditions will always be met.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 7 direction path LA7, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the ninth position Q9 shown in FIG. doing. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the tenth position Q10 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the tenth position Q10. Further, the fourth divider 54 is located on the left side of the ninth position Q9. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 7 directional path LA7.

Next, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 10 direction path LA10, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the tenth position Q10 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the eleventh position Q11 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the eleventh position Q11. Further, the fourth divider 54 is located on the left side of the tenth position Q10. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 10 direction path LA10.

Next, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 8 direction path LA8, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the eleventh position Q11 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the twelfth position Q12 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the twelfth position Q12. Further, the fourth divider 54 is located on the left side of the eleventh position Q11. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 8 directional path LA8.

Finally, when the combine 2 cuts along the Article 9 direction path LA9, the strip located at the right end in the uncut region is located at the twelfth position Q12 shown in FIG. Further, at this time, the strip located at the left end in the uncut area is located at the thirteenth position Q13 shown in FIG.

At this time, the third divider 53 is located on the right side of the thirteenth position Q13. Further, the fourth divider 54 is located on the left side of the twelfth position Q12. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied while the combine 2 cuts along the Article 9 directional path LA9.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 12, a predetermined condition is always satisfied when the combine 2 travels along the strip direction path LA.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the method of shifting the position of the row direction path LA differs depending on the number of cutting rows. That is, the shift calculation unit 23d shifts the position of the row direction path LA according to the number of cutting rows.

[Structure related to the section direction determination section]
As shown in FIG. 5, the automatic traveling system A includes a communication terminal 4. The communication terminal 4 has a strip direction determination unit 4c. Hereinafter, the function of the strip direction determination unit 4c will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, the combine 1 can perform cutting running by automatic running in a square-shaped uncut area that is not a square or a rectangle. Then, the automatic traveling system A can manage such automatic traveling.

That is, the automatic traveling system A manages the automatic traveling of the combine 1 that performs cutting traveling in the square-shaped uncut area in the field.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 14 and 15, the communication terminal 4 has a touch panel 4a. The touch panel 4a selects one of the four sides constituting the contour line of the uncut area in response to a touch operation by the operator. That is, the operator can select one of the four sides constituting the contour line of the uncut area by touch-operating the touch panel 4a.

For example, in FIG. 14, the outer peripheral area SA and the work target area CA are displayed on the touch panel 4a. At this time, it is assumed that the entire work target area CA is an uncut area. The four sides forming the contour line of the uncut area are the first side S1, the second side S2, the third side S3, and the fourth side S4, respectively.

The first side S1 is located at the northern end of the uncut area. The second side S2 is adjacent to the first side S1 on the contour line of the uncut area and is located at the western end of the uncut area. The third side S3 is the opposite side of the first side S1 and is located at the southern end of the uncut area. The fourth side S4 is the opposite side of the second side S2 on the contour line of the uncut area, and is located at the eastern end of the uncut area.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the operator touch-operates any one of the first side S1, the second side S2, the third side S3, and the fourth side S4 displayed on the touch panel 4a. As a result, the operator can select one side from the first side S1, the second side S2, the third side S3, and the fourth side S4.

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a touch panel 4a for selecting one of the four sides constituting the contour line of the uncut area.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the operator touch-operates the first side S1. As a result, the first side S1 is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the selected side is highlighted on the touch panel 4a. In this example, since the first side S1 is selected, the first side S1 is highlighted as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication terminal 4 has a determination unit 4b. Information indicating the selected side is sent from the touch panel 4a to the determination unit 4b and the strip direction determination unit 4c. The selected side is a side selected by the touch panel 4a.

Then, the determination unit 4b determines whether or not the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is equal to or less than a predetermined reference angle. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 15, the determination unit 4b determines whether or not the inclination of the third side S3 with respect to the first side S1 is equal to or less than the reference angle.

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a determination unit 4b for determining whether or not the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side, which is the side selected by the touch panel 4a, is equal to or less than a predetermined reference angle.

As shown in FIG. 5, the determination result by the determination unit 4b is sent to the row direction determination unit 4c. Further, the position coordinates of the combine 1 calculated by the own vehicle position calculation unit 21 are sent to the communication terminal 4.

Further, when the traveling of the combine 1 shifts from the spiral traveling to the reciprocating traveling, the traveling control unit 24 sends a predetermined signal to the strip direction determining unit 4c. This signal is a signal indicating the transition from swirl running to reciprocating running.

Then, the strip direction determination unit 4c is based on the information indicating the selected side, the determination result by the determination unit 4b, the position coordinates of the combine 1, and the above-mentioned signal received from the travel control unit 24, and the uncut area. Determine the direction of the strip in.

More specifically, when the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is larger than the reference angle, the strip direction determining unit 4c determines the extending direction of the selected side as the strip direction.

Further, when the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selection side with respect to the selection side is equal to or less than the reference angle, the streak direction determination unit 4c determines the extending direction of the selection side and the selection side according to the state of the aircraft. One of the extending directions of the opposite sides of the above is determined as the strip direction.

The position coordinates of the combine 1 and the transition from the spiral running to the reciprocating running all correspond to the above-mentioned "state of the aircraft".

That is, the automatic traveling system A includes a strip direction determining unit 4c that determines the strip direction in the uncut area.

The information indicating the strip direction determined by the strip direction determination unit 4c is sent to the traveling control unit 24. Then, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so that the harvesting travel is performed along the direction determined as the strip direction by the strip direction determination unit 4c in the reciprocating travel.

In the following, the combine 1 harvests in the fields shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 to 18 regarding the determination of the strip direction when the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is equal to or less than the reference angle. The case of performing the work will be described as an example.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 13, the combine 1 first cuts and runs in the outer peripheral region of the field. When this cutting run is completed, the area calculation unit 22 calculates the outer peripheral area SA and the work target area CA.

At this time, the uncut area in the field corresponds to the work target area CA. Then, in this example, the work target area CA has a quadrangular shape.

The four sides forming the contour line of the work target area CA are the first side S1, the second side S2, the third side S3, and the fourth side S4. The first side S1 is located on the north side in the work target area CA. The second side S2 is adjacent to the first side S1 and is located on the west side of the work target area CA. The third side S3 is the opposite side of the first side S1 and is located on the south side in the work target area CA. The fourth side S4 is the opposite side of the second side S2 and is located on the east side of the work target area CA.

Further, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first side S1 is selected by the touch panel 4a. That is, the first side S1 is the selected side.

In this example as well, as described above, the route calculation unit 23 calculates the mowing travel path LN in the work target area CA based on the calculation result received from the area calculation unit 22.

In the above description, the route calculation unit 23 has calculated the cutting travel route LN, which is a plurality of mesh lines extending in the vertical and horizontal directions, as shown in FIG. However, the route calculation unit 23 is configured so that it is also possible to calculate the cutting travel route LN as shown in FIG.

The mowing travel path LN shown in FIG. 13 includes a plurality of first paths L1 arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals, a plurality of second paths L2 arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of second paths arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals. It is composed of three paths L3 and a plurality of fourth paths L4 arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals.

The plurality of first paths L1 are arranged in parallel with the first side S1. Further, the plurality of second paths L2 are arranged in parallel with the second side S2. Further, the plurality of third paths L3 are arranged in parallel with the third side S3. Further, the plurality of fourth paths L4 are arranged in parallel with the fourth side S4.

That is, the route calculation unit 23 is on a plurality of first paths L1 arranged at predetermined intervals parallel to the first side S1 which is the selected side, and on the second side S2 adjacent to the first side S1 in the contour line of the uncut area. A plurality of second paths L2 arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, a plurality of third paths L3 arranged in parallel with a third side S3 opposite to the selected side at predetermined intervals, and a second side S2 in the contour line of the uncut area. A plurality of fourth paths L4 arranged at predetermined intervals parallel to the fourth side S4, which is the opposite side of the above, are calculated as the cutting travel path LN.

When the cutting travel path LN is calculated by the route calculation unit 23, the combine 1 starts the spiral travel under the control of the travel control unit 24, as shown in FIG.

In this example, in the swirl traveling, the combine 1 first performs a cutting traveling along the north side first traveling path L11. The north side first travel path L11 is the first path L1 closest to the first side S1 among the plurality of first paths L1.

Next, the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the west side first running path L21. The western first traveling route L21 is the second route L2 closest to the second side S2 among the plurality of second routes L2.

Next, the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the south side first running path L31. The south side first traveling route L31 is the third route L3 closest to the third side S3 among the plurality of third routes L3.

Next, the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the east side first running path L41. The east side first traveling route L41 is the fourth route L4 closest to the fourth side S4 among the plurality of fourth routes L4.

Next, the combine 1 performs a cutting run along the north side second running path L12. The north side second travel path L12 is the first route L1 closest to the first side S1 among the first routes L1 that have not yet been mowed.

When the mowing run along the north side second running path L12 is completed, the mowing running along the west side second running path L22, the south side second running path L32, and the east side second running path L42 is sequentially performed.

The western second travel path L22 is the second route L2 closest to the second side S2 among the second routes L2 that have not yet been mowed. Further, the south side second travel path L32 is the third route L3 closest to the third side S3 among the third route L3 for which the cutting travel has not been performed yet. Further, the east side second travel path L42 is the fourth route L4 closest to the fourth side S4 among the fourth route L4 that has not yet been mowed.

That is, in the spiral traveling, the traveling control unit 24 performs the cutting traveling along the first route L1 and then the cutting traveling along the second route L2, and then the cutting traveling along the second route L2 and then the third route L3. A mowing run along the third route L3 is performed, then a mowing run along the fourth route L4 is performed, a mowing run along the fourth route L4, and then a mowing run along the first route L1. The running of the combine 1 is controlled so that

In this example, the traveling control unit 24 first controls the traveling of the combine 1 so that the harvesting traveling along the first path L1 is performed in the spiral traveling. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the traveling control unit 24 combines so that the cutting traveling along any of the second path L2, the third path L3, and the fourth path L4 is performed in the spiral traveling. It may be configured to control the traveling of 1.

Further, the number of laps of the combine 1 in the spiral running may be only one lap. That is, in the swirl traveling, the cutting traveling along the north side second traveling route L12, the west side second traveling route L22, the south side second traveling route L32, and the east side second traveling route L42 as shown in FIG. 16 does not have to be performed. Further, the number of laps of the combine 1 in the spiral running may be any number of laps of 2 or more.

Here, in this example, it is assumed that the inclination of the third side S3 with respect to the first side S1 is equal to or less than the reference angle. Therefore, the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is equal to or less than the reference angle.

Then, when the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is equal to or less than the reference angle and the cutting run along the first path L1 or the second path L2 in the spiral running is completed, the combine 1 When the traveling of the above shifts to the reciprocating traveling, the strip direction determining unit 4c determines the extending direction of the opposite side of the selected side as the strip direction. Further, in this case, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so that the harvesting travel along the third path L3 is performed in the reciprocating travel.

Further, when the determination unit 4b determines that the inclination of the opposite side of the selected side with respect to the selected side is equal to or less than the reference angle and the cutting run along the third path L3 or the fourth path L4 in the spiral running is completed, the combine 1 When the traveling of the above shifts to the reciprocating traveling, the strip direction determining unit 4c determines the extending direction of the selected side as the strip direction. Further, in this case, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so that the harvesting travel along the first path L1 is performed in the reciprocating travel.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 17, in the spiral running, the cutting running along the fourth path L4 is followed by the cutting running along the first path L1. Then, when the cutting run along the first path L1 is completed, the swirl run is completed.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the traveling of the combine 1 shifts to the reciprocating traveling when the cutting traveling along the first path L1 in the spiral traveling is completed.

In this case, the strip direction determination unit 4c determines the extending direction of the opposite side of the selected side as the strip direction. That is, the strip direction determining unit 4c determines the extending direction of the third side S3 as the strip direction. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 17, the traveling control unit 24 controls the traveling of the combine 1 so that the harvesting traveling along the third path L3 is performed in the reciprocating traveling.

In this case, the combine 1 moves from the vicinity of the northwestern part of the uncut area to the vicinity of the southwestern part of the uncut area when shifting to the reciprocating travel. Then, the first cutting run in the round-trip running is performed along the third path L3 closest to the third side S3 among the third paths L3 in which the cutting running has not yet been performed.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 18, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 18, in the spiral running, the cutting running along the second path L2 is followed by the cutting running along the third path L3. Then, when the cutting run along the third path L3 is completed, the swirl run is completed.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the traveling of the combine 1 shifts to the reciprocating traveling when the cutting traveling along the third path L3 in the spiral traveling is completed.

In this case, the strip direction determination unit 4c determines the extending direction of the selected side as the strip direction. That is, the strip direction determining unit 4c determines the extending direction of the first side S1 as the strip direction. Then, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 18, the travel control unit 24 controls the travel of the combine 1 so that the harvesting travel along the first path L1 is performed in the reciprocating travel.

In this case, the combine 1 moves from the vicinity of the southeastern part of the uncut area to the vicinity of the northeastern part of the uncut area when shifting to the reciprocating travel. Then, the first cutting run in the reciprocating running is performed along the first path L1 closest to the first side S1 among the first paths L1 in which the cutting running has not yet been performed.

[About setting the overlap width]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the combine 1 travels along the passing region of the cutting portion H when the combine 1 travels along one of the adjacent routes, and the combine 1 travels along the other of the adjacent routes. A plurality of lateral paths LB are calculated so as to overlap with the passing region of the harvesting portion H at the time of the harvesting. The adjacent routes are two lateral routes LB adjacent to each other.

FIG. 19 shows the first lateral path LB1 and the second lateral path LB2. The first lateral path LB1 and the second lateral path LB2 are both lateral paths LB. Further, the first lateral route LB1 and the second lateral route LB2 are adjacent routes.

Further, FIG. 19 shows a first passing region 71 and a second passing region 72. The first passing region 71 is a passing region of the cutting portion H when the combine 1 travels along the first lateral path LB1. Further, the second passing region 72 is a passing region of the cutting portion H when the combine 1 travels along the second lateral path LB2.

Further, FIG. 19 shows an overlapping region 73. The overlapping area 73 is an area where the first passing area 71 and the second passing area 72 overlap.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication terminal 4 has a width setting unit 4d. The width setting unit 4d can set the target width of the overlapping region 73 shown in FIG.

That is, the automatic traveling system A is set in the passing region of the harvesting portion H when the combine 1 travels along one of the adjacent routes which are two lateral routes LB adjacent to each other, and in the other of the adjacent routes. A width setting unit 4d capable of setting an overlapping width with a passing region of the cutting unit H when the combine 1 travels along the combine harvester 1 is provided.

Hereinafter, the width setting unit 4d will be described in detail.

The communication terminal 4 can display the overlap width setting screen shown in FIG. On the overlap width setting screen, the width operation unit 61 is displayed. When the operator operates the width operation unit 61, as shown in FIG. 5, a signal corresponding to the operation is sent from the touch panel 4a to the width setting unit 4d. The width setting unit 4d sets the target width of the overlapping region 73 in response to this signal. Then, the width setting unit 4d sends the set target width to the route calculation unit 23.

The route calculation unit 23 adjusts the widths of the lateral paths LBs based on the target width received from the width setting unit 4d. More specifically, when the target width is narrowed, the route calculation unit 23 widens the width between the lateral paths LB. Further, when the target width is widened, the route calculation unit 23 narrows the width between the lateral route LBs.

With the above configuration, the operator can set the target width of the overlapping region 73 by operating the width operation unit 61. That is, by operating the width operating unit 61, the operator operates the pass region of the cutting unit H when the combine 1 travels along one of the adjacent routes, and the combine 1 along the other of the adjacent routes. It is possible to set the overlap width with the passing area of the harvesting portion H when the vehicle travels. The width setting unit 4d can be artificially operated via the width operation unit 61.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the target width of the overlapping region 73 is referred to as a “lap allowance”. The wrap allowance is set to 20 cm. The wrap allowance can be changed between 10 cm and 30 cm at 5 cm intervals. The initial value of the wrap allowance is 20 cm.

The present invention is not limited to this, and the range in which the wrap allowance can be changed does not have to be 10 cm to 30 cm. For example, the changeable range of the wrap allowance may be 5 cm to 40 cm. Further, the lap allowance can be changed at any interval other than 5 cm. Further, the initial value of the wrap allowance may be any value other than 20 cm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication terminal 4 has a notification unit 4e. The notification unit 4e notifies the effect of the overlap width on the automatic traveling of the combine 1 when the overlap width is smaller than a predetermined width.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 4e sends a predetermined signal to the touch panel 4a when the overlap width setting screen is displayed. In response to this signal, the touch panel 4a displays the notification message 62 as shown in FIG.

The content of the notification message 62 is to notify the influence of the overlap width on the automatic traveling of the combine 1 when the overlap width is smaller than the predetermined width. In this embodiment, the predetermined width is 20 cm. Then, the notification message 62 notifies that if the lap allowance is less than 20 cm, uncut parts may occur.

With the above configuration, the notification unit 4e displays the notification message 62 on the touch panel 4a to notify the influence of the overlap width on the automatic traveling of the combine 1 when the overlap width is smaller than the predetermined width.

The present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined width may be any width other than 20 cm. Further, the content notified by the notification unit 4e does not have to be the content related to the uncut portion. Further, the notification unit 4e may be configured to notify by a notification voice instead of the notification message 62.

With the configuration described above, the distance between the strip-direction paths LA and the distance between the lateral-direction paths LB can be determined independently of each other. Therefore, the distance between the strip-direction paths LA and the distance between the lateral-direction paths LB are likely to be appropriate.

Therefore, with the configuration described above, it is possible to realize the automatic traveling system A in which the distance between the strip-direction route LAs and the distance between the lateral-direction route LBs are likely to be appropriate.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is only an example, and the present invention is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) The traveling device 11 may be a wheel type or a semi-crawler type.

(2) In the example shown in FIG. 3, the cutting travel path LN calculated by the route calculation unit 23 is a plurality of mesh lines extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cutting travel path LN calculated by the route calculation unit 23 does not have to be a plurality of mesh lines extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. For example, the cutting travel path LN calculated by the route calculation unit 23 may be a spiral travel route. Further, the cutting travel path LN does not have to be orthogonal to another cutting travel route LN. Further, the cutting travel path LN calculated by the route calculation unit 23 may be a plurality of parallel lines parallel to each other.

(3) Own vehicle position calculation unit 21, area calculation unit 22, route calculation unit 23, travel control unit 24, passage reference position calculation unit 25, model information storage unit 26, inter-row acquisition unit 27, number of rows calculation unit 28. A part or all of them may be provided outside the combine 1, and may be provided, for example, in a management server 6 provided outside the combine 1.

(4) Either one or both of the determination unit 4b and the row direction determination unit 4c may be provided outside the communication terminal 4, and for example, the management server 6 provided outside the combine 1. It may be prepared for.

(5) The "predetermined portion" according to the present invention does not have to be the divider 5 located at the left end or the right end of the plurality of dividers 5. For example, the "predetermined portion" according to the present invention may be the center position of the cutting width of the cutting portion H in the plan view of the combine 1, the left end portion or the right end portion of the body of the combine 1, or the satellite positioning module 80. ..

(6) The route calculation unit 23 may determine the distance between the passage reference position and the line direction LA regardless of the number of cut lines of the combine 1.

(7) The route calculation unit 23 may determine the first interval D1 regardless of the number of cutting lines of the combine 1.

(8) The route calculation unit 23 may determine the second interval D2 regardless of the cutting width of the combine 1.

(9) The width setting unit 4d may not be provided.

(10) The notification unit 4e may not be provided.

The present invention can be used not only for head-feeding combine harvesters but also for ordinary-type combine harvesters.

1, 2 combine 4d width setting unit 4e notification unit 23 route calculation unit A automatic driving system D1 1st interval D2 2nd interval H cutting unit LA line direction route LB lateral route LN cutting travel route (target travel route)

Claims (4)

It is an automatic running system that manages the automatic running of a combine that has a cutting part that cuts the planted grain culms in the field.
A route calculation unit for calculating a target travel route for automatic traveling of the combine is provided.
The route calculation unit is configured to calculate a plurality of strip-direction paths arranged in parallel and a plurality of lateral directions arranged in parallel.
Each of the above-mentioned strip direction routes is the said target travel route in the row direction, and is
Each of the lateral routes is the target traveling route in a direction intersecting the strip direction.
An automatic traveling system in which a method in which the route calculation unit calculates the plurality of strip direction routes and a method in which the route calculation unit calculates the plurality of lateral directions are different from each other. The route calculation unit is configured to calculate the plurality of strip direction routes so that the plurality of strip direction routes are lined up in parallel at a predetermined first interval.
The route calculation unit is configured to calculate the plurality of lateral routes so that the plurality of lateral routes are arranged in parallel at a predetermined second interval.
The automatic traveling system according to claim 1, wherein the route calculation unit determines the first interval based on the number of cutting lines of the combine, and determines the second interval based on the cutting width of the combine. When the combine travels along one of two adjacent routes that are adjacent to each other, the combine travels along the passage area of the cutting portion and the other of the adjacent routes. The automatic traveling system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a width setting unit capable of setting an overlapping width with the passing area of the harvesting unit. The width setting unit can be operated artificially.
The automatic traveling system according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the effect of the overlapping width on the automatic traveling of the combine when the overlapping width is smaller than a predetermined width.

Images