JP7361383B2 - Seedling box sorting machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seedling box arranging machine for arranging a plurality of seedling boxes in a field.

When raising potted seedlings or matted seedlings in a seedling box, first fill the seedling box with bed soil, sow and compact the seedlings. Thereafter, these seedling boxes are lined up inside a vinyl greenhouse or in an open field (seedbed) to raise seedlings. However, bending over to line up seedling boxes one by one in the field is extremely hard work. Therefore, a seedling box arranging machine is sometimes used to assist in this work.

Conventional seedling box arranging machines are described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

Patent No. 3095216 Patent No. 3095212

Some large-scale farmers raise both pot and mat seedlings. However, in general, seedling boxes for potted seedlings and seedling boxes for matted seedlings are different in size. For this reason, it has not been possible to use the same seedling box arranging machine to perform the work of arranging seedling boxes for potted seedlings and the work of arranging seedling boxes for matted seedlings.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a seedling box arranging machine that can accommodate a plurality of types of seedling boxes of different sizes.

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is a seedling box arranging machine for arranging a plurality of seedling boxes in a field. a conveyor for conveying the material to the rear, the conveyor includes a pair of side frames, a conveyor belt that rotates between the pair of side frames, and a first conveyor belt that can be selectively attached to the side frames. a guide unit and a second guide unit, the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor when the first guide unit is attached to the side frame, and the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor when the second guide unit is attached to the side frame. The width of the conveyance path on the conveyor is different from the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor.

A second invention of the present application is the seedling box arranging machine of the first invention, wherein the first guide unit includes a pair of first end plates disposed along the pair of side frames, and a seedling box arranging machine of the first invention. It has a guide shaft extending in the left-right direction between one end plate, and a partition plate fixed to the guide shaft, and the fixed position of the partition plate with respect to the guide shaft can be changed.

A third invention of the present application is the seedling box arranging machine according to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the second guide unit includes a pair of second end plates arranged along the pair of side frames. The pair of second end plates each include a bottom plate portion extending outward in the left-right direction and a side plate portion extending upward from an outer end of the bottom plate portion at substantially the same height as the top surface of the conveyor belt. , has.

A fourth invention of the present application is the seedling box arranging machine according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the conveyor with respect to the wheels.

A fifth invention of the present application is the seedling box arranging machine according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising a flat rear slider located between the rear end of the conveyor and the field. The rear slider is rotatable around the rear end of the conveyor.

A sixth invention of the present application is the seedling box arranging machine according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a power transmission mechanism that transmits power generated by rotation of the wheels to the conveyor.

According to the first to sixth aspects of the present application, the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor can be changed by replacing the first guide unit and the second guide unit. Therefore, a single seedling box arranging machine can be used to transport a plurality of types of seedling boxes of different sizes.

In particular, according to the second invention of the present application, the position of the partition plate in the left and right direction can be changed. This allows the arrangement of seedling boxes on the conveyor to be changed more freely.

In particular, according to the third invention of the present application, the seedling box can be transported in the transport path that is wider than the conveyor belt between the left and right side plate parts.

In particular, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the height of the conveyor can be changed depending on the height of the ridges in the field.

In particular, according to the fifth invention of the present application, seedling boxes can be smoothly sent from the conveyor to the field via the rear slider. Furthermore, since the rear slider is rotatable, it can accommodate changes in the height of the field. Also, after use, the rear slider can be raised to compactly store the seedling box arrangement machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seedling box arranging machine with the first guide unit attached, viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seedling box arranging machine with the first guide unit attached thereto, as seen diagonally from below. It is a side view of the seedling box arranging machine with the first guide unit attached. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seedling box arranging machine with the second guide unit attached, as seen diagonally from above.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in the following explanation, the direction in which the seedling box arrangement machine 1 moves by the towing trolley is referred to as the "back and forth direction", and the direction perpendicular and horizontal to the front and back direction is referred to as the "left and right direction", and the positional relationship of each part will be explained. do.

<1. Configuration of seedling box arrangement machine>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seedling box arranging machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seedling box arrangement machine 1 viewed diagonally from below. FIG. 3 is a side view of the seedling box arrangement machine 1. This seedling box arranging machine 1 is a device for arranging seedling boxes 9 for pot seedlings and mat seedlings in a field. Potted seedlings are used, for example, when cultivating vegetables such as onions. Mat seedlings are used, for example, when cultivating paddy rice. As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the seedling box 9 is a flat container with a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The seedling box 9 for potted seedlings has a large number of circular recesses for holding potted seedlings. The seedling box 9 for mat seedlings has a rectangular recess for holding the mat seedlings.

An operator who cultivates pot seedlings and mat seedlings first prepares a large number of seedling boxes 9 in which seeds have been sown and pressed by filling the recesses of the seedling boxes 9 with bed soil. Then, the seedling boxes 9 are arranged in a vinyl greenhouse or in an open field using a seedling box arranging machine 1. Thereafter, with the seedling box 9 placed in the field, the seeds in the seedling box 9 are germinated and pot seedlings or mat seedlings are raised.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seedling box arrangement machine 1 includes a pair of wheels 10, a power transmission mechanism 20, a conveyor 30, and a rear slider 40.

A pair of wheels 10 are arranged at both left and right ends of the seedling box arranging machine 1. Each wheel 10 rotates around an axle 11 extending in the left-right direction. When the seedling box arranging machine 1 is used, a self-propelled towing cart (not shown) is connected to the joint portion 60 provided at the front end of the seedling box arranging machine 1. Then, as the towing cart moves forward, the seedling box arrangement machine 1 is towed. At this time, the pair of wheels 10 rotate around the axle 11 while being in contact with the field.

The power transmission mechanism 20 is a mechanism for transmitting power obtained by rotation of the wheels 10 to the conveyor 30. The power transmission mechanism 20 includes, for example, a plurality of power transmission elements (not shown) such as gears and chains, and a cover 21 that covers them. The rotational motion of the wheel 10 is transmitted to a drive pulley 32 of the conveyor 30, which will be described later, while being changed to an appropriate rotational speed by the power transmission mechanism 20.

The conveyor 30 is a mechanism for sending the seedling box 9 backward. The conveyor 30 has a pair of side frames 31, a driving pulley 32, a driven pulley 33, and a conveyor belt 34. A pair of side frames 31 are arranged at both left and right ends of the conveyor 30. Each side frame 31 extends in the front-rear direction and is inclined so that the height gradually decreases toward the rear.

The drive pulley 32 is located between the rear ends of the pair of side frames 31. The driven pulley 33 is located between the front ends of the pair of side frames 31. The height of the driving pulley 32 is lower than the height of the driven pulley 33. The driving pulley 32 and the driven pulley 33 are each cylindrical members that rotate around rotational shafts that extend in the left-right direction. The conveyor belt 34 is an annular flat belt located between the pair of side frames 31. The conveyor belt 34 is stretched between the drive pulley 32 and the driven pulley 33. The upper surface of the conveyor belt 34 is sloped so that the height gradually decreases toward the rear.

When the seedling box arrangement machine 1 is used, the conveyor 30 moves forward as the wheels 10 rotate while being towed by a towing truck. At this time, power is transmitted from the wheel 10 to the drive pulley 32 via the power transmission mechanism 20. Then, the rotation of the drive pulley 32 causes the conveyor belt 34 to rotate. At this time, the driven pulley 33 rotates as the conveyor belt 34 rotates. The conveyor belt 34 rotates so that its upper surface moves from the front to the rear.

The operator places the seedling boxes 9 near the front end of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 34 while walking following the seedling box arrangement machine 1. This work can be done without bending down. The seedling box 9 placed on the conveyor belt 34 is sent rearward by the rotation of the conveyor belt 34. As a result, the seedling boxes 9 are sequentially arranged in the rear field.

The rear slider 40 is a flat member located at the rear end of the seedling box arranging machine 1. The front end of the rear slider 40 is rotatably connected to the rear ends of the pair of side frames 31. When the seedling box arrangement machine 1 is used, a rear slider 40 is arranged between the rear end of the conveyor belt 34 and the rear field. The seedling boxes 9 sent from the conveyor belt 34 are smoothly sent to the field via the upper surface of the rear slider 40. The angle of inclination of the rear slider 40 changes according to variations in the height of the field. Moreover, when storing the seedling box arrangement machine 1, the rear slider 40 can be raised toward the conveyor 30 side. Thereby, the seedling box arranging machine 1 can be stored compactly. Furthermore, when leaving the field by moving backwards, if the rear slider 40 is raised, the user can leave without interfering with the seedling boxes 9 arranged in a row.

Moreover, the seedling box arrangement machine 1 has a height adjustment mechanism (not shown). The height adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that adjusts the height of the conveyor 30 with respect to the pair of wheels 10. The height adjustment mechanism can be configured, for example, by a threaded shaft that is rotatably erected on a frame that supports the axle 11 and a nut that is fixed to the side frame 31. When the threaded shaft is rotated, a nut screwed onto the threaded shaft moves up and down. Thereby, the height of the side frame 31 relative to the wheel 10 can be changed.

The seedling box 9 is arranged on the upper surface of a ridge formed in the field. However, the height of the ridges is not constant. Moreover, the seedling box 9 may be placed in a flat field without ridges. If the height adjustment mechanism described above is provided, the height of the conveyor 30 can be adjusted according to the height of the surface on which the seedling boxes 9 are arranged. Thereby, the seedling box 9 can be sent from the conveyor 30 to the field more smoothly.

<2. About the guide unit>
The conveyor 30 of this seedling box arrangement machine 1 has a first guide unit 70 and a second guide unit 80 that can be selectively attached to a pair of side frames 31. Below, these guide units 70 and 80 will be explained.

<2-1. About the first guide unit>
1 to 3 show a state in which the first guide unit 70 is attached to a pair of side frames 31 of the conveyor 30.

The first guide unit 70 is used when transporting the seedling box 9 for potted seedlings. The first guide unit 70 includes a pair of first end plates 71, two guide shafts 72, and a partition plate 73. The pair of first end plates 71 are fixed to the pair of side frames 31, respectively. The method of fixing the first end plate 71 to the side frame 31 is, for example, screwing, but other methods may be used. Each first end plate 71 extends in the front-rear direction along the side frame 31.

The two guide shafts 72 extend in the left-right direction between the pair of first end plates 71. The right end of the guide shaft 72 is fixed to the right first end plate 71. The left end of the guide shaft 72 is fixed to the left first end plate 71. The partition plate 73 is a member that extends in the front-rear direction along the upper surface of the conveyor belt 34. The partition plate 73 is fixed to two guide shafts 72.

When the first guide unit 70 is attached to the conveyor 30, a first conveyance path 74 for conveying the plurality of seedling boxes 9 is formed between the pair of first end plates 71. Further, the first conveyance path 74 is partitioned into two conveyance lanes 741 and 742 by a partition plate 73. In the example of FIG. 1, a right conveyance lane 741 for conveying the seedling boxes 9 in a vertical posture is formed on the right side of the partition plate 73, and a left conveyance lane 741 for conveying the seedling boxes 9 in a horizontal posture is formed on the left side of the partition plate 73. A transport lane 742 is formed.

The partition plate 73 can be fixed at any position in the left-right direction of the guide shaft 72. Therefore, the position of the partition plate 73 in the left and right direction can be changed depending on the size of the seedling box 9 and the transport attitude of the seedling box 9. Thereby, the respective widths of the right transport lane 741 and the left transport lane 742 can be changed. Further, by preparing two or more partition plates 73, three or more transport lanes may be formed between the pair of first end plates 71.

The number of guide shafts 72 that fix the partition plate 73 is not limited to two. However, by providing two or more guide shafts 72, the attitude of the partition plate 73 can be made more stable.

<2-2. About the second guide unit>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second guide unit 80 is attached to the pair of side frames 31 of the conveyor 30.

The second guide unit 80 is used when transporting the seedling box 9 for mat seedlings. The second guide unit 80 has a pair of second end plates 81 . The pair of second end plates 81 are fixed to the pair of side frames 31, respectively. The method of fixing the second end plate 81 to the side frame 31 is, for example, screwing, but other methods may be used. The pair of second end plates 81 are located on both sides of the conveyor belt 34 in the left-right direction. Each second end plate 81 extends in the front-rear direction along the side frame 31. Moreover, each second end plate 81 is inclined so that the height from the ground gradually decreases toward the rear.

As shown in FIG. 4, each second end plate 81 has a bottom plate part 811 and a side plate part 812. The top surface of the bottom plate portion 811 spreads outward in the left-right direction from near the end of the conveyor belt 34 at substantially the same height as the top surface of the conveyor belt 34 . The side plate portion 812 extends upward from the outer end of the bottom plate portion 811. That is, the second end plate 81 is bent into an L-shape when viewed from the front or rear.

When the second guide unit 80 is attached to the conveyor 30, a second conveyance path 84 for conveying the plurality of seedling boxes 9 is formed between the side plate portions 812 of the pair of second end plates 81. As described above, since the second end plate 81 is L-shaped, the width of the second conveyance path 84 in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the conveyor belt 34 in the left-right direction. Further, the width of the second conveyance path 84 in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the first conveyance path 74 described above. Thereby, in the second conveyance path 84, the seedling box 9 for mat seedlings, which is larger in size than the seedling box 9 for potted seedlings, can be conveyed.

As described above, in this seedling box arrangement machine 1, the first guide unit 70 and the second guide unit 80 can be selectively attached to the side frame 31 of the conveyor 30. By replacing the first guide unit 70 and the second guide unit 80, the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor 30 can be changed. Therefore, one seedling box arranging machine 1 can be used to transport a plurality of types of seedling boxes 9 of different sizes.

<3. Modified example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

The first guide unit 70 of the above embodiment was used when transporting the seedling box 9 for potted seedlings. Further, the second guide unit 80 of the above embodiment was used when transporting the seedling box 9 for mat seedlings. However, each guide unit may be used for transporting other types of seedling boxes 9. For example, a structure equivalent to the first guide unit 70 of the above embodiment may be used to transport the seedling box 9 for mat seedlings. Further, a structure similar to the second guide unit 80 of the above embodiment may be used to transport the seedling box 9 for potted seedlings.

Moreover, the seedling box arrangement machine 1 of the above embodiment was equipped with two types of guide units 70 and 80 that can be selectively attached. However, the seedling box arrangement machine 1 may include three or more types of guide units that can be selectively attached. Furthermore, the widths of the transport paths when the respective guide units are attached may be different from each other.

Further, the detailed structure of the seedling box arrangement machine 1 may be different from the shape shown in each figure of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

1 Seedling box arrangement machine 9 Seedling box 10 Wheel 11 Axle 20 Power transmission mechanism 21 Cover 30 Conveyor 31 Side frame 32 Drive pulley 33 Followed pulley 34 Conveyor belt 40 Rear slider 60 Joint section 70 First guide unit 71 First end plate 72 Guide shaft 73 Partition plate 74 First conveyance path 80 Second guide unit 81 Second end plate 84 Second conveyance path 741 Right side conveyance lane 742 Left side conveyance lane 811 Bottom plate part 812 Side plate part

Claims (6)

A seedling box arranging machine that arranges multiple seedling boxes in a field,
A pair of wheels located on the left and right,
a conveyor that sends the seedling boxes backward while moving forward with the wheels;
Equipped with
The conveyor is
A pair of side frames,
a conveyor belt rotating between the pair of side frames;
a first guide unit and a second guide unit that can be selectively attached to the side frame;
has
The width of the conveyance path on the conveyor when the first guide unit is attached to the side frame is different from the width of the conveyance path on the conveyor when the second guide unit is attached to the side frame. Seedling box sorting machine. The seedling box arrangement machine according to claim 1,
The first guide unit is
a pair of first end plates arranged along the pair of side frames;
a guide shaft extending in the left-right direction between the pair of first end plates;
a partition plate fixed to the guide shaft;
has
A seedling box arranging machine, wherein the fixing position of the partition plate with respect to the guide shaft can be changed. The seedling box arrangement machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The second guide unit is
a pair of second end plates disposed along the pair of side frames;
The pair of second end plates each include:
a bottom plate portion extending outward in the left-right direction at approximately the same height as the top surface of the conveyor belt;
a side plate portion extending upward from the outer end of the bottom plate portion;
A seedling box arranging machine with The seedling box arrangement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A seedling box arranging machine further comprising a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the conveyor relative to the wheels. The seedling box arrangement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
further comprising a flat rear slider located between the rear end of the conveyor and the field,
In the Naeba sorting machine, the rear slider is rotatable around the rear end of the conveyor. The seedling box arrangement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A seedling box arrangement machine further comprising a power transmission mechanism that transmits power generated by rotation of the wheels to the conveyor.

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