JP7558719B2 - Seedling planting device and seedling transplanter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seedling planting device and a seedling transplanter.

A seedling transplanter that transplants seedlings is known as an agricultural machine that performs at least part of the agricultural work mechanically. The seedling transplanter plants seedling blocks one by one in a field.

However, in seedling transplanters, seedling blocks can fall while being transported to the surface of the field. For this reason, methods have been considered for preventing seedling blocks from falling while being transported (for example, Patent Document 1). In the seedling planting device of Patent Document 1, after the seedling planting claws clamp the pot seedling and remove it, the bottom of the pot seedling is covered with a seedling holding arm and the pot seedling is transported to a field where a mulch film has been laid. In this seedling planting device, a hole-making blade for making holes in the mulch film is provided at the tip of the seedling holding arm, and the pot seedling is planted in the hole made in the mulch film.

JP 2002-330607 A

In the seedling planting device of Patent Document 1, the seedling planting claws clamp a given pot seedling and once the pot seedling is removed, the pot seedling is placed on a seedling holding arm for transport, and then the pot seedling is planted. For this reason, while the seedling planting device of Patent Document 1 can plant a seedling block while preventing it from falling if there is sufficient time, it may not be possible to plant the seedling block in a short period of time. For example, if the seedling planting device of Patent Document 1 tries to clamp a pot seedling with the seedling planting claws at high speed, a strong impact is applied to the pot seedling, which may cause damage to the pot seedling.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a seedling planting device and a seedling transplanter that can efficiently plant seedling blocks while preventing the seedling blocks from falling.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the seedling planting device is a seedling planting device that removes a seedling block having a seedling and plants the seedling block in a field. The seedling planting device includes an arm portion, a planting claw connected to the arm portion, a push-out member connected to the arm portion and pushing out the seedling block, and a holding member that holds the seedling block together with the planting claw. When starting to remove the seedling block, the planting claw and the holding member come into contact with the seedling block.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the seedling transplanter includes a traveling body having wheels and a seedling planting machine disposed at the rear of the traveling body. The seedling planting machine includes the seedling planting device described above and a seedling carrier for carrying seedling blocks to be planted in a field by the seedling planting device.

According to the present invention, seedling blocks can be planted efficiently while preventing them from falling.

1A and 1B are schematic perspective views of the seedling transplanter of the present embodiment. 1A is a schematic perspective view of the seedling planting device of the present embodiment and a seedling block taken out by the seedling planting device, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating a seedling planting process performed by the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. 1A to 1D are schematic diagrams for explaining a seedling planting process using the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. 1A to 1D are schematic diagrams for explaining a seedling planting process using the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams of a seedling planting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a seedling planting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a holding member in the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the seedling planting device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the seedling planting device of the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the seedling planting device and seedling transplanter according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference symbols and will not be described repeatedly. In this specification, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis may be described in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Typically, the X-axis indicates the direction of travel of the seedling transplanter, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. In addition, the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction. In this specification, mutually orthogonal x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be described in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Typically, the x-axis indicates the pushing direction in which the seedling planting device pushes out the seedlings when planting the seedling block, and the z-axis indicates the clamping direction in which the seedling planting device clamps the seedling block.

First, the seedling transplanter 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic diagrams of the seedling transplanter 100. The seedling transplanter 100 shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) is a riding type in which an operator rides on the seedling transplanter 100 and drives it to transplant seedlings. Typically, the seedling transplanter 100 is used to transplant vegetable seedlings in sequence.

As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the seedling transplanter 100 includes a traveling body 110 and a seedling planting machine 200. The seedling planting machine 200 is attached to the rear of the traveling body 110. The seedling transplanter 100 travels using the traveling body 110 while planting seedlings using the seedling planting machine 200.

The traveling machine body 110 comprises a machine body frame 112, front wheels 114, and rear wheels 116. An engine and a transmission that changes the speed of the power from the engine are housed inside the machine body frame 112. The front wheels 114 and rear wheels 116 are driven by power transmitted to the engine and transmission. The power of the engine and transmission are transmitted to the front axle case 114a and rear axle case 116a, respectively. In addition, the power from the engine and transmission is transmitted to the seedling planting machine 200.

The front axle case 114a is supported at the front of the machine frame 112, with the front wheels 114 supported at both left and right ends. Similarly, the rear axle case 116a is supported at the rear of the machine frame 112, with the rear wheels 116 supported at both left and right ends. A step 120 is provided on the upper part of the machine frame 112, and the operator can move on the step 120.

A driver's seat 122 is located in the center of the traveling machine body 110, and a steering wheel 124, operation pedals 126, and a dashboard 128 are located in front of the driver's seat 122. In addition to the steering wheel 124, various operating tools and a display device are located on the dashboard 128.

The seedling planting machine 200 is connected to the traveling body 110 via a lifting link mechanism. The lifting link mechanism includes an upper link, a pair of lower links on the left and right, and a lifting cylinder. The upper and lower links rotate by the lifting cylinder to raise and lower the seedling planting machine 200.

The seedling planting machine 200 comprises a seedling carrier 210, a planting rotor case 220, and a seedling planting device 300. A plurality of seedling blocks are placed on the seedling carrier 210. The seedling planting device 300 is attached to the planting rotor case 220. The seedling planting device 300 sequentially plants the seedling blocks placed on the seedling carrier 210. As will be described in detail later, the seedling planting device 300 comprises a planting claw. The seedling planting device 300 uses the planting claw to remove the seedling blocks placed on the seedling carrier 210 and plant the seedling blocks in the field.

The seedling planting machine 200 is driven by a PTO shaft extending rearward from the transmission. More specifically, power is transmitted from the PTO shaft through a planting center case to a planting transmission case provided on the seedling planting machine 200, and the power is distributed from the planting transmission case to the planting rotor case 220 and the seedling planting device 300. A planting clutch is provided on the planting center case. The planting clutch is configured to connect and disconnect the transmission of power from the engine to the seedling planting machine 200.

The planting rotor case 220 rotates by the power transmitted from the planting transmission case. Seedlings are supplied to the seedling planting device 300 from the seedling carrier 210. As the planting rotor case 220 rotates, the planting claws of the seedling planting device 300 are inserted into the top surface of the furrow together with the seedling blocks, and the seedling blocks are planted to a specified planting depth.

The seedling carrier 210 is composed of a plate-shaped member. On the rear surface of the seedling carrier 210, carrier surfaces for placing seedling mats are arranged in a line in the width direction of the traveling body 110 according to the number of planting rotor cases 220. The seedling mats are placed on the seedling carrier 210. Seedling mats will be described later with reference to FIG. 2 etc.

The planting rotor case 220 rotates around a rotation axis. The seedling planting device 300 is attached to the planting rotor case 220. The seedling planting device 300 rotates together with the planting rotor case 220 as the planting rotor case 220 rotates.

Although not shown here, before the seedling planting device 300 plants the seedling blocks, the seedling planting machine 200 may form a groove on the top surface of the ridge just before planting the seedling blocks, and the seedling planting device 300 may plant the seedling blocks in the formed groove. This allows the seedling blocks to be appropriately covered with soil from the field without applying load from the ground to the seedling blocks, and allows the seedling blocks to be planted more accurately in the field.

As described above, the seedling transplanter 100 shown in FIG. 1 is suitable for use in transplanting vegetable seedlings. The seedling transplanter 100 may be produced by improving a portion of a so-called rice transplanter.

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2(a) is a schematic perspective view of the seedling planting device 300 and the seedling block SB removed by the seedling planting device 300, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic perspective view of the seedling planting device 300. The seedling planting device 300 in FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of the seedling planting device 300 in FIG. 2(a).

The seedling planting device 300 removes the seedling block SB from the seedling carrier 210 on which it is placed, holds the seedling block SB, and plants it in the field. The seedling planting device 300 moves back and forth between the seedling carrier 210 and the field by rotating around a rotating shaft (not shown).

In the seedling blocks SB, seedlings are planted in a material solidified into a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Typically, seeds are placed on a specific surface of a rectangular lump of soil and grown for a specific period of time to create the seedling blocks SB. The roots of the seedlings extend into the soil of the seedling blocks SB, allowing the seedlings to be easily planted in individual seedling blocks SB. Note that in FIG. 2(a), in order to avoid overly complicating the drawing, the depressions into which the seeds are inserted are shown in the seedling blocks SB, but the seedlings themselves are omitted, although the leaves of the seedlings grown in the depressions in the seedling blocks SB may spread out. Here, the seedlings in the seedling blocks SB are vegetable seedlings.

The seedling block SB may be approximately rectangular or cubic in shape. Typically, in the seedling block SB, the seedlings are placed approximately in the center of one face of the seedling block SB. The seedlings are located on the face of the seedling block SB that faces the seedling planting device 300.

For example, the length (length along the z direction), width (length along the y direction), and height (length along the x direction) of the seedling block SB may each be 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and may each be 15 mm or more and 80 mm or less. In one example, the length (length along the z direction), width (length along the y direction), and height (length along the x direction) of the seedling block SB are approximately 30 mm, approximately 30 mm, and approximately 30 mm, respectively.

A seedling mat SM in which multiple seedling blocks SB are arranged in a matrix is placed on the seedling carrier 210. In the seedling mat SM, the seedling blocks SB are connected to each other. Therefore, multiple seedlings can be grown on the seedling mat SM. The seedling planting device 300 removes one seedling block SB from the seedling mat SM placed on the seedling carrier 210 and plants the removed seedling block SB in the field. In detail, one seedling block SB to be removed is placed at the removal position of the seedling carrier 210, and the seedling planting device 300 removes the seedling block SB at the removal position and plants it in the field.

The seedling planting device 300 includes an arm portion 310, a planting claw 320, a push-out member 330, and a holding member 340. The planting claw 320 is fixed to the arm portion 310. The planting claw 320 can scrape off one seedling block SB from the seedling mat SM. Typically, a slit is provided between adjacent seedling blocks SB in the row direction in the seedling mat SM. The planting claw 320 enters the slit and cuts off one seedling block SB from the seedling mat SM.

When the planting claw 320 is used to scrape off the seedling block SB, it is preferable that the tip of the planting claw 320 is sharp. For example, it is preferable that the thickness of the tip of the planting claw 320 is smaller than the thickness of the center of the planting claw 320. This allows the planting claw 320 to remove one seedling block SB of a predetermined size from the seedling mat SM.

The pushing member 330 can extend and retract from the tip of the arm section 310. The pushing member 330 can push out the seedling block SB in the pushing direction. When the planting claw 320 scrapes off one seedling block SB from the seedling mat SM, the pushing member 330 is contracted and most of the pushing member 330 is stored in the tip of the arm section 310. When the seedling block SB scraped off by the planting claw 320 is carried to the field, the pushing member 330 extends from the tip of the arm section 310 and pushes the seedling block SB towards the field. This allows the seedling block SB to be planted in the field.

When the seedling planting device 300 scrapes off the seedling block SB, the holding member 340 is positioned below the planting claws 320. The seedling block SB is clamped between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340.

The holding member 340 faces the planting claw 320. The holding member 340 is supported by the arm portion 310. In FIG. 2, the holding member 340 is attached to the arm portion 310 via the attachment member 350. The attachment member 350 is attached to the arm portion 310. The holding member 340 may be formed from sheet metal. For example, the thickness of the sheet metal (length along the z direction) may be 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and may be 2 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

Here, the mounting member 350 extends in the longitudinal direction from below the arm portion 310. The holding member 340 is attached to the longitudinal end of the mounting member 350. The width (length along the y-axis direction) of the mounting member 350 is shorter than the width (length along the y-axis direction) of the holding member 340. The holding member 340 is positioned at the center of the width of the mounting member 350.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 face each other in the z direction. The planting claws 320 are located on the +z direction side, and the holding member 340 are located on the -z direction side. As described above, the seedling block SB is clamped between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340. Here, the clamping direction in which the seedling block SB is clamped between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 is parallel to the z direction.

The planting claw 320 is U-shaped. The planting claw 320 has a first protrusion 322, a second protrusion 324, and a connecting portion 326. The first protrusion 322 and the second protrusion 324 extend in the extrusion direction (+x direction). The first protrusion 322 and the second protrusion 324 are connected to the connecting portion 326 on the -x direction side, and the first protrusion 322 and the second protrusion 324 are integrated via the connecting portion 326. The planting claw 320 is attached to the arm portion 310 at the connecting portion 326.

For example, the distance between the outer side of the first protrusion 322 in the -y direction and the outer side of the second protrusion 324 in the +y direction is set according to the width of the seedling block SB. In this specification, the distance between the outer side of the first protrusion 322 in the -y direction and the outer side of the second protrusion 324 in the +y direction may be referred to as the width of the planting claw 320. In one example, the width of the planting claw 320 is approximately equal to the width of the seedling block SB to be removed.

The first protrusion 322 has a first tip 322a and a first body 322b. The first tip 322a is located at the tip of the first body 322b on the +x direction side. The thickness (length along the z direction) of the first body 322b is almost constant, but the thickness (length along the z direction) of the first tip 322a decreases as it moves toward the +x direction side. The width (length along the y direction) of the first body 322b is almost constant, but the width (length along the y direction) of the first tip 322a decreases as it moves toward the +x direction side. For example, the protrusion portion of the first tip 322a is located on the side surface on the -y direction side of the first tip 322a. The side surface on the -y direction side of the first tip 322a is aligned in a straight line with the side surface on the -y direction side of the first body 322b.

Similarly, the second protrusion 324 has a second tip 324a and a second body 324b. The second tip 324a is located at the tip of the second body 324b on the +x direction side. The thickness (length along the z direction) of the second body 324b is almost constant, but the thickness (length along the z direction) of the second tip 324a decreases as it moves toward the +x direction side. The width (length along the y direction) of the second body 324b is almost constant, but the width (length along the y direction) of the second tip 324a decreases as it moves toward the +x direction side. For example, the protrusion portion of the second tip 324a is located on the side surface on the +y direction side of the second tip 324a. The side surface on the +y direction side of the second tip 324a is aligned in a straight line with the side surface on the +y direction side of the second body 324b.

The holding member 340 may include an elastic member that is elastically deformable in the clamping direction (z direction). For example, while the seedling block SB is inserted between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340, the distance between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 may change in a range of 3% to 30% compared to before the seedling block SB is inserted due to the elastic deformation of the holding member 340.

The push member 330 has a push rod 332 and a pressing piece 334. The push rod 332 extends from the arm portion 310 and expands and contracts relative to the arm portion 310. The pressing piece 334 is attached to the tip of the push rod 332, and the pressing piece 334 moves together with the expansion and contraction of the push rod 332.

When the pressing piece 334 is viewed from the +x direction side to the -x direction side, the pressing piece 334 is U-shaped. The pressing piece 334 has a first side surface portion 334a, a second side surface portion 334b, and a connecting portion 334c. The first side surface portion 334a is located on the -y direction side, and the second side surface portion 334b is located on the +y direction side. The first side surface portion 334a and the second side surface portion 334b are connected to the connecting portion 334c on the -z direction side, and the first side surface portion 334a and the second side surface portion 334b are integrated via the connecting portion 334c. The first side surface portion 334a faces the second side surface portion 334b via the connecting portion 334c.

When the first side surface portion 334a is viewed from the -y direction to the +y direction, the first side surface portion 334a has a generally trapezoidal shape. The height (length along the z direction) of the first side surface portion 334a decreases as it progresses toward the -x direction. Similarly, when the second side surface portion 334b is viewed from the +y direction to the -y direction, the second side surface portion 334b has a generally trapezoidal shape. The height (length along the z direction) of the second side surface portion 334b decreases as it progresses toward the -x direction.

In this specification, the length between the -y-direction outer end of the first side portion 334a and the +y-direction outer end of the second side portion 334b (length along the y direction) may be referred to as the width of the pressing piece 334. The width of the pressing piece 334 may be approximately equal to the width of the planting claw 320, or may be slightly shorter than the width of the planting claw 320. The width of the pressing piece 334 may also be approximately equal to the width of the seedling block SB (length along the y direction), or may be slightly shorter than the width of the seedling block SB. By making the width of the pressing piece 334 larger than half the width of the seedling block SB (length along the y direction), the seedling block SB can be pushed out without applying excessive force to a specific part of the seedling block SB.

When the planting claw 320 scrapes off the seedling block SB and carries it to the field, the push rod 332 pushes out the pressing piece 334 together with the seedling block SB. This allows the seedling block SB to be planted in the field. For example, when the push rod 332 extends relative to the arm portion 310, the pressing piece 334 is pushed out in the pushing direction (+x direction). In detail, the push rod 332 presses the -x direction end of the connecting portion 334c.

In the seedling planting device 300 shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 340 is attached to the arm portion 310 via the attachment member 350, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The attachment member 350 may be attached to a support member (not shown in FIG. 2) that supports the arm portion 310.

In addition, in the seedling planting device 300 shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 340 is attached to the arm portion 310 via the mounting member 350, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The holding member 340 may be attached directly to the arm portion 310.

As described above, the seedling planting device 300 takes out the seedling block SB and carries it to the top surface of the ridge while holding the seedling block SB, and plants it. For this reason, it is preferable that the seedling planting device 300 is adjusted and/or changed according to the type and size of the seedling block SB. For example, when changing the type or size of the seedling block SB to be transplanted, it is preferable that the planting claws 320, the pushing member 330 and the holding member 340 are adjusted and/or changed. As an example, it is preferable to adjust and/or change the width of the planting claws 320, the distance between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340, etc., according to the type and size of the seedling block SB.

Next, the operation of the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the process of planting seedling blocks SB by the seedling planting device 300. As can be seen from Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the seedling planting device 300 rotates to remove, transport and plant the seedling blocks SB. For this reason, the orientation of the extrusion direction (+x direction) shows different directions depending on the timing.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the seedling planting device 300 approaches the seedling block SB to be planted. Here, the seedling block SB is located at the removal position.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the seedling planting device 300 approaches the seedling block SB further and comes into contact with the seedling block SB. In detail, the planting claw 320 approaches the seedling block SB from the vertically upper side and comes into contact with the seedling block SB from the vertically upper side, while the holding member 340 approaches the seedling block SB from the vertically lower side and comes into contact with the seedling block SB from the vertically lower side. Both the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 come into contact with the seedling block SB and move while holding the seedling block SB. In this way, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 start to take out the seedling block SB. Typically, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 come into contact with the seedling block SB almost simultaneously and continue to move while holding the seedling block SB. If there is a difference between the timing when the planting claws 320 contact the seedling block SB and the timing when the holding member 340 contacts the seedling block SB, the difference in timing is typically 0.5 seconds or less, and may be 0.3 seconds or less.

The seedling block SB is removed by the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340. In reality, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 approach the seedling block SB placed at the removal position of the seedling carrier 210 and begin removing the seedling block SB. However, when the seedling planting device 300 is used as a reference, the seedling block SB enters the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 from the front side of the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 to the rear side of the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340. In this specification, the +x side of the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 may be referred to as the front side and the -x side as the rear side.

Then, the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340, while holding the seedling block SB, carry the seedling block SB to the top surface of the ridge.

As shown in FIG. 3(c), the seedling planting device 300 enters the field and plants the seedling block SB in the field. When the seedling planting device 300 penetrates the field, the holding member 340 covers a large area of the seedling block SB in the direction of penetration into the field. Therefore, while the holding member 340 directly collides with the field, most of the seedling block SB does not directly collide with the field. This improves the planting posture of the seedling block SB and suppresses deformation of the seedling block SB.

When the seedling block SB held by the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 enters the field, the pushing member 330 pushes out the seedling block SB. More specifically, the push rod 332 extends from the arm portion 310 and pushes out the seedling block SB together with the pushing piece 334. As a result, the seedling block SB is detached from the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 and planted in the field.

As described above, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment removes the seedling block SB, transports it to the field, and plants it in the field. The seedling block SB is held by the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 from the start of removal until it is transported and planted in the field, so that the seedling block can be prevented from falling. In addition, since the seedling block SB is in contact with the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 when removal begins, the seedling block SB can be quickly transported to the field without having to change hands, and the seedling block SB can be planted efficiently. Furthermore, since the seedling block SB is sandwiched between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340, the seedling block SB can be appropriately planted regardless of fluctuations in the size of the seedling block SB.

Next, the planting of seedling blocks SB by the seedling planting device 300 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 4(a) to 4(d) and Figures 5(a) to 5(d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the process of planting seedling blocks SB by the seedling planting device 300.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 of the seedling planting device 300 approach the seedling block SB located at the removal position of the seedling carrier 210. At this time, the pushing member 330 is located at the rear side. In detail, the push rod 332 is retracted relative to the arm portion 310, and the pressing piece 334 is located at the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 of the seedling planting device 300 move closer to the seedling block SB. At this time, the pushing member 330 remains at the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 of the seedling planting device 300 approach the seedling block SB further. The planting claw 320 approaches the seedling block SB from the vertically upper side of the seedling block SB, and the holding member 340 approaches the seedling block SB from the vertically lower side of the seedling block SB. Typically, the vertically upper side of the seedling block SB is connected to other seedling blocks SB, and a slit is provided between adjacent seedling blocks SB in the row direction. The planting claw 320 enters the slit between the seedling blocks SB. At this time, the holding member 340 comes into contact with the side of the seedling block SB at a position opposite the planting claw 320 through the seedling block SB.

As shown in FIG. 4(d), the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 of the seedling planting device 300 come into contact with the seedling block SB. The planting claws 320 come into contact with the seedling block SB from the vertically upper side of the seedling block SB, and the holding member 340 supports the seedling block SB from the vertically lower side of the seedling block SB. Here, the planting claws 320 enter the slits, and the seedling block SB to be planted is separated from the seedling mat SM. The separated seedling block SB is sandwiched between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340. This starts the removal of the seedling block SB by the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the seedling block SB held between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 is transported away from the seedling carrier 210. Typically, during the time when the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 start to remove the seedling block SB and plant the seedling block SB in the field and return to the seedling carrier 210, the seedling carrier 210 moves the seedling block SB to be planted next to the seedling carrier 210 to the removal position.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the seedling block SB is transported sandwiched between the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 and approaches the field.

As shown in FIG. 5(c), the seedling block SB sandwiched between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 reaches the field. At this time, the pushing member 330 pushes the seedling block SB toward the field. As a result, the seedling block SB is planted in the field.

As shown in FIG. 5(d), the seedling block SB is planted using the planting claws 320, the pushing member 330, and the holding member 340. The seedling planting device 300 then leaves the field and returns to the seedling carrier 210 to plant the next seedling block SB placed on the seedling carrier 210.

As described above, the seedling planting device 300 can continuously plant the seedling blocks SB by moving back and forth between the seedling carrier 210 and the field. At this time, when the seedling planting device 300 starts to remove the seedling blocks SB, the planting claws 320 and the holding member 340 come into contact with the seedling blocks SB, so the seedling blocks SB can be planted efficiently while preventing them from falling.

It is preferable that the seedling planting device 300 properly holds the seedling block SB from the time the seedling block SB is removed until the seedling block SB is planted in the field.

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figures 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic diagrams of the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), the holding member 340 has a main body portion 340p and a tip portion 340q. The tip portion 340q is located at the tip side along the extrusion direction of the holding member 340. The main body portion 340p and the tip portion 340q are connected to each other. Here, the main body portion 340p and the tip portion 340q each extend linearly. In detail, the main body portion 340p extends along the extrusion direction parallel to the planting claw 320. The tip portion 340q bends relative to the main body portion 340p so as to move away from the planting claw 320. The length Lq of the tip portion 340q is smaller than the length Lp of the main body portion 340p along the extrusion direction. In addition, the interval Iq between the planting claw 320 and the tip portion 340q is longer than the interval Ip between the planting claw 320 and the main body portion 340p.

The seedling block SB also has a main body portion SBp and a surface portion SBq. The surface portion SBq is located closer to the seedling planting device 300 than the main body portion SBp. Therefore, when the seedling block SB is planted in a field, the surface portion SBq is located on the field surface side.

The main body portion SBp and the surface portion SBq are connected to each other. The surface portion SBq has a recess corresponding to the slit provided between adjacent seedling blocks SB in the row direction in the seedling mat SM. Therefore, the length Wq of the surface portion SBq along the clamping direction (z direction) is shorter than the length Wp of the main body portion SBp along the clamping direction (z direction).

In FIG. 6(a), the length of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction (z direction) changes in two stages. The longest width of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction (z direction) is length Wp, and the shortest width of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction (z direction) is length Wq. Note that here, to avoid overly complicating the drawings and explanation, the length of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction changes in two stages, but the length of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction may change in three or more stages. Alternatively, the length of the seedling block SB along the clamping direction may change continuously.

The spacing Ip of the seedling planting device 300 is longer than the length Wq of the surface portion SBq of the seedling block SB, and shorter than the length Wp of the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB. In addition, the spacing Iq of the seedling planting device 300 is longer than the length Wp of the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the planting claws 320 approach the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB, and the holding member 340 approaches the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the planting claw 320 approaches further to the body portion SBp of the seedling block SB and comes into contact with the body portion SBp of the seedling block SB. Also, the holding member 340 approaches further to the body portion SBp of the seedling block SB and comes into contact with the body portion SBp of the seedling block SB. As a result, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 hold the seedling block SB. The planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 come into contact with the body portion SBp of the seedling block SB almost simultaneously and hold the seedling block SB.

The distance Iq between the planting claw 320 and the tip 340q of the holding member 340 is greater than the length Wp of the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB, and the distance Ip between the planting claw 320 and the main body portion 340p of the holding member 340 is less than the length Wp of the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB. Therefore, the planting claw 320 and the main body portion 340p of the holding member 340 come into contact with the main body portion SBp of the seedling block SB.

In the seedling planting device 300, the gap between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 is wider at the front side and narrower at the back side. Therefore, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 apply appropriate pressure to the seedling block SB. Therefore, the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 can firmly hold the seedling block SB, and the seedling block SB can be prevented from detaching from the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 before the pushing member 330 pushes out the seedling block SB.

6, the main body portion 340p of the holding member 340 is parallel to the extrusion direction and extends parallel to the planting claw 320, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The main body portion 340p of the holding member 340 does not have to be parallel to the extrusion direction and/or the planting claw 320. For example, the main body portion 340p of the holding member 340 may be positioned so that the distance from the planting claw 320 decreases as it progresses along the extrusion direction (+x direction).

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are schematic diagrams of the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the distance between the boundary between the tip 340q and the main body 340p of the holding member 340 and the planting claw 320 is shorter than the distance between the main body 340p of the holding member 340 and the planting claw 320. In this way, the distance between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 may narrow from the front side to the back side, and then widen further toward the back side. In this case, the distance between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 on the back side is relatively wide, so that the seedling block SB once sandwiched between the planting claw 320 and the holding member 340 can be prevented from falling off during transportation.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the device may further include a biasing member 352 that biases the holding member 340 in a direction toward the planting claw 320. The biasing member 352 biases the tip of the holding member 340 in a direction toward the planting claw 320. For example, the biasing member 352 includes a coil spring or a leaf spring. Here, the biasing member 352 biases the holding member 340 so as to pull it vertically downward. The holding member 340 is supported by a support shaft 354.

The biasing member 352 biases the rear side of the holding member 340 in the -z direction. The holding member 340 rotates around the support shaft 354, and the tip of the holding member 340 moves in a direction approaching the planting claw 320.

The holding member 340 has a first portion 340s and a second portion 340t. The first portion 340s and the second portion 340t each extend in the longitudinal direction and are connected to each other. The first portion 340s is disposed closer to the holding member 340 than the second portion 340t. Here, the length of the first portion 340s along the extrusion direction is greater than the length of the second portion 340t along the extrusion direction. When the holding member 340 holds the seedling block SB together with the planting claw 320, the first portion 340s of the holding member 340 comes into contact with the seedling block SB.

Here, the support shaft 354 is located at the boundary between the first part 340s and the second part 340t. The biasing member 352 biases the second part 340t of the holding member 340 so that the holding member 340 rotates around the support shaft 354, and the first part 340s of the holding member 340 moves in a direction approaching the planting claw 320.

When starting to remove the seedling block SB, the holding member 340 holds the seedling block SB firmly, while when planting the seedling block SB with the pushing member 330, it is preferable that the seedling block SB smoothly separates from the holding member 340.

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the holding member 340 in the seedling planting device 300.

As shown in FIG. 8, the holding member 340 is provided with a protrusion 342. In detail, the holding member 340 has an opposing surface 340a that faces the planting claw 320 and a back side surface 340b that is located on the back side of the opposing surface 340a. The protrusion 342 is provided on the opposing surface 340a and protrudes from the opposing surface 340a.

The protrusion 342 extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (extrusion direction). The protrusion 342 includes a first portion 342a and a second portion 342b. The first portion 342a and the second portion 342b each extend in the longitudinal direction and are connected to each other.

The height of the first portion 342a increases abruptly as the position of the holding member 340 changes from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction, and the height of the second portion 342b decreases gradually as the position of the holding member 340 changes from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the width of the first portion 342a in the y-axis direction is relatively wide at the front side of the first portion 342a and gradually decreases as the position of the first portion 342a changes from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction. The width of the second portion 342b in the y-axis direction gradually decreases as the position of the second portion 342b changes along the longitudinal direction from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction.

Therefore, when the holding member 340 starts to remove the seedling block SB together with the planting claw 320, the seedling block SB passes over the first part 342a of the holding member 340 and enters from the front side to the back side in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 340. Thereafter, while the holding member 340 moves to the field while holding the seedling block SB together with the planting claw 320, the seedling block SB is prevented from passing over the second part 342b of the holding member 340 and returning from the back side to the front side in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 340. Therefore, the protrusion 342 of the holding member 340 can further prevent the seedling block SB from falling off midway.

On the other hand, when the pushing member 330 continuously pushes out the seedling block SB, the seedling block SB is pushed out from the back side to the front side in the longitudinal direction of the holding member 340 beyond the second portion 342b.

In FIG. 8, two protrusions 342 are provided on one holding member 340, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Three or more protrusions 342 may be provided on one holding member 340. Alternatively, one holding member 340 may have only one protrusion 342.

In Figures 2 to 7, one seedling planting device 300 has been described. Note that two or more seedling planting devices 300 may be attached to one planting rotor case 220.

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of two seedling planting devices 300 attached to a planting rotor case 220.

As shown in FIG. 9, seedling planting device 300A and seedling planting device 300B are attached to the planting rotor case 220. Seedling planting device 300A includes an arm portion 310A, a planting claw 320A, a pusher member 330A, and a holding member 340A. Seedling planting device 300B includes an arm portion 310B, a planting claw 320B, a pusher member 330B, and a holding member 340B. Seedling planting device 300B has the same configuration as seedling planting device 300A.

The seedling planting device 300A and the seedling planting device 300B are arranged at both ends of the planting rotor case 220. The seedling planting device 300A is arranged at one end of the planting rotor case 220 in the longitudinal direction, and the seedling planting device 300B is arranged at the other end of the planting rotor case 220 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the seedling planting device 300A is arranged on one side of the rotating shaft 220A of the planting rotor case 220, and the seedling planting device 300B is arranged on the other side of the rotating shaft 220A of the planting rotor case 220. Therefore, when the planting rotor case 220 rotates once around the rotating shaft 220A, the seedling planting device 300A and the seedling planting device 300B can each plant the seedling block SB in the field. This allows the seedling block SB to be planted in the field at twice the speed.

Next, the seedling planting device 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the planting of seedling blocks SB by two seedling planting devices 300 attached to a planting rotor case 220. Figure 10 shows the seedling block SBa picked up by the seedling planting device 300A being planted in the field, and the seedling block SBb just before being picked up by the seedling planting device 300B.

As shown in FIG. 10, the planting rotor case 220 rotates around the rotating shaft 220A, causing the seedling planting device 300A to scrape off the seedling block SBa, which is then planted in the field. Note that FIG. 10 shows the state immediately before the seedling planting device 300A plants the seedling block SBa in the field.

The seedling planting device 300B also scrapes off a new seedling block SBb at the same time that the seedling planting device 300A plants the seedling block SBa in the field. The angle of the arm portion 310A of the seedling planting device 300A relative to the planting rotor case 220 and the angle of the arm portion 310B of the seedling planting device 300B relative to the planting rotor case 220 are appropriately controlled according to the positions of the seedling planting device 300A and the seedling planting device 300B.

The seedling transplanter 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a riding type in which an operator rides in and drives the machine to transplant seedlings, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The seedling transplanter may be a walk-behind type in which an operator walks through a field to transplant seedlings.

The seedling planting device 300 shown in Figures 2 and 4 scrapes off and removes one target seedling block SB from multiple connected seedling blocks SB, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The seedling planting device 300 may also remove one seedling block SB from multiple seedling blocks SB that have been separated in advance.

Above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are only examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

The present invention is suitable for use in seedling planting devices and seedling transplanters.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 seedling transplanter 110 travelling machine body 200 seedling planting machine 210 seedling carrier 300 seedling planting device 310 arm portion 320 planting claw 330 pushing member 340 holding member 340p main body portion 340q tip portion 342 projection 350 mounting member 352 biasing member SB seedling block

Claims (13)

A seedling planting device for taking out a seedling block having a seedling and planting the seedling block in a field,
An arm portion extending in a first direction ;
A planting claw connected to one side of the arm portion so as to extend from one side of the arm portion in the first direction ;
A holding member attached to extend in the first direction from the other side of the arm portion and holding the seedling block together with the planting claw ;
a push-out member connected to the arm portion and pushing out the seedling block held by the planting claw and the holding member ;
Equipped with
A seedling planting device in which the planting claws and the holding member come into contact with the seedling block when the removal of the seedling block begins. The seedling planting device according to claim 1, wherein when removing the seedling block, the planting claws scrape off the seedling block together with the holding member. The seedling planting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding member faces the planting claw. The seedling planting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planting claws and the holding member clamp the seedling block in a clamping direction. The pushing member is capable of pushing the seedling block in an extrusion direction,
The holding member is
a tip portion located on a tip side of the holding member along the extrusion direction;
A main body portion connected to the tip portion,
The seedling planting device according to claim 4 , wherein a distance between the planting claws and the main body of the holding member is smaller than the longest width of the seedling block along the clamping direction. The seedling planting device according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the tip of the planting claw and the tip of the holding member is longer than the shortest width of the seedling block along the clamping direction. The seedling planting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tip portion bends in a direction away from the planting claw relative to the main body portion. The seedling planting device according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the boundary between the tip and the main body of the holding member and the planting claw is shorter than the distance between the main body of the holding member and the planting claw. The seedling planting device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the holding member includes an elastic member that is elastically deformable in the clamping direction. The seedling planting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an attachment member for attaching the holding member to the arm portion. The seedling planting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a biasing member that biases the tip of the holding member in a direction toward the planting claw. A seedling planting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the holding member has a protrusion on a surface facing the planting claw. A traveling body having wheels;
A seedling planting machine is provided at the rear of the traveling machine body,
The seedling planting machine includes:
A seedling planting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A seedling transplanter having a seedling carrier on which a seedling block to be planted in a field by the seedling planting device is placed.

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