JP7630910B2 - Transplanter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to transplanters such as rice transplanters.

There is known a rice transplanter that has a movable spare seedling carrying platform on which seedlings can be placed, and a seedling carrying device supported on the rear side of the vehicle body on which the seedlings are placed when planting (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-033394 A JP 2013-135699 A JP 2013-013422 A

However, in the conventional rice transplanters described above, it is not always possible to easily replenish seedlings onto the spare seedling tray.

The present invention takes into consideration the above-mentioned problems with the conventional technology and aims to provide a transplanter that can easily supply seedlings to a spare seedling tray.

The first aspect of the present invention is a spare seedling carrying platform (200) that is movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle body above the vehicle body (10) and that carries seedlings;
a seedling loading device (80) supported on the rear side of the vehicle body, on which the seedlings are loaded when planted;
Equipped with
The spare seedling loading platform (200) is provided from the front to the rear of the vehicle body (10) and is arranged in a range where seedlings can be loaded from the front of the vehicle body (10) so that seedlings can be supplied to the spare seedling loading platform (200) from the ridge, and the spare seedling loading platform (200) moves on rails above the vehicle body (10) in the left-right direction of the vehicle body,
The seedlings can be loaded by sliding from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80),
The inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) is adjustable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body,
A seedling fence member (300) that can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is provided at the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200),
This transplanter is characterized in that when the seedlings are loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by the sliding movement, the seedling fence member (300) is opened to guide the seedlings.
The second aspect of the present invention is a spare seedling carrying platform (200) that is movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle body above the vehicle body (10) and on which seedlings are placed;
a seedling loading device (80) supported on the rear side of the vehicle body, on which the seedlings are loaded when planted;
Equipped with
The spare seedling loading platform (200) is provided from the front to the rear of the vehicle body (10) and is arranged in a range where seedlings can be loaded from the front of the vehicle body (10) so that seedlings can be supplied to the spare seedling loading platform (200) from the ridge, and the spare seedling loading platform (200) moves on rails above the vehicle body (10) in the left-right direction of the vehicle body,
The seedlings can be loaded by sliding from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80),
The inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) is adjustable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body,
This transplanter is characterized in that a seedling transport belt member (400) is provided near the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) for transporting the seedlings when they are loaded by sliding movement from the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80).
The first invention related to the present invention is a spare seedling carrying platform (200) that is movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle body above the vehicle body (10) and that carries seedlings;
a seedling loading device (80) supported on the rear side of the vehicle body, on which the seedlings are loaded when planted;
Equipped with
The seedlings can be loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by sliding movement in this transplanter.

A second invention related to the present invention is that the seedling loading device (80) is moved back and forth in the left and right direction of the vehicle body while loading the seedlings at the time of planting,
This is a transplanter of the first invention related to the present invention, characterized in that the seedlings are transported in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body and loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by sliding movement.

The third invention related to the present invention is a transplanter according to the first invention related to the present invention, characterized in that the inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) can be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body.

The fourth invention related to the present invention is the transplanter of the third invention related to the present invention, characterized in that when the seedlings are moved in a direction from the front end of the spare seedling platform (200) toward the rear end of the spare seedling platform (200), the inclination of the spare seedling platform (200) is adjusted so that the height of the front end of the spare seedling platform (200) is greater than the height of the rear end of the spare seedling platform (200).

A fifth invention related to the present invention is a seedling fence member (300) that can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is provided at the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200),
This is a third invention of a transplanter related to the present invention, characterized in that when the seedlings are loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by the sliding movement, the seedling fence member (300) is opened to guide the seedlings.

The sixth invention related to the present invention is the transplanter of the third invention related to the present invention, characterized in that a seedling transport belt member (400) is provided near the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) for transporting the seedlings when the seedlings are loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by the sliding movement.

The seventh invention related to the present invention is the transplanter of the third invention related to the present invention, characterized in that when the seedlings are loaded from the front end of the spare seedling loading platform (200), the inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) is adjusted so that the height of the front end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) substantially matches the height of the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200).

The eighth aspect of the present invention is a seat (51) for a boarding operator to sit in;
A fertilizer application device (70) arranged under the seat (51);
an engine (20) disposed in front of the seat (51);
Equipped with
The fertilizer application device (70) is a transplanter according to the first invention related to the present invention, characterized in that it has a fertilizer application blower (500) having an air intake (510) provided in the vicinity of the engine (20).

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily supply seedlings to the spare seedling tray (200).
According to the first invention related to the present invention, it is possible to easily supply seedlings to the spare seedling loading table (200).

The second invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to easily load seedlings from the spare seedling loading platform (200) onto the seedling loading device (80).

The third invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to easily load seedlings from the spare seedling loading platform (200) onto the seedling loading device (80).

The fourth invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to realize user-friendly loading of seedlings from the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80).

The fifth invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to realize user-friendly loading of seedlings from the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80).

The sixth invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to realize user-friendly loading of seedlings from the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80).

The seventh invention related to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third invention related to the present invention, makes it possible to realize user-friendly seedling supply to the spare seedling loading platform (200).

The eighth invention related to the present invention makes it possible to realize easy fertilization management in addition to the effect of the first invention related to the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a schematic front view of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 1C is a schematic left side view of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram of a power transmission system of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic plan view (part 1) of a spare seedling stand of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (b) A schematic plan view (part 2) of a spare seedling stand of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (c) A schematic plan view of the vicinity of a seedling placing device of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention (a) A schematic left side view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic left side view of a spare seedling tray support of the rice transplanter according to the modified embodiment of the present invention; (c) A schematic plan view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (d) A schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the spare seedling tray of the rice transplanter according to the modified embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic plan view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic front view of the rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention near a spare seedling loading table; (c) A schematic left side view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (d) A schematic left side view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention near a seedling loading device; (e) A schematic left side view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention near a seedling loading device; (f) A schematic left side view (part 3) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention near a seedling loading device. (a) A schematic plan view (part 3) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic left side view (part 3) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (c) A schematic front view (part 1) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application device of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (d) A schematic plan view of the vicinity of a fertilizer application device of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (e) A schematic front view (part 2) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application device of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic plan view (part 4) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic left side view (part 4) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (c) A schematic front view (part 3) of the rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention in the vicinity of a fertilizer application device; (d) A schematic left side view (part 1) of the rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention in the vicinity of the fertilizer application device; (e) A schematic left side view (part 2) of the rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention in the vicinity of the fertilizer application device. (a) A schematic plan view (part 1) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic left side view (part 1) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (c) A schematic front view (part 1) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; (d) A schematic front view (part 2) of the vicinity of a fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention (a) A schematic plan view (part 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention, (b) A schematic left side view (part 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention, (c) A schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the fertilizer application unit moving mechanism of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention (a) A schematic plan view of a tire-equipped fertilizer applicator for a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (b) a schematic left side view of a tire-equipped fertilizer applicator for a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (c) a schematic front view of a tire-equipped fertilizer applicator for a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (d) a schematic plan view (part 1) of the vicinity of the step floor of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (e) a schematic left side view of the vicinity of the step floor of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (f) a schematic plan view (part 2) of the vicinity of the step floor of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic plan view of a fertilizer applicator with an upper frame for a rice transplanter of a modified embodiment of the present invention; (b) A schematic left side view of a fertilizer applicator with an upper frame for a rice transplanter of a modified embodiment of the present invention; (c) A schematic front view of a fertilizer applicator with an upper frame for a rice transplanter of a modified embodiment of the present invention; (d) A schematic oblique view of a fertilizer applicator with an upper frame for a rice transplanter of a modified embodiment of the present invention; (e) A schematic left side view of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator with an upper frame for a rice transplanter of a modified embodiment of the present invention. (a) A schematic plan view (part 5) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (b) a schematic left side view (part 5) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, (c) a schematic front view of the rice transplanter according to the modified embodiment of the present invention near a sub-hopper

The embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The same applies below, but some components may not be shown in the drawings or may be shown in perspective or in an omitted form.

The rice transplanter of this embodiment is an example of a transplanter in the present invention.

First, the configuration and operation of the rice transplanter of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1(a) to 1(c) and 2.

Here, FIG. 1(a) is a schematic plan view of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(b) is a schematic front view of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1(c) is a schematic left side view of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power transmission system of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The rice transplanter in this embodiment is a riding mat seedling rice transplanter that plants 12 rows, and the planting device 100 has six planting units, each of which has two planting tools, one on the left and one on the right.

Of course, the rice planting machine is not limited to a riding mat seedling rice planter that plants 12 rows, but may also be, for example, a riding pot seedling rice planter that plants 10 rows.

First, the basic configuration and operation of the rice transplanter of this embodiment will be explained. Therefore, the spare seedling loading platform 200 and other components will be explained in detail later.

The driving unit 50 has a seat 51 located above the engine 20.

A steering handle 52 for operating the front wheels 31 is provided in front of the seat 51. A horizontal step floor 53 is provided on both the left and right sides of the engine 20. Furthermore, a spare seedling loading platform 200 is provided on the vehicle body 10.

The running device 30 is a device that causes the vehicle body 10 to run using the front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

The ground leveling device 60 is a device that levels the field using a ground leveling rotor mechanism and a ground leveling float mechanism.

A line-drawing marker is attached to the vehicle body 10 in a retractable manner to create straight line markings in the field that serve as a guide for the next planting driving route.

The planting device 100 is attached to the rear of the vehicle body 10 via a planting device lifting device.

The rotational power of the engine 20 attached to the main frame is transmitted to the main transmission mechanism 41, which is an HST (Hydro Static Transmission) mechanism. The rotational power that has been changed in speed by the main transmission mechanism 41 and the sub-transmission mechanism 42 is separated into running power used by the running device 30 and the like, and externally extracted power used by the planting device 100 and the like.

A portion of the running power is transmitted to the left and right front wheel final cases to drive the pair of left and right front wheels 31, and the remainder of the running power is transmitted to the left and right rear wheel gear cases 43 to drive the pair of left and right rear wheels 32. Then, a portion of the running power transmitted to the rear wheel gear cases 43 is transmitted to the ground leveling device 60 and the fertilizer application device 70.

Next, the configuration and operation of the rice transplanter of this embodiment will be explained in more detail, mainly with reference to Figures 1(a) to 1(c).

The spare seedling platform 200 is a spare seedling platform that can move left and right above the vehicle body 10 and on which seedlings are placed. The seedling loading device 80 is a seedling loading device supported on the rear side of the vehicle body and on which seedlings are placed when planting. Seedlings can be loaded by sliding from the rear end of the spare seedling platform 200 to the seedling loading device 80.

The seedling loading device 80 is moved back and forth in the left-right direction of the vehicle body with the seedlings loaded when planting. The seedlings are transported in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and are loaded onto the seedling loading device 80 by sliding movement from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200.

As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c), long rails are provided in the left-right direction indicated by arrows in front of the hood at the front of the aircraft and behind the seat at the rear of the aircraft, higher than the steering wheel 52 and seat 51. A long auxiliary seedling frame (seedling rails) for the spare seedling loading platform 200 is provided at the front and rear of these two rails. This auxiliary seedling frame (seedling rails) is configured to slide left and right on the two rails installed in the left-right direction, always perpendicular to the rails. This auxiliary seedling frame (seedling rails) is positioned higher than the steering wheel 52 and seat 51, and moves past it when moving left and right.

This allows the auxiliary seedling frame (seedling rail) to be moved left or right anywhere on the machine's running section, so it can be moved to the front of the row in the seedling tank in the planting section of the seedling loading device 80 where seedlings are to be replenished, or to a location on the ridge close to where the auxiliary seedlings are placed. This shortens the distance that the auxiliary seedlings need to be transported when replenishing seedlings, leading to reduced work effort.

As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and a long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. The long seedling rail extends from the front of the bonnet at the front of the machine, and from the front of the seedling tank in the planting section at the rear of the machine to above the mid-fertilizer applicator of the fertilizer applicator 70. In addition, the fertilizer hopper lid of the mid-fertilizer applicator is divided into two parts, left and right.

As a result, by extending the rear all the way to the front of the seedling tank, the seedling rail is closer to the planting area, making seedling supply easier and reducing the amount of work required. Also, because it is long at the rear, the front can be secured within the travel area and the length of three auxiliary seedlings can be secured vertically without protruding from the machine body, making it easy to use and easy to work in environments with obstacles. In addition, by dividing the mid-fertilizer applicator fertilizer hopper cover into two halves, the seedling rail can be moved left and right to supply fertilizer to each half, allowing for problem-free operation.

As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and a long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. In this configuration, a step 610 is provided in front of the bonnet at the front of the machine, large enough for an operator to stand with both feet on. In addition, this step 610 is configured so that it can be folded up at a 90° angle toward the bonnet in the direction indicated by the arrow.

As a result, when moving the seedling rail left and right, the operator riding on the machine must step over or under the seedling rail to avoid it, but by standing on this step, the operator can move the seedling rail in front of them, improving workability. Also, when the seedling rail is positioned in the center left and right, the operator can move the step left and right from the front of the hood, improving workability. This step 610 can be folded up so that the overall length of the machine does not need to be extended, and it can be used in a variety of ways depending on the work environment, such as obstacles.

As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(c), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right. The seedling rails are arranged horizontally in two rows in one unit. In addition, three auxiliary seedlings are placed vertically in the front-to-back direction, allowing a total of six to be mounted in a six-row rice transplanter. For an eight-row rice transplanter, the front of the machine is extended and four seedlings can be mounted vertically, allowing a total of eight to be mounted. In this case, the seedling rails protrude from the front end of the machine, so one of the protruding parts is made foldable or a link-moving type like the so-called Z seedling rail.

This allows two rows (two rows) to be moved together, and seedlings can be replenished by moving two rows at a time, improving work efficiency and ease of use. In addition, 6-row and 8-row rice transplanters can be equipped with the same number of auxiliary seedlings as the number of rows.

As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), which are schematic plan views (parts 1 and 2) of the spare seedling loading platform 200 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right. When the seedling rails are integrated into two horizontal rows and three vertical rows in size, the spare seedling loading platform partition section 620, which is the partition between the two horizontal rows, is made removable. Here, when the partition is removed, the width is made to be equal to or greater than the length of the long side of the auxiliary seedlings, so that the auxiliary seedlings can be loaded sideways.

By removing the partition, the auxiliary seedlings arranged in two horizontal rows can be slid horizontally in the direction indicated by the arrows, so when the row in front of the operator who is replenishing the seedlings runs out, the auxiliary seedlings in the back row can be moved forward and removed, improving workability. Also, by making it possible to load the auxiliary seedlings sideways, it is possible to always position the auxiliary seedlings in front of the operator, resulting in a configuration that can be used in accordance with the operator's preferences and ease of use.

As shown in FIG. 3(c), which is a schematic plan view of the vicinity of the seedling loading device 80 of a rice transplanter in a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails of the spare seedling loading platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right. The seedling rails are arranged in two horizontal rows, and are configured on both the left and right sides so that the row inside the machine body can move to the front of a position where the seedling tank in the planting section of the seedling loading device 80 is closer to the end farther from the center of the machine body.

This improves workability by eliminating problems such as the difficulty of even a small operator reaching the rows at the edge of the seedling tank and dropping the seedlings or putting them in at an angle. It also makes it possible to increase the space above the step floor 53 on which the operator moves, further improving workability.

As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), long rails of the spare seedling loading platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and the long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. The long seedling rail is arranged diagonally so that the rear end is lowered, and the rear end of the seedling rail is adjusted to the height of the tip of the extended seedling tank when the seedling tank in the planting section of the seedling loading device 80 is at the highest raised height. Here, the auxiliary seedlings can be directly loaded onto the seedling rail after being removed from the seedling box, and the fence at the rear end of the seedling rail of the seedling fence member 300 can be rotated backward to open, and this fence can be configured to form the joint surface with the seedling tank.

As a result, when an operator on the machine needs to replenish seedlings in the seedling tank, he or she simply opens the rear end fence of the seedling rail and slides the auxiliary seedlings into the seedling tank. This improves workability by eliminating the need to scoop and carry the seedlings using a seedling picking board on the narrow, slippery step floor 53 or to dispose of empty boxes.

Furthermore, we will explain the modified embodiment of the present invention.

The inclination of the spare seedling loading platform 200 can be adjusted in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle body.

When the seedlings are moved from the front end of the spare seedling platform 200 toward the rear end of the spare seedling platform 200, the inclination of the spare seedling platform 200 is adjusted so that the height of the front end of the spare seedling platform 200 is greater than the height of the rear end of the spare seedling platform 200.

To explain more specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), which is a schematic left side view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(b), which is a schematic left side view of the spare seedling loading platform support 630 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails of the spare seedling loading platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and the long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right, and the height of the two long rails in the left and right directions can be freely changed. Any configuration can be used to change the height, but a simple configuration such as doubling the pipe of the spare seedling loading platform support 630 of the spare seedling loading platform 200, drilling holes in them, and fixing them at the desired height by inserting a pin 631 is sufficient. The height of the front and rear rails can be changed independently.

This allows adjustments to suit the working environment, such as adjusting the height to suit the physique of the operator supplying seedlings, adjusting the inclination of the entire seedling rail to adjust how the seedlings slide, and adjusting the height to make it easier to supply seedlings from the ridges, improving usability and workability. In addition, by lowering only the front rail to make it slope downward, it can be used to collect leftover seedlings or empty boxes after work, allowing for a wide range of uses.

As shown in Figure 4(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and a long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. When changing the height of the two long rails to lower the height of the entire seedling rail, the steering handle 52 can be tilted significantly backward and lowered at the same time, and the seat backrest of the seat 51 can be folded forward into the seating surface.

As a result, even if the height of the seedling rail is lowered, by lowering the steering handle 52 and the seat backrest so that they are stored, the low-positioned seedling rail can be moved left and right without hitting the steering handle 52 or the seat backrest, improving workability. With an unmanned robotic rice transplanter, if actual work is carried out in this state, it becomes easier to supply seedlings from the ridges, and it is also effective because the operator's steering handle 52 and seat 51 can be extended if an operator is required.

As shown in Fig. 4(c), which is a schematic plan view (part 1) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails of the spare seedling loading platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left-right. In this configuration, the seedling rails arranged in two horizontal rows can be separated into spare seedling loading platform parts 641 and 642, one row at a time, and each can be moved independently in the left-right direction as indicated by the arrow. It is also possible to connect two seedling rails from one divided row to return them to two horizontal rows.

This allows two seedling rails to be arranged horizontally on the left and right sides of the machine, and if the operator can stand between them, it can be used in the same way as a conventional auxiliary seedling frame and seedling rail, allowing for a user-friendly configuration that suits the operator's preferences.

As shown in Fig. 4(d), which is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the spare seedling platform 200 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails of the spare seedling platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and the long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right. In this configuration, the seedling rails arranged in two horizontal rows can be separated into spare seedling platform parts 641 and 642, one row at a time. In this case, the seedling rails that have been arranged in a single row can be easily removed from the rails, and further, the two seedling rails in one row can be arranged stacked vertically with a gap between them.

As a result, in cases where two rows are used horizontally and the row farthest from the operator is difficult to use, the two rows can be stacked and placed closer together, allowing the operator to freely combine the rows to suit their preferences and ease of use, resulting in an effective configuration suited to the work environment.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), which is a schematic plan view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails of the spare seedling platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and a long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. The rollers of the spare seedling platform drive unit 651 are fixed to the back side of the seedling rail and placed on the rail. The motor of the spare seedling platform drive unit 651 is attached to the rollers, and the rollers are driven electrically to automatically move the entire seedling rail left and right on the rail.

This makes it possible to automatically move the seedling rail to the front of the seedling tank for the row where seedlings are to be replenished, reducing the labor required for work. It is also one of the configurations for automating seedling replenishment, and can be used with robotic rice transplanters, etc.

As shown in Fig. 5(b), which is a schematic front view of the vicinity of the spare seedling loading platform 200 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and a long seedling rail is placed on this rail and moved left and right. In this configuration, rollers and a motor are fixed to the back side of the seedling rail, and the entire seedling rail is automatically moved left and right on the rail by electric power. The motor can be either the front rail roller or the rear rail roller, but it is recommended that the motor is attached to both and always moved in the same way.

This allows the seedling rail to move smoothly parallel to the machine body and seedling tank, resulting in a stable and reliable operating configuration. It also eliminates problems such as the seedling rail becoming slanted and derailing from the rail, or auxiliary seedlings being placed at an angle when being sent to the seedling tank.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and long seedling rails are placed on these rails and moved left and right. When rollers and a motor are fixed to the back of the seedling rails and the entire seedling rail is automatically moved left and right on the rails by electricity, spare seedling loading platform switches 652 are attached to the horizontal two-row integrated seedling rails so that they stop in front of the seedling tank in the planting section every third row, and the moving seedling rail stops when the spare seedling loading platform switch 652 is pressed. Here, it is decided in advance whether the position of the seedling tank in the planting section will be set to the center or at both the left and right ends.

This allows the seedling rail that has moved laterally to be stopped in front of the seedling tank of the row where seedlings are to be replenished, reducing the labor required for work. It also becomes one of the configurations for automating seedling replenishment, and can be used in robotic rice transplanters, etc. In addition, the spare seedling loading platform switch 652 can be configured on only either the front rail section or the rear rail section, but by attaching it to both, the seedling rail can be reliably stopped parallel to the seedling tank, resulting in an even more stable configuration. Spare seedling loading platform switches 652 will be installed in three places for six rows and four places for eight rows.

As shown in Fig. 5(c), which is a schematic left side view (part 2) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails are provided in the left and right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rail in the front and rear direction, so that the entire seedling rail automatically moves left and right on the rail electrically, and the seedling rail is configured to be able to tilt from horizontal to the rear downwards as a whole. The rear left and right rail parts are used as the fulcrums for tilting in the up and down rotation directions indicated by the arrows, and a spare seedling placement platform rotation part 661 is provided between the rollers placed on the rear left and right rails and the seedling rails to connect them.

This allows the seedling rail to be tilted backwards so that the auxiliary seedlings can be sent backwards under their own weight. The tilting configuration reduces the number of parts and is advantageous in terms of cost, without the need to install a long belt or multiple belts across the entire seedling rail. Also, by providing the rotation fulcrum of the spare seedling loading platform rotating part 661 on the roller part behind the seedling rail, the rollers can tilt the seedling rail without changing the inclination relative to the left and right rear rails, and a configuration can be created in which undue load is placed on the rollers or they do not come off the rails.

As shown in Figure 5(c), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rails in the front-rear direction, so that the entire seedling rail can be automatically moved left and right on the rails electrically, and the entire seedling rail can be tilted from horizontal to downward toward the rear. In this case, spare seedling loading platform rotating cylinders 662 are provided on the front left and right rail sections, and the front of the seedling rail is raised and lowered by the expansion and contraction of the spare seedling loading platform rotating cylinders 662, so that the entire seedling rail can be tilted. The spare seedling loading platform rotating cylinders 662 are configured to be installed vertically between the rollers placed on the front left and right rails and the seedling rail, connecting them.

This allows for a configuration that can lift and tilt even heavy seedling rails with auxiliary seedlings on them. When six rows of six auxiliary seedlings are placed on the seedling rail, a seedling rail weighing more than 40 kg must be lifted, but this can be made possible by using hydraulics. Also, in an automated seedling supply configuration that uses multiple motors, by allocating some of the load on the electrical components to the hydraulics, it is possible to configure the system without having to make the batteries, generators, motors, wires, etc. significantly larger than before.

Furthermore, we will explain the modified embodiment of the present invention.

A seedling fence member 300 that can be opened and closed in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body is provided at the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200. When the seedlings are loaded by sliding movement from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200 to the seedling loading device 80, the seedling fence member 300 is opened to guide the seedlings.

To explain more specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in Figures 5(d) and 5(e), which are schematic left side views (parts 1 and 2) of the vicinity of the seedling loading device 80 of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of a modified example of the present invention, long rails are provided in the left and right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, rollers and motors are fixed to the long seedling rails in the front and rear, and the entire seedling rail moves automatically left and right on the rails by electric power. In this configuration, the fence of the seedling fence member 300 at the rear end of the seedling rail can be opened and closed, and when the rear end fence is opened while the seedling rail is in a horizontal state, the upper end of the seedling tank of the seedling loading device 80 at the highest planting section and the rear end of the seedling rail are connected by the fence surface. In this case, when the entire seedling rail is tilted and the rear end is lowered downward, the stopper plate 663 provided below the rear end of the seedling rail automatically lifts the fence that is open to the rear upward. The stopper plate 663 is fixed to the lower part of the seedling rail rotation fulcrum of the spare seedling placement platform rotation part 661 provided on the rear left and right rail parts, so that the stopper plate 663 does not move even if the seedling rail is tilted. Only auxiliary seedlings are to be placed on this seedling rail after being removed from the seedling box.

This allows the rear end fence of the seedling rail of the seedling fence member 300 to be automatically opened and closed, and also automatically connected to the seedling tank of the seedling loading device 80, allowing auxiliary seedlings to be sent in directly, which reduces the amount of work required. It also becomes one of the configurations for automating seedling supply, and can be used in robotic rice transplanters, etc. In addition, since the seedling rail is tilted to send auxiliary seedlings backwards, a fence is provided at the rear end when tilted, making it possible to pack the auxiliary seedlings in from the rear end of the seedling rail, improving workability.

Furthermore, we will explain the modified embodiment of the present invention.

Near the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200, a seedling transport belt member 400 is provided to transport the seedlings as they are slid from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200 to the seedling loading device 80.

To explain more specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in Fig. 5(f), which is a schematic left side view (part 3) of the vicinity of the seedling loading device 80 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, long rails are provided in the left and right directions at the front and rear of the machine, rollers and motors are fixed to the long seedling rails in the front and rear, and the entire seedling rail moves automatically left and right on the rails electrically. In this configuration, the seedling feed belt of the seedling feed belt member 400 for feeding the auxiliary seedlings shown in the dashed rectangle to the rear is provided only behind the seedling rail. This belt is provided at a length of about 1/3 to 1/2 of the auxiliary seedlings from the front of the rear end fence, and is driven by the seedling feed belt motor 671. No seedling feed belt is provided further forward than this, but a spare seedling loading platform roller section 653 with a simple roller for sliding the seedlings may be provided.

As a result, one auxiliary seedling at the rear of the seedling rail can be automatically sent backwards by this seedling feed belt, and when connected to the seedling tank in the planting section, the auxiliary seedling can slide directly into the seedling tank, making this a configuration for automating seedling supply and suitable for use in robotic rice transplanters, etc.

Furthermore, we will explain the modified embodiment of the present invention.

When seedlings are loaded from the front end of the spare seedling loading platform 200, the inclination of the spare seedling loading platform 200 is adjusted so that the height of the front end of the spare seedling loading platform 200 substantially matches the height of the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform 200.

Seedlings can be easily added to the seedling tank, and seedlings can be replenished from outside the machine.

Of course, the support frames for the spare seedling loading platform 200 are located at the front and rear of the machine, and at least one of the front and rear can move up and down, with the front having a larger range of upward movement, so that the seedlings can be placed in the seedling tank with a front-upward incline.

To explain more specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 5(c), a long rail of the spare seedling loading platform 200 is provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rail in the front and rear, and the entire seedling rail moves automatically left and right on the rail by electric power. In this configuration, the process of fully automatically supplying seedlings to the seedling tank in the planting section is as follows. During normal planting work, the seedling rail is in a tilted position and the rear fence receives auxiliary seedlings, and the work is performed with the auxiliary seedlings lined up from the rear. When a row that needs seedling supply occurs due to the seedling tank seedling run-out switch, the tilted seedling rail moves sideways in front of the seedling tank of that row and stops. The planting work continues, and when the seedling tank reaches a predetermined position (center or left or right end, etc.), the planting work is stopped, the machine stops, and the planting section rises. At the same time, the tilted seedling rail changes its position so that it is horizontal, and the rear end fence opens and connects to the seedling tank. Then, the seedling feed belt of the seedling rail is driven and the auxiliary seedlings are sent to the seedling tank. After that, when the seedling tank seedling-out switch is pressed by the replenished auxiliary seedlings, the seedling rail returns to its tilted position again, and the auxiliary seedlings at the front slide backwards, lining up closer together than at the back. Then the planting work begins again.

This allows for a fully automatic configuration for seedling replenishment when the seedling tank runs out of seedlings. This automated seedling replenishment configuration can be used for robotic rice transplanters, etc.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails of the spare seedling loading platform 200 are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and rollers and motors are fixed to the long seedling rails in the front and rear, so that the entire seedling rails move automatically left and right on the rails. In this configuration, if seedlings run out in two or more places or in two or more rows at the same time during the process of fully automatically replenishing seedlings in the planting section seedling tank, the seedlings are replenished starting from the left row. In cases other than the combination of two rows where the two horizontal rows of seedling rails stop (1-2, 3-4, 5-6 for six rows), seedlings cannot be replenished at once, so after the first seedling supply is completed and the seedling rail takes an oblique position, it moves sideways to the second seedling supply position, and the seedling rail takes a horizontal position again to replenish seedlings. In this case, the planting section does not need to descend.

This allows the system to automatically replenish seedlings in sequence, even if multiple rows run out of seedlings at the same time. This can be done with the planting section in the highest position, allowing for smooth, fully automatic seedling replenishment. This system can be used for robotic rice transplanters, etc., as an automated seedling replenishment system.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rail, which moves automatically from left to right on the rail. When seedlings are supplied to the seedling tank in the planting section fully automatically, the seedling rail is configured to supply auxiliary seedlings to the seedling tank in a horizontal position, and the seedling supply belt of the seedling supply belt member 400 provided on the seedling rail is designed to only wrap around one auxiliary seedling, as shown by the dashed rectangle at the rear, so that seedlings in front of the seedling rail are not sent in succession, and only one auxiliary seedling can be sent at a time.

As a result, when seedlings are replenished automatically based on the seedling tank seedling out switch, one auxiliary seedling will not be sent from the seedling rail to the seedling tank, sliding down the seedling tank and the next auxiliary seedling will not be sent in succession before the seedling tank seedling out switch is pressed, resulting in a reliable configuration that eliminates malfunctions such as auxiliary seedlings that do not fit in the seedling tank being sent, or the seedling rail changing position while an auxiliary seedling is still halfway between the seedling rail and the seedling tank. Also, it is possible to create a configuration that does not require the installation of an extra switch to check for the presence or absence of auxiliary seedlings other than the seedling tank seedling out switch, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and rollers and motors are fixed to the long seedling rails so that the entire seedling rails automatically move left and right on the rails electrically. In addition to the length of the three auxiliary seedlings shown in the dashed rectangle, the overall length of the seedling rails is extended forward by the length of the seedling feed belt of the seedling feed belt member 400 provided at the rear. Also, when seedlings are supplied to the rails from the ridges, the rails are placed in a horizontal position so that the front can be lowered.

As a result, when seedlings are fed from the ridge to the horizontally positioned seedling rail, the auxiliary seedlings are continuously pushed from the front to the rear, and even if they get stopped by the bumps on the seedling feed belt, three auxiliary seedlings can be loaded without protruding from the front of the seedling rail, eliminating the need to force the auxiliary seedlings into the seedling rail, which also eliminates problems such as the auxiliary seedlings being damaged and improves workability. Auxiliary seedlings that have not been fed to the rear end of the seedling rail will slide down to the rear end under their own weight after the seedling rail is tilted, so there is no problem.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rails that run from front to back, so that the entire seedling rail moves automatically left and right on the rails electrically. The seedling feed belt of the seedling feed belt member 400 provided at the rear of the seedling rail and the seedling feed belt motor 671 that drives it are provided independently for each row of the two horizontal rows of integrated seedling rails, so that the seedling feed belt can be driven even on only one side.

As a result, even in cases where there is only one row of seedling tanks that require seedling supply, or in cases where the rice transplanter has an odd number of rows, seedlings can be supplied by moving only one row of seedling feed belts using two horizontal rows of integrated seedling rails, making it possible to create a configuration that is compatible with fully automatic seedling supply.

As shown in Figure 5(a), long rails are provided in the left-right direction at the front and rear of the machine body, and rollers and a motor are fixed to the long seedling rail in the front-rear direction, so that the entire seedling rail moves automatically left and right on the rail electrically. In this configuration, a seedling cut switch 681 is provided just before the rear end fence of the seedling rail of the seedling fence member 300.

Without this seedling out switch 681, when the seedling tank seedling out switch determines that seedlings are out during planting work, automatic seedling supply will begin even if there are no auxiliary seedlings on the seedling rail, and the seedling feed belt for the seedling rail will start to move and it will only be determined that there are no auxiliary seedlings on the seedling rail after a certain amount of time has passed without seedlings being supplied, which takes time to get to this point. However, it can now determine that there are no auxiliary seedlings on the seedling rail without waiting this time, making it possible to make a decision to make a different movement or send a signal in a short time without making any unnecessary movements when the seedling tank is out of seedlings. This configuration can be used in robotic rice transplanters, etc. as an automated seedling supply configuration.

Furthermore, we will explain the modified embodiment of the present invention.

The seat 51 is a seat on which an operator sits. The fertilizer application device 70 is a fertilizer application device disposed below the seat 51. The engine 20 is an engine disposed in front of the seat 51. The fertilizer application device 70 has a fertilizer blower 500 with an intake port 510 provided near the engine 20.

To explain more specifically, it is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), which is a schematic plan view (part 3) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer applicator 70 is placed in the lower center of the vehicle body, below the seat 51, in the position where a mid-engine was previously located. The engine 20 is placed inside the front bonnet, forming a front engine configuration.

As a result, the mid-fertilizer applicator that was previously located in front of the planting section is no longer needed, creating a wider area above the rear step of the machine, making it easier for the operator to supply seedlings to the planting section. In addition, the fertilizer applicator is positioned lower and further forward than with a conventional mid-fertilizer applicator, and the engine 20 is positioned at the front, so the balance of the machine is forward-balanced, improving so-called wet-field performance.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), in a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine body, the fertilizer capsules of the fertilizer capsule section 710 are arranged vertically in two rows. The fertilizer hopper of the fertilizer hopper section 720 is composed of one large hopper above all of the capsules arranged in two rows.

This allows the fertilizer applicator to be configured and positioned vertically between the traditional mid-engine location in the center of the aircraft and the rear wheels 32.

As shown in Figure 6(a), in a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine, the fertilizer blower 500 is located in front of the fertilizer applicator, an air chamber 730 is placed between the two rows of capsules, and air is sent from the air intake duct section 740 to the bottom of each of the left and right rows of capsules. The fertilizer hose of the fertilizer hose section 750 is routed from the outside of the left and right sides of the capsules and connected to the planting section.

This makes it possible to configure the system to send air to each of the capsules lined up in two rows. In addition, the air chamber 730, which is placed in the center and sends air to the capsules on both sides, can be configured at a shorter distance than the fertilizer blower 500, making it easier to send a stable amount of air to each row. Each part is also smaller, and the number of connecting parts can be reduced, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

In a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine body as shown in Figure 6 (a), two walls 760 are provided on the backside of the step between the engine 20 (the front engine) and the fertilizer blower 500 located in front of the fertilizer applicator, spaced apart by approximately the width of the engine 20 and the fertilizer applicator (or, in addition to this, a duct is extended from the blower intake port, passing under the step to the rear of the front engine in front).

As a result, the hot air from the engine 20, which is a front engine, flows rearward through the walls 760 on the back side of the step while the vehicle is in operation, and the blower intake port on the front of the fertilizer applicator sucks it in, allowing the hot air to flow into the air chamber 730. This arrangement of the engine 20 and fertilizer applicator makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of heating and drying the fertilizer applicator and fertilizer using only the two walls 760, without the need for a complex configuration (providing a duct would be more effective, and this arrangement requires a shorter duct).

In a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine body as shown in Figure 6(a), the fertilizer hose of the fertilizer applicator hose unit 750 is configured to connect from the front capsule to the planting section of the center row, and from the rear capsule to the planting sections of the two end rows. That is, the first through eighth capsules are connected in order from the left to the right planting sections; for example, the first capsule is connected to the leftmost planting section, and the eighth capsule is connected to the rightmost planting section. The fertilizer hose is routed from the outside left and right of the fertilizer applicator to the rear, along the fertilizer applicator, passing through the inside of the rear wheel 32 and connecting to each row of the planting sections.

This allows the fertilizer hoses of each row to be configured so that there is no large difference in length, making it easier to achieve uniform air volume and speed across all rows. In addition, the fertilizer hoses can be routed short and in the shortest distance without bending them significantly, making for a stable fertilizer applicator configuration that is less likely to clog.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), which is a schematic left side view (part 3) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(c), which is a schematic front view (part 1) of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator 70 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located at the lower center of the machine body, the fertilizer hopper of the fertilizer hopper section 720 is made of a sturdy material and is configured so that it will not break even if an operator stands on the fertilizer hopper cover 721 at the top of the hopper. The fertilizer hopper is embedded in the lower center of the machine body, and no covers are provided on the top and sides, but the fertilizer hopper itself is configured to function as a step. Fertilizer capsule mudguard covers 711 are provided only on the left and right sides of the fertilizer capsule.

This makes the fertilizer hopper itself a step, eliminating the need for a dedicated step or cover, which is advantageous in terms of cost. There is also no need to use a double cover when opening the fertilizer hopper lid 721 on the top of the fertilizer hopper, improving workability.

In a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located at the bottom center of the machine body as shown in Figure 6 (b), the cover for the fertilizer blower 500 is only provided to surround the front blower part of the fertilizer applicator. This cover only covers the front, left and right sides, and top, and the rear fertilizer applicator side is left open.

This covers the feet of the operator when he sits in the seat 51, preventing mud and other debris from getting on the fertilizer blower 500 and the fertilizer applicator. It also acts as a guard to prevent the operator from kicking the fertilizer blower 500 with his foot. In addition, it prevents the hot air from the engine 20 (the front engine) that flows through the space indicated by the diagonal rectangular area in the direction indicated by the arrow and into the rear blower section from directly hitting the operator, improving the working environment, and is also thought to have the effect of storing hot air inside the cover and discharging it to the rear. Furthermore, because it only covers a portion of the machine, it does not impair the maintainability of the fertilizer applicator and improves the appearance of the machine.

In a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the vehicle body as shown in Figure 6 (b), the fertilizer hopper lid 721 is hinged at the front of the hopper and configured to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow and open from the rear to the front without interfering with the seat 51, etc.

This allows fertilizer to be added from any of the three directions (left, right, and rear), making it easy to work with. In addition, a high rear step is located at the rear of the machine, so when adding fertilizer from the left, right, rear, or rear of the fertilizer applicator, the heavy fertilizer bag can be placed on the rear step and tilted to add fertilizer, reducing the amount of work required. Furthermore, by opening the fertilizer hopper lid 721 forward, the fertilizer hopper lid 721 can prevent fertilizer from spilling forward, so fertilizer is less likely to get on the fertilizer blower 500, seat 51, or bonnet located at the front, which helps prevent them from getting dirty or rusting.

As shown in Fig. 6(d), which is a schematic plan view of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator 70 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine, the fertilizer discharge duct section 770 for the remaining fertilizer is connected to the rear end of the air chamber located between the capsules in the center of the fertilizer applicator, and the duct is split into two at the rear end of the fertilizer applicator, bent 180 degrees toward the outside of the left and right capsules, and extended forward along the outside of the left and right capsules. The end of that is bent 90 degrees from the front of the fertilizer applicator toward the outside of the machine, and the duct is discharged from below the step, between the front and rear wheels, and discharged from there on the left and right.

This allows the remaining fertilizer to be discharged in the direction indicated by the arrow even from the fertilizer applicator embedded in the center of the machine. Also, by connecting a duct to the extension of the air chamber 730, it is possible to configure it without the need to switch air paths, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Since air is always leaking into the fertilizer hose when air is discharged, the air volume decreases and the discharge speed becomes slow, but by dividing it into left and right halves and discharging each half, the amount of fertilizer discharged at one time can be reduced, and it can be discharged smoothly without clogging problems.

As shown in Figure 6(e), which is a schematic front view (part 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator 70 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer applicator is located below the center of the machine body, and two rows of fertilizer capsules are arranged on the left and right, with drive shafts on each row. Gears are attached to the two shafts at the front of the fertilizer applicator, and two gears are sandwiched between them to transmit the driving force in the left and right directions as indicated by the arrows. The driving force is taken from the output part of the transmission case 780 at the front of the machine body, and the rotating shaft extends rearward from here, and a rod 781, which functions as an input arm, converts the rotational motion into oscillation and transmits it to one of the four gears to drive them.

This results in a configuration that can drive the fertilizer applicators arranged in two rows in the center of the machine. In addition, because the fertilizer applicators are located close to the transmission case 780, the driving force can be easily extracted from here with a simple configuration, and it is easy to set up a configuration for driving the fertilizer applicators even with a PTO, which improves workability and is also advantageous in terms of cost.

(A) Furthermore, a modified embodiment of the present invention relating to a fertilizer applicator 70 having an independent left and right fertilizer applicator movement mechanism will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), which is a schematic plan view (part 4) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7(b), which is a schematic left side view (part 4) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the left and right halves of the mid-fertilizer applicator of the fertilizer applicator 70 are configured as independent units (for example, 3 rows for 6 rows and 4 rows for 8 rows), and the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 allows each of the left and right units to move to the left and right in front of the rice transplanter body in the directions indicated by the arrows.

This allows the fertilizer hopper to be moved to the front of the machine, so fertilizer can be added directly to the fertilizer hopper from the ridges, eliminating the need for the operator to carry heavy fertilizer bags over the rice transplanter to add fertilizer, reducing the amount of work required.

As shown in FIG. 7(c), which is a schematic front view (part 3) of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator 70 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the mid-fertilizer applicator is divided into two halves, left and right, and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body. In the configuration in which the left and right fertilizer applicators are divided into left and right halves, the fertilizer frame, the hopper mechanism 810, the air chamber mechanism 820, the blower mechanism 830, the drive unit, and the residual fertilizer discharge mechanism are also provided on the left and right, respectively, so that the left and right fertilizer applicators are independent from each other (if the drive unit is driven by a motor, it is easier to separate them).

This means that there is no longer a need to connect the left and right halves of the fertilizer applicator when in the fertilizing position, and each unit is completely independent, making it easy to configure the fertilizer applicator to move to the left and right separately. This allows for an easy-to-use unit movement configuration that minimizes the need to disconnect and connect each part.

As shown in Figures 7(d) and 7(e), which are schematic left side views (parts 1 and 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer device 70 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body. When the entire fertilizer applicator unit is moved, it is configured to be separated between the funnel 841 and the fertilizer hose in the direction indicated by the arrow. At this time, the fertilizer hose is firmly fixed to a specified position on the rice transplanter side, and a packing 842 is provided at the connection with the funnel 841. When returning the fertilizer unit to the fertilization operation position, the fertilizer applicator unit is moved backward from in front of the fixed fertilizer hose, and the tip of the funnel 841 is pressed against the packing 842 at the front of the fertilizer hose to connect it.

This allows the fertilizer hose, the only part that must be disconnected when moving the fertilizer unit, to be connected with a single touch, improving workability.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), which is a schematic plan view (part 1) of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the modified example of the present invention, and FIG. 8(b), which is a schematic left side view (part 1) of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 of the rice transplanter according to the embodiment of the modified example of the present invention, in the first unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, the unit is moved by providing a fertilizer unit moving pivot point part 851 that rotates the unit horizontally on the outside left and right of the fertilizer applicator, and rotating the unit 90 degrees toward the front of the machine body in the direction indicated by the arrow around the pivot point. The vertically oriented unit slides and moves toward the front of the machine body in the direction indicated by the arrow on the roller provided at the bottom of the pivot point and the rail of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 that extends forward and backward. At this time, the operator holds the side of the unit opposite the fertilizer unit moving pivot point part 851, and always moves it in a cantilevered state.

This allows the fertilizer applicator unit to be easily moved to the front of the machine. In addition, the task of moving the unit to the front of the machine can be performed within the range of the machine's steps and side steps, improving workability. Furthermore, because the unit is oriented vertically at the front of the machine, the fertilizer hopper faces in a direction that makes it easy to add fertilizer from the front step of the machine even when the ridge is low, improving workability. In addition, the rails that extend forward and backward can be made short without extending all the way to the front of the machine, so the rails do not get in the way of the machine's rotation, even during actual work with the fertilizer applicator at the rear, improving workability.

As shown in Figure 8 (b), in the first unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, the fertilizer applicator unit is rotated horizontally by 90 degrees around the left and right outer sides as fulcrums, and then slid forward along the rails of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850. The rails extending forward and backward are configured to bend downward in a crank shape midway in the direction indicated by the arrow. In addition, the rails are shaped so that they do not protrude above the shape of the step when viewed from the side.

As a result, when the fertilizer applicator unit is moved forward, it can be moved to a position lower than the height of the fertilizer application position at the rear of the machine, making it easier to supply fertilizer and improving workability. In addition, because the rails do not protrude further than the shape of the step when viewed from the side, the rails do not get in the way of the operator's movements even when the fertilizer applicator is at the rear of the machine, improving workability. In machines with side steps, the rails are hidden inside them, so there is less of an impact on the operator's movements.

As shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(d), which are schematic front views (parts 1 and 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit movement mechanism 850 of a rice transplanter in a modified embodiment of the present invention, in the first unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, the fertilizer applicator unit is rotated horizontally 90° around the left and right outer sides as fulcrums, and when it is slid forward from there along the rail, a handle portion 852 is provided on the upper part of the fertilizer applicator unit on the opposite side of the fertilizer unit movement rotation fulcrum portion 851.

This allows the operator to hold this part when moving the fertilizer applicator unit forward, making work easier. In addition, when the unit is moved to the front of the machine, this handle 852 is positioned at the front end of the machine, which also serves as a handrail for the operator to get on and off the machine from the front, improving workability.

9(a) is a schematic plan view (part 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9(b) is a schematic left side view (part 2) of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(c) is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 of the rice transplanter of the modified embodiment of the present invention. In the second unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, the movement method is as follows: first, the left and right rails of the fertilizer unit moving mechanism 850 are arranged at the bottom of the unit, and the unit is configured to be able to slide outside the machine body in the direction indicated by the arrow. At this time, the unit is made to be able to slide outside the machine body to a position that avoids the bonnet and engine cover when viewed from the front, and the rails are arranged in a position that does not overlap with the bonnet and engine cover when viewed from the front. Next, a rail is placed on the outside of the aircraft in the forward/rearward direction, and the unit is slid to the outside of the aircraft using this rail, allowing it to be slid and moved to the front of the aircraft in the direction indicated by the arrow (the detailed configuration of the rail can be any configuration).

This allows the fertilizer applicator unit to be moved to the front left or right of the machine by simply sliding it without lifting it, and no force is required from the operator; it can be moved just by pushing it, which reduces the amount of work required. In addition, because the unit can be moved to the front left or right of the machine without changing its orientation, fertilizer can be supplied from the ridge to the front left or right of the machine, and the fertilizer hopper lid 721 also opens from the front to the back in the same way, as indicated by the arrow, making it easy to work with.

As shown in Fig. 10(a), which is a schematic plan view of a fertilizer applicator 860 with tires for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10(b), which is a schematic left side view of a fertilizer applicator 860 with tires for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10(c), which is a schematic front view of a fertilizer applicator 860 with tires for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a third unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front and rear of the machine body, tires are attached to the bottom of the fertilizer applicator 860 with tires, which are independent left and right fertilizers. Four tires of the tire section 861 are arranged on each fertilizer applicator, arranged front to back and left to right to form a rectangle.

This allows the fertilizer applicator unit to be freely rolled and moved on these tires, allowing the unit to be moved to any desired location to supply fertilizer. In addition, the unit can be completely independent by removing the electrical harness using a coupler, making it easy to remove the unit from the machine, improving workability when cleaning or fertilizing work is not required.

As shown in FIG. 10(d), which is a schematic plan view (part 1) of the vicinity of the step floor 53 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(e), which is a schematic left side view of the vicinity of the step floor 53 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in the third unit movement method in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, grooves are made on the machine body steps of the step floor 53, and the tires installed below the unit are placed in these grooves and rolled. The grooves of the tire groove portion 862 are provided in the left and right directions from the fertilizer application position at the rear of the machine body, and are provided in the front and rear directions from there on the outer side step portion of the step. The portion connecting the left and right directions to the front and rear directions is connected by the radius (also called R) of the large arc-shaped round corner portion.

This allows the fertilizer unit with tires to move smoothly along the grooves of tire groove portion 862 in the direction indicated by the arrow to the left and right front of the machine body, improving workability. In addition, because the grooves on the steps serve as rails, there is no need to install extra parts, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

As shown in Fig. 10(f), which is a schematic plan view (part 2) of the vicinity of the step floor 53 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a third unit movement method in which the mid-fertilizer applicator is divided into two halves, one on the left and one on the right, and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, grooves are made on the machine body steps of the step floor 53, and the tires installed below the unit are inserted and rolled in these grooves. The tire groove section 862 is provided in the left and right directions from the fertilization position at the rear of the machine body, and is provided in the front and rear directions on the outside of the step. Here, the left and right grooves and the front and rear grooves are provided so that two grooves each intersect at 90° in two places, and after the unit moves sideways from the fertilization position, it moves forward without changing the direction of the unit (it may be provided so that the grooves overlap the grooves connecting the front, rear, left and right at the rounded corners).

This allows the fertilizer applicator unit with tires to be moved to the front left or right of the machine body without changing the orientation of the unit, so fertilizer can be supplied from the ridge in a long direction at the front left or right of the machine body, and the fertilizer hopper lid 721 also opens in the same way from the front to the back, making it easier to work with (if it is installed overlapping the groove connected by the rounded corners, the unit can be moved to the front left or right of the machine body in the orientation that is most convenient for use depending on the work environment and conditions, making it even easier to work with).

As shown in Figure 8 (d), in a configuration in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, when the remaining fertilizer is discharged after it has been moved to the front of the machine body, in the first unit movement method, the rollers are made spherical, which allows the unit to not only move forward and backward, but also to be rotated 180 degrees up and down in the direction indicated by the arrow and turned upside down, tilting the fertilizer hopper to discharge it. In addition, in the third unit movement method, since the unit is not fixed, it is simply lifted up and tilted to discharge it.

This eliminates the need for the conventional complicated residual fertilizer discharge structure, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Also, by turning the device upside down, the remaining fertilizer can be discharged very quickly, making it easier to work with. Furthermore, by turning the device upside down, the fertilizer can be discharged without remaining in the capsule or roll, making cleaning easier.

As shown in Fig. 11(a), which is a schematic plan view of a fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11(b), which is a schematic left side view of a fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11(c), which is a schematic front view of a fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame for a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into left and right halves and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, a frame is provided on the top surface of the fertilizer hopper of the fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame as an upper frame 871 on which seedling boxes can be placed. The number of frames is set to the number of rows of fertilizer units, and the fertilizer hopper body and fertilizer hopper lid 721 are configured to be strong enough to carry seedling boxes for the number of rows.

This allows the fertilizer unit to be moved, while the auxiliary seedlings can also be loaded at the front of the machine and transported to the rear, making it easier to line them up in front of the seedling tank in the planting section, improving workability and reducing the labor required for seedling supply work. In addition, there is no longer a need to set up a separate auxiliary seedling frame as a sub-seedling tank, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

As shown in FIG. 11(d), which is a schematic perspective view of a fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame of a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11(e), which is a schematic left side view of the vicinity of the fertilizer applicator 870 with an upper frame of a rice planter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the mid fertilizer applicator is divided into two halves, left and right, and the entire unit is moved to the front left and right of the machine body, and an upper frame 871 is provided on the upper surface of the fertilizer hopper on which seedlings can be placed. Here, the upper surface of the fertilizer hopper is inclined so that the rear is higher and the front is lower at the fertilization position, and the frame on which the seedlings are placed is enclosed on three sides, and the higher rear side is left open. The seedlings taken out of the seedling boxes are placed in this frame at the front left and right of the machine body, and the frame is moved to the fertilization position at the rear of the machine body, and when the front side is lifted in the direction indicated by the arrow to open the fertilizer hopper lid 721, the entire frame is inclined inversely so that the rear side is lower, and the seedlings are poured directly into the seedling tank of the planting section of the seedling placement device 80 from the open rear side.

As a result, by moving the fertilizer unit and placing the auxiliary seedlings on the upper frame 871, the auxiliary seedlings can also be loaded at the front of the machine and then transported to the rear of the machine, reducing the labor required for seedling supply work. In addition, there is no need to load seedling boxes onto the machine, and the operator can supply seedlings simply by tilting the fertilizer hopper lid 721 while standing on the machine, improving workability. In addition to the auxiliary seedling frames, there is no longer a need for a place to store empty boxes, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

(B) Furthermore, a modified embodiment of the present invention relating to a fertilizer applicator 70 having a lift-type sub-hopper mechanism will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), which is a schematic plan view (part 5) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12(b), which is a schematic left side view (part 5) of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, sub-hoppers 910 are provided on the left and right front sides of the machine body. The sub-hopper 910 is provided at a position higher than the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 above the machine body, and the sub-hopper 910 and the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 are connected by a sub-hopper hose 930 that can pass fertilizer.

As a result, fertilizer can be sent from the sub-hopper 910 to the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950, so fertilizer can be supplied by simply putting it in the sub-hopper 910 at the front of the machine, eliminating the need to carry heavy fertilizer bags on top of the rice transplanter, which reduces the amount of work required. In addition, by placing the sub-hopper 910 at the front of the machine and at a high position, it acts as a weight, which improves the front-to-rear balance of the machine and also leads to improved wet-field performance.

As shown in FIG. 12(c), which is a schematic front view of the vicinity of the sub-hopper 910 of a rice transplanter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which the sub-hopper 910 is provided at a high position on the left and right front sides of the machine body, the sub-hopper support pillars 920 that support the sub-hopper 910 are configured on the outside of the hopper and also on the outside of the machine body.

This allows the step space below the sub-hopper 910, which is positioned at a high position, to be widely used, allowing operators to pass through and allowing it to be used as space for replenishing seedlings, etc., improving workability.

As shown in Figure 12 (b), in a configuration in which sub-hoppers 910 are provided at high positions on the left and right front sides of the machine body, the sub-hopper 910 has sub-hopper supports 920 that are made of rails or the like, so that it can be raised and lowered in the up and down directions shown by the arrows (any configuration for raising and lowering is acceptable).

As a result, when replenishing fertilizer into the sub-hopper 910, the sub-hopper 910 can be lowered to a low position, making it possible to replenishing fertilizer without having to lift a heavy fertilizer bag to a high position, thus reducing the amount of work required.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), in a configuration in which sub-hoppers 910 are provided at high positions on the left and right front of the machine body, the sub-hopper hose 930 connecting the sub-hopper 910 and the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 is connected to the rear lower end of the rear or lower surface on the sub-hopper side and to the front upper end of the front or upper surface on the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper side, and the sub-hopper 910 is positioned so that the connection with the sub-hopper hose 930 is at a higher position on the sub-hopper side than the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper side. In addition, the sub-hopper hose 930 connecting these two is connected straight downward to the rear without bending when viewed from the side.

This allows the fertilizer to flow from the sub hopper 910 to the mid fertilizer applicator hopper 950 under its own weight, eliminating the need for a blower to blow air and making the configuration inexpensive. Also, by lowering the sub hopper 910 to a low position, the sub hopper hose 930 tilts downward at the front, stopping the fertilizer from flowing backwards; by doing this, when the mid fertilizer applicator hopper 950 is full, it acts as a tank to hold the fertilizer as an auxiliary machine, improving the efficiency of actual work.

As shown in Figure 12(a), in a configuration in which sub-hoppers 910 are provided at high positions on the left and right sides of the front of the machine body, the sub-hopper hoses 930 connecting the sub-hopper 910 and the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 are provided in rows, and are configured to connect each row of the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper to the left and right sub-hoppers 910, respectively.

This allows fertilizer to flow evenly over each row of the mid-fertilizer applicator, making it easy to use.

As shown in Figure 12(b), sub-hoppers 910 are provided at high positions on the left and right sides of the front of the machine body. Mid-fertilizer applicator hopper sensors 941 and 942 are attached to the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950, which can determine whether fertilizer is out or full. The sub-hopper 910 automatically moves accordingly, rising up to replenish fertilizer when fertilizer is out and lowering down to stop fertilizer supply when it is full. The up and down movement can also be operated manually.

As a result, if the sub-hopper 910 is replenished with fertilizer, fertilizer will be automatically replenished if the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 runs out of fertilizer at any time during actual operation, improving workability. Even if the fertilizer is not out of fertilizer, fertilizer will be replenished by manually raising the sub-hopper 910, and when it is full, the sub-hopper 910 will automatically descend and fertilizer supply will stop, improving workability. As it is configured to automatically replenish fertilizer, it can also be used with robotic rice transplanters without an operator.

As shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(c), sub-hoppers 910 are provided at high positions on the left and right front sides of the machine body, and slope sensors (tilt sensors) that detect the front-to-rear tilt are attached to the running section, so that the sub-hoppers 910 automatically rise when the machine body tilts so that the front is raised significantly.

As a result, the sub-hopper 910, which acts as a weight, is raised, and the front-to-rear balance of the machine body is further balanced forward. Therefore, by raising the sub-hopper 910, which is normally in a low position during actual operation, even if the mid-fertilizer applicator hopper 950 is not out of fertilizer, it is possible to prevent the front of the machine body from floating, and by using this to improve the balance for improving wet-field properties during operation, workability is improved.

The transplanter of the present invention allows for easy seedling supply to the spare seedling tray, and is useful for use in transplanters such as rice transplanters.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 vehicle body 20 engine 30 running device 31 front wheel 32 rear wheel 41 main transmission mechanism 42 sub-transmission mechanism 43 rear wheel gear case 50 driving unit 51 seat 52 steering handle 53 step floor 60 ground leveling device 70 fertilizing device 80 seedling loading device 100 planting device 200 spare seedling loading platform 300 seedling fence member 400 seedling feed belt member 500 fertilizing blower 510 air intake 610 step 620 spare seedling loading platform partition section 630 spare seedling loading platform support 631 pins 641, 642 spare seedling loading platform section 651 spare seedling loading platform drive section 652 spare seedling loading platform switch 653 spare seedling loading platform roller section 661 spare seedling loading platform rotation section 662 Spare seedling loading platform rotating cylinder 663 Stopper plate 671 Seedling feed belt motor 681 Seedling cut switch 710 Fertilization capsule section 711 Fertilization capsule mud guard cover 720 Fertilization hopper section 721 Fertilization hopper lid 730 Air chamber 740 Air intake duct section 750 Fertilization hose section 760 Wall 770 Fertilizer discharge duct section 780 Transmission case 781 Rod 810 Hopper mechanism 820 Air chamber mechanism 830 Blower mechanism 841 Funnel 842 Gasket 850 Fertilization unit moving mechanism 851 Fertilization unit moving rotating fulcrum section 852 Handle section 860 Fertilizer applicator with tires 861 Tire section 862 Tire groove section 870 Fertilizer applicator with upper frame 871 Upper frame 910 Sub hopper 920 Sub hopper support 930 Sub hopper hose 941, 942 Mid fertilizer applicator hopper sensor 950 Mid fertilizer applicator hopper

Claims (2)

a spare seedling loading platform (200) for loading seedlings, which is movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle body above the vehicle body (10);
a seedling loading device (80) supported on the rear side of the vehicle body, on which the seedlings are loaded when planted;
Equipped with
The spare seedling loading platform (200) is provided from the front to the rear of the vehicle body (10) and is arranged in a range where seedlings can be loaded from the front of the vehicle body (10) so that seedlings can be supplied to the spare seedling loading platform (200) from the ridge, and the spare seedling loading platform (200) moves on rails above the vehicle body (10) in the left-right direction of the vehicle body,
The seedlings can be loaded by sliding from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80),
The inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) is adjustable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body,
A seedling fence member (300) that can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is provided at the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200),
The transplanter is characterized in that when the seedlings are loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by the sliding movement, the seedling fence member (300) is opened to guide the seedlings. a spare seedling loading platform (200) for loading seedlings, which is movable in the left-right direction of the vehicle body above the vehicle body (10);
a seedling loading device (80) supported on the rear side of the vehicle body, on which the seedlings are loaded when planted;
Equipped with
The spare seedling loading platform (200) is provided from the front to the rear of the vehicle body (10) and is arranged in a range where seedlings can be loaded from the front of the vehicle body (10) so that seedlings can be supplied to the spare seedling loading platform (200) from the ridge, and the spare seedling loading platform (200) moves on rails above the vehicle body (10) in the left-right direction of the vehicle body,
The seedlings can be loaded by sliding from the rear end of the spare seedling loading platform (200) to the seedling loading device (80),
The inclination of the spare seedling loading platform (200) is adjustable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body,
A transplanter characterized in that a seedling transport belt member (400) is provided near the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) for transporting the seedlings when the seedlings are loaded from the rear end of the spare seedling loading table (200) to the seedling loading device (80) by the sliding movement.

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