Seedling transplanter supply device and seedling transplanter

Abstract

To provide a seedling transplanter supply device and seedling transplanter that can handle the supply of organic fertilizer. [Solution] A seedling transplanter supply device according to one embodiment is a supply device for a seedling transplanter (1) that supplies material to a field, comprising: a hopper section (140) for storing material; a conveying device (141) for transporting material from the hopper section (140); the conveying device (141) comprising: a pipe member (142) through which material is transported; a conveying member (143) disposed within the pipe member (142) and extending spirally along the transport direction; and a drive unit (144) that rotates the conveying member (143) with an axis along the transport direction of the material as the axis of rotation; a sending section (149) is provided at the end of the conveying device (141) from which the material is dropped by its own weight and into which air is blown from a blower, and the sending section (149) guides the material into the ground.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device for a seedling transplanter and a seedling transplanter. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, feeding devices for seedling transplanters that feed supplies such as fertilizer and seed rice to agricultural fields are known (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] A conventional feeding device for a seedling transplanter is configured on the premise of using chemically synthesized chemical fertilizers or chemical fertilizers produced by chemically processing naturally-derived raw materials as fertilizers to be applied to agricultural fields. Many chemical fertilizers are coated with plastic, and environmental problems and plastic waste problems have recently become a concern. Accordingly, organic fertilizers have attracted attention in recent years.

[0004] Organic fertilizers are decomposed by the action of microorganisms in soil and converted into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants. Therefore, although organic fertilizers generally do not have an immediate effect, their effects last for a long time. However, unlike chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers have a low specific gravity, so there has been a problem that existing fertilization devices cannot completely spread a predetermined amount of organic fertilizer. In addition, since the nitrogen concentration of organic fertilizer is half that of chemical fertilizer, it is simply necessary to spread twice as much to obtain the same effect as chemical fertilizer. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-105107 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-000074 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] In the conventional technology described above, the method of conveying the feed material using conveying air and the configuration of the dispensing unit result in a low filling rate and are unable to dispense large volumes of organic fertilizer. Furthermore, the method of conveying the feed material using conveying air had problems such as fertilizer clogging. Therefore, there was a need for a feeding device and seedling transplanter that could handle the supply of organic fertilizer.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a seedling transplanter supply device and a seedling transplanter that can handle the supply of organic fertilizer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, a supply device for a seedling transplanter (1) according to one embodiment of the invention is a supply device for a seedling transplanter (1) that supplies material to a field, comprising: a hopper section (140) for storing the material; a transport device (141) for transporting the material from the hopper section (140); the transport device (141) comprising: a pipe member (142) through which the material is transported; a transport member (143) disposed within the pipe member (142) and extending spirally along the transport direction; and a drive unit (144) that rotates the transport member (143) with an axis along the transport direction of the material as the axis of rotation; a sending section (149) is provided at the end of the transport device (141) from which the material is dropped by its own weight and into which air is blown from a blower, and the transport section (149) guides the material into the ground. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The seedling transplanter supply device according to this embodiment can handle the supply of organic fertilizer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing a seedling transplanter. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a seedling transplanter. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control system, centered around the control device of the seedling transplanter. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view showing the feeding device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power transmission mechanism to the feeding portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the feeding device and the float. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the feeding device and the float. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the seedling transplanter. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the seedling transplanter. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the feeding device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the feeding device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the feeding device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the feeding device and the float. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First, an outline of the seedling transplanter 1 according to an embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the seedling transplanter 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the seedling transplanter 1. Note that illustration of a conveying device 71, which will be described later, is omitted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0012] In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the traveling direction of the seedling transplanter 1 when moving straight, and the front side in the traveling direction is defined as "front" and the rear side as "rear". The traveling direction of the seedling transplanter 1 is the direction from the driver's seat 41 toward the handle 35 when the seedling transplanter 1 moves straight (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

[0013] The left-right direction is a direction horizontally orthogonal to the front-rear direction, and left and right are defined with the "front" side as the reference. That is, when an operator (also referred to as a worker) sits in the operator's seat 41 and faces forward, the left hand side is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

[0014] The up-down direction is the vertical direction. The front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction are mutually orthogonal. Each direction is defined for convenience of description, and the present invention is not limited by these directions.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the seedling transplanter 1 comprises a traveling vehicle body 2 capable of traveling in a farm field, and an ascendable and descendable seedling planting section 4 that plants seedlings into the farm field, the seedling planting section 4 being provided on a rear side of the traveling vehicle body 2 via a lifting link mechanism 3.

[0016] A main body portion of a feeding device 5 is disposed on an upper rear side of the traveling vehicle body 2. The traveling vehicle body 2 is a four-wheel drive vehicle including left and right front wheels 10 and rear wheels 11, which are wheels and also serve as drive wheels. On a front side of a main frame 15 that constitutes a vehicle body frame of the traveling vehicle body 2, there are provided a transmission case 13 that transmits driving force to the seedling planting section 4 and the like, and a hydraulic continuously variable transmission 14 that outputs the driving force supplied from an engine 30, that is, the rotation generated by the engine 30, to the transmission case 13.

[0017] The continuously variable transmission 14 is a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission called a so-called HST (Hydro Static Transmission). Hereinafter, the case where the continuously variable transmission is the HST 14 will be described.

[0018] An auxiliary transmission mechanism 16 that switches a traveling mode of the traveling vehicle body 2, such as when traveling on a road in a high-speed mode or when planting seedlings in a low-speed mode, is provided in the transmission case 13. Front wheel final cases 10a are provided on left and right lateral sides of the transmission case 13, and the front wheels 10 are attached to left and right front axles 10b that each project outward from a front wheel support portion capable of changing a steering direction of the left and right front wheel final cases 10a.

[0019] Furthermore, rear wheel gear cases 11a are attached to both the left and right sides of a rear frame (not shown) that is provided laterally on the rear side of the main frame 15, and the rear wheels 11 are attached to the left and right rear axles 11b that protrude outward from the rear wheel gear cases 11a, respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, left and right link support frames 23 that support the lifting link mechanism 3 are provided protruding upward from the upper part of the rear frame. A pair of left and right lower link arms 24 are provided on the lower side of the left and right link support frames 23 and between them. A hydraulically operated lifting cylinder 25 is provided between the left and right lower link arms 24.

[0021] An upper link arm 26 is provided above the lifting cylinder 25, forming a lifting link mechanism 3, which is a parallel link mechanism. The left and right lower link arms 24, each with one end connected to the vehicle body 2, the lifting cylinder 25, and the other end of the upper link arm 26 are mounted on the front of the seedling planting section 4.

[0022] Furthermore, an engine 30 is mounted on the main frame 15. The rotational power of the engine 30 is transmitted to the transmission case 13 via a belt drive 21 and an HST 14. The rotational power transmitted to the transmission case 13 is shifted by a sub-transmission mechanism 16 inside the transmission case 13, and then divided into driving power and externally extracted power.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotational power of the engine 30 is transmitted to a hydraulic pump (not shown). The hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump is supplied to the HST 14, the power steering mechanism 88 of the steering wheel 35 (see Figure 3), the lifting cylinder 25, and the like.

[0024] External power extracted from the rotational power transmitted to the transmission case 13 is transmitted to the planting clutch case 27 located at the rear of the vehicle body 2, and from the planting clutch case 2 to the seedling planting unit 4 via the planting transmission shaft 67. The planting unit drive case 60 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, receives power from the planting transmission shaft 67.

[0025] Meanwhile, the left and right drive shafts 42 are provided at the rear of the transmission case 13. The rotational power from the engine 30 is transmitted to the left and right rear wheel gear cases 11a via the transmission case 13 and the drive shafts 42.

[0026] Furthermore, a side clutch 44 (see Figure 3) for switching power transmission to the left and right drive shafts 42 is positioned upstream of the left and right drive shafts 42 in the transmission direction. A side clutch pedal (not shown) for operating the left and right side clutches 44 is provided on the front lower part of the driver's seat 41, on one side.

[0027] By depressing the side clutch pedal on the inside of the turn to disengage the side clutch 44, and then operating the steering wheel 35 to turn, the drive rotation of the inner rear wheel 11 can be completely shut off.

[0028] A bonnet 39 is provided on the upper front of the vehicle body 2, with a control panel 38 for operating various parts positioned on top. The control panel 38 is equipped with a monitor 86 (see Figure 3), etc.

[0029] The bonnet 39 is also equipped with a steering wheel 35 for steering the vehicle body 2, a gear shift lever (main gear lever) 36 for operating the HST 14 and the seedling planting unit 4, and a sub-gear shift lever 37 (see Figure 3) for operating the sub-gear shift mechanism 16. By operating the gear shift lever 36, the vehicle body 2 can be switched between forward and reverse. For example, by operating the sub-gear shift lever 37 towards the PTO, the vehicle body 2 can drive the seedling planting unit 4 while the vehicle body 2 is stopped.

[0030] Furthermore, a front cover 40 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the bonnet 39. Inside the front cover 40 are the fuel tank, battery, and an interlocking mechanism that rotates the left and right front wheels 10 and the lower parts of the left and right front wheel final cases 10a in response to the steering of the steering wheel 35. The front wheels 10 are, for example, steering wheels that turn in response to the steering of the steering wheel 35.

[0031] An engine cover 30a is provided behind the bonnet 39 and above the engine 30, covering the top and sides of the engine 30, and a cockpit 41 where the driver sits is provided on top of the engine cover 30a.

[0032] A supply device 5 is provided behind the cockpit 41, at the rear end of the main frame 15. The supply device 5 supplies materials to the field. These materials are, for example, materials used in agricultural work, such as organic fertilizers and chemicals. The supply device 5 will be described in detail later.

[0033] On both the left and right sides of the lower part of the engine cover 30a and bonnet 39, a roughly horizontal floor step 33 is formed. As shown in Figure 2, the floor step 33 is partially lattice-shaped, so that, for example, if mud from the driver's shoes falls onto the floor step 33, the fallen mud will fall onto the field.

[0034] Furthermore, a rear step 330 is connected to the rear of the floor step 33, as shown in Figure 2. It is preferable that the surface of the rear step 330 be treated with an anti-slip finish, for example, by forming multiple protrusion patterns, to prevent feet from slipping during work.

[0035] Furthermore, on the front side of the vehicle body 2, and on both the left and right sides, there are spare seedling frames 50 on seedling frame support posts 51, each with multiple spare seedling trays 52 arranged at vertical intervals, allowing for the placement of seedlings to be replenished in the seedling planting section 4, as well as work materials such as fertilizer bags.

[0036] Furthermore, a seedling tank 53 for loading seedlings to be planted in the field is attached to the rear end of the lifting link mechanism 3, along with a sliding mechanism for sliding it in the left-right direction. Long seedling partition fences 54 are arranged on the seedling tank 53 at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Below the seedling tank 53 is a seedling planting device 55 for scooping up the loaded seedlings and planting them in the field.

[0037] The seedling planting device 55 plants the same number of rows as the number of planting work rows separated by the seedling partition fence 54, i.e., 8 rows simultaneously. Four planting transmission cases 56 are arranged at intervals below the seedling tank 53, and planting rotary tools 57 are attached to both the left and right sides of the planting transmission cases 56, which rotate and pick up seedlings with planting rods 58 to plant in the field.

[0038] Below the seedling planting section 4, a center float 62C that makes contact with and slides on the field surface, and two side floats 62L and 62R on each side (see Figure 6) are provided so as to be rotatable around an axis. Note that the center float 62C and the left and right side floats 62L and 62R are sometimes collectively referred to as float 62.

[0039] Furthermore, below the seedling planting section 4, in front of the float 62, a leveling rotor 63 is provided to level the soil surface (unevenness) of the field. Driving force is transmitted to the leveling rotor 63 from the rear wheel gear cases 11a on the left and right sides via the rotor transmission shaft 63a.

[0040] Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the seedling planting section 4, there are line markings (not shown) that form grooves to guide movement in the next work row (next process) when one side of the line markings touches the field surface. When one side of the line markings touches the ground, the other side moves upward and apart. When the seedling planting section 4 is raised during a turn, both sides move upward and apart. After the turn, when the seedling planting section 4 is lowered, one side moves upward and the other side touches the ground.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a vertically elongated center mascot 66 is provided in the left-right center of the vehicle body 2 and in front of the bonnet 39. By aligning the center mascot 66 with the grooves formed in the field using the left and right line markers, it becomes possible to drive in accordance with the working position of the immediately preceding work row, thereby improving work accuracy and preventing the occurrence of unworked areas.

[0042] Depending on the soil type of the field, the guide lines formed by the left and right line markers may quickly become buried, causing the straight-line guide to disappear. In such cases, it is advisable to use the left and right side markers (not shown) which are positioned in front of the left and right line markers. That is, by moving the left and right side markers outward and positioning them above the planted seedlings, it becomes possible to perform planting work in line with the planting of seedlings in the previous work row.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the seedling transplanter 1 is equipped with a position detection device 150. The position detection device 150 detects the current position of the seedling transplanter 1. The position detection device 150 includes, for example, an orientation sensor and positioning means such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The position detection device 150 is, for example, mounted on a mounting bracket 59 and positioned above the vehicle body 2.

[0044] Next, the control system of the seedling transplanter 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control system of the seedling transplanter 1, centered on the control device 100. The seedling transplanter 1 is capable of controlling each part by electronic control and is equipped with a control device (hereinafter referred to as a controller) 100 that controls each part.

[0045] The controller 100 is equipped with a processing unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit including ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output unit, all of which are connected to each other and can exchange signals.

[0046] The memory unit stores computer programs and other data that control the seedling transplanter 1. The controller 100 performs its functions by reading the computer programs and other data stored in the memory unit.

[0047] The controller 100 is connected to actuators such as a throttle motor 80, hydraulic control valves 81 and 82, a planting clutch operating solenoid 83, a side clutch operating solenoid 84, an HST motor 85, a line drawing marker lifting motor 87, and a steering motor 95.

[0048] The throttle motor 80 increases or decreases the rotational speed of the engine 30's output shaft by operating a throttle that adjusts the intake volume of the engine 30. The hydraulic control valve 81 controls the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder 25. The hydraulic control valve 82 controls the power steering mechanism 88. The power steering mechanism 88 changes the direction of the front wheels 10, which are the steering wheels of the vehicle body 2. The planting clutch operating solenoid 83 operates the planting clutch 27a.

[0049] The side clutch operating solenoid 84 operates the side clutch 44, which switches the power transmission state to the rear wheels 11 (see Figure 1). Note that a side clutch 44 is provided for each of the left and right rear wheels 11, and two side clutch operating solenoids 84 are provided, one for each side clutch 44.

[0050] The HST motor 85 changes the tilt angle of the swash plate of the HST14 by changing the rotation angle of the trunnion of the HST14. The steering motor 95 is a motor that drives the handle 35, which is a steering device that adjusts the amount of steering (steering angle) of the front wheels 10 (see Figure 1) when automatic turning control is performed. The steering motor 95 rotates the handle 35. The line marking marker lifting motor 87 lifts and lowers the line marking marker.

[0051] The controller 100 is connected to detection devices such as a rotation speed sensor 90, a steering amount sensor 91, a position detection device 150, and an inertial positioning unit 152. Two rotation speed sensors 90 are provided, one for each of the left and right rear wheels 11, and each detects the rotation speed of the left and right rear wheels 11. Alternatively, the rotation speed sensors 90 may also detect the rotation speed of the left and right front wheels 10.

[0052] The steering amount sensor 91 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel 35, which is part of the steering device. In other words, the steering amount sensor 91 detects the operating position of the steering wheel 35, that is, the amount of steering (steering angle) of the front wheels 10. The steering amount sensor 91 is mounted, for example, on an axis connected to the pitman arm. The steering angle is detected in both the left and right directions, with the value when the steering wheel 35 is in a preset straight-ahead position being used as the reference value (0 degrees). For example, the steering angle is detected in conjunction with the turning direction of the steering wheel 35.

[0053] Furthermore, the controller 100 receives signals as operation signals from the gear shift lever 36, the sub-gear shift lever 37, the planting unit lifting switch 47, and so on. At least one of these switches may be a button.

[0054] The planting unit lifting switch 47 is a switch that toggles whether or not to raise or lower the seedling planting unit 4. The planting unit lifting switch 47 can be changed to the "up" and "down" positions.

[0055] When the planting unit lifting switch 47 is in the "up" position, the seedling planting unit 4 enters a non-working state where the seedling planting device 55 stops and the seedling planting unit 4 rises to a predetermined non-working position. When the planting unit lifting switch 47 is in the "down" position, the seedling planting unit 4 lowers to a predetermined working position (predetermined planting work position) and enters a working state where the seedling planting device 55 operates.

[0056] Next, the supply device 5 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a side view showing the supply device 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the power transmission mechanism to the dispensing unit 75. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic plan views showing the supply device 5 and the float 62. In the following embodiment, fertilizer will be used as an example of the supply material. Note that in Figure 6, the hopper unit 70, the conveying device 71, and the dispensing unit 75 are partially omitted from the illustration.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, the supply device 5 comprises a hopper section 70, a conveying device 71, a dispensing section (capsule) 75, and a supply section 76.

[0058] The hopper section 70 stores the fertilizer. The hopper section 70 is located behind the cockpit 41 and is provided on both the left and right sides (see Figure 2). The hopper section 70 is configured as a rectangle with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction in a plan view. The hopper section 70 has a tapered section that slopes toward the connection point with the conveying device 71, which is configured to facilitate the flow of fertilizer into the conveying device 71.

[0059] The conveying device 71 conveys fertilizer from the hopper section 70. The conveying device 71 is a so-called spring conveyor having a pipe member 72, a conveying member 73, and a drive unit 74.

[0060] The pipe member 72 is through which the fertilizer is transported. For example, the pipe member 72 is a hose-like member made of resin and has a transport path inside through which the fertilizer is transported. The pipe member 72 extends horizontally below the hopper section 70 and curves downward behind the hopper section 70. The fertilizer is transported along the direction in which the pipe member 72 extends.

[0061] The conveying member 73 is positioned inside the pipe member 72 and extends spirally along the direction of fertilizer transport. For example, the conveying member 73 is a spring-like member made of metal and is provided inside the pipe member 72 from one end to the other.

[0062] The drive unit 74 rotates the conveying member 73 using an axis aligned with the fertilizer conveying direction as its axis of rotation. For example, the drive unit 74 is a motor. Such a motor may be connected to a controller 100 and driven based on signals transmitted from the controller 100. The drive unit 74 is provided at the front end of the pipe member 72 and is configured such that its drive shaft is connected to the conveying member 73.

[0063] The dispensing unit 75 dispenses the fertilizer conveyed from the hopper unit 70. For example, the dispensing unit 75 is located below the seedling planting unit 4. The dispensing unit 75 has a dispensing shaft 75b and a dispensing roll (not shown). The dispensing shaft 75b extends in the left-right direction of the machine. The dispensing roll is attached to the dispensing shaft 75b and has a recess on its rotating surface. The fertilizer conveyed by the conveying member 73 fits into the recess of the dispensing roll, and the dispensing roll rotates on the dispensing shaft 75b with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation, dispensing the fertilizer to the supply unit 76 below.

[0064] The supply unit 76 supplies the material dispensed from the dispensing unit 75 to the field. For example, the supply unit 76 has a furrower 78 and a supply port 79 (see Figure 1). The furrower 78 forms a furrow on the soil surface of the field along the direction of the machine's movement. For example, the supply port 79 is a tubular member extending downward from the dispensing unit 75, and supplies the fertilizer dispensed from the dispensing unit 75 to the furrow formed by the furrower 78. The supply unit 76 can adjust the amount of fertilizer applied by changing the rotation speed of the motor in the drive unit 74.

[0065] In the supply device 5, the conveying device 71 conveys fertilizer by rotating the conveying member 73 with the drive unit 74 between the hopper section 70 and the dispensing section 75, and between the dispensing section 75 and the supply section 76, the fertilizer is allowed to fall by its own weight through the supply port 79. With the supply device 5 configured in this way, the conveying device 71 pushes the fertilizer into the dispensing section 75, thereby improving the fertilizer filling rate in the dispensing section 75. In addition, the amount of fertilizer dispensed can be stabilized, and the area without fertilizer can be reduced.

[0066] The feeding unit 75 is supported by the seedling planting unit 4. For example, the feeding shaft 75b of the feeding unit 75 is supported by the main frame 28 of the seedling planting unit 4 via a support member (not shown). The feeding unit 75 is driven by power transmitted from the leveling rotor 63.

[0067] As described above, the ground-leveling rotor 63 receives driving force from the rear wheel gear case 11a, which is a power transmission mechanism, via the rotor transmission shaft 63a. In other words, the ground-leveling rotor 63 receives power branched off from the transmission mechanism that transmits power to the rear wheels 11 of the vehicle body 2. The ground-leveling rotor 63 consists of a ground-leveling rotor 63 located in front of the left and right central sections and a ground-leveling rotor 63 located in the rear of both the left and right sides (see Figure 5). The ground-leveling rotor 63 located in the front and the ground-leveling rotor 63 located in the rear are connected by a shaft.

[0068] The dispensing unit 75 receives power from the leveling rotor 63. This power is transmitted in the order of rotor shaft 63b, rotor height shaft 64b, intermediate shaft 89, and dispensing shaft 75b as shown in Figure 1. The section from rotor shaft 63b to rotor height shaft 64b is rotatably configured in an independent case 63c as shown in Figure 5. The section from rotor height shaft 64b to dispensing shaft 75b is connected using the intermediate shaft 89 and multiple gear chains. As a result, the amount of fertilizer applied is constant in conjunction with the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle 2.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a power transmission mechanism (power transmission mechanism from the planting unit drive case 60) is provided to connect the planting unit drive case 60 and the feed shaft 75b. In normal fertilization work, the power transmission mechanism from the planting unit drive case 60 is not connected, but when the vehicle body 2 is stopped for maintenance of the supply device 5, etc. (for example, when the sub-transmission lever 37 is on the PTO side), a planting unit drive transmission clutch 61 is provided that can connect the power transmission mechanism from the planting unit drive case 60. For example, normal fertilization work is the operation in which the vehicle body 2 is moving while fertilization is performed by the supply device 5.

[0070] As described above, the dispensing unit 75 receives power from a transmission mechanism that transmits power from the leveling rotor 63 or the seedling planting unit 4. When the vehicle body 2 is moving, the power transmission mechanism from the planting unit drive case 60 is not connected, and the dispensing unit 75 is driven by the power transmitted from the leveling rotor 63. When the vehicle body 2 is stopped, the power transmission mechanism from the planting unit drive case 60 is connected by the planting unit drive transmission clutch 61, and the dispensing unit 75 is driven by the power transmitted from the seedling planting unit 4. As a result, although power from the leveling rotor 63 is not transmitted unless the vehicle body 2 is moving, the dispensing shaft 75b can be driven even when the vehicle body 2 is stopped, thanks to the drive of the planting unit drive case 60 and the planting unit drive transmission clutch 61. The supply device 5 is more convenient for cleaning, etc., because the dispensing shaft 75b can be driven even when the vehicle body 2 is stopped.

[0071] Furthermore, the drive case between the rotor height shaft 64b and the feed shaft 75b is integrated with the planting unit drive case 60. The transmission from the rotor height shaft 64b to the feed shaft 75b and the transmission from the seedling planting unit 4 to the feed shaft 75b are independent of each other. This reduces the number of parts in the seedling transplanter 1. In addition, the drive case can be provided in a compact form.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, two dispensing units 75 and two supply units 76 are provided for each row of the seedling planting unit 4. In other words, twice the number of dispensing units 75 and supply units 76 are provided compared to conventional systems. The fertilizer application positions are offset to the left and right of the planted seedlings in each row. That is, the supply device 5 performs side-dressing fertilization.

[0073] Each pipe member 72, provided for each row, connects the hopper section 70 to the two dispensing sections 75. The supply device 5 has a blocking member 77 provided only on one side of the pipe member 72 that branches from the single pipe member 72 to the two dispensing sections 75. For example, the blocking member 77 is an openable and closable shutter.

[0074] As described above, the supply device 5 is equipped with two dispensing units 75 and two supply units 76 for each row of the seedling planting unit 4. This allows the supply device 5 to apply a large amount of fertilizer. Furthermore, the pipe member 72 extending from the hopper unit 70 branches into two dispensing units 75, and a blocking member 77 that blocks the transport of the supplied material is provided on only one of the branching pipe members 72. This allows the supply device 5 to stop the transport of each row if the drive of the transport device 71, which drives each row independently, is stopped. Also, if the transport of fertilizer is blocked by the blocking member 77 provided on only one side, the supply device 5 can dispense the standard amount of fertilizer as before. In addition, row stopping of the dispensing unit 75 is unnecessary, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0075] For example, in a configuration where the seedling transplanter 1 has 8 planting rows and 5 floats 62, each float 62 is made larger so that when viewed from the front, each float 62 is arranged without any gaps. In addition, overlapping portions are provided due to the front-to-back displacement of each float 62. For example, when viewed from the front, the right end of the center float 62C and the left end of the side float 62R adjacent to the center float 62C overlap. Also, when viewed from the front, the left end of the center float 62C and the right end of the side float 62L adjacent to the center float 62C overlap.

[0076] Furthermore, a space A (a space through which water or mud can pass) is provided between each float 62, oriented diagonally with respect to the front-to-back direction. A groove 69 extending in the front-to-back direction is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the center float 62C, and in the center of the bottom surfaces of the side floats 62L and 62R adjacent to the center float 62C. For example, the groove 69 may be formed in a shape that is recessed upwards.

[0077] Thus, the seedling transplanter 1 has multiple floats 62 located below the seedling planting section 4 to level the surface of the field. Adjacent floats 62 are arranged without gaps when viewed from the front. Furthermore, adjacent floats 62 are positioned offset in the front-rear direction, so that they overlap when viewed from the front. As a result, the supply device 5 can maintain stable leveling performance even when the number of furrowers 78 increases compared to conventional models, resulting in an increase in the number of furrows formed by the furrowers 78. In addition, a rake is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, a space A is formed between adjacent floats 62, extending diagonally with respect to the front-to-back direction in a plan view. Floats 62 other than the side floats 62L and 62R at both ends, i.e., floats 62 located between adjacent floats 62, are provided with a groove 69 extending in the front-to-back direction in the center of the bottom of the float 62. As a result, the supply device 5 has improved ground leveling capabilities and a configuration that ensures no problems with water drainage even when large floats 62 are arranged in a row.

[0079] Furthermore, furrow makers 78 and covering plates 68 are symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the planting position where seedlings in each row are planted. The covering plates 68 are placed over the furrows formed by the furrow makers 78 after fertilizer and pesticides have been applied, thus preventing a decrease in the effectiveness of the fertilizers and pesticides. The floats 62 are shaped to surround the planting position. As a result, the planted seedlings are less affected by the waves caused by the floats 62, resulting in better planting posture. In addition, the furrow makers 78 and covering plates 68 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the planted seedlings, and the covering plates 68 on the outside of each float 62 extend inward as they move towards the rear, which cancels out the waves generated on the soil surface and makes it difficult for waves to form on the left and right sides of the floats 62.

[0080] Furthermore, the supply device 5 is not limited to a configuration in which a dispensing section 75 is provided below the conveying device 71, but may also be configured in which a dispensing section (not shown) is provided between the hopper section 70 and the conveying device 71. The supply device 5 may also use the conveying device 71 to transport fertilizer from the dispensing section (not shown) to the furrowing machine 78. This makes it possible to transport a large volume of fertilizer without a blower.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the supply device 5 may be configured such that a single hopper section 110 is connected to multiple dispensing sections 115 by a single conveying device 111. This reduces the number of components in the supply device 5. Furthermore, the supply device 5 allows for flexible placement of the hopper section 110.

[0082] Fertilizer discharge ports 116 may be provided at the left and right ends of the conveying device 111 that connects the hopper section 110 and the dispensing section 115. This eliminates the need for a dedicated configuration for discharging residual fertilizer. In addition, the supply device 5 can easily discharge residual fertilizer from both ends of the seedling planting section 4.

[0083] Next, the supply device 5 according to the first modified example will be described using Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a side view showing the seedling transplanter 1. Figure 9 is a top view showing the seedling transplanter 1. Figure 10 is a side view showing the seedling transplanter 1. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the supply device 5. Furthermore, the description will focus on configurations that differ from the embodiments described above, and the description of configurations similar to those in the embodiments described above will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the seedling transplanter 1 may be equipped with an engine 30 located at the front of the vehicle body 2 and hopper sections 120 located to the left and right of the engine 30. The engine 30 sends exhaust heat to the left and right, blowing hot air onto the hopper section 120 from below the floor step 33. This dries the fertilizer, making it easier to transport. In addition, the position of the hopper section 120 at the front of the vehicle body 2 makes it easier for the operator to replenish the fertilizer.

[0085] The left and right hopper sections 120 are each connected to the dispensing section 75 by a conveying device 121. The conveying device 121 has a conveying member 123. The conveying device 121 is routed along the link, passing in front of the rear wheels 11. This ensures that the pipe member 122 does not pass over the rear wheels 11, allowing for stable routing. In addition, mud is less likely to accumulate on the pipe member 122, reducing the effort required for cleaning. Note that the left and right hopper sections 120 are not limited to being located at the front of the vehicle body 2, but may also be located in the center of the vehicle body 2 in the front-rear direction, etc.

[0086] The left and right hopper sections 120 are provided with multiple connecting ports 125. This allows the supply device 5 to smoothly deliver fertilizer even if the hopper section 120 is a large-capacity hopper with a large surface area. Furthermore, if the hopper section 120 has only one connecting port 125, a large space is required to create a slope on the bottom surface of the hopper section 120. However, by providing multiple connecting ports 125, a large space is not required to create a slope. Therefore, a large-capacity hopper section 120 that makes efficient use of space can be provided. Note that the left and right hopper sections 120 may also be provided with a single connecting port (not shown) that is larger than the connecting port 125 and extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0087] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a large-capacity sub-hopper section 130 may be provided inside the bonnet 39 and in the space below the floor step 33. This allows the supply device 5 to improve the fertilizer supply efficiency. It is desirable that the vehicle body 2 has a larger front section than the vehicle body 2 shown in Figure 10 (for example, configured as a front-engine specification).

[0088] The front cover 40 also serves as the lid for the sub-hopper section 130. This reduces the number of parts in the seedling transplanter 1.

[0089] The sub-hopper section 130 has a convex shape when viewed from the front, with the higher part serving as the bonnet 39 and the lower part serving as the floor step 33. This reduces the number of parts in the seedling transplanter 1.

[0090] The fertilizer is transported from the sub-hopper section 130 to the hopper section 70 by a conveying device 131 having a conveying section 133. This makes the supply device 5 effective for applying large quantities of organic fertilizer. The transport of fertilizer from the hopper section 70 is not particularly limited and may be done using the aforementioned conveying device 71, or by using a blower or the like.

[0091] The bottom surface of the sub-hopper section 130 is configured as a sloping surface that slopes downwards towards the rear. This allows fertilizer to flow smoothly. It also provides an advantage for the ridges, improving adaptability.

[0092] Next, a second modified example of the supply device 5 will be described using Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a side view of the supply device 5. Figure 13 is a top view of the supply device 5.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12, the pipe member 142 may be directly attached to the hopper section 140 via the funnel 146. This eliminates the need for a dispensing section in the supply device 5, simplifying its configuration.

[0094] The pipe member 142 may extend horizontally at the bottom of the hopper section 140. This prevents the fertilizer from falling by its own weight.

[0095] The conveying member 143 may consist of a plate-shaped spiral member inside the funnel 146, and a spring-shaped spiral member extending from the rear end of the funnel 146. This allows the supply device 5 to prevent fertilizer spillage when fertilization is not being performed, as the plate-shaped spiral member functions as a blocking member.

[0096] A blocking member 147 may be provided at the lower end of the pipe member 142. This prevents the fertilizer from falling by its own weight when the supply device 5 stops fertilizing.

[0097] The blocking member 147 may be structured to open and close from the upper rear to the lower front. This allows the supply device 5 to reduce variations in fertilizer distribution due to gravity. The amount by which the blocking member 147 is opened and closed is controlled based on the set fertilizer dispensing amount and the vehicle speed.

[0098] The conveying device 141 may be equipped with a sensor 148 for detecting fertilizer at the lower end of the pipe member 142. The conveying device 141 may continue to operate automatically until the sensor 148 detects fertilizer. This allows the supply device 5 to reduce the occurrence of fertilizer-free sections at the beginning of planting.

[0099] The conveying device 141 may have a supply section 149 above the part where the furrowing device 145 is located, into which air from a blower (see arrow B) is supplied. The air from the blower blows the fertilizer dispensed from the pipe member 142 into the ground. This prevents the supply device 5 from becoming clogged with fertilizer.

[0100] The conveying device 141 may be driven by a motor 144. The motor 144 may be located at the front of the lower part of the hopper section 140. As shown in Figure 13, the motor 144 may be located at the right end of the pipe member 122. The motor 144 may be located at the left end of the pipe member 142. The motor 144 drives the conveying device 141 via a drive shaft. The motor speed is controlled based on the set value of the fertilizer application amount and the vehicle speed.

[0101] Next, a fertilizer application device relating to a third modified example will be described using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of the supply device 5 and the float 62. In this embodiment, water or air is injected into the water inlet.

[0102] As shown in Figure 14, the supply device 5 may have a pipe 160 running through the inside of the hopper section 70, and drain ports 162 may be provided at the top of the conveying device 71 from the hopper. Water inlets 161 may be provided at the outer ends of the pipes 160 running in the left-right direction. This allows the supply device 5 to clean the conveying device 71 and the dispensing section 75 all at once.

[0103] Alternatively, the supply device 5 may have a pipe with numerous holes on its outer circumference that passes through the inside of the hopper section 70. The supply device 5 may be configured such that the inside of the hopper section 70 is cleaned by water discharged from the numerous holes, and then the downstream section from the pipe member 72 is cleaned.

[0104] In the transport device 71 shown in Figure 4, the traveling vehicle 2 may have a covered water inlet (not shown) at the front end of each pipe member 72 (for example, between the hopper section 70 and the drive section 74). Alternatively, the traveling vehicle 2 may have the front ends of the pipe members 72 provided for each row connected by a water inlet pipe, with a water inlet provided in the center of the water inlet pipe in the left-right direction.

[0105] In the transport device 111 shown in Figure 7, the traveling vehicle body 2 may have water inlets (not shown) at the left and right outer ends of the upper side of the pipe member 112 (for example, between the hopper section 110 and the drive unit 114). This allows the supply device 5 to clean the fertilizer passage all at once. When the fertilizer is discharged (when the fertilizer passage is cleaned), a blocking member (not shown) provided between the pipe member 112 and the fertilizer discharge port 116 is opened. For example, the blocking member is a rotating shutter.

[0106] In the transport device 121 shown in Figures 9 and 10, the traveling vehicle body 2 may be provided with a water inlet (not shown) at the front end of the pipe member 122 (behind the drive unit 124).

[0107] The vehicle body 2 is connected by a pipe member 122 at the rear of the drive unit 124, and a water inlet (not shown) may be provided in the center of the pipe in the left-right direction.

[0108] In the transport device 131 shown in Figures 11 and 12, the transport vehicle body 2 may have a water inlet (not shown) at the bottom of the drive unit 134 and a drain port (not shown) at the front end of the pipe member 132. As a result, the supply device 5 can have water injected from the water inlet, drive the transport device 131, and clean the inside of the pipe member 132.

[0109] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1 Seedling transplanter 2. Running vehicle 4 Seedling planting department 5 Feeding device 11 Rear wheels 62 Floats 62C Center Float 62L Side Floats 62R Side Float 63. Ground leveling rotor 69 Groove 70 Hoppers 71 Conveying device 72 Pipe members 73 Conveying components 74 Drive Unit 75 Dispensing section 76 Supply section 77 Barrier Space A

Claims

1. In a seedling transplanter's supply device that supplies materials to a field, A hopper section for storing the aforementioned supply, A conveying device for transporting the supply material from the hopper section, The conveying device comprises a pipe member through which the supply material is conveyed, a conveying member disposed within the pipe member and extending spirally along the conveying direction, and a drive unit that rotates the conveying member with an axis along the conveying direction of the supply material as the axis of rotation. A seedling transplanter characterized in that a sending section is provided at the end of the conveying device, which causes the supplied material to fall by its own weight and also blows air from a blower into it, and the supplied material is guided into the ground by the sending section.

2. The drive unit of the conveying device is a motor, and the supply device for the seedling transplanter according to claim 1 is located in front of the machine body of the supply device.

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