rice transplanter

Abstract

The present application provides a rice transplanter capable of achieving labor-saving in the operation of supplying seedling mats to a seedling loading table and easily avoiding seedling mat damage and improper loading of seedling mats on the seedling loading table. The rice transplanter comprises a seedling transplanting device having a seedling loading table (22) and a seedling carrying device (30) for carrying seedling mats to the seedling loading table (22). The seedling carrying device (30) has a rising portion and a descending portion (32). The rising portion is located at the front of the seedling carrying device (30) and is arranged in a backward-upward inclined state. The descending portion (32) extends from the rear end of the rising portion to the rear side and is arranged in a backward-downward inclined state. The seedling carrying device (30) is configured to supply seedling mats to the seedling loading table (22) by making the seedling mats carried by the rising portion slide down from the descending portion (32). The descending portion (32) has a deceleration portion (50) for reducing the moving speed of the seedling mats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rice transplanter equipped with a seedling transplanting device, which has a seedling platform. Background Technology

[0002] As described above, a rice transplanter is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. This rice transplanter has a pre-seedling loading platform at the front of its body. The operator can place the prepared seedlings onto this pre-seedling loading platform.

[0003] When using the rice transplanter described in Patent Document 1 to perform seedling transplanting operations, the operator first places the seedling pad on the seedling platform (or "planting platform" in Patent Document 1) of the seedling transplanting device (referred to as "seedling transplanting device" in Patent Document 1). Furthermore, the operator places the seedling pad, supported by the seedling pad support, on the prepared seedling platform.

[0004] It should be noted that the seedling support body refers to the tool used to support the seedling pad, such as a shovel.

[0005] Then, the workers begin planting the rice seedlings using a rice transplanter. As the seedlings are planted, the number of seedlings on the seedbed placed on the transplanting platform gradually decreases.

[0006] When the number of seedlings on the seedling tray decreases to a certain level, the operator stops planting the seedlings and stops the rice transplanter. Next, the operator holds the seedling pads on the prepared seedling tray by hand, with the pads supported by a seedling pad support. Then, the operator detaches the seedling pads from the seedling pad support and replenishes them to the seedling tray.

[0007] Therefore, when the number of seedlings placed on the seedling tray decreases to a certain level, the operator needs to replenish the seedling tray with seedling pads. Moreover, replenishing the seedling tray with seedling pads requires a lot of labor.

[0008] To simplify the operation of replenishing seedling pads to the seedling platform, a seedling transport device is considered, located slightly forward of the seedling platform and used to transport the seedling pads. In this case, if the seedling transport device has an ascending section and a descending section, with the ascending section located at the front of the device and angled upwards and backwards, and the descending section extending from the rear of the ascending section and angled downwards and backwards, the seedling transport device will have a mountain-shaped overall form. This makes it easy to ensure sufficient space on the underside of the seedling transport device for installing a driver's cab for the operator.

[0009] However, when the seedling pads are supplied from the descent section to the seedling platform at a relatively high speed, it is foreseeable that the seedling pads will be damaged due to collisions with the seedling platform or seedling pads already placed on the seedling platform.

[0010] Furthermore, when the seedling pads are supplied from the descent section to the seedling platform at a relatively high speed, it is foreseeable that the seedling pads will fly out and not be properly placed on the seedling platform.

[0011] Existing technical documents

[0012] Patent documents

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-168512 Summary of the Invention

[0014] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rice transplanter that can reduce the labor intensity of supplying seedling pads to the seedling platform and easily avoid damage to the seedling pads or improper placement of the seedling pads on the seedling platform during the supply of seedling pads.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem

[0017] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a seedling transplanting device located at the rear of the machine body and having a seedling platform; and a seedling transport device located at a position forward of the seedling platform and transporting a seedling pad to the seedling platform, the seedling transport device having an ascending part and a descending part, the ascending part being located at the front of the seedling transport device and being arranged in a rearward and upward inclined state, the descending part extending rearward from the rear end of the ascending part and being arranged in a rearward and downward inclined state, the seedling transport device being configured to supply the seedling pad to the seedling platform by causing the seedling pad transported rearward by the ascending part to slide down from the descending part, the descending part having a deceleration part that reduces the moving speed of the seedling pad.

[0018] When using this invention, seedling pads are replenished to the seedling tray via a seedling transport device. Therefore, the operator does not need to manually replenish the seedling trays. Thus, the operation of replenishing seedling pads to the seedling tray is made much easier with this invention.

[0019] Furthermore, when using this invention, the speed at which the seedling pad slides down from the descending section is reduced by the deceleration section. Therefore, it is easy to avoid damage to the seedling pad when supplying it from the descending section to the seedling carrier, and to avoid the seedling pad not being properly placed on the seedling carrier.

[0020] Therefore, when the present invention is used, a rice transplanter can be realized that can reduce the labor intensity of supplying seedling pads to the seedling platform and easily avoid damage to the seedling pads or improper placement of the seedling pads on the seedling platform when supplying them to the seedling platform.

[0021] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferred that the deceleration part has: a rotating member capable of rotating about a rotation axis along the left-right direction of the machine body; and a suppression part that suppresses an increase in the rotational speed of the rotating member, the rotating member having a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially and are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals, and the rotating member being configured such that the protrusions abut against the seedling pad that slides down from the descending part.

[0022] According to this structure, when the protrusion is in contact with the seedling pad sliding down from the descending part, the rotating member receives a force from the seedling pad via the protrusion. This force is in the direction that causes the rotating member to rotate. However, at this time, the increasing rotational speed of the rotating member is suppressed by the inhibiting part. As a result, the rotating member rotates at a lower speed. At the same time, the seedling pad in contact with the protrusion slides down from the descending part at a lower speed.

[0023] That is, based on this structure, a rice transplanter can be realized that can easily and reliably reduce the moving speed of the seedling pad sliding down from the lowering part.

[0024] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferred that the suppression part is an electric motor that can change speed and drive the rotating component to rotate at a constant rotational speed after the speed change.

[0025] According to this structure, when the seedling pad sliding down from the descending part abuts against the protrusion, an electric motor is used to suppress the increase in the rotational speed of the rotating member. That is, according to this structure, the suppression part can be provided with a relatively simple structure. Furthermore, by making the rotational speed of the electric motor variable, the rotational speed of the rotating member can be adjusted to be optimally suited to the tilt of the descending part.

[0026] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferred that the inhibition part is a friction resistance mechanism that applies frictional resistance to the rotating member, which would hinder the rotation of the rotating member.

[0027] According to this structure, when the seedling pad sliding down from the descending part comes into contact with the protrusion, the frictional resistance mechanism suppresses the increase in the rotational speed of the rotating member. That is, according to this structure, the suppression part can be provided with a relatively simple structure.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferred in this invention that a plurality of deceleration units are provided, the plurality of deceleration units including a first deceleration unit and a second deceleration unit located below the first deceleration unit. The first deceleration unit has a plurality of first rotating members that are a plurality of rotating members arranged in the left-right direction of the body, and the second deceleration unit has a plurality of second rotating members that are a plurality of rotating members arranged in the left-right direction of the body. The arrangement position of each second rotating member in the left-right direction of the body does not overlap with the arrangement position of any first rotating member in the left-right direction of the body.

[0029] According to this structure, the seedling mat sliding down from the descending section is decelerated by the first and second deceleration sections. Therefore, compared to a structure with only one deceleration section, it is possible to achieve a structure that can easily and sufficiently suppress the moving speed of the seedling mat at the moment of arrival at the seedling platform.

[0030] Furthermore, in the structure where the second rotating member abuts against the first rotating member in the seedling pad that slides down from the descending part, this part repeatedly comes into contact with the protrusion. Therefore, damage to this part can be anticipated.

[0031] Here, according to the above structure, the arrangement positions of each second rotating member in the left-right direction of the machine body do not overlap with the arrangement positions of any first rotating member in the left-right direction of the machine body. Therefore, the second rotating member abuts against the part of the first rotating member in the seedling mat that slides down from the descending part. Therefore, the situation of partial damage to the seedling mat as described above can be avoided.

[0032] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferred that the deceleration part is located in the center or lower part of the descending part in the vertical direction of the machine body.

[0033] When the deceleration unit is located above the descending part in the vertical direction of the machine body, the distance the seedling mat travels from the descending part to the seedling loading platform after being decelerated by the deceleration unit is relatively long. Therefore, during the period from the deceleration unit to the seedling loading platform, the seedling mat accelerates while sliding down the descending part, thus making it easy for the seedling mat to have a higher speed when it reaches the seedling loading platform.

[0034] Here, according to the above structure, the distance the seedling pad travels from the descending section to the seedling platform after being decelerated by the deceleration section is shorter. Therefore, compared to the case where the deceleration section is located on the upper part of the descending section in the vertical direction of the machine body, the moving speed of the seedling pad at the moment of reaching the seedling platform is more likely to be lower.

[0035] Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferable that the descending part is provided with a temporary stopping part for temporarily stopping the seedling pad and a seedling exhaustion sensor.

[0036] When the maximum number of seedling pads that can be placed on the seedling tray are in place, the seedling pads transferred from the rising section to the descending section come into contact with the seedling pads placed on the seedling tray and are placed on the descending section. Therefore, by temporarily leaving the seedling pads on the descending section by the temporary stopping section, seedling pads can be replenished immediately when there are insufficient seedling pads on the seedling tray.

[0037] Based on the above structure, a structure can be implemented such that a seedling depletion sensor can detect when the remaining amount of seedlings on the seedling pad placed in the descending section is low or when the seedling pad is depleted. Thus, for example, a structure can be implemented that notifies the operator when the remaining amount of seedlings on the seedling pad placed in the descending section is low or when the seedling pad is depleted. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a left view of a rice transplanter.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a top view of a rice transplanter.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the rice transplanter.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the structure of the deceleration unit, etc.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the structure of the deceleration unit, etc.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional left view showing the structure of the first rotating member, etc.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of friction resistance mechanisms, etc.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the structure of the deceleration unit and the like in other embodiments (5).

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 22: Seedling carrier; 30: Seedling transport device (seedling transport device); 31: Ascending part; 32: Descending part; 50: Deceleration part; 51: First deceleration part; 52: Second deceleration part; 60: Rotating component; 60a: Protrusion; 61: First rotating component; 62: Second rotating component; 73: Inhibition part; 74: Electric motor; 75: Friction resistance mechanism; A: Rice transplanter; M: Seedling pad; S: Seedling exhaustion sensor; W: Seedling transplanting device; Y1: First rotating axis (rotating axis); Y2: Second rotating axis (rotating axis). Detailed Implementation

[0048] The specific embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, [the following will be used to describe the specific implementation]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 The direction of arrow F is set to "forward", and the direction of arrow B is set to "backward". Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8The direction of arrow L is set to "left", and the direction of arrow R is set to "right". Furthermore, [the following is also included:] Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 , Figure 8 The direction of arrow U is set to "up", and the direction of arrow D is set to "down".

[0049] [Overall structure of the rice transplanter]

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the ride-on rice transplanter A has a traveling body C capable of moving through farmland. This traveling body C has a pair of left and right steering wheels 10, 10 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 11, 11. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the central part of the vehicle body C has a passenger compartment 23 for performing various driving operations. The passenger compartment 23 is provided on the vehicle body C in a manner that spans the lateral width of the vehicle body C.

[0051] The seedling transplanting device W is supported and connected to the rear of the traveling machine body C in a height-adjustable manner. The seedling transplanting device W is configured to transplant seedlings into the field. A pair of left and right steering wheels 10 are located at the front of the traveling machine body C, configured to freely change the orientation of the traveling machine body C. A pair of left and right rear wheels 11 are located at the rear of the traveling machine body C. The seedling transplanting device W is connected to the rear of the traveling machine body C via a transplanting linkage mechanism 17 in a height-adjustable manner. Thus, the seedling transplanting device W is located at the rear of the rice transplanter A. The transplanting linkage mechanism 17 is raised and lowered by the extension and retraction of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 16.

[0052] The front of the vehicle body C is equipped with an engine 13 capable of driving the vehicle body C and an openable hood 12. The hood 12 is configured with a rearwardly upward inclined surface and is capable of accommodating the engine 13. Although not described in detail, the steering wheels 10 and / or the rear wheels 11 are equipped with a known HST (hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, not shown) as a transmission mechanism for transmitting power from the engine 13. The power of the engine 13 is transmitted to the steering wheels 10 and the rear wheels 11 via the transmission mechanism of the vehicle body, and the transmitted power is transmitted to the seedling planting device W via an electric motor driven planting clutch (not shown).

[0053] The seedling transplanting device W includes: multiple (e.g., four) transmission boxes 18, multiple (e.g., eight) rotating boxes 19, land-leveling floats 21, and seedling platforms 22. The rotating boxes 19 are rotatably supported on the left and right rear sides of each transmission box 18. Each rotating box 19 has a pair of rotating transplanting arms 20 at both ends. The land-leveling floats 21 level the farmland surface; the seedling transplanting device W includes multiple land-leveling floats 21. The seedling platform 22 holds seedling mats M (see reference) for transplanting seedlings. Figure 6 ).

[0054] Thus, the rice transplanter A has a seedling transplanting device W located at the rear of the machine body and having a seedling platform 22.

[0055] The seedling transplanting device W drives the seedling carrier 22 to move laterally left and right, while simultaneously driving the rotating boxes 19 to rotate via power transmitted from the transmission box 18. The transplanting arms 20 alternately remove seedlings from the lower part of the seedling carrier 22 and transplant them onto the field surface. In other words, the seedling transplanting device W is configured to transplant seedlings using the transplanting arms 20 of multiple rotating boxes 19.

[0056] [Regarding the seedling transport device]

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a seedling transport device 30 (equivalent to the "seedling transport device" of the present invention) is provided above the mounting section 23. The seedling transport device 30 is configured to transport seedling pads M (see reference) to the seedling platform 22. Figure 6 The following is a description of the pre-planted seedling transport device 30.

[0058] When viewed from above, the pre-planted seedling transport device 30 overlaps with the seating seat 23A of the seating unit 23. Furthermore, the pre-planted seedling transport device 30 is located further forward than the seedling loading platform 22.

[0059] Thus, the rice transplanter A has a pre-seedling transport device 30 located in front of the seedling platform 22 and transporting the seedling pad M to the seedling platform 22.

[0060] The seedling transport device 30 has an ascending section 31 and a descending section 32. The ascending section 31 is located at the front of the seedling transport device 30. Furthermore, the ascending section 31 is inclined in a manner that it is positioned higher towards the rear. That is, the ascending section 31 is provided in a rearward and upward inclined state. In addition, the ascending section 31 is configured to be able to swing up and down about the transverse axis X1 of the rear end of the device.

[0061] That is, the rising part 31 is located at the front of the seedling transport device 30 and is set in a state of tilting backward and upward.

[0062] The descending portion 32 extends rearward from the rear end of the rising portion 31. Furthermore, the descending portion 32 is inclined in a manner that it becomes increasingly lower towards the rear. That is, the descending portion 32 is positioned in a state of downward and rearward inclination.

[0063] Thus, the descending part 32 extends rearward from the rear end of the rising part 31 and is set in a state of tilting downward and backward.

[0064] The rising section 31 includes multiple transport mechanisms 40. These transport mechanisms 40 are arranged in a left-right orientation. In this embodiment, the rice transplanter A performs eight-row planting. That is, the seedling platform 22 can hold eight rows of seedling mats M. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of transport mechanisms 40 corresponds to the number of rows of seedling mats M that can be placed on the seedling platform 22. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of transport mechanisms 40 is eight.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each conveying mechanism 40 has an annular rotating belt 41 and a belt conveyor motor 42. The belt conveyor motor 42 is configured to drive the annular rotating belt 41 to rotate. When the annular rotating belt 41 is driven to rotate, the annular rotating belt 41 rotates such that the upper side of the annular rotating belt 41 moves backward and the lower side of the annular rotating belt 41 moves forward.

[0066] With the seedling mat M placed on the upper side of the annular rotating belt 41, when the belt conveyor motor 42 is driven, the seedling mat M is transported rearward by the annular rotating belt 41. As a result, the ascending part 31 transports the seedling mat M rearward and transfers it to the descending part 32.

[0067] The seedling pad M, which is transferred from the rising section 31 to the descending section 32, is guided downward toward the seedling carrier 22 while sliding on the descending section 32. That is, the seedling pad M is supplied to the seedling carrier 22 by sliding down from the descending section 32.

[0068] Thus, the pre-seedling transport device 30 is configured to supply the seedling pad M to the seedling carrier platform 22 by causing the seedling pad M, which is transported rearward from the rising part 31, to slide down from the descending part 32.

[0069] It should be noted that, according to the structure described above, the ascending part 31 is capable of transporting eight rows of seedling pads M to the rear. Furthermore, the descending part 32 has a lateral width sufficient to guide the eight rows of seedling pads M towards the seedling tray 22. Therefore, the pre-seedling transport device 30 in this embodiment is capable of transporting eight rows of seedling pads M towards the seedling tray 22.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body C has left and right side frames 24, 24, which are erected on the left and right sides of the passenger seat 23A. A rear support frame 25 is connected to the side frames 24, 24. The upper end of the rear support frame 25 extends along the transverse axis X1 of the vehicle body.

[0071] The lower ends of the left and right ends of the rear support frame 25 are respectively connected to the side frames 24, 24. Furthermore, the rear end of the rising part 31 is connected to the upper end of the rear support frame 25 in a swingable manner. The front end of the descending part 32 is supported by the rear support frame 25.

[0072] Front support frame portions 26, 26 are provided on the left and right sides of the housing 12. Each of the front support frame portions 26, 26 is connected to an electro-hydraulic cylinder 28 and a linkage mechanism 33. The linkage mechanism 33 is pivotally supported on the front support frame portion 26 and the support receiving portion 34 at the front of the lifting portion 31, respectively. Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic cylinder 28 is pivotally supported on the front support frame portion 26 and the linkage mechanism 33, respectively. Through the extension and retraction of the electro-hydraulic cylinder 28, the linkage mechanism 33 swings up and down, and the support receiving portion 34 performs lifting and lowering operations. Thus, the lifting portion 31 is configured to swing up and down around the transverse axis X1 of the machine body.

[0073] [Regarding the deceleration section]

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the descending section 32 has multiple deceleration sections 50. Each deceleration section 50 is configured to reduce the moving speed of the seedling mat M sliding down from the descending section 32. That is, the descending section 32 has a deceleration section 50 that reduces the moving speed of the seedling mat M. Furthermore, the rice transplanter A has multiple deceleration sections 50.

[0075] The deceleration unit 50 will be described below.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the descending section 32 in this embodiment has three first deceleration sections 51 and three second deceleration sections 52. Both the first deceleration sections 51 and the second deceleration sections 52 are deceleration sections 50. That is, the descending section 32 in this embodiment has six deceleration sections 50.

[0077] Each first deceleration unit 51 is located at the center of the descending portion 32 in the vertical direction of the fuselage. Furthermore, each second deceleration unit 52 is located at the lower part of the descending portion 32 in the vertical direction of the fuselage. That is, each second deceleration unit 52 is located lower than each first deceleration unit 51.

[0078] Thus, the deceleration section 50 is located in the center or lower part of the descending section 32 in the vertical direction of the fuselage. In addition, the plurality of deceleration sections 50 include a first deceleration section 51 and a second deceleration section 52 located below the first deceleration section 51.

[0079] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each deceleration unit 50 has a plurality of rotating members 60 arranged in the left-right direction of the fuselage. More specifically, the first deceleration unit 51 has a plurality of first rotating members 61 that are the plurality of rotating members 60 arranged in the left-right direction of the fuselage. The second deceleration unit 52 has a plurality of second rotating members 62 that are the plurality of rotating members 60 arranged in the left-right direction of the fuselage.

[0080] Each first rotating member 61 is fixed to a first support shaft 71 that passes through each first rotating member 61 and extends in the left-right direction. In addition, a plurality of first support brackets 32a are mounted on the front side of the lowering part 32. The first support shaft 71 is supported on the plurality of first support brackets 32a in a state that allows it to rotate about a first rotation axis Y1 (corresponding to the "rotation axis" of the present invention) in the left-right direction of the body.

[0081] According to this structure, each of the first rotating members 61 and the first support shaft 71 is supported on the front side of the descending part 32. Furthermore, each of the first rotating members 61 and the first support shaft 71 can rotate integrally about the first rotation axis Y1.

[0082] Each second rotating member 62 is fixed to a second support shaft 72 that passes through each second rotating member 62 and extends in the left-right direction. In addition, a plurality of second support brackets 32b are mounted on the front side of the lowering part 32. The second support shaft 72 is supported on the plurality of second support brackets 32b in a state that allows it to rotate about a second rotation axis Y2 (equivalent to the "rotation axis" of the present invention) in the left-right direction of the body.

[0083] According to this structure, each of the second rotating members 62 and the second support shaft 72 is supported on the front side of the descending part 32. Furthermore, each of the second rotating members 62 and the second support shaft 72 can rotate integrally about the second rotation axis Y2.

[0084] Here, the first rotating member 61 will be described in detail. Figure 6 As shown, the first rotating member 61 has a plurality of protrusions 60a. The plurality of protrusions 60a protrude radially from the first rotating member 61. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 60a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the first rotating member 61.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple elongated holes 32c are formed on the surface of the descending section 32 where the seedling pad M slides down. Each elongated hole 32c extends along the direction of movement of the seedling pad M.

[0086] Moreover, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first rotating member 61 is configured with a portion of the first rotating member 61 entering the elongated hole 32c. Thus, a portion of the first rotating member 61 protrudes upward from the elongated hole 32c. According to this structure, as... Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 60a abuts against the bottom of the seedling pad M that slides down from the descending part 32.

[0087] Thus, the rotating member 60 has a plurality of protrusions 60a that protrude radially and are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals, and the rotating member 60 is configured such that the protrusions 60a abut against the seedling pad M that slides down from the descending part 32.

[0088] It should be noted that the structure of the first rotating member 61 has been described in detail above, while the second rotating member 62 has the same structure as the first rotating member 61. Therefore, the description of the structure of the second rotating member 62 is omitted.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the arrangement positions of each second rotating member 62 in the left-right direction of the machine body do not overlap with the arrangement positions of any first rotating member 61 in the left-right direction of the machine body. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the vertical direction on the paper, none of the first rotating components 61 is located directly above any of the second rotating components 62.

[0090] Furthermore, in other words, in the direction of movement of the seedling pad M at the descending part 32, each of the first rotating members 61 and each of the second rotating members 62 are arranged such that the first rotating member 61 is not located upstream of the second rotating member 62.

[0091] In addition, Figure 4 In the diagram, the seedling depletion sensor S is represented by an imaginary line. This seedling depletion sensor S is positioned adjacent to the second rotating member 62. Furthermore, the seedling depletion sensor S is installed in one of the plurality of elongated holes 32c where the rotating member 60 is not located. Alternatively, the seedling depletion sensor S can be provided in the descending portion 32. The seedling depletion sensor S can be positioned either on the left or right side of the second rotating member 62.

[0092] It should be noted that the seedling depletion sensor S can be a known sensor used to detect seedling depletion.

[0093] Alternatively, a notification device (not shown) may be provided, which notifies the operator when the seedling depletion sensor S detects that the remaining amount of seedlings on the seedling pad M placed on the descending section 32 is low.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, each deceleration unit 50 has a suppression unit 73. The suppression unit 73 is configured to suppress the increase in the rotational speed of the rotating member 60.

[0095] That is, the deceleration unit 50 has: a rotating member 60, which can rotate about a first rotation axis Y1 or a second rotation axis Y2 along the left-right direction of the machine body; and a suppression unit 73, which suppresses the increase of the rotation speed of the rotating member 60.

[0096] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the first deceleration unit 51 has an electric motor 74 as a suppression unit 73. The electric motor 74 has an output gear 74a. Moreover, the electric motor 74 is configured to rotate the output gear 74a at a constant rotational speed.

[0097] The output gear 74a meshes with the relay gear 77. Furthermore, the relay gear 77 meshes with the drive gear 78. Thus, the output gear 74a is connected to the drive gear 78 via the relay gear 77.

[0098] The first support shaft 71 passes through the drive gear 78. Moreover, the drive gear 78 is fixed to the first support shaft 71.

[0099] Based on the above structure, the driving force of the electric motor 74 is transmitted to each of the first rotating members 61 via the output gear 74a, the relay gear 77, the drive gear 78, and the first support shaft 71. Furthermore, the electric motor 74 is capable of variable speed. Therefore, the electric motor 74 can drive each of the first rotating members 61 to rotate at a constant speed after the speed change. It should be noted that the rotation direction of the first rotating member 61 is... Figure 6 The clockwise direction in the middle.

[0100] Thus, in the first deceleration section 51, the suppression section 73 is an electric motor 74 that can change speed and drive the first rotating member 61 to rotate at a constant rotational speed after the speed change.

[0101] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, when the seedling pad M is in contact with the first rotating member 61, a force will be exerted from the seedling pad M on the first rotating member 61. The direction of this force is to increase the rotational speed of the first rotating member 61.

[0102] When such a force is applied to the first rotating member 61, the electric motor 74 is configured to generate braking force to maintain the rotational speed of the first rotating member 61. This suppresses any increase in the rotational speed of the first rotating member 61.

[0103] It should be noted that the electric motor 74 is driven by power supplied from a battery (not shown) mounted on the rice transplanter A.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second deceleration section 52 has a friction resistance mechanism 75 as a suppression section 73. The friction resistance mechanism 75 is located at the left end of the second deceleration section 52. The friction resistance mechanism 75 has a plurality of bolts 80, a plurality of nuts 81, a plurality of spring members 82, a first friction member 83, and a second friction member 84.

[0105] Both the first friction member 83 and the second friction member 84 are plate-shaped components. The second support shaft 72 is arranged to pass through both the first friction member 83 and the second friction member 84. The first friction member 83 and the second friction member 84 are arranged in an opposing position.

[0106] The first friction member 83 is arranged in a manner that allows it to rotate freely relative to the second support shaft 72. The second friction member 84 is fixed to the second support shaft 72. That is, when the second support shaft 72 rotates about the second rotation axis Y2, the second friction member 84 rotates integrally with the second support shaft 72.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the second friction member 84 is located between the second support bracket 32b and the first friction member 83 in the left-right direction of the machine body. In addition, the first friction member 83 is located to the right of the second friction member 84.

[0108] Furthermore, multiple bolts 80 are arranged to pass through the second support bracket 32b and the first friction member 83 from the left side. Each bolt 80 is fitted with a nut 81 from the right side. Through this structure, the first friction member 83 is supported on the second support bracket 32b.

[0109] Furthermore, each spring member 82 is positioned between the nut 81 and the first friction member 83. The spring members 82 apply force by pushing the first friction member 83 toward the second friction member 84. That is, through the applied force of the multiple spring members 82, the first friction member 83 is pressed against the second friction member 84. In addition, the first friction member 83 and the second friction member 84 are configured to generate frictional force between them.

[0110] Here, with the seedling pad M sliding down from the descending part 32 and abutting against the second rotating member 62, a force is exerted from the seedling pad M on the second rotating member 62. As a result, the second rotating member 62 rotates around the second rotation axis Y2. It should be noted that the rotation direction of the second rotating member 62 at this time is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating member 61 described above.

[0111] When the second rotating member 62 rotates about the second rotation axis Y2, the second support shaft 72 and the second friction member 84 also rotate integrally with the second rotating member 62. Moreover, when the second friction member 84 rotates, the second friction member 84 receives frictional resistance from the first friction member 83 in a direction that hinders rotation.

[0112] The frictional resistance is applied to the second rotating member 62 via the second friction member 84 and the second support shaft 72. Furthermore, this frictional resistance hinders the rotation of the second rotating member 62. As a result, it suppresses the increase in the rotational speed of the second rotating member 62.

[0113] With the above structure, the friction resistance mechanism 75 applies frictional resistance to the second rotating member 62, which hinders the rotation of the second rotating member 62. Thus, in the second deceleration section 52, the suppression section 73 is the friction resistance mechanism 75 that applies frictional resistance to the second rotating member 62, which hinders the rotation of the second rotating member 62.

[0114] It should be noted that the looser the tightening of bolt 80 and nut 81, the weaker the force applied by spring member 82. Therefore, the looser the tightening of bolt 80 and nut 81, the weaker the frictional resistance that hinders the rotation of second rotating member 62.

[0115] According to the structure described above, the seedling pad M is supplied to the seedling tray 22 via the pre-seedling transport device 30. Therefore, the operator does not need to manually supply the seedling pad M to the seedling tray 22. Thus, when the structure described above is adopted, the operation of supplying the seedling pad M to the seedling tray 22 can be made labor-saving.

[0116] Furthermore, when the structure described above is adopted, the moving speed of the seedling pad M sliding down from the descending part 32 is reduced by the deceleration part 50. Therefore, it is easy to avoid damage to the seedling pad M when it is supplied from the descending part 32 to the seedling platform 22, and to avoid the seedling pad M not being properly placed on the seedling platform 22.

[0117] Therefore, when the structure described above is adopted, the following rice transplanter A can be achieved: it can reduce the labor intensity of supplying seedling pads M to the seedling platform 22, and easily avoid damage to the seedling pads M when supplying them to the seedling platform 22, and avoid situations where the seedling pads M are not properly placed on the seedling platform 22.

[0118] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0119] (1) Rice transplanter A can be configured to drive automatically or not. When rice transplanter A can drive automatically, the operator does not need to ride in the riding unit 23.

[0120] (2) The number of planting rows of the seedling transplanting device W can be seven or less, or nine or more. In addition, the number of seedling pads M that can be placed on the seedling platform 22 can be seven or less, or nine or more. In addition, the number of seedling pads M that the pre-seedling transport device 30 can transport can be seven or less, or nine or more.

[0121] (3) The rotating member 60 may also not have a protrusion 60a. In this case, the surface of the rotating member 60 that abuts against the seedling pad M may be made of a component with anti-slip properties, such as rubber.

[0122] (4) The deceleration section 50 may also be without the rotating member 60 and the inhibition section 73. In this case, a member with an anti-slip function, such as rubber, may be provided on the surface of the descending section 32 where the seedling pad M slides down. In this case, the member is equivalent to the "deceleration section" of the present invention.

[0123] (5) Figure 8 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 86 may also be provided across the first support shaft 71 and the second support shaft 72. Alternatively, the power transmission mechanism 86 may be composed, for example, an annular rotating chain.

[0124] When using Figure 8 In the structure shown, the driving force of the electric motor 74 is transmitted from the first support shaft 71 to the second support shaft 72 via the power transmission mechanism 86. Thus, the first rotating member 61 and the second rotating member 62 are driven to rotate by the driving force of the electric motor 74. Furthermore, the friction resistance mechanism 75 may be omitted in this structure.

[0125] (6) Preferably, when the descending part 32 is equipped with a seedling depletion sensor S, the descending part 32 is also equipped with a temporary stopping part to temporarily stop the seedling pad M. In this structure, the descending part 32 is equipped with a temporary stopping part to temporarily stop the seedling pad M and a seedling depletion sensor S. The temporary stopping part may, for example, be provided at the lower end of the descending part 32. In addition, the temporary stopping part may, for example, be composed of a movable partition-like member.

[0126] It should be noted that the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same below) can be used in combination with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no conflict occurs. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

[0127] Industrial availability

[0128] This invention can be used in rice transplanters equipped with a seedling transplanting device, which has a seedling carrier platform.

Claims

1. A rice transplanter, characterized in that, have: The seedling transplanting device is located at the rear of the machine and has a seedling platform; and The seedling transport device is located further forward than the seedling carrier and transports seedling pads towards the seedling carrier. The seedling transport device has an ascending section and a descending section. The rising part is located at the front of the seedling transport device and is set in a rearward and upward tilt. The descending section extends rearward from the rear end of the ascending section and is positioned at a downward and rearward angle. The seedling transport device is configured to supply the seedling pad, which is transported rearward from the rising section, to the seedling carrier platform by sliding the seedling pad down from the descending section. The descending section has multiple deceleration sections that reduce the moving speed of the seedling mat. The plurality of deceleration units include a plurality of first deceleration units arranged in the left-right direction of the body, and a plurality of second deceleration units arranged in the upper left and right sides of the body and located below the first deceleration units. The arrangement position of each of the second deceleration units in the left-right direction of the machine body does not overlap with the arrangement position of any of the first deceleration units in the left-right direction of the machine body.

2. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deceleration unit is located in the center or lower part of the descending part in the vertical direction of the machine body.

3. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The descending section is equipped with a temporary stopping section to temporarily stop the seedling pad and a seedling exhaustion sensor.

4. A rice transplanter, characterized in that, have: The seedling transplanting device is located at the rear of the machine and has a seedling platform; and The seedling transport device is located further forward than the seedling carrier and transports seedling pads towards the seedling carrier. The seedling transport device has an ascending section and a descending section. The rising part is located at the front of the seedling transport device and is set in a rearward and upward tilt. The descending section extends rearward from the rear end of the ascending section and is positioned at a downward and rearward angle. The seedling transport device is configured to supply the seedling pad, which is transported rearward from the rising section, to the seedling carrier platform by sliding the seedling pad down from the descending section. The descending section has multiple deceleration sections that reduce the moving speed of the seedling mat. The deceleration unit includes: a rotating member capable of rotating about a rotation axis along the left-right direction of the machine body; and a suppression unit that suppresses an increase in the rotational speed of the rotating member. The rotating member has a plurality of protrusions that project radially and are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals, and the rotating member is configured such that the protrusions abut against the seedling pad that slides down from the descending portion. The plurality of deceleration units include a first deceleration unit and a second deceleration unit located below the first deceleration unit.

5. The rice transplanter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The suppression part is an electric motor that can change speed and drive the rotating component to rotate at a constant rotational speed after the speed change.

6. The rice transplanter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inhibition part is a friction resistance mechanism that applies frictional resistance to the rotating member, which hinders the rotation of the rotating member.

7. The rice transplanter according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first deceleration unit has a plurality of first rotating members, which are a plurality of rotating members arranged in the left-right direction of the machine body. The second deceleration unit has a plurality of second rotating members, which are a plurality of rotating members arranged in the left-right direction of the machine body. The arrangement position of each of the second rotating components in the left-right direction of the machine body does not overlap with the arrangement position of any of the first rotating components in the left-right direction of the machine body.

8. The rice transplanter according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The deceleration unit is located in the center or lower part of the descending part in the vertical direction of the machine body.

9. The rice transplanter according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The descending section is equipped with a temporary stopping section to temporarily stop the seedling pad and a seedling exhaustion sensor.

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