rice transplanter

Abstract

The rice transplanter of the present application is provided with: a seedling support device (50) supported to a machine body (11) in a manner to be located above the machine body (11) and capable of placing seedlings; and a seedling supply device (60) supported to the machine body (11) in a manner to extend from a rear portion of the seedling support device (50) toward a rear portion obliquely downward, and capable of supplying the seedlings placed on the seedling support device (50) to a seedling loading platform (10). A suppression mechanism (98) is provided, which is capable of suppressing the roll of a seedling planting device (5). When the seedling planting device (5) is operated to be raised by a link mechanism (3) to a supply height at which an upper end portion of the seedling loading platform (10) is brought close to a lower end portion of the seedling supply device (60), the roll of the seedling planting device (5) is suppressed by the suppression mechanism (98), and the seedlings can be supplied to the seedling loading platform (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a structure for supplying seedlings to a seedling planting device supported at the rear of a rice transplanter in a ride-on type or unmanned, automatically operated rice transplanter. Background Technology

[0002] In a ride-on type rice transplanter, regarding the supply of seedlings to the seedling planting device supported at the rear of the machine body, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to consider a configuration in which the seedling support device capable of holding seedlings is supported on the machine body in a manner located above the machine body, and seedlings can be supplied from the rear of the seedling support device to the seedling planting device.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a seedling planting device is supported at the rear of a linkage mechanism extending rearward from the rear of the machine body. When the seedling planting device is raised by the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling platform approaches the rear end (lower end) of the seedling support device, enabling the seedlings placed on the seedling support device to be supplied to the seedling platform.

[0004] In rice transplanters, to ensure the transplanting performance of the seedling transplanting device, the seedling transplanting device is mostly supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism in a way that allows it to sway laterally around an axis in the front-to-back direction.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-5546 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to enable the smooth supply of seedlings placed on the seedling support device to the seedling planting platform supported by the seedling planting device, which is capable of being swayed laterally, in a rice transplanter equipped with a seedling support device.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The rice transplanter of the present invention comprises: a mobile body; a linkage mechanism extending rearward from the rear of the body and supported on the body in a lifting and lowering manner; a seedling transplanting device having a seedling platform supported on the rear of the linkage mechanism in a lateral swinging manner about an axis in the front-rear direction; a seedling support device supported on the body above the body and capable of holding seedlings; a seedling supply device supported on the body extending rearward and diagonally downward from the rear of the seedling support device and capable of supplying seedlings placed on the seedling support device to the seedling platform; and an inhibiting mechanism capable of inhibiting the lateral swinging of the seedling transplanting device. When the seedling transplanting device is raised by the linkage mechanism to a supply height that brings the upper end of the seedling platform close to the lower end of the seedling supply device, the inhibiting mechanism inhibits the lateral swinging of the seedling transplanting device and allows seedlings to be supplied to the seedling platform.

[0012] According to the present invention, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height by means of a linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is close to the lower end of the seedling supply device, and seedlings can be supplied to the seedling carrier platform.

[0013] In this case, even if the seedling transplanting device is supported by the linkage mechanism in a way that allows it to sway laterally, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height by the linkage mechanism, the swaying of the seedling transplanting device can be suppressed by the suppression mechanism, so that the seedlings are supplied to the seedling platform in a way that will not fall off the seedling platform.

[0014] When the seedling support device is positioned above the machine body, a significant height difference is created between the seedling support device and the seedling carrier.

[0015] According to the present invention, a seedling supply device is provided on the machine body in such a way that it extends from the rear of the seedling support device toward the rearward and downward direction, so that the seedlings placed in the seedling carrier of the seedling support device at the high position can be smoothly supplied to the seedling carrier platform at the low position via the seedling supply device.

[0016] As described above, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the swaying of the seedling transplanting device can be suppressed by the suppression mechanism, and a seedling supply device that relays between the seedling support device and the seedling carrier can be provided. Thus, in a rice transplanter equipped with a seedling support device, the performance of supplying seedlings to the seedling carrier can be improved.

[0017] Preferably, the inhibition mechanism of the present invention comprises: a right-side inhibition mechanism arranged across the right side of the seedling transplanting device and the right side of the machine body; and a left-side inhibition mechanism arranged across the left side of the seedling transplanting device and the left side of the machine body.

[0018] According to the present invention, there are right-side and left-side suppression mechanisms that are far from the linkage mechanism in the left-right direction, so that the swaying of the seedling transplanting device can be sufficiently suppressed by the right-side and left-side suppression mechanisms.

[0019] Preferably, the suppression mechanism of the present invention includes: a flexible wire connected across the seedling planting device and the body; and a wire operating part that pushes the middle part of the wire upward as the seedling planting device is raised via the linkage mechanism, thereby generating tension in the wire to suppress the swaying of the seedling planting device, and relaxes the wire as the seedling planting device is lowered via the linkage mechanism, thereby allowing the swaying of the seedling planting device.

[0020] According to the present invention, the suppression mechanism is provided with a wire and a wire operating part. The upward pushing operation of the wire by the wire operating part suppresses the swaying of the seedling transplanting device, and the wire operating part relaxes the wire, thereby allowing the swaying of the seedling transplanting device, thus simplifying the structure of the suppression mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, in this invention, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, a gap is created between the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0022] According to the present invention, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height by means of a linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device are close together in a state in which a gap is formed between the upper end of the seedling carrier platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0023] Therefore, even if the seedling transplanting device sways slightly when it is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform can be prevented from colliding with the lower end of the seedling supply device. Even if the upper end of the seedling carrier platform does collide with the lower end of the seedling supply device, the collision can be minimized.

[0024] Preferably, in this invention, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0025] According to the present invention, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height by means of a linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is in contact with the lower end of the seedling supply device, and the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is close to the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0026] Therefore, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, in addition to the inhibition mechanism, the swaying of the seedling transplanting device is further inhibited by the contact between the upper end of the seedling platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0027] When the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, and the upper end of the seedling platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device, the vertical misalignment between the upper end of the seedling platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device is suppressed by the frictional resistance generated by the contact. Therefore, the seedlings placed on the seedling support device are smoothly supplied to the seedling platform via the seedling supply device.

[0028] Preferably, in this invention, at least one of the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device is equipped with an elastic element, and the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device are in contact via the elastic element.

[0029] According to the present invention, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device via an elastic member. This prevents damage to both the upper end of the seedling carrier platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism and the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0030] Preferably, the present invention includes a first state and a second state. In the first state, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, a gap is formed between the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device. In the second state, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device. The rice transplanter can select either the first state or the second state.

[0031] According to the present invention, when the first state is selected, and the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform of the seedling transplanting device and the lower end of the seedling supply device are close together, with a gap between the upper end of the seedling carrier platform of the seedling transplanting device and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0032] Therefore, even if the seedling transplanting device sways slightly when it is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform can be prevented from colliding with the lower end of the seedling supply device. Even if the upper end of the seedling carrier platform does collide with the lower end of the seedling supply device, the collision can be minimized.

[0033] According to the present invention, when the second state is selected, and the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is in contact with the lower end of the seedling supply device, and the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is close to the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0034] Therefore, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, in addition to the inhibition mechanism, the swaying of the seedling transplanting device is further inhibited by the contact between the upper end of the seedling platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0035] When the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, and the upper end of the seedling platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device, the vertical misalignment between the upper end of the seedling platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device is suppressed by the frictional resistance generated by the contact. Therefore, the seedlings placed on the seedling support device are smoothly supplied to the seedling platform via the seedling supply device.

[0036] According to the present invention, a first state or a second state can be selected based on the operating state of the rice transplanter, the state of the seedlings, the state of the farmland, etc., which is advantageous in improving the performance of supplying seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier.

[0037] Preferably, in this invention, at least one of the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device is equipped with an elastic element, and in the second state, the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device are in contact via the elastic element.

[0038] According to the present invention, in the selected second state, when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device via an elastic member. This prevents damage to both the upper end of the seedling carrier platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism and the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device.

[0039] Preferably, the present invention includes: a guide rotator supported between the rear part of the seedling support device and the upper part of the seedling supply device in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about an axis in the left-right direction, supporting seedlings from the rear part of the seedling support device from below while guiding the seedlings to the seedling supply device.

[0040] According to the present invention, when seedlings are supplied to the seedling supply device from the rear of the seedling support device, the seedlings are supported from below by the guide rotating body while being guided to the seedling supply device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the situation where the bottom of the seedling gets stuck on the upper end of the seedling supply device and to reduce the situation where seedlings are not properly supplied to the seedling transport device.

[0041] Preferably, the present invention includes: a guide plate extending from the rear of the seedling support device toward the upper end of the seedling supply device, which supports seedlings from the rear of the seedling support device from below and guides the seedlings toward the seedling supply device.

[0042] According to the present invention, when seedlings are supplied to the seedling supply device from the rear of the seedling support device, the seedlings are supported from below by the guide plate while being guided to the seedling supply device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the situation where the bottom of the seedling gets stuck on the upper end of the seedling supply device and to reduce the situation where seedlings are not properly supplied to the seedling transport device.

[0043] In this case, for example, when the guide plate is configured to be wide and the gap between the rear of the seedling support device and the upper end of the seedling supply device is configured to be covered by the guide plate, the accumulation of bed soil separated from the seedlings between the rear of the seedling support device and the upper end of the seedling supply device can be reduced. Therefore, the state in which the accumulation of bed soil hinders the supply of seedlings from the rear of the seedling support device to the seedling supply device can be reduced.

[0044] Preferably, in this invention, the seedling support device supplies seedlings to the seedling-carrying surfaces on the left and right central sides of the seedling-carrying platform, and then supplies seedlings to the seedling-carrying surfaces on the right or left side of the seedling-carrying platform.

[0045] According to the present invention, when seedlings are supplied from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier, seedlings are first supplied to the seedling carrier surfaces on the left and right central sides of the seedling carrier. The seedling carrier surfaces on the left and right central sides of the seedling carrier are located near the portion of the seedling planting device supported by the linkage mechanism, so when seedlings are supplied to the seedling carrier surfaces on the left and right central sides of the seedling carrier, the left and right swing of the seedling planting device is small.

[0046] Next, seedlings are supplied to the right or left side of the seedling tray. In this case, the seedling trays on the left and right central sides of the seedling tray have been supplied with seedlings, and the weight applied to the seedling trays on the left and right central sides of the seedling tray is heavy. Therefore, even if seedlings are supplied to the right or left side of the seedling tray, the left and right swing of the seedling planting device will not increase.

[0047] As described above, by suppressing the left-right swaying of the seedling planting device when supplying seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier, interference between the seedling planting device and other parts can be reduced, thus preventing damage to the seedling planting device. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a left view of a ride-on rice transplanter.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a top view of a ride-on rice transplanter.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the seedling tray.

[0051] Figure 4 This is the front view near the seedling tray.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a top view of the support frame structure used to support the seedling support device on the machine frame structure.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the area near the rear of the first seedling support section of the seedling support device.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the rear part of the first seedling placement section of the seedling support device and the vicinity of the first seedling supply section of the seedling supply device.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the rear part of the first seedling placement section of the seedling support device and the vicinity of the first seedling supply section of the seedling supply device.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the driven shaft and driven wheel in the seedling support device, which are operated to the tensioned position.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the driven shaft and driven wheel, and the area near the stop in the seedling support device, which are operated to the tension position.

[0059] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the driven shaft and driven wheel in the seedling support device, which are operated to the relaxed position.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the driven shaft and driven wheel, and the area near the stop in the seedling support device, which has been operated to the relaxed position.

[0061] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the second seedling support section of the seedling support device.

[0062] Figure 15This is a longitudinal sectional left view of the rear part of the second seedling placement section of the seedling support device and the vicinity of the second seedling supply section of the seedling supply device.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a rear view of the rear part of the second seedling placement section of the seedling support device.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a bottom view of the third seedling placement section of the seedling support device.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a front view of the area near the seedling supply device.

[0066] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional left view showing the state in which the second seedling placement part of the seedling support device is operated to the second placement operation position and the second seedling supply part of the seedling supply device is operated to the second supply operation position.

[0067] Figure 20 This is a longitudinal sectional left view showing the state in which the second seedling support device is operated to the second placement and storage position and the second seedling supply device is operated to the second supply and storage position.

[0068] Figure 21 This is a longitudinal sectional front view of the first seedling placement section and the vicinity of the placement and moving mechanism of the seedling support device.

[0069] Figure 22 This is a top view showing the left-right movement structure of the first seedling support unit of the seedling support device and the first seedling supply unit of the seedling supply device.

[0070] Figure 23 This is a longitudinal sectional left view showing the left-right movement structure of the first seedling support unit of the seedling support device and the first seedling supply unit of the seedling supply device.

[0071] Figure 24 This is a left view of a ride-on rice transplanter, showing the seedling support device operated to the lowering position, the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device operated to the first placement and storage position, the second seedling placement part of the seedling support device operated to the second placement and storage position, the first seedling supply part of the seedling supply device operated to the first supply and storage position, the second seedling supply part of the seedling supply device operated to the second supply and storage position, the seedling loading surface of the seedling platform operated to the storage position, and the right and left portions of the support track being stored.

[0072] Figure 25This is a top view of a ride-on rice transplanter showing the following states: the seedling support device is operated to the lowering position; the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device is operated to the first placement and storage position; the second seedling placement part of the seedling support device is operated to the second placement and storage position; the first seedling supply part of the seedling supply device is operated to the first supply and storage position; the second seedling supply part of the seedling supply device is operated to the second supply and storage position; the seedling loading surface of the seedling platform is operated to the storage position; and the right and left portions of the support track are stored.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 3: Linkage mechanism; 5: Seedling transplanting device; 10: Seedling platform; 10a~10h: Seedling surface; 11: Machine body; 50: Seedling support device; 60: Seedling supply device; 83: Guide rotating body; 84: Guide plate; 98: Suppression mechanism; 99: Metal wire (wire); 102: Operating roller (wire operating part); 118: Elastic element; P1: Shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Figures 1 to 25 The image shows a ride-on rice transplanter. Figures 1 to 25 In the diagram, F represents the front, B represents the back, U represents the top, D represents the bottom, R represents the right, and L represents the left.

[0076] (The overall structure of a ride-on rice transplanter)

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the machine body 11 is supported by left and right front wheels 1 and left and right rear wheels 2, and the machine body 11 is configured to be able to move. The linkage mechanism 3 is supported at the rear of the machine body 11 in a way that allows for lifting and lowering, and extends rearward from the rear of the machine body 11. A hydraulic cylinder 4 is provided for lifting and lowering the linkage mechanism 3.

[0078] The seedling transplanting device 5 is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3, and the land preparation device 18 is supported at the front of the seedling transplanting device 5. The seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 are supported on the machine body 11.

[0079] An engine (not shown) and a cover 19 covering the engine are located at the front of the fuselage 11. The pilot unit 20 is located behind the cover 19 and is mounted on the fuselage 11. The pilot unit 20 is equipped with a control handle 22 for steering the pilot seat 21 and the front wheels 1.

[0080] (Structure of the seedling transplanting device)

[0081] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the seedling transplanting device 5 is equipped with a support frame 43, a transplanting transmission box 6, a rotating box 7, a transplanting arm 8, a floating plate 9, and a seedling carrier platform 10, etc.

[0082] The support frame 43 is configured in the left-right direction and is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 in a manner that allows it to sway about the axis P1 in the front-rear direction. Four insertion transmission boxes 6 are connected to the support frame 43 at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction and extend rearward. The rotating box 7 is rotatably supported at the right and left rear of the insertion transmission box 6, and a pair of insertion arms 8 are rotatably supported at both ends of the rotating box 7.

[0083] The seedling carrier 10 is driven laterally in the left-right direction by a prescribed stroke, while the rotating box 7 moves in the right-left direction. Figure 1 Driven by a counterclockwise rotation, the two sets of planting arms 8 alternately take out seedlings from the lower part of the seedling platform 10 and plant them on the field surface.

[0084] As described above, the seedling planting device 5 is configured as an eight-row planting type. The support frame 43 is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 in a swaying manner, thereby the seedling planting device 5 is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 in a swaying manner about the axis P1 along the front-rear direction.

[0085] (Structure of the land preparation device)

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, a land preparation device 18 for preparing the field surface is supported at the lower part of the front of the seedling transplanting device 5.

[0087] The land leveling device 18 includes: a drive shaft (not shown), supported for rotation about an axis in the left-right direction; and a plurality of land leveling bodies (not shown), mounted on the drive shaft. The drive shaft of the land leveling device 18 is oriented in the direction of rotation. Figure 1 The counterclockwise rotation is driven, thereby leveling the field surface through the leveling body of the leveling device 18.

[0088] (Structure of the seedling tray)

[0089] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in the seedling transplanting device 5, the seedling platform 10 has eight seedling surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, and 10h, and a longitudinal wall-shaped partition 10j is provided between each seedling surface 10a to 10h.

[0090] A longitudinal feeding mechanism 44 made of rubber belt and a contact seedling sensor 45 are provided at the lower part of the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a-10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10. Seedling support members 46 are arranged upward from the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a-10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10 at predetermined intervals and along the vertical direction. The seedlings placed on the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a-10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10 are prevented from tilting upward by the seedling support members 46.

[0091] The support rail 47 is supported on the planting transmission box 6 in the left-right direction, and the lower part of the seedling platform 10 is supported on the support rail 47 in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction. The left and right support frames 48 are connected to the right and left parts of the support frame 43 and extend upward, and the support frame 49 is connected to the upper part of the left and right support frames 48.

[0092] The guide track 71 is connected to the front of the upper part of the seedling platform 10 in the left-right direction. The guide track 71 (the upper part of the seedling platform 10) is supported by the guide roller 49b provided on the support frame 49 so that it can move in the left-right direction.

[0093] (Structure for changing the position of the seedling-carrying surface of the seedling-carrying platform)

[0094] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the seedling platform 10, the seedling surfaces 10b to 10h are connected to each other, while the seedling surface 10a is separated from the seedling surfaces 10b to 10h.

[0095] A connecting rod 72 is provided, with its right side supported on the left side of the guide rail 71 in a manner that allows it to slide in the left-right direction and swing about an axis along the seedling-carrying surface 10b. The left side of the connecting rod 72 is connected to the seedling-carrying surface 10a in a manner that allows it to swing about an axis along the seedling-carrying surface 10a. A support platform 73 is provided at the lower rear part of the seedling-carrying surface 10b, and an operating handle 74 is provided at the lower rear part of the seedling-carrying surface 10a.

[0096] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 The state shown is the state where the seedling carrier 10 is stopped at the left end of the transverse feed drive, i.e., the supply position. It is the state where the seedling carrier surface 10a on the supply position side of the seedling carrier 10 is located in the working position A11, which is connected to the transverse side of other seedling carrier surfaces 10b.

[0097] With the seedling carrier 10 stopped at the supply position, the operator disconnects the seedling carrier surface 10a from the seedling carrier surface 10b, and while holding the operating handle 74, slides the connecting rod 72 and swings it upwards, as if... Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the seedling-carrying surface 10a moves away from the lateral side of the seedling-carrying surface 10b and moves upward onto the seedling-carrying surface 10b, and is placed and connected to the support platform 73.

[0098] The state in which the seedling-carrying surface 10a is placed on the support platform 73 is that the seedling-carrying surface 10a on the supply position side of the seedling-carrying platform 10 is separated from the other seedling-carrying surfaces 10b, and its position is changed to the storage position A12 where the lateral width of the seedling-carrying platform 10 becomes narrower.

[0099] (Structure for changing the position of the support track)

[0100] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support track 47 consists of three parts: a central part 47a, a right part 47b, and a left part 47c. The lateral width of the central part 47a is the same as the lateral width of the six seedling surfaces 10b to 10g, the lateral width of the right part 47b is the same as the lateral width of one seedling surface 10h, and the lateral width of the left part 47c is the same as the lateral width of one seedling surface 10a.

[0101] Under normal operating conditions, the right part 47b and the left part 47c of the support rail 47 are connected to the right and left parts of the central part 47a of the support rail 47, and the support rail 47 is straight as a whole.

[0102] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, when the position of the seedling-carrying surface 10a of the seedling-carrying platform 10 is changed to the storage position A12, it is only necessary to separate the right portion 47b and the left portion 47c of the support track 47 from the central portion 47a of the support track 47 and change their position to a position facing downwards and backwards. Therefore, the lateral width of the support track 47 can be set to be approximately the same as the lateral width of the seedling-carrying platform 10.

[0103] (Structure of the horizontal rocking control for the seedling transplanting device)

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, a rocker mechanism 75 is installed on the upper part of the rear of the linkage mechanism 3. Left and right metal wires 76 extend from the rocker mechanism 75 to the right and left, and the left and right metal wires 76 are connected to the left and right brackets 49a connected to the support frame 49 via coil-type left and right springs 77.

[0105] In the lateral rocking mechanism 75, the following operations are performed: the right-side wire 76 is wound around the lateral rocking mechanism 75, and the left-side wire 76 is released from the lateral rocking mechanism 75; and the left-side wire 76 is wound around the lateral rocking mechanism 75, and the right-side wire 76 is released from the lateral rocking mechanism 75, so that the seedling planting device 5 is laterally rocked by the lateral rocking mechanism 75.

[0106] The bracket 78 is connected to the rear of the linkage mechanism 3, and is connected to coil-type left and right springs 79 in a manner that spans the left and right brackets 71a and bracket 78 connected to the guide rail 71.

[0107] When the seedling carrier 10 is driven laterally in the left-right direction, the seedling planting device 5 tends to tilt towards the side of the seedling carrier 10 that is being driven laterally. In this case, the spring 79 on the side of the seedling carrier 10 that is being driven laterally is stretched, and thus the tilting of the seedling planting device 5 can be suppressed by the force applied by the spring 79.

[0108] An inclination sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the tilt angle of the seedling planting device 5 relative to the horizontal plane in the left-right direction. When the seedling planting device 5 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane, based on the detection value of the inclination sensor, the left and right winding and releasing operations of the metal wire 76 are performed by the lateral rocking mechanism 75, so that the seedling planting device 5 is kept horizontal.

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, the left and right restraining parts 97, made of hard rubber, are provided on the support frame 43 in a left-right manner close to and located at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3. When the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised upward away from the field surface via the linkage mechanism 3, and the swaying mechanism 75 is stopped, the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised. Therefore, by means of the spring 79, the seedling transplanting device 5 returns to a position parallel to the body 11 in the left-right direction. The left and right restraining parts 97 abut against the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 from below, thereby suppressing the swaying of the seedling transplanting device 5 and maintaining the seedling transplanting device 5 in a position parallel to the body 11 in the left-right direction.

[0110] (Structure of the anti-sway mechanism of the seedling transplanting device)

[0111] In addition to the function of the inhibition part 97 described above in the (structure for controlling the sway of the seedling transplanting device), as explained below, it also has right and left inhibition mechanisms 98 for inhibiting the sway of the seedling transplanting device 5.

[0112] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a flexible wire, namely a metal wire 99, is provided on the right side. The rear end of the metal wire 99 is connected to the right end of the support frame 43, and the front end of the metal wire 99 is connected to the lower right side of the frame 24 described later in the body frame structure for supporting the seedling support device and the seedling supply device.

[0113] A flexible wire, namely a metal wire 99, is provided on the left side. The rear end of the metal wire 99 is connected to the left end of the support frame 43, and the front end of the metal wire 99 is connected to the lower left side of the frame 24.

[0114] In the seedling transplanting device 5, the left and right brackets 100 are connected to the upper part of the left and right support frames 48, and the left and right support arms 101 are connected to the upper part of the brackets 100. The left and right operating rollers 102, which are wire operating parts, are supported on the upper end of the support arms 101 in a manner that allows them to rotate freely about an axis along the left and right direction, and the middle part of the left and right metal wires 99 is hooked onto the operating rollers 102.

[0115] The suppression mechanism 98 is provided with a metal wire 99 and an operating roller 102. The suppression mechanism 98 on the right side is arranged across the right side of the seedling transplanting device 5 and the right side of the machine body 11, and the suppression mechanism 98 on the left side is arranged across the left side of the seedling transplanting device 5 and the left side of the machine body 11.

[0116] Figure 1 and Figure 4 The state shown is that the seedling transplanting device 5 has been lowered to the field surface. In this state, the restraint part 97 (refer to the above-described (structure for controlling the lateral movement of the seedling transplanting device)) is away from the rear of the linkage mechanism 3. In the left and right restraint mechanisms 98, the operating roller 102 is lowered together with the seedling transplanting device 5, and the wire 99 is in a relaxed state. In this state, the lateral movement of the seedling transplanting device 5 as described in the above-described (structure for controlling the lateral movement of the seedling transplanting device) is permitted.

[0117] As described above in the (structure for lateral control of the seedling transplanting device), when the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised via the linkage mechanism 3, the operating roller 102 is raised together with the seedling transplanting device 5.

[0118] At the same time, such as Figure 24 As shown, the operating roller 102 pushes the middle part of the metal wire 99 upward, causing tension in the metal wire 99, which in turn suppresses the swaying of the seedling transplanting device 5 through the left and right suppression mechanisms 98. In addition, the swaying of the seedling transplanting device 5 is suppressed by the function of the suppression part 97 described above in the (structure for controlling the swaying of the seedling transplanting device).

[0119] (The frame structure used to support the seedling support device and the seedling supply device)

[0120] The seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 described later in the sections on (structure of seedling support device) and (structure of seedling supply device) are supported on the body 11. The body frame structure for supporting the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 is provided on the body 11 as described below.

[0121] like Figure 1As shown, the left and right frames 23 are connected to the right and left sides of the fuselage 11 and extend upwards, located on the left and right sides of the driver's seat 21. An arched frame 24 is provided, with the right and left sides of the frame 24 connected to the rear of the left and right frames 23.

[0122] An arched frame 25 is provided, with its right and left portions connected to the front portions of left and right frames 23. The frame 25 is positioned above the driver's seat 21 along the left-right direction. A frame 30 is connected to the left and right central portions of the frame 24 and the left and right central portions of the frame 25.

[0123] The left and right frames 26 are connected to the front of the right and left sides of the fuselage 11 and extend upwards, located on the left and right sides of the fuselage 19. The left and right frames 27 are connected to the front of the right and left sides of the fuselage 11 and extend upwards, connecting to the upper part of the left and right frames 26. The left and right frames 28 are connected across the lower part of the frames 26 and 27.

[0124] There are left and right frames 29. The right frame 29 is connected to the upper part of the right side of the frame 25 and the upper part of the right frame 26. The left frame 29 is connected to the upper part of the left side of the frame 25 and the upper part of the left frame 26.

[0125] (A support frame structure used to support the seedling support device on the machine frame structure)

[0126] The support frame structure that supports the seedling support device 50 is configured as described below, and is supported by the body frame structure described above (body frame structure for supporting the seedling support device and the seedling supply device).

[0127] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a support frame 31 that is U-shaped when viewed from above is provided, a support frame 32 that spans the right and left parts of the front of the support frame 31, and a support frame 33 that spans the right and left parts of the rear of the support frame 31.

[0128] A support frame 34 is connected across the left and right central portions of support frame 32 and support frame 33. A support frame 35 is connected across the left and right central portions of support frame 32 and support frame 34. The right support frame 35 is connected across the right front portion of support frame 31 and the right side of support frame 32, and the left support frame 35 is connected across the left front portion of support frame 31 and the left side of support frame 32.

[0129] The left and right protruding pillars 36 are connected to the left and right rear parts of the support frame 31, and the protruding pillars 36 are rotatably mounted on the upper part of the frame 25. Thus, the support frames 31 to 35 are supported on the upper part of the frame 25 in a manner that allows them to swing up and down about an axis P2 along the left and right direction.

[0130] like Figure 1 As shown, the left and right lifting arms 37 are supported on the upper part of the left and right frames 26 in a manner that allows them to swing up and down about the axis P3 along the left and right direction, and the left and right electric cylinders 38 are connected across the frame 28 and the lifting arms 37.

[0131] A left and right connecting frame 39 is provided, and a connecting frame 40 is connected across the left and right connecting frames 39. The lower part of the connecting frame 39 is connected to the front end of the left and right lifting arms 37 in a way that allows it to swing back and forth, as described above (for the support frame structure used to support the seedling support device on the machine frame structure). Figure 5 As shown, the upper part of the connecting frame 39 is connected to the support frame 32 in a manner that allows it to swing back and forth.

[0132] The lifting arm 37 is operated to swing up and down via the electric cylinder 38, and the supporting frames 31 to 35 are operated to swing up and down around the axis P2 of the frame 25 via the connecting frames 39 and 40. Figure 1 The state shown is that the electric cylinder 38 is extended and the support frame 31-35 is raised. The support frame 31-35 is supported on the body 11 via the frame 25 and the electric cylinder 38.

[0133] The left and right supporting frames 41 are connected to the upper part of the frame 27 and extend diagonally upwards and forwards. The left and right supporting frames 42 are connected to the front part of the body 11 and extend upwards in front of the cover 19.

[0134] When from Figure 1 When the electric cylinder 38 is retracted and the support frames 31-35 are lowered as shown in the diagram, Figure 24 As shown, the support frame 32 is placed on the upper part of the receiving frames 41 and 42 and is supported, with the support frames 31 to 35 supported on the body 11 via the frame 25 and the receiving frames 41 and 42.

[0135] (Structure of the seedling support device)

[0136] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seedling support device 50 is supported on the support frames 31 to 35 described above (support frame structure for supporting the seedling support device on the body frame structure), and is supported on the body 11 in such a way that it is located above the body 11.

[0137] The seedling support device 50 has a first seedling placement section 51 as a first seedling placement section, a second seedling placement section 52 as a second seedling placement section, and a third seedling placement section 53 as a seedling placement section. Three placement belts 85 are arranged in the first seedling placement section 51 along the front-back direction, two placement belts 85 are arranged in the second seedling placement section 52 along the front-back direction, and three placement belts 85 are arranged in the third seedling placement section 53 along the front-back direction.

[0138] In the seedling support device 50, the first seedling placement section 51 is located on the left, the third seedling placement section 53 is located on the right, and the second seedling placement section 52 is located between the first seedling placement section 51 and the third seedling placement section 53. Seedlings can be placed on all eight placement strips 85, each of which corresponds to a seedling placement section of the seedling support device 50. Thus, the seedling support device 50 has the same number (eight) of placement strips 85 as the seedling surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling platform 10.

[0139] The left, center, and right seedling placement strips 85 of the first seedling placement section 51 correspond to the seedling placement surfaces 10a, 10b, and 10c of the seedling platform 10. The left and right seedling placement strips 85 of the second seedling placement section 52 correspond to the seedling placement surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling platform 10. The left, center, and right seedling placement strips 85 of the third seedling placement section 53 correspond to the seedling placement surfaces 10f, 10g, and 10h of the seedling platform 10.

[0140] As described above (support frame structure for supporting the seedling support device on the machine frame structure), the support frames 31-35 are oscillated up and down around the axis P2 of the frame 25 by the electric cylinder 38. As a result, the seedling support device 50, with its rear part as the fulcrum, is in the horizontally rising position A31 (see reference). Figure 1 ) and the downward position A32 (refer to) facing diagonally downwards and forwards. Figure 24 It is oscillating between )

[0141] (Structure related to the frame of the first seedling support section of the seedling support device)

[0142] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple longitudinal frames 54 arranged along the front-to-back direction, and multiple transverse frames 55 and 56 connected across the longitudinal frames 54. The front frame 57 and the guide frame 58 are connected across the front of the longitudinal frames 54, and the rear frame 59 is connected across the rear of the longitudinal frames 54.

[0143] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, four brackets 69 are connected downwards to the front and rear of the right and left longitudinal frames 54. Two longitudinal frames 70 are connected by brackets 69 spanning the front and rear, and two transverse frames 80 and 81 are connected by brackets 69 spanning the left and right.

[0144] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, six brackets 64 are connected to the rear frame 59 and extend rearward. Three drive shafts 65 are supported on the two right-side brackets 64, the two central brackets 64, and the two left-side brackets 64, respectively, in a manner that allows them to rotate about an axis in the left-right direction. Three drive rotating bodies 66 are mounted on each drive shaft 65. The drive shafts 65 and drive rotating bodies 66 are supported at the rear of the seedling support device 50 (first seedling placement part 51).

[0145] Three gearboxes 67 and three electric motors 68, which serve as drive units, are respectively connected to three brackets 64. Through the three electric motors 68, the three drive shafts 65 and the drive rotating body 66 are independently driven to rotate. The central and left electric motors 68 are arranged forward in a way that they are lifted upwards.

[0146] Three pivot shafts 82 are connected to the two brackets 64 on the right, the two brackets 64 in the center, and the two brackets 64 on the left, respectively, along the left-right direction. Multiple guide rotating bodies 83 are supported on the pivot shafts 82 in a rotatable manner. The guide rotating bodies 83 are positioned rearward relative to the drive rotating body 66 supported at the rear of the seedling support device 50 (first seedling placement part 51), and are supported between the rear of the seedling support device 50 and the upper part of the seedling supply device 60 (see the structure of the seedling supply device described later) in a manner that allows them to rotate freely about an axis along the left-right direction.

[0147] Three flat guide plates 84 are supported on the fulcrum shaft 82 in a manner that allows them to swing freely up and down, and extend from the rear of the seedling support device 50 (first seedling placement part 51) toward the upper end of the seedling supply device 60 (see the structure of the seedling supply device described later).

[0148] like Figure 6 As shown, a driven shaft 86 is supported at the front of the longitudinal frame 54 and arranged along the front frame 57. The driven shaft 86 is supported at the front of the seedling support device 50 (first seedling placement part 51) in the left-right direction. Three driven rotating bodies 87 are each mounted on the driven shaft 86 in a manner that allows them to rotate independently. The driven rotating bodies 87 are supported so that they can rotate about an axis passing through the driven shaft 86 in the left-right direction.

[0149] (Structure related to the carrier belt of the first seedling carrier section of the seedling support device)

[0150] like Figures 6-9 As shown, three wide rubber carrier belts 85 are provided, which are mounted across the drive rotating body 66 and the driven rotating body 87. The carrier belts 85 are configured as one carrier belt by connecting multiple short wide belts.

[0151] The longitudinal frame 54 protrudes upwards from the carrier strip 85 and acts as a partition wall. The three carrier strips 85 are separated from each other by the longitudinal frame 54, and each of the three carrier strips 85 becomes an independent seedling carrier.

[0152] Multiple pivot shafts 88 are connected to the longitudinal frame 54 in a manner that passes through the winding path of the carrier belt 85 in the left and right direction, and the cylindrical upper guide body 89, which serves as the upper guide part, is supported on the pivot shafts 88 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely.

[0153] The upper guide 89 is disposed in the region between the driving rotating body 66 and the driven rotating body 87 within the winding path of the carrier belt 85. The upper guide 89 contacts the upper part of the carrier belt 85 on which the seedlings are placed from below, thereby supporting the upper part of the carrier belt 85.

[0154] Multiple pivot shafts 90 are connected to the longitudinal frame 54 in a manner that passes under the lower side in the left-right direction relative to the winding path of the carrier belt 85, and the lower guide body 91, which serves as the lower guide part, is supported on the pivot shaft 88 and the transverse frame 81 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely.

[0155] The lower guide 91 is disposed in the region between the driving rotary body 66 and the driven rotary body 87 in the area below the winding path of the carrier belt 85. The lower guide 91 contacts the lower portion of the carrier belt 85 below the upper portion on which the seedlings are placed, thereby supporting the lower portion of the carrier belt 85.

[0156] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the drive shaft 65 is driven to rotate by the electric motor 68, which in turn drives the rotating body 66 and the carrier belt 85 to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 Driven by clockwise rotation, the seedlings placed on the carrier belt 85 are moved backward.

[0157] (Structure related to the position change of the driven rotating body of the first seedling support unit of the seedling support device)

[0158] like Figures 10-13 As shown, a position changing mechanism 96, which enables the driven shaft 86 to change position between tension position A21 and slack position A22, is provided at the front of the seedling support device 50 (first seedling mounting part 51).

[0159] In the first seedling placement section 51, the left and right support brackets 92 are connected to the right and left parts of the front frame 57, and the stop section 94 is connected to the left and right middle parts of the front frame 57.

[0160] When viewed from the side, the L-shaped position-changing arm 93 is supported on the support bracket 92 in a manner that allows it to swing up and down around an axis P4, which serves as the support axis in the left-right direction. The operating part 93a extends from the position-changing arm 93, and the end of the operating part 93a is bent to form a handle part 93b.

[0161] An arc-shaped guide hole 92a, serving as the guide area, opens on the support bracket 92 with the shaft center P4 as the center. A position changing arm 93 extends from the shaft center P4 toward the front side, which is on the outside of the winding path relative to the carrier belt 85. The driven shaft 86 is supported on the position changing arm 93 and passes through the guide hole 92a of the support bracket 92.

[0162] As described above, the position changing mechanism 96 includes a position changing arm 93, a stop part 94, a support bracket 92 (guide hole 92a), etc.

[0163] (Operation for changing the position of the driven rotating body of the first seedling support unit of the seedling support device)

[0164] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, assume an imaginary line L1 that, when viewed from the side, passes through axis P4 and extends in the front-to-back direction along the winding path of the carrier belt 85.

[0165] Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the states shown, the driven shaft 86 and the position changing arm 93 are in a state where the position changing arm 93 swings to a position above the imaginary line L1 when viewed from the side and then stops; the driven shaft 86 is in the tensioned position A21; and the carrier belt 85 is able to generate tension and be rotated by the drive rotating body 66.

[0166] Even if the position changing arm 93 moves past the stop position and attempts to swing toward the center of the winding path of the carrier belt 85 (even if it attempts to swing backward) due to the tension of the carrier belt 85, the swing of the position changing arm 93 is prevented by the driven shaft 86 abutting against the upper part 94a of the stop part 94 and the upper end of the guide hole 92a of the support bracket 92.

[0167] By installing a knob bolt 95, which serves as a fixing part, across the operating part 93a and the support bracket 92 of the position changing arm 93, the swing of the position changing arm 93 can be fixed when the driven shaft 86 is in the tensioned position A21.

[0168] From Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the driven shaft 86 is moved to the relaxed position A22 as shown, remove the knob bolt 95 and push the handle 93b of the position changing arm 93 backward.

[0169] Therefore, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the driven shaft 86 and the position changing arm 93 cross the imaginary line L1 and swing along the guide hole 92a of the support bracket 92 on the lower side opposite to the tensioned position A21 (swinging is allowed through the guide hole 92a of the support bracket 92). By abutting the driven shaft 86 against the lower part 94b of the stop part 94 and the lower end of the guide hole 92a of the support bracket 92, the swinging of the position changing arm 93 can be prevented.

[0170] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The state shown is when the driven shaft 86 is located closer to the center of the winding path of the carrier belt 85 than the tensioned position A21 when viewed from the side. The state shown is when the driven shaft 86 is located in the relaxed position A22, which relaxes the carrier belt 85 and reduces the tension of the carrier belt 85.

[0171] When the driven shaft 86 and the position changing arm 93 are moved from the relaxed position A22 to the tensioned position A21, the reverse operation can be performed.

[0172] (The structure of the second and third seedling support sections of the seedling support device)

[0173] like Figure 14 and Figure 17 As shown, in the seedling support device 50, the second seedling placement part 52 and the third seedling placement part 53 have the same structure as those described above in (the structure related to the frame of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device), (the structure related to the placement belt of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device), (the structure related to the position change of the driven rotating body of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device), and (the operation of the position change of the driven rotating body of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device).

[0174] As described above in the (structure of the seedling support device), the first seedling placement part 51 and the third seedling placement part 53 are provided with three placement belts 85, and the second seedling placement part 52 is provided with two placement belts 85. The lateral width of the second seedling placement part 52 is narrower than the lateral width of the first seedling placement part 51 and the lateral width of the third seedling placement part 53.

[0175] like Figure 14 and Figure 17As shown, the longitudinal frame 70 and transverse frames 80 and 81 of the first seedling placement section 51 are not provided in the third seedling placement section 53.

[0176] The second seedling placement section 52 does not have the longitudinal frame 70 and transverse frames 80 and 81 of the first seedling placement section 51. Instead, a longitudinal frame 12 is arranged below the central longitudinal frame 54 along the front-back direction.

[0177] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown, in the second seedling placement section 52, three flat guide plates 84 are supported on the fulcrum shaft 82 in a manner that allows them to swing up and down, and a spring 13 installed on the fulcrum shaft 82 applies upward force. The guide plates 84 extend from the rear of the seedling support device 50 (second seedling placement section 52) toward the upper end of the seedling supply device 60 (see the structure of the seedling supply device described later).

[0178] (The support structure of the support frame for the first seedling support section, the second seedling support section, and the third seedling support section in the seedling support device)

[0179] In the seedling support device 50, the first seedling placement part 51, the second seedling placement part 52, and the third seedling placement part 53 are supported by the support frames 31 to 35 described above (support frame structure for supporting the seedling support device on the body frame structure) as described below.

[0180] like Figures 5-9 As shown, in the first seedling placement section 51, there are two sets of guide sections 109 connected to the front horizontal frame 80, which support the upper and lower guide rollers 109a in a freely rotatable manner, and two sets of these guide sections 109 connected to the rear horizontal frame 81.

[0181] In the first seedling placement part 51, the left part of the front part of the support frame 31 is inserted between the upper and lower guide rollers 109a of the front guide part 109, and the left part of the support frame 33 is inserted between the upper and lower guide rollers 109a of the rear guide part 109. The first seedling placement part 51 is supported by the support frames 31 to 35 in a manner that allows it to move in the left and right direction via the guide part 109.

[0182] like Figure 5 As shown, in the third seedling placement part 53, the bracket 69 is connected to the front and rear right parts of the support frame 31 and the right part of the support frame 33, and the third seedling placement part 53 does not change its position relative to the support frames 31 to 35.

[0183] like Figure 14 , Figure 19 , Figure 20As shown, in the second seedling mounting section 52, the front connecting rod 110 is supported on the front of the support frame 34 in a manner that allows it to swing up and down about an axis P5 along the left and right direction, and extends rearward. The rear connecting rod 111 is supported on the rear of the support frame 34 in a manner that allows it to swing up and down about an axis P6 along the left and right direction, and extends rearward.

[0184] In the second seedling placement section 52, the upper parts of the front connecting rod 110 and the rear connecting rod 111 are connected to the front and rear parts of the longitudinal frame 12 in a manner that allows them to swing about an axis in the left-right direction. The second seedling placement section 52 is supported on the support frame 31 to 35 in a manner that allows it to be raised and lowered via the front connecting rod 110 and the rear connecting rod 111.

[0185] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 19 The state shown is as follows: in the first seedling placement part 51 located on the left side of the seedling support device 50, the third seedling placement part 53 located on the right side, and the second seedling placement part 52 adjacent to the part of the first seedling placement part 51 on the opposite side of the right side of the machine body 11, the second seedling placement part 52 is located at the second placement operation position B21 at the same height as the first seedling placement part 51 and the third seedling placement part 53.

[0186] At the second placement position B21, the bracket 69 of the second seedling placement part 52 is placed on the front of the support frame 31 and the support frame 33. The second seedling placement part 52 is positioned between the first seedling placement part 51 and the third seedling placement part 53, supported by the support frames 31 to 35.

[0187] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 The state shown is that the first seedling placement part 51 is located in the first placement operation position B11, which is adjacent to the second seedling placement part 52, which is located in the second placement operation position B21, on the left side. In the first placement operation position B11, the first seedling placement part 51 is located in a position that has been moved to the left relative to the support frame 31-35.

[0188] (Structure of the seedling supply device)

[0189] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seedling supply device 60 is supported by the frames 24, 25, and 30 described above (the body frame structure for supporting the seedling support device and the seedling supply device).

[0190] The seedling supply device 60 extends obliquely downward from the rear of the seedling support device 50 and is supported on the machine body 11 via frames 24, 25, and 30, spanning the rear of the seedling support device 50 and the upper end of the seedling platform 10.

[0191] like Figure 2 and Figure 18 As shown, the seedling supply device 60 has a first seedling supply section 61 as a first seedling supply section, a second seedling supply section 62 as a second seedling supply section, and a third seedling supply section 63 as a seedling supply section. Three seedling supply surfaces 61a are provided in the first seedling supply section 61 along the front-back direction and the up-down direction, two seedling supply surfaces 62a are provided in the second seedling supply section 62 along the front-back direction and the up-down direction, and three seedling supply surfaces 63a are provided in the third seedling supply section 63 along the front-back direction and the up-down direction.

[0192] In the seedling supply device 60, the first seedling supply unit 61 is located on the left, the third seedling supply unit 63 is located on the right, and the second seedling supply unit 62 is located between the first seedling supply unit 61 and the third seedling supply unit 63.

[0193] In the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63, each of the eight seedling supply surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a corresponds to a seedling supply section of the seedling supply device 60. Thus, the seedling supply device 60 has the same number (eight) of seedling supply surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a as the seedling carrier surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling carrier platform 10.

[0194] The seedling supply surfaces 61a on the left, center, and right sides of the first seedling supply unit 61 correspond to the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a, 10b, and 10c of the seedling-carrying platform 10. The seedling supply surfaces 62a on the left and right sides of the second seedling supply unit 62 correspond to the seedling-carrying surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling-carrying platform 10. The seedling supply surfaces 63a on the left, center, and right sides of the third seedling supply unit 63 correspond to the seedling-carrying surfaces 10f, 10g, and 10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10.

[0195] (The structure of the first seedling supply unit, the second seedling supply unit, and the third seedling supply unit of the seedling supply device)

[0196] like Figure 18 As shown, in the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62 and the third seedling supply section 63, there are two longitudinal frames 103 arranged along the vertical direction (front and back direction), and three transverse frames 104 are connected across the longitudinal frames 103.

[0197] In the first seedling supply section 61 and the third seedling supply section 63, three seedling supply surfaces 61a and 63a are connected to the longitudinal frame 103 and the transverse frame 104. In the second seedling supply section 62, two seedling supply surfaces 62a are connected to the longitudinal frame 103 and the transverse frame 104.

[0198] A block-shaped elastic element 118 made of hard rubber is installed at the lower end of the seedling supply surface 61a of the first seedling supply section 61, the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply section 62, and the seedling supply surface 63a of the third seedling supply section 63.

[0199] In the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63, the drive shaft 106 is supported in the left-right direction along the lower part of the central horizontal frame 104 and the lower part of the lower side horizontal frame 104. A plurality of star-shaped supply rotating bodies 105 are mounted on the drive shaft 106 and extend upward (rearward) from the seedling supply surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a.

[0200] An electric motor 107, which drives the upper drive shaft 106 to rotate, is supported on a central cross frame 104, and a transmission chain 108 is mounted across the upper and lower drive shafts 106. The upper drive shaft 106 and the supply rotating body 105 are driven by the electric motor 107. Figure 1 The clockwise rotation drive, the lower drive shaft 106 and the supply rotating body 105 are connected to the transmission chain 108 via the transmission chain 108. Figure 1 It is driven by rotation in a clockwise direction.

[0201] (The supporting structure of the frame of the first seedling supply section, the second seedling supply section and the third seedling supply section in the seedling supply device)

[0202] In the seedling supply device 60, the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63 are supported by the frames 24, 25, and 30 described above (the frame structure for supporting the seedling support device and the seedling supply device), as explained below.

[0203] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 18 As shown, in the first seedling supply section 61, there are two sets of supply moving mechanisms, namely guide sections 112, connected to the lower horizontal frame 104 and supporting the upper and lower guide rollers 112a in a freely rotatable manner. There is also a set of supply moving mechanisms, namely guide sections 113, connected to the upper horizontal frame 104 and supporting one guide roller 113a in a freely rotatable manner.

[0204] In the first seedling supply unit 61, the upper left part of the frame 24 is inserted between the upper and lower guide rollers 112a of the guide part 112, and the upper left part of the frame 25 contacts the guide roller 113a of the guide part 113. Thus, the first seedling supply unit 61 is supported by the guide parts 112 and 113 on the left side of the frame 24 and 25 in a manner that allows it to move in the left and right directions.

[0205] like Figure 18 As shown, in the third seedling supply unit 63, the bracket 114 is connected to the upper and lower horizontal frames 104, and the bracket 114 is connected to the upper right part of the frames 24 and 25. The third seedling supply unit 63 does not change its position relative to the frames 24 and 25.

[0206] like Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, in the second seedling supply unit 62, the upper connecting rod 115, which serves as the supply lifting mechanism, is supported on the upper part of the frame 30 and extends upward in a manner that allows it to swing up and down about an axis P7 along the left and right direction. The lower connecting rod 116, which serves as the supply lifting mechanism, is supported on the lower part of the frame 30 and extends upward in a manner that allows it to swing up and down about an axis P8 along the left and right direction.

[0207] In the second seedling supply unit 62, the longitudinal frame 117 is connected to the upper transverse frame 104 and the central transverse frame 104. The upper parts of the upper connecting rod 115 and the lower connecting rod 116 are connected to the upper and lower parts of the longitudinal frame 117 in a manner that allows them to swing about an axis in the left-right direction. The second seedling supply unit 62 is supported on the frame 30 by the upper connecting rod 115 and the lower connecting rod 116 in a manner that allows it to be raised and lowered.

[0208] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 The state shown is as follows: in the first seedling supply section 61 located on the left side of the seedling supply device 60, the third seedling supply section 63 located on the right side, and the second seedling supply section 62 adjacent to the part of the first seedling supply section 61 on the opposite side of the right side of the machine body 11, the second seedling supply section 62 is located at the second supply operation position C21 at the same height as the first seedling supply section 61 and the third seedling supply section 63.

[0209] At the second supply operation position C21, the horizontal frame 104 of the second seedling supply unit 62 is placed on the upper part of the frames 24 and 25, and the second seedling supply unit 62 is arranged between the first seedling supply unit 61 and the third seedling supply unit 63 in a state supported by the frames 24 and 25.

[0210] The first seedling supply unit 61 is located at the first supply operation position C11, which is adjacent to the second seedling supply unit 62, which is located at the second supply operation position C21, on the left side. At the first supply operation position C11, the first seedling supply unit 61 is located at a position that has been moved to the left relative to the upper part of the frames 24 and 25.

[0211] (Configuration status of seedling support device and seedling supply device)

[0212] As described above (the structure for changing the position of the seedling-carrying surface of the seedling-carrying platform) and Figure 2 As shown, when the seedling carrier 10 is stopped at the supply position, the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 are configured such that the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 are in the same position as the seedling carrier 10 in the left and right directions.

[0213] As a result, the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 are offset to the left by half the lateral width of the seedling loading surface 10a to 10h of the seedling loading platform 10 relative to the left and right center of the machine body 11 (the left and right center of the seedling planting device 5).

[0214] When viewed from above, the center of the right side of the carrier belt 85 of the second seedling support part 52 of the seedling support device 50 is located at the center of the left and right sides of the body 11 (the center of the left and right sides of the seedling transplanting device 5). When viewed from above, the center of the left and right sides of the seedling supply surface 62a of the right side of the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 is located at the center of the left and right sides of the body 11 (the center of the left and right sides of the seedling transplanting device 5).

[0215] In the seedling support device 50, the first seedling placement part 51 is located on the supply position side of the right and left parts of the seedling support device 50. Compared with the third seedling placement part 53, the first seedling placement part 51 is in a state that moves to the left away from the left and right center of the machine body 11 (the left and right center of the seedling transplanting device 5).

[0216] In the seedling supply device 60, the first seedling supply section 61 is located on the supply position side of the right and left parts of the seedling supply device 60. Compared with the third seedling supply section 63, the first seedling supply section 61 is in a state that moves to the left away from the left and right center of the machine body 11 (the left and right center of the seedling transplanting device 5).

[0217] like Figure 1 As shown, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is lowered to the field surface, the upper end of the seedling carrier 10 moves downward away from the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60.

[0218] (The supply of seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier) (Part 1)

[0219] like Figure 1As shown, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is lowered to the field surface and transplanting is in progress, the seedling sensor 45 (reference) detects the seedlings. Figure 3 If the number of seedlings on any of the seedling-bearing surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling-bearing platform 10 decreases, and if the seedling-bearing platform 10 is not located in... Figure 2 If the seedling tray 10 reaches the supply position as indicated, the planting operation continues until the seedling tray 10 reaches the supply position.

[0220] When the seedling carrier 10 reaches the supply position, it passes through the longitudinal feeding mechanism 44 (refer to...) Figure 3 After the seedlings are fed longitudinally by the longitudinal feeding mechanism 44, the seedling planting device 5 and the machine body 11 automatically stop, and the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 are in the same position in the left and right directions as the seedling platform 10. Through the longitudinal feeding of the seedlings by the longitudinal feeding mechanism 44, the seedlings on the seedling surface 10a to 10h of the seedling platform 10 are in contact with the support track 47.

[0221] If the seedling sensor 45 detects that the number of seedlings on any of the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10 has decreased, the number of seedlings on most of the other seedling-carrying surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling-carrying platform 10 will also decrease in the same way.

[0222] The operator in the driving unit 20 operates the lifting lever (not shown) to raise the seedling planting device 5 to the upper limit position via the linkage mechanism 3 (see reference). Figure 24 The upper limit position is the supply height where the upper end of the seedling carrier 10 is close to the lower end of the seedling supply device 60. When the seedling planting device 5 is raised to the supply height, the upper end of the seedling carrier 10 and the elastic element 118 of the seedling supply device 60 (see reference) Figure 18 The upper end of the seedling platform 10 contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device 60 via the elastic element 118.

[0223] In this case, as the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised to the supply height, as described above in the (structure of the anti-sway mechanism of the seedling transplanting device), the swaying of the seedling transplanting device 5 is suppressed by the functions of the left and right anti-sway mechanisms 98 and the left and right anti-sway parts 97, so that the upper end of the seedling platform 10 smoothly contacts the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60. Thus, the seedlings placed on the seedling support device 50 can be supplied to the seedling platform 10 via the seedling supply device 60.

[0224] (The supply of seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier) (Part Two)

[0225] When the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised to the supply height, the operator of the driver's unit 20 operates the seedling supply switch (not shown).

[0226] In the seedling support device 50, the carrier belt 85 of the second seedling carrier 52 is driven to rotate, and the seedlings placed on the carrier belt 85 of the second seedling carrier 52 are supplied from the second seedling carrier 52 to the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60, and from the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 to the seedling loading surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling platform 10.

[0227] In this case, as described above (the structure related to the frame of the first seedling support unit of the seedling support device), the freely rotatable guide rotor 83 is positioned rearward relative to the drive rotor 66 of the seedling support device 50. A flat guide plate 84 is supported by a fulcrum shaft 82 and extends from the rear of the second seedling support unit 52 (seedling support device 50) toward the upper end of the seedling supply device 60.

[0228] Therefore, when the seedlings are supplied from the second seedling placement part 52 (seedling support device 50) to the seedling supply device 60, the weight of the seedlings counteracts the spring 13 and the guide plate 84 is operated downward. By guiding the rotating body 83 and the guide plate 84, the seedlings are supported from below and smoothly guided to the seedling supply device 60.

[0229] As described above in the (structure of the seedling support device), when the seedling support device 50 is set to the raised position A31, the angle between the seedling support device 50 and the seedling supply device 60 increases when viewed from the side, resulting in a smooth connection between the rear of the seedling support device 50 and the upper part of the seedling supply device 60. This allows for smooth guidance of seedlings from the seedling support device 50 to the seedling supply device 60.

[0230] When seedlings are supplied from the second seedling support part 52 of the seedling support device 50 to the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60, the seedlings slide down the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 towards the seedling loading surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling platform 10 due to their own weight.

[0231] In this case, in the seedling supply device 60, the drive shaft 106 and the supply rotating body 105 are driven by the electric motor 107 at a low speed. Figure 1 Driven by the clockwise rotation, when the seedlings slide down the seedling supply surface 62a of the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 as described above, the seedlings are received by the supply rotating body 105 and supplied to the seedling carrying surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling carrier platform 10 at a lower speed as the supply rotating body 105 rotates.

[0232] As described above (the state of seedling supply from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier platform) (one of the above), in the seedling carrier platform 10, the seedlings are longitudinally fed by the longitudinal feeding mechanism 44, and the seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling carrier platform 10 are in contact with the support rail 47. Therefore, even if the seedlings supplied from the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 collide with the upper ends of the seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling carrier platform 10, the impact can be adequately absorbed by the seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling carrier platform 10.

[0233] (The supply of seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling carrier) (Part 3)

[0234] Next, in the seedling support device 50, the right side of the seedling carrier 85 of the first seedling carrier 51 and the left side of the seedling carrier 85 of the third seedling carrier 53 are rotated and driven, and the seedlings are supplied to the right side of the seedling supply surface 61a of the first seedling supply part 61 and the left side of the seedling supply surface 63a of the third seedling supply part 63 of the seedling supply device 60, and to the seedling carrier surfaces 10c and 10f of the seedling carrier platform 10.

[0235] Next, in the seedling support device 50, the central carrier belt 85 of the first seedling carrier 51 and the central carrier belt 85 of the third seedling carrier 53 are rotated and driven, and seedlings are supplied to the central seedling supply surface 61a of the first seedling supply part 61 and the central seedling supply surface 63a of the third seedling supply part 63 of the seedling supply device 60, and to the seedling carrier surfaces 10b and 10g of the seedling carrier platform 10.

[0236] Next, in the seedling support device 50, the left side of the seedling carrier 85 of the first seedling carrier 51 and the right side of the seedling carrier 85 of the third seedling carrier 53 are rotated and driven, and the seedlings are supplied to the seedling supply surface 61a on the left side of the first seedling supply part 61 and the seedling supply surface 63a on the right side of the third seedling supply part 63 of the seedling supply device 60, and to the seedling carrier surfaces 10a and 10h of the seedling carrier platform 10.

[0237] In this case, similar to the description above (the state of supplying seedlings from the seedling support device to the seedling platform) (Part 2), when seedlings are supplied from the first seedling placement part 51 and the third seedling placement part 53 to the seedling supply device 60, the seedlings are smoothly guided to the seedling supply device 60 while being supported from below by the guide rotating body 83 and the guide plate 84.

[0238] In the seedling carrier 10, the seedlings are fed longitudinally by the longitudinal feeding mechanism 44. The seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, 10f, 10g, and 10h of the seedling carrier 10 are in contact with the support rail 47. Therefore, even if the seedlings supplied from the first seedling supply section 61 and the third seedling supply section 63 of the seedling supply device 60 collide with the upper ends of the seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, 10f, 10g, and 10h of the seedling carrier 10, the impact can be fully absorbed by the seedlings on the seedling carrier surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, 10f, 10g, and 10h of the seedling carrier 10.

[0239] (Structure of the seedling support device's lifting mechanism)

[0240] like Figure 14 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, the lifting mechanism 119 is provided on the front link 110 described above in the support structure for the support frame of the first seedling placement part, the second seedling placement part and the third seedling placement part in the seedling support device.

[0241] The semi-circular operating gear 120 is connected to the front connecting rod 110, the gearbox 121 and the electric motor 122 are connected to the central support frame 35 described above (the support frame structure for supporting the seedling support device on the machine frame structure), and the pinion 121a of the gearbox 121 meshes with the operating gear 120.

[0242] As described above, the lifting mechanism 119 is equipped with an operating gear 120, a gearbox 121, and an electric motor 122.

[0243] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 19 The state shown is as described above (the support structure of the support frame for the first seedling placement part, the second seedling placement part, and the third seedling placement part in the seedling support device), in which the second seedling placement part 52 in the seedling support device 50 is located in the second placement operation position B21.

[0244] In the loading and lifting mechanism 119, when the pinion 121a of the gearbox 121 is driven to rotate by the electric motor 122, and the front connecting rod 110 is raised via the operating gear 120, the rear connecting rod 111 is raised accordingly, and the second seedling loading part 52 is raised via the front connecting rod 110 and the rear connecting rod 111.

[0245] like Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, an abutment portion 31a is provided at the front of the support frame 31. By abutting the front link 110 against the abutment portion 31a of the support frame 31, the electric motor 122 stops, and the front link 110 and the rear link 111 stop.

[0246] Figure 20 The state shown is that the second seedling placement part 52 in the seedling support device 50 is located at the second placement and storage position B22, which is positioned higher than the first seedling placement part 51 and the third seedling placement part 53.

[0247] When the second seedling placement section 52 is in the second placement and storage position B22, when the pinion 121a of the gearbox 121 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction by the electric motor 122, the front connecting rod 110 and the rear connecting rod 111 are lowered, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, the second seedling placement unit 52 is lowered to the second placement operation position B21.

[0248] (Structure of the lifting transmission mechanism and lifting adjustment section)

[0249] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the flat connecting member 123, which serves as the lifting and transmitting mechanism, is supported on the upper part of the frame 25 described above (the frame structure for supporting the seedling support device and the seedling supply device) in a manner that allows it to swing around the axis P2. An arc-shaped elongated hole 123a, which serves as the lifting adjustment part of the lifting and transmitting mechanism, opens on the connecting member 123.

[0250] The connecting rod 124, which serves as the lifting and transmission mechanism, is connected to the rear connecting rod 111 and the connecting member 123 as described above (the support structure for the support frame of the first seedling placement part, the second seedling placement part, and the third seedling placement part in the seedling support device).

[0251] The connecting rod 125, which serves as the lifting and transmission mechanism, is connected to the arm 115a of the upper connecting rod 115 described above in the support structure for the frame of the first seedling supply unit, the second seedling supply unit, and the third seedling supply unit in the seedling supply device, by means of the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123.

[0252] like Figure 19 As shown, with the second seedling placement section 52 of the seedling support device 50 in the second placement operation position B21 and the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 in the second supply operation position C21, when the seedling support device 50 is swung to the rising position A31 (see reference...), Figure 1 ) and descent position A32 (refer to) Figure 24In the case of the seedling support device 50 swinging operation, the connecting rod 124 is operated in the forward and backward direction, and the connecting member 123 is swung.

[0253] Even if the connecting member 123 is oscillating as described above, the up-and-down oscillation of the seedling support device 50 will be absorbed by the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123 relative to the upper end of the connecting rod 125 simply by oscillating the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123. Therefore, the up-and-down oscillation of the seedling support device 50 will not be transmitted to the front connecting rod 15, and the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 will be maintained in the second supply operation position C21.

[0254] (Lifting and lowering operation of the second seedling supply unit of the seedling supply device)

[0255] As described above (the structure of the seedling support device's lifting mechanism) and Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, when the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 is raised to the second placement and storage position B22, the upward movement of the rear connecting rod 111, driven by the electric motor 122, is transmitted to the connecting member 123 via the connecting rod 124. The connecting member 123 then moves towards... Figure 19 , Figure 20 It was swung around significantly in a clockwise direction.

[0256] In this situation, due to the large upward movement of the rear connecting rod 111, regardless of whether the seedling support device 50 is set in the rising position A31 or the falling position A32, the connecting member 123 will exceed the adjustment range of the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123 and move towards... Figure 20 The rod is swung clockwise, and the upper end of the connecting rod 125 reaches the end of the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123, and the connecting rod 125 is operated upward.

[0257] In the above-described (support structure for the frame of the first seedling supply unit, the second seedling supply unit and the third seedling supply unit in the seedling supply device), the upper connecting rod 115 is raised via the connecting rod 125, and the lower connecting rod 116 is raised accordingly. The second seedling supply unit 62 is raised via the upper connecting rod 115 and the lower connecting rod 116.

[0258] like Figure 20 As shown, when the second seedling placement section 52 of the seedling support device 50 stops at the second placement and storage position B22, the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 also stops. This state is as follows: in the seedling supply device 60, the second seedling supply section 62 is located at the second supply and storage position C22, which is positioned higher than the first seedling supply section 61.

[0259] like Figure 19 As shown, in the seedling support device 50, when the second seedling placement part 52 is lowered from the second placement and storage position B22 to the second placement operation position B21, the lowering action of the rear connecting rod 111, driven by the electric motor 122, is transmitted to the connecting member 123 via the connecting rod 124. The connecting member 123 then moves towards... Figure 19 It was swung around significantly in a counterclockwise direction.

[0260] The connecting member 123 extends beyond the adjustment range of the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123 towards Figure 19 The rod is swung counterclockwise, and the upper end of the connecting rod 125 reaches the end of the elongated hole 123a of the connecting member 123, and the connecting rod 125 is operated downward.

[0261] The upper connecting rod 115 is lowered via the connecting rod 125, and the lower connecting rod 116 is lowered accordingly. The second seedling supply unit 62 of the seedling supply device 60 is lowered to the second supply operation position C21 via the upper connecting rod 115 and the lower connecting rod 116.

[0262] In this case, as described above (the structure of the second and third seedling supports of the seedling support device) and Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown, in the second seedling placement section 52 of the seedling support device 50, the guide plate 84 is lifted upward by the spring 13. Therefore, when the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 is lowered to the second supply operation position C21, the guide plate 84 and the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 will not interfere with each other.

[0263] (Structure of the seedling support device's mounting and moving mechanism)

[0264] like Figure 6 and Figure 21 As shown, the loading and moving mechanism 126 is arranged to span the left part of the support frame 31 described above (the support frame structure for supporting the seedling support device on the body frame structure) and the horizontal frame 56 described above (the structure related to the frame of the first seedling loading part of the seedling support device).

[0265] In the first seedling placement part 51 of the seedling support device 50, the flat connecting member 127 is connected to the horizontal frame 56 across the placement belt 85 and to the left longitudinal frame 70, and the rack 128 is connected to the connecting member 127 in the left-right direction.

[0266] A flat support member 129 is connected to the left side of the support frame 31, and a guide roller 129a, which is supported on the support member 129 in a rotatable manner, is placed on the upper surface of the rack 128. A gearbox 130 and an electric motor 131 are connected to the support member 129, and the pinion 130a of the gearbox 130 meshes with the rack 128.

[0267] As described above, the mounting and moving mechanism 126 includes a connecting member 127, a rack 128, a support member 129, a gearbox 130, and an electric motor 131.

[0268] Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 21 The state shown is as described above in (the support structure of the support frame for the first seedling placement part, the second seedling placement part and the third seedling placement part in the seedling support device), in which the first seedling placement part 51 in the seedling support device 50 is located in the first placement operation position B11.

[0269] As described above (the structure of the seedling support device's lifting mechanism) and Figure 20 As shown, when the second seedling placement section 52 is in the second placement and storage position B22, in the placement moving mechanism 126, the pinion 130a of the gearbox 130 is driven to rotate by the electric motor 131, thereby moving the first seedling placement section 51 to the right via the rack 128 and the connecting member 127. Figure 25 Stop at the indicated position.

[0270] Figure 24 and Figure 25 The state shown is that the first seedling support part 51 in the seedling support device 50 is located in the first placement and storage position B12 below the second seedling support part 52 arranged in the second placement and storage position B22.

[0271] When the first seedling placement section 51 is in the first placement and storage position B12, when the pinion 130a of the gearbox 130 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction by the electric motor 131, the first seedling placement section 51 is moved to the left via the rack 128 and the connecting member 127, and is moved to... Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 21 The first loading operation position B11 is shown.

[0272] As described above (the structure related to the frame of the first seedling carrier of the seedling support device) and Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, in the first seedling placement section 51, the central and left electric motors 68 of the three electric motors 68 are arranged forward in a way that they are lifted upwards. Therefore, even if the first seedling placement section 51 is moved in the left and right direction as described above, the central and left electric motors 68 will not interfere with the support frames 31 and 33.

[0273] (Structure of the mobile delivery mechanism and the mobile dispatching department)

[0274] like Figure 7 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 As shown, the two square tubular transfer arms 132, which serve as the moving transfer mechanism, are connected to the horizontal frame 81 described above (the structure related to the frame of the first seedling placement part of the seedling support device) and extend rearward.

[0275] Two flat, plate-shaped transmission components 133, which serve as a mobile transmission mechanism, are connected to the upper horizontal frame 104 described above (the structure of the first seedling supply section, the second seedling supply section, and the third seedling supply section of the seedling supply device), and a guide section 113 is located between the transmission components 133.

[0276] The right-side transfer arm 132 is in contact with the right side of the right-side transfer member 133, but the right-side transfer arm 132 and the right-side transfer member 133 are not connected. The left-side transfer arm 132 is in contact with the left side of the left-side transfer member 133, but the left-side transfer arm 132 and the left-side transfer member 133 are not connected.

[0277] As described above (the structure of the seedling support device's mounting and moving mechanism) and Figure 20 , Figure 24 As shown, when the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 is located in the second placement and storage position B22 and the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 is located in the second supply and storage position C22, when Figure 21 As shown, the first seedling placement part 51 of the seedling support device 50 is moved to the first placement and storage position B12 by the placement and moving mechanism 126 (see reference). Figure 25 When the left-side transmission arm 132 pushes the left-side transmission component 133 to the right.

[0278] Thus, the movement of the mounting and moving mechanism 126 is transmitted to the guides 112 and 113 via the left-side transfer arm 132 and the left-side transfer member 133, the longitudinal frame 103 and the transverse frame 104, and the first seedling supply unit 61 of the seedling supply device 60 is moved to the first supply and receiving position C12 (see reference). Figure 25 ).

[0279] When the first seedling placement part 51 of the seedling support device 50 is moved to the first placement operation position B11 by the placement moving mechanism 126, the right-side transfer arm 132 pushes the right-side transfer member 133 to the left.

[0280] Thus, the movement of the mounting and moving mechanism 126 is transmitted to the guides 112 and 113 via the right-side transfer arm 132 and the right-side transfer member 133, the longitudinal frame 103 and the transverse frame 104, and the first seedling supply unit 61 of the seedling supply device 60 is moved to the first supply operation position C11 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 22 ).

[0281] The transfer arm 132 is in contact with the transfer member 133, but the transfer arm 132 and the transfer member 133 are not connected. Thus, a movable adjustment part 134 is provided between the transfer arm 132 and the transfer member 133.

[0282] When the seedling support device 50 is swung to the rising position A31 (see reference) Figure 1 ) and descent position A32 (refer to) Figure 24 In this case, as the seedling support device 50 swings, the transfer arm 132 moves up and down. In this situation, the up-and-down swing of the seedling support device 50 is absorbed by the moving adjustment unit 134 simply by the transfer arm 132 moving up and down while in contact with the transfer member 133. Therefore, the up-and-down swing of the seedling support device 50 is not transmitted to the guide units 112 and 113, and the first seedling supply unit 61 of the seedling supply device 60 is maintained at the first supply operation position C11 and the first supply storage position C12.

[0283] (Operations involving loading the rice transplanter onto the cargo platform of a truck for transport or storing it in a warehouse, etc.)

[0284] The following instructions apply when transporting rice transplanters by placing them on the loading dock of a truck or storing them in a warehouse.

[0285] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, in the seedling transplanting device 5, the seedling transplanting device 5 is operated when the seedling carrier 10 is not in the supply position, and the seedling transplanting device 5 (seedling carrier 10) is stopped when the seedling carrier 10 reaches the supply position. As described above in (the structure for changing the position of the seedling carrier surface of the seedling carrier), the position of the seedling carrier surface 10a of the seedling carrier 10 is changed to the storage position A12.

[0286] As described above in (Structure for Changing the Position of Support Rail), the right portion 47b and the left portion 47c of support rail 47 are separated from the central portion 47a of support rail 47 and their positions are changed to a position facing downwards and backwards.

[0287] Next, as described above in (Structure of the Seedling Support Device), the seedling support device 50 is set to the lowered position A32. As described above in (Operation for Changing the Position of the Driven Rotating Body of the First Seedling Mounting Part of the Seedling Support Device), the driven shaft 86 of the first seedling mounting part 51, the second seedling mounting part 52, and the third seedling mounting part 53 of the seedling support device 50 is changed to the relaxed position A22 (see...). Figure 12 and Figure 13 ).

[0288] Next, as described above in (the structure of the seedling support device's lifting mechanism), the lifting mechanism 119 is activated, causing the second seedling support part 52 of the seedling support device 50 to rise to the second placement and storage position B22.

[0289] As described above in (Lifting and lowering operation of the second seedling supply unit of the seedling supply device), when the second seedling placement unit 52 of the seedling support device 50 rises to the second placement and storage position B22, the second seedling supply unit 62 of the seedling supply device 60 also rises to the second supply and storage position C22.

[0290] In this case, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, while the front connecting rod 110 and the rear connecting rod 111 swing forward, the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 rises to the second placement and storage position B22. Therefore, the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 moves slightly forward while rising.

[0291] As the upper connecting rod 115 and the lower connecting rod 116 swing backward, the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 rises to the second supply and storage position C22. Therefore, the second seedling supply section 62 of the seedling supply device 60 moves slightly backward while rising.

[0292] As a result, the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 and the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 separate from each other in the front-back direction and rise to the second placement and storage position B22 and the second supply and storage position C22. Therefore, the second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 and the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 will not interfere with each other.

[0293] Next, as described above (the structure of the seedling support device's mounting and moving mechanism) and Figure 24 , Figure 25 As shown, the loading and moving mechanism 126 is activated, causing the first seedling loading part 51 of the seedling support device 50 to move to the first loading and storage position B12.

[0294] As described above in the (structure of the moving transmission mechanism and the moving adjustment unit), when the first seedling placement part 51 of the seedling support device 50 moves to the first placement and storage position B12, the first seedling supply part 61 of the seedling supply device 60 moves to the first supply and storage position C12.

[0295] As described above, the seedling carrier 10 is stopped at the supply position, and the position of the seedling carrier surface 10a of the seedling carrier 10 is changed to the storage position A12.

[0296] The positions of the right portion 47b and the left portion 47c of the support rail 47 are changed to a rearward position facing downwards.

[0297] The second seedling placement part 52 of the seedling support device 50 is raised to the second placement and storage position B22, and the second seedling supply part 62 of the seedling supply device 60 is raised to the second supply and storage position C22.

[0298] The first seedling support unit 51 of the seedling support device 50 is moved to the first placement and storage position B12, and the first seedling supply unit 61 of the seedling supply device 60 is moved to the first supply and storage position C12.

[0299] In this state, the rice transplanter is moved onto the truck's loading dock, stored in a warehouse, etc.

[0300] (First alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0301] It can also be configured such that when the number of seedlings on any of the seedling surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling platform 10 decreases, when the operator of the driving unit 20 operates the lifting lever (not shown) and the seedling planting device 5 is raised to the upper limit position through the linkage mechanism 3, the seedling planting device 5 (linkage mechanism 3) stops at the position where a gap is formed between the upper end of the seedling platform 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60.

[0302] As described above, the upper limit position of the seedling planting device 5, which creates a gap between the upper end of the seedling platform 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60, is the supply height at which the upper end of the seedling platform 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60 are close.

[0303] In this case, the supply height can also be adjusted. The elastic element 118 at the lower end of the seedling supply device 60 can also be eliminated.

[0304] (Second alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0305] It can also be configured such that when the number of seedlings on any of the seedling surfaces 10a to 10h of the seedling platform 10 decreases, the operator of the driving unit 20 operates the lifting lever (not shown), and the seedling planting device 5 is raised through the linkage mechanism 3 and stops at the upper limit position. In this configuration, the operator can select the following first and second states in advance.

[0306] The first state is when the seedling transplanting device 5 (linkage mechanism 3) stops at the position where a gap is created between the upper end of the seedling platform 10 and the lower end (elastic element 118) of the seedling supply device 60.

[0307] Thus, the upper limit position of the seedling planting device 5, which creates a gap between the upper end of the seedling carrier 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60, is a supply height close to the upper end of the seedling carrier 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60. In this case, it can also be configured to allow for height adjustment of the supply height.

[0308] The second state is the state in which the seedling transplanting device 5 (linkage mechanism 3) stops at the position where the upper end of the seedling platform 10 contacts the lower end (elastic element 118) of the seedling supply device 60.

[0309] Thus, the upper limit position of the seedling planting device 5, which is in contact with the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60, is the supply height at which the upper end of the seedling platform 10 and the lower end (elastic member 118) of the seedling supply device 60 are close.

[0310] In the above structure, the elastic element 118 at the lower end of the seedling supply device 60 can also be eliminated.

[0311] (Third alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0312] Alternatively, the elastic element 118 may not be located at the lower end of the seedling supply device 60, but rather at the upper end of the seedling carrier 10.

[0313] Alternatively, the elastic element 118 can be located at both the lower end of the seedling supply device 60 and the upper end of the seedling carrier 10.

[0314] (Fourth other embodiment of the invention)

[0315] It can also be configured to eliminate the rocking mechanism 75 and have left and right springs 79.

[0316] (Fifth other embodiment of the invention)

[0317] Alternatively, it can be configured such that when seedlings are supplied from the seedling support device 50 to the seedling carrier 10, after the seedlings are supplied to the seedling carrier surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling carrier 10, the seedlings are supplied to the seedling carrier surfaces 10a and 10h of the seedling carrier 10, then to the seedling carrier surfaces 10b and 10g of the seedling carrier 10, and then to the seedling carrier surfaces 10c and 10f of the seedling carrier 10.

[0318] It can also be configured such that after the seedlings are supplied to the seedling-carrying surfaces 10d and 10e of the seedling-carrying platform 10, the seedlings are alternately supplied to the seedling-carrying surfaces 10a, 10b, and 10c on the right side and the seedling-carrying surfaces 10f, 10g, and 10h on the left side of the seedling-carrying platform 10.

[0319] (Sixth other embodiment of the invention)

[0320] In the suppression mechanism 98, instead of a metal wire 99, a flexible thin rope made of synthetic resin (not shown) can also be used as the wire.

[0321] Alternatively, it can be configured to use a slender short round tube as the wire operating part instead of the operating roller 102, and to allow the wire to pass through the inside of the round tube.

[0322] (Seventh other embodiment of the invention)

[0323] Alternatively, the inhibition mechanism 98 can be constructed by installing a slender coil-shaped spring-like member (not shown) across the right and left sides of the support frames 48 and 49 of the seedling transplanting device 5 and the right and left sides of the frame 24 of the body 11.

[0324] According to this structure, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is lowered to the field surface, the spring-like member is at its natural length (free length), allowing the seedling transplanting device 5 to sway laterally. When the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised to the supply height, the spring-like member is compressed, thus suppressing the swaying of the seedling transplanting device 5.

[0325] (Eighth other embodiment of the invention)

[0326] Alternatively, it could be the structure described above (the lateral rocking control of the seedling transplanting device) and... Figure 4 In the shown inhibition section 97, by improving the function of inhibiting the swaying of the seedling planting device 5, the inhibition section 97 is used as an inhibition mechanism 98.

[0327] According to this structure, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised to the supply height, the left and right restraining parts 97 abut against the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 from the lower side, thereby fully suppressing the lateral sway of the seedling transplanting device 5, and the seedling transplanting device 5 is kept in a posture parallel to the body 11 in the left and right directions.

[0328] Alternatively, in the structure described above, the left and right suppression portions 97 are positioned relative to... Figure 4 The positions shown are close to the left and right ends of the support frame 43, and left and right arms (not shown) extending outward from the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 in the left and right directions are provided to form the suppression mechanism 98.

[0329] According to this structure, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is raised to the supply height, the left and right restraining parts 97 abut against the left and right arms of the linkage mechanism 3 from below, thereby fully suppressing the lateral sway of the seedling transplanting device 5 and keeping the seedling transplanting device 5 in a posture parallel to the body 11 in the left and right directions.

[0330] (Ninth other embodiment of the invention)

[0331] Alternatively, the guide rotator 83 is positioned rearward relative to the drive rotator 66 (driven rotator 87) at the rear of the seedling support device 50, and is supported on the upper part of the seedling supply device 60 between the rear of the seedling support device 50 and the upper part of the seedling supply device 60.

[0332] Alternatively, the guide rotator 83 is positioned on the rear side of the drive rotator 66 (driven rotator 87) relative to the rear of the seedling support device 50, and is supported on both the rear of the seedling support device 50 and the upper part of the seedling supply device 60.

[0333] (Tenth other embodiment of the invention)

[0334] Alternatively, the guide plate 84 can be configured such that it is connected to the rear of the seedling support device 50 and extends toward the upper end of the seedling supply device 60 in a manner that prevents it from swinging up and down.

[0335] (Eleventh alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0336] Alternatively, the seedling supply device 60 may be configured such that each of the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63 has an insertable stop (not shown) at its lower end. By removing the stop, the stop can be used to receive the seedlings from the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63, thus enabling the seedlings to be placed in the first seedling supply section 61, the second seedling supply section 62, and the third seedling supply section 63.

[0337] When supplying seedlings to the seedling platform 10, the seedlings placed on the seedling supply device 60 can be supplied to the seedling platform 10 by performing an entry operation on the stop part, and the seedlings placed on the seedling support device 50 can be supplied to the seedling platform 10 via the seedling supply device 60.

[0338] Industrial availability

[0339] This invention can be used not only in eight-row planting type ride-on rice transplanters, but also in ten-row planting type ride-on rice transplanters and unmanned automatic operation type rice transplanters.

Claims

1. A rice transplanter, characterized in that, have: A machine capable of movement; A linkage mechanism extends rearward from the rear of the machine body and is supported on the machine body in a manner that allows for lifting and lowering operations; The seedling transplanting device is equipped with a seedling carrier platform, which is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism in a manner that allows it to sway laterally around an axis in the front-rear direction. A seedling support device is positioned above the machine body and is capable of carrying seedlings; The seedling supply device is supported on the machine body in such a way that it extends from the rear of the seedling support device toward the rearward and downward direction, and is capable of supplying seedlings placed on the seedling support device to the seedling carrier. as well as The suppressing mechanism is capable of suppressing the swaying of the seedling transplanting device. When the seedling transplanting device is raised to a supply height where the upper end of the seedling carrier platform is close to the lower end of the seedling supply device via the linkage mechanism, the lateral sway of the seedling transplanting device is suppressed by the inhibition mechanism, thereby enabling the supply of seedlings to the seedling carrier platform. The suppression mechanism is equipped with: The suppression mechanism on the right side is arranged across the right side of the seedling transplanting device and the right side of the machine body; and The inhibition mechanism on the left side is arranged across the left side of the seedling transplanting device and the left side of the machine body; The suppression mechanism is equipped with: The wire, connected across the seedling transplanting device and the machine body, is flexible; and The wire operating section pushes the middle part of the wire upward as the seedling planting device is raised via the linkage mechanism, generating tension in the wire and suppressing the lateral swaying of the seedling planting device. Conversely, as the seedling planting device is lowered via the linkage mechanism, the wire is relaxed, allowing the lateral swaying of the seedling planting device.

2. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, a gap is created between the upper end of the seedling platform and the lower end of the seedling supply device.

3. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device.

4. The rice transplanter according to claim 3, characterized in that, An elastic element is installed on at least one of the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device. The upper end of the seedling carrier is in contact with the lower end of the seedling supply device via the elastic element.

5. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There are a first state and a second state. In the first state, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, a gap is created between the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device. In the second state, the supply height is set such that when the seedling transplanting device is raised to the supply height via the linkage mechanism, the upper end of the seedling carrier platform contacts the lower end of the seedling supply device. The rice transplanter can select either the first state or the second state.

6. The rice transplanter according to claim 5, characterized in that, An elastic element is installed on at least one of the upper end of the seedling carrier and the lower end of the seedling supply device. In the second state, the upper end of the seedling carrier is in contact with the lower end of the seedling supply device via the elastic element.

7. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: The guide rotating body is supported between the rear of the seedling support device and the upper part of the seedling supply device in a manner that allows it to rotate freely about an axis in the left-right direction. It supports seedlings from the rear of the seedling support device from below while guiding the seedlings to the seedling supply device.

8. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: A guide plate extends from the rear of the seedling support device toward the upper end of the seedling supply device, supporting seedlings from the rear of the seedling support device from below while guiding the seedlings toward the seedling supply device.

9. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The seedling support device supplies seedlings to the seedling-carrying surfaces on the left and right central sides of the seedling-carrying platform, and then supplies seedlings to the seedling-carrying surfaces on the right or left side of the seedling-carrying platform.

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