Paddy field working machine

Abstract

In a rice field working machine in which a working device is supported at the rear of a body, mud and water splashed rearward from the body are less likely to adhere to a height sensor. A lifting mechanism capable of lifting and lowering the working device relative to the body; a float plate (9) supported in a manner capable of lifting and lowering to the lower portion of the working device and follow the ground surface (G) in contact with the ground; and a height sensor (38) provided in the working device on the rear side of the front end portion (9a) of the float plate (9) when viewed in side view. A link mechanism (39) is provided to connect across the float plate (9) and the height sensor (38), and to transmit the lifting and lowering action of the float plate (9) relative to the working device to the height sensor (38) so that the height sensor (38) detects the working height (H2) from the float plate (9) to the working device. A control unit operates the lifting mechanism based on the detection value of the height sensor (38) to bring the working height (H2) to a set height (H1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the structure for lifting and lowering the working device at the rear of the machine body in paddy field operation machines such as riding-type rice transplanters and riding-type direct seeders. Background Technology

[0002] In a riding-type rice transplanter, which is an example of a paddy field work machine, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a float that follows the paddy field surface is supported on the lower part of the work device in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, and a height sensor is installed on the work device and connected to a rod in a way that spans the float and the height sensor.

[0003] Therefore, the working height from the floating plate (field surface) to the working device is detected by a height sensor, and the working device is raised or lowered in a way that makes the working height reach a preset height.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-59267 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In paddy field work machines, mud and water splash from the machine body to the rear as it moves, so there is room for improvement in making it less likely for the mud and water splashed to adhere to the height sensor.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to prevent mud and water splashed from the rear of the machine from adhering to the height sensor in a paddy field machine with the working device supported at the rear of the machine body.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The paddy field operation machine of the present invention comprises: an operation device supported at the rear of the machine body in a lifting manner to supply material to the paddy field surface; a lifting mechanism capable of lifting and lowering the operation device relative to the machine body; a float supported at the lower part of the operation device in a lifting manner and grounded and following the paddy field surface; a height sensor, which, when viewed from the side, is located in the operation device at a portion rearward of the front end of the float; a linkage mechanism connecting the float and the height sensor to transmit the lifting and lowering motion of the float relative to the operation device to the height sensor so that the height sensor detects the operating height from the float to the operation device; and a control unit that, based on the detection value of the height sensor, operates the lifting mechanism to make the operating height reach a preset height.

[0012] According to the present invention, in a working device at the rear of the machine body, a float and a height sensor are provided and a linkage mechanism is connected across the float and the height sensor. The height sensor is positioned rearward from the front end of the float and is configured to be rearward away from the machine body.

[0013] Therefore, even if mud or water splashes from the rear of the machine, it is not easy for the mud or water to adhere to the height sensor, thus preventing the reduction in the durability of the height sensor caused by the adhesion of mud or water.

[0014] Preferably, the linkage mechanism of the present invention comprises: a swing member supported on the working device in such a way that it can swing about a support axis in the left-right direction, having a first portion extending forward from the support axis and connected to the float, and a second portion extending upward from the support axis; and a connecting member arranged in the front-rear direction and connected across the input portion of the height sensor and the second portion.

[0015] According to the present invention, the linkage mechanism connected across the float and the height sensor includes a swinging member and a connecting member. When the working height of the working device changes relative to the float which is grounded and follows the field surface, the swinging member of the linkage mechanism swings about the support axis, the connecting member moves back and forth, and the lifting motion of the float relative to the working device is transmitted to the height sensor, which detects the working height from the float to the working device.

[0016] According to the present invention, the swing member has a second portion extending upward from the support axis, and a connecting member in the front-rear direction is connected across the input portion of the height sensor and the second portion of the swing member. Through the second portion of the swing member, the height sensor is positioned at a higher position than the float (field surface), which is advantageous in that mud and water are less likely to adhere to the height sensor.

[0017] Preferably, in this invention, the input section extends downward from the height sensor, and the lower part of the input section is connected to the rear part of the connecting member.

[0018] According to the present invention, when the connecting member is connected in such a way that it spans the input portion of the height sensor and the second part of the swing member, the input portion of the height sensor extends downward from the height sensor.

[0019] Therefore, according to the amount by which the input part of the height sensor extends downward, the position of the height sensor becomes higher relative to the swing member. Thus, the height sensor is positioned at a higher position than the float (field surface), which is advantageous in that mud and water are less likely to adhere to the height sensor.

[0020] Preferably, in this invention, the spring support is located on the rear side relative to the swing member, and the tension spring is connected across the first part and the spring support. Through the force applied by the tension spring, the float is forced downward relative to the working device via the swing member.

[0021] In paddy field operation machines, there are sometimes springs that apply force to the float plate relative to the downward side of the working device.

[0022] According to the present invention, the tension spring is connected to the first part of the swing member and extends rearward from the first part of the swing member, thus the tension spring is compactly arranged in a lower position. By arranging the tension spring in a lower position, the tension spring has less impact on the arrangement of the height sensor.

[0023] Preferably, in this invention, the paddy field work machine includes a height setting change unit, which can change the set height by changing the support position of the float relative to the work device up and down. The paddy field work machine also includes a linkage unit, which, through the operation of the height setting change unit, causes the position of the support shaft center relative to the work device to change to a lower side as the set height changes to a higher side, and causes the position of the support shaft center relative to the work device to change to a higher side as the set height changes to a lower side.

[0024] Among paddy field operation machines such as ride-on rice transplanters, one type of machine includes a set height adjustment unit. This unit can change the set height by altering the support position of the float relative to the working device. In ride-on rice transplanters, the planting depth of the seedlings by the seedling planting device is changed by altering the set height from the float (field surface) to the seedling planting device (working device).

[0025] According to the present invention, by setting the height change unit, as the set height changes, the position of the support axis of the swing member changes in the same way as the support position of the float. Therefore, even if the set height changes, the vertical positional relationship between the float and the support axis of the swing member changes little.

[0026] In this regard, since the height sensor is located on the working device, when the support position of the float is changed by setting the height change unit, the positional relationship between the support axis of the float and the swing member and the vertical direction of the height sensor changes.

[0027] According to the present invention, the connecting member is connected across the input part of the height sensor and the second part of the swing member. Therefore, as described above, even if the positional relationship between the support axis of the float and the swing member and the vertical direction of the height sensor changes, the change in the vertical positional relationship will be absorbed by the swinging of the connecting member around the connection point with the second part of the swing member and the swinging of the connecting member around the connection point with the input part of the height sensor.

[0028] Therefore, even if the support position of the float is changed by setting the height change unit, the lifting and lowering movement of the float relative to the working device will be properly transmitted to the height sensor, and the working height from the float to the working device will be properly detected by the height sensor.

[0029] Preferably, in this invention, the spring support is located at the rear relative to the swing member, and the tension spring is connected across the first part and the spring support. Through the applied force of the tension spring, the float is exerted downward force on the working device via the swing member. The paddy field machine has a spring linkage. Through the operation of the height setting change unit, the spring linkage changes the position of the spring support in the front-rear direction, maintaining the applied force of the tension spring at a constant level.

[0030] In paddy field operation machines, there are sometimes springs that apply force to the float plate relative to the downward side of the working device.

[0031] According to the present invention, the tension spring is connected to the first part of the swing member and extends rearward from the first part of the swing member, thus the tension spring is compactly arranged in a lower position. By arranging the tension spring in a lower position, the tension spring has less impact on the arrangement of the height sensor.

[0032] According to the present invention, as described above, when the position of the support axis of the swing member connected to the tension spring is changed by changing the set height through the operation of the set height changing part, the position of the spring support part is changed along the front-back direction by means of the spring linkage part, the change in the front-back distance between the first part of the swing member and the spring support part is suppressed to a small extent, and the applied force of the tension spring is maintained to a constant.

[0033] Therefore, even if the set height changes and the support position of the float changes up and down, the float will stably follow the ground surface.

[0034] Preferably, in the present invention, a support frame is arranged in the left-right direction in the portion of the working device that is rearward of the front end of the float, the working part that supplies material to the field surface is connected to the support frame and extends rearward from the support frame, and the height sensor is located in a position rearward of the support frame when viewed from the side.

[0035] In paddy field operation machines, one type of paddy field operation mechanism consists of a support frame positioned along the left-right direction within the operation device. The work section, which supplies material to the paddy field surface, is connected to the support frame and extends rearward, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the operation device. In this structure, the support frame is sometimes positioned within the operation device further rearward than the front end of the float.

[0036] According to the present invention, in the above-described structure, the height sensor is positioned further back than the support frame when viewed from the side. Thus, the height sensor is configured to be rearward and away from the machine body, which is advantageous in that mud and water are less likely to adhere to the height sensor.

[0037] Preferably, the present invention includes a right-side and a left-side support frame, which is configured with an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state, the central ends of the left and right central sides of the operating device in the right-side support frame and the central ends of the left and right central sides of the operating device in the left-side support frame are positioned at a distance from each other, and the right-side and left-side support frames are arranged in a left-right direction. In the non-operating state, the right-side and left-side support frames are arranged in a left-right direction with a front-back orientation. The paddy field operation machine has a switching mechanism that can switch the operating device between the operating state and the non-operating state. The linkage mechanism is positioned between the central ends of the right-side and left-side support frames in the operating state when viewed from above.

[0038] One type of paddy field work machine features right and left support frames within its working device, configured to switch between an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state, the right and left support frames are positioned facing each other along the left-right direction. In the non-operating state, the right and left support frames are arranged in a front-back orientation along the left-right direction. In the non-operating state, the lateral width of the working device decreases, thus facilitating the transport and storage of the paddy field work machine.

[0039] According to the present invention, the central end of the right support frame and the central end of the left support frame are positioned opposite each other at a distance when the working device is in operation, thereby ensuring space near the left and right central portions of the working device.

[0040] According to the present invention, the linkage mechanism is arranged between the central ends of the right and left support frames of the working device in the working state when viewed from above. Thus, the linkage mechanism is reasonably arranged near the left and right central parts of the working device, and the operation of connecting the floats near the left and right central parts of the working device to the linkage mechanism can be reasonably performed. A structure for detecting the working height based on the floats near the left and right central parts of the working device can be easily obtained.

[0041] Preferably, in this invention, the support member is installed at the central end of the support frame on one of the right and left sides, and the height sensor and the linkage mechanism are supported on the support member.

[0042] According to the present invention, when the linkage mechanism is configured as described above to be positioned between the central ends of the right and left support frames of the working device in the working state when viewed from above, the height sensor and the linkage mechanism are stabilized by the support member installed at the central end of the support frame on one of the right and left sides.

[0043] Preferably, in the non-operating state, the support frame is configured in a posture along the front-rear direction, with the central end of the support frame positioned rearward relative to the end of the support frame opposite to the central end.

[0044] According to the present invention, when the working device is set to a non-working state, the central end of the support frame is located on the rear side (opposite to the rear of the machine body), allowing the operator to perform maintenance work on the height sensor and linkage mechanism without being affected by the machine body. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a left view of a ride-on rice transplanter.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a top view of a ride-on rice transplanter.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a top view of the rice seedling transplanting device in operation.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a top view of the seedling transplanting device in its non-operational state.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a top view of the area around the central floating plate, height sensor, and linkage mechanism of the rice seedling transplanting device in operation.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a front view of the central floating plate, height sensor, and linkage mechanism of the rice seedling transplanting device in its operating state.

[0051] Figure 7 It is an exploded 3D view of the central float, altitude sensor, and linkage mechanism.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the lifting and lowering control of the seedling transplanting device.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a left view of the central float, height sensor, and linkage mechanism, indicating that the set height (set insertion depth) is set to the minimum height (deepest).

[0054] Figure 10 This is a left view of the central float, height sensor, and linkage mechanism, indicating that the set height (set insertion depth) is set to the highest (shallowest) state. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figures 1-10 A ten-row, riding-type rice transplanter is shown as an example of a paddy field work machine. Figures 1-10 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.

[0056] (Overall structure of a ride-on rice transplanter)

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the riding-type rice transplanter, at the rear of the body 30, which has a front wheel 1 on the right and left sides and a rear wheel 2 on the right and left sides, there is a linkage mechanism 3 and a hydraulic cylinder 4 (equivalent to a lifting mechanism) for lifting the linkage mechanism 3. The seedling transplanting device 5 (equivalent to a working device) is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3.

[0058] Based on the above structure, the seedling planting device 5, which plants the seedlings (equivalent to materials) on the field surface G, is supported at the rear of the machine body 30 in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered. It is in a state where the seedling planting device 5 can be raised and lowered relative to the machine body 30 by means of the hydraulic cylinder 4.

[0059] (The overall structure of the seedling transplanting device, fertilization device, and pesticide dispensing device)

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seedling transplanting device 5 includes: five transplanting transmission boxes 6 (equivalent to working parts) arranged at predetermined intervals in the left and right directions, a rotating box 7 supported on the right and left sides of the transplanting transmission boxes 6 in a rotatable manner, transplanting arms 8 supported at both ends of the rotating box 7, a central floating plate 9 (equivalent to a floating plate), four floating plates 10, and a seedling carrier platform 11, etc.

[0061] The fertilization device 12 is supported across the rear of the machine body 30 and the seedling transplanting device 5. The fertilization device 12 includes a hopper 13, a delivery unit 14, a blower 15, a furrow opener 16, and a hose 17.

[0062] The driver's seat 18 is supported at the rear of the machine body 30. In the fertilizer applicator 12, a fertilizer storage hopper 13 and a delivery section 14 are provided on the rear side of the driver's seat 18 of the machine body 30, and a blower 15 is provided on the lateral outer side of the left side of the delivery section 14. A furrow opener 16 is installed on the central float 9 and float 10, and a hose 17 is connected across the delivery section 14 and the furrow opener 16.

[0063] In the seedling transplanting device 5, while the seedling carrier 11 is driven to feed laterally, the transplanting arm 8 (rotating box 7) is driven to rotate. The transplanting arm 8 takes out the seedlings from the lower part of the seedling carrier 11 and transplants them onto the field surface G.

[0064] In the fertilization device 12, the fertilizer in the hopper 13 is sent out through the delivery part 14 and supplied to the furrow opener 16 through the hose 17 by the transport air of the blower 15. While the furrow opener 16 forms a furrow on the field surface G, fertilizer is supplied from the furrow opener 16 to the furrow on the field surface G.

[0065] A pesticide dispensing device 28 is supported on a support frame 29 connected to the central planting transmission box 6. Herbicides and other pesticides are dispensed from the pesticide dispensing device 28 to the field surface G behind the seedling planting device 5.

[0066] (The structure in the seedling transplanting device that switches between working and non-working states)

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, a support frame 19 is provided, which appears as a frame when viewed directly. The support frame 19 includes an upper portion 19a and a lower portion 19b arranged in the left-right direction, a right-side and left-side longitudinal portion 19c connected across the upper portion 19a and the lower portion 19b, and a bracket 19d connected to the lower portion 19b. The bracket 19d of the support frame 19 is supported on the longitudinal connecting rod 3a at the rear of the linkage mechanism 3 (see reference 3a) in a manner that allows it to sway about an axis P3 in the front-rear direction. Figure 1 ).

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the right and left support arms 20 (equivalent to switching mechanisms) are held on the right and left sides of the upper part 19a and lower part 19b of the support frame 19 in a manner that allows them to swing about an axis P1 along the vertical direction.

[0069] like Figure 3As shown, a right-side support frame 21 and a left-side support frame 22 are provided, and a connecting portion 23 connects the right-side support frame 21 and the left-side support frame 22. The connecting portion 23 of the right-side support frame 21 is supported on the end of the right-side support arm 20 in a manner that allows it to swing about an axis P2 along the vertical direction. The connecting portion 23 of the left-side support frame 22 is supported on the end of the left-side support arm 20 in a manner that allows it to swing about an axis P2 along the vertical direction.

[0070] Three insertion drive boxes 6 are connected to and extend rearward from the right support frame 21, with the central float 9 and two floats 10 supported on the right support frame 21. Two insertion drive boxes 6 are connected to and extend rearward from the left support frame 22, with the two floats 10 supported on the left support frame 22.

[0071] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, in the seedling transplanting device 5, the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 are positioned in the left-right direction and are located behind the front end 9a of the central floating plate 9 and the front end 10a of the floating plate 10, respectively, when viewed from the side and from above.

[0072] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 The state shown is the following operating state A1: The left end of the right support frame 21, i.e. the central end 21a of the left and right central sides of the seedling planting device 5, and the right end of the left support frame 22, i.e. the central end 22a of the left and right central sides of the seedling planting device 5, are facing each other with a gap. The right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 are arranged along the left and right direction.

[0073] The switching operation from working state A1 to non-working state A2 in the seedling transplanting device 5 is performed as described below.

[0074] Separate the boundary between the right portion 11a of the sixth row and the left portion 11b of the fourth row of the seedling carrier 11. The right portion 11a of the seedling carrier 11 belongs to the right support frame 21, and the left portion 11b of the seedling carrier 11 belongs to the left support frame 22.

[0075] Next, while moving the right-side support frame 21 around axis P2... Figure 3 The counterclockwise swing causes the left support frame 22 to rotate around the axis P2. Figure 3 The clockwise swing causes the right and left support arms 20 to swing backward around the axis P1.

[0076] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the following non-operational state A2 is set in the seedling transplanting device 5: the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 are arranged in a left-right orientation along the front-back direction.

[0077] In the non-operational state A2 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the support frames 21 and 22 are arranged in a posture along the front-back direction, with the central side ends 21a and 22a of the support frames 21 and 22 positioned on the rear side relative to the ends 21b and 22b of the support frames 21 and 22 that are opposite to the central side ends 21a and 22a.

[0078] (Central floating platform and its supporting structure)

[0079] like Figures 5-8 As shown, a right-side fulcrum frame 25 and a left-side fulcrum frame 26 are provided. The right-side fulcrum frame 25 is supported on the lower part of three insertion transmission boxes 6 connected to the right-side support frame 21, in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis P4 in the left-right direction. The left-side fulcrum frame 26 is supported on the lower part of two insertion transmission boxes 6 connected to the left-side support frame 22, in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis P4 in the left-right direction.

[0080] A meshing part 24 is connected to the left end of the right-side fulcrum frame 25, and a meshing part 24 is connected to the right end of the left-side fulcrum frame 26. In the operating state A1 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the meshing parts 24 of the right-side fulcrum frame 25 and the left-side fulcrum frame 26 mesh, so that the right-side fulcrum frame and the left-side fulcrum frame 26 can rotate as a whole.

[0081] The float arms 25a and 26a are connected to the fulcrum frames 25 and 26 and extend rearward. The rear parts of the central float 9 and float 10 are supported on the rear parts of the float arms 25a and 26a in a manner that allows them to swing up and down about an axis P5 along the left and right direction. Thus, the central float 9 and float 10 are supported at the bottom of the seedling transplanting device 5 in a way that allows them to be raised and lowered while remaining grounded and following the field surface G.

[0082] (Setting the height from the central floating plate (field surface) to the seedling transplanting device (transplanting transmission box))

[0083] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8As shown, in the seedling transplanting device 5, a sector-shaped operating gear 27 is supported on the upper part of the support frame 22 on the left side, so as to be able to swing around the axis P6 along the front-rear direction. A gear mechanism 31 with a pinion 31a that meshes with the operating gear 27 is provided, and an electric motor 32 (equivalent to a height setting unit) that drives the gear mechanism 31 is provided. A connecting rod 35 is connected to the operating gear 27 by means of the meshing part 24 spanning the support frame 22 on the left side.

[0084] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, a rotary switch type height setting operation member 33 (equivalent to a height setting change unit) is provided near the steering wheel 34 for steering the front wheel 1. The operation position of the height setting operation member 33 is input to the control device 40 (equivalent to a control unit) provided on the machine body 30.

[0085] In the operating state A1 of the seedling transplanting device 5, when the driver riding on the machine body 30 operates the height setting operation component 33, the electric motor 32 is actuated by the control device 40 based on the operating position of the height setting operation component 33. The operating gear 27 is oscillating up and down, and the fulcrum frames 25 and 26 are rotated around the axis P4 via the connecting rod 35. By rotating the fulcrum frames 25 and 26, the positions of the float arms 25a and 26a of the fulcrum frames 25 and 26 change up and down, and the position of the axis P5 changes up and down.

[0086] Therefore, for the central floating plate 9 and floating plate 10 that are grounded and follow the field surface G, a set height H1 is set from the central floating plate 9 and floating plate 10 (field surface G) to the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6). The set height is operated by the set height operation component 33, and the support position (position of axis P5) of the central floating plate 9 (floating plate 10) relative to the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) is changed up and down, and the set height H1 is changed.

[0087] (Structure of the height sensor)

[0088] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the support member 36 is connected to the central end 21a of the support frame 21 on the right side. A potentiometer-type height sensor 38 is supported on the bracket 37 connected to the support member 36. The arm-shaped input part 38a of the height sensor 38 is provided on the height sensor 38 in a manner that allows it to swing about the axis P7 along the left and right direction, and extends downward from the height sensor 38.

[0089] Therefore, in both side and top views, a height sensor 38 is provided in the portion of the seedling planting device 5 that is rearward of the front end 9a of the central float 9 and the front end 10a of the float 10, and also in the portion that is rearward of the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22. In side view, the height sensor 38 is positioned above the fulcrum frame 25 and at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the planting transmission box 6.

[0090] (Structure of a linkage mechanism)

[0091] like Figures 5-9 As shown, a linkage mechanism 39 is connected across the front of the central float plate 9 and the input part 38a of the height sensor 38. The linkage mechanism 39 has a swing member 41 and a connecting member 42.

[0092] The scale-shaped linkage 43 is supported on the support member 36 in a manner that allows it to swing around the axis P8 along the left and right direction. The arm 25b, which is connected to the fulcrum frame 25 and extends forward, is connected to the rear of the linkage 43, thereby setting the posture of the linkage 43.

[0093] The swing member 41 is supported in a manner that allows it to swing about the axis P9 (equivalent to the support axis) in the left-right direction around the front of the linkage part 43. The swing member 41 is supported on the seedling transplanting device 5 in a swinging manner via the linkage part 43. The swing member 41 has a first part 41a extending forward from the axis P9 and a second part 41b extending upward from the axis P9. The front part of the first part 41a is connected to the front part of the central float 9 via the connecting rod member 44.

[0094] The connecting member 42 is arranged along the front-rear direction. The front part of the connecting member 42 is connected to the upper part of the second part 41b of the swing member 41, and the rear part of the connecting member 42 is connected to the lower part of the input part 38a of the height sensor 38. The connecting member 42 is connected across the input part 38a of the height sensor 38 and the second part 41b of the swing member 41. Thus, the height sensor 38 and the linkage mechanism 39 are supported by the support member 36.

[0095] (Structure of a tension spring)

[0096] like Figures 5-9 As shown, a bracket 45 connected to the rear of the support member 36 supports a balance-shaped spring support 46 in a manner that allows it to swing about an axis P10 in the left-right direction. The spring support 46 is located at the rear of the swing member 41 of the linkage mechanism 39. An arm 25c (equivalent to a spring linkage) connected to the fulcrum frame 25 and extending rearward is connected to the front of the spring support 46, thereby setting the posture of the spring support 46.

[0097] A coil-spring-shaped tension spring 47 is connected across the lower part of the first portion 41a of the swing member 41 and the rear part of the spring support portion 46. The tension spring 47 is positioned at a low position on the lower side relative to the swing member 41, the linkage portion 43, and the fulcrum frame 25 in the front-back direction.

[0098] By applying force through the tension spring 47, the swing member 41 is directed towards... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The force is applied in the counterclockwise direction, and the central floating plate 9 is subjected to downward force relative to the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) via the swing member 41 and the connecting rod member 44, and the central floating plate 9 is grounded and follows the field surface G.

[0099] (The relationship between the height sensor and linkage mechanism and the operating and non-operating states of the seedling transplanting device)

[0100] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in the operating state A1 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the central end 21a of the right support frame 21 and the central end 22a of the left support frame 22 face each other with a gap, and the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0101] In the operating state A1 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the linkage mechanism 39, the height sensor 38, and the tension spring 47 are positioned between the central end 21a of the right support frame 21 and the central end 22a of the left support frame 22 when viewed from above. The central float 9 is positioned below the central end 21a of the right support frame 21 and the central end 22a of the left support frame 22 when viewed from above and from the side.

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown, in the non-operational state A2 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 are arranged in a posture along the front-back direction with the central end 21a of the right support frame 21 and the central end 22a of the left support frame 22 positioned at the rear relative to the ends 21b and 22b of the support frames 21 and 22 that are opposite to the central ends 21a and 22a.

[0103] The support member 36, which is connected to the central end 21a of the right support frame 21, supports the height sensor 38, the linkage mechanism 39, and the tension spring 47. In the non-operating state A2 of the seedling transplanting device 5, the central end 21a of the right support frame 21 and the central end 22a of the left support frame 22 are located on the rear side (opposite to the rear of the body 30), and the height sensor 38, the linkage mechanism 39, the tension spring 47, and the central float 9 are located on the rear side (opposite to the rear of the body 30).

[0104] (Lifting and lowering control of the seedling transplanting device)

[0105] like Figure 8 As shown, a control valve 48 is provided to operate the hydraulic cylinder 4 by supplying and discharging working oil. The control valve 48 is operated by the control device 40 as described below.

[0106] When the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) moves up and down relative to the central floating plate 9 which is grounded and follows the field surface G, thereby changing the working height H2 from the central floating plate 9 (field surface G) to the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6), the swinging member 41 swings around the axis P9 in the linkage mechanism 39, the connecting member 42 moves back and forth, and the up and down movement of the central floating plate 9 relative to the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) is transmitted to the input part 38a of the height sensor 38.

[0107] Therefore, the working height H2 from the central floating plate 9 (field surface G) to the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) is detected by the height sensor 38, and the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38 is input to the control device 40.

[0108] The control device 40 operates the control valve 48 to activate the hydraulic cylinder 4, thereby raising and lowering the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) relative to the machine body 30, so that the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38 reaches a preset value. The preset value is a value set approximately at the center of the detection range of the height sensor 38, which is a fixed value for the height sensor 38 and corresponds to the preset height H1.

[0109] The seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) is raised and lowered in such a way that the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38 reaches the set value (set height H1), thereby maintaining the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) at a set height H1 from the field surface G.

[0110] In the seedling transplanting device 5, the rotating box 7 and the transplanting arm 8 are driven to rotate along a fixed trajectory. Therefore, by maintaining the seedling transplanting device 5 (transplanting transmission box 6) at a set height H1 above the field surface G, the transplanting depth of the transplanting arm 8 on the seedlings is maintained at the set transplanting depth. The set height H1 corresponds to the set transplanting depth.

[0111] (Change of height setting)

[0112] As mentioned above (the setting of the height from the central floating plate (field surface) to the seedling transplanting device (transplanting transmission box)) and Figure 8 As shown, the setting height H1 (setting the insertion depth) can be changed by operating the setting height operation component 33.

[0113] Figure 8 The state shown is an intermediate state where the set height H1 (set insertion depth) is set between the lowest (deepest) height and the highest (shallowest) height.

[0114] Figure 9 The state shown is the state of the fulcrum frame 25, 26. Figure 8 The counterclockwise rotation operation sets the height H1 (insertion depth) to the lowest (deepest) state.

[0115] exist Figure 9 In the state shown, the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) approaches downwards towards the central floating plate 9, therefore the fulcrum frames 25 and 26 move downwards. Figure 8 The counterclockwise rotation operation causes the linkage 43 to move through the arm 25b of the fulcrum frame 25. Figure 8 The swinging component 41 rotates clockwise, and the position of its axis P9 relative to the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) changes to a higher position. Simultaneously, through the arm 25c of the fulcrum frame 25, the spring support 46 moves towards... Figure 8 The spring swings clockwise, and the connecting part of the tension spring 47 in the spring support 46 moves forward.

[0116] Figure 10 The state shown is the state of the fulcrum frame 25, 26. Figure 8 The clockwise rotation operation sets the height H1 (setting the insertion depth) to the highest (shallowest) state.

[0117] exist Figure 10 In the state shown, the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) is tilted upwards away from the central floating plate 9, therefore the fulcrum frames 25 and 26 are tilted towards... Figure 8 The clockwise rotation operation causes the linkage 43 to move forward via the arm 25b of the fulcrum frame 25. Figure 8The swinging component 41 rotates counterclockwise, and the position of its axis P9 relative to the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) changes to a lower position. Simultaneously, through the arm 25c of the fulcrum frame 25, the spring support 46 moves towards... Figure 8 The spring swings counterclockwise, and the connecting part of the tension spring 47 in the spring support 46 moves backward.

[0118] As described above, even if the set height H1 (set insertion depth) is changed, the vertical positional relationship between the central floating plate 9 and the axis P9 of the swing member 41 changes little.

[0119] As the set height H1 (set insertion depth) changes, the spring support 46 is oscillating, thereby the change in the front-to-back distance between the first part 41a of the oscillating member 41 and the spring support 46 is small, and even if the set height H1 (set insertion depth) changes, the applied force of the tension spring 47 remains constant.

[0120] In contrast, the height sensor 38 is located in the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6). Therefore, when the set height H1 (set planting depth) is changed as described above, the positional relationship between the central float 9 and the axis P9 of the swing member 41 and the height sensor 38 in the vertical direction changes.

[0121] In this case, since the connecting member 42 is connected across the input portion 38a of the height sensor 38 and the second portion 41b of the swing member 41, as described above, even if the positional relationship between the axis P9 of the central float plate 9 and the swing member 41 and the height sensor 38 changes, the change in the positional relationship in the vertical direction will be absorbed by the swinging of the connecting member 42 around the connection point with the second portion 4b of the swing member 41 and the swinging of the connecting member 42 around the connection point with the input portion 38a of the height sensor 38.

[0122] Therefore, the posture corresponding to the setting value of the input section 38a of the height sensor 38 will not change, and even if the setting height H1 (setting insertion depth) is changed, the changed setting height H1 (setting insertion depth) will still correspond to the setting value of the height sensor 38.

[0123] The changed set height H1 (set planting depth) corresponds to the set value of the height sensor 38. Therefore, as described above in (lifting control of the seedling planting device), the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) is raised and lowered in such a way that the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38 reaches the set value. Thus, the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) is maintained at the changed set height H1 (the seedling planting depth is maintained at the changed set planting depth).

[0124] In other words, when the set height H1 (set insertion depth) is changed, the change in the position of the axis P9 of the swing member 41 can be regarded as the amount of the change in the position of the axis P9 of the swing member 41 added to or subtracted from the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38.

[0125] Therefore, when the set height H1 (set planting depth) is changed, the raising and lowering operation of the seedling planting device 5 (planting transmission box 6) can be regarded as being carried out in such a way that the working height H2 detected by the height sensor 38 and subjected to addition or subtraction operations reaches the changed set height H1 (set planting depth).

[0126] (First alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0127] Alternatively, the relationship between the right-side support frame 21 and the left-side support frame 22 can be reversed, with the three insertion transmission boxes 6, the central float 9, and the two floats 10 supported on the left-side support frame 22, and the two insertion transmission boxes 6 and the two floats 10 supported on the right-side support frame 21.

[0128] Alternatively, the structure may be configured such that a support member 36 is connected to the central end 22a of the support frame 22 on the left side, and the support member 36 is supported by the height sensor 38, the linkage mechanism 39, and the tension spring 47.

[0129] (Second alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0130] Alternatively, the height sensor 38 may be configured such that the input portion 38a of the height sensor 38 extends upward from the height sensor 38.

[0131] (Third alternative embodiment of the invention)

[0132] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, instead of the height setting operation member 33 and the electric motor 32, the insertion depth rod (not shown) is connected to the fulcrum frame 25, 26, and the driver operates the insertion depth rod to rotate the fulcrum frame 25, 26 to change the set height H1.

[0133] (Fourth other embodiment of the invention)

[0134] The seedling transplanting device 5 can also be configured as an eight-row transplanting type, a six-row transplanting type, a five-row transplanting type, or a four-row transplanting type.

[0135] Alternatively, in this structure, the right-side support frame 21 and the left-side support frame 22 are eliminated, and a support frame (not shown) is arranged along the left-right direction.

[0136] (Fifth other embodiment of the invention)

[0137] It can also be configured such that a land leveling device (not shown) that is driven to rotate around an axis along the left and right direction to level the field surface G is supported on the front side relative to the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22.

[0138] Alternatively, in this configuration, when the seedling transplanting device 5 is set to non-operation state A2, the land preparation device is separated into a part corresponding to the support frame 19, a part corresponding to the right support frame 21, and a part corresponding to the left support frame 22. The part of the land preparation device corresponding to the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22 moves together with the right support frame 21 and the left support frame 22.

[0139] Industrial availability

[0140] This invention can be used not only in ride-on rice transplanters, but also in ride-on direct seeders with a seeding device (equivalent to a working device) that supplies seeds (equivalent to materials) to the field surface G supported at the rear of the machine body 30, and in ride-on management machines with a pesticide supply device that supplies pesticides (equivalent to materials) to the field surface G supported at the rear of the machine body 30.

[0141] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0142] 4: Hydraulic cylinder (lifting mechanism); 5: Seedling transplanting device (working device); 6: Transplanting transmission box (working section); 9: Central float (float); 9a: Front end; 20: Support arm (switching mechanism); 21: Support frame; 21a: Central side end; 21b: End; 22: Support frame; 22a: Central side end; 22b: End; 25c: Arm (spring linkage part); 30: Machine body; 32: Electric motor (setting height change part); 33: Setting height operation... 36: Support member; 38: Height sensor; 38a: Input unit; 39: Linkage mechanism; 40: Control device (control unit); 41: Swing member; 41a: First part; 41b: Second part; 42: Connecting member; 43: Linkage unit; 46: Spring support unit; 47: Tension spring; A1: Working state; A2: Non-working state; G: Field surface; H1: Set height; H2: Working height; P9: Shaft (support shaft).

Claims

1. A paddy field operation machine, characterized in that, have: The working device is supported at the rear of the machine body in a lifting and lowering manner to supply materials to the field surface; The lifting mechanism is capable of lifting and lowering the working device relative to the machine body. A floating platform is supported on the lower part of the working device in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, and it follows the ground surface. A height sensor, when viewed from the side, is located in the working device at a position rearward than the front end of the float. A linkage mechanism, connected across the float and the height sensor, transmits the lifting motion of the float relative to the working device to the height sensor, so that the height sensor can detect the working height from the float to the working device; The control unit, based on the detection value of the height sensor, enables the lifting mechanism to operate in a manner that brings the working height to a preset height. The height adjustment unit can change the set height by changing the support position of the float relative to the working device up or down. The linkage mechanism is supported on the working device in a manner that allows it to swing about a support axis in the left-right direction. The paddy field operation machine has a linkage unit. Through the operation of the set height changing unit, as the set height changes to the higher side, the linkage unit changes the position of the support shaft center relative to the operation device to the lower side. As the set height changes to the lower side, the linkage unit changes the position of the support shaft center relative to the operation device to the higher side.

2. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism has the following characteristics: A swing member, supported on the working device in a manner that allows it to swing about the support axis, has a first portion extending forward from the support axis and connected to the float, and a second portion extending upward from the support axis. as well as The connecting member is configured along the front-to-back direction to connect across the input portion of the height sensor and the second portion.

3. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input section extends downward from the height sensor, and the lower part of the input section is connected to the rear part of the connecting member.

4. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The spring support is located on the rear side relative to the swing member. The tension spring is connected across the first portion and the spring support portion. The float is subjected to downward force relative to the working device via the oscillating member through the force applied by the tension spring.

5. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The spring support is located on the rear side relative to the swing member. The tension spring is connected across the first portion and the spring support portion. The float is subjected to a downward force relative to the working device via the oscillating member through the applied force of the tension spring. The paddy field machine is equipped with a spring linkage unit. Through the operation of the height setting unit, the spring linkage unit changes the position of the spring support unit in the front-back direction, thereby maintaining the applied force of the tension spring at a constant level.

6. The paddy field operation machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A support frame is arranged along the left-right direction in the portion of the working device located rearward from the front end of the float. The work unit that supplies materials to the field surface is connected to the support frame and extends rearward from the support frame. The height sensor is positioned behind the support frame when viewed from the side.

7. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The paddy field operation machine is equipped with the support frames on the right and left sides. The paddy field machine shown has both working and non-working modes. The operating state is such that the central ends of the left and right central sides of the operating device in the right support frame and the central ends of the left and right central sides of the operating device in the left support frame are facing each other with a gap, and the right and left support frames are arranged along the left-right direction. The non-operational state is the state in which the support frames on the right and left sides are arranged in a left-right orientation along the front-back direction. The paddy field operation machine is equipped with a switching mechanism that enables the operation device to switch between the operation state and the non-operation state. When viewed from above, the linkage mechanism is positioned between the central ends of the support frame on the right and left sides in the operating state.

8. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support member is installed at the central end of the support frame on one of the right and left sides. The height sensor and the linkage mechanism are supported by the support member.

9. The paddy field operation machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the non-operating state, the support frame is configured in a posture along the front-rear direction, with the central end of the support frame positioned rearward relative to the end of the support frame opposite to the central end.

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