Rice transplanter

Abstract

The invention provides a rice transplanter which can increase the loading number of prepared seedlings on a prepared seedling loading platform, can make the prepared seedling loading platform compact when no seedlings are loaded, and can easily take out and load the prepared seedlings on the prepared seedling loading platform. A rice transplanter is provided with: a machine body; a first prepared seedling carrying table (31) which can be switched between an unfolding state in which the first prepared seedling carrying table is unfolded in the front-back direction and a folding state in which the first prepared seedling carrying table is folded; a second preliminary seedling mounting table (33) that can be changed between a first state in which the second preliminary seedling mounting table (33) and the first preliminary seedling mounting table (31) are disposed at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction and a second state in which the second preliminary seedling mounting table (33) and the first preliminary seedling mounting table (31) are disposed at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction; the second state is a state in which the second preliminary seedling loading table (33) and the first preliminary seedling loading table (31) are arranged in a row in the front-back direction; and a position changing mechanism (40) capable of changing the position between the first state and the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rice transplanter provided with a standby seedling placing platform. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional rice transplanter, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a rice transplanter that supports a seedling stand so that its position can be changed between a state where a plurality of seedling stands are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and a state where a plurality of seedling stands are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction.

[0003] In such a rice transplanter, in order to increase the number of candidate seedlings to be loaded, it is necessary to increase the number of candidate seedling placing platforms or to enlarge the candidate seedling placing platforms.

[0004] However, in the conventional rice transplanter, if the number of the seedling placement platforms is further increased, when the plurality of seedling placement platforms are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, the number of seedling placement platforms arranged in the vertical direction increases, and the height position of the seedling placement platform located at the top may become higher. If the seedling placement platform is located at a high position, it is difficult to take out and load the seedlings on such a seedling placement platform.

[0005] Furthermore, if the seedling placement platform is enlarged, the rice transplanter will have a seedling placement platform that is always large even when the seedlings are not loaded on the seedling placement platform, which causes inconveniences such as difficulty for the operator on the rice transplanter to move.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-099262 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a rice transplanter which can increase the number of seedlings that can be loaded onto a seedling loading platform, make the seedling loading platform compact when no seedlings are loaded, and easily remove and load the seedlings on the seedling loading platform.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The rice transplanter of the present invention comprises: a machine body; a first seedling carrier platform, which can be switched between an expanded state extending in the front-rear direction and a folded state; a second seedling carrier platform, which can be changed into a first state and a second state, the first state being a state in which the second seedling carrier platform and the first seedling carrier platform are arranged at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction, and the second state being a state in which the second seedling carrier platform and the first seedling carrier platform are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction; and a position changing mechanism, which can change the position between the first state and the second state.

[0013] According to the present invention, by providing the foldable first seedling placement table, the number of seedlings to be loaded on the seedling placement table can be increased without increasing the vertical arrangement of the seedling placement table in the first state.

[0014] The first seedling carrier can be extended in the front-rear direction to be in an expanded state to increase the number of seedlings that can be loaded. That is, there is no need to increase the number of seedling carriers arranged in the vertical direction in order to increase the number of seedlings that can be loaded, so that the seedling carrier can be avoided from being arranged at a high position. Since the seedling carrier is not arranged at a high position, the seedlings on the seedling carrier can be easily taken out and loaded.

[0015] Furthermore, by folding the first seedling placement platform when the seedlings loaded on the seedling placement platform are exhausted, the seedling placement platform can be made compact and a wide riding space for the operator can be ensured.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferred that a support frame portion is provided which is fixed to the machine body and extends in the up-down direction, and the first seedling placement stand includes a first portion which is fixed to the support frame portion and a second portion which is rotatably supported by the first portion.

[0017] According to this structure, the first part is fixed to the support frame part fixed to the machine body, so the first part can be firmly supported. In addition, the second part is supported by the firmly supported first part, so the second part is supported by the first part in a stable state.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the rice transplanter includes a driver's seat on which an operator can sit, and in the expanded state, the rear end of the second portion is located behind the front end of the driver's seat.

[0019] According to this structure, the second part is configured to be arranged near the position of the driver's seat where the operator sits. As a result, the operator can use the second part to efficiently carry out operations such as grabbing the seedling mat from the seedling box.

[0020] In the present invention, it is preferred that the rice transplanter includes a third seedling candidate loading stand switchable between a use state in which the third seedling candidate loading stand is located within the rotation range of the second portion and can load the seedlings and an avoidance state in which the third seedling candidate loading stand is located outside the rotation range of the second portion.

[0021] According to this structure, the third seedling carrier is configured to be switchable between a use state located within the rotation range of the second part of the first seedling carrier and an avoidance state located outside the rotation range. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange the third seedling carrier at a position far away from the first seedling carrier, etc., so the degree of freedom of arrangement of the third seedling carrier can be increased, for example, the third seedling carrier can be arranged at a position that is easily accessible to the operator, etc.

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that the third seedling placement stand is rotatably supported by the support frame portion, thereby being switchable between the use state and the avoidance state.

[0023] According to this structure, since the 3rd seedling preparation placement stand is fixed to the support frame part fixed to the machine body, the 3rd seedling preparation placement stand can be firmly supported.

[0024] In the present invention, it is preferred that, in a plan view, a direction in which the rotation axis of the third seedling placement stand extends intersects a direction in which the rotation axis of the second portion extends.

[0025] According to this structure, the rotation axis of the second part of the first seedling carrier is not parallel to the rotation axis of the third seedling carrier. Here, in the case where the rotation axis of the second part is parallel to the rotation axis of the third seedling carrier, in order to avoid the second part from colliding with the second seedling carrier, it is necessary to increase the distance between them. By configuring the rotation axis of the second part to be not parallel to the rotation axis of the third seedling carrier, the second part can be configured to be close to the third seedling carrier.

[0026] In the present invention, it is preferred that there is a supporting frame portion fixed to the main body of the machine and extending in the up-down direction, the position changing mechanism has a connecting rod member, the connecting rod member is arranged to span the first seedling carrier platform and the second seedling carrier platform fixed to the supporting frame portion, and the connecting rod member supports the second seedling carrier platform so that it can rotate between the first state and the second state.

[0027] According to this structure, the first seedling carrier is fixed to the support frame portion fixed to the main body of the machine, so the first seedling carrier can be reliably supported. In addition, the second seedling carrier is supported on the first seedling carrier supported on the support frame portion via a link member. As a result, the first seedling carrier and the second seedling carrier can be firmly supported.

[0028] In the present invention, preferably, in the first state, the second reserve seedling placement stand is located above the first reserve seedling placement stand.

[0029] According to this structure, when switching from the first state to the second state, the second seedling preparation platform can move from a high position to a low position. At this time, the dead weight of the second seedling preparation platform can be utilized, so the operator can easily change the position.

[0030] In the present invention, it is preferable that the support frame portion includes a receiving portion that restricts further rotation of the link member in the first state.

[0031] According to this configuration, since the receiving portion is fixed to the supporting frame portion fixed to the machine body, the rotation can be reliably restricted.

[0032] In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a fall prevention mechanism for preventing the rice seedling from falling from the first preliminary seedling placement stand in the first state.

[0033] According to this configuration, the fall prevention mechanism can prevent the rice seedling from falling from the first preliminary seedling placement stand in the first state.

[0034] In the present invention, preferably, the anti-falling mechanism releases the rice seedling anti-falling function by a pressing operation performed by the second preliminary seedling placing stand.

[0035] According to this structure, the rice seedlings preventing function can be automatically released by a pressing operation performed by rotating the rice seedlings preventing function, for example, by utilizing the movement of the second rice seedlings preventing function accompanying the state change from the second state to the first state. As a result, it is possible to configure the rice seedlings preventing function to be released without the need for additional manual operation.

[0036] In the present invention, it is preferable that the position changing mechanism includes an operation unit for performing position change between the first state and the second state by human operation.

[0037] According to this configuration, the operator can switch the position between the first state and the second state by operating the operation unit.

[0038] In the present invention, preferably, the operating part has a rod member in the shape of a long strip, and can be switched between a fixed state and a released state by rotating the rod member about the extension direction of the rod member. The fixed state is a state in which the position is fixed between the first state and the second state, and the released state is a state in which the position can be switched between the first state and the second state.

[0039] According to this configuration, the fixed state and the released state can be switched by the operating unit that switches the position between the first state and the second state, and a configuration can be made without separately providing an operating member for switching between the fixed state and the released state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 It is a side view of the rice transplanter.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a top view of the rice transplanter.

[0042] Figure 3 It is the front view of the rice transplanter.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a side view of the stand for placing seedlings.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a front view showing the structure of the receiving portion.

[0045] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the structure of the human operation unit.

[0046] Figure 7 It is a figure which shows the structure of a locking mechanism.

[0047] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the first anti-fall mechanism.

[0048] Fig. 9 It is a top view showing the structure of the first anti-fall mechanism.

[0049] Fig.10 It is a rear view showing the structure of the second anti-fall mechanism.

[0050] Fig.11 It is a front view showing the structure of the empty box recovery mechanism.

[0051] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the empty box recovery mechanism.

[0052] Description of Reference Numerals

[0053] 3: body; 15: driver's seat; 16: pillar (supporting frame part); 31: lower section of the prepared seedling loading platform (first prepared seedling loading platform); 31A: first part; 31B: second part; 32: upper section of the prepared seedling loading platform (third prepared seedling loading platform); 33: rotating prepared seedling loading platform (second prepared seedling loading platform); 40: position changing mechanism; 41a: connecting rod member; 41b: connecting rod member; 41c: connecting rod member; 42: receiving part; 44: manual operation part (operating part); 45: rod member; 60: first anti-falling mechanism (anti-falling mechanism); P1: rotation axis; P2: rotation axis; P4: axis; SR: rotation range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow F in the drawings is set to "front", the direction of the arrow B is set to "rear", the direction of the arrow L is set to "left", and the direction of the arrow R is set to "right". In addition, the direction of the arrow U in the drawings is set to "upward", and the direction of the arrow D is set to "downward".

[0055] [About the overall structure of the rice transplanter]

[0056] Hereinafter, the riding type rice transplanter (an example of a "rice transplanter") of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the riding type rice transplanter is supported by a link mechanism 4 at the rear of a machine body 3 having right and left front wheels 1 and right and left rear wheels 2. The link mechanism 4 extends rearward and is configured to be able to rotate up and down. A hydraulic cylinder 5 is provided on the link mechanism 4 for lifting and lowering the link mechanism 4.

[0057] The riding rice transplanter is provided with a rice seedling planting device 6 connected to the rear of the machine body 3 and capable of planting rice seedlings in the field. The rice seedling planting device 6 is supported at the rear of the link mechanism 4. A fertilizer application device 7 for supplying fertilizer to the field surface is provided at the rear of the machine body 3. A land preparation device 8 for preparing the field surface is supported at the lower part of the front side of the rice seedling planting device 6.

[0058] A bucket 20 for storing fertilizer is provided on the upper side of the fertilizing device 7. In the present embodiment, a bracket 21 capable of storing the seedling taking plate SB is provided on the left side of the bucket 20.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a transmission case 9 is arranged at the front of the machine body 3. A support frame 10 extending forward is connected to the transmission case 9. An engine (not shown) is supported by the support frame 10. A hood 11 covering the engine is provided at the front of the machine body 3.

[0060] A floor panel 14 is provided so as to extend from the right and left sides of the hood 11 to the rear side of the hood 11. An operator's seat 15 is arranged on the upper portion of the rear portion of the floor panel 14, where an operator can sit.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a plurality of seedling loading platforms capable of loading seedling boxes (hereinafter referred to as "seedlings" and "seedling boxes") containing seedling mats are arranged on the upper right and left parts of the main body 3. The plurality of seedling loading platforms are fixed to the main body 3 and supported by a pair of front and rear pillars 16 (an example of a "support frame portion") extending in the up-down direction. The front pillar 16 is erected upward from the engine support frame of the main body 3. The rear pillar 16 is erected upward from the portion above the front wheel 1 of the main body 3.

[0062] It should be noted that the pillars 16 are provided on the left and right. The support member 12 is connected so as to span the upper parts of the right and left pillars 16. The antenna unit 13 that can obtain the position information of the body 3 using the satellite positioning system is provided at the portion of the support member 12 located at the left and right center of the body 3. The satellite positioning system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System) can be represented by GPS (Global Positioning System: Global Positioning System).

[0063] [Regarding the structure of the stand for placing seedlings]

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, on both lateral sides of the main body 3 of the machine body, there are a plurality of prepared seedling loading platforms, which include: a lower prepared seedling loading platform 31 (an example of a "first prepared seedling loading platform"), located at the lowermost stage; an upper prepared seedling loading platform 32 (an example of a "third prepared seedling loading platform"), located at the uppermost stage; and a rotating prepared seedling loading platform 33 (an example of a "second prepared seedling loading platform"), which is configured to be able to change its position to a position between the lower prepared seedling loading platform 31 and the upper prepared seedling loading platform 32 and a position in front of the lower prepared seedling loading platform 31.

[0065] On the bottom plate 14, right and left passages are formed between the hood 11 and the right side multiple seedling preparation loading platforms and between the hood 11 and the left side multiple seedling preparation loading platforms. The operator can move from the machine body 3 to the ridge, or enter the machine body 3 from the ridge, through the right or left passage.

[0066] [About the structure of the lower stage seedling placement platform]

[0067] The lower stage prepared seedling loading platform 31 comprises: a first part 31A fixed to the support column 16; and a second part 31B supported by the first part 31A in a rotatable manner. The first part 31A comprises a lower stage first frame 31Aa and a lower stage first main body 31Ab. The second part 31B comprises a lower stage second frame 31Ba and a lower stage second main body 31Bb. A loading portion 31Ac for loading the seedlings is provided on the upper surface of the first part 31A, and a loading portion 31Bc for loading the seedlings is provided on the upper surface of the second part 31B. It should be noted that the first part 31A and the second part 31B are respectively constructed to be substantially the same size as the seedling box, and are constructed to be able to load the seedling box.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of rollers 34 are provided in the loading section 31Ac of the first part 31A and the loading section 31Bc of the second part 31B, and the rollers 34 are configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the width direction of the lower stage seedling loading platform 31. The rollers 34 are arranged at intervals in the long side direction of the lower stage seedling loading platform 31. The seedling box loaded on the loading section 31Ac and the loading section 31Bc is loaded on the rollers 34, and can smoothly move on the loading section 31Ac and the loading section 31Bc by the rotation of the rollers 34.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower first frame 31Aa is fixed to the support column 16. The lower first body 31Ab is fixed to the lower first frame 31Aa. The lower second frame 31Ba is supported at the rear end of the lower first frame 31Aa in a manner that it can rotate around the rotation axis P1. The rotation axis P1 is configured to extend in the width direction of the lower seedling placement platform 31. The lower second body 31Bb is fixed to the lower second frame 31Ba.

[0070] By this structure, the lower seedling placement platform 31 is configured to be switchable as follows: Figure 4 The expanded state as shown by the solid line in the front-rear direction and the Figure 4 The folded state is as shown by the double-dashed line. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the unfolded state, the rear end of the second portion 31B is located behind the front end of the driver's seat 15. In the folded state, the placement portion 31Ac of the first portion 31A faces the placement portion 31Bc of the second portion 31B.

[0071] [About the structure of the upper seedling placement platform]

[0072] like Figure 2 As Figure 4As shown, the upper seedling placement platform 32 is supported by the front and rear pillars 16 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis P2 extending in the front-rear direction. A placement portion for placing the seedlings is provided on the upper surface of the upper seedling placement platform 32. Figure 2 As shown, in a plan view, the direction in which the rotation axis P2 of the upper stage reserve seedling placement table 32 extends intersects with the direction in which the rotation axis P1 of the second portion 31B extends.

[0073] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown by the solid line in the middle, the upper stage seedling placement platform 32 is substantially horizontal, and when it is in a state of use for placing seedlings, the upper stage seedling placement platform 32 is located within the rotation range SR of the second portion 31B. Therefore, by manual operation, the upper stage seedling placement platform 32 is rotated upward, thereby Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown by the two-dot chain line, the second portion 31B can be switched to an avoidance state outside the rotation range SR. That is, the upper seedling placement table 32 is supported by the support column 16 in a rotatable manner, and is configured to be switchable between a use state and an avoidance state.

[0074] [About the structure of the rotating stand for preparing seedlings]

[0075] The rotating seedling placement platform 33 includes a rotating frame 33a and a rotating seedling placement body 33b. The rotating seedling placement platform 33 is rotatably supported by the lower seedling placement platform 31 via a position changing mechanism 40. The rotating seedling placement platform 33 includes a placement portion 33c on which a rice seedling is placed on its upper surface.

[0076] The placing portion 33c of the rotating seedling placing platform 33 is provided with a plurality of rollers 34, similarly to the lower seedling placing platform 31, and the rollers are configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the width direction of the rotating seedling placing platform 33. The rollers 34 are arranged at intervals in the long side direction of the rotating seedling placing platform 33. The seedling box placed on the placing portion 33c is placed on the rollers 34, and can be smoothly moved on the placing portion 33c by the rotation of the rollers 34.

[0077] The position changing mechanism 40 has a link member provided so as to straddle the lower seedling placement platform 31 fixed to the support column 16 and the rotating seedling placement platform 33. Figure 4 As shown by the solid line in the middle, the rotating seedling placement platform 33 is located at a vertical rotation position arranged in the vertical direction with the lower seedling placement platform 31, thereby becoming a first state. Figure 4As shown by the double-dotted line, the rotating stand 33 for preparing seedlings is located in a front-to-back rotation position aligned with the lower stand 31 for preparing seedlings in the front-to-back direction, thereby becoming the second state. That is, the rotating stand 33 for preparing seedlings is configured to be positionally changeable between the first state and the second state through the position changing mechanism 40. It should be noted that when in the up-down rotation position, the rotating stand 33 for preparing seedlings is located above the lower stand 31 for preparing seedlings.

[0078] The link member supports the rotating seedling carrier 33 so that it can rotate between the first state (up and down rotation position) and the second state (front and back rotation position). In this embodiment, three link members are arranged in a manner spanning the rotating frame 33a and the lower first frame 31Aa. Figure 4 As shown, link member 41a, link member 41b and link member 41c are provided.

[0079] The link member 41a is mounted on the lateral outer side of the lower seedling loading platform 31 and the rotating seedling loading platform 33 in the left-right direction of the machine body 3. The link member 41a is provided so as to span a portion of the rotating frame 33a corresponding to the rear portion of the rotating seedling loading platform 33 and a portion of the lower first frame 31Aa corresponding to the front portion of the first portion 31A.

[0080] The link member 41b is mounted on the lateral outer side of the lower seedling loading platform 31 and the rotating seedling loading platform 33 in the left-right direction of the machine body 3, and is mounted behind the link member 41b. The link member 41b is provided so as to span a portion of the rotating frame 33a corresponding to the rear end portion of the rotating seedling loading platform 33 and a portion of the lower first frame 31Aa corresponding to the rear side portion of the first portion 31A.

[0081] The link member 41c is mounted on the machine body 3 side of the lower seedling placement platform 31 and the rotating seedling placement platform 33. The link member 41c is provided so as to span a portion of the rotating frame 33a corresponding to the front-rear center portion of the rotating seedling placement platform 33 and a portion of the lower first frame 31Aa corresponding to the front end portion of the first portion 31A.

[0082] Link member 41a, link member 41b and link member 41c are assembled to be roughly parallel with side view. Through these structures, rotation seedling placement platform 33 is configured to rotate between the upper and lower rotation positions and the front and rear rotation positions in the state of being kept horizontal, in the mode of describing an arc.

[0083] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the support 16 is provided with a receiving portion 42 that limits excessive rotation of the rotating seedling placement platform 33 and the three link members in the first state (up and down rotation position). The receiving portion 42 is composed of a rod-shaped member and is rotatably arranged in a manner spanning the front and rear support 16.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, the support column 16 is provided with a stopper 43 for supporting the receiving portion 42 at the vertical rotation position. Figure 5 As shown by the solid line, when the receiving portion 42 is supported by the blocking portion 43 , the receiving portion 42 extends laterally outward from the support column 16 .

[0085] When the receiving portion 42 is supported on the blocking portion 43, the receiving portion 42 extends in the left-right direction of the machine body 3 to the outside of the edge of the rotating seedling stand 33 on the machine body 3 side, that is, to a position below the rotating seedling stand 33. With this structure, the receiving portion 42 receives and supports the rotating seedling stand 33 in the vertically rotating position from below.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown by the middle arrow, the receiving portion 42 is rotated upward by manual operation, and when the receiving portion 42 is rotated so that the receiving portion 42 is located closer to the machine body 3 than the blocking portion 43, the receiving portion 42 becomes a state that does not support the rotating seedling placement platform 33. At this time, even if the second portion 31B is rotated, it will not collide with the receiving portion 42, so the lower seedling placement platform 31 can be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0087] Through this structure, the position change mechanism 40 in this embodiment realizes the position change as follows: in the first state, the lower section of the seedling carrier 31, the upper section of the seedling carrier 32 and the rotating seedling carrier 33 are configured to be separated by a specified interval in the up and down direction; and in the second state, the lower section of the seedling carrier 31 and the rotating seedling carrier 33 are configured to be in a row in the front and back direction.

[0088] [About the structure of the human operation unit]

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the position changing mechanism 40 includes a manual operation unit 44 (an example of an “operating unit”) for switching the vertical rotation position and the front-back rotation position by manual operation. Figure 6 As shown, the manual operation portion 44 includes a long rod member 45 provided at an end portion of the link member 41 c on the lower first frame 31Aa side.

[0090] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the manual operation unit 44 includes a locking mechanism 46 for fixing the position of the rotating seedling placement platform 33 at the vertical rotation position and the front-back rotation position. The locking mechanism 46 includes a locked member 47 fixed to the front side portion of the lower first frame 31Aa of the lower seedling placement platform 31.

[0091] The link member 41c is connected to the locked member 47 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis P3. It should be noted that the end portion of one side of the link member 41c is rotatably connected to the rotating frame 33a (see Figure 4 ), the other end of the link member 41c is provided with a locking mechanism 46. The link member 41c is supported by a locking member 47 via a rotating shaft at a predetermined distance from the end of the link member 41c on one side where the locking mechanism 46 is provided.

[0092] Two locking holes 50 through which locking members 49 described later are inserted are formed in the locked member 47 .

[0093] The locking mechanism 46 includes a locking member 49 inserted into the locking hole 50 and an operating member 51 composed of a rod-shaped member provided at the end portion of the rod member 45. The locking member 49 is formed by bending the rod-shaped member into a U-shape. The locking member 49 is configured such that a straight portion on one side of the U-shape is inserted into the locking hole 50. The locking member 49 is provided with a spring 52 for urging the locking member 49 toward the locking hole 50.

[0094] The operation member 51 is provided to extend from the rod member 45 toward the inner side of the U-shaped locking member 49. Figure 7 By rotating the lever member 45 about the axis P4 extending in the extending direction of the lever member 45 as indicated by the arrow, the locking member 49 can be pulled out of the locking hole 50 .

[0095] The rod member 45 is fixed to the end portion of the lower stage seedling placement platform 31 side in the link member 41c via the locking mechanism 46. By manually operating the rod member 45, the link member 41c is rotated to switch the rotation seedling placement platform 33 to the vertical rotation position and the front-back rotation position. Two locking holes 50 are formed in the locked member 47 at the positions corresponding to the positions of the locking member 49 when respectively operated to the vertical rotation position and the front-back rotation position. By inserting the locking member 49 into the locking holes 50, it becomes a fixed state in which the position is fixed to the vertical rotation position and the front-back rotation position.

[0096] As described above, by rotating the rod member 45 around the axis P4 extending in the extending direction of the rod member 45, the locking member 49 can be pulled out from the locking hole 50 by the operating member 51, and the rotating seedling placement platform 33 can be switched to an unlocked state in which the position can be switched to the up-and-down rotation position and the front-and-back rotation position. That is, by manually operating the manual operation part 44, the switching operation of the rotating seedling placement platform 33 to the up-and-down rotation position and the front-and-back rotation position and the switching operation to the fixed state and the unlocked state can be performed.

[0097] The rotated lever member 45 returns to the original position due to the urging force of the spring 52 and the urging force of the spring 53 provided on the lever member 45 , and the locking member 49 is inserted into the locking hole 50 .

[0098] [About the structure of the first anti-fall mechanism]

[0099] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the lower stage seedling placement platform 31 is provided with a first anti-falling mechanism 60 (an example of an "anti-falling mechanism") for preventing the seedlings from falling from the lower stage seedling placement platform 31 in an up-and-down rotation position. The first anti-falling mechanism 60 comprises: an anti-falling portion 61 for preventing the seedlings from falling; a pressing operation portion 62 for operating the anti-falling portion 61 to a preventing state for preventing the seedlings from falling and a non-preventing state for releasing the seedling anti-falling function; and a force applying member 63 for applying force to the anti-falling portion 61 toward the preventing state.

[0100] The anti-falling part 61 and the pressing operation part 62 are composed of an integral rod-shaped member. The anti-falling part 61 and the pressing operation part 62 are arranged at the front side part of the front end of the lower first body 31Ab in the lower first frame 31Aa, and can rotate around the axis extending in the width direction of the lower seedling placement platform 31.

[0101] The anti-fall lower portion 61 is formed in an inverted U shape. In the prevention state, the upper end of the anti-fall lower portion 61 is located above the height corresponding to the loading surface of the seedling box of the lower stage seedling loading platform 31. When the seedlings move forward toward the front end of the lower stage seedling loading platform 31, the seedlings abut against the anti-fall lower portion 61. Thus, the seedlings can be prevented from falling from the front of the lower stage seedling loading platform 31.

[0102] The pressing operation part 62 is located on the lateral outer side of the anti-falling part 61. When the rotating seedling-preparation loading platform 33 is rotated from the up-down rotating position to the front-back rotating position, the rotating frame 33a presses the pressing operation part 62 downward. When the pressing operation part 62 is pressed, the pressing operation part 62 and the anti-falling part 61 rotate integrally. The anti-falling part 61 is in a posture in which the upper end of the anti-falling part 61 is located below the height corresponding to the loading surface of the lower section seedling-preparation loading platform 31. By the pressing operation of the rotating seedling-preparation loading platform 33, the first anti-falling mechanism 60 can release the seedling anti-falling function, so that the seedlings can slide over the loading part 31Ac of the lower section seedling-preparation loading platform 31 and the loading surface of the rotating seedling-preparation loading platform 33.

[0103] When the rotating seedling placement platform 33 is rotated from the vertical rotation position to the front-back rotation position, that is, when the rotating frame 33a is rotated in the direction away from the pressing operation part 62, the pressing operation part 62 and the anti-falling part 61 are rotated by the force applied by the force applying member 63. As a result, the upper end of the anti-falling part 61 returns to the original position, that is, it is located above the height corresponding to the loading surface of the lower stage seedling placement platform 31, and can prevent the seedlings from falling.

[0104] [About the structure of the second anti-fall mechanism]

[0105] like Fig.10 As shown, the rear end portion of the rotating seedling loading platform 33 is provided with a second anti-falling mechanism 64 for preventing the seedlings from falling from the rear end of the rotating seedling loading platform 33 in the up and down rotation position. The second anti-falling mechanism 64 is composed of a rod-shaped member and is set to be rotatable around an axis extending in the width direction of the rotating seedling loading platform 33.

[0106] The second fall prevention mechanism 64 includes a main body 64A whose central portion is formed in an inverted U shape, and an operating portion 64B extending downward from the main body 64A and integrally formed with the main body 64A in a state of preventing the seedling from falling.

[0107] In the vertical rotation position, the second anti-falling mechanism 64 is in a posture where the upper end of the inverted U-shape of the main body 64A protrudes upwards by the weight of the operating part 64B, which is higher than the height corresponding to the loading part 33c of the rotating seedling loading platform 33. Moreover, when the seedlings abut against the main body 64A, the second anti-falling mechanism 64 rotates, but the operating part 64B abuts against the rotating seedling loading body 33b, etc., thereby preventing excessive rotation. In this way, the seedlings are prevented from falling from the rotating seedling loading platform 33.

[0108] When the rotating seedling stand 33 rotates from the vertical rotation position to the front-back rotation position, the operating part 64B abuts against the first part 31A, and thus rotates upward. By rotating the operating part 64B, the main body 64A is in a posture where the upper end of the inverted U-shape of the main body 64A is located below the height corresponding to the loading part 33c of the rotating seedling stand 33. As a result, the second anti-falling mechanism 64 can release the seedling anti-falling function, allowing the seedlings to slide over the loading surfaces of the lower seedling stand 31 and the rotating seedling stand 33.

[0109] [About the structure of the empty container collection mechanism]

[0110] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the machine body 3 is provided with an empty box recovery mechanism 70 for recovering an empty seedling box. The empty box recovery mechanism 70 is arranged below the lower stage reserve seedling loading platform 31. The empty box recovery mechanism 70 has: an empty box storage part 71 for storing an empty seedling box; and a sliding part 72 for sliding the empty seedling box.

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown, an opening 73 through which an empty seedling box can pass is formed in the front part of the loading portion 31Bc of the second part 31B. The opening 73 is located to the side of the left-right direction of the driver's seat 15. The length of the opening 73 in the long side direction of the second part 31B is smaller than the interval between the rollers 34. In addition, the width of the opening 73 is the same size as the width of the loading portion 31Bc, and the opening 73 is formed in a rectangular shape. Here, the loading portion 31Bc is configured to be approximately the same size as the seedling box, and is configured to be able to load the seedling box. The distance from the rear end of the second part 31B to the opening 73 is configured to be shorter than the length of the long side of the seedling box.

[0112] The sliding portion 72 fixed to the lower second frame 31Ba of the second portion 31B is arranged below the opening 73. The sliding portion 72 is formed by combining rod-shaped members. The sliding portion 72 is located below the second portion 31B and is provided so as to straddle the loading portion 31Bc and the empty box storage portion 71 of the second portion 31B. The sliding portion 72 extends from the rear side of the opening 73 in the second portion 31B toward the front, and is inclined so as to be located downward as it approaches the front side.

[0113] like Figure 4 and Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the empty box storage part 71 fixed to the support 16 is arranged in front of the sliding part 72. Specifically, the empty box storage part 71 is arranged in a manner such that the rear end portion of the empty box storage part 71 is located below the front end portion of the sliding part 72. With this structure, the empty box storage part 71 is arranged in a position relative to the sliding part 72 and in contact with the rice seedling planting device 6 (see Figure 1 ) structure on the opposite side.

[0114] The empty box storage section 71 is formed by combining rod-shaped members and is formed as a box body with an open top. The front wall of the empty box storage section 71 is formed so as to be manually openable and closable. That is, the front end portion of the empty box storage section 71 is provided with a cover body 74 that can be switched between a closed state and an open state. In addition, the empty box storage section 71 is inclined in a manner that the closer to the front side, the lower it is. The inclination of the sliding portion 72 is formed so as to be steeper than the inclination of the empty box storage section 71. The front end of the empty box storage section 71 is located at the front end portion of the machine body 3.

[0115] The cover 74 is configured to be rotatable about the axis in the width direction of the empty box storage portion 71. Figure 4 As shown by the solid line, the cover body 74 extends upward from the front end portion of the empty box storage portion 71 in the closed state when viewed from the side, and then bends and extends toward the rear.

[0116] like Fig.11 As shown, an abutting member 75 is provided at the front end portion of the empty box storage portion 71, which abuts against the cover body 74 in the closed state and the open state. The abutting member 75 is composed of a rod-shaped member and is formed into a C-shape. The portion near the rotation axis in the right side portion of the cover body 74 is located on the inner side of the C-shape of the abutting member 75. With this structure, when the cover body 74 is in the closed state, the cover body 74 abuts against the upper side portion of the C-shape of the abutting member 75, and when the cover body 74 is in the open state, the cover body 74 abuts against the lower side portion of the C-shape of the abutting member 75.

[0117] A spring 76 is provided so as to straddle the bottom of the empty box storage section 71 and the cover 74. The spring 76 applies force to the side of the C-shaped inner side of the contact member 75 that the cover 74 contacts when the cover 74 is in the closed state and the open state. With this structure, the cover 74 is configured to be manually opened and closed, and is a structure that is maintained in the closed state and the open state.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown by the double-dotted line, the rear side (axial side) of the upper surface of the cover body 74 in the open state is continuous with the bottom surface of the empty box storage section 71. According to this structure, the seedling box pulled out from the empty box storage section 71 can be slid on the upper surface of the cover body as it is. When the cover body 74 is viewed from the side, it extends forward and then bends and extends upward in the open state.

[0119] [Other implementation methods]

[0120] Other embodiments obtained by modifying the above-described embodiment will be described below as examples.

[0121] (1) In the above embodiment, the structure including the lower seedling loading platform 31, the upper seedling loading platform 32, and the rotating seedling loading platform 33 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and a structure including seedling loading platforms other than these seedling loading platforms may be adopted. In this case, a structure including a seedling loading platform that is configured to be switchable between an unfolded state and a folded state and a seedling loading platform supported on other seedling loading platforms via a position changing mechanism 40 may also be adopted.

[0122] (2) In the above embodiment, the lower stage seedling placement table 31 is foldable about one rotation axis. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be foldable about two or more swing axes.

[0123] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the explanation is based on the example in which the lower section seedling carrier 31 is constructed in a foldable manner, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The rotating seedling carrier 33 may be constructed to be switchable between the unfolded state and the folded state instead of the lower section seedling carrier 31. In addition, both the lower section seedling carrier 31 and the rotating seedling carrier 33 may be constructed to be switchable between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0124] (4) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the first part 31A is fixed to the support 16 and the second part 31B is supported by the first part 31A is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the second part 31B may be fixed to the support 16 and the first part 31A may be supported by the second part 31B in a rotatable manner.

[0125] (5) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the second part 31B is located on the side of the driver's seat 15 in the left-right direction is used as an example for explanation, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a structure in which the first part 31A is located on the side of the driver's seat 15 in the left-right direction may also be adopted.

[0126] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the upper section of the seedling carrier 32 is supported in a manner that can rotate around the rotation axis P2 extending in the front-to-back direction among the multiple seedling carriers is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and a structure of a seedling carrier that does not have a seedling carrier supported in a manner that can rotate around the rotation axis P2 extending in the front-to-back direction like the upper section of the seedling carrier 32 can also be adopted.

[0127] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the upper section of the seedling support platform 32 is supported so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis P2 extending in the front-to-back direction is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the upper section of the seedling support platform 32 can also be constructed so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis P1 of the first part 31A.

[0128] (8) In the above embodiment, the position changing mechanism 40 is described as having three link members. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The position changing mechanism 40 may also be a structure having one or two link members, or a structure having four or more link members.

[0129] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the rotating seedling carrier 33 is located above the lower seedling carrier 31 when in the up and down rotating position and is located in front of the lower seedling carrier 31 when in the front and back rotating position is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and a structure in which the rotating seedling carrier 33 is located below the lower seedling carrier 31 when in the up and down rotating position may also be adopted. In addition, a structure in which the rotating seedling carrier 33 is located behind the lower seedling carrier 31 when in the front and back rotating position may also be adopted.

[0130] (10) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure of the receiving portion 42 having the function of limiting the further rotation of the seedling support platform 33 and the connecting rod member at the first rotation position is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may also be constructed such that, for example, a component having a function of limiting the movement of the connecting rod member is used instead of the receiving portion 42.

[0131] (11) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the receiving portion 42 receives and supports the rotating seedling support 33 from below in the first state (up and down rotation position) to limit the further rotation of the connecting rod member is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, a structure in which the receiving portion 42 directly abuts against the connecting rod member to limit the further rotation of the connecting rod member may also be adopted.

[0132] (12) A configuration may be adopted that does not include either or both of the first anti-fall mechanism 60 and the second anti-fall mechanism 64 .

[0133] (13) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the second anti-falling mechanism 64 is constructed as a structure in which the operating part 64B abuts against the rotating seedling carrier body 33b to prevent excessive rotation. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can also be constructed to prevent excessive rotation by abutting against the rotating frame 33a or other components.

[0134] (14) A structure without the manual operation unit 44 may be employed.

[0135] (15) In the above embodiment, the manual operation portion 44 is configured to include the lever member 45, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the manual operation portion 44 may be configured not to include the lever member 45. In this case, the locking member 49 may be directly pulled out of the locking hole 50 by manual operation.

[0136] (16) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure in which the pressing operation part 62 is located laterally outside the anti-falling part 61 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The pressing operation part 62 only needs to be located at a position different from the anti-falling part 61. For example, it can also be configured to be located laterally inside, on the front side, or on the rear side of the anti-falling part 61.

[0137] (17) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first anti-falling mechanism 60 is constructed to be in a non-prevention state in which the seedling-prevention function is released by being pressed downward by the rotating frame 33a through the pressing operation part 62, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, it can also be constructed to have a sensor for sensing the upper and lower rotational positions of the rotating reserve seedling loading platform 33 and a driver for rotating the first anti-falling mechanism 60 so that the upper end of the anti-falling part 61 is located below the height corresponding to the loading surface of the lower reserve seedling loading platform 31. When the sensor senses this, the driver is controlled to control the posture of the first anti-falling mechanism 60.

[0138] (18) In the above embodiment, the lid 74 is configured to be rotatable around the axis in the width direction of the empty box storage portion 71. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the lid 74 may be configured to be rotatable around the axis extending in the front-rear direction of the machine body 3. Fig.12 As shown, a structure may be adopted in which the cover body 74 is provided at two locations, namely, the front end portion of the empty box storage portion 71 and the lateral outer side in the width direction of the empty box storage portion 71. That is, a structure may be adopted in which the cover body 74 has a first cover body 74A and a second cover body 74B, wherein the first cover body 74A is configured to be rotatable around the axis in the width direction of the empty box storage portion 71, and the second cover body 74B is configured to be rotatable around the axis orthogonal to the width direction of the empty box storage portion 71. In addition, in this case, the first cover body 74A and the second cover body 74B are connected by a spring or the like, so that the cover bodies 74 at both locations may be opened by opening and closing either one of the first cover body 74A and the second cover body 74B.

[0139] (19) A structure that does not include the empty box recovery mechanism 70 may be employed.

[0140] It should be noted that the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment (including another embodiment, the same below) can be combined and applied with the structure disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

[0141] Industrial Applicability

[0142] The present invention can be applied to a rice transplanter provided with a plurality of standby seedling placement tables.

Claims

1. A rice transplanter, characterized in that: have: The main body of the machine; The first seedling preparation loading platform can be switched between an unfolded state extending in a forward and backward direction and a folded state being folded; The second seedling carrier can be changed into a first state and a second state, the first state is a state in which the second seedling carrier is arranged with a predetermined interval from the first seedling carrier in the up-down direction, and the second state is a state in which the second seedling carrier is arranged in a row with the first seedling carrier in the front-back direction; and The position changing mechanism can change the position between the first state and the second state.

2. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that: A supporting frame portion is provided which is fixed to the machine body and extends in the up-down direction. The first seedling placement stand includes a first portion fixed to the support frame portion and a second portion rotatably supported by the first portion.

3. The rice transplanter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rice transplanter is provided with a driver's seat on which an operator can sit. In the deployed state, the rear end of the second portion is located behind the front end of the driver's seat.

4. The rice transplanter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The rice transplanter includes a third seedling candidate placement stand that can be switched between a use state in which the third seedling candidate placement stand is located within the rotation range of the second portion and can place the seedlings thereon, and a avoidance state in which the third seedling candidate placement stand is located outside the rotation range of the second portion.

5. The rice transplanter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third seedling placement stand is rotatably supported by the support frame portion, thereby being switchable between the use state and the avoidance state.

6. The rice transplanter according to claim 5, characterized in that: When viewed from above, the direction in which the rotation axis of the third reserve seedling placement table extends intersects with the direction in which the rotation axis of the second portion extends.

7. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that: A supporting frame portion is provided which is fixed to the machine body and extends in the up-down direction. The position changing mechanism includes a link member provided to straddle the first seedling placement platform and the second seedling placement platform fixed to the support frame portion, and the link member supports the second seedling placement platform so as to be rotatable between the first state and the second state.

8. The rice transplanter according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the first state, the second reserve seedling placement platform is located above the first reserve seedling placement platform.

9. The rice transplanter according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The support frame portion includes a receiving portion that restricts further rotation of the link member in the first state.

10. The rice transplanter according to claim 7, characterized in that: A fall prevention mechanism is provided for preventing the rice seedling from falling from the first preliminary seedling placement stand in the first state.

11. The rice transplanter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The anti-falling mechanism releases the rice seedling anti-falling function by a pressing operation performed by the second preliminary seedling placing platform.

12. The rice transplanter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The position changing mechanism includes an operation unit that performs a state change between the first state and the second state through a human operation.

13. The rice transplanter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The operating part has a long rod member. By rotating the rod member about the extension direction of the rod member as the axis, it can be switched between a fixed state and a released state, wherein the fixed state is a state in which the position is fixed between the first state and the second state, and the released state is a state in which the position can be switched between the first state and the second state.

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