Transplanting machine

Abstract

The invention provides a transplanting machine which can enable the planting posture of seedlings to be good and can stably maintain the good planting posture of the seedlings. The transplanter comprises: a traveling machine body; a planting part which is provided with a seedling planting mechanism for planting seedlings in soil and is connected with the rear part of the traveling machine body in a freely lifting manner; the furrow opener is used for forming furrows for planting the seedlings in the soil along with the driving of the driving machine body before the seedlings are planted; and a ridging mechanism for ridging the furrows along with the traveling of the traveling machine body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transplanter. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vegetable transplanter. Regarding the above vegetable transplanter, as the traveling body travels, the flattening wheel rolls on the surface of the field, banks the soil on both sides of the planted seedlings inward, fills the hole for transplanting seedlings formed by the soil-digging device, and flattens the periphery thereof.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-115201 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, regarding the structure of Patent Document 1, flattening is performed by the flattening wheel at a position that is separated from the planting position by a predetermined distance toward the rear. Therefore, during the period from after planting the seedlings until flattening, the seedlings may sometimes fall unstably within the hole for transplanting seedlings. That is, regarding the structure of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to make the planting posture of the seedlings good, and it is not possible to stably maintain the good planting posture of the seedlings.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a transplanter that can make the planting posture of seedlings good and can stably maintain the good planting posture of seedlings.

[0008] The transplanter according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a traveling body; and a planting unit that has a seedling planting mechanism for planting seedlings in soil and is connected to the rear of the traveling body so as to be vertically movable. The transplanter includes: a furrow opener that forms a furrow for planting the seedlings in the soil as the traveling body travels before planting the seedlings; and a soil banking mechanism that banks the furrow as the traveling body travels.

[0009] Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the above structure, it is possible to make the planting posture of seedlings good and to stably maintain the good planting posture of seedlings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 It is a side view showing a schematic structure of a transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a side view of the planting unit of the above transplanter.

[0013] Figure 3 Rear view of the seedling placement device of the above-mentioned planting part, observed from the rear.

[0014] Figure 4 Side view of the seedling planting mechanism of the above-mentioned planting part.

[0015] Figure 5 Stereogram showing an enlarged view of the planting unit of the above-mentioned seedling planting mechanism.

[0016] Figure 6 Side view showing a part of the above-mentioned planting part.

[0017] Figure 7 Stereogram of the planting frame of the above-mentioned planting part, observed from the obliquely rearward direction.

[0018] Figure 8 Stereogram of the roll holder of the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism of the above-mentioned transplanter, observed from below.

[0019] Figure 9 Stereogram of the sheet export guide part of the above-mentioned multi-sheet export and laying mechanism, observed from the front.

[0020] Figure 10 Stereogram of the pressing mechanism of the above-mentioned transplanter, observed from the obliquely rearward direction.

[0021] Figure 11 Stereogram of the sheet lower actuator of the above-mentioned transplanter, observed from the obliquely rearward direction.

[0022] Figure 12 Stereogram showing an enlarged view of the rear side of the furrow opener of the above-mentioned sheet lower actuator.

[0023] Figure 13 Stereogram of the backfill member of the soil covering mechanism of the above-mentioned sheet lower actuator, observed from the rear.

[0024] Figure 14 Top view of the above-mentioned sheet lower actuator.

[0025] Figure 15 Cross-sectional view taken along line A - A' of the above-mentioned backfill member.

[0026] Figure 16 Stereogram showing another structure of the above-mentioned sheet lower actuator.

[0027] Figure 17 Top view in the case where the pressing roller of the above-mentioned pressing mechanism is used as the soil covering mechanism.

[0028] Figure 18 Top view schematically showing another structure of the above-mentioned pressing mechanism.

[0029] Figure 19 It is a top view schematically showing another structure of the above-mentioned pressing mechanism.

[0030] Figure 20 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a furrow opener and a soil covering mechanism of a modified example applied to a transplanter not equipped with the above-mentioned multi-sheet export and laying mechanism.

[0031] Figure 21 It is a top view of the above-mentioned furrow opener and the above-mentioned soil covering mechanism of the above-mentioned modified example.

[0032] Figure 22 It is a perspective view of the above-mentioned soil covering mechanism of the above-mentioned modified example.

[0033] Figure 23 It is an explanatory view schematically showing the timing of pushing out seedlings from the planting claws of the above-mentioned seedling planting mechanism.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals

[0035] 1... Transplanter; 2... Traveling body; 3... Planting part; 32... Seedling planting mechanism; 33... Planting frame; 36... Multi-sheet export and laying mechanism; 37... Pressing mechanism (soil covering mechanism); 38... Sheet lower acting body; 300... Acting body support part; 371... Pressing roller (soil covering mechanism); 372c... Biasing member; 381... Furrow opener; 383... Backfilling member (soil covering mechanism); 3831... Rod-shaped part; 3831a... Front end portion; 3831b... Rear end portion; 3832... Connecting part; 3833... Clamping part; E... Seedling; G... Furrow; H... Surface; S... Multi-sheet. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description, for convenience, the directions are defined in the following manner in advance. First, the traveling direction of the traveling body 2 ( Figure 1 the left side) is defined as the front (front direction), and the opposite direction is defined as the rear (rear direction). In addition, the left side is referred to as the left (left side) toward the traveling direction of the traveling body 2, and the right side is referred to as the right (right side) toward the traveling direction. In addition, the direction of gravity is defined as the vertical direction, the upstream side is defined as the upper (upper side), and the downstream side is defined as the lower (lower side). In the drawings, the front is represented by the symbol "F" as needed, the rear is represented by the symbol "B", the left side is represented by the symbol "L", the right side is represented by the symbol "R", the upper side is represented by the symbol "U", and the lower side is represented by the symbol "D".

[0037] <1. Overview of the transplanter>

[0038] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the schematic structure of the transplanter 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The side view of the planting part 3 of the transplanter 1. In addition, Figure 2 For convenience, the illustrations of the left soil discharging plate 34L, the left lower end pressing roller 51L, and the left soil covering plate 52L shown in Figure 1 Are omitted. The transplanter 1 of the present embodiment is a vegetable transplanter for transplanting (planting) seedlings of vegetables such as cabbages into the soil. The transplanter 1 includes a traveling body 2 and a planting part 3.

[0039] The traveling body 2 is supported by the left and right front wheels 1a and the left and right rear wheels 1b. An engine 1c as a driving source is mounted on the traveling body 2. The power output from the engine 1c is transmitted to the driven part via a transmission part 1d. In addition to the front wheels 1a and the rear wheels 1b, the driven part also includes the planting part 3 described later. Therefore, the above-mentioned transmission part 1d includes a PTO (Power Take Off) shaft 1d1 for driving the planting part 3 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0040] The traveling body 2 includes: a seat 2a for the operator to sit on; an operation part 2b operated by the operator; and a preliminary placement part 2c for placing the preliminary seedling mats. The operation part 2b includes: a steering wheel for operating the traveling direction; a gearshift lever for operating the traveling speed; and an operation lever for operating the planting part 3.

[0041] The planting part 3 is connected to the rear of the traveling body 2 in a vertically movable manner by means of a lifting mechanism 4. The lifting mechanism 4 includes an upper link 41, a lower link 42, and a lifting cylinder 43. The upper link 41 and the lower link 42 connect the traveling body 2 and the planting part 3. The lifting cylinder 43 is connected to the lower link 42 by means of a connecting part 44. For example, by operating the operation part 2b (operation lever), the lifting cylinder 43 expands and contracts, and the lower link 42 rotates and the upper link 41 rotates by means of the connecting part 44. Thereby, the planting part 3 can be lifted and lowered relative to the traveling body 2.

[0042] The planting part 3 has a seedling placement device 31 and a seedling planting mechanism 32 (refer to Figure 2 ). The seedling planting mechanism 32 rakes one seedling from the seedling mat MT placed on the seedling placement device 31 (refer to Figure 3 ) and plants the raked seedling into the soil (ridge) from above the multi-sheets S described later.

[0043] Figure 3 Is the rear view of observing the seedling placement device 31 from the rear. The seedling placement device 31 is driven by a longitudinal conveyor belt 312 (refer to Figure 2) is driven to convey the seedling-raising mat MT placed on the seedling stage 311 downward. The transplanter 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that six seedling stages 311 for one row, each capable of placing a seedling-raising mat MT for one ridge, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, so that seedlings for up to six ridges can be planted. In addition, an example of a structure for planting seedlings for one ridge is shown here for simplicity of explanation.

[0044] The longitudinal conveyor belt 312 is driven to convey longitudinally by a longitudinal conveying mechanism 313 (refer to Figure 2 ). The longitudinal conveying mechanism 313 drives the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 to convey longitudinally in units of one plant (one row) at the timing when the raking of seedlings for one row in the left-right direction from the seedling-raising mat MT is completed. Thus, the seedling planting mechanism 32 can rake the seedlings in the next row from the seedling-raising mat MT. In addition, the seedling stage 311 is driven to convey laterally by a lateral conveying mechanism 314 (refer to Figure 2 ). The lateral conveying mechanism 314 conveys the seedling stage 311 in either the left or right direction laterally after the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 conveys the seedling-raising mat MT longitudinally. In particular, every time the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 conveys the seedling-raising mat MT longitudinally (every time the raking of seedlings for one row from the seedling-raising mat MT is completed), the lateral conveying mechanism 314 reverses the lateral conveying direction of the seedling stage 311. Thus, the seedling planting mechanism 32 can continuously rake the seedlings in the next row after the raking of seedlings for one row from the seedling-raising mat MT is completed.

[0045] The lateral conveying mechanism 314 has a drive shaft (lateral conveying shaft) for laterally conveying the seedling stage 311. The lateral conveying shaft is driven by power transmitted from the engine 1c via the PTO shaft 1d1. A drive cam 314a is mounted on the lateral conveying shaft. The drive cam 314a rotates together with the rotation of the lateral conveying shaft.

[0046] The longitudinal conveying mechanism 313 has: a drive shaft (longitudinal conveying shaft) for driving the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 to convey longitudinally; and a rotating shaft for rotating the longitudinal conveying shaft. A driven cam 313a is mounted on the rotating shaft. The driven cam 313a contacts the drive cam 314a of the lateral conveying mechanism 314 at a specified timing. Here, the above-specified timing refers to the timing when the raking of seedlings for one row from the seedling-raising mat MT is completed.

[0047] By the rotation of the lateral transfer shaft, the drive cam 314a contacts the follower cam 313a at the above-mentioned specified timing. If the rotating shaft and the follower cam 313a are rotated by a specified angle together, the power generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft is transmitted to the longitudinal transfer shaft via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). Thus, the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 is longitudinally driven at the above-mentioned specified timing. When the contact between the drive cam 314a and the follower cam 313a is released, the follower cam 313a rotates in the opposite direction by the action of a biasing member (not shown) and returns to the initial position before rotation. In addition, the above-mentioned power transmission mechanism is configured to include, for example, gears, belts, chains, etc., but it may be provided as needed. That is, it may also be configured to directly transmit the power of the rotating shaft on which the follower cam 313a is mounted (without providing a power transmission mechanism) to the longitudinal transfer shaft.

[0048] Figure 4 It is a side view of the seedling planting mechanism 32. The seedling planting mechanism 32 has a rotating box 321 and a planting unit 322. The seedling planting mechanism 32 is driven by the power taken out from the PTO shaft 1d1.

[0049] The rotating box 321 is rotatably supported by the planting box 33a of the planting part 3. The planting box 33a is fixed to the planting frame 33 (especially the rear surface of the post-planting frame 332 (refer to Figure 7 ). The rotation axis 321a of the rotating box 321 extends in the left-right direction.

[0050] The planting unit 322 has planting claws 322a. Two planting units 322 are supported by the rotating box 321. The two planting units 322 are pivotally supported by the rotating box 321 at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 321a of the rotating box 321 in a side view. When the rotating box 321 rotates, the planting claws 322a of each planting unit 322 rake the seedlings one by one in sequence from the seedling raising mat MT (refer to Figure 3 ), and plant the raked seedlings in the ridges in sequence. In addition, the number of the planting units 322 supported by the rotating box 321 may also be one.

[0051] Figure 5FIG. is an enlarged perspective view showing one planting unit 322. The planting unit 322 also has a pushing member 322b and a holding member 322c. The pushing member 322b is provided to push out the seedlings raked by the planting claws 322a from the seedling raising mat MT. The pushing member 322b slides in the direction opposite to the pushing direction at a prescribed timing before raking. Thus, the seedlings can be raked from the seedling raising mat MT by the planting claws 322a. The raked seedlings are held by the planting claws 322a and the holding member 322c. Moreover, the pushing member 322b slides in the pushing direction at a prescribed timing before planting. Thus, the seedlings held by the planting claws 322a and the holding member 322c are pushed out and planted in the ridge.

[0052] The planting unit 322 also has a cutter 322d. The cutter 322d is located on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotary box 321 with respect to the planting claws 322a. That is, the cutter 322d is in a positional relationship such that it reaches the front position with respect to the planting claws 322a when the rotary box 321 rotates. Due to the rotation of the rotary box 321, the cutter 322d opens a rectangular hole in plan view in the multi-sheet S (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) led out from the multi-sheet leading-out and laying mechanism 36 just before the seedlings are planted by the planting claws 322a. Thus, the seedlings held by the planting claws 322a and the holding member 322c can be planted in the ridge through the above-mentioned hole in the multi-sheet S. In addition, the sheet piece that closes the above-mentioned hole in the multi-sheet S is not completely separated from the multi-sheet S, and is connected to the surrounding sheets by a part of the outer shape of the above-mentioned hole (one side of the rectangle).

[0053] The cutter 322d has a main body portion 322d1 having a shape in which a flat plate is bent; and protruding claws (locking claws) 322d2. The protruding claws 322d2 are provided at the left and right corner portions on the end side (the side in contact with the multi-sheet S) of the main body portion 322d1, and protrude toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the rotary box 321 with respect to the main body portion 322d1. That is, the protruding claws 322d2 are in a positional relationship such that they reach the front position with respect to the main body portion 322d1 when the rotary box 321 rotates. Regarding the structure of this cutter 322d, the sharp claws such as the protruding claws 322d2 contact the multi-sheet S at an angle (from a direction close to perpendicular to the multi-sheet S). Therefore, the situation where the cutter 322d slides above the multi-sheet S is reduced. That is, the protruding claws 322d2 reliably catch on the multi-sheet S and pierce into the multi-sheet S. Thus, the multi-sheet S can be reliably opened, and the hole can be opened in the multi-sheet S with an accurate size and position. In addition, the multi-sheet S is cut by the two protruding claws 322d2 on the left and right sides to open a hole in the multi-sheet S through which the seedlings can pass at the minimum size.

[0054] As Figure 2As shown, a soil discharging plate 34, a planting depth adjusting mechanism 35, a multi-sheet discharging and laying mechanism 36, a pressing mechanism 37, and a sheet-under acting body 38 are supported by a planting frame 33 of the planting section 3. In addition, the multi-sheet discharging and laying mechanism 36, the pressing mechanism 37, and the sheet-under acting body 38 will be described in detail later.

[0055] The soil discharging plate 34 includes a right soil discharging plate 34R and a left soil discharging plate 34L (refer to Figure 1 ). The right soil discharging plate 34R and the left soil discharging plate 34L cut the soil due to the travel of the traveling machine body 2 to form ridges for planting seedlings. The mounting positions of the right soil discharging plate 34R and the left soil discharging plate 34L in the left-right direction and the up-down direction relative to the planting frame 33 can be adjusted according to the width and height of the formed ridges.

[0056] The planting depth adjusting mechanism 35 is a mechanism for adjusting the planting depth of the seedlings relative to the surface of the soil (here, the upper surface of the ridge). For example, if the planting depth adjusting rod 351 is rotated upward, the position of the lift sensor 352 in contact with the soil surface moves upward. In this case, the position of the seedling planting mechanism 32 relative to the lift sensor 352 decreases relatively. Therefore, the planting of the seedlings by the seedling planting mechanism 32 becomes deep planting. On the contrary, if the planting depth adjusting rod 351 is rotated downward, the position of the lift sensor 352 moves downward. In this case, the position of the seedling planting mechanism 32 relative to the lift sensor 352 increases relatively. Therefore, the planting of the seedlings by the seedling planting mechanism 32 becomes shallow planting.

[0057] A lower pressing roller 51, a soil covering plate 52, and a soil covering wheel 53 are supported by the planting frame 33 via an auxiliary frame (not shown). The lower pressing roller 51 includes a right lower pressing roller 51R and a left lower pressing roller 51L (refer to Figure 1 ). The right lower pressing roller 51R and the left lower pressing roller 51L press both ends (the parts exposed to the outside of the ridge) of the multi-sheet S discharged from the multi-sheet discharging and laying mechanism 36 and covering the ridge.

[0058] The soil covering plate 52 includes a right soil covering plate 52R and a left soil covering plate 52L (refer to Figure 1 ). The right soil covering plate 52R and the left soil covering plate 52L cover the soil on both ends of the multi-sheet S pressed by the right lower pressing roller 51R and the left lower pressing roller 51L so as not to let the multi-sheet S fly up. The soil covering wheel 53 includes a right soil covering wheel (not shown) and a left soil covering wheel 53L. The right soil covering wheel and the left soil covering wheel 53L press the soil on the right and left sides of the seedlings planted in the ridge across the multi-sheet S. As a result, the soil around the planted seedlings is reinforced. As a result, the lodging of the seedlings is suppressed.

[0059] <2. Details of the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism>

[0060] Figure 6 It is a side view showing a part of the planting section 3. As shown in this figure, the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism 36 has a roll-shaped object holding section 361 and a sheet export guiding section 362. The roll-shaped object holding section 361 holds a roll-shaped body S0 in which the multi-sheets S are wound into a roll shape, and exports the outermost multi-sheet S of the roll-shaped body S0. The multi-sheets S are made of, for example, plastic sheets. The sheet export guiding section 362 guides and lays the multi-sheets S exported from the roll-shaped object holding section 361 onto the surface H of the soil (ridge) in front of the seedling planting position of the seedling planting mechanism 32. That is, the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a multi-sheet export and laying mechanism 36 for exporting and laying the multi-sheets S onto the surface H of the soil. The roll-shaped object holding section 361 and the sheet export guiding section 362 of the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism 36 are supported by the planting frame 33. That is, the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism 36 is provided in the planting section 3.

[0061] Here, the details of the planting frame 33 will be described in advance. Figure 7 It is a perspective view when observing the planting frame 33 from the obliquely rear side. The planting frame 33 has a pre-planting frame 331, a post-planting frame 332, and side pipes 333. The pre-planting frame 331 extends in the left-right direction and is located on the front side of the planting frame 33. The post-planting frame 332 extends in the left-right direction and is located at a position behind the pre-planting frame 331. The post-planting frame 332 is longer than the pre-planting frame 331 in the left-right direction.

[0062] The side pipes 333 include a right pipe 333R and a left pipe 333L. The right pipe 333R is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction and connects the right end of the pre-planting frame 331 and the post-planting frame 332. The left pipe 333L is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction and connects the left end of the pre-planting frame 331 and the post-planting frame 332.

[0063] On the right end of the post-planting frame 332, a right frame 334R is erected. On the left end of the post-planting frame 332, a left frame 334L is erected. The right frame 334R and the left frame 334L have a shape that extends upward from the connecting side with the post-planting frame 332 and bends obliquely forward midway. The right frame 334R and the left frame 334L are connected by an upper frame 335 and a cross frame 336. The upper frame 335 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper parts of the right frame 334R and the left frame 334L to each other. The cross frame 336 is located at a position more rearward and more obliquely downward than the upper frame 335 and extends in the left-right direction, and connects the right frame 334R and the left frame 334L. Along the upper frame 335 and the cross frame 336, the above-mentioned seedling placing device 31 (refer to Figure 1 etc.) is driven for lateral transfer while maintaining the forward-leaning posture unchanged.

[0064] Figure 8 is a perspective view when observing the above-mentioned roll holding portion 361 from below. As shown in this figure, the roll holding portion 361 has a shaft holding frame 361a. The shaft holding frame 361a extends in the left-right direction and holds the axial both ends of the roll body S0. The shaft holding frame 361a is mounted on the pre-planting frame 331 by means of a frame support brace 361b. The frame support brace 361b is connected to the substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the rear surface of the pre-planting frame 331 by, for example, bolt fastening.

[0065] Figure 9 is a perspective view when observing the above-mentioned sheet discharging guide portion 362 from the front. As shown in this figure, the sheet discharging guide portion 362 has a first guide roller 362a, a second guide roller 362b, and a roller holding frame 362c. The first guide roller 362a is located at a position more forward than the second guide roller 362b and guides the multiple sheets S discharged from the shaft holding frame 361a toward the second guide roller 362b. The second guide roller 362b presses the multiple sheets S guided by the first guide roller 362a downward and guides them in a manner close to the surface H of the soil.

[0066] The roller holding frame 362c includes a right holding frame 362cR and a left holding frame 362cL. The right holding frame 362cR and the left holding frame 362cL have a shape that extends downward from above and bends obliquely rearward midway.

[0067] The right holding frame 362cR is respectively arranged on the right sides of the first guide roller 362a and the second guide roller 362b, and the right ends of the rotating shafts of the first guide roller 362a and the second guide roller 362b are supported to be rotatable. The left holding frame 362cL is respectively arranged on the left sides of the first guide roller 362a and the second guide roller 362b, and the left ends of the rotating shafts of the first guide roller 362a and the second guide roller 362b are supported to be rotatable. The first guide roller 362a is rotatably supported near the bent portions of the right holding frame 362cR and the left holding frame 362cL. The second guide roller 362b is rotatably supported at the lower end portions (rear end portions) of the right holding frame 362cR and the left holding frame 362cL.

[0068] The right holding frame 362cR is installed on the post-planting frame 332 by means of a right support brace 363R at a position above the first guide roller 362a. The right support brace 363R is connected to the front surface of the post-planting frame 332 by, for example, bolt fastening. Similarly, the left holding frame 362cL is installed on the post-planting frame 332 by means of a left support brace 363L. The left support brace 363L is connected to the front surface of the post-planting frame 332 by, for example, bolt fastening.

[0069] <3. Details of the pressing mechanism>

[0070] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the pressing mechanism 37 when viewed from the obliquely rear side. The pressing mechanism 37 is provided to press the multi-sheets S guided by the sheet guiding portion 362 of the multi-sheet export laying mechanism 36 against the surface H of the soil. Such a pressing mechanism 37 has a pressing roller 371 and a roller holding mechanism 372.

[0071] Two pressing rollers 371 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (refer to Figure 11 ). The rotating shafts of the respective pressing rollers 371 extend in the left-right direction. Each pressing roller 371 is arranged above the ridge processing portion 381b of the furrow opener 381 of the sheet lower acting body 38 to be described later, and is arranged on the left and right sides of the ridge processing portion 381b in a plan view (refer to Figure 17 ).

[0072] The roller holding mechanism 372 holds the two pressing rollers 371 to be rotatable. Such a roller holding mechanism 372 is configured to have an arm portion 372a, an arm support body 372b, and a biasing member 372c.

[0073] There are two arm parts 372a provided corresponding to each pressing roller 371. Each arm part 372a supports the rotating shaft of the pressing roller 371 so as to be rotatable. The arm support 372b supports the two arm parts 372a so as to be rotatable. The biasing member 372c is constituted by a spring, for example. There are two biasing members 372c provided corresponding to each arm part 372a. One end of the biasing member 372c is fixed to the arm support 372b. The other end of the biasing member 372c is connected to the end on the side opposite to the supporting side of the pressing roller 371 with the rotation axis of the arm part 372a interposed therebetween. Such a roller holding mechanism 372 is fixed to the left side surface of the planting box 33a by, for example, bolt fastening connection.

[0074] If the arm part 372a is rotated by the acting force of the biasing member 372c, each pressing roller 371 is pressed downward. Moreover, the multiple sheets S are pressed against the surface H of the soil by each pressing roller 371. Thereby, tension is imparted to the multiple sheets S. Therefore, when the cutting tool 322d (refer to Figure 5 etc.) of the seedling planting mechanism 32 makes a hole in the multiple sheets S, the cutting tool 322d can easily penetrate into the multiple sheets S, and thus a hole can be easily made in a specified size.

[0075] <4. Details of the sheet lower acting body>

[0076] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sheet lower acting body 38 when viewed obliquely from the rear. Before planting the seedlings, the sheet lower acting body 38 forms a ridge G for planting seedlings in the soil below the multiple sheets S led out by the multiple sheet leading and laying mechanism 36 as the traveling body 2 travels forward (refer to Figure 14 ). Such a sheet lower acting body 38 has a furrow opener 381 and a soil banking mechanism 382.

[0077] Before planting the seedlings, the furrow opener 381 excavates a part of the soil (ridge) as the traveling body 2 travels to form a ridge G for planting seedlings. The furrow opener 381 is attached to the pre-planting frame 331 via the acting body support 300. The acting body support 300 is connected to the right side of the frame support brace 361b (refer to Figure 8 ) on the rear surface of the pre-planting frame 331 by, for example, bolt fastening connection. Thus, the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment includes the acting body support 300 that supports the sheet lower acting body 38 (particularly the furrow opener 381). In addition, since the furrow opener 381 is attached to the pre-planting frame 331 via the acting body support 300, it can be said that the sheet lower acting body 38 having the furrow opener 381 is provided in the planting part 3.

[0078] The furrow opener 381 has a main body portion 381a and a furrow processing portion 381b. The main body portion 381a extends obliquely downward as it moves rearward from the support side of the acting body support portion 300, bends at the bending portion 381a1, and further extends rearward. When transplanting seedlings using the seedling transplanting mechanism 32, the rear side of the furrow opener 381 that is posterior to the bending portion 381a1 is located at a position lower than the surface H of the soil (ridge) (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0079] The furrow processing portion 381b is joined to the rear end of the main body portion 381a by welding, for example. Therefore, when transplanting seedlings using the seedling transplanting mechanism 32, like a part of the main body portion 381a, the furrow processing portion 381b is also located at a position lower than the surface H of the soil (ridge) (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0080] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an enlarged rear side of the furrow opener 381. The furrow processing portion 381b of the furrow opener 381 has a V shape and is joined to the main body portion 381a at the root of the V. That is, the width of the furrow processing portion 381b in the left-right direction expands as it moves rearward from the joining side where it is joined to the main body portion 381a. The maximum width of the furrow processing portion 381b in the left-right direction (corresponding to the width W in Figure 14 ) is greater than the width of the main body portion 381a in the left-right direction. Thus, the width of the soil excavation by the furrow processing portion 381b is greater than the width of the soil excavation by the main body portion 381a, enabling a furrow G of an appropriate width for transplanting seedlings to be formed in the soil.

[0081] As the traveling machine body 2 travels, Figure 11 the soil covering mechanism 382 shown in

[0082] Figure 13 covers the furrow G from the side of the furrow G formed in the soil by the furrow opener 381. Such a soil covering mechanism 382 has a backfilling member 383. The backfilling member 383 is a member that backfills and covers the furrow G with soil from the soil. The backfilling member 383 is attached to the main body portion 381a of the furrow opener 381 via a mounting bracket 382a.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11 , the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831 are located on the left and right sides of the furrow opener 381, respectively. That is, the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831 are located on one side and the other side in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body 2. Moreover, the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body 2 in the soil.

[0084] The rod-shaped body is bent into a U shape to form a connecting portion 3832. Both end portions of the connecting portion 3832 are respectively connected to the front end portions 3831a of a pair of rod-shaped portions 3831. In addition, a part of the connecting portion 3832 is located above the soil (see Figure 6 ).

[0085] A pair of clamping portions 3833 are respectively connected to the rear end portions 3831b of the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831, and the interval in the width direction decreases as it goes toward the rear. In order to improve the soil banking efficiency (in order to bank as much soil as possible), a flat plate 3833a is installed at the rear ends of the pair of clamping portions 3833 (the ends on the side opposite to the connecting side connected to the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831).

[0086] Figure 14 It is a top view of the sheet-under action body 38. Figure 14 The ridge ditch G formed in the soil by the ridger 381 and the situation of banking the ridge ditch G by the soil banking mechanism 382 (backfilling member 383) are shown together. In addition, Figure 14 For convenience, the illustration of the multiple sheets S covering the soil surface is omitted. The same applies to the following drawings (especially the top view), and sometimes the illustration of the multiple sheets S is omitted.

[0087] In a state where a part of the ridger 381 (especially the ridge ditch processing portion 381b) and a part of the soil banking mechanism 382 (especially the pair of rod-shaped portions 3831 and the pair of clamping portions 3833) are located in the soil, if the traveling body 2 travels (advances), the ridge ditch processing portion 381b of the ridger 381 digs the soil with a prescribed width W. As a result, a ridge ditch G with a width W is formed in the soil below the multiple sheets S. Then, the seedling E is planted in the ridge ditch G by the seedling planting mechanism 32 (see Figure 4 etc.). In addition, when the seedling planting mechanism 32 plants the seedling E, the same as described above, the multiple sheets S are perforated before planting, and the seedling E is planted from above the multiple sheets S through the above holes.

[0088] Regarding the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the sheet-under action body 38 (especially the ridger 381) forms the ridge ditch G in the soil before the planting of the seedling E. Therefore, even in a paddy field with hard soil, it is possible to easily plant the seedling E in the soil (ridge ditch G). In particular, regarding the planting of the seedling E of vegetables, from the viewpoints of heat preservation and the like, the multiple sheets S made of a plastic film cover the soil. Since the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment further includes a multiple-sheet guiding and laying mechanism 36, it is possible to lay the multiple sheets S in parallel, form the ridge ditch G in the soil by the sheet-under action body 38, and plant the seedling E of vegetables at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to realize the transplanter 1 suitable for planting the seedling E of vegetables that requires hard soil for planting the seedling E and the laying of the multiple sheets S.

[0089] The sheet-under working body 38 has a furrow opener 381. As the traveling machine body 2 travels, the furrow opener 381 excavates a part of the soil, so that a ridge G for planting seedlings E is reliably formed in the soil.

[0090] The sheet-under working body 38 has a soil banking mechanism 382. Regarding this structure, after the seedlings E are planted in the ridge G formed in the soil by the furrow opener 381, or almost simultaneously with the planting of the seedlings E, the soil banking mechanism 382 (especially a pair of clamping parts 3833) backfills the soil into the ridge G from the side. Therefore, the soil covers the roots of the seedlings E planted in the ridge G, thereby stably maintaining the good transplanting posture (planting posture) of the seedlings E.

[0091] The soil banking mechanism 382 has a backfilling member 383. Regarding this structure, the soil backfilled into the ridge G by the backfilling member 383 supports the seedlings E planted in the ridge G. Therefore, the seedlings E can be held in a stable posture in the soil.

[0092] The above-mentioned backfilling member 383 has a pair of rod-shaped parts 3831, a connecting part 3832, and a pair of clamping parts 3833. The pair of rod-shaped parts 3831 extend in the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body 2 in the soil and do not cross in the width direction (left-right direction). Here, Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view when the backfilling member 383 in Figure 13 is cut along the line A-A'. As shown in this figure, regarding the structure in which each rod-shaped part 3831 extends in the front-rear direction in the soil, the projected area of each rod-shaped part 3831 in the front-rear direction is equal to the cross-sectional area (the area of the shaded part) of each rod-shaped part 3831, and is reliably reduced compared with the configuration in which each rod-shaped part 3831 crosses in the width direction. Thereby, as the traveling machine body 2 travels, the backfilling member 383 forms a ridge far larger than the ridge G formed by the furrow opener 381, thereby reducing the concern that the posture of the planted seedlings E becomes unstable. Therefore, even when the height of the planted seedlings E is low, the seedlings E can grow through the holes formed in the multi-sheets S, thereby reducing the concern that the seedlings E do not pass through the above-mentioned holes and get into the lower part of the multi-sheets S. That is, since the backfilling member 383 does not cross in the width direction of the traveling machine body 2 in the field and does not form a wide ridge in the soil, even when planting seedlings E with a low height, the planting posture of the seedlings E can be stabilized and good planting can be achieved.

[0093] As Figure 14As shown, regarding the soil banking mechanism 382, the rear ends of a pair of clamping portions 3833 are located at positions further rearward than the planting position of the seedlings E. Regarding this structure, after planting the seedlings E in the furrow G, the furrow G is reliably backfilled with soil using the pair of clamping portions 3833. Therefore, the planted seedlings E can be held in a stable posture.

[0094] The soil banking mechanism 382 banks the furrow G from below the multi-sheet S. Regarding this structure, even when the multi-sheet S is laid on the surface H of the soil and the seedlings E are planted, the soil banking mechanism 382 can bank the soil from below the multi-sheet S while maintaining a good planting posture of the seedlings E and keeping them stable.

[0095] In the present embodiment, as described above, the actuator support portion 300 supports the sheet-under actuator 38. As Figure 11 shown, the actuator support portion 300 is supported by the planting frame 33 (specifically, the pre-planting frame 331) of the planting portion 3. Moreover, as Figure 6 shown, the actuator support portion 300 extends downward from the support side with respect to the planting frame 33 (pre-planting frame 331) toward the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36. As a result, the actuator support portion 300 is disposed below the multi-sheet S led out from the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36.

[0096] Regarding this structure, the actuator support portion 300 is supported by the planting frame 33 in such a manner as not to interfere with the leading out of the multi-sheet S by the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36. Moreover, the sheet-under actuator 38 supported by the actuator support portion 300 is inserted into the soil below the multi-sheet S. Thereby, the furrow G can be reliably formed in the soil using the furrow opener 381 of the sheet-under actuator 38. In addition, the soil can be reliably backfilled into the furrow G using the soil banking mechanism 382 of the sheet-under actuator 38.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36 and the sheet-under actuator 38 are provided in the planting portion 3. Regarding this structure, the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36 and the sheet-under actuator 38 can be lifted and lowered while being lifted and lowered relative to the traveling machine body 2 in the planting portion 3 by the lifting mechanism 4. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a dedicated lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the multi-sheet lead-out and laying mechanism 36 and the sheet-under actuator 38 different from the lifting mechanism 4 and perform lifting and lowering control different from that of the planting portion 3. As a result, the structure of the transplanter 1 is simplified.

[0098] In addition, since the sheet-under acting body 38 is provided in the planting part 3, it can be said that the soil banking mechanism 382 of the sheet-under acting body 38 is also provided in the planting part 3. Regarding this structure, even when the height of the planting part 3 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism 4 according to the height of the ridges of the soil, the position (height) of the soil banking mechanism 382 can follow the change of the planting part 3, so that the position of the soil banking mechanism 382 relative to the ridge surface (especially the position in the height direction) can be kept constant. Thus, even when the height of the planting part 3 changes according to the height of the ridges, the soil banking mechanism 382 can be used to appropriately carry out soil banking at a constant position relative to the ridge surface.

[0099] Figure 16 Fig. is a perspective view showing another structure of the sheet-under acting body 38. In addition, Figure 16 For convenience, the illustration of the soil banking mechanism 382 and the multiple sheets S is omitted in Fig.. The sheet-under acting body 38 may further have a sheet supporting part 384. The sheet supporting part 384 supports the multiple sheets S that are led out from the multiple-sheet leading-out and laying mechanism 36 and laid on the surface H of the soil from below.

[0100] Such a sheet supporting part 384 is configured to have a right sheet supporting plate 384R and a left sheet supporting plate 384L. The right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L are mounted on the right side and the left side of the main body part 381a of the furrow opener 381 by bolts Bo and nuts N.

[0101] More specifically, support-side through holes 384P penetrating in the left-right direction are formed in three upper and lower stages in the right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L. Two support-side through holes 384P are formed in the front-rear direction in each of the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage. The main body part 381a of the furrow opener 381 is clamped from the left and right directions by the right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L, and the two support-side through holes 384P in each of the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage of the right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L are aligned with two main-body-side through holes 381P provided in the main body part 381a (refer to Figure 12 ). Then, bolts Bo are inserted into the two sets of support-side through holes 384P and main-body-side through holes 381P and fixed with nuts N, thereby mounting the right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L on the furrow opener 381. By selecting the support-side through holes 384P in any one of the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage, the mounting height of the right sheet supporting plate 384R and the left sheet supporting plate 384L relative to the main body part 381a can be adjusted.

[0102] The right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L are respectively formed by bending a single flat plate, but they can also be formed by connecting multiple flat plates. The right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L extend rearward from the part fixed to the main body 381a of the furrow opener 381 while expanding the lateral interval between them, and pass through from the side of the furrow processing part 381b of the furrow opener 381 and further extend rearward. At the rear part behind the side of the furrow processing part 381b, the interval between the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L is constant. As a result, the interval between the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L is the smallest at the fixed side fixed to the furrow opener 381 (main body 381a), and the largest at the part behind the side of the furrow processing part 381b. In addition, the shapes of the above-mentioned right sheet support plate 384R and left sheet support plate 384L are for example only and are not limited to this shape. For example, the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L can be in the following shape: having an arc part at a position further rearward than the fixed side fixed to the furrow opener 381, and the interval between them expands toward the rear.

[0103] As described above, regarding the structure in which the interval between the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L expands at the side of the furrow processing part 381b of the furrow opener 381, the multiple sheets S led out from the multi-sheet lead-out laying mechanism 36 and laid on the surface H of the soil are stably supported from below by the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L near the side of the furrow processing part 381b.

[0104] In this way, by supporting the multiple sheets S from below by the sheet support part 384, when punching holes in the multiple sheets S using the cutter 322d (refer to Figure 4 ) at a position further rearward than the furrow processing part 381b, it is difficult for the multiple sheets S to deflect. Thus, it is easy to punch holes in the multiple sheets S using the cutter 322d. In addition, since it is difficult for the multiple sheets S to deflect, when punching holes in the multiple sheets S, the situation where the multiple sheets S come into contact with the furrows G formed in the soil by the furrow processing part 381b is also reduced. As a result, the concern about the collapse of the furrows G due to contact with the multiple sheets S is also alleviated.

[0105] In addition, the interval between the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L expands laterally of the furrow forming portion 381b of the furrow opener 381. As a result, as the traveling body 2 travels, the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L excavate the soil, and thus, a furrow wider than the furrow G formed by the furrow forming portion 381b is formed. Therefore, regarding the structure of the sheet under-acting body 38 having the sheet support portion 384, it is preferable that the interval between the right sheet support plate 384R and the left sheet support plate 384L is as small as possible within the range capable of supporting multiple sheets S.

[0106] <5. Other examples of the soil banking mechanism>

[0107] Figure 10 The pressing mechanism 37 shown in etc. can also be used as the soil banking mechanism 382. For example, by making the acting force of the force-applying member 372c of the pressing mechanism 37 higher than the reference acting force, the pressing force can be made higher than the reference acting force toward the lower side of the pressing roller 371. Thereby, the pressing roller 371 can be pressed against the soil from above the multiple sheets S to bank the furrow G. In this case, the pressing roller 371 can be used alone (without providing the above-mentioned backfilling member 383) as the soil banking mechanism 382, or can be used in combination with the backfilling member 383.

[0108] Figure 17 is a top view in the case where the pressing roller 371 and the backfilling member 383 are used together as the soil banking mechanism 382. If the traveling body 2 travels (advances), the pressing roller 371 rotates as the traveling body 2 travels and presses the surface H of the soil to bank the furrow G. As shown in this figure, the pressing roller 371 is arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the furrow opener 381. In other words, the pressing roller 371 is arranged on one side and the other side in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling body 2. In particular, the pressing roller 371 is located on the left and right sides of the furrow forming portion 381b of the furrow opener 381 and at a position more forward than the clamping portion 3833 of the backfilling member 383. Therefore, the furrow G can be backfilled by the pressing of the pressing roller 371 before the furrow G is backfilled with soil by the backfilling member 383. Thereby, the furrow G can be backfilled while the seedlings E are planted by the seedling planting mechanism 32, and the posture of the seedlings E planted in the furrow G can be made stable immediately.

[0109] Since the pressing roller 371 rotates, it is difficult to sink into the soil and the soil banking can be performed smoothly. In addition, as in the present embodiment, even when the multiple sheets S are laid on the soil surface and the seedlings E are planted through holes in the multiple sheets S, the pressing roller 371 can be brought into contact with the multiple sheets S from above to perform soil banking.

[0110] The pressing rollers 371 are arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the furrow opener 381. Therefore, it is possible to use each pressing roller 371 to hill up the soil from the left and right sides, that is, from both sides in the width direction of the traveling body 2 (=both sides in the width direction of the furrow G), with respect to the furrow G formed in the soil by the furrow opener 381. In addition, since each pressing roller 371 hills up the soil while planting the seedlings E or immediately before planting the seedlings E, it is possible to reduce the situation where the seedlings E tilt during planting, and the planting posture of the seedlings E becomes good.

[0111] In Figure 17 this example, the rotation axis of the pressing roller 371 extends in the left - right direction. That is, the rotation axis of the pressing roller 371 extends in the width direction of the traveling body 2 in a plane perpendicular to the up - down direction of the traveling body 2. Regarding this structure, each pressing roller 371 rotates reliably as the traveling body 2 travels, and it is possible to use each pressing roller 371 to reliably hill up the soil from both sides in the width direction of the furrow G toward the furrow G.

[0112] Figure 18 is a top view schematically showing another structure of the pressing mechanism 37 as the soil - hilling mechanism 38. As shown in this figure, the pressing mechanism 37 can support the left and right pressing rollers 371 respectively so as to be position - adjustable in the direction along the rotation axis ( Figure 18 in this example, it is the left - right direction). In this case, since the interval between the left and right pressing rollers 371 is adjusted, it is possible to finely adjust the amount of soil hilled up to the furrow G by each pressing roller 371 and the timing of soil hilling.

[0113] Figure 19 is a top view schematically showing still another structure of the pressing mechanism 37. As shown in this figure, the pressing mechanism 37 can support the left and right pressing rollers 371 respectively so that the orientation of the rotation axis changes. For example, the pressing mechanism 37 can change (rotate) the orientation of the rotation axes of the left and right pressing rollers 371 in a plane perpendicular to the up - down direction. Even when the rotation axis of the pressing roller 371 extends in a direction intersecting the width direction of the traveling body 2 in a plane perpendicular to the up - down direction of the traveling body 2, each pressing roller 371 rotates as the traveling body 2 travels, so that it is possible to use each pressing roller 371 to hill up the soil from both sides in the width direction of the furrow G toward the furrow G. In addition, by adjusting the orientation of the rotation axes of each pressing roller 371 in the above - mentioned plane, it is also possible to finely adjust the amount of soil hilled up to the furrow G by each pressing roller 371 and the timing of soil hilling.

[0114] As described above, the pressing mechanism 37 of the soil banking mechanism 382 has a biasing member 372c. The biasing member 372c biases the pressing roller 371 downward. If the pressing roller 371 is pressed against the surface H of the soil by the relatively high acting force of the biasing member 372c, the soil exposed from the pressing roller 371 is pushed toward the furrow G. Thus, soil banking toward the furrow G is reliably performed.

[0115] In addition, the pressing mechanism 37 (particularly the pressing roller 371) of the soil banking mechanism 382 banks the furrow G from above the multiple sheets S. Even when the multiple sheets S are laid on the surface H of the soil to plant the seedlings E, the soil banking mechanism 382 banks the soil from above the multiple sheets S, so that the planting posture of the seedlings E can be made good and stable.

[0116] <6. Deformation Examples of the Furrow Opener and the Soil Banking Mechanism>

[0117] The structure in which the furrow opener 381 and the soil banking mechanism 382 are provided in the transplanter 1 equipped with the multiple-sheet guiding and laying mechanism 36 has been described above, but the furrow opener 381 and the soil banking mechanism 382 may be provided in the transplanter 1 that does not have the multiple-sheet guiding and laying mechanism 36.

[0118] Figure 20 and Figure 21 are a perspective view and a top view schematically showing the structure (deformation example) of the furrow opener 381 and the soil banking mechanism 382 applied to the transplanter 1 that does not have the multiple-sheet guiding and laying mechanism 36. In addition, Figure 22 is a perspective view of the soil banking mechanism 382 of the deformation example.

[0119] The furrow opener 381 of the deformation example is configured such that a pair of flat plates 381c are joined to the upper part (outer peripheral surface) of the pipe 381d by welding or the like. The pipe 381d extends from the front toward the rear and obliquely downward, and is bent so as to protrude downward. As Figure 21 shown, the width W1 in the left-right direction of the furrow opener 381 is smaller than the width W2 of the soil-root part of the seedling E. Here, the width W1 of the furrow opener 381 is equal to the outer diameter of the pipe 381d, and is also equal to the left-right interval of the pair of flat plates 381c.

[0120] For example, when the seedling E planted in the furrow G is an onion seedling, since the onion seedling is smaller than the cabbage seedling, in order to suppress the lodging of the seedling E planted in the furrow G, it is necessary to form a narrow furrow G in the soil by the furrow opener 381. When the width W1 of the furrow opener 381 is smaller than the width W2 of the soil-root part of the seedling E, the seedling E is planted in such a manner as to be sandwiched in the furrow G formed by the furrow opener 381, so that the lodging of the planted seedling E is suppressed.

[0121] AsFigure 22 As shown, the soil banking mechanism 382 of the modified example has: a shaft portion 385 that extends in the left - right direction; and a fixing plate 386 that is vertically fixed to the shaft portion 385. The fixing plate 386 is fixed to the central portion in the left - right direction with respect to the shaft portion 385. On the left side surface and the right side surface of the fixing plate 386, engaging portions 386a for engaging one end portions of the left - right biasing springs 387 are provided at three positions. One end portions of the left - right biasing springs 387 are engaged with any one of the engaging portions 386a at the three positions.

[0122] In addition, in the soil banking mechanism 382, a pair of cylindrical portions 388, soil banking members 389, and flat plate portions 390 are provided in the left - right direction. The left - right cylindrical portions 388 are respectively inserted through the shaft portion 385 and are located on the left and right sides of the fixing plate 386. By sliding each cylindrical portion 388 relative to the shaft portion 385 in the left - right direction, the position of each cylindrical portion 388 can be adjusted in the left - right direction. The left - right soil banking members 389 are connected to the respective cylindrical portions 388, face rearward, and extend obliquely downward. The rear end sides of the left - right soil banking members 389 are slightly bent so that the distance between them is reduced. A soil banking plate 389a is fixed to the rear end of the soil banking member 389. The left - right soil banking members 389 are formed to have a length such that the left - right soil banking plates 389a are located on the sides of the planting position of the seedling E that is more rearward than the furrow opener 381. The left - right flat plate portions 390 are connected to the cylindrical portions 388 and extend forward. The other end portions of the left - right biasing springs 387 are engaged with the holes 390a of the left - right flat plate portions 390.

[0123] According to the above structure of the soil banking mechanism 382, it is possible to perform planting while backfilling the furrow G formed by the furrow opener 381 with the soil banking plate 389a. That is, the seedling E can be released into the soft soil backfilled into the furrow G. Therefore, it is also easy to ensure the planting depth of the seedling E. In addition, the seedling E is held by the surrounding soil, so the planting posture is also stable. And the amount of soil covering the seedling E is also ensured. In addition, since the width of the furrow G formed by the furrow opener 381 is narrow, it is also possible to immediately perform soil banking for the planting of the seedling E, making the planting posture of the seedling E immediately stable.

[0124] In addition, by replacing the biasing spring 387 or replacing it with a spring having a different acting force, the load pressing the left - right soil banking members 389 against the soil can be adjusted. Thus, even if the planting position changes relative to the ridge height due to the deviation of the ridge height, the lifting control of the planting portion 3, etc., reliable soil banking can be performed.

[0125] By adjusting the position of each cylindrical portion 388 in the left - right direction, the left - right interval of the left - right soil banking members 389 can be adjusted. Thus, it is easy to cope with different soil qualities and easy to adjust the planting posture.

[0126] Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the timing at which the seedling E is pushed out from the planting claw 322a by the pushing member 322b when planting the seedling E using the seedling planting mechanism 32. Preferably, the timing of pushing the seedling E into the soil (furrow G) is earlier than the bottom dead center D0 of the rotation locus T of the planting claw 322a caused by the rotation of the rotary box 321 (refer to Figure 4 ). More specifically, preferably, the pushing timing of the seedling E is set during the period when the end of the planting claw 322a reaches the bottom dead center D0 from the surface H of the soil.

[0127] The seedling E raked by the planting claw 322a from the seedling raising mat MT (refer to Figure 3 ) swings as the rotary box 321 rotates until it contacts the bottom of the furrow G formed in the soil. Due to the swinging of the seedling E, an inertial force that tends to fall forward acts on the seedling E, and this inertial force reaches a peak at the position of the bottom dead center D0. By setting the pushing timing of the seedling E earlier than the bottom dead center D0 and pushing out the seedling E from the planting claw 322a before the inertial force reaches the peak. Therefore, (compared with the case where the seedling E is pushed out at the bottom dead center D0), the situation where the seedling E falls forward due to the inertial force can be reduced, thereby suppressing seedling lodging.

[0128] <7. Supplementary Note>

[0129] The transplanter described in this embodiment can also be expressed as the transplanter shown in the following supplementary notes.

[0130] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (1) includes:

[0131] A traveling body; and

[0132] A planting unit having a seedling planting mechanism for planting seedlings in the soil and connected to the rear of the traveling body in a vertically movable manner, wherein,

[0133] The transplanter includes:

[0134] A furrow opener that forms a furrow for planting the seedlings in the soil as the traveling body travels before planting the seedlings; and

[0135] A soil covering mechanism that covers the furrow with soil as the traveling body travels.

[0136] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (2) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (1), wherein,

[0137] The soil covering mechanism is provided in the planting unit.

[0138] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (3) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (1) or (2), wherein,

[0139] The soil banking mechanism has a pressing roller that presses the surface of the soil while rotating as the traveling machine body travels to bank the furrow.

[0140] The transplanter according to supplementary note (4) is based on the transplanter described in supplementary note (3), wherein

[0141] The pressing roller is disposed on one side and the other side in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body with respect to the furrow opener.

[0142] The transplanter according to supplementary note (5) is based on the transplanter described in supplementary note (4), wherein

[0143] The rotation axis of the pressing roller extends in the width direction of the traveling machine body or in a direction intersecting the width direction in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction of the traveling machine body.

[0144] The transplanter according to supplementary note (6) is based on the transplanter described in any one of supplementary notes (3) to (5), wherein

[0145] The soil banking mechanism further has a biasing member that biases the pressing roller downward.

[0146] The transplanter according to supplementary note (7) is based on the transplanter described in any one of supplementary notes (1) to (6), wherein

[0147] The transplanter further includes a multi-sheet discharging and laying mechanism that discharges and lays multiple sheets on the surface of the soil,

[0148] The soil banking mechanism banks the furrow from above the multiple sheets.

[0149] The transplanter according to supplementary note (8) is based on the transplanter described in any one of supplementary notes (1) to (6), wherein

[0150] The soil banking mechanism has a backfilling member that backfills the furrow from the soil.

[0151] The transplanter according to supplementary note (9) is based on the transplanter described in any one of supplementary notes (1) to (8), wherein

[0152] The backfilling member has:

[0153] A pair of rod-shaped portions that are located on one side and the other side in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body with respect to the furrow opener and extend in the front-rear direction of the traveling machine body in the soil;

[0154] A connecting part that is respectively connected to the front end portions of the pair of rod-shaped parts and has a part located above the soil; and

[0155] A pair of clamping parts that are respectively connected to the rear end portions of the pair of rod-shaped parts and the interval in the width direction decreases as they go backward.

[0156] The transplanter according to Note (10) is based on the transplanter described in Note (9), wherein

[0157] The rear ends of the pair of clamping parts are located at positions further back than the planting position of the seedlings.

[0158] The transplanter according to Note (11) is based on the transplanter described in any one of Notes (8) to (10), wherein

[0159] The transplanter further includes a multi-sheet export and laying mechanism that exports and lays multiple sheets on the surface of the soil,

[0160] The soil banking mechanism banks the furrows from below the multiple sheets.

[0161] The transplanter according to Note (12) is based on the transplanter described in Note (7) or (11), wherein

[0162] The transplanter further includes an actuator support part that supports the sheet-under actuator including the furrow opener and the soil banking mechanism,

[0163] The actuator support part is supported by the planting frame of the planting part and is arranged below the multiple sheets exported from the multi-sheet export and laying mechanism.

[0164] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it can be implemented by expanding or changing within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0165] Industrial applicability

[0166] The transplanter of the present invention can be used, for example, as a transplanter for planting vegetable seedlings in soil (ridge).

Claims

1. A transplanter comprising: A traveling body; and The planting part has a seedling planting mechanism for planting the seedlings in the soil and is connected to the rear of the traveling body in a manner that allows it to be raised and lowered freely. in, The transplanter has: a furrow opener, which forms furrows for planting the seedlings on the soil as the traveling body travels before the seedlings are planted; and A soiling mechanism is provided for adding soil to the ridge ditch as the traveling body travels.

2. The transplanter according to claim 1, wherein: The soil cultivating mechanism is arranged in the planting part.

3. The transplanter according to claim 1, wherein: The cultivating mechanism includes a pressing roller that presses the surface of the soil while rotating as the traveling body travels, thereby cultivating the furrow.

4. The transplanter according to claim 3, wherein: The pressing roller is disposed on one side and the other side of the furrow opener in a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling body.

5. The transplanter according to claim 4, wherein: The rotation axis of the pressing roller extends in the width direction of the traveling body or in a direction intersecting the width direction within a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction of the traveling body.

6. The transplanter according to claim 3, wherein: The soil training mechanism further includes a biasing member for biasing the pressing roller downward.

7. The transplanter according to claim 1, wherein: The transplanter further includes a multi-sheet material leading-out and laying mechanism, which leads out the multi-sheet material and lays the multi-sheet material on the surface of the soil. The soiling mechanism performs soiling on the furrow from above the plurality of sheets.

8. The transplanter according to claim 1, wherein: The soil-raising mechanism comprises a backfilling component, and the backfilling component backfills the ridge ditch with soil from the soil.

9. The transplanter according to claim 8, wherein: The backfill component has: a pair of rod-shaped portions, which are located on one side and the other side of the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the traveling body with respect to the furrow opener and extend in the front-rear direction of the traveling body in the soil; a connecting portion connected to the front end portions of the pair of rod-shaped portions, respectively, and having a portion located above the soil; and A pair of sandwiching portions are connected to the rear end portions of the pair of rod-shaped portions, respectively, and the interval in the width direction decreases as it goes toward the rear.

10. The transplanter according to claim 9, wherein: The rear ends of the pair of sandwiching parts are located further rearward than the planting position of the seedlings.

11. The transplanter according to claim 8, wherein: The transplanter further includes a multi-sheet material leading-out and laying mechanism, which leads out the multi-sheet material and lays the multi-sheet material on the surface of the soil. The soiling mechanism performs soiling on the furrow from below the plurality of sheets.

12. The transplanter according to claim 7 or 11, wherein: The transplanter further comprises an actuator support portion, which supports an actuator under the sheet material including the furrow opener and the soil-raising mechanism. The actuator support portion is supported by a planting frame of the planting portion, and is disposed below the plurality of sheets fed out from the plurality of sheets feeding and laying mechanism.

Images