Seedling usage amount management system

Abstract

The invention provides a seedling usage amount management system of a transplanter with a structure as simple as possible, wherein an operator and the like can grasp the seedling amount required by an operation area. A seedling usage amount management system for calculating the amount of seedlings used in a transplanter according to an operation area on the basis of input seedling information, the system comprising: a seedling stage provided in the transplanter; the seedling sensing part is used for sensing whether the seedlings are loaded on the seedling loading platform or not; a seedling amount calculation unit for starting a measurement process related to the movement of the seedling in response to a preset operation for the transplanting operation of the seedling, ending the measurement process in response to a change in the presence or absence of the seedling sensing by the seedling sensing unit, and calculating the amount of the seedling required in the operation area; and a notification unit that notifies the required seedling amount calculated by the seedling amount calculation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seedling usage management system for a transplanter. Background Art

[0002] When the transplanter performs transplanting work, it is ideal to use up the pre-prepared seedling mats while completing the work of the transplanter in the field. However, in the past, there has only been a method of setting the seedling taking amount of the planting device according to a standard table described in a manual of agricultural machinery or the like. In addition, accurately estimating the number of seedling mats required for transplanting in the field requires very complicated work. Therefore, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-15792 (Patent Document 1) discloses a structure for optimizing the seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism according to the condition of the transplanting work in the field.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-15792

[0006] However, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost to provide dedicated sensors for optimizing the seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism according to the condition of the transplanting work in the field. In addition, various mechanisms are arranged in the back region of the seedling stage of the transplanter and the peripheral region of the planting mechanism. Therefore, for an operator or the like, the problem is how to prepare the amount of seedlings required for the field in a manner that does not cause an excess or deficiency without increasing the cost. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a seedling usage management system for a transplanter that enables an operator or the like to grasp the amount of seedlings required for the work area with a structure as simple as possible.

[0008] The seedling usage management system of the present invention is a seedling usage management system that calculates the amount of seedlings used in the transplanter based on input seedling information and according to the work area, and is characterized by comprising: a seedling stage provided on the transplanter; a seedling sensing unit that senses whether there is a seedling placed on the seedling stage; a seedling amount calculation unit that starts a measurement process related to the movement of the seedling in response to a preset action for the transplanting work of the seedling, ends the measurement process in response to a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of the seedling by the seedling sensing unit, and calculates the amount of seedlings required for the work area; and a notification unit that notifies the required amount of seedlings calculated by the seedling amount calculation unit.

[0009] According to the present invention, after the sensing in the seedling sensing unit changes, the seedling quantity calculation unit calculates the quantity of seedlings required for the working area. When the sensing in the seedling sensing unit changes, the seedlings placed on the seedling placing table are in a state of being consumed. Therefore, by calculating and notifying the quantity of seedlings required at this time, operators and the like can grasp the actual quantity of seedlings required. Thus, a seedling usage management system for a transplanter that enables operators and the like to grasp the quantity of seedlings required for the working area is realized with a structure as simple as possible.

[0010] Preferably in the present invention, the seedling sensing unit is a seedling sensor that senses information related to the quantity of seedlings placed on the seedling placing table, and the seedling quantity calculation unit is configured to: in response to the seedling sensor sensing seedling notification information that represents the quantity of seedlings placed has decreased to below a preset threshold value as information related to the quantity of seedlings placed, calculate the quantity of seedlings required for the working area.

[0011] According to this structure, the seedling sensor is configured to sense information related to the quantity of seedlings placed, and can sense that the seedlings on the seedling placing table have been consumed by a specified amount or more when the quantity of seedlings placed is below the threshold value. At this time, by calculating and reporting the quantity of seedlings required for the working area, operators and the like can grasp the actual quantity of seedlings required.

[0012] Preferably in the present invention, the information related to the quantity of seedlings placed includes information related to the length in the longitudinal direction of the seedlings placed on the seedling placing table, and the seedling notification information is information indicating that the length in the longitudinal direction of the remaining seedlings on the seedling placing table has become below a preset first length.

[0013] According to this structure, the seedling sensor senses the seedling notification information based on the length of the seedlings conveyed in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the structure of the seedling sensor becomes simple.

[0014] Preferably in the present invention, the transplanter is equipped with a planting mechanism that takes out the seedlings from the seedling placing table and plants the seedlings in the field, and the seedling usage management system is equipped with a length acquisition unit that can acquire the actual length in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the second length, of the area where the seedlings placed on the seedling placing table exist before the planting mechanism starts working.

[0015] According to this structure, the quantity of seedlings required for the working area is calculated based on the actual length when the seedlings are placed on the seedling placing table. Therefore, a structure that can adjust the quantity of seedlings taken more accurately can be realized.

[0016] Preferably, in the present invention, the transplanter includes: a longitudinal feeding mechanism that transports the seedlings placed on the seedling placing table toward the planting mechanism in the longitudinal direction; and a longitudinal feeding detection unit that detects the operation of the longitudinal feeding mechanism. The seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the amount of seedlings required for the working area based on the difference between the first length and the second length and the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit.

[0017] According to this structure, the seedling amount calculation unit derives the actual consumption amount of the seedlings placed on the seedling mat based on the difference between the first length and the second length. Based on the actual consumption amount of the seedlings and the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit, the amount of seedlings required for the working area is calculated. Thus, an operator or the like can grasp the actually required amount of seedlings.

[0018] Preferably, in the present invention, the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit is the number of longitudinal feedings performed by the longitudinal feeding mechanism during the period from when the second length is obtained by the length acquisition unit to when the seedling notification information is sensed by the seedling sensor.

[0019] With this structure, it is possible to determine whether the number of longitudinal feedings is more, less, or appropriate with respect to the difference between the first length and the second length.

[0020] Preferably, in the present invention, the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit is the longitudinal feeding amount of the longitudinal feeding mechanism during the period from when the second length is obtained by the length acquisition unit to when the seedling notification information is sensed by the seedling sensor.

[0021] With this structure, it is possible to determine whether the longitudinal feeding amount is more, less, or appropriate with respect to the difference between the first length and the second length.

[0022] Preferably, in the present invention, the seedlings placed on the seedling placing table are seedling mats formed in a mat shape, and the length acquisition unit is configured to obtain the extrusion amount when the seedling mat is placed on the seedling placing table based on the difference between the longitudinal length of the seedling mat before being placed on the seedling placing table and the second length.

[0023] When the seedling mat is placed on the seedling placing table, the seedling mat is easily compressed due to its own weight. Therefore, by obtaining the length of the compressed state of the seedling mat, that is, the extrusion amount, the amount of seedlings placed on the seedling placing table can be correctly grasped.

[0024] Preferably, in the present invention, the seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the amount of seedlings required for the working area based on the extrusion amount.

[0025] According to this structure, the seedling amount calculation unit can calculate the amount of seedlings required for the working area considering the length of the compressed state of the seedling mat, that is, the extrusion amount. Thus, an operator can grasp the actually required amount of seedlings.

[0026] Preferably, in the present invention, the transplanter includes: a planting mechanism that takes out the seedlings from the seedling stage and transplants the seedlings into the field; a longitudinal feeding mechanism that transports the seedlings placed on the seedling stage longitudinally toward the planting mechanism; and a longitudinal feeding detection unit that detects the operation of the longitudinal feeding mechanism. The seedling usage management system includes a seedling taking amount adjustment unit that adjusts the seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism that takes out the seedlings from the seedling stage based on the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit in response to a change in the detection of the presence or absence of seedlings by the seedling sensor unit.

[0027] According to this structure, the seedling taking amount adjustment unit adjusts the seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism based on the change in the detection in the seedling sensor unit and the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit. When the detection in the seedling sensor unit changes, the seedlings placed on the seedling stage are in a consumed state. Therefore, by obtaining the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit at this time, a structure that can adjust the seedling taking amount with high precision can be achieved.

[0028] Preferably, in the present invention, the transplanter includes: a planting mechanism that takes out the seedlings from the seedling stage and transplants the seedlings into the field; a longitudinal feeding mechanism that transports the seedlings placed on the seedling stage longitudinally toward the planting mechanism; and a longitudinal feeding detection unit that detects the operation of the longitudinal feeding mechanism. The seedling amount calculation unit is configured to: in response to a change in the detection of the presence or absence of seedlings by the seedling sensor unit, calculate the difference between the actual seedling taking amount and the target seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism, that is, the seedling deformation amount, based on the detection result of the longitudinal feeding detection unit during the period from the start of the measurement process or a specified timing to the change in the detection of the presence or absence of seedlings, and calculate the seedling amount based on the seedling deformation amount.

[0029] According to this structure, even when the actual seedling taking amount of the planting mechanism is different from the target seedling taking amount, the seedling amount required for the working area can be calculated with high precision based on the seedling deformation amount. Thus, an operator or the like can accurately grasp the actually required seedling amount.

[0030] Preferably, in the present invention, the seedlings placed on the seedling stage are seedling mats formed in a mat shape. The seedling usage management system includes a length acquisition unit that can acquire the extrusion amount when the seedling mat is placed on the seedling stage based on the difference between the longitudinal length of the seedling mat before being placed on the seedling stage and the actual longitudinal length of the seedling mat placed on the seedling stage before the planting mechanism starts operation. The seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the seedling amount required for the working area or a preset area based on both the seedling deformation amount and the extrusion amount.

[0031] According to this structure, the seedling quantity calculation unit can calculate the quantity of seedlings required for the working area with high precision by considering both the extrusion quantity and the seedling deformation quantity. Thereby, an operator or the like can accurately grasp the actual required quantity of seedlings.

[0032] Preferably in the present invention, it includes: a lateral feed mechanism that reciprocally drives the seedling tray in the left - right direction in linkage with the drive of the transplanting mechanism; and a lateral feed detection unit that detects the speed of the reciprocating drive of the lateral feed mechanism, that is, the lateral feed quantity, and the seedling taking quantity adjustment unit is configured to adjust the seedling taking quantity based on the lateral feed quantity.

[0033] The appropriate seedling taking quantity of the transplanting mechanism varies according to the different lateral feed quantities. According to this structure, the seedling taking quantity adjustment unit adjusts the seedling taking quantity based on the lateral feed quantity. Thereby, a structure for adjusting the seedling taking quantity with higher precision can be achieved.

[0034] Preferably in the present invention, the seedlings placed on the seedling tray are seedling mats formed in a mat shape, and the seedling usage management system includes a sheet number acquisition unit that acquires the number of sheets of the seedling mats to be used in a predetermined area of the field, and the seedling taking quantity adjustment unit is configured to adjust the seedling taking quantity based on the number of sheets of the seedling mats.

[0035] The appropriate seedling taking quantity of the transplanting mechanism varies according to the different number of sheets of the seedling mats to be used in a predetermined area of the field. According to this structure, the seedling taking quantity adjustment unit adjusts the seedling taking quantity based on the number of sheets of the seedling mats to be used in a predetermined area. Thereby, a structure for adjusting the seedling taking quantity with higher precision can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is an overall side view of a rice transplanter (transplanter).

[0037] Figure 2 is a view showing the structure of the longitudinal feed mechanism and the lateral feed mechanism.

[0038] Figure 3 is a rear view showing the structure of the first seedling exhaustion sensor and the second seedling exhaustion sensor.

[0039] Figure 4 is showing the structure of the first seedling exhaustion sensor Figure 3 IV - IV direction sectional view.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the seedling usage management system.

[0041] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the seedling usage management system.

[0042] Figure 7This is a figure for explaining the longitudinal length of the seedling mat.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the structure of the link-type operating member.

[0044] Figure 9 This is for showing Figure 6 a flowchart of a process of a process different from the process shown.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals

[0046] 14: Seedling-carrying table; 15: Planting arm (planting mechanism); 21: Longitudinal feed mechanism; 22: Lateral feed mechanism; 23: First seedling depletion sensor (seedling sensing part, seedling sensor); 26: Notification part; 30: Seedling-taking amount adjustment part; 31: Sheet number acquisition part; 32: Length acquisition part; 33: Longitudinal feed detection part; 34: Lateral feed detection part; 35: Seedling amount calculation part; L3: Second length; L4: First length; ΔL: Extrusion amount. Detailed implementation mode

[0047] Based on Figures 1 to 8 the shown riding-type rice transplanter (an example of a transplanting machine), an implementation mode of the seedling usage amount management system of the present invention will be described by way of example. It should be noted that the direction of the arrow "F" shown in the figure is set as "the front of the machine body", the direction of the arrow "B" shown in the figure is set as "the rear of the machine body", the direction of the arrow "L" shown in the figure is set as "the left side of the machine body", the direction of the arrow "R" shown in the figure is set as "the right side of the machine body", the direction of the arrow "U" shown in the figure is set as "the upper side of the machine body", and the direction of the arrow "D" shown in the figure is set as "the lower side of the machine body".

[0048] 〔Overall structure of the riding-type rice transplanter〕

[0049] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 shown, the rice transplanter is equipped with a riding-type machine body 1. The machine body 1 is equipped with four-wheel drive wheels 2, a reserve seedling storage table 3, and a driver's cab 4. The driver's cab 4 is provided in the rear area of the machine body 1 for the operator to ride. It should be noted that the meaning of the operator also includes the meaning of the driver. Above the reserve seedling storage table 3, there is a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), Galileo (Galileo Satellite Navigation System), Beidou, etc.) receiving device 5. Based on the positioning signal received by the receiving device 5, at least one of automatic driving and automatic steering can be realized.

[0050] The seedling planting device 10 is supported at the rear of the machine body 1 in such a way that it can move up and down via a link mechanism 9. The seedling planting device 10 plants seedlings in the field. In addition, the seedling planting device 10 is configured to be able to swing left and right relative to the machine body 1 by rolling.

[0051] Although not described in detail, the machine body 1 is equipped with an engine (not shown). The power of the engine is transmitted to the wheels 2 and the seedling planting device 10 respectively.

[0052] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the seedling planting device 10 includes a plurality of (four in this embodiment) transmission cases 11, a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) rotary cases 12, a leveling floating plate 13, and a seedling stage 14. The rotary cases 12 are respectively supported rotatably at the left and right sides of the rear part of each transmission case 11. A pair of rotary planting arms 15 are provided at both ends of each rotary case 12. The seedling planting device 10 includes a plurality of leveling floating plates 13, and the leveling floating plates 13 level the field surface of the field. The seedling stage 14 carries a seedling mat. The seedling mat is a pad-shaped seedling for planting. It should be noted that the seedling planting device 10 is provided with a seedling taking amount changing mechanism 25 (refer to Figure 5 ). The seedling taking amount changing mechanism 25 is a mechanism for changing the seedling taking amount taken out from the seedling stage 14 by the planting arm 15. The planting arm 15 is an example of a "planting mechanism".

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, the seedling stage 14 has a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) placement surface partitions 14a arranged in the left-right direction of the machine body. The left-right width of each placement surface partition 14a corresponds to the left-right width of the seedling mat. Each placement surface partition 14a is configured to be able to carry a row amount of seedling mats. Thus, the seedling stage 14 can carry an eight-row amount of seedling mats. It should be noted that the number of the placement surface partitions 14a can also be seven or less, or can also be nine or more.

[0054] The later-described lateral feed mechanism 22 reciprocally drives the seedling stage 14 to feed laterally left and right, and each rotary case 12 is rotationally driven by the power transmitted from the transmission case 11. Each planting arm 15 alternately takes out seedlings from the lower part of the seedling stage 14 and plants them on the field surface of the field. That is, the seedling planting device 10 is configured to plant seedlings by the planting arms 15 of a plurality of rotary cases 12.

[0055] 〔Structure of the longitudinal feed mechanism and the lateral feed mechanism〕

[0056] As Figure 2As shown, the rice seedling planting device 10 has a longitudinal feeding mechanism 21 and a transverse feeding mechanism 22. The rice seedling planting device 10 has a transmission mechanism 16. In addition, the machine body 1 has a PTO shaft (power output shaft) (not shown) for transmitting power from an engine (not shown) to the rice seedling planting device 10. The transmission mechanism 16 receives the power of the engine from the PTO shaft via a universal joint.

[0057] The lateral feed mechanism 22 drives the seedling loading platform 14 to reciprocate in the left-right direction in conjunction with the driving of the planting arm 15. The lateral feed mechanism 22 includes a lateral feed shaft 22a and a lateral feed member 22b. The lateral feed shaft 22a is rotated by the power from the transmission mechanism 16.

[0058] The lateral feed member 22b is attached to the lateral feed shaft 22a in a state in which it can rotate relatively with respect to the lateral feed shaft 22a and in a state in which it can slide with respect to the lateral feed shaft 22a.

[0059] Furthermore, when the transverse feed shaft 22a rotates, the transverse feed member 22b is reciprocated along the direction in which the transverse feed shaft 22a extends through the spiral feed groove formed on the transverse feed shaft 22a. As a result, the rice seedling carrier 14 is reciprocated to the left and right. With this structure, the rice seedling planting device 10 reciprocates the rice seedling carrier 14 to the left and right while performing the rice seedling planting operation through the planting arm 15.

[0060] That is, the rice seedling planting device 10 is configured to reciprocate the rice seedling placing platform 14 to the left and right while performing the rice seedling planting operation. As the rice seedling placing platform 14 is reciprocated to the left and right, the position of the rice seedling placing platform 14 relative to the machine body 1 changes to the left and right direction.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal feeding mechanism 21 has a longitudinal feeding shaft 21a, a first transmission arm 21b, a second transmission arm 21c, a driven arm 21d, a one-way clutch 21e, a driving shaft 21f and a longitudinal feeding belt 21g.

[0062] In this embodiment, the rice transplanter is for eight-row planting, and therefore has eight longitudinal feed belts 21g. It should be noted that the number of longitudinal feed belts 21g may be seven or less, or nine or more, as long as it is the same as the number of placement surface sections 14a.

[0063] The longitudinal feed shaft 21a is rotated by the power from the transmission mechanism 16. In addition, the first transmission arm 21b and the second transmission arm 21c are fixed to the longitudinal feed shaft 21a in a state that they cannot rotate relative to the longitudinal feed shaft 21a. The first transmission arm 21b is located on the left side of the second transmission arm 21c.

[0064] The driven arm 21d is connected to the drive shaft 21f via a one-way clutch 21e. Further, the longitudinal feed belt 21g is arranged to rotate in association with the rotation of the drive shaft 21f.

[0065] When the seedling table 14 reaches the left end of the stroke, the driven arm 21d enters the rotation range of the first transmission arm 21b. Thereby, the first transmission arm 21b abuts against the driven arm 21d. And the power of the longitudinal feed shaft 21a is transmitted to the drive shaft 21f via the first transmission arm 21b, the driven arm 21d, and the one-way clutch 21e.

[0066] As a result, the drive shaft 21f rotates by a set rotation angle, and the longitudinal feed belt 21g rotates. The amount of rotation of the longitudinal feed belt 21g at this time is an amount of rotation corresponding to a prescribed feed distance.

[0067] In addition, when the seedling table 14 reaches the right end of the stroke, the driven arm 21d enters the rotation range of the second transmission arm 21c. Thereby, the second transmission arm 21c abuts against the driven arm 21d. And the power of the longitudinal feed shaft 21a is transmitted to the drive shaft 21f via the second transmission arm 21c, the driven arm 21d, and the one-way clutch 21e.

[0068] As a result, the drive shaft 21f rotates by a set rotation angle, and the longitudinal feed belt 21g rotates. The amount of rotation of the longitudinal feed belt 21g at this time is an amount of rotation corresponding to a prescribed feed distance.

[0069] The longitudinal feed belt 21g is arranged to abut against the seedling mat placed on the seedling table 14. Therefore, by the rotation of the longitudinal feed belt 21g, the seedling mat placed on the seedling table 14 moves downward by a preset feed distance. The feed distance when the longitudinal feed belt 21g rotates is the longitudinal feed amount each time in the longitudinal feed mechanism 21.

[0070] 〔Regarding the seedling sensor〕

[0071] As Figure 3 shown, the transplanter of the present embodiment includes a first seedling depletion sensor 23 and a plurality of second seedling depletion sensors 24. The first seedling depletion sensor 23 and the plurality of second seedling depletion sensors 24 sense information related to the amount of seedlings placed on the seedling table 14. The "information related to the amount of seedlings" includes information related to the longitudinal direction of the seedlings placed on the seedling table 14.

[0072] The first seedling depletion sensor 23 and a plurality of second seedling depletion sensors 24 are configured to detect seedling notification information indicating that the longitudinal length of the remaining seedling mat (seedlings) on the seedling table 14 has become less than a preset length. In other words, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 and the plurality of second seedling depletion sensors 24 are configured to detect a state where the remaining amount of seedlings has become less than a preset amount based on the longitudinal length of the seedlings of the seedling mat placed on the seedling table 14. The first seedling depletion sensor 23 corresponds to the "seedling sensor" and the "seedling sensing unit". It should be noted that the seedling notification information includes a state of so-called seedling depletion, information notifying the operator to pay attention to the remaining amount of the seedling mat, and information notifying the operator to urge replenishment of the seedling mat.

[0073] The first seedling depletion sensor 23 is provided in the placement surface partition 14a of the second row starting from the right end of the machine body. The second seedling depletion sensor 24 is provided in each placement surface partition 14a. It should be noted that the first seedling depletion sensor 23 may be provided in any placement surface partition 14a, not limited to the placement surface partition 14a of the second row starting from the right end of the machine body. In addition, two or more first seedling depletion sensors 23 may be arbitrarily provided in the eight placement surface partitions 14a.

[0074] As Figure 3 shown, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is provided at the upper part of the seedling table 14 in the vertical direction of the machine body. Each second seedling depletion sensor 24 is provided at the lower part of the seedling table 14 in the vertical direction of the machine body. That is, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is provided at a position higher than the second seedling depletion sensor 24.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 has a support portion 23A, a swing portion 23B, and a sensor portion 23C. The swing portion 23B is supported by the support portion 23A so as to be able to swing around a swing axis P1. It should be noted that a torsion spring is wound around the swing base end portion of the swing portion 23B. Thus, the swing portion 23B is urged to swing upward. The swing portion 23B has a mountain-shaped portion in a side view. As this mountain-shaped portion, a base end inclined portion 23o, a top portion 23p, and a sharp end portion 23q are formed.

[0076] When the seedling mat presses on the first seedling depletion sensor 23, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is displaced downward. Thus, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 becomes a state of not detecting the seedling notification information, that is, a non-detection state. At this time, the sharp end portion 23q approaches the sensor portion 23C. In addition, when the seedling mat does not press on the first seedling depletion sensor 23, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 swings upward by the applied force of the torsion spring. Thus, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 becomes a detection state of detecting the seedling notification information. At this time, the sharp end portion 23q moves away from the sensor portion 23C.

[0077] Figure 3 The first height position H1 is shown. In the placement surface section 14a, when the upper end position of the seedling is higher than the first height position H1, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 located in the placement surface section 14a becomes a non-detection state. It should be noted that the upper end position of the seedling is the position of the upper end of the seedling mat placed on the placement surface section 14a. In the placement surface section 14a where the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is arranged, when the upper end position of the seedling is below the first height position H1, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects the seedling notification information. The length of the portion from the lower end portion of the placement surface section 14a to the first height position H1 corresponds to the "first length". That is to say, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 senses the seedling notification information when the longitudinal length of the remaining seedling mat on the seedling placing table 14 becomes less than a preset length (first length).

[0078] When the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is in the detection state of detecting the seedling notification information, the extending direction Q of the sharp end portion 23q forms an angle close to a right angle with the extending direction of the placement surface section 14a. In other words, the crossing angle between the extending direction Q of the sharp end portion 23q and the extending direction of the placement surface section 14a is more biased towards the right angle side than the crossing angle between the extending direction R of the base end inclined portion 23o and the extending direction of the placement surface section 14a.

[0079] According to this structure, when replenishing the seedling mat to the seedling placing table 14, if the seedling mat slides downward along the placement surface section 14a from the upper end portion of the seedling placing table 14, as the base end inclined portion 23o abuts against the bottom of the seedling mat, the swing portion 23B will swing downward smoothly. Thus, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 switches from the non-detection state of seedling depletion to the detection state in a manner that does not hinder the downward sliding of the seedling mat. Thus, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 switches from the non-detection state of seedling depletion to the detection state in a manner that does not hinder the downward sliding of the seedling mat. In addition, the base end inclined portion 23o is gentler in inclination than the sharp end portion 23q. Therefore, the seedling mat can be sensed by as much area as possible in the swing portion 23B, and false sensing of seedling depletion caused by the floating of the seedling mat, etc. is not likely to occur.

[0080] When the upper end position of the seedlings changes from the first height position H1 to a position below the first height position H1, the upper edge portion of the seedlings on the seedling mat is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction beyond the top 23p. The sharp end 23q is bent from the top 23p into a shape close to a right angle, and the upper edge portion of the seedlings on the seedling mat does not contact the sharp end 23q immediately after exceeding the top 23p. At this time, in response to the sharp end 23q no longer contacting the bottom of the seedling mat, the swing portion 23B swings upward reliably by the applied force of the torsion spring. Thus, at the timing when the upper end position of the seedlings changes from the first height position H1 to a position below the first height position H1, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 can immediately detect the seedling notification information. In addition, since the sharp end 23q is located at the free end of the swing portion 23B, the sharp end 23q swings greatly around the swing axis P1. Thus, the sensor portion 23C can reliably detect the presence or absence of the sharp end 23q, and the first seedling depletion sensor 23 can reliably detect the presence or absence of the seedling mat.

[0081] When the seedling mat presses on the second seedling depletion sensor 24, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 is displaced downward. Thus, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 becomes a state of not detecting the seedling notification information, that is, a non-detection state. In addition, when the seedling mat is not pressing on the second seedling depletion sensor 24, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 is displaced upward by the applied force of the biasing member. Thus, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 becomes a detection state of detecting the seedling notification information.

[0082] Figure 3 The second height position H2 is shown. In the placement surface partition 14a, when the upper end position of the seedlings is higher than the second height position H2, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 located in the placement surface partition 14a becomes a non-detection state. In addition, in the placement surface partition 14a, when the upper end position of the seedlings is below the second height position H2, the second seedling depletion sensor 24 located in the placement surface partition 14a detects the seedling notification information.

[0083] It should be noted that the second seedling depletion sensor 24 can have the same shape and structure as the first seedling depletion sensor 23, or can have a shape and structure different from that of the first seedling depletion sensor 23.

[0084] 〔Structure of Seedling Usage Management System〕

[0085] As Figure 5As shown in the figure, the seedling usage management system of this embodiment includes a control device C, a notification unit 26, a sheet number acquisition unit 31, a length acquisition unit 32, a longitudinal feed detection unit 33, and a lateral feed detection unit 34. The control device C is configured as, for example, an aggregate of programs and hardware embedded in a microcomputer device such as an ECU (electronic control unit) provided in a transplanter. The control device C includes a seedling taking amount adjustment unit 30 and a seedling amount calculation unit 35.

[0086] The control device C is configured to receive information from the first seedling depletion sensor 23, the sheet number acquisition unit 31, the length acquisition unit 32, the longitudinal feed detection unit 33, and the lateral feed detection unit 34 respectively, and calculate the seedling taking amount based on this information. The seedling taking amount adjustment unit 30 is configured to control the seedling taking amount change mechanism 25 to set the seedling taking amount of the planting arm 15 based on the calculated seedling taking amount. As will be described later, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 calculates the required seedling amount (number of sheets of the seedling mat) for the working area of the field. The required seedling amount calculated by the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is sent from the seedling amount calculation unit 35 to the notification unit 26.

[0087] The notification unit 26 can be, for example, a display monitor provided on the operation panel of the driving unit 4, or a stacked display lamp, or a buzzer, a speaker, etc., or a portable terminal (smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) carried by an operator or the like. The notification unit 26 is configured to notify the required seedling amount calculated by the seedling amount calculation unit 35. It should be noted that the notification unit 26 can notify various information, calculation results, etc. obtained by the control device C.

[0088] The sheet number acquisition unit 31 and the length acquisition unit 32 can each be set, for example, through the operation panel of the driving unit 4, or received from a management computer or a portable terminal at a remote location via a wireless communication network. The portable terminal is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0089] The sheet number acquisition unit 31 acquires the number of sheets of the seedling mat (predetermined usage number of sheets) to be used for planting seedlings in the field. The predetermined usage number of sheets of the seedling mat is set based on the type of seedlings, the number of plants per unit area, etc. The predetermined usage number of sheets of the seedling mat, the type of seedlings, the number of plants per unit area, etc. are an example of "seedling information".

[0090] The length acquisition unit 32 is configured to acquire the actual length L3 in the longitudinal direction of the area where the seedling mat (seedlings) placed on the seedling carrier exists before the planting mechanism starts working (refer to Figure 7 ) In this embodiment, a scale 14B is engraved longitudinally on the upper part of the seedling carrier 14 (refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4)。The operator reads the position of the upper end of the seedling mat placed on the placement surface partition 14a, i.e., the upper end position of the seedling, through the scale 14B, and inputs the information of the scale 14B to the length acquisition unit 32. The actual length L3 in the longitudinal direction of the area where the seedling mat exists in the seedling placing table 14 corresponds to the "second length".

[0091] In addition, the length acquisition unit 32 is configured to be able to acquire the longitudinal dimension L2 of the seedling mat before it is placed on the seedling placing table 14 (refer to Figure 7 ). Sometimes, the longitudinal dimension L1 of a single seedling mat (refer to Figure 7 ) is also preset according to a standard (e.g., 580 mm) in advance. The length acquisition unit 32 can be structured to acquire the known dimension L2 or to acquire the dimension L2 based on manual input.

[0092] The longitudinal feed detection unit 33 is a switch-type sensor that detects the operation of the follower arm 21d, the drive shaft 21f, and the longitudinal feed belt 21g of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 shown in Figure 2 . The lateral feed detection unit 34 is a swing-type potentiometer that is linked to the link-type operating member 40 (refer to Figure 8 ). The lateral feed detection unit 34 detects the lateral feed amount of the lateral feed mechanism 22 by detecting the position of the swing rod 41 of the link-type operating member 40. The lateral feed amount is the speed at which the lateral feed mechanism 22 reciprocally drives. Dividing the stroke amount of the reciprocating motion of the lateral feed mechanism 22 by the lateral feed amount calculates the lateral feed times. In other words, the lateral feed detection unit 34 detects the lateral feed times during the period from one drive of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 to the next drive.

[0093] Based on Figure 6 shown flowchart, the process flow of the seedling amount calculation process will be described. In step #01, before the start of the transplanting operation, the control device C determines whether a seedling mat has been put into the seedling placing table 14. The input of the seedling mat at this time at least means that, starting from the state where there is no seedling mat placed on the placement surface partition 14a where the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is configured, until the first seedling depletion sensor 23 becomes a state where it does not detect the seedling notification information, a seedling mat has been put in. The control device C determines whether the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is in a state where it does not detect the seedling notification information. If the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects the seedling notification information (step #01: No), the determination in step #01 is looped.

[0094] If the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is in a state where it does not detect the seedling notification information (step #01: Yes), the control device C acquires the necessary information in steps #02 to #06 to perform an initial setting of the seedling taking amount.

[0095] In step #02, the control device C obtains the number of sheets of the seedling mat (predetermined number of sheets to be used) to be used for transplanting seedlings in the field from the sheet number obtaining unit 31. The predetermined number of sheets to be used may be the predetermined number of sheets for the entire field or the predetermined number of sheets per unit area (for example, 10 ares).

[0096] In step #03, the control device C obtains the longitudinal dimension L2 of the seedling mat placed before being placed on the seedling stage 14 from the length obtaining unit 32. Figure 7 This dimension L2 is shown in. The dimension L2 is derived based on the dimension L1 of one sheet of the seedling mat and the number of sheets in the longitudinal direction of the seedling mat placed on the seedling stage 14. In the present embodiment, the seedling stage 14 is configured to be able to place two sheets of the seedling mat in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the dimension L2 is "dimension L1 × 2".

[0097] In step #04, the control device C obtains the actual longitudinal length L3 of the seedling mat placed on the seedling stage 14 from the length obtaining unit 32. Figure 7 This length L3 is shown in. A scale 14B is engraved along the longitudinal direction on the upper part of the seedling stage 14, so the length L3 is obtained based on this scale 14B.

[0098] In step #05, the control device C obtains the extrusion amount ΔL from the length obtaining unit 32. As Figure 7 shown, the length obtaining unit 32 obtains the extrusion amount ΔL when the seedling mat is placed on the seedling stage 14 based on the difference between the longitudinal dimension L2 of the seedling mat placed before being placed on the seedling stage 14 and the actual length L3 of the seedling mat placed on the seedling stage 14. That is, the extrusion amount ΔL is "dimension L2 - length L3".

[0099] In step #06, the control device C obtains the lateral feed amount (number of lateral feeds) of the lateral feed mechanism 22 detected by the lateral feed detection unit 34. This is because the amount of seedlings to be taken should be set differently according to the lateral feed amount.

[0100] Then, in step #07, the control device C calculates the amount of seedlings taken in the planting arm 15 based on the information obtained through the processing in steps #02 to #06. At this time, the seedling taking amount adjustment unit 30 makes an initial setting of the amount of seedlings taken in the planting arm 15.

[0101] When the amount of seedlings taken is initially set, the rice transplanter starts the rice transplanting operation. In the present embodiment, the measurement process for calculating the amount of seedlings required for the operation area starts after step #07 is completed. That is, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to start the measurement process related to the movement of the seedlings in response to the initial setting of the amount of seedlings taken in the planting arm 15 (a preset action for the seedling transplanting operation).

[0102] In step #08, the control device C determines whether the first seedling depletion sensor 23 has detected a seedling notification message. If the seedling taking amount was just initially set in step #07, the determination in step #08 is no, and if the rice transplanter's rice transplanting operation continues, the remaining amount of seedlings placed on the seedling stage 14 continuously decreases. Further, in the placement surface section 14a where the first seedling depletion sensor 23 is disposed, when the upper end position of the seedlings becomes below the first height position H1, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects a seedling notification message (step #08: yes). Figure 7 The longitudinal length L4 of the seedling mat is shown when the upper end position of the seedlings becomes below the first height position H1, causing the first seedling depletion sensor 23 to change from non-sensing of the seedling notification message to sensing of the seedling notification message. That is, the seedling notification message is information indicating that the longitudinal length of the remaining seedling mat (seedlings) on the seedling stage 14 has become equal to or less than a preset length L4 (first length).

[0103] The seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to: in response to the first seedling depletion sensor 23 sensing a seedling notification message indicating that the placement amount has decreased to below a preset threshold value (length L4) as information related to the placement amount of the seedling mat placed on the seedling stage 14, end the measurement process related to the movement of the seedlings, and calculate the number of seedling mats (seedling amount) required for the field.

[0104] At the timing when the determination of "yes" is achieved in step #08, when the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects the seedling notification message, the longitudinal length (first length) of the remaining seedling mat on the seedling stage 14 is Figure 7 the length L4 shown, which is known. Therefore, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 calculates the difference between the actual longitudinal length L3 of the seedling mat when the seedling taking amount was initially set and the longitudinal length L4 of the remaining seedling mat on the seedling stage 14 when the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects the seedling notification message. As Figure 7 shown, this difference is the length L5 of the consumed portion. In step #09, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 calculates the longitudinal length L5 of the consumed portion of the seedling mat.

[0105] In step #10, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 obtains from the longitudinal feed detection unit 33 the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 during the period from the start timing of the initial setting (measurement process start timing) of the seedling taking amount in the planting arm 15 in step #07 to the detection of the seedling notification message by the first seedling depletion sensor 23 in step #08 (step #08: yes, measurement process end timing).

[0106] Then, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 calculates the actual seedling taking quantity (actual seedling taking quantity) in the planting arm 15 based on the length L5 of the consumed portion in the longitudinal direction of the seedling mat and the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 during the period from when the above-mentioned length L3 (second length) is obtained until the first seedling depletion sensor 23 detects the seedling notification information (step #11). Since the longitudinal feed quantity per operation in the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 is preset, the calculated total longitudinal feed quantity of the seedling mat can be calculated by multiplying the longitudinal feed quantity per operation by the number of longitudinal feed operations.

[0107] When the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 is less than the length L5 of the consumed portion in the longitudinal direction of the seedling mat, the calculated total longitudinal feed quantity of the seedling mat is shorter than the length L5. When the calculated total longitudinal feed quantity of the seedling mat is shorter than the length L5, due to the softness of the seedling mat and easy squeezing, etc., the planting arm 15 will take out more seedlings than the target seedling taking quantity.

[0108] When the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 is more than the length L5 of the consumed portion in the longitudinal direction of the seedling mat, the calculated total longitudinal feed quantity of the seedling mat is longer than the length L5. When the calculated total longitudinal feed quantity of the seedling mat is longer than the length L5, due to the hardness of the seedling mat, etc., the planting arm 15 will take out slightly fewer seedlings than the target seedling taking quantity.

[0109] When the actual seedling taking quantity is calculated, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 calculates the difference (seedling deformation quantity) between the actual seedling taking quantity and the target seedling taking quantity, and calculates (step #12) the required seedling quantity (number of sheets of the seedling mat) for the work area based on this difference (seedling deformation quantity). The work area can be the entire field or a unit area (for example, 10 ares). That is, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 is configured to calculate the required seedling quantity (number of sheets of the seedling mat) for the work area based on the difference between the above-mentioned length L4 (first length) and the above-mentioned length L3 (second length) and the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit 33.

[0110] In this way, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 is configured to: in response to the first seedling depletion sensor 23 sensing the seedling notification information (the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings by the first seedling depletion sensor 23 has changed), based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit 33 during the period from the start of the measurement process until the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings has changed, calculate the difference between the actual seedling taking quantity and the target seedling taking quantity in the planting arm 15, that is, the seedling deformation quantity, and calculate the required seedling quantity (number of sheets of the seedling mat) for the work area based on the seedling deformation quantity.

[0111] As described above, in the present embodiment, the length acquisition unit 32 acquires the extrusion amount ΔL when the seedling mat is placed on the seedling placing table 14 based on the difference between the longitudinal dimension L2 of the seedling mat before being placed on the seedling placing table 14 and the actual length L3 of the seedling mat placed on the seedling placing table 14. Therefore, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to calculate the amount of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the working area by multiplying the difference between the above-mentioned first length and the second length by a coefficient based on the extrusion amount ΔL. That is, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to calculate the amount of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the working area based on the extrusion amount ΔL. Thus, compared with a structure in which the seedling amount calculation unit 35 does not calculate the amount of seedlings required for the working area based on the extrusion amount ΔL, the calculation accuracy of the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is improved. In this way, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to calculate the amount of seedlings required for the working area based on both the seedling deformation amount and the extrusion amount ΔL.

[0112] When the seedling amount calculation unit 35 calculates the amount of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the working area, the notification unit 26 notifies the operator or the like of the amount of seedlings required for the working area (step #13). Thus, the operator or the like can recognize the amount of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the working area.

[0113] 〔Linkage operating member for changing the lateral feed amount of the lateral feed mechanism〕

[0114] As Figure 8 shown, in the transplanter of the present embodiment, there is provided a linkage operating member 40 for changing the lateral feed amount of the lateral feed mechanism 22. The linkage operating member 40 includes a swing rod 41, a first rod 42, a bracket 43, and a second rod 44.

[0115] At the bottom of the seedling placing table 14, there is provided a support frame 14F, and the support frame 14F extends along the left-right direction of the machine body. The bracket 43 is fixed to the support frame 14F by bolts, and the swing rod 41 is supported by the bracket 43 via a pin so as to be swingable about a swing axis P2. That is, the swing rod 41 is supported by the support frame 14F via the bracket 43.

[0116] The portion of the swing rod 41 on the front side of the swing axis P2 is an operation portion that receives the manual operation of the operator. In addition, at the end of the swing rod 41 on the rear side of the swing axis P2, the first rod 42 is pivotally connected.

[0117] When the operator performs a swing operation on the swing lever 41, the first rod 42 is displaced to the left and right. The end of the first rod 42 on the opposite side of the side pivotally connected to the swing lever 41 is connected to the internal mechanism of the transmission mechanism 16. A lateral feed amount changing mechanism is built into the transmission mechanism 16. The lateral feed amount changing mechanism changes the lateral feed amount. The lateral feed amount is the speed of the reciprocating drive of the lateral feed mechanism 22. By displacing the first rod 42 to the left and right, the lateral feed amount changing mechanism inside the transmission mechanism 16 is operated in conjunction, and the lateral feed amount of the lateral feed mechanism 22 is changed. The link type operating member 40 is connected to the lateral feed amount changing mechanism, and accepts manual operation for changing the lateral feed amount of the lateral feed mechanism 22.

[0118] The structure of the lateral feed detection unit 34 for detecting the position of the swing lever 41 is described. The lateral feed detection unit 34 detects the lateral feed amount that is changed based on the operation of the link type operating member 40. The lateral feed detection unit 34 is connected to the swing lever 41 via the second rod 44. One end of the second rod 44 is pivotally connected to a portion between a portion of the swing lever 41 where the swing axis P2 is located and a portion connected to the first rod 42. That is, the second rod 44 is pivotally connected to a portion of the swing lever 41 that is closer to the swing axis P2 side of the swing lever 41 than the portion connected to the first rod 42. The other end of the second rod 44 is pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm connected to the input shaft of the potentiometer in the lateral feed detection unit 34. Therefore, when the swing lever 41 is swung, the potentiometer of the lateral feed detection unit 34 rotates in conjunction.

[0119] The distance D2 between the rotation axis P3 of the potentiometer in the lateral feed detection unit 34 and the connection portion of the second rod 44 is shorter than the distance D1 between the swing axis P2 in the swing lever 41 and the connection portion of the second rod 44. Therefore, when the swing lever 41 is swung, the potentiometer of the lateral feed detection unit 34 rotates at a larger angle than the swing of the swing lever 41. Thus, the operation amount of the swing lever 41 is amplified by the lateral feed detection unit 34. Therefore, even if the operation amount of the swing lever 41 is small, the lateral feed detection unit 34 can reliably detect the position of the swing lever 41.

[0120] The lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged on the opposite side of the transmission mechanism 16 side across the link type operating member 40. Specifically, the transmission mechanism 16 is arranged in the central area of ​​the machine body in the left-right direction, and the lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged in the area of ​​the machine body in the lateral direction outside relative to the transmission mechanism 16. The lateral feed mechanism 22 extends in the left-right direction of the machine body. The lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged in the area of ​​the machine body in the lateral direction outside relative to the end of the lateral feed mechanism 22 in the lateral direction outside.

[0121] In the left - right direction of the machine body, the lateral feed mechanism 22 is located between the swing rod 41 and the transmission mechanism 16. In addition, a land preparation rotating body 50 is provided in front of the swing rod 41, and in the left - right direction of the machine body, a lifting drive mechanism 51 for driving the land preparation rotating body 50 to lift is provided between the swing rod 41 and the transmission mechanism 16. Therefore, if the lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged between the swing rod 41 and the transmission mechanism 16, it is necessary to arrange the lateral feed detection unit 34 in a narrow space, and the operation of the operator when assembling the lateral feed detection unit 34 will become complicated. As Figure 8 shown, if the lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged on the opposite side of the transmission mechanism 16 across the link - type operating member 40, the lateral feed detection unit 34 can be assembled in a space larger than the space between the swing rod 41 and the transmission mechanism 16.

[0122] A fender 52 is assembled on the frame of the land preparation rotating body 50. Although Figure 8 not shown in the figure, the wheels 2 are located in front of the fender 52. The fender 52 blocks the mud splashed by the wheels 2 at the rear. And the lateral feed detection unit 34 is arranged behind the fender 52. The lateral feed detection unit 34 overlaps with the fender 52 when viewed from the front - rear direction of the machine body. Thus, the lateral feed detection unit 34 is not easily soiled by the mud splashed by the wheels 2. In addition, the lateral feed detection unit 34 is provided directly above the land preparation floating plate 13. Thus, the lateral feed detection unit 34 is not easily soiled by the mud from below.

[0123] 〔Other Embodiments〕

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the structures exemplified in the above - described embodiments. Hereinafter, representative other embodiments of the present invention are exemplified.

[0125] (1) In the above - described embodiment, the operator reads the upper end position of the seedlings on the seedling mat placed on the placement surface section 14a through the scale 14B and inputs the information of the scale 14B to the length acquisition unit 32. Not limited to this embodiment, for example, it may also be a structure in which the length acquisition unit 32 acquires the upper end position of the seedlings on the seedling mat placed on the placement surface section 14a through a ranging device such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0126] (2) In the above - described embodiment, the length acquisition unit 32 acquires the extrusion amount ΔL based on the difference between the longitudinal dimension L2 of the seedling mat before being placed on the seedling - loading table 14 and the actual length L3 of the seedling mat placed on the seedling - loading table 14. Not limited to this embodiment, it may also be a structure in which the length acquisition unit 32 does not acquire the extrusion amount ΔL. In this case, the control device C may also be a structure that does not perform the calculation process of the seedling - taking amount based on the extrusion amount ΔL.

[0127] (3) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it may also be configured such that the first seedling depletion sensors 23 are provided at two positions different in the vertical position in the same placement surface partition 14a. The distance by which the positions of the two first seedling depletion sensors 23 in the vertical direction are offset is known. When the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 is small, the calculated total longitudinal feed amount of the seedling mat is shorter than the distance by which the positions of the two first seedling depletion sensors 23 in the vertical direction are offset. In addition, when the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 is large, the calculated total longitudinal feed amount of the seedling mat is longer than the distance by which the positions of the two first seedling depletion sensors 23 in the vertical direction are offset. Therefore, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 may also be configured to calculate the amount of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the work area based on the number of longitudinal feed operations of the longitudinal feed mechanism 21 (the calculated total longitudinal feed amount of the seedling mat) from when the seedling notification information is detected by the upper first seedling depletion sensor 23 until the seedling notification information is detected by the lower first seedling depletion sensor 23. In this configuration, the actual length L3 (second length) of the seedling mat may also be obtained by the length acquisition unit 32.

[0128] (4) It may also be that the above-described seedling amount calculation unit 35 is not provided in the transplanter. For example, the amount of seedlings taken is calculated by a management computer or a portable terminal at a remote location, and a control signal is transmitted to the ECU of the transplanter via a wireless communication network. The portable terminal is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or the like.

[0129] (5) In addition to Figure 5 the embodiments shown, for example, as Figure 9 shown, it may also be configured such that when the actual amount of seedlings taken is calculated in step #11, the seedling amount adjustment unit 30 controls the seedling amount change mechanism 25 over time so that the actual amount of seedlings taken by the planting arm 15 approaches the target amount of seedlings taken (step #20). Figure 9 The steps #01 to #11 shown are the same as the steps Figure 5 shown. Since the planting arm 15 takes out seedlings from the lower end portion of the seedling stage 14, the actual amount of seedlings taken by the planting arm 15 is related to the distance between the planting arm 15 and the lower end portion of the seedling stage 14 when the planting arm 15 takes out the seedlings. Therefore, when the actual amount of seedlings taken is less than the target amount of seedlings taken, the seedling amount adjustment unit 30 controls the seedling amount change mechanism 25 so that the distance between the planting arm 15 and the lower end portion of the seedling stage 14 when the planting arm 15 takes out the seedlings becomes shorter. In addition, when the actual amount of seedlings taken is more than the target amount of seedlings taken, the seedling amount adjustment unit 30 controls the seedling amount change mechanism 25 so that the distance between the planting arm 15 and the lower end portion of the seedling stage 14 when the planting arm 15 takes out the seedlings becomes longer.

[0130] In Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, the seedling taking amount adjusting unit 30 is configured to adjust the seedling taking amount by including the lateral feed amount detected by the lateral feed detecting unit 34 in the calculation elements. That is to say, the seedling taking amount adjusting unit 30 is configured to adjust the seedling taking amount based on the lateral feed amount. In addition, in Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the seedling taking amount adjusting unit 30 is configured to adjust the seedling taking amount by including the number of sheets of the seedling mat obtained by the sheet number obtaining unit 31 in the calculation elements. That is to say, the seedling taking amount adjusting unit 30 is configured to adjust the seedling taking amount based on the number of sheets of the seedling mat.

[0131] That is to say, the seedling taking amount adjusting unit 30 may also have the following structure: in response to the change in the detection of the presence or absence of seedlings by the first seedling depletion sensor 23, the seedling taking amount of the planting arm 15 for taking out seedlings from the seedling mat is adjusted based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detecting unit 33. With this structure, it is possible to accurately plant the pre-prepared number of sheets of seedling mats in the field, reducing the possibility of insufficient or remaining seedling mats.

[0132] (6) The sensor unit 23C of the first seedling depletion sensor 23 becomes the detection state when the swing unit 23B is pressed by the seedling mat, and becomes the non-sensing state when the swing unit 23B swings upward without being pressed by the seedling mat. Without being limited to this embodiment, the sensor unit 23C of the first seedling depletion sensor 23 may also have the following structure: it becomes the non-detection state when the swing unit 23B is pressed by the seedling mat, and becomes the sensing state when the swing unit 23B swings upward without being pressed by the seedling mat. That is to say, the first seedling depletion sensor 23 (seedling sensing unit) may be a structure for sensing the presence or absence of seedlings placed on the seedling stage 14. And the seedling amount calculating unit 35 may be a structure that starts calculating the required seedling amount in the working area in response to the change in the detection of the presence or absence of seedlings by the first seedling depletion sensor 23 (seedling sensing unit).

[0133] (7) The first seedling depletion sensor 23 and the second seedling depletion sensor 24 are each not limited to a switch-type sensor. For example, each of the first seedling depletion sensor 23 and the second seedling depletion sensor 24 can also be a component that measures the length of the seedling mat by an optical ranging method such as a so-called Lidar, and can be a structure that senses the presence or absence of seedlings based on the measurement of the length. In addition, each of the first seedling depletion sensor 23 and the second seedling depletion sensor 24 can also be a weight sensor that detects the weight of the seedling mat, and can be a structure that senses the presence or absence of seedlings based on the detection of the weight. For example, it can also be a structure in which a weight sensor that detects the weight of the seedling mat senses information related to the amount of seedlings placed on the seedling stage 14 based on the weight. That is to say, the seedling sensing unit only needs to be a structure that senses the presence or absence of seedlings placed on the seedling stage 14. And the seedling amount calculation unit 35 only needs to be a structure that starts the calculation of the amount of seedlings required for the working area in response to a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings by the seedling sensing unit.

[0134] (8) The above-mentioned "amount of seedlings" may not be the number of sheets of the seedling mat. For example, it can be the weight of the seedlings, the total weight of the seedling mat, the total area of the seedling mat, or the total number of seedlings.

[0135] (9) In the above-described embodiment, a riding-type transplanter is exemplified as an example of a transplanting machine. Not limited to this embodiment, for example, the transplanting machine can also be a vegetable transplanter, a pot seedling transplanter, or a walking-type transplanter.

[0136] (10) In the above-described embodiment, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 is configured to start the measurement process related to the movement of the seedlings in response to the initial setting of the seedling taking amount in the planting arm 15 (an operation preset for the seedling transplanting operation). The "operation preset for the seedling transplanting operation" can also be, for example, after a specified time has elapsed since the start of the transplanting operation. For example, the seedling amount calculation unit 35 can also be configured to start the measurement process related to the movement of the seedlings in response to the elapse of a specified time since the start of the transplanting operation.

[0137] (11) In the above-described embodiment, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 is configured to: in response to the first seedling depletion sensor 23 sensing a seedling notification message (a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings by the first seedling depletion sensor 23), calculate the seedling deformation amount based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit 33 during the period from the start of the measurement process to the sensing of the seedling notification message (the change in the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings), and calculate the quantity of seedlings (number of sheets of the seedling mat) required for the working area based on the seedling deformation amount. Without being limited to this embodiment, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 may also be configured to: in response to the first seedling depletion sensor 23 sensing a seedling notification message (a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of seedlings by the first seedling depletion sensor 23), calculate the seedling deformation amount based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit 33 during the period from a specified timing after the start of the measurement process to the sensing of the seedling notification message, and calculate the quantity of seedlings required for the working area based on the seedling deformation amount.

[0138] (12) In the above-described embodiment, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 is configured to calculate the quantity of seedlings required for the working area. Without being limited to this embodiment, the seedling quantity calculation unit 35 may also be configured to calculate the quantity of seedlings required for a preset area. The "preset area" may be, for example, a specified area that an operator or the like can arbitrarily set in a field or the like through a terminal (work terminal, tablet computer, portable terminal, smart phone, etc.) carried by them.

[0139] It should be noted that the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiment (including other embodiments, the same hereinafter) can be combined and applied with the structures disclosed in other embodiments as long as there is no conflict.

[0140] In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

[0141] Industrial Applicability

[0142] The present invention can be applied to a seedling usage management system.

Claims

1. A rice seedling usage management system, which calculates the amount of rice seedlings used in a transplanter based on input rice seedling information and according to the work area, characterized in that: have: A seedling loading platform, equipped with the transplanter; A seedling sensing unit, sensing whether there are seedlings placed on the seedling placing platform; A rice seedling quantity calculation unit, which starts a measurement process related to the movement of the rice seedlings in response to a pre-set action for the transplanting operation of the rice seedlings, and ends the measurement process and calculates the rice seedling quantity required for the operation area in response to a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of the rice seedlings by the rice seedling sensing unit; as well as The notification unit notifies the required amount of the rice seedlings calculated by the rice seedling amount calculation unit.

2. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seedling sensing unit is a seedling sensor that senses information related to the amount of seedlings placed on the seedling placing platform. The rice seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the rice seedling amount required for the work area in response to the rice seedling sensor sensing rice seedling notification information indicating that the loading amount is reduced to or below a preset threshold value, which is information related to the loading amount.

3. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The information related to the loading amount includes information related to the length in the longitudinal direction of the seedlings loaded on the seedling loading platform. The seedling notification information is information indicating that the length of the seedling remaining on the seedling placing platform in the longitudinal direction has become less than a preset first length.

4. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transplanter includes: a planting mechanism for taking out the rice seedlings from the rice seedling loading platform and transplanting the rice seedlings to the field; The rice seedling usage management system includes a length acquisition unit capable of acquiring a second length which is an actual length in the longitudinal direction of a region where the rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling placing platform exist before the planting mechanism starts working.

5. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transplanter has: A longitudinal feeding mechanism is used to transport the rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling loading platform toward the planting mechanism along the longitudinal direction; and A longitudinal feed detection unit detects the movement of the longitudinal feed mechanism. The rice seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the rice seedling amount required for the work area based on a difference between the first length and the second length and a detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit.

6. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit is the number of longitudinal feeds performed by the longitudinal feed mechanism from the time when the second length is acquired by the length acquisition unit to the time when the rice seedling notification information is sensed by the rice seedling sensor.

7. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection result of the longitudinal feed detection section is the longitudinal feed amount of the longitudinal feed mechanism during a period from when the second length is acquired by the length acquisition section to when the rice seedling notification information is sensed by the rice seedling sensor.

8. The rice seedling usage management system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling placing platform are formed into a mat-shaped rice seedling mat. The length acquisition unit is configured to acquire the amount of squeezing of the seedling mat when it is placed on the seedling placing stand based on a difference between the length of the seedling mat in the longitudinal direction before being placed on the seedling placing stand and the second length.

9. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rice seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the rice seedling amount required for the work area based on the squeezing amount.

10. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transplanter has: A transplanting mechanism, which takes out the seedlings from the seedling carrier and transplants the seedlings to the field; A longitudinal feeding mechanism is used to longitudinally transport the rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling loading platform toward the planting mechanism; and A longitudinal feed detection unit detects the movement of the longitudinal feed mechanism. The seedling usage management system includes: a seedling amount adjustment unit, which adjusts the seedling amount of the planting mechanism that takes out the seedlings from the seedling loading platform based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit in response to the change in the sensing of the presence or absence of the seedlings by the seedling sensing unit.

11. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transplanter has: A transplanting mechanism, which takes out the seedlings from the seedling carrier and transplants the seedlings to the field; A longitudinal feeding mechanism is used to longitudinally transport the rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling loading platform toward the planting mechanism; and A longitudinal feed detection unit detects the movement of the longitudinal feed mechanism. The seedling quantity calculation unit is configured to: in response to a change in the sensing of the presence or absence of the seedlings by the seedling sensing unit, calculate the difference between the actual seedling quantity taken by the planting mechanism and the target seedling quantity, i.e., the seedling deformation amount, based on the detection result of the longitudinal feed detection unit from the beginning of the measurement process or after a specified timing to the change in the sensing of the seedlings, and calculate the seedling quantity based on the seedling deformation amount.

12. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling placing platform are formed into a mat-shaped rice seedling mat. The rice seedling usage management system comprises: a length acquisition unit, which can acquire the amount of squeezing of the seedling mat when it is placed on the rice seedling loading platform based on the difference between the longitudinal length of the seedling mat before it is placed on the rice seedling loading platform and the actual longitudinal length of the seedling mat placed on the rice seedling loading platform before the transplanting mechanism starts working, The rice seedling amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the rice seedling amount required for the work area or a preset area based on both the rice seedling deformation amount and the squeezing amount.

13. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: have: A lateral feeding mechanism, which drives the seedling loading platform back and forth in the left and right directions in linkage with the driving of the planting mechanism; and A lateral feed detection unit detects the speed of the lateral feed mechanism in reciprocating driving, that is, the lateral feed amount. The seedling removal amount adjustment unit is configured to adjust the seedling removal amount based on the lateral feed amount.

14. The rice seedling usage management system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rice seedlings placed on the rice seedling placing platform are formed into a mat-shaped rice seedling mat. The rice seedling usage management system includes a sheet number acquisition unit for acquiring the number of sheets of the rice seedling mats to be used in the field. The seedling removal amount adjustment unit is configured to adjust the seedling removal amount based on the number of the seedling mats.

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