Transplanting machine

Abstract

The invention provides a transplanting machine, which can easily carry out dismounting operation of a seedling raising pad relative to a seedling carrying platform. The transplanting machine is provided with a seedling raising pad pressing mechanism located above the seedling carrying table. The seedling raising pad pressing mechanism is configured to be capable of rotating by taking the upstream side of the conveying direction of the seedling raising pad on the seedling carrying table as a rotating center, so that the downstream side on the seedling carrying table can be opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transplanting machine. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a riding rice transplanter that uses a mat pressing body to press a mat placed on a seedling loading platform. The mat can be removed from the seedling loading platform by rotating the mat pressing body with its rear end serving as a rotation fulcrum.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-283016 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Regarding the structure of Patent Document 1, a rotation axis serving as the pivot point for the seedling mat pressing member is located near the lower end of the seedling loading platform. Consequently, it is difficult to ensure sufficient working space near the lower end of the seedling loading platform for attaching and detaching the seedling mat from the loading platform, potentially hindering installation and detachment of the seedling mat. In this regard, the structure of Patent Document 1 could be improved.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transplanter that can easily attach and detach a seedling raising mat to a seedling placing platform.

[0008] The transplanter involved in one aspect of the present invention has a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above the seedling loading platform, and the seedling mat pressing mechanism is configured to be able to rotate with the upstream side of the seedling mat on the seedling loading platform in the conveying direction as the rotation center, so that the downstream side of the seedling loading platform can be opened.

[0009] The transplanter involved in other inventions of the present invention is equipped with a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above the seedling loading platform, and the seedling mat pressing mechanism has: a seedling mat actuator, which presses the seedling mat on the seedling loading platform; and an actuator support part, which supports the seedling mat actuator so that it can move along the conveying direction of the seedling mat on the seedling loading platform.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the above configuration, the seedling raising mat can be easily attached to and detached from the seedling placing stand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a transplanter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2It is a side view of the planting part of the said transplanter.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a rear view of the seedling carrying device of the planting part observed from the rear.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a seedling mat pressing mechanism included in the transplanter.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the seedling raising mat acting body possessed by the seedling raising mat pressing mechanism.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a side view of the above-mentioned seedling raising mat actuator at a position where the seedling raising mat on the seedling placing platform is pressed.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the above-mentioned seedling raising mat pressing mechanism in a state where the actuator support portion is in an open position.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the seedling-raising mat pressing mechanism in an initial state of the operation of attaching the seedling-raising mat to the seedling-loading platform.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a side view showing the above-mentioned seedling raising mat pressing mechanism in an open state.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a side view showing the above-mentioned seedling raising mat pressing mechanism in a state of sliding on the upstream side.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a side view showing the above-mentioned seedling-raising mat pressing mechanism in a waiting state.

[0023] Figure 12 3. It is a side view showing the above-mentioned seedling raising mat pressing mechanism in a closed state.

[0024] Figure 13 It is a side view showing the seedling raising mat pressing mechanism in a downstream side sliding state.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a side view of the holding mechanism when holding the above-mentioned actuator support portion in the operating position.

[0026] Figure 15 It is a side view of the holding mechanism when holding the actuator support portion in the open position.

[0027] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the above-mentioned holding mechanism.

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 1…transplanter; 50…seedling mat pressing mechanism; 51…seedling mat actuator; 52…acting body supporting portion; 53…shaft portion (rotating shaft); 54…holding mechanism; 311…seedling loading platform; 512…connecting portion (sliding rod); 512a…front connecting portion (sliding rod); 512b…rear connecting portion (sliding rod); 5112a…pressing portion; 5112b…upstream connecting portion; 5112c…downstream connecting portion; 5211…guide (long hole); 5211a…acting body locking portion; 5211b…recessed portion; MT…seedling mat; P1…acting position; P2…open position; S1…conveying direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, for the convenience of description, the directions are defined in the following manner. First, the direction of travel of the traveling body 2 ( Figure 1 The left side in the figure is set as the front (front), and the opposite direction is set as the back (rear). In addition, the left side toward the travel direction of the traveling body 2 is called the left (left side), and the right side toward the travel direction is called the right (right side). In addition, the direction of gravity is set as the up and down direction, the upstream side is set as the up (above), and the downstream side is set as the down (below). In the accompanying drawings, as needed, the front is represented by the symbol "F", the back 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 top is represented by the symbol "U", and the bottom is represented by the symbol "D". In addition, the upstream side refers to the starting side when the direction is represented by the arrow, and the meaning is the same as the up-hand side. In addition, the downstream side refers to the end side when the direction is represented by the arrow, and the meaning is the same as the down-hand side.

[0031] <1. Overview of Transplanters>

[0032] Figure 1 It is a side view which shows the schematic structure of the transplanting machine 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is a side view of a planting unit 3 of a transplanter 1. The transplanter 1 of this embodiment is a vegetable (seedling) transplanter that plants seedlings of vegetables such as cabbage in soil. The transplanter 1 includes a traveling body 2 and a planting unit 3.

[0033] The traveling body 2 is supported by left and right front wheels 1a and left and right rear wheels 1b. An engine 1c, serving as a driving source, is mounted on the traveling body 2. The power output from the engine 1c is transmitted to the driven components via a transmission unit 1d. The driven components include the planting component 3, described later, in addition to the front and rear wheels 1a, 1b. Therefore, the transmission unit 1d includes a PTO (Power Take Off) shaft for driving the planting component 3.

[0034] The traveling machine 2 includes a seat 2a for the operator, an operating unit 2b for the operator, and a preliminary placement unit 2c for placing a prepared seedling mat. The operating unit 2b includes a steering wheel for controlling the direction of travel, a gear lever for controlling the travel speed, and a working lever for operating the planting unit 3.

[0035] The communication unit 2d is disposed above the preliminary placement portion 2c and is configured to acquire the position information of the vehicle by receiving radio signals transmitted from positioning satellites and to perform wireless communication with an external remote monitoring device.

[0036] The planting section 3 is connected to the rear of the traveling body 2 in a freely raise-lowerable 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 (not shown). The upper link 41 and the lower link 42 connect the traveling body 2 and the planting section 3. The lifting cylinder is connected to the lower link 42. For example, by operating the operating portion 2b (working lever), the lifting cylinder 43 is extended and retracted, causing the lower link 42 to rotate and the upper link 41 to rotate. In this way, the planting section 3 can be raised and lowered relative to the traveling body 2.

[0037] The planting section 3 includes a seedling placing device 31 and a seedling planting mechanism 32. The seedling planting mechanism 32 rakes up one seedling from the seedling raising mat placed on the seedling placing device 31 and plants the rake up seedling in the soil (ridge).

[0038] Figure 3 The seedling carrying device 31 is a rear view viewed from behind. The seedling carrying device 31 drives the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 to carry the seedling raising mat MT (see FIG. Figure 4 ) is transported downward. The transplanter 1 of this embodiment is constructed as follows: 7 seedling loading platforms 311 for one ridge that can carry the seedling mat MT corresponding to one ridge are arranged in the left-right direction, wherein four seedling loading platforms 311 arranged at intervals are used to plant four ridges of seedlings. In addition, the seedling loading platforms 311 used for planting seedlings (the number used) can be appropriately selected according to the number of ridges of planted seedlings, the type of planted seedlings, etc. The transplanter 1 of this embodiment (especially the seedling loading device 31) is equipped with a seedling mat pressing mechanism 50, which will be described in detail later.

[0039] use Figure 2The longitudinal conveying mechanism 313 shown drives the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 for longitudinal conveying. The longitudinal conveying mechanism 313 longitudinally conveys the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 in units of one plant (one ridge) at the timing when the raking of one ridge of seedlings in the left and right directions from the seedling mat MT by the seedling planting mechanism 32 is completed. As a result, the seedling planting mechanism 32 can rake a ridge of seedlings from the seedling mat MT. In addition, the seedling loading platform 311 is driven for transverse conveying by the transverse conveying mechanism 314. After the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 longitudinally conveys the seedling mat MT, the transverse conveying mechanism 314 transversely conveys the seedling loading platform 311 to either side. In particular, each time the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 longitudinally conveys the seedling mat MT (each time the raking of one ridge of seedlings from the seedling mat MT is completed), the transverse conveying mechanism 314 reverses the transverse conveying direction of the seedling loading platform 311. Thereby, the rice seedling planting mechanism 32 can carry out the raking of the rice seedlings of the next ridge continuously after finishing raking of the rice seedlings of one ridge from the seedling raising mat MT.

[0040] The lateral conveying mechanism 314 has a drive shaft (lateral conveying shaft) for lateral conveying the seedling loading platform 311. The lateral conveying shaft is driven by power transmitted from the engine 1c via the PTO shaft. A driving cam 314a is mounted on the lateral conveying shaft. The driving cam 314a rotates simultaneously with the rotation of the lateral conveying shaft.

[0041] The longitudinal transport mechanism 313 includes a drive shaft (longitudinal transport shaft) that drives the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 for longitudinal transport, and a rotating shaft for rotating the longitudinal transport shaft. A driven cam 313a is attached to the rotating shaft. The driven cam 313a contacts the drive cam 314a of the transverse transport mechanism 314 at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing refers to the time at which the raking of seedlings from the seedling mat MT for a row of seedlings is completed.

[0042] By rotating the transverse conveying shaft, the driving cam 314a and the driven cam 313a are brought into contact at the above-specified timing. If the rotating shaft and the driven cam 313a are rotated together at a specified angle, the power generated by the rotation of the rotating shaft is transmitted to the longitudinal conveying shaft via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). Thus, the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 is driven for longitudinal conveying at the above-specified timing. If the contact between the driving cam 314a and the driven cam 313a is released, the driven cam 313a rotates in the opposite direction due to the force of the force-applying member (not shown) and returns to its initial position before rotation. In addition, the power transmission mechanism mentioned above is configured to include, for example, gears, belts, chains, etc., but it can be set as needed. That is, it can be formed as follows: the power of the rotating shaft to which the driven cam 313a is installed is directly transmitted (without providing a power transmission mechanism) to the longitudinal conveying shaft.

[0043] The rice seedling planting mechanism 32 is provided corresponding to the seedling loading platform 311 used. In this embodiment, the rice seedling planting mechanism 32 is provided with four seedling loading platforms 311 used in the left and right directions (see Figure 3 ).

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each seedling planting mechanism 32 includes a rotating box 321. The rotating box 321 is rotatably supported by a power transmission box 33b extending in the left-right direction. A planting unit 322 having a planting claw is pivotally supported at a position radially offset from the rotation axis of the rotating box 321. In this embodiment, the number of planting units 322 supported by a single rotating box 321 is one, but multiple (e.g., two) may be used.

[0045] The power transmission box 33b is fixed to the planting box 33a extending in the front-back direction. The planting box 33a is fixed to the planting frame 33 (see Figure 2 In this embodiment, two planting boxes 33a are provided in the left and right directions. The power transmission boxes 33b of the two seedling planting mechanisms 32 are fixed to opposite sides of the left planting box 33a. Furthermore, the power transmission boxes 33b of the two seedling planting mechanisms 32 are also fixed to opposite sides of the right planting box 33a.

[0046] Each seedling planting mechanism 32 is driven by power extracted from the PTO shaft. More specifically, when power is transmitted from the PTO shaft via the power transmission shaft within the planting box 33a and the power transmission box 33b to the rotating shaft of the rotary box 321 of each seedling planting mechanism 32, the rotary box 321 rotates. This causes the planting claws of the planting unit 322, which is pivotally supported by the rotary box 321, to sequentially rake the seedlings one by one from the seedling mat MT and plant them in the ridges.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, the planting depth adjustment mechanism 35 and the furrow opener 36 are supported on the planting frame 33 of the planting part 3. The planting depth adjustment mechanism 35 is a mechanism for adjusting the planting depth of the seedlings relative to the surface of the soil (for example, the upper surface of the ridge). For example, if the planting depth adjustment rod 351 of the planting depth adjustment mechanism 35 is rotated upward, the lifting sensor 353 is raised with the help of the connecting rod mechanism 352. In this case, the seedling planting mechanism 32 is relatively lowered relative to the position of the lifting sensor 353 in contact with the surface of the soil. Therefore, the seedling planting mechanism 32 performs deep planting of the seedlings. On the contrary, if the planting depth adjustment rod 351 is rotated downward, the lifting sensor 353 is lowered with the help of the connecting rod mechanism 352. In this case, the seedling planting mechanism 32 is relatively raised relative to the position of the lifting sensor 353. Therefore, the seedling planting mechanism 32 performs shallow planting of the seedlings.

[0048] The furrow opener 36 cuts a portion of the soil (ridge) as the traveling body 2 travels and creates furrows for planting the rice seedlings in the soil before planting the rice seedlings. Thus, the rice seedlings can be easily planted in the soil even in dry fields with hard soil.

[0049] The covering wheel 37 is supported on the planting frame 33 via the auxiliary frame 33c. A pair of covering wheels 37 are provided on the left and right sides of one seedling planting mechanism 32 (see Figure 3 ). The covering wheel 37 presses the soil on the right and left sides of the seedlings planted in the ridge by the seedling planting mechanism 32 from above. As a result, the soil around the planted seedlings is reinforced to suppress the seedlings from falling over.

[0050] <2. Details of the Seedling Mat Pressing Mechanism>

[0051] Next, the details of the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 of the seedling loading device 31 will be described. In addition, for convenience, the following description will focus on the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 supported by the seedling loading platform 311 located on the leftmost side of the four seedling loading platforms 311, but the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 supported by the other seedling loading platforms 311 also has the same structure.

[0052] Figure 4It is a three-dimensional view of the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50. The seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 is located above the seedling loading platform 311. The seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 is provided to press the seedling mat MT when the seedling mat MT is placed on the seedling loading platform 311. The seedling mat MT placed on the seedling loading platform 311 is longitudinally transported by the longitudinal conveyor belt 312. In addition, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the seedling mat MT is longitudinally transported on the seedling loading platform 311, that is, the direction in which the seedling mat MT moves from the upper end side of the seedling loading platform 311 toward the lower end side, is also referred to as the transport direction S1. In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise stated, when only the upstream side or downstream side is mentioned, it refers to the upstream side or downstream side of the transport direction S1.

[0053] The seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 includes a mat actuator 51 and an actuator support 52. The mat actuator 51 is a structure that presses the mat on the seedling loading platform 311. The actuator support 52 is a sliding guide that supports the mat actuator 51 so that it can move between the upstream and downstream sides in the conveying direction S1. First, the mat actuator 51 will be described.

[0054] (2-1. Seedling mat function)

[0055] Figure 5 5 is a perspective view of a seedling raising mat actuator 51. The seedling raising mat actuator 51 is formed by connecting a pair of individual actuators 511 arranged in the left-right direction via a connecting portion 512. A more detailed description is as follows.

[0056] Each individual actuator 511 includes an upper extension portion 5111, a lower extension portion 5112, and a connecting member 5113. The upper extension portion 5111 is formed of, for example, a thin plate-like member and extends in the conveying direction S1. Alternatively, the upper extension portion 5111 may be formed of a rod-like member extending in the conveying direction S1.

[0057] The lower extension portion 5112 is located further below the upper extension portion 5111, that is, on the seedling loading platform 311 side. The lower extension portion 5112 is formed, for example, by bending a relatively thin rod-shaped body, and is formed as a whole to extend along the conveying direction S1. More specifically, the lower extension portion 5112 includes a pressing portion 5112a, an upstream connecting portion 5112b, and a downstream connecting portion 5112c. In other words, the seedling raising mat actuator 51 includes a pressing portion 5112a, an upstream connecting portion 5112b, and a downstream connecting portion 5112c.

[0058] The pressing portion 5112a extends along the conveying direction S1 and presses the seedling raising mat MT against the seedling loading platform 311. The upstream connecting portion 5112b is located upstream of the pressing portion 5112a in the conveying direction S1 and is connected to the pressing portion 5112a. The downstream connecting portion 5112c is located downstream of the pressing portion 5112a in the conveying direction S1 and is connected to the pressing portion 5112a.

[0059] The connecting member 5113 is formed of, for example, a relatively thin rod-shaped body, and connects the upper extension portion 5111 and the lower extension portion 5112 of each individual actuator 511. The connecting member 5113 and the upper extension portion 5111 are connected, for example, by welding. Furthermore, the connecting member 5113 and the lower extension portion 5112 are also connected, for example, by welding.

[0060] In particular, the connecting member 5113 includes a first connecting member 5113a and a second connecting member 5113b. The first connecting member 5113a connects the upstream end of the upper extension portion 5111 in the conveying direction S1 to the lower extension portion 5112 (particularly the upstream connecting portion 5112b). The second connecting member 5113b connects the downstream end of the upper extension portion 5111 in the conveying direction S1 to the lower extension portion 5112 (particularly the downstream connecting portion 5112c). In this embodiment, the distance between the first connecting member 5113a and the second connecting member 5113b increases as it moves from the upper extension portion 5111 side toward the lower extension portion 5112 side. Furthermore, the above-mentioned distance may be constant or may decrease as it moves from the upper extension portion 5111 side toward the lower extension portion 5112 side.

[0061] The connecting portion 512 includes a front connecting portion 512a and a rear connecting portion 512b. The front connecting portion 512a connects the upstream ends of the left and right upper extension portions 5111 to each other by welding or the like. The rear connecting portion 512b connects the downstream ends of the left and right upper extension portions 5111 to each other by welding or the like. The connecting portion 512 is inserted into the guide member 5211 (see FIG. 1 ) described later of the actuator support portion 52. Figure 4 ). Thus, the connecting portion 512 constitutes a sliding rod supported by the guide 5211 and movable along the guide 5211. A stopper 512P is provided at the left and right ends of the connecting portion 512 to prevent the connecting portion 512 from falling off the guide 5211.

[0062] Figure 6This is a side view of the seedling mat actuator 51 when it is in a position to press the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311. As shown in the figure, the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 is an endless belt, which is stretched and stretched by the driving roller 3121 and the driven roller 3122. The driving roller 3121 is coaxially arranged with the aforementioned longitudinal conveying shaft. The longitudinal conveyor belt 312 is wrapped around a portion of the seedling loading platform 311 (formed in the opening of the seedling loading platform 311) so as to be exposed (see FIG. Figure 3 ). Horizontal beams 312a serving as protrusions extending in the left-right direction are formed on the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 at predetermined intervals in the belt traveling direction (conveying direction S1).

[0063] Meanwhile, grooves G are formed on the back side of the seedling raising mat MT, extending in the left-right direction, that is, on the side of the seedling raising mat MT that contacts the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 (seedling loading platform 311). The grooves G are formed in the transport direction S1 of the seedling raising mat MT at the same pitch as the pitch of the crossbars 312a of the longitudinal conveyor belt 312. The grooves G of the seedling raising mat MT engage with the crossbars 312a of the longitudinal conveyor belt 312, conveying the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 longitudinally, thereby conveying the seedling raising mat MT in the transport direction S1.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the seedling mat MT is placed on the seedling loading platform 311, the seedling mat MT is basically inserted from the upstream side of the conveying direction S1 relative to the seedling loading platform 311. However, in order to use the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 to longitudinally convey the seedling mat MT, it is necessary to fit the groove G of the seedling mat MT and the crossbeam 312a of the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 and lock it. Therefore, when the seedling mat MT is placed on the seedling loading platform 311, the seedling mat actuator 51 avoids the pressing position of the seedling mat MT only when the first seedling mat MT is placed, thereby opening the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. Moreover, after the first seedling mat MT is placed so that the groove G fits with the crossbeam 312a of the longitudinal conveyor belt 312, the seedling mat actuator 51 is returned to the pressing position of the seedling mat MT. The second and subsequent seedling mats MT are inserted from the upstream side of the seedling platform 311 in the conveying direction S1 and brought into contact with the rear end (upstream end) of the preceding seedling mat MT. This allows the groove G on the back of the succeeding seedling mat MT to engage with the crossbeam 312a of the longitudinal conveyor 312, allowing the succeeding seedling mat MT to be continuously conveyed (longitudinally conveyed) relative to the preceding seedling mat MT. Furthermore, as a method for causing the seedling mat actuator 51 to avoid the pressing position when the first seedling mat MT is placed, for example, at least one of the rotation of the actuator support 52 and the sliding of the seedling mat actuator 51 can be considered. This will be described in detail later.

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, when the pressing portion 5112a is in a position to press the seedling raising mat MT, the upstream connecting portion 5112b and the downstream connecting portion 5112c are located at positions farther away from the seedling loading platform 311 than the pressing portion 5112a in the lower extension portion 5112 of the seedling raising mat actuator 51. Specifically, if the distance between the pressing portion 5112a and the seedling loading platform 311 when the seedling raising mat actuator 51 is in a position to press the seedling raising mat MT placed on the seedling loading platform 311 is d1 (mm), the minimum distance between the upstream connecting portion 5112b and the seedling loading platform 311 is d2 (mm), and the minimum distance between the downstream connecting portion 5112c and the seedling loading platform 311 is d3 (mm), then d2>d1, and d3>d1.

[0066] Regarding this structure, the pressing portion 5112a is used to suppress the seedling mat MT from floating up from the seedling loading platform 311. In addition, when the first seedling mat MT moves in the conveying direction S1, the second seedling mat MT inserted from the upstream side on the seedling loading platform 311 can move toward the downstream side through the gap between the seedling loading platform 311 and the upstream side connecting portion 5112b. As a result, the end (downstream side end) of the second seedling mat MT can be brought into contact with the rear end (upstream side end) of the first seedling mat MT. Therefore, the first seedling mat MT and the second seedling mat MT can be continuously conveyed (longitudinal conveyance). Therefore, even if the raking of the seedlings from the first seedling mat MT is completed, the raking of the seedlings from the second seedling mat MT can be continued (without interruption).

[0067] Furthermore, even when the final seedling raising mat MT is moving in the conveying direction S1 and the crossbeam 312a of the longitudinal conveyor 312 is released from locking the groove G, the final seedling raising mat MT (corresponding to the upstream ridge) can pass through the gap between the seedling loading platform 311 and the downstream connecting portion 5112c and move further downstream due to its own weight. Thus, the rice seedlings can be raked from the seedling raising mat MT after it has separated from the longitudinal conveyor 312.

[0068] In addition, the lower extension portion 5112 is not limited to any shape as long as it satisfies the conditions of d2>d1 and d3>d1. Figure 6 For example, the upstream connecting portion 5112b may extend in a straight line in an oblique direction away from the seedling loading platform 311 as it moves further upstream from the upstream end of the pressing portion 5112a. Similarly, the downstream connecting portion 5112c may extend in a straight line in an oblique direction away from the seedling loading platform 311 as it moves further downstream from the downstream end of the pressing portion 5112a.

[0069] (2-2. Actuator Supporting Section)

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the actuator support portion 52 includes a pair of left and right guide plates 521 and a guide plate connecting portion 522. Each guide plate 521 is formed of a plate-shaped member extending in the conveying direction S1. The guide plate connecting portion 522 is formed of a plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. The guide plate connecting portion 522 connects the upstream ends of the guide plates 521 to each other in the left-right direction.

[0071] A guide 5211 is provided on each guide plate 521. The guide 5211 is formed of a long hole extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction S1. That is, the actuator support portion 52 includes the guide 5211.

[0072] The actuator locking portion 5211a is provided at the upstream end of the guide 5211. The actuator locking portion 5211a is provided at the upstream end of the guide 5211. When the actuator 51 of the seedling raising mat is located at the (most) upstream side in the conveying direction S1, the actuator locking portion 5211a is provided at the upstream end of the guide 5211. Figure 5 The connecting portion 512 (particularly the front connecting portion 512a) shown is locked. This actuator locking portion 5211a is formed by a recess 5211b. The connecting portion 512 (front connecting portion 512a) as a sliding rod is embedded in the recess 5211b so that the seedling mat actuator 51 is locked at a predetermined position on the upstream side of the conveying direction S1. In addition, when the seedling mat actuator 51 is located at the most downstream side of the conveying direction S1, the rear connecting portion 512b of the connecting portion 512 is maintained in a state of abutting against the downstream end of the guide 5211 due to the deadweight of the seedling mat actuator 51. Therefore, a recessed portion such as the recess 5211b for locking the rear connecting portion 512b is not formed at the downstream end of the guide 5211.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the actuator support portion 52 further includes a shaft portion 53. The shaft portion 53 is formed of a rod-shaped body extending in the horizontal direction. The shaft portion 53 is fixed to the support column 311P. The support columns 311P are respectively provided upright on the partitions 311L and 311R located on the left and right sides of the seedling loading platform 311. The upper ends of the support columns 311P arranged in the horizontal direction are connected to a common frame 311Q that spans above the multiple seedling loading platforms 311 arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0074] The shaft 53 is provided so as to extend through a pair of left and right guide plates 521. Each guide plate 521 is rotatable about the shaft 53. Specifically, the actuator support 52, which includes each guide plate 521, is arranged so as to pass through the shaft 53 (rotation axis) as the center of rotation and to be rotatable about the shaft 53.

[0075] The seedling mat body 51 slides along the guide member 5211. Figure 4In this way, the seedling mat MT is pressed in a state where it is located on the (most) downstream side in the conveying direction S1. At this time, the shaft portion 53 serving as the rotation axis is located at a position that is closer to the upstream side in the conveying direction S1 than the above-mentioned position of the seedling mat actuator 51 when the seedling mat MT is pressed. As a result, the actuator support portion 52 can rotate with the shaft portion 53 as the rotation center to open the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. Therefore, the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 having the actuator support portion 52 can be said to be configured to be able to rotate with the upstream side in the conveying direction S1 of the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311 as the rotation center, so that the downstream side on the seedling loading platform 311 can be opened.

[0076] Here, the position of the actuator support portion 52 when the mat actuator 51 presses the mat MT is defined as the action position P1. Figure 4 In addition, the actuator support portion 52 is rotated so that the position where the raising mat actuator 51 is further away from the seedling loading platform 311 than the action position P1 is set as the open position P2. Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of the seedling raising mat pressing mechanism 50 in a state where the actuator support portion 52 is in the open position P2. Figure 4 The action position P1 shown is Figure 7 The open position P2 shown is rotated around the shaft 53 (rotation axis).

[0077] (2-3. Installation order of seedling mat)

[0078] Figures 8 to 13 311 is a side view showing the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 at each stage of the operation of installing the first seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311. In addition, in the above drawings, for the purpose of clarifying the position of the seedling mat actuator 51, the partition plate 311L on the left side of the seedling loading platform 311 is omitted for convenience (see FIG. Figure 4 、 Figure 7 ), and the support bracket 545L fixed to the left side of the seedling loading platform 311 (refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 7 ) icon.

[0079] The seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 goes through the initial state in sequence when the seedling mat MT is installed on the seedling loading platform 311 (refer to Figure 8 ), open state (refer to Figure 9 ), upstream side sliding state (refer to Figure 10 ), waiting state (refer to Figure 11 ), closed state (refer to Figure 12 ) and downstream sliding state (refer to Figure 13 ).

[0080] That is, in Figure 8 In the initial state, the seedling mat acting body 51 is maintained by its own weight so that the rear side connecting portion 512b (refer to Figure 5 ) is in contact with the downstream end of the guide 5211. The position of the actuator support portion 52 at this time is the same as the position when the seedling mat actuator 51 presses the seedling mat MT on the seedling platform 311, that is, Figure 4 The shown action position P1 is identical.

[0081] If the operator from Figure 8 In the state of holding the switching lever 541 of the holding mechanism 54 described later and pulling it upward, Figure 9 As shown, the actuator support portion 52 rotates in a direction such that the downstream side (the connection side relative to the switching lever 541) is away from the seedling loading platform 311, with the shaft portion 53 on the upstream side as the center. In addition, the seedling mat actuator 51 (especially the connection portion 512) is supported by the guide 5211 of the actuator support portion 52. Therefore, while the actuator support portion 52 rotates, the seedling mat actuator 51 also rotates in a direction such that the downstream side is away from the seedling loading platform 311. Thus, on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311, space is ensured between the seedling loading platform 311 and the seedling mat actuator 51. That is, the downstream side on the seedling loading platform 311 is open. At this time, the position of the actuator support portion 52 is the same as Figure 7 The open position P2 shown is identical.

[0082] Next, if Figure 10 As shown, the operator slides the seedling raising mat actuator 51 toward the upstream side along the guide 5211. The front side connecting portion 512a (see Figure 5 ) enters the actuator locking portion 5211a (recess 5211b) located at the upstream end of the guide member 5211 and holds the seedling raising mat actuator 51 on the upstream side.

[0083] exist Figure 10 In the state, the seedling mat actuator 51 does not exist on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. Therefore, the space between the seedling loading platform 311 and the actuator support portion 52 is further expanded on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. That is, the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311 ensures a larger space than the downstream side. Figure 9 In this state, the operator places the seedling raising mat MT on the downstream side of the seedling carrying platform 311 (refer to Figure 11 ). At this time, if Figure 6 As shown, the seedling raising mat MT is placed so that the groove G on the back side of the seedling raising mat MT is fitted with the horizontal beam 312a of the vertical conveyor 312 exposed on the seedling placing platform 311.

[0084] Next, the operator holds the switching lever 541 and presses it diagonally downward. Figure 12 As shown, the actuator support portion 52 rotates about the upstream shaft portion 53 in a direction such that the downstream side approaches the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, the actuator support portion 52 is closed. The position of the actuator support portion 52 at this time is the same as the action position P1.

[0085] Next, the operator releases the locking of the front connecting portion 512a of the seedling-raising mat actuator 51 and the actuator locking portion 5211a, thereby sliding the seedling-raising mat actuator 51 toward the downstream side along the guide 5211. In addition, the locking of the front connecting portion 512a can be easily released by slightly raising the front connecting portion 512a and disengaging it from the recessed portion 5211b.

[0086] As described above, the lower extension 5112 is entirely composed of a thin rod-shaped member extending in the transport direction S1. Therefore, when the mat actuator 51 is slid downstream, the lower extension 5112 separates the branches and leaves of the rice seedlings on the mat MT in the left-right direction. This reduces the chance of the lower extension 5112 biting into the branches and leaves, and allows the mat actuator 51 to slide downstream.

[0087] If the seedling raising mat actuator 51 is slid to the downstream side and the rear side connecting portion 512b is brought into contact with the downstream side end portion of the guide 5211, the seedling raising mat actuator 51 is turned to Figure 13 The position of the seedling mat acting body 51 at this time is Figure 8 The same position as the initial state. Figure 13 In the state, the seedling raising mat MT on the seedling placing platform 311 is pressed by the pressing portion 5112a of the seedling raising mat actuator 51.

[0088] As above, the installation operation of the first seedling raising mat MT to the seedling carrying platform 311 is completed. In addition, for example, after the planting operation is completed, when the remaining seedling raising mat MT is removed from the seedling carrying platform 311, the order inverse to the above order can be performed.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 having the seedling mat actuator 51 and the actuator support 52 is rotated around the shaft 53 on the upstream side, thereby opening the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, a larger working space for installing or removing the seedling mat MT can be ensured on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, the seedling mat MT can be easily installed and removed from the seedling loading platform 311. For example, when installing and removing the seedling mat MT from the seedling loading platform 311, the engagement and release of the crossbeam 312a of the longitudinal conveyor belt 312 and the groove G on the back side of the seedling mat MT are facilitated.

[0090] As in the present embodiment, in order to open the downstream side on the seedling placing stand 311, it is preferable that the actuator support portion 52 of the seedling raising mat pressing mechanism 50 is arranged to pass through the shaft portion 53 on the upstream side as the rotation axis.

[0091] In addition, in order to reliably open the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , it is preferable that the shaft portion 53 serving as the rotation axis is located upstream of the position of the seedling raising mat actuator 51 when the seedling raising mat MT is pressed.

[0092] From the viewpoint of reliably ensuring the working space for attaching or detaching the seedling raising mat MT on the downstream side of the seedling placing platform 311, it is preferable that the actuator support portion 52 can be positioned at the action position P1 (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ) and open position P2 (refer to Figure 7 ) between the two.

[0093] In order to ensure that the seedling raising mat actuator 51 can slide in the conveying direction S1 , it is preferable that the seedling raising mat actuator 51 has a connecting portion 512 movable along the guide 5211 of the actuator support portion 52 .

[0094] exist Figure 11 In order to ensure the operator's time to install the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311 in the waiting state, it is preferable to be able to hold the seedling mat actuator 51 at the upstream position. In this regard, as in the present embodiment, the guide 5211 preferably has an actuator locking portion 5211a that locks the connecting portion 512 at a predetermined position on the upstream side (for example, the most upstream position).

[0095] From the viewpoint of realizing the actuator locking portion 5211 a with a simple structure, it is preferable that the actuator locking portion 5211 a is formed by a recessed portion 5211 b into which the connecting portion 512 is fitted.

[0096] As described above, the state of the seedling raising mat pressing mechanism 50 is adjusted according to the Figures 8 to 13 The example of installing the seedling mat MT on the seedling platform 311 by changing the order of the seedling mat MT is described, but it is not limited to this example. Figure 8 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 The order of the raising mat MT is installed on the seedling loading platform 311. That is, the raising mat MT can be installed on the seedling loading platform 311 by sliding the raising mat actuator 51 without rotating the raising mat pressing mechanism 50.

[0097] Even if the position of the actuator support 52 is constant (even if the actuator support 52 is not rotated), by sliding the seedling mat actuator 51 toward the upstream side, a larger space for the seedling mat actuator 51 is cleared on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311, space for mounting the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311 can be ensured between the seedling loading platform 311 and the actuator support 52. The same applies to the removal of the seedling mat MT from the seedling loading platform 311 after the planting operation is completed. That is, by sliding the seedling mat actuator 51 toward the upstream side, space for removing the seedling mat MT from the seedling loading platform 311 can be ensured between the seedling loading platform 311 and the actuator support 52 on the downstream side of the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, the seedling mat MT can be easily attached and detached from the seedling loading platform 311.

[0098] As described above, the transplanter 1 of this embodiment can be said to have the following structure. Specifically, the transplanter 1 of this embodiment is a transplanter having a seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 located above the seedling loading platform 311. The seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 includes a seedling mat actuator 51 that presses the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311, and an actuator support 52 that supports the seedling mat actuator 51 so that it can move along the transport direction S1 of the seedling mat MT on the seedling loading platform 311.

[0099] Of course, the actuator support portion 52 can also be formed to be rotatable as in the present embodiment. That is, the seedling mat pressing mechanism 50 can be configured to be rotatable with the upstream side of the conveying direction S1 as the rotation center, so that the downstream side on the seedling loading platform 311 can be opened. In addition, the actuator support portion 52 can be formed to be able to rotate at the action position P1 (refer to Figure 4 ) and open position P2 (refer to Figure 7 ) between the two.

[0100] (2-4. Holding mechanism)

[0101] The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism 50 of this embodiment further includes a holding mechanism 54. The holding mechanism 54 holds the actuator support portion 52 at the operating position P1 and the open position P2. The holding mechanism 54 is provided on the downstream side of the actuator support portion 52.

[0102] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is a side view of the retaining mechanism 54. In particular, Figure 14 The holding mechanism 54 is shown to hold the actuator support portion 52 at the operating position P1. Figure 15 The holding mechanism 54 is shown to hold the actuator support portion 52 in the open position P2. Figure 14 and Figure 15 Zhongyu Figure 10Similarly, the illustration of the left partition plate 311L and the left support bracket 545L of the seedling loading stand 311 is omitted for convenience.

[0103] The holding mechanism 54 includes a switching lever 541. The base end of the switching lever 541, opposite the grip portion 541a at the distal end, is rotatably connected to one end of a lever connecting portion 542. The switching lever 541 is curved midway between the grip portion 541a and the base end. A rotation axis passing through the base end of the switching lever 541 and one end of the lever connecting portion 542 is referred to as a first axis 542a.

[0104] The lever connecting portion 542 is U-shaped and sandwiches the base end of the switching lever 541 from the left and right directions (see Figure 16 Specifically, the rod connecting portion 542 is configured to include a pair of opposing wall portions 542P and a bottom portion 542Q connecting the ends of the pair of wall portions 542P. The pair of wall portions 542P sandwich the base end of the switching lever 541 from the left and right directions. The bottom portion 542Q of the rod connecting portion 542 is located downstream of the first shaft 542a in the conveying direction S1. The U-shaped rod connecting portion 542 is open on the side opposite the bottom portion 542Q relative to the first shaft 542a, and the switching lever 541 passes through this open space.

[0105] The other end of the rod connecting portion 542, that is, the end on the side opposite to the connection side of the rod connecting portion 542 and the switching lever 541, is rotatably connected to one end of the support stay 543. The rotation axis passing through the other end of the rod connecting portion 542 and the one end of the support stay 543 is referred to as the second axis 542b.

[0106] The support stay 543 is fixed to the support frame 544 by welding or the like. The support frame 544 extends in the left-right direction and is fixed to the left support bracket 545L (see FIG. 5 ) by bolts or the like. Figure 16 ) and the upper part of the right support bracket 545R. The left and right support brackets 545L and 545R are respectively fixed to the left and right sides of the downstream end of the seedling loading platform 311 using bolts or the like.

[0107] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the retaining mechanism 54 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction S1. The midway portion of the switching lever 541 is rotatably fixed to the tab 523 of the actuator support 52. The tab 523 is fixed to the connecting rod 524 near the center in the left-right direction by welding or other means and is arranged to protrude toward the seedling loading platform 311. The connecting rod 524 is an inverted U-shaped rod when viewed from the downstream side and connects the downstream ends of the guide plates 521. The rotation axis passing through the midway portion of the switching lever 541 and the tab 523 is referred to as the third axis 541b.

[0108] The support strut 543 includes a strut body 543a extending in the conveying direction S1 and a rear wall portion 543b extending from the downstream end of the strut body 543a toward one side in the left-right direction (e.g., the left side). A support pin 546 is threadedly secured to the rear wall portion 543b using a nut or the like. The support pin 546 penetrates and secures the rear wall portion 543b so that it can move forward and backward in the conveying direction S1.

[0109] A spring locking portion 546a (see FIG. 5 ) is provided on the support pin 546 on the opposite side of the fixed side with respect to the rear wall portion 543b (on the upstream side in the conveying direction S1). Figure 14 and Figure 15 ). The spring locking portion 546a has a hole for locking one end of the biasing spring 547. In addition, Figure 16 For the sake of convenience, the illustration of the biasing spring 547 is omitted.

[0110] On the other hand, a support shaft 542c extending in the left-right direction is provided in the above-mentioned rod connecting portion 542. The support shaft 542c is provided between the above-mentioned one end portion (the end portion connected to the switching lever 541) and the above-mentioned other end portion (the end portion connected to the supporting stay 543) of the rod connecting portion 542. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the other end of the biasing spring 547 is locked to the support shaft 542c. This biases the lever connection portion 542 in the direction in which the biasing spring 547 contracts. The biasing force of the biasing spring 547 can be adjusted by moving the support pin 546 forward and backward relative to the rear wall portion 543b in the conveying direction S1.

[0111] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the stopper 543c is provided on the stay body 543a supporting the stay 543. The bottom 542Q of the rod connection part 542 contacts the stopper 543c, thereby restricting the movement of the rod connection part 542 by the urging force of the urging spring 547 in the contraction direction.

[0112] The stopper 543c is fixed to the support strut 543 so as to be able to advance and retract along the conveying direction S1. In other words, the amount of protrusion of the stopper 543c in the conveying direction S1 relative to the support strut 543 can be adjusted. The smaller the protrusion of the stopper 543c from the support strut 543, the more the rod connecting portion 542 is located downstream in the conveying direction S1, and the closer the actuator support portion 52 and the seedling mat actuator 51 are to the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, the pressing force of the seedling mat actuator 51 on the seedling mat MT increases. Conversely, the larger the protrusion of the stopper 543c from the support strut 543, the more the rod connecting portion 542 is located upstream in the conveying direction S1, and the further the actuator support portion 52 and the seedling mat actuator 51 are from the seedling loading platform 311. As a result, the pressing force of the seedling mat actuator 51 on the seedling mat MT decreases.

[0113] Thus, by adjusting the protrusion amount of the stopper 543c, the pressing force of the raising mat actuator 51 on the raising mat MT can be adjusted. Thus, the pressing force of the raising mat MT can be appropriately adjusted according to the type and thickness of the raising mat MT used.

[0114] Next, the switching operation of the position of the actuator support portion 52 based on the operation of the switching lever 541 will be described. Figure 14 As shown, when the actuator support portion 52 is located at the operating position P1, the lever connection portion 542 is maintained in contact with the stopper 543c by the biasing force of the biasing spring 547. That is, the actuator support portion 52 is held at the operating position P1.

[0115] If the operator from Figure 14 In the state of , the gripping portion 541a at the end of the switching lever 541 is held and pulled upward (in the direction of separation from the seedling loading platform 311), and the switching lever 541 pulls the lever connecting portion 542 with the help of the first shaft 542a while rotating around the first shaft 542a. In addition, the lever connecting portion 542 overcomes the force of the force spring 547 and rotates around the second shaft 542b. At this time, the lever connecting portion 542 rotates in such a way that the support shaft 542c surrounds the second shaft 542b and is located on the opposite side of the seedling loading platform 311 relative to the second shaft 542b. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 5 , the switching lever 541 is restricted from rotating about the first axis 542a by contacting the bottom 542Q of the lever connecting portion 542. As a result, the switching lever 541 is Figure 15 Stop in the state.

[0116] In addition, as the switching lever 541 moves upward, the middle portion of the switching lever 541 rotates around the third shaft 541b, and the switching lever 541 rotates with the third shaft 541b, the protruding piece 523 and the connecting rod 524 (see FIG. Figure 16 ) and the actuator support portion 52 connected to the above-mentioned midway portion moves upward. Therefore, if the switching lever 541 is Figure 15 The actuator support portion 52 also stops in the state Figure 15 That is, the actuator support portion 52 is maintained at the open position P2.

[0117] On the contrary, when switching the actuator support portion 52 from the open position P2 to the operating position P1, the operator grasps the grip portion 541a at the end of the switching lever 541 and presses it downward (toward the seedling loading platform 311). In this case, the lever connecting portion 542 rotates in the opposite direction to the above direction, abuts against the stopper 543c and stops rotating, thereby maintaining the position. Figure 14 That is, the actuator support portion 52 is maintained at the action position P1.

[0118] In order to ensure that the mat MT is always pressed by the mat actuator 51 (constantly prevented from floating) when the mat MT is placed on the seedling loading platform 311, it is preferable to maintain the actuator support portion 52 supporting the mat actuator 51 at the operating position P1. In addition, in order to maintain the open space between the seedling loading platform 311 and the actuator support portion 52 formed by rotating the actuator support portion 52 when the mat MT is attached to or detached from the seedling loading platform 311, it is preferable to maintain the actuator support portion 52 at the open position P2. Based on the above viewpoint, it is preferable that the mat pressing mechanism 50 includes the above-mentioned holding mechanism 54.

[0119] (2-5. Restriction Framework)

[0120] like Figure 16 As shown, a limiting frame 548 extending in the left-right direction is provided below the support frame 544. The limiting frame 548 is fixed to the left and right support brackets 545L and 545R in a manner that can be adjusted in the height direction. In this embodiment, the height of the limiting frame 548 relative to the seedling loading platform 311 can be adjusted in three stages, but this is not limited to this example. For example, the height of the limiting frame 548 can be always fixed (fixed to one level), or it can be formed to be adjustable in two stages or four or more stages.

[0121] If the seedling mat MT (refer to Figure 4 ) of the rice seedlings is inclined toward the downstream side of the conveying direction S1 relative to the normal line of the seedling loading platform 311, then when the rice seedling planting mechanism 32 (refer to Figure 2) is likely to involve branches and leaves together with the roots when raking one seedling from the seedling mat MT. In this case, it is difficult to rake the seedlings in an appropriate posture. By providing a limiting frame 548, even if the branches and leaves are tilted toward the downstream side of the conveying direction S1, when the seedling mat MT passes from under the limiting frame 548 (on the seedling loading platform 311 side), the branches and leaves can be warped toward the upstream side. Thus, the seedling planting mechanism 32 can rake the seedlings from the seedling mat MT in an appropriate posture and properly plant the raked seedlings in the soil.

[0122] <3.Supplement>

[0123] The transplanter 1 described in this embodiment may be combined with a multi-sheet laying mechanism that lays a plurality of sheets on the soil before planting the seedlings in the soil.

[0124] <4. Notes>

[0125] The transplanter described in this embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0126] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (1) is provided with a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above the seedling loading platform, wherein:

[0127] The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism is configured to be rotatable with the upstream side of the seedling raising mat on the seedling placing platform in the conveying direction as the rotation center, thereby opening the downstream side of the seedling placing platform.

[0128] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (2) is based on the transplanting machine described in Supplementary Note (1), wherein:

[0129] The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism has:

[0130] a seedling raising mat actuator, which presses the seedling raising mat on the seedling carrying platform; and

[0131] an actuator support portion that supports the seedling raising mat actuator so as to be movable between the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveying direction;

[0132] The actuator support portion is arranged to pass through the rotation axis serving as the rotation center.

[0133] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (3) is based on the transplanting machine described in Supplementary Note (2), wherein:

[0134] The seedling raising mat actuator presses the seedling raising mat while being located on the downstream side of the conveying direction.

[0135] The rotation shaft is located upstream in the conveying direction relative to a position of the seedling raising mat actuator when the seedling raising mat is pressed.

[0136] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (4) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (2) or (3), wherein:

[0137] The actuator support portion is rotatable about the rotation axis between an action position where the raising mat actuator presses the raising mat and an open position where the raising mat actuator is further away from the seedling loading platform than the action position.

[0138] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (5) is based on the transplanting machine described in Supplementary Note (4), wherein:

[0139] The transplanter includes a holding mechanism for holding the actuator support portion at the operating position and the open position.

[0140] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (6) is based on the transplanting machine described in any one of Supplementary Notes (2) to (5), wherein:

[0141] The seedling raising mat actor has:

[0142] a pressing portion extending along the conveying direction and pressing the seedling raising mat;

[0143] an upstream connecting portion that is located upstream of the pressing portion in the conveying direction and is connected to the pressing portion; and

[0144] a downstream connecting portion located on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the pressing portion and connected to the pressing portion;

[0145] When the pressing portion is in a position to press the seedling raising mat, the upstream connecting portion and the downstream connecting portion are located farther from the seedling placing platform than the pressing portion.

[0146] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (7) is based on the transplanting machine described in any one of Supplementary Notes (2) to (6), wherein:

[0147] The actuator support portion includes a guide extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0148] The seedling raising mat actuator includes a slide rod supported by the guide and movable along the guide.

[0149] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (8) is based on the transplanting machine described in Supplementary Note (7), wherein:

[0150] The guide includes an actuator locking portion that locks the slide rod at a predetermined position on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0151] The transplanting machine of Supplementary Note (9) is based on the transplanting machine described in Supplementary Note (8), wherein:

[0152] The guide is a long hole extending along the conveying direction.

[0153] The actuator locking portion is a recessed portion formed at the upstream end portion of the long hole and into which the slide rod is fitted.

[0154] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (10) is provided with a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above the seedling loading platform, wherein:

[0155] The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism has:

[0156] a seedling raising mat actuator, which presses the seedling raising mat on the seedling carrying platform; and

[0157] An actuator support portion supports the seedling raising mat actuator so as to be movable along the conveying direction of the seedling raising mat on the seedling placing platform.

[0158] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (11) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (10), wherein:

[0159] The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism is configured to be rotatable with the upstream side in the conveying direction as a rotation center, thereby opening the downstream side on the seedling loading platform.

[0160] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (12) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (11), wherein:

[0161] The actuator support portion is rotatable between an operating position where the seedling raising mat actuator presses the seedling raising mat and an open position where the seedling raising mat actuator moves upward away from the seedling raising mat.

[0162] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (13) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (12), wherein:

[0163] The transplanter includes a holding mechanism for holding the actuator support portion at each of the operating position and the open position.

[0164] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (14) is based on the transplanter described in any one of Supplementary Notes (1) to (13), wherein:

[0165] The actuator support portion is arranged to pass through the rotation axis serving as the rotation center.

[0166] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (15) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (14), wherein:

[0167] The seedling raising mat actuator presses the seedling raising mat while being located on the downstream side of the conveying direction.

[0168] The rotation shaft is located upstream in the conveying direction relative to a position of the seedling raising mat actuator when the seedling raising mat is pressed.

[0169] The transplanter of Supplement (16) is based on the transplanter described in any one of Supplements (10) to (15), wherein:

[0170] The seedling raising mat actor has:

[0171] a pressing portion extending along the conveying direction and pressing the seedling raising mat;

[0172] an upstream connecting portion that is located upstream of the pressing portion in the conveying direction and is connected to the pressing portion; and

[0173] a downstream connecting portion located on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the pressing portion and connected to the pressing portion;

[0174] When the pressing portion is in a position to press the seedling raising mat, the upstream connecting portion and the downstream connecting portion are located farther from the seedling placing platform than the pressing portion.

[0175] The transplanter of Supplement (17) is based on the transplanter described in any one of Supplements (10) to (16), wherein:

[0176] The actuator support portion includes a guide extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0177] The seedling raising mat actuator includes a slide rod supported by the guide and movable along the guide.

[0178] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (18) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (17), wherein:

[0179] The guide includes an actuator locking portion that locks the slide rod at a predetermined position on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0180] The transplanter of Supplementary Note (19) is based on the transplanter described in Supplementary Note (18), wherein:

[0181] The guide is a long hole extending along the conveying direction.

[0182] The actuator locking portion is a recessed portion formed at the upstream end portion of the long hole and into which the slide rod is fitted.

[0183] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto and the present invention can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0184] Industrial Application Possibilities

[0185] The transplanter of the present invention can be used as a transplanter for planting vegetable seedlings in soil (ridges), for example.

Claims

1. A transplanter comprising a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above a seedling loading platform, wherein: The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism is configured to be rotatable with the upstream side of the seedling raising mat on the seedling placing platform in the conveying direction as the rotation center, thereby opening the downstream side of the seedling placing platform.

2. The transplanter according to claim 1, wherein The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism has: a seedling raising mat actuator, which presses the seedling raising mat on the seedling carrying platform; and an actuator support portion that supports the seedling raising mat actuator so as to be movable between the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveying direction; The actuator support portion is arranged to pass through the rotation axis serving as the rotation center.

3. The transplanter according to claim 2, wherein: The seedling raising mat actuator presses the seedling raising mat while being located on the downstream side of the conveying direction. The rotation shaft is located upstream in the conveying direction relative to a position of the seedling raising mat actuator when the seedling raising mat is pressed.

4. The transplanter according to claim 2, wherein: The actuator support portion is rotatable about the rotation axis between an action position where the raising mat actuator presses the raising mat and an open position where the raising mat actuator is further away from the seedling loading platform than the action position.

5. The transplanter according to claim 4, wherein The transplanter includes a holding mechanism for holding the actuator support portion at the operating position and the open position.

6. The transplanter according to claim 2, wherein: The seedling raising mat actor has: a pressing portion extending along the conveying direction and pressing the seedling raising mat; an upstream connecting portion located upstream of the pressing portion in the conveying direction and connected to the pressing portion; as well as a downstream connecting portion located on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the pressing portion and connected to the pressing portion; When the pressing portion is in a position to press the seedling raising mat, the upstream connecting portion and the downstream connecting portion are located farther from the seedling placing platform than the pressing portion.

7. The transplanter according to claim 2, wherein: The actuator support portion includes a guide extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction. The seedling raising mat actuator includes a slide rod supported by the guide and movable along the guide.

8. The transplanter according to claim 7, wherein: The guide includes an actuator locking portion that locks the slide rod at a predetermined position on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

9. The transplanter according to claim 8, wherein The guide is a long hole extending along the conveying direction. The actuator locking portion is a recessed portion formed at the upstream end portion of the long hole and into which the slide rod is fitted.

10. A transplanter comprising a seedling mat pressing mechanism located above a seedling loading platform, wherein: The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism has: a seedling raising mat actuator, which presses the seedling raising mat on the seedling carrying platform; and An actuator support portion supports the seedling raising mat actuator so as to be movable along the conveying direction of the seedling raising mat on the seedling placing platform.

11. The transplanter according to claim 10, wherein: The seedling raising mat pressing mechanism is configured to be rotatable with the upstream side in the conveying direction as a rotation center, thereby opening the downstream side on the seedling loading platform.

12. The transplanter according to claim 11, wherein The actuator support portion is rotatable between an operating position where the seedling raising mat actuator presses the seedling raising mat and an open position where the seedling raising mat actuator moves upward away from the seedling raising mat.

13. The transplanter according to claim 12, wherein: The transplanter includes a holding mechanism for holding the actuator support portion at each of the operating position and the open position.

Images