rice transplanter

Abstract

The rice transplanter includes: a main body; a seedling transplanting device connected to the main body and capable of transplanting seedlings into the field; a seedling loading platform (31) for loading seedlings; and a retrieval mechanism (70) for retrieving the loading components that have been loaded with seedlings. The seedling loading platform (31) has a loading section (31Bc) with a loading surface capable of loading the loading components. The loading section (31Bc) has an opening (73) for the retrieval mechanism (70) to retrieve the loading components. The seedling loading platform (31) has a feeding mechanism (80) configured to automatically or by operation of an operating element feed the loaded loading components from the opening (73) to the retrieval mechanism (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rice transplanter equipped with a pre-seedling loading platform. Background Technology

[0002] As an existing rice transplanter, there is a type of rice transplanter as described in Patent Document 1 that has a seedling planting device (referred to as "seedling planting section" in Patent Document 1) for planting seedlings in the field, a pre-seedling loading platform (referred to as "pre-seedling loading section" in Patent Document 1) for loading seedling boxes that have been emptied after the seedling pads have been removed (referred to as "empty box loading section" in Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-021684

[0006] In such rice transplanters, after the seedling pads are removed from the seedling box, the empty seedling box needs to be moved to the recycling mechanism manually by the operator. In other words, in existing rice transplanters, the recycling of empty seedling boxes is time-consuming and troublesome for the operator. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a rice transplanter that can reduce the operator's workload in the recovery of the seedling box and other mounting components that have become empty after the seedling pad has been removed.

[0008] The rice transplanter of the present invention comprises: a main body; a seedling transplanting device connected to the main body and capable of transplanting seedlings into a field; a pre-seedling carrier platform capable of holding seedlings; and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving carrier components that have held seedlings. The pre-seedling carrier platform has a carrier portion having a carrier surface capable of holding the carrier component. The carrier portion has an opening for the retrieval mechanism to retrieve the carrier component. The pre-seedling carrier platform has a feeding mechanism configured to automatically or by operation of an operating member feed the carrier component from the opening to the retrieval mechanism.

[0009] According to the present invention, a structure is formed in which the mounting component is automatically or through the operation of an operating member fed into the opening of the recovery mechanism using a feeding mechanism. This structure allows the rice transplanter to be configured so that no operator needs to manually feed the mounting component into the opening of the recovery mechanism.

[0010] In this invention, preferably, the recovery mechanism recovers the carrier component by utilizing its free fall.

[0011] According to this structure, since the recycling mechanism utilizes the free fall of the carrying component to recycle it, it can be designed to operate without the need for driving force from a motor or similar source. Therefore, there is no need to install a motor or similar component for the recycling mechanism, reducing cost burden.

[0012] In this invention, preferably, the feeding mechanism is configured to feed the mounting member at the end portion of the seedling planting device located in the mounting part into the opening by means of applied force or the gravity of the counterweight member.

[0013] This structure allows the seedling box to be fed into the opening of the recycling mechanism using applied force or the gravity of a counterweight. Therefore, there is no need for a motor or similar component for the recycling mechanism, reducing costs.

[0014] In this invention, preferably, the feeding mechanism is located on the side of the seedling planting device closer to the opening, and has a sliding part for the mounting member to slide. The sliding part is configured to switch between a posture along the mounting surface, i.e., a mounting posture, and an inclined posture that tilts downwards towards the opening.

[0015] Based on this structure, the feeding mechanism is located on the side of the pre-seedling placement platform closer to the seedling planting device than the opening of the retrieval mechanism. This structure allows for the removal of the seedling pad from the loading member when the operator moves the loading member containing the seedling pad to the feeding mechanism, allowing the pad to be removed from the loading member near the seedling planting device. In other words, after removing the seedling pad from the loading member, the empty loading member is directly fed into the opening of the retrieval mechanism via the feeding mechanism, whose sliding part is in an inclined position. Therefore, the operator does not need to move the empty loading member to the feeding mechanism after removing the seedling pad, further reducing manual labor.

[0016] In this invention, preferably, when the mounting member is placed on the sliding part in a state containing seedlings, the sliding part assumes the mounting posture by means of the applied force or the gravity of the counterweight member, and when the mounting member is placed on the sliding part in a state without seedlings, the sliding part assumes the tilting posture.

[0017] According to this structure, when the operator removes the seedling pad from the carrier component while it is placed on the sliding part of the feeding mechanism, the sliding part automatically tilts. As a result, the rice transplanter can be configured such that when the seedling pad is removed from the carrier component, the empty carrier component is automatically retrieved by the recovery mechanism.

[0018] In this invention, preferably, the sliding part has a limiting part, which is abutted by the mounting member to limit the mounting member from moving further toward the side where the seedling planting device is located.

[0019] According to this structure, when the operator slides the mounting component containing the seedling pad on the pre-planted seedling platform and the feeding mechanism toward the side where the planting device is located, the mounting component is restricted from further movement by the limiting part. As a result, the mounting component is prevented from falling off the pre-planted seedling platform and the feeding mechanism.

[0020] In this invention, it is preferred that the pre-seedling placement platform is provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, which prevents the mounting member on the end portion of the placement section where the seedling planting device is located from moving to the side of the placement section opposite to the side where the seedling planting device is located.

[0021] Based on this structure, the following configuration is achieved: a counterflow prevention mechanism prevents the mounting member from moving to the side opposite to the side where the seedling planting device is located via the feeding mechanism, etc. As a result, the mounting member at the end of the mounting section on the side where the seedling planting device is located can be prevented from colliding with other mounting members placed on the pre-seedling mounting platform.

[0022] In this invention, preferably, the pre-planting seedling platform has two sidewalls located on both sides of the width direction of the placement portion and extending along the direction of the placement portion, and the backflow prevention mechanism has two doors respectively located on the two sidewalls, and the two doors are configured to switch between a blocking state located on the inner side of the sidewalls on both sides and an open state located on the sidewalls on both sides of the blocking state.

[0023] Based on this structure, the following configuration is achieved: the backflow prevention mechanism has a door between the two side walls of the pre-seeded seedling platform, configured to switch between a prevented state and an open state. In other words, compared to a structure where the door is located on the outer side of the two side walls of the pre-seeded seedling platform, the structure of the pre-seeded seedling platform becomes more compact.

[0024] In this invention, preferably, the two doors are switched to the blocking state by applying force.

[0025] According to this structure, a backflow prevention mechanism can be realized with a simple structure that allows the door to switch between a blocked state and an open state by applying force through a spring or the like. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a side view of a rice transplanter.

[0027] Figure 2This is a side view of the prepared seedling placement platform.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the feeding mechanism and the backflow prevention mechanism.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the structure of the feeding mechanism and the backflow prevention mechanism.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the structure of the feeding mechanism and the backflow prevention mechanism.

[0031] Figure 6 This is an exploded diagram showing the structure of the countercurrent blocking mechanism.

[0032] Figure 7 It is an exploded diagram showing the structure of the feeding mechanism.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the loading part of the feeding mechanism in a loading posture.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the loading part of the feeding mechanism in an inclined position.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 3: Main body; 6: Seedling transplanting device; 31: Lower section pre-seeded seedling platform; 31Bc: Loading section; 31Bd: Side wall; 33c: Loading section; 50: Backflow prevention mechanism; 51: Door; 70: Recycling mechanism (empty box recycling mechanism); 73: Opening; 80: Feeding mechanism; 81a: Upper sliding section (sliding section); 85: Restriction section. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, in the following description, the direction of arrow F in the figures is designated as "forward," the direction of arrow B as "backward," the direction of arrow L as "left," and the direction of arrow R as "right." Furthermore, the direction of arrow U in the figures is designated as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0038] [Regarding the overall structure of the rice transplanter]

[0039] The following describes a riding-type rice transplanter (an example of a "rice transplanter") according to this embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the riding-type rice transplanter has a linkage mechanism 4 supported at the rear of its main body 3, which includes a right front wheel 1, a left front wheel 1, a right rear wheel 2, and a left rear wheel 2. The linkage mechanism 4 extends rearward and is configured to rotate vertically. A hydraulic cylinder 5 is provided on the linkage mechanism 4 to perform lifting and lowering operations.

[0040] The machine body 3 is equipped with a seedling transplanting device 6 connected to the rear of the main body 3 and capable of transplanting seedlings into the field. The seedling transplanting device 6 is supported at the rear of the linkage mechanism 4. A fertilizer application device 7 is provided at the rear of the main body 3 to supply fertilizer to the field surface.

[0041] The upper part of the fertilization device 7 has a hopper 20 for storing fertilizer.

[0042] A gearbox 9 is located at the front of the main body 3. A support frame 10 extending forward is connected to the gearbox 9. An engine (not shown) is supported on the support frame 10. A hood 11 covering the engine is located at the front of the main body 3.

[0043] A base plate 14 is provided on the right and left sides of the rear of the engine cover 11. A driver's seat 15 for the operator to sit on is arranged on the upper part of the rear of the base plate 14.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, seedling boxes NB (hereinafter referred to as "seedlings" and "seedling boxes") are arranged on the upper right and upper left sides of the main body 3. (See reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The machine body has multiple pre-planted seedling trays, each seedling box NB being a mounting component containing seedling pads. These pre-planted seedling trays are supported by a pair of front and rear support pillars 16 (an example of a "support frame") fixed to the main body 3 and extending vertically. The front support pillar 16 extends upwards from the engine support frame within the main body 3. The rear support pillar 16 extends upwards from a portion above the front wheel 1 within the main body 3.

[0045] It should be noted that the support pillars 16 are arranged on the left and right sides. Support members 12 are connected across the upper parts of the right and left support pillars 16. Within the support members 12, located at the center of the left and right sides of the main body 3, are antenna units 13 capable of acquiring the position information of the main body 3 using a satellite positioning system. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a representative example of a satellite positioning system (GNSS: Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0046] [Regarding the structure of the pre-planted seedling platform]

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, on the two lateral sides of the main body 3, there are a lower section seedling placement platform 31 (an example of a "seedling placement platform") located at the lowest section, an upper section seedling placement platform 32 located at the highest section, and a rotating seedling placement platform 33, which serve as multiple seedling placement platforms. The rotating seedling placement platform 33 is configured to change its position between the lower section seedling placement platform 31 and the upper section seedling placement platform 32 and between the lower section seedling placement platform 31 and the position in front of it.

[0048] The base plate 14, the machine cover 11 and the multiple seedling placement platforms on the right side, and the machine cover 11 and the multiple seedling placement platforms on the left side form a right passage and a left passage. The operator can move from the main body 3 to the field ridge or from the field ridge to the main body 3 via the right passage or the left passage.

[0049] [Regarding the structure of the seedling placement platform in the lower section]

[0050] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the lower section of the pre-planting platform 31 includes: a first part 31A, fixed to the support column 16; and a second part 31B, rotatably supported on the first part 31A. The first part 31A includes a lower first frame 31Aa and a lower first body 31Ab. The second part 31B includes a lower second frame 31Ba and a lower second body 31Bb.

[0051] On the upper surface of the first part 31A, a mounting portion 31Ac having a mounting surface capable of holding a seedling box NB is configured to extend toward the rear (the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located). On the upper surface of the second part 31B, a mounting portion 31Bc having a mounting surface capable of holding a seedling box NB is configured to extend toward the rear (the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located).

[0052] Two sidewalls 31Ad are formed in the first part 31A, and similarly, two sidewalls Bd are formed in the second part 31B. The sidewalls 31Ad and 31Bd are respectively provided on both sides of the width direction of the mounting part 31Ac and the mounting part 31Bc, and extend along the direction in which the mounting part 31Ac and the mounting part 31Bc extend.

[0053] The first part 31A's placement section 31Ac and the second part 31B's placement section 31Bc are equipped with a plurality of rollers 34 configured to rotate along a rotation axis in the width direction of the lower pre-seeded seedling placement platform 31. The rollers 34 are arranged with gaps in the longitudinal direction of the lower pre-seeded seedling placement platform 31. The seedling boxes NB placed in the placement sections 31Ac and 31Bc are placed on the rollers 34 and can move smoothly on the placement sections 31Ac and 31Bc by rotating the rollers 34.

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower first frame 31Aa is fixed to the support column 16. The lower first body 31Ab is fixed to the lower first frame 31Aa. At the rear end of the lower first frame 31Aa, the lower second frame 31Ba is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis P1. The rotation axis P1 is configured to extend along the width direction of the lower pre-seeded seedling platform 31. The lower second body 31Bb is fixed to the lower second frame 31Ba.

[0055] With the above structure, the lower section seedling placement platform 31 is configured to switch between an unfolded state that extends along the front-back direction and a folded state that is folded.

[0056] [Regarding the structure of the rotating pre-planted seedling platform]

[0057] The rotating pre-seedling platform 33 includes a rotating frame 33a and a rotating pre-seedling body 33b. The rotating pre-seedling platform 33 is supported by a state-changing mechanism 40 and can rotate relative to the lower pre-seedling platform 31. The upper surface of the rotating pre-seedling platform 33 has a seedling-holding section 33c.

[0058] Although not shown in the figure, the mounting section 33c of the rotating pre-seedling mounting platform 33, like the lower pre-seedling mounting platform 31, is equipped with a plurality of rollers 34 that are configured to rotate along the rotation axis in the width direction of the rotating pre-seedling mounting platform 33.

[0059] The state-changing mechanism 40 has a connecting member 41, which is arranged across the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31 fixed to the support column 16 and the rotating pre-seeded seedling platform 33. Through the state-changing mechanism 40, the rotating pre-seeded seedling platform 33 is configured to switch between a forward-backward rotating position parallel to the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31 in the forward-backward direction and an up-down rotating position parallel to the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31 in the up-down direction. It should be noted that in the up-down rotating position, the rotating pre-seeded seedling platform 33 is located above the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31.

[0060] [Regarding the structure of the empty container recycling mechanism]

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body 3 is equipped with an empty seedling box recycling mechanism 70 (equivalent to the "recycling mechanism" of this invention). The empty seedling box recycling mechanism 70 is disposed below the lower section pre-seedling placement platform 31. The empty seedling box recycling mechanism 70 has: an empty seedling box receiving part 71 for receiving empty seedling boxes NB; and a lower sliding part 72 for sliding the empty seedling boxes NB.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, an opening 73 is formed on the front side of the mounting portion 31Bc in the second part 31B. This opening 73 is configured to allow an empty seedling box NB to pass through, so that the empty box recycling mechanism 70 can recycle the seedling box NB. The opening 73 is located to the side in the left-right direction of the driver's seat 15. The opening 73 is rectangular in shape, and in the longitudinal direction of the second part 31B, the length of the opening 73 is less than the interval between the rollers 34, and the width of the opening 73 is the same as the width of the mounting portion 31Bc.

[0063] A lower sliding portion 72, fixed to the lower section of the second frame 31Ba of the second part 31B, is disposed below the opening 73. The lower sliding portion 72 is composed of rod-shaped members. The lower sliding portion 72 is located below the second part 31B and is arranged to span the mounting portion 31Bc and the empty box receiving portion 71 of the second part 31B. The lower sliding portion 72 extends forward from the rear side of the opening 73 in the second part 31B, and is inclined in a manner that it is lower as it moves forward.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an empty box receiving portion 71, fixed to the support column 16, is disposed in front of the lower sliding portion 72. Specifically, the rear end portion of the empty box receiving portion 71 is positioned below the front end portion of the lower sliding portion 72. With this structure, the empty box receiving portion 71 is positioned on the opposite side of the seedling planting device 6 relative to the lower sliding portion 72 in the direction extending from the lower section pre-seedling platform 31.

[0065] The empty box receiving section 71 is composed of rod-shaped components and is configured as an open-top box. The front wall of the empty box receiving section 71 is configured to be manually openable and closable. That is, a cover 74 is formed at the front end of the empty box receiving section 71, which can be switched between a closed and open state. Furthermore, the empty box receiving section 71 is inclined downwards towards the front. The inclination of the downward sliding section 72 is configured to be steeper than the inclination of the empty box receiving section 71. The front end of the empty box receiving section 71 is located at the front end of the main body 3.

[0066] The cover 74 is configured to rotate about an axis in the width direction of the empty box receiving portion 71. For example... Figure 2 As shown by the solid line, when viewed from the side, the cover 74 extends upward from the front end of the empty box accommodating part 71 in the closed state, then bends and extends backward.

[0067] [Regarding the structure of the feeding mechanism]

[0068] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the second part 31B of the lower section of the pre-seedling platform 31 is equipped with a feeding mechanism 80, which is configured to automatically feed the seedling box NB, which is placed on the rear side (the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located) of the placement section 31Bc, into the opening 73.

[0069] The feeding mechanism 80 includes: a main body 81, configured to hold a seedling box NB (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ); and the lower assembly 82, which supports the main body 81 below the second part 31B so that it can swing.

[0070] The main body 81 has a width that is wider than the width of the second part 31B, and includes: an upper sliding part 81a (equivalent to the "sliding part" of the present invention), located above the upper surface (the mounting part 31Bc) of the second part 31B; a support part 81b, supported by the lower mounting part 82; and a connecting member 81c.

[0071] The upper sliding portion 81a is positioned rearward of the opening 73 (on the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located). The upper sliding portion 81a is machined in such a way that the rod-shaped member is bent. The upper sliding portion 81a is configured to have four straight sections extending in the direction extending along the mounting portion 31Bc, wherein the front portion of the two straight sections located at the left and right centers of the upper sliding portion 81a overlaps with the mounting portion 31Bc when viewed from above.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, support portions 81b are respectively provided on both sides of the upper sliding portion 81a in the width direction, and have holes for the swing shaft 83 equipped in the lower assembly portion 82 to pass through. The connecting member 81c is provided in a manner that spans the two support portions 81b, and the two ends of the connecting member 81c are each fixed to the support portion 81b by bolts Bo1.

[0073] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower assembly 82 is bolted to the rear end portion of the lower section of the second frame 31Ba of the second part 31B by bolts Bo2. The lower assembly 82 has a swing shaft 83 extending along the width direction of the second part 31B. The main body 81 is supported on the swing shaft 83 and is thus configured to swing.

[0074] A coil spring 84 is inserted through the swing shaft 83. The coil spring 84 abuts against the lower assembly part 82 and the connecting member 81c, thereby applying a force to the side that moves the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a upward. It should be noted that the force applied by the coil spring 84 is set such that when a seedling box NB with a seedling pad is placed on the upper sliding part 81a, the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a descends, and when an empty seedling box NB is placed on the upper sliding part 81a, the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a rises.

[0075] Through the above structure, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 9 As shown, when the second part 31B of the lower pre-planting platform 31 and the upper sliding part 81a are not loaded with seedling boxes NB, or when they are loaded with empty seedling boxes NB, the upper sliding part 81a is tilted by the force applied by the coil spring 84, with the rear end positioned above and the rear end positioned below towards the front (opening 73 side). Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, when a seedling box NB containing a seedling pad is placed on the upper sliding part 81a, the upper sliding part 81a is in a position along the placement surface of the placement part 31Bc, i.e., a placement position. With this structure, the upper sliding part 81a is configured to switch between a placement position and a tilting position.

[0076] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a limiting part 85 is provided at the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a. This limiting part 85 is abutted by the seedling box NB, limiting the seedling box NB to move further rearward (to the side where the planting device is located). Here, generally speaking, as Figure 4 As indicated by the hollow arrow, the seedling box NB, equipped with a seedling pad, slides from the front side (first part 31A side) of the rotating pre-seedling platform 33 and the lower pre-seedling platform 31 toward the second part 31B through manual operation by the operator. Upon reaching the second part 31B, the seedling box NB abuts against the upper sliding part 81a. As the seedling box NB moves further rearward, the upper sliding part 81a assumes a loading position, and the seedling box NB slides on the upper sliding part 81a. When the seedling box NB slides further rearward, it abuts against the limiting part 85, thereby restricting further rearward movement of the seedling box NB. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the limiting part 85 is integrally formed with the main body 81.

[0077] When the operator removes the seedling pad from the seedling box NB located on the upper sliding part 81a, the seedling box NB becomes empty and lighter. As a result, the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a rises due to the force applied by the coil spring 84, tilting the upper sliding part 81a. Consequently, the empty seedling box NB slides towards the opening 73 located in front of the upper sliding part 81a, passes through the opening 73, and slides on the lower sliding part 72. The empty seedling box NB, having slid on the lower sliding part 72, is then received in the empty box receiving part 71. In other words, the feeding mechanism 80 uses the force applied by the coil spring 84 to feed the seedling box NB, with its rear end portion placed in the receiving part 31Bc, into the opening 73. Thus, the empty seedling box NB is automatically received in the empty box receiving part 71 simply by the operator removing the seedling pad from the seedling box NB located on the upper sliding part 81a.

[0078] [Regarding the structure of the backflow prevention mechanism]

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second part 31B of the lower section of the pre-seedling platform 31 is equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism 50, which prevents the seedling box NB placed in the rear end part (the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located) of the placement part 31Bc from moving forward (to the side opposite to the side where the seedling transplanting device 6 is located).

[0080] The backflow prevention mechanism 50 has: two door sections 51, respectively provided on the two side walls 31Bd of the second part 31B of the lower pre-seeded seedling platform 31; a support platform 52, supporting each door section 51; and a spring 53, applying force to the door section 51.

[0081] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the support platform 52 is constructed of a C-shaped cross-section member and is configured to abut against the upper surface, lower surface, and outer side surface of the side wall 31Bd, respectively. The upper surface of the support platform 52 has two cylindrical portions 52a through which a pin Sc is inserted. The pin Sc is inserted into the two cylindrical portions 52a, then into the side wall 31Bd, and securely fixed to the lower surface of the support platform 52, thereby fixing the support platform 52 to the side wall 31Bd. It should be noted that the support platform 52 is positioned corresponding to the location of the opening 73.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the door portion 51 is disposed in the side wall 31Bd of the second portion 31B at a position corresponding to the front end position of the opening 73, and is disposed on the front end portion of the support platform portion 52. The door portion 51 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the support platform portion 52.

[0083] like Figure 6As shown, the door portion 51 has: a cylindrical portion 51a through which a cylindrical portion 52a is inserted; a door portion 51b located inside the width direction of the second portion 31B relative to the cylindrical portion 52a; and a connecting portion 51c located on the opposite side of the door portion 51b relative to the cylindrical portion 51a.

[0084] The cylindrical portion 51a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is configured to be inserted through the cylindrical portion 52a of the support platform portion 52. The door portion 51 is inserted through the front cylindrical portion 52a of the two cylindrical portions 52a provided in the support platform portion 52 and is configured to be rotatable about the cylindrical portion 52a as a rotation axis.

[0085] The door portion 51b extends inward toward the width direction of the second portion 31B, and further extends downward from the inner end of the second portion 31B in the width direction, thereby forming an L-shape. The lower end of the door portion 51b is located at the edge of the opening 73.

[0086] The connecting portion 51c has a hole. The spring 53 is connected to the rear cylindrical portion 52a of the two cylindrical portions 52a provided in the support platform portion 52 and the hole formed in the connecting portion 51c.

[0087] Spring 53 pulls on connecting part 51c, and the lower end of door part 51b abuts against the edge of opening 73, thereby the two door parts 51 are in a blocking state located inside the side walls 31Bd on both sides. Figure 4 As indicated by the hollow arrow, when the seedling box NB is slid by the operator from the first part 31A of the rotating pre-seedling platform 33 and the lower pre-seedling platform 31 towards the second part 31B, the seedling box NB abuts against the door part 51b of the door part 51. Furthermore, by pressing the door part 51b backward against the force applied by the spring 53, the door part 51b rotates about the cylinder part 52a as a rotation axis, and the door part 51b becomes open, located on the side walls 31Bd sides further away than in the blocked state. When the seedling box NB moves further to a position further back than the door part 51, both doors 51 are switched to the blocked state by the force applied by the spring 53. Thus, the door part 51 is configured to switch between the blocked state and the open state.

[0088] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0089] The following examples illustrate other embodiments that modify the above embodiments.

[0090] (1) In the above embodiment, the structure of the upper sliding part 81a of the feeding mechanism 80 feeding the seedling box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73 by means of the force applied by the coil spring 84 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is also possible to provide a counterweight member that suspends the upper sliding part 81a upward via a pulley or the like instead of the coil spring 84, and to feed the seedling box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73 by means of the gravity of the counterweight member.

[0091] Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that an electric motor replaces the coil spring 84, and this electric motor raises the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a, causing the upper sliding part 81a to tilt, thereby feeding the seedling box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73. In this case, a dedicated battery can be provided to supply power to the electric motor. Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that, when the right front wheel 1 and left front wheel 1, and the right rear wheel 2 and left rear wheel 2 are driven by a drive motor, the battery serves as their drive source. Furthermore, the structure can be configured to include an operating unit that allows manual operation of the electric motor's drive.

[0092] Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a is raised using the driving force of the engine, thereby tilting the upper sliding part 81a and feeding the seed box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73. In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the rotational driving force from the engine is converted into a linear driving force in the up-down, forward-backward, and left-right directions, and the converted linear driving force is used to drive the rod, etc., raising the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a and tilting it. In this case, the structure can also be configured with a clutch mechanism that engages / disengages the driving force of the engine. Furthermore, the structure can also be configured with an operating part that allows manual operation of the rod's drive.

[0093] Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that a solenoid replaces the coil spring 84, and the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a is raised using the solenoid, causing the upper sliding part 81a to tilt, thereby feeding the seed box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73. Alternatively, the structure can be configured to include an operating part that allows manual operation of the solenoid.

[0094] Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that a hydraulic cylinder replaces the coil spring 84, and this hydraulic cylinder is used to raise the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a, causing the upper sliding part 81a to tilt, thereby feeding the seed box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the mounting part 31Bc, into the opening 73. In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the main body 3 has a control valve for supplying working oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and the output of the hydraulic cylinder is adjusted by the control valve. Furthermore, the structure can also include an accumulator. Alternatively, the structure can include an operating part that allows manual operation of the hydraulic cylinder's drive.

[0095] (2) In the above embodiment, the following structure was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment: The feeding mechanism 80 has a structure in which the upper sliding part 81a is tilted by raising the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a, thereby feeding the seedling box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the placement part 31Bc, into the opening 73. For example, it may also be configured as follows: the entire lower seedling placement platform 31 or the second part 31B is tilted by raising the rear end of the lower seedling placement platform 31 or the rear end of the second part 31B, thereby feeding the seedling box NB, which is placed in the rear end portion of the placement part 31Bc, into the opening 73.

[0096] (3) In the above embodiment, the structure of the empty box recycling mechanism 70 having a lower sliding part 72 for sliding empty seedling boxes NB has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the empty box recycling mechanism 70 may be configured to have a conveyor driven by a motor or engine instead of the lower sliding part 72. In this case, it may be configured such that after the empty seedling box NB is allowed to fall vertically, the empty seedling box NB is moved horizontally by the conveyor and accommodated in the empty box accommodating part 71. In addition, the conveyor may be configured in an inclined state in the same way as the lower sliding part 72, such that it is located lower towards the empty box accommodating part 71. In addition, the opening 73 may be configured to have a switching part, which is composed of an openable and closable cover, and the switching part switches between a state in which the empty seedling box NB can be fed toward the conveyor and a state in which the empty seedling box NB cannot be fed toward the conveyor. In addition, it may be configured to have multiple rollers driven by a motor or engine instead of the conveyor. It can also be configured to have an operating unit that can manually operate the drive of the conveyor and the multiple rollers.

[0097] (4) In the above embodiment, the structure of the empty box recycling mechanism 70 recycling an empty seedling box NB was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Here, as a mounting member, a shovel plate is sometimes used to separate the seedlings from the seedling box NB. After the seedlings are separated from the seedling box NB using the shovel plate, they are sometimes placed on the lower pre-seedling mounting platform 31 together with the shovel plate while the seedlings are mounted on the shovel plate. Therefore, the structure of the empty box recycling mechanism 70 recycling the shovel plate that separates the seedlings from the seedling box NB can also be provided. In this case, the structure can be provided with a conveyor driven by a motor or engine instead of the lower sliding part 72, or a structure can be provided with multiple rollers driven by a motor or engine instead of the lower sliding part 72, or the shovel plate can be conveyed by the conveyor or multiple rollers. The structure can also be provided with an operating part that can be manually operated to drive the conveyor and the multiple rollers. In addition, the structure can be provided with an anti-slip mechanism for the conveyor and the multiple rollers. With this structure, for example, it is possible to prevent the shovel plate from being conveyed at an unexpected speed and thus prevent the shovel plates from interfering with each other.

[0098] (5) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the empty box recycling mechanism 70 is disposed below the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it may be configured such that the empty box recycling mechanism 70 is disposed above the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31. In addition, it may be configured such that the empty box recycling mechanism 70 is disposed in front of and behind the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31. In this case, it may be configured such that a conveyor driven by a motor or engine is provided instead of the lower sliding part 72. It may also be configured such that multiple rollers driven by a motor or engine are provided instead of the lower sliding part 72. It may also be configured such that the empty seedling box NB is transported by a conveyor or multiple rollers. In addition, it may be configured such that the empty box recycling mechanism 70 is located on the outer or inner side of the lower section of the pre-seeded seedling platform 31 in the left-right direction of the main body 3. In this case, the empty box recycling mechanism 70 may also be configured to switch between an operating posture in which the empty box recycling mechanism 70 can be used and a storage posture in which the empty box recycling mechanism 70 is folded.

[0099] (6) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the two door portions 51 are configured to be switched to the blocking state by the force applied by the spring 53 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it may be configured such that a counterweight is connected to the connecting portion 51c of the door portion 51 instead of the spring 53, and the two door portions 51 are switched to the blocking state by the gravity of the counterweight member.

[0100] (7) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the limiting part 85 and the main body 81 are integrally formed is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The limiting part 85 may also be formed separately from the main body 81.

[0101] (8) In the above embodiment, the structure with a limiting part 85 at the rear end of the upper sliding part 81a was described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it may be provided with a limiting part 85 in the second part 31B. In addition, it may be provided without a limiting part 85 in the rice transplanter.

[0102] (9) In the above embodiment, the structure of the backflow prevention mechanism 50 having two door sections 51 is described as an example, but it can also be configured to have one door section 51, or it can be configured to have three or more door sections 51.

[0103] (10) In the above embodiment, the example described is that the door portion 51 of the backflow prevention mechanism 50 is configured to switch between a blocking state and an open state by applying force, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is also possible to configure the door portion 51 of the backflow prevention mechanism 50 to switch between a blocking state and an open state by using the gravity of the counterweight member, based on the structure that has a counterweight member that pulls the connecting portion 51c of the door portion 51 backward via a pulley or the like instead of the coil spring 84.

[0104] It should be noted that, as long as no contradiction arises, the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same below) can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the purpose of the present invention.

[0105] Industrial availability

[0106] This invention can be used in rice transplanters equipped with multiple pre-seedling loading platforms.

Claims

1. A rice transplanter, characterized in that, have: Main body of the organism; The seedling transplanting device is connected to the main body of the machine and can transplant seedlings into the field; Prepare a seedling tray that can hold seedlings; as well as The recycling organization collects the components that have carried rice seedlings. The seedling placement platform has a placement section, and the placement section has a placement surface capable of placing the mounting component. The mounting section has an opening for the recycling mechanism to retrieve the mounting member. The pre-seeded seedling platform is equipped with a feeding mechanism, which is configured to automatically or by operation of an operating element feed the loaded mounting member from the opening into the retrieval mechanism.

2. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recovery mechanism utilizes the free fall of the mounted component to recover the mounted component.

3. The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism is configured to feed the mounting member, located on the side of the seedling planting device in the mounting section, into the opening by using applied force or the gravity of the counterweight member.

4. The rice transplanter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism is located on the side of the seedling planting device closer to the opening than the opening, and has a sliding part for the mounting component to slide. The sliding part is configured to switch between a posture along the mounting surface, i.e., a mounting posture, and a tilting posture that tilts downwards towards the opening side.

5. The rice transplanter according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the mounting member, in a state containing seedlings, is placed on the sliding part by the applied force or the weight of the counterweight member, the sliding part assumes the mounting posture; when the mounting member, in a state not containing seedlings, is placed on the sliding part, the sliding part assumes the tilting posture.

6. The rice transplanter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sliding part has a limiting part, which is abutted by the mounting member to limit the mounting member from moving further toward the side where the seedling planting device is located.

7. The rice transplanter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The prepared seedling platform is equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism, which prevents the mounting member at the end portion of the seedling planting device placed in the mounting section from moving to the side of the mounting section opposite to the side where the seedling planting device is located.

8. The rice transplanter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The prepared seedling platform has two side walls located on both sides of the width of the placement part and extending along the direction in which the placement part extends. The backflow prevention mechanism has two doors respectively located on the two side walls. The two doors are configured to switch between a blocked state located inside the sidewalls on both sides and an open state located on the sidewalls on the sides of the blocked state.

9. The rice transplanter according to claim 8, characterized in that, The two doors switch to the blocking state by applying force.

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