Sowing device

Abstract

To provide a sowing device which can make each adsorption hole properly adsorb seeds.SOLUTION: In the standing state in which an adsorption plate 32 is erected, a placement surface 50a of a holder 50 is tilted down to the adsorption plate 32 side. An adsorption machine 38 creates a negative pressure in an air chamber 35, and an electric cylinder 64 slides the holder 50 from the upper side to the lower side of a surface 32a of the adsorption plate 32. As a result, seeds S on the placement surface 50a are adsorbed to the adsorption hole 33 in order from the upper side to the lower side, and the excess seeds S remain on the placement surface 50a. In addition, by vibrating the holder 50 by an air vibrator 56, the multiple seeds S on the placement surface 50a can be easily diffused. Thus, each of the multiple adsorption holes 33 can easily adsorb the seeds S on the placement surface 50a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed sowing device, and more particularly to a seed sowing device that can easily and appropriately adsorb seeds into each of the adsorption holes. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional sowing device is known, which includes a suction device that adsorbs seeds and sows the seeds adsorbed by the suction device into cells of a seedling tray. According to the sowing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the surface of the suction plate of the suction device is facing diagonally upward, the suction plate has multiple suction holes arranged vertically and horizontally. In this state, a suction machine applies negative pressure to the back side of the suction plate, and a horizontally extending holder carrying multiple seeds is slid from top to bottom along the surface of the suction plate. As a result, the seeds on the holder are adsorbed to the suction holes in order from top to bottom, and excess seeds remain on the holder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 06-026410 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, the seeds may not be properly adsorbed into each of the adsorption holes.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a seed sowing device that can easily and appropriately adsorb seeds into each suction hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the sowing device of the present invention is provided with a suction device for suctioning seeds, and the seeds sown in cells of a seedling raising tray, the suction device comprising: a suction plate having a plurality of suction holes penetrating from the front surface to the back surface, the suction holes being formed at intervals in a horizontal first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing that holds the suction plate and forms an air chamber on the back surface of the suction plate; a suction machine that sucks air from the air chamber to create a negative pressure in the air chamber; a holder that extends in the first direction and has a mounting surface on which a plurality of the seeds can be placed; and a sliding mechanism that slides the holder in the second direction along the surface of the suction plate. Slide mechanism and a vibration mechanism for vibrating the holder, wherein in an upright state in which the suction plate is set up so that the second direction is not horizontal, the placement surface is inclined downward toward the surface to guide the seeds to the surface, and while creating a negative pressure in the air chamber with the suction machine, the holder is vibrated with the vibration mechanism, Slide mechanism The seeds are adsorbed into the adsorption holes by sliding the holder from above to below the surface.

[0007] The sowing device of the present invention is provided with a suction device for suctioning seeds, and the seeds sown in cells of a seedling raising tray include a suction plate having a plurality of suction holes formed at intervals in a horizontal first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the suction device including: a suction plate having a plurality of suction holes penetrating from the front surface to the back surface, the suction plate being formed with a plurality of suction holes spaced apart from each other in a horizontal first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing for holding the suction plate and forming an air chamber on the back surface of the suction plate; a suction machine for sucking air from the air chamber to create a negative pressure in the air chamber; a holder extending in the first direction and having a mounting surface on which a plurality of the seeds can be placed; and a sliding mechanism for sliding the holder in the second direction along the surface of the suction plate. Slide mechanismand a supply device that supplies air, and an air discharge pipe having an outlet that blows the air supplied from the supply device toward the seeds sucked by the suction holes, wherein the air discharge pipe is provided on the holder so that the outlet is located above the placement surface in the upright state, and in the upright state in which the suction plate is stood up so that the second direction is not horizontal, the placement surface is inclined downward toward the surface to guide the seeds to the surface, and while creating a negative pressure in the air chamber by the suction machine, Slide mechanism The seeds are adsorbed into the adsorption holes by sliding the holder from above to below the surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the seed sowing device of claim 1, the suction plate is formed with a plurality of suction holes spaced apart in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other. When the suction plate is in an upright position so that the second direction perpendicular to the horizontal first direction is non-horizontal, the mounting surface of the holder on which the plurality of seeds are placed is inclined downward toward the front side of the suction plate, guiding the seeds to the surface. Furthermore, while creating a negative pressure in the air chamber on the back side of the suction plate by a suction machine, Slide mechanism The holder is slid from above to below (in the second direction) on the surface of the suction plate by the mechanism. As a result, seeds on the mounting surface are adsorbed into the suction holes in order from the upper suction holes to the lower suction holes, and excess seeds remain on the mounting surface. Furthermore, when the holder is slid, the holder is vibrated by the vibration mechanism, which makes it easier to spread the multiple seeds on the mounting surface extending in the horizontal first direction in the first direction. This makes it easier to adsorb the seeds on the mounting surface into each of the multiple suction holes spaced apart in the first direction.

[0009] According to the seeding device of claim 2, in addition to the effects achieved by the seeding device of claim 1, the following effects are achieved. Slide mechanism is connected to one end of the holder in the first direction and slides the one end in the second direction. Equipped with an actuator If the holder is vibrated by the vibration mechanism during this sliding, the other end of the holder in the first direction may swing freely, making it easier for the vibration of the holder caused by the vibration mechanism to be absorbed. Slide mechanism The holder is provided with a load mechanism that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder when it is in the upright position, which prevents the other end from swinging freely and prevents the vibration of the vibration mechanism from being absorbed by the swinging. As a result, the seeds on the mounting surface of the holder can be more easily dispersed in the first direction, and the seeds on the mounting surface can be more easily adsorbed into each of the multiple suction holes.

[0010] The sowing device of claim 3 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the sowing device of claim 2. The vibration mechanism is an air vibrator that vibrates the holder with air supplied from the supply device via a valve. The load mechanism is an air cylinder that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder in the first direction when it is in the upright position with air supplied from the supply device via a valve. The valve switches between a supply state in which air is supplied from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the air cylinder, and a cut-off state in which air supply from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the air cylinder is cut off. Here, the load effect of the air cylinder is exerted when the holder is vibrated by the air vibrator. Therefore, by using the same valve to switch between supplying and cutting off air to them, the operation and control of the switch can be simplified.

[0011] The sowing device of claim 4 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the sowing device of claim 1. The air outlet of the air discharge pipe provided in the holder is located above the mounting surface when the holder is in the upright position, and blows air supplied from the supply device toward the seeds adsorbed in the suction holes. This allows air to be blown onto the seeds in the suction holes sequentially from above as the holder slides when adsorbing seeds into the suction holes. Even if two or more seeds are adsorbed into one suction hole, the seeds with weaker adsorption strength can be dropped by blowing air and returned to the mounting surface of the holder. As a result, the air discharge pipe makes it easier to adsorb only one seed into each suction hole.

[0012] The sowing device of claim 5 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the sowing device of claim 4. The vibration mechanism is an air vibrator that vibrates the holder with air supplied from the supply device. A valve switches between a supply state in which air is supplied from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the outlet, and a cut-off state in which the supply of air from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the outlet is cut off. Here, the effect of vibration by the air vibrator and the effect of air being blown out from the outlet are both exerted when the holder is slid to adsorb seeds into the suction holes. Therefore, by using the same valve to switch between supplying and cutting off air to these, the operation and control of the switch can be simplified.

[0013] According to the seeding device of claim 6, in addition to the effects achieved by the seeding device of claim 5, the following effects are achieved. Slide mechanism is connected to one end of the holder in the first direction and slides the one end in the second direction. Equipped with an actuator If the holder is vibrated by the vibration mechanism during this sliding, the other end of the holder in the first direction may swing freely, making it easier for the vibration of the holder caused by the vibration mechanism to be absorbed. Slide mechanism The holder has an air cylinder that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder when it is in the upright position using air supplied from the supply device, which makes the other end less likely to swing freely and prevents the vibration of the vibration mechanism from being absorbed by the swinging. As a result, the seeds on the mounting surface of the holder can be easily dispersed in the first direction and the seeds on the mounting surface can be easily adsorbed into each of the multiple suction holes.

[0014] The effect of the load exerted by the air cylinder is exerted when the holder is vibrated by the air vibrator. Furthermore, the valve that switches between supplying and cutting off air to the air vibrator and the air outlet also supplies air to the air cylinder in the supply state, and cuts off the supply of air to the air cylinder in the cut-off state. In this way, by using the same valve that switches between supplying and cutting off air to the air cylinder, the air vibrator, and the air outlet, the switching operation and control can be further simplified.

[0015] The sowing device of claim 7 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the sowing device of claim 1. The suction device includes a supply device that supplies air and at least two outlets that release the air supplied from the supply device into the air chamber. The two outlets are non-linear and face in different directions when viewed in the thickness direction of the suction plate, making it easier to diffuse the air from the outlets within the air chamber. As a result, the release of air from the outlets allows the negative pressure within the air chamber to be quickly released, and seeds adsorbed to the suction holes by the negative pressure can be quickly sown.

[0016] According to the sowing device of claim 8, the suction plate is formed with a plurality of suction holes spaced apart in the first and second directions. When the suction plate is in an upright position so that the second direction perpendicular to the horizontal first direction is non-horizontal, the mounting surface of the holder on which the plurality of seeds are placed is inclined downward toward the front surface of the suction plate, guiding the seeds to the surface. Furthermore, while creating a negative pressure in the air chamber on the back side of the suction plate by a suction machine, Slide mechanism The holder is slid from the top to the bottom (in the second direction) on the surface of the suction plate by the force of the suction hole. As a result, the seeds on the mounting surface are attracted to the suction holes in order from the top to the bottom, and excess seeds remain on the mounting surface.

[0017] Furthermore, the air outlet of the air discharge pipe provided on the holder is positioned above the mounting surface when the holder is in the upright position, and blows air supplied from the supply device toward the seeds adsorbed in the suction holes. This allows air to be blown onto the seeds in the suction holes in order from above as the holder slides when adsorbing seeds into the suction holes. Even if two or more seeds are adsorbed into one suction hole, the seeds with the weakest adsorption strength can be dropped by blowing air and returned to the mounting surface of the holder. In this way, the air outlet makes it easy to adsorb only one seed into each suction hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a seeding device in one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sowing device taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the seeding device as seen from the direction of arrow III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sowing device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the adsorption operation by the seeding device, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the seeding device taken along line Vb-Vb in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] 6(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the sowing operation of the sowing device, and FIG. 6(b) is a front view of the sowing device as seen from the direction of arrow VIb in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the seeding device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU of the seeding device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of a seeding device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seeding device 10 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Arrows U, D, L, R, F, and B in each drawing indicate the upward, downward, leftward, rightward, forward, and backward directions of the seeding device 10, respectively. The left-right and front-back directions are all horizontal and perpendicular to each other. The up-down direction is vertical.

[0020] The sowing device 10 is a device for sowing seeds S (see FIG. 5(a) etc.) in a seedling raising tray T in which a plurality of cells C for raising plants are arranged in the left-right and front-back directions. In this embodiment, the seedling raising tray T has 20 rows of cells C arranged in the front-back direction, each row consisting of 10 cells C arranged in the left-right direction.

[0021] The seeding device 10 mainly comprises a frame 11, a mounting table 20, a suction device 30, and a control device 80. The frame 11 is a part that forms the base of the seeding device 10, and is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape by combining multiple metal rods. A control device 80 for controlling each part of the seeding device 10 is fixed inside this rectangular parallelepiped frame 11.

[0022] A caster 12 and an adjustable pad 13 are attached to each of the four corners of the underside of the frame 11. When the adjustable pad 13 is raised above the floor, the seeding device 10 can be easily moved using the casters 12. In addition, by pressing the adjustable pad 13 against the floor or the like to raise the caster 12, the seeding device 10 can be fixed to the floor or the like.

[0023] The mounting base 20 is a rectangular platform in plan view on which the seedling trays T are placed, and is disposed above the frame 11. The central portion of the underside of the mounting base 20 is connected to the upper surface of the frame 11 by a pantograph-type jack 14. When an operator turns the thumbscrew 14a of the jack 14, the mounting base 20 moves up and down relative to the frame 11.

[0024] Furthermore, rods 15a protrude downward from near the four corners of the mounting table 20, and cylindrical linear bushings 15b that guide the up and down movement of the rods 15a are fixed to the upper surface of the frame 11. This makes it difficult for the mounting table 20 to tilt relative to the frame 11. Furthermore, the portion of the upper surface of the frame 11 where the jack 14 is provided is recessed downward relative to the portion where the linear bushings 15b are fixed. This makes it easier to move the linear bushings 15b closer to the mounting table 20 relative to the vertical dimension of the jack 14, making it even more difficult for the mounting table 20 to tilt.

[0025] A storage section 21 for storing the lower part of the seedling raising tray T is provided on the upper surface of the mounting base 20. The storage section 21 is formed in a box shape with an open top and restricts the movement of the seedling raising tray T stored inside in the left-right and front-back directions. Furthermore, the storage section 21 is restricted in its movement in the left-right and front-back directions by a plurality of restricting walls 22 protruding upward from the upper surface of the mounting base 20. The storage section 21 located inside these restricting walls 22 can be replaced depending on the type of seedling raising tray T. In other words, by replacing the storage section 21, the type of seedling raising tray T that can be placed on the mounting base 20 can be easily changed.

[0026] A plurality of legs 17a rise vertically from the upper surface of the frame 11 behind the mounting base 20. A flat base 17b is suspended from the upper ends of these legs 17a. This base 17b is positioned slightly higher than the upper surface of the seedling tray T. A hinge 31 is attached to the base 17b to support the suction device 30 so that it can tilt.

[0027] The adsorption device 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 6 in addition to Figure 1. Figure 3 is a front view of the sowing device 10 as seen from the direction of arrow III in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sowing device 10 taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the sowing operation of the sowing device 10. Figure 6(b) is a front view of the sowing device 10 as seen from the direction of arrow VIb in Figure 6(a). Figures 4 and 6(a) schematically show a portion of the pneumatic circuit.

[0028] The suction device 30 is a device for suctioning the seeds S and sowing them in the seedling trays T on the mounting table 20. The suction device 30 mainly comprises an suction plate 32 for suctioning the seeds S, a housing 34 to which the suction plate 32 is attached, and a holder 50 that slides along the suction plate 32.

[0029] 3 and 4, the attraction plate 32 is a flat plate having a front surface 32a and a back surface 32b. The attraction plate 32 is formed to extend in a horizontal first direction D1 and a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first direction D1 coincides with the left-right direction (the direction of the arrows LR).

[0030] The suction plate 32 has a plurality of suction holes 33 formed therein, penetrating from the front surface 32a to the back surface 32b. The suction holes 33 are holes for suctioning the seeds S. The plurality of suction holes 33 are arranged spaced apart in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. These plurality of suction holes 33 are formed in positions facing the plurality of cells C when the suction plate 32 is opposed to the seedling tray T. In this embodiment, the plurality of suction holes 33 are arranged in 20 rows at equal intervals in the second direction D2, with 10 suction holes 33 arranged at equal intervals in the first direction D1 being considered as one row.

[0031] Each suction hole 33 is formed by connecting a small diameter hole 33a on the front surface 32a side with a large diameter hole 33b on the back surface 32b side. The diameter of the small diameter hole 33a is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the seed S to be sucked, but is formed to be larger than the diameter of the large diameter hole 33b. The diameter of the large diameter hole 33b may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the seed S.

[0032] For example, the small diameter holes 33a are less than 1 mm so that seeds S of about 1 mm can be adsorbed. It is difficult to form these small diameter holes 33a by drilling from the front surface 32a to the back surface 32b of the adsorption plate 32 using a tool such as a drill because the tool is likely to break. However, by first forming the large diameter holes 33b, which have a relatively large diameter, from the back surface 32b side and then forming the small diameter holes 33a, it is possible to make it easier to form the adsorption holes 33a in the adsorption plate 32.

[0033] The housing 34 is a member that holds the suction plate 32 so as to form an air chamber 35 on the rear surface 32b side of the suction plate 32. The housing 34 forms a rectangular parallelepiped box with one side closed by the suction plate 32. The housing 34 is supported by the base 17b of the frame 11 via hinges 31 so as to be tiltable.

[0034] The hinge 31 rotates around an axis 31a parallel to the left-right direction, with the movable part fixed to the housing 34 and the front end of the fixed part fixed to the base 17b. This hinge 31 allows the suction plate 32 to be switched between an upright state in which the surface 32a of the suction plate 32 is raised so that it slopes downward toward the front, as shown in FIG. 1, and a lying state in which the surface 32a faces downward so that it faces the seedling tray T, as shown in FIG. 6(a). In this embodiment, the lying state is such that the surface 32a is horizontal, and the upright state is the state in which the surface 32a is rotated 100° upward and backward from that position. That is, in the upright state, the second direction D2 is the direction in which the vertical direction (the direction of the arrow UD) is tilted 10° counterclockwise when viewed from the right.

[0035] The hinge 31 is a power-assisted hinge that incorporates a mechanism that assists the operator in switching between the upright state and the lying state, thereby preventing the suction plate 32 and the housing 34 from falling over forcefully from the upright state to the lying state, and allowing the suction plate 32 and the housing 34 to be switched from the lying state to the upright state with a light force.

[0036] Handles 41 and 42 are provided on the housing 34 for the operator to hold when switching the housing 34 between an upright position and a reclined position. The handle 41 is a rod-shaped part attached to the right edge of the vertical center part of the housing 34 when it is upright. The handle 42 is a part that protrudes upward from the upper end of the right side of the housing 34 when it is upright, and has a spherical tip.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, a first switch 71 that detects whether the housing 34 is in an upright position is attached to the base 17b on the frame 11 side. A plurality of rods 72a extend vertically upward from the rear of the base 17b, and plate members 72b extend vertically forward from the upper ends of the rods 72a. The first switch 71 is fixed to a support member 72c that extends from the upper surface of the plate member 72b. The first switch 71 is a limit switch that turns on when it comes into contact with the housing 34 in the upright position, and turns off when it is not in the upright position (when it is in a collapsed position or when switching), as it is not in contact with the housing 34.

[0038] A box-shaped support member 72d, which is open on the rear and top, rises from plate member 72b at a position offset from support member 72c in the left-right direction. A stopper 73, the amount of forward projection of which is adjustable, protrudes from the front of support member 72d. Stopper 73 contacts the rear surface of housing 34 when it is in the upright position, thereby preventing excessive load from being applied to first switch 71.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6(b), a second switch 74 that detects whether the housing 34 is in a laid-down state is attached to the front end of the top surface of the frame 11. The second switch 74 is fixed to the rear side of a plate member 18a that stands vertically upward from the frame 11. The second switch 74 is a limit switch that turns on when it comes into contact with the laid-down housing 34, and is off when it is not in a laid-down state (when it is in an upright state or when switching).

[0040] To the right of the second switch 74 and the plate 18a, a gate-shaped mounting member 18b rises vertically from the frame 11 when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. A stopper 75, the amount of upward projection of which is adjustable, protrudes from the upper end of this mounting member 18b. The stopper 75 comes into contact with the housing 34 in the laid-down state, thereby preventing excessive load from being applied to the second switch 74.

[0041] Furthermore, a shock absorber 76 is attached to the mounting member 18b. The shock absorber 76 is a damping mechanism for absorbing the impact when the housing 34 is switched from an upright position to a lying position. The shock absorber 76 has a tip 76a that protrudes above the mounting member 18b and moves up and down relative to the main body, and absorbs the impact by bringing the housing 34 into contact with the tip 76a.

[0042] Hereinafter, each part of the suction device 30 will be described in more detail, using directions in the upright state unless otherwise specified. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 34 has a pair of upper walls 34a, each of which extends upward beyond the upper wall of the air chamber 35 from the left and right side walls that form the air chamber 35. A flat contact plate 34b is bridged across the front edges of the upper ends of the pair of upper walls 34a, at a position spaced upward from the suction plate 32. This contact plate 34b is the portion that comes into contact with the second switch 74, the stopper 75, and the shock absorber 76 when the device is in the tilted state.

[0043] The housing 34 is provided with a pair of lower walls 34c, each extending downward from the lower wall of the air chamber 35 on both the left and right sides of the air chamber 35. The front edges of the lower walls 34c are connected in the vertical direction by a lower front wall 34d. The front surface of the lower front wall 34d is formed flush with the surface 32a of the suction plate 32, and the movable part of the hinge 31 is fixed to the rear surface of the lower front wall 34d.

[0044] A plurality of flat head screws 34f are fixed in a vertical line to the front edges of the left and right side walls of the air chamber 35 of the housing 34. Note that the bottom right flat head screw 34f is not shown in Figure 3. The suction plate 32 is formed with a large hole 32c through which the head of the flat head screw 34f can be inserted, and a small hole 32d connected to the upper part of the large hole 32c. The diameter of the small hole 32d tapers from the front surface 32a to the back surface 32b so as to correspond to the surface on the shank side of the head of the flat head screw 34f.

[0045] To attach the suction plate 32 to the housing 34, first insert the head of the flat head screw 34f into the large hole 32c. Then, by sliding the suction plate 32 downward, the shank of the flat head screw 34f is inserted into the small hole 32d, bringing the tapered head of the flat head screw 34f into contact with the tapered edge of the small hole 32d, and pressing the back surface 32b of the suction plate 32 against the housing 34. This allows the suction plate 32 to be easily fixed to the housing 34. Note that the suction plate 32 can be easily removed from the housing 34 by performing the reverse operation to that used for fixing the suction plate 32.

[0046] The rear wall of the housing 34, which faces the suction plate 32 across the air chamber 35, is formed with a suction hole 35a located in the center in the vertical direction and air supply holes 35b located on both the upper and lower sides of the suction hole 35a.

[0047] A suction pipe 36 is connected to the suction hole 35a, and a suction device 38 is connected to the suction pipe 36. The suction device 38 is a device that sucks air from the air chamber 35 to create a negative pressure inside the air chamber 35, and is configured as a dust collector in this embodiment. A first electromagnetic valve F1 that switches the suction pipe 36 between communication and cut-off is provided midway along the suction pipe 36.

[0048] A supply pipe 37 is connected to the air supply hole 35b, and a supply pump P is connected to the supply pipe 37. The supply pump P is a device that supplies air to various locations including the air chamber 35. A third electromagnetic valve F3 is provided midway along the supply pipe 37, which switches the supply pipe 37 between communication and cut-off.

[0049] Supply pipe 37 includes an S-shaped pipe 37a that branches out to the left and right within air chamber 35 and extends along suction plate 32. On the left side of S-shaped pipe 37a, the tip of the section extending leftward from air supply hole 35b is bent vertically upward, with discharge port 37b at its tip. On the right side of S-shaped pipe 37a, the tip of the section extending rightward from air supply hole 35b is bent vertically downward, with discharge port 37b at its tip. Air is discharged into air chamber 35 from these discharge ports 37b.

[0050] The holder 50 is a rectangular parallelepiped container that is open on the rear and top surfaces facing the suction plate 32 and extends in the left-right direction, and accommodates a plurality of seeds S (see FIG. 5(a)). In the upright state, the bottom surface of the holder 50 is the placement surface 50a on which the seeds S are placed. The placement surface 50a is inclined downward toward the surface 32a of the suction plate 32, guiding the seeds S to the surface 32a.

[0051] A cover 51 is attached to the opening on the top surface of the holder 50 so as to cover a part of the front side. This cover 51 can prevent the seeds S from falling out of the holder 50 when the housing 34 is in the lying position (see FIG. 6).

[0052] The holder 50 is provided with a seal member 53 over the entire contact area with the surface 32a of the suction plate 32. The seal member 53 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or thermoplastic elastomer with a low coefficient of friction and high abrasion resistance, and adheres closely to the surface 32a. This makes it difficult for the seeds S to fall between the holder 50 and the surface 32a, and also makes it easier for the holder 50 to slide over the surface 32a.

[0053] The holder 50 slides on the surface 32a of the attraction plate 32 by a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism includes a rail 34e, a slider 44, a bracket 45, a vibration-isolating member 46, a base plate 47, an air cylinder 61, and an electric cylinder 64.

[0054] 1 and 3, the rails 34e are a pair of sections formed parallel to the second direction D2 over substantially the entire length of both the left and right sides of the housing 34. The sliders 44 are a pair of sections that slide in the second direction D2 on the pair of left and right rails 34e.

[0055] The brackets 45 are a pair of left and right parts fixed to the pair of left and right sliders 44, respectively. The brackets 45 are formed in an L-shape by a part extending downward from the sliders 44 in the second direction D2 and a protruding part extending vertically forward from the lower end of the part extending downward. The front ends of the protruding parts of the pair of left and right brackets 45 are connected to each other by a round connecting rod 45a. As a result, the positions of the brackets 45 and sliders 44 relative to the rail 34e are approximately the same on the left and right.

[0056] The vibration-damping members 46 are members that elastically support the holder 50 relative to the brackets 45, and are made of an elastic material such as rubber. Two vibration-damping members 46 are attached to the upper edges of the protruding portions of the left and right brackets 45, spaced apart from each other in the front and rear.

[0057] The base plate 47 is a plate material placed and fixed on a total of four vibration-isolating members 46. A holder 50 is placed and fixed on this base plate 47. A pair of left and right support parts 47a extending downward are attached to the underside of the base plate 47. A support plate 47b is supported by spanning the lower ends of the pair of left and right support parts 47a. An air vibrator 56 is fixed to the support plate 47b.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the air vibrator 56 is a vibration mechanism that vibrates using air supplied from a supply pump P. A second electromagnetic valve F2 and a regulator R3 are provided in this order in the air supply pipe from the supply pump P to the air vibrator 56. The second electromagnetic valve F2 is a valve that switches the supply pipe that supplies air between communication and cut-off. The regulator R3 is a valve that adjusts the pressure of the air flowing to the air vibrator 56.

[0059] When the second electromagnetic valve F2 is opened to vibrate the air vibrator 56, the vibration is transmitted to the holder 50 via the support plate 47b, the support portion 47a, and the base plate 47. This vibration of the holder 50 makes it easier to spread the seeds S in the horizontal direction on the placement surface 50a extending parallel to the horizontal direction (first direction D1).

[0060] The vibration of the air vibrator 56 is less likely to be transmitted to the bracket 45 and the suction plate 32 by the vibration-isolating member 46 and the sealing member 53. This makes it possible to prevent the seeds S adsorbed on the suction plate 32 from falling off due to the vibration of the air vibrator 56.

[0061] 3 and 4, an air discharge pipe 57 is provided above the holder 50. The air discharge pipe 57 is fixed to the upper surface of a pipe support plate 45b that is bridged over the upper ends of the pair of left and right brackets 45, and is disposed near the opening on the upper surface of the holder 50 at a position slightly forward from the suction plate 32.

[0062] The air release pipe 57 is a circular pipe member extending in the left-right direction, and is provided with a plurality of air outlets 57a on the side facing the suction plate 32. A regulator R2, a second electromagnetic valve F2, and a supply pump P are connected to the air release pipe 57, in that order from the air release pipe 57 side. When the second electromagnetic valve F2 is opened, air regulated by the regulator R2 is supplied to the air release pipe 57, and the air is blown out from the air outlets 57a toward the suction plate 32, forming an air curtain.

[0063] 1 and 3, the air cylinder 61 is a loading mechanism that applies an upward load to the right end of the holder 50, which is slidable along the suction plate 32. The air cylinder 61 is attached to the right side of the housing 34 and extends over substantially the entire length of the housing 34 in the second direction D2. The air cylinder 61 slides a slider 61b along a belt 61a that extends substantially parallel to the rail 34e. The slider 61b is connected to the right bracket 45 via a connecting plate 62. That is, the right end of the holder 50 is connected to the slider 61b via the connecting plate 62, etc.

[0064] 4 is a schematic diagram of the air cylinder 61. The interior of the air cylinder 61 is divided by a slider 61b into a lower first chamber 61c and an upper second chamber 61d. The second chamber 61d is open to the atmosphere. A regulator R1, a second electromagnetic valve F2, and a supply pump P are connected to the first chamber 61c in this order from the first chamber 61c side.

[0065] When the second solenoid valve F2 is opened, air is supplied to the first chamber 61c, and a load is applied upward in the second direction D2 from the slider 61b of the air cylinder 61 to the right end of the holder 50 via the connecting plate 62, etc. However, the air pressure in the first chamber 61c is kept substantially constant by the regulator R3 so that the load is not enough to slide the holder 50 up and down, but enough to support the weight of the right end of the holder 50.

[0066] 3, the electric cylinder 64 is an actuator that slides the holder 50 in the second direction D2. The electric cylinder 64 is disposed on the left side of the housing 34. Support portions 63a extend leftward from both the upper and lower end portions of the left side of the housing 34, and a support plate 63b is bridged across the left ends of the support portions 63a, and the electric cylinder 64 is fixed to the support plate 63b.

[0067] The electric cylinder 64 extends over substantially the entire length of the housing 34 in the second direction D2. A slider 64a that slides along the left side surface by power and a control operation unit 64b that electrically controls the position of the slider 64a extend from the electric cylinder 64. The control operation unit 64b is provided with an operator that can set the upper limit position and lower limit position of the slider 64a.

[0068] A plate portion 65b is fixed to the slider 64a, and three rod portions 65a connect the plate portion 65b to the left-side bracket 45. As a result, the slider 64a of the electric cylinder 64 is connected to the left end portion of the holder 50 via the plate portion 65b etc., and the left end portion of the holder 50 slides in the second direction D2 along the left-side rail 34e by the electric cylinder 64.

[0069] As the left end slides, the right end of the holder 50 also slides in the second direction D2 along the right rail 34e. When the holder 50 slides downward in the second direction D2, the slider 61b of the air cylinder 61 also slides downward, compressing the air in the first chamber 61c. However, at this time, the regulator R3 discharges the air from the first chamber 61c, keeping the pressure in the first chamber 61c approximately constant. This prevents the air cylinder 61 from interfering with the downward sliding of the holder 50 by the electric cylinder 64.

[0070] Next, a method for controlling and using the seeding device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the seeding device 10. The control device 80 of the seeding device 10 has a CPU 81, a flash ROM 82, and a RAM 83, which are each connected to an input / output port 85 via a bus line 84. The input / output port 85 is further connected to the electric cylinder 64, the suction machine 38, the supply pump P, a control panel 86, a first solenoid valve F1, a second solenoid valve F2, a third solenoid valve F3, a first switch 71, and a second switch 74, respectively.

[0071] The control panel 86 has an operator for switching the power supply of the seeding device 10 on and off, an operator for starting the operation of the seeding device 10, an operator for stopping the operation, an operator for starting and stopping the suction machine 38, etc. The control panel 86 is mainly provided on the side of the control device 80 (see Figure 1). Note that some of the operators of the control panel 86 may be provided in a position that is easy for an operator to operate, such as on the base 17b.

[0072] Returning to Fig. 7, the CPU 81 is a computing device that controls each unit connected by a bus line 84. The RAM 83 is a memory for rewritably storing various work data, flags, etc. when the CPU 81 executes a program.

[0073] The flash ROM 82 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 81, fixed value data, etc., and is provided with a control program 82a. When the control program 82a is executed by the CPU 81, the main processing of Fig. 8 is executed. Note that a storage device such as an SSD or HDD may be used instead of the flash ROM 82.

[0074] The main processing executed by the CPU 81 of the seeding device 10 will be explained with reference to Fig. 8, and a method of using the seeding device 10 will be explained with reference to Figs. 4 to 6(b). Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 81 of the seeding device 10. This main processing is repeatedly executed while the power of the seeding device 10 is turned on.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, when the sowing device 10 is powered on and the main process is started, the first step is to close the first electromagnetic valve F1, the second electromagnetic valve F2, and the third electromagnetic valve F3 (S1). Note that the first electromagnetic valve F1, the second electromagnetic valve F2, and the third electromagnetic valve F3 are preferably valves that close when not energized. In this case, by leaving the valves F1 to F3 de-energized after powering on, the process of S1 can be omitted.

[0076] After the process of S1, the supply pump P is started (S2). At this time, both the first electromagnetic valve F1 and the third electromagnetic valve F3 are closed, so the air chamber 35 of the adsorption device 30 shown in Fig. 4 is maintained at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, even when the supply pump P is started, the second electromagnetic valve F2 is closed, so the air cylinder 61, the air curtain formed by the air discharge pipe 57, and the air vibrator 56 all remain stopped.

[0077] 8, it is confirmed whether the first switch 71 is on (S3). If the first switch 71 is off (S3: No), the housing 34 is not in an upright position, and it is difficult to adsorb the seeds S onto the adsorption plate 32, so the process of S3 is repeated until the first switch 71 is on.

[0078] If the first switch 71 is on in the process of S3 (S3: Yes), the housing 34 is in an upright state, so the electric cylinder 64 moves the holder 50 to its upper limit position (S4). This upper limit position of the holder 50 is a state in which the mounting surface 50a is positioned above all of the suction holes 33, as shown in Fig. 4. If the holder 50 is already in the upper limit position when the process of S4 starts, the process of S4 is skipped.

[0079] 8, the first electromagnetic valve F1 is opened to start the suction device 38 (S5), creating a negative pressure in the air chamber 35. Furthermore, in the process of S5, the second electromagnetic valve F2 is opened to start the air cylinder 61, the air curtain formed by the air discharge pipe 57, and the air vibrator 56. Next, it is confirmed whether a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S6).

[0080] Before the predetermined time has elapsed (S6: No), the negative pressure in the air chamber 35 may not be sufficient to adsorb the seeds S, or the operation of the air cylinder 61, the air curtain, and the air vibrator 56 may be unstable. Therefore, the process of S6 is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0081] If a predetermined time has elapsed in the process of S6 (S6: Yes), it is determined that the air chamber 35 has been sufficiently negatively pressurized and the operation of the air cylinder 61, etc. has stabilized, and the electric cylinder 64 moves (slides) the holder 50 to the lowest position (S7). During this sliding, the seeds S in the holder 50 are attracted to the suction plate 32.

[0082] The suction of the seeds S will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the suction operation by the seed sowing device 10. Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the seed sowing device 10 taken along line Vb-Vb in Figure 5(a). The position of the holder 50 shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 5(a) is the lowest position. This lowest position is a state in which the mounting surface 50a is located below all of the suction holes 33 in the upright state, and is a position in which the holder 50 does not interfere with the mounting table 20 and the seedling raising tray T in the laid-down state of Figure 6(a).

[0083] When the holder 50 is slid from the upper limit position in Fig. 4 beyond the position indicated by the solid line in Fig. 5(a) to the lower limit position indicated by the two-dot chain line, the seeds S, guided by the downward inclination of the mounting surface 50a, come into contact with the surface 32a of the suction plate 32. When the seeds S block the suction holes 33 opening in the surface 32a, the seeds S are adsorbed to the suction holes 33 because the air chamber 35 on the back surface 32b side of the suction holes 33 is under negative pressure. The seeds S are adsorbed to the suction holes 33 sequentially from top to bottom (in the second direction D2). Furthermore, because the surface 32a of the suction plate 32 is inclined downward toward the mounting surface 50a, excess seeds S that are not adsorbed to the suction holes 33 roll on the surface 32a and remain on the mounting surface 50a.

[0084] 8, in which the holder 50 is slid to the lowest position, the sliding of the holder 50 may be temporarily stopped, and the sliding of the holder 50 may be resumed when the first switch 71 is turned on again. This allows the adsorption of the seeds S to be resumed from where it left off, even if the operator switches the holder 50 from an upright position to a lying position while the seeds S are being adsorbed.

[0085] Returning to Figure 5, when the seeds S are adsorbed by sliding the holder 50 in the second direction D2, the seeds S can be easily adsorbed into the suction holes 33 spaced apart in the second direction D2. However, if the seeds S on the mounting surface 50a are unevenly distributed in a portion of the first direction D1, it may become difficult for the seeds S to be adsorbed into some of the suction holes 33 spaced apart in the first direction D1.

[0086] In contrast, in this embodiment, the placement surface 50a extends parallel to the horizontal first direction D1, and the holder 50 is vibrated by the air vibrator 56 started in the process of S5 when sliding the holder 50. Therefore, the seeds S on the placement surface 50a are easily dispersed in the first direction D1, and the seeds S on the placement surface 50a can be easily adsorbed by each of the plurality of suction holes 33 spaced apart in the first direction D1.

[0087] When the electric cylinder 64 is used to vibrate the holder 50 while sliding the left end of the holder 50, the right end of the holder 50 may swing freely, making it easier to absorb the vibration of the holder 50 caused by the air vibrator 56. However, in this embodiment, an upward load is applied to the right end of the holder 50 by the air cylinder 61 started in the process of S5, making it difficult for the right end to swing freely. This prevents the vibration of the air vibrator 56 from being absorbed by the free swing. As a result, the seeds S on the mounting surface 50a can be more easily dispersed in the first direction D1, and the seeds S on the mounting surface 50a can be more easily adsorbed by each of the multiple suction holes 33.

[0088] The load effect of the air cylinder 61 is exerted when the holder 50 is vibrated by the air vibrator 56. Therefore, by using the same second electromagnetic valve F2 as the valve for switching between supplying and blocking air to these, the switching operation and control can be simplified.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the seeds S are adsorbed into the suction holes 33, two or more seeds S may be adsorbed into one suction hole 33. If this continues, two or more seeds S will be sown in one cell C of the seedling tray T, which will likely result in fewer seedlings being obtained compared to the number of seeds S sown.

[0090] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the holder 50 is slid, the excess seeds S can be dropped by the air curtain generated by the air discharge pipe 57 activated in the process of S5, as follows: The plurality of air outlets 57a of the air discharge pipe 57 are provided at positions facing the plurality of suction holes 33 in the front-to-rear direction (thickness direction of the suction plate 32), respectively, and are located above the placement surface 50a in the upright state. Therefore, as the holder 50 slides downward, air can be blown from the air outlets 57a onto the seeds S adsorbed to the suction holes 33, starting from above.

[0091] Two or more seeds S adsorbed to one suction hole 33 are divided into one with the strongest suction force and the others with relatively weak suction force. In FIG. 5(b), the seeds S with weak suction force are indicated by a two-dot chain line. When air is blown from the air outlet 57a onto such two or more seeds S, the seeds S with weak suction force can be dropped and returned to the mounting surface 50a of the holder 50. As a result, the air curtain created by the air discharge pipe 57 makes it easier to adsorb only one seed S to each suction hole 33.

[0092] Since the air curtain slides together with the holder 50, the sliding mechanism can be simplified compared to when they are slid separately. Furthermore, since the position of the air curtain can be maintained near the holder 50, the seeds S dropped by the air curtain can be easily returned into the holder 50.

[0093] Furthermore, the vibration effect of the air vibrator 56, the load effect of the air cylinder 61, and the effect of the air curtain are all exerted when the seeds S are adsorbed into the suction holes 33 while sliding the holder 50. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, by using the same second electromagnetic valve F2 as the valve for switching between supplying and cutting off air to them, the operation and control of the switching can be simplified.

[0094] Although the second electromagnetic valve F2 is common, among the flow paths branching from the second electromagnetic valve F2, a regulator R1 is provided on the air cylinder 61 side, another regulator R2 is provided on the air discharge pipe 57 (air curtain) side, and another regulator R3 is provided on the air vibrator 56 side. As a result, even when air is supplied to each of the air cylinder 61, air discharge pipe 57, and air vibrator 56 via the second electromagnetic valve F2, the pressure of the air directed toward each can be adjusted separately by the regulators R1 to R3.

[0095] As described above, after the holder 50 has been slid to the lowest position and the seeds S have been adsorbed into the suction holes 33 (after the process of S7 in FIG. 8), the operation of the air vibrator 56, the air cylinder 61, and the air curtain is no longer necessary, so the second electromagnetic valve F2 is closed (S8). Note that the first electromagnetic valve F1 is left open so that the seeds S remain adsorbed into the suction holes 33.

[0096] After the process of S8, it is determined whether the operator has switched the housing 34 from an upright position to a lying position by checking whether the second switch 74 has been turned on (S9). If the second switch 74 is off (S9: No), the housing 34 has not been switched to a lying position and seeds S cannot be sown in the seedling raising tray T, so the process of S9 is repeated until the second switch 74 is turned on. Note that if there is no seedling raising tray T on the mounting table 20 that has not had seeds S sown therein, the operator can simply set that seedling raising tray T on the mounting table 20 before the second switch 74 is turned on in the process of S9.

[0097] When the housing 34 is switched to the lying position and the second switch 74 is turned on in the processing of S9 (S9: Yes), in order to sow the attracted seeds S, the suction device 38 is stopped, the first electromagnetic valve F1 is closed, and the third electromagnetic valve F3 is opened (S10). This stops the suction of air from the air chamber 35 by the suction device 38, and air is supplied from the supply pump P into the air chamber 35, gradually changing the pressure inside the air chamber 35 from negative to atmospheric pressure and then to positive pressure. Note that by switching between starting and stopping the suction device 38 depending on the opening and closing of the first electromagnetic valve F1, continuous operation of the suction device 38 can be prevented.

[0098] After the process of S10, it is checked whether a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S11) to wait for the pressure in the air chamber 35 to change to positive. Until the predetermined time has elapsed (S11: No), the process of S11 is repeated to continue supplying air into the air chamber 35. If the predetermined time has elapsed (S11: Yes), the pressure in the air chamber 35 has sufficiently changed to positive pressure, so the third electromagnetic valve F3 is closed to stop the supply of air to the air chamber 35 (S12).

[0099] As shown in Figure 6, in the lying state, one seed S adsorbed to the suction hole 33 is located above each cell C. When the negative pressure in the air chamber 35 is released in this state, the seed S is sown so that it falls into the cell C. Note that if the air chamber 35 is simply set to atmospheric pressure, the seed S may remain attached to the periphery of the suction hole 33 and not fall, but by applying positive pressure to the air chamber 35, the seed S can be made to fall more easily.

[0100] 3, the discharge ports 37b provided on both sides of the S-shaped tube 37a are not aligned in a straight line and face in different directions (upward or downward), which makes it easier to diffuse the air from the discharge ports 37b within the air chamber 35. As a result, the negative pressure within the air chamber 35 can be quickly released by the release of air from the discharge ports 37b, and the seeds S adsorbed to the suction holes 33 can be sown quickly.

[0101] After the process of S12 in Figure 8, the processes from S3 onwards are repeated to sow seeds in another seedling raising tray T. Since the seedling raising tray T is placed in the storage section 21 which surrounds it in the front, back, left and right directions, in order for the operator to replace the seedling raising tray T, the housing 34 must be switched from the lying position to the standing position. After this switching, the processes from S4 onwards are executed sequentially by the control device 80. Therefore, the operator can replace the seedling raising tray T and adsorb the seeds S onto the adsorption plate 32 at the same time, and the series of operations from adsorption to sowing can be carried out efficiently.

[0102] While the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is readily apparent that various improvements and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the number of cells C in the seedling tray T and the corresponding number of suction holes 33 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the air cylinder 61, air vibrator 56, air discharge pipe 57, supply pipe 37, etc. may be omitted.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where the seeds S adsorbed on the suction plate 32 are directly sown in the cells C of the seedling raising tray T has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, a chute formed by a plurality of pipes that guides the seeds S adsorbed on the suction plate 32 to each of the plurality of cells C may be placed on the seedling raising tray T. In this case, it is preferable that the seedling raising tray T be exchangeable by sliding it in the left-right or front-back directions. Furthermore, even if a chute is not used, the seedling raising tray T may be exchangeable by sliding it in the left-right or front-back directions.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the standing state is described as a state in which the suction plate 32 is raised so that the surface 32a of the suction plate 32 is inclined downward toward the front, but this is not limited to this. In the standing state, if the placement surface 50a is inclined downward toward the surface 32a of the suction plate 32 and the second direction D2 is not horizontal, the inclination angle of the second direction D2 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the standing state, the second direction D2 (surface 32a) may be vertical, or the surface 32a may be tilted forward.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the electric cylinder 64 is used as the actuator for sliding the holder 50, but this is not limiting. The holder 50 may be slid by an electric actuator other than the electric cylinder 64, a pneumatic actuator such as an air cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, or the like. Compared to a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator tends to stabilize the behavior of the holder 50 when it starts to slide.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the case where the load mechanism that applies an upward load to the right end of the holder 50 in the upright state is the air cylinder 61 has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the load mechanism may be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. Also, the load mechanism may be a mechanism that uses the elastic force of a spring or the like (for example, a spring balancer). Also, an upward load may be applied to the left end of the holder 50 by the load mechanism, and the right end of the holder 50 may be slid by an actuator such as the electric cylinder 64.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the vibration mechanism for vibrating the holder 50 is the air vibrator 56, but this is not limiting. For example, the vibration mechanism may be an electric or hydraulic type.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the small diameter hole 33a and the large diameter hole 33b of the suction holes 33 are formed in the suction plate 32 made of a single plate material. However, this is not limiting. For example, the suction plate 32 may be formed by overlapping a first plate material having the large diameter hole 33b formed therein with a second plate material having the small diameter hole 33a formed therein. However, in this case, there is a risk that the first plate material and the second plate material will separate and then come into contact again when the pressure in the air chamber 35 changes, generating abnormal noise. In contrast, by forming both the small diameter hole 33a and the large diameter hole 33b in the suction plate 32 made of a single plate material, the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the seeding device 10 is described as being switched between the upright position and the lying position by an operator, but this is not limited to this. This switching may be performed automatically by the seeding device 10. Furthermore, the seeding tray T may be replaced automatically by the seeding device 10.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the suction device 38 is switched between starting and stopping depending on whether the first solenoid valve F1 is open or closed. However, this is not limiting. For example, the suction device 38 may be started in the process of S2 in FIG. 8 and operated continuously in the processes following S2. The suction device 38 is not limited to a dust collector, and may be configured, for example, by a tank and a suction pump. In this case, the suction pump maintains a negative pressure inside the tank, and air is sucked from the air chamber 35 into the tank when the first solenoid valve F1 is opened.

[0111] The supply pump P may also be stopped when both the second solenoid valve F2 and the third solenoid valve F3 are closed. The supply device that supplies air to the second solenoid valve F2 and the third solenoid valve F3 may be configured by a tank and the supply pump P. In this case, the supply pump P maintains a positive pressure inside the tank, and when the second solenoid valve F2 or the third solenoid valve F3 is opened, air is supplied from inside the tank toward each of the valves F2 and F3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 Seeding device 30 Adsorption device 32 Adsorption plate 32a surface 32b back side 33 suction holes 34 Case 35 air chamber 37b Outlet 38 Suction machine 50 holder 50a Placement surface 56 Air vibrator (vibration mechanism) 57 Air release pipe 57a Air outlet 61 Air cylinder ( Part of the slide mechanism load mechanism) 64 Electric cylinder ( Part of the slide mechanism actuator) C Cell D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction P Supply pump (supply device) S seeds T Seedling Tray

Claims

1. A seed sowing device that includes an adsorption device for adsorbing seeds and sows the seeds adsorbed by the adsorption device into cells of a seedling tray, The adsorption device is a suction plate having a plurality of suction holes formed therein, the suction holes penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface, and spaced apart from each other in a horizontal first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing that holds the suction plate and forms an air chamber on the back side of the suction plate; a suction device that sucks air from the air chamber to create a negative pressure in the air chamber; a holder extending in the first direction and having a placement surface on which a plurality of the seeds are placed; a slide mechanism that slides the holder in the second direction along the surface of the attraction plate; a vibration mechanism that vibrates the holder, A sowing device characterized in that, in an upright state in which the suction plate is erected so that the second direction is non-horizontal, the placement surface tilts downward toward the surface to guide the seeds to the surface, and while creating negative pressure in the air chamber with the suction machine, the holder is vibrated with the vibration mechanism, and the holder is slid from above to below the surface with the slide mechanism, thereby adsorbing the seeds into the suction holes.

2. the slide mechanism includes an actuator connected to one end of the holder in the first direction and configured to slide the one end in the second direction; 2. The seed sowing device according to claim 1, further comprising a load mechanism that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder in the first direction when the holder is in the upright state.

3. The adsorption device includes a supply device that supplies air; a valve connected to the supply device; the vibration mechanism is an air vibrator that vibrates the holder with air supplied from the supply device through the valve, the load mechanism is an air cylinder that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder in the upright state by air supplied from the supply device via the valve, 3. The sowing device according to claim 2, wherein the valve switches between a supply state in which air is supplied from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the air cylinder, and a cut-off state in which the supply of air from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the air cylinder is cut off.

4. The adsorption device includes a supply device that supplies air; an air discharge pipe having an outlet for blowing the air supplied from the supply device toward the seeds sucked by the suction holes, 2. The seed sowing device according to claim 1, wherein the air discharge pipe is provided on the holder so that the air outlet is positioned above the placement surface in the upright state.

5. the vibration mechanism is an air vibrator that vibrates the holder by air supplied from the supply device, The sowing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the suction device is provided with a valve that switches between a supply state in which air is supplied from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the outlet, and a cut-off state in which the supply of air from the supply device to both the air vibrator and the outlet is cut off.

6. the slide mechanism includes an actuator connected to one end of the holder in the first direction and configured to slide the one end in the second direction; an air cylinder that applies an upward load to the other end of the holder in the upright state in the first direction by using air supplied from the supply device, 6. The seeding device according to claim 5, wherein the valve also supplies air to the air cylinder in the supply state, and blocks the supply of air to the air cylinder in the cut-off state.

7. The adsorption device includes a supply device that supplies air; at least two outlets for discharging the air supplied from the supply device into the air chamber; 2. The seed sowing device according to claim 1, wherein the two discharge ports are non-linear and face in different directions when viewed in the thickness direction of the attraction plate.

8. A seed sowing device that includes an adsorption device for adsorbing seeds and sows the seeds adsorbed by the adsorption device into cells of a seedling tray, The adsorption device is a suction plate having a plurality of suction holes formed therein, the suction holes penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface, and spaced apart from each other in a horizontal first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a housing that holds the suction plate and forms an air chamber on the back side of the suction plate; a suction device that sucks air from the air chamber to create a negative pressure in the air chamber; a holder extending in the first direction and having a placement surface on which a plurality of the seeds are placed; a slide mechanism that slides the holder in the second direction along the surface of the attraction plate; a supply device for supplying air; an air discharge pipe having an outlet for blowing the air supplied from the supply device toward the seeds sucked by the suction holes, the air discharge pipe is provided in the holder so that the air outlet is positioned above the placement surface in the upright state; A sowing device characterized in that, when the suction plate is in an upright position so that the second direction is non-horizontal, the placement surface tilts downward toward the surface to guide the seeds to the surface, and while the suction machine creates negative pressure in the air chamber, the slide mechanism slides the holder from above to below the surface, thereby adsorbing the seeds to the suction holes.

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