Transplanter and method for fixing seedling stay

Abstract

To reduce workload for adjusting a height of seedling stay.SOLUTION: A transplanter 1 includes a seedling stand 25 having: a seedling place part 27 having a seedling placement surface 28; a seedling stay 40 for holding the seedling on the placement surface 28 against the placement surface 28; and a fixing tool 46 for fixing the seedling stay 40 at a predefined height from the placement surface 28. The fixing tool 46 includes a cam 62 that rotates about a shaft 61. The rotation about the shaft 61 allows the cam 62 to switch between a state where a load for fixing the seedling stay 40 is generated and a state where the load is not generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transplanter and a method for fixing a seedling stand.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a transplanter including a seedling placing table having a seedling placing portion for placing seedlings, and a seedling stand for suppressing the lifting of the seedlings placed on the seedling placing portion. The planting device further includes a pillar for supporting the seedling stand from the seedling placing table, and a fixture for fixing the seedling stand to the pillar. The height of the seedling stand from the seedling placement surface in the seedling placement portion can be adjusted by adjusting the fixing position of the fixture with respect to the pillar.

[0003] (Regarding the conventional fixture) FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above showing a conventional fixture. FIG. 15 is a perspective view from below showing a conventional fixture. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the support state of a seedling stand by a conventional fixture. FIGS. 14 to 16 show a fixture 100 which is a conventional fixture. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the conventional fixture 100 has a box-shaped case 110 having five faces. The case 110 has a first side plate 111, a second side plate 112, a third side plate 113, and a fourth side plate 114, and a top plate 115. The first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 are parallel to each other, and the third side plate 113 and the fourth side plate 114 are parallel to each other. The top plate 115 is disposed perpendicular to each of the side plates 111 to 114.

[0004] The fixture 100 is provided with holes (locking portions) 116 for inserting and locking a first member 41 of the seedling stand 40 in the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112, respectively. The fixture 100 is provided with holes (guiding portions) 117 for inserting and guiding the pillar 44 in the third side plate 113 and the fourth side plate 114. The hole 117 is a rectangular hole slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the prismatic pillar 44.

[0005] The fixture 100 has a female screw 118 formed on the top plate 115, and a wing bolt 120 is screwed into the female screw 118. The fixture 100 fixes the case 110 to the column 44 by tightening the wing bolt 120 against the column 44. The wing bolt 120 is provided with a gripping portion 121 for the user to grip when tightening or loosening the wing bolt 120. The fixture 100 can lock the seedling stay 40 at the hole 116. Further, the fixture 100 can adjust the distance of the hole 116 from the mounting surface 28 by loosening the wing bolt 120 and sliding it along the column 44 inserted through the hole 117, and then adjust the height of the seedling stay 40 from the mounting surface 28 by tightening the wing bolt 120.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In conventional transplanting machines, it is common for the seedling stay to be fixed to the seedling placing table using a plurality of fixtures. In conventional fixtures (see FIGS. 14 to 16, etc.), rust may occur or mud may adhere between the female screw and the wing bolt, causing the female screw and the wing bolt to stick together. Since conventional transplanting machines involve the operation of loosening the wing bolt when adjusting the height of the seedling stay, the operation of adjusting the height of the seedling stay may require a great deal of labor. In addition, there are users who wish to frequently adjust the height of the seedling stay according to the condition of the field and the type of seedlings, etc., and such users hope that the adjustment of the height of the seedling stay will become easier.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the labor of the operation of adjusting the height of the seedling stay.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The transplanter of the present disclosure is a transplanter equipped with a seedling placing table, the seedling placing table includes a seedling placing portion having a placement surface for seedlings, a seedling stay for pressing the seedlings on the placement surface toward the placement surface, and a fixture for fixing the seedling stay at a predetermined height from the placement surface, the fixture includes a cam that rotates around an axis, and the cam is configured to be switchable between a state of generating a load capable of fixing the seedling stay and a state in which the load is not generated by rotation around the axis.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The summary of the embodiments of the invention of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. (1) The transplanter of the present disclosure is a transplanter provided with a seedling placing table. The seedling placing table includes a seedling placing portion having a placing surface for seedlings, a seedling stay for pressing the seedlings on the placing surface toward the placing surface, and a fixture for fixing the seedling stay at a predetermined height from the placing surface. The fixture includes a cam that rotates around an axis. The cam is configured to be switchable between a state in which a load capable of fixing the seedling stay is generated by rotation around the axis and a state in which the load is not generated.

[0013] According to the transplanter having the above configuration, by rotating the cam of the fixture, the fixed state of the seedling stay by the fixture and the released state in which the fixing is released can be switched with one touch. Therefore, according to the transplanter of the present disclosure, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay can be reduced.

[0014] (2) The transplanter according to the form of (1) includes a pillar provided on the seedling placement part, the seedling stay is fixed to the pillar by the fixture, the fixture includes a case having a locking part for locking the seedling stay and a guiding part through which the pillar is inserted, and a pressing member for pressing the pillar inserted through the guiding part, and is configured to be displaceable along the pillar inserted through the guiding part. The pressing member includes the cam that rotates around the axis provided on the case. The rotation range of the cam around the axis preferably includes a first range in which the outer peripheral surface of the cam presses the pillar inserted through the guiding part, and a second range in which the outer peripheral surface is separated from the pillar inserted through the guiding part. According to the transplanter having the above configuration, by operating the cam provided in the fixture to rotate within the rotation range, the fixed state of the seedling stay by the fixture and the state of releasing the fixation can be switched with one touch. Therefore, according to the transplanter of the present disclosure, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay can be reduced.

[0015] (3) In the transplanter according to the form of (2), it is preferable that the fixture further includes an elastic member disposed between the pillar inserted through the guiding part and the outer peripheral surface. The transplanter having the above configuration can reliably hold the pressing state of the seedling stay by the pressing member by the elastic member. Thereby, the fixed state of the seedling stay by the fixture can be reliably held. Further, according to the transplanter having the above configuration, the wear of the cam can be suppressed by the elastic member.

[0016] (4) In the transplanter according to the form of (2) or (3), the elastic member includes a first part fixed to the case and a second part disposed between the pillar and the outer peripheral surface. The first part is fixed outside the case, and the second part preferably extends from the first part to the inside of the case through an opening formed in the case. According to the transplanter having such a configuration, by disposing the first part outside the case, the replacement of the elastic member in the fixture can be facilitated.

[0017] (5) In the transplanter according to the form of (2) to (4) above, it is preferable that the pressing member further includes a lever protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cam. In the transplanter having the above configuration, the user can easily rotate the cam by operating the lever. Therefore, according to the transplanter having the fixture of the above configuration, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stand can be reduced.

[0018] (6) In the transplanter according to the form of (2) to (5) above, it is preferable that, among the outer peripheral surfaces, the portion that presses the column when the cam rotates within the first range includes a first surface formed by a flat surface and a second surface formed by a curved surface. According to the transplanter having such a configuration, when the cam rotates within the first range, when the position pressing the column on the outer peripheral surface crosses the boundary between the second surface and the first surface, a change in the feeling of resistance can be given to the user. Thereby, the user can surely perceive that the cam has rotated within the first range. Further, according to the transplanter having such a configuration, the first surface can surely hold the state in which the cam has rotated within the first range.

[0019] (7) In the transplanter according to the form of (6) above, it is preferable that the pressing member has a recess that engages with the case when the cam is rotated to the position where the column is pressed by the first surface. The transplanter having the above configuration can make it difficult to release the fixed state of the seedling stand by engaging the recess with the case.

[0020] (8) In the transplanter according to the form of (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that the cam includes reinforcing ribs. The transplanter having the above configuration can ensure the strength of the cam to which a load for fixing the seedling stand in a fixed state is applied by the reinforcing ribs.

[0021] (9) The method for fixing the seedling stay of the present disclosure is a method for fixing the seedling stay in a transplanter equipped with a seedling placing table. The seedling placing table includes a seedling placing portion having a placement surface for seedlings, a seedling stay that presses the seedlings on the placement surface toward the placement surface, a pillar provided on the seedling placing portion, and a fixture that fixes the seedling stay to the pillar. The fixture includes a case having a locking portion for locking the seedling stay and a guiding portion through which the pillar is inserted, and a pressing member that presses the pillar inserted through the guiding portion, and is configured to be displaceable along the pillar inserted through the guiding portion. The method for fixing the seedling stay of the present disclosure provides a cam that rotates about an axis provided on the pressing member. The method for fixing the seedling stay of the present disclosure includes a step of locking the seedling stay at the locking portion of the case, and a step of rotating the cam to a first range in which the pillar inserted through the guiding portion is pressed by an outer peripheral surface of the cam to fix the case to the pillar.

[0022] According to the method for fixing the seedling stay having the above configuration, by operating the cam provided in the fixture to rotate within the first range, the seedling stay can be fixed by the fixture with one touch. Therefore, according to the method for fixing the seedling stay of the present disclosure, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay can be reduced.

[0023] (10) The method for fixing the seedling stay according to the form (9) preferably further includes a step of rotating the cam to a second range in which the outer peripheral surface is separated from the pillar inserted through the guiding portion to release the fixing of the case to the pillar. According to the method for fixing the seedling stay having such a configuration, by rotating the cam to the second range, the fixing of the seedling stay by the fixture can be released with one touch. Therefore, according to the method for fixing the seedling stay of the present disclosure, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay can be reduced.

[0024] (11) In the method for fixing the seedling stay according to the form (9) or (10), it is preferable to dispose an elastic member between the pillar inserted through the guiding portion and the outer peripheral surface. According to the method for fixing the seedling stay having such a configuration, the elastic member can surely hold the pressing state of the column by the pressing member. Thereby, the fixing state of the seedling stay by the fixture can be surely maintained. Further, according to the method for fixing the seedling stay having the above configuration, the elastic member can suppress the wear of the cam.

[0025] <Details of Embodiments of the Invention of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0026] (Overall Configuration of Transplanter) FIG. 1 is a left side view showing a transplanter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a transplanter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a transplanter 1 which is an embodiment of the transplanter of the present disclosure. The transplanter 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a machine body 10 and a planting device 20. In the present embodiment, the transplanter 1 equipped with an 8-row planting type planting device 20 is exemplified, but the transplanter of the present disclosure is not limited by the number of rows that can be planted. The transplanter of the present disclosure includes at least a rice transplanter and a vegetable seedling transplanter.

[0027] The machine body 10 includes a pair of left and right front wheels 11 and rear wheels 12, a driver's seat 13, a link mechanism 14, a hydraulic cylinder 15, a bonnet 16, and a prime mover E. The prime mover E is housed inside the bonnet 16. The transplanter 1 shown in the present embodiment is a ride-on type transplanter. In the following description, based on the operator seated on the driver's seat 13, the direction toward the front side of the operator is referred to as the front of the transplanter 1, the direction toward the rear side is referred to as the rear, and the front-rear direction of the transplanter 1 is indicated by an arrow X. Further, in the following description, the direction toward the left side of the operator seated on the driver's seat 13 is referred to as the left side of the transplanter 1, the direction toward the right side is referred to as the right side of the transplanter 1, and the left-right direction of the transplanter 1 is indicated by an arrow Y. Note that the left-right direction of the transplanter 1 is also referred to as the width direction. Further, in the following description, the up-down direction of the transplanter 1 is indicated by an arrow Z. Note that the up-down direction of the transplanter 1 is also referred to as the height direction. The up-down direction of the transplanter 1 is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0028] The vehicle body 10 is configured to be drivable by the operation of an operator seated in the driver's seat 13. The front wheels 11 and the rear wheels 12 are rotationally driven by the power generated by the prime mover E. Note that the transplanter 1 may be configured to be remotely operated or to autonomously drive automatically without requiring the operator to board.

[0029] The link mechanism 14 supports the planting device 20 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction at the rear part of the vehicle body 10. The transplanter 1 is provided with a hydraulic pump (not shown) that is driven by the power generated by the prime mover E. The hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 15. The hydraulic cylinder 15 expands and contracts by switching the supply and discharge of the hydraulic oil by a control valve (not shown). The planting device 20 is displaced in the vertical direction according to the deformation of the link mechanism 14 accompanying the expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder 15. The vehicle body 10 further includes an output shaft (PTO shaft) 17 that outputs the power generated by the prime mover E to the outside of the vehicle body 10.

[0030] The transplanter 1 further includes a fertilizer applicator 18 and a land leveling device 19. The fertilizer applicator 18 is provided across the rear part of the vehicle body 10 and the planting device 20. The fertilizer applicator 18 is a device that supplies fertilizer to the field surface G, and includes a hopper 18a, a feeding section 18b, a blower 18c, and the like. The land leveling device 19 is a device that levels the rough field surface G caused by the traveling of the transplanter 1 or the like, and is provided below the planting device 20. The land leveling device 19 includes a support case 19a and a land leveling body 19b. When power is transmitted to the planting device 20, power is transmitted from the planting device 20 to the land leveling device 19, the land leveling body 19b is rotationally driven, and the land leveling of the field surface G is performed by the land leveling body 19b.

[0031] (Configuration of the planting device) Fig. 3 is a left side view showing the planting device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the seedling placement table. The planting device 20 shown in Fig. 3 is a device that takes out seedlings to be planted in one location from a mat-like arrangement of seedlings (hereinafter referred to as a seedling mat) and plants them in the paddy field G (see Fig. 1). As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the planting device 20 includes a transmission case 21, an input shaft 22, a rotating case 23, a float 24, and a seedling placement table 25.

[0032] A plurality of transmission cases 21 (four in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the left-right direction of the machine body 10. The front parts of the plurality of transmission cases 21 are connected by one input shaft 22, and the rotation of the input shaft 22 is transmitted to each transmission case 21. The input shaft 22 is connected to the output shaft 17 of the machine body 10. The power generated by the prime mover E is transmitted to the input shaft 22 via the output shaft 17. The plurality of transmission cases 21 are provided with a transmission shaft 21a at the rear part of each. The transmission shaft 21a is rotated by the power transmitted from the input shaft 22 to each transmission case 21. The rotating case 23 is supported by the transmission shaft 21a. The rotating case 23 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the transmission shaft 21a. The rotating case 23 further includes a rotating shaft (not shown) that is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the transmission shaft 21a. The planting arm 23a is supported by the rotating shaft. The planting arm 23a is rotated along a trajectory suitable for planting seedlings in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft. The number of rotations of the planting arm 23a is adjusted according to the traveling speed of the machine body 10.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the seedling placing table 25 is a table-like device configured so that a seedling mat can be placed thereon. The seedling placing table 25 has a plurality of partition walls 26 arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The seedling placing table 25 has a plurality of seedling placing sections 27 partitioned by the plurality of partition walls 26. The seedling placing table 25 of this embodiment is configured for planting eight rows, and therefore has a total of eight seedling placing sections 27. Each seedling placing section 27 has a space capable of placing one row of seedling mat. The seedling placing section 27 has a placing surface 28 on which the seedling mat is placed. The placing surface 28 has a downward inclination from the front side to the rear side.

[0034] In the following description, a total of eight seedling placement parts 27 are distinguished in order from the right side as the first to the eighth seedling placement parts 27. The first seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the first seedling placement part 27a, the second seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the second seedling placement part 27b, the third seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the third seedling placement part 27c, the fourth seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the fourth seedling placement part 27d, the fifth seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the fifth seedling placement part 27e, the sixth seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the sixth seedling placement part 27f, the seventh seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the seventh seedling placement part 27g, and the eighth seedling placement part 27 is referred to as the eighth seedling placement part 27h.

[0035] The planting device 20 further includes a seedling feeding device 30 in each seedling placement part 27. The seedling feeding device 30 is a device that feeds the seedling mat placed on the placement surface 28 in each seedling placement part 27 downward and rearward by a predetermined amount when the seedling placing table 25 reaches the outermost positions (right end and left end) in the left-right feeding direction. The seedling feeding device 30 includes a seedling feeding belt 31. The seedling feeding belt 31 is an endless belt made of rubber. The seedling feeding device 30 rotates the seedling feeding belt 31 by a predetermined amount in the circumferential direction when the seedling placing table 25 reaches the outermost positions (right end and left end) in the left-right feeding direction. At this time, the seedling mat placed on the placement surface 28 in each seedling placement part 27 is sent downward and rearward. At this time, the lowermost part of the seedling mat is disposed at the seedling outlet 29 provided at the lowermost part of the seedling placement part 27. Thereby, the seedling mat is in a state where the seedlings for one planting can be taken out from the seedling outlet 29.

[0036] The planting device 20 takes out the seedlings for one planting from the part disposed at the seedling outlet 29 of the seedling mat by the planting arm 23a and plants them on the field surface G.

[0037] (Configuration of the seedling stand) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a seedling stand, a pillar, and a support plate are combined. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the planting device 20 further includes a seedling stand 40. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seedling stand 40 is disposed on the placement surface 28 side of the seedling placement table 25. The seedling stand 40 presses the middle portion of the seedling mat placed on the seedling placement table 25 in the vertical and front-rear directions toward the placement surface 28, and suppresses a phenomenon (lifting phenomenon) in which the seedling mat bends so as to bulge toward the side away from the placement surface 28. Further, the seedling stand 40 suppresses the lateral displacement of the seedling mat when the seedling placement table 25 is displaced in the lateral direction.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the seedling stand 40 is configured by combining a first member 41, a second member 42, and a third member 43. The first member 41, the second member 42, and the third member 43 are all made of a round bar made of metal (stainless steel in this embodiment).

[0039] Both the first member 41 and the second member 42 are linearly extended along the left-right direction of the machine body 10. The first member 41 and the second member 42 are arranged in a parallel posture with each other.

[0040] The third member 43 has a form in which a straight round bar is bent in the middle of the length direction. The third member 43 includes a first portion 43a extending along the feeding direction of the seedling mat in the seedling placement portion 27, a second portion 43b extending from the upper end of the first portion 43a toward the first member 41, and a third portion 43c extending from the lower end of the first portion 43a toward the second member 42. The third member 43 is bent at the boundary between the first portion 43a and the second portion 43b, and at the boundary between the first portion 43a and the third portion 43c. The end of the second portion 43b on the first member 41 side is fixed to the first member 41. The second portion 43b is orthogonal to the first member 41. The end of the third portion 43c on the second member side is fixed to the second member 42. The third portion 43c is orthogonal to the second member 42.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the transplanter 1 of the present disclosure, the seedling stand 40 includes a first seedling stand 40 (hereinafter referred to as the first seedling stand 401), a second seedling stand 40 (hereinafter referred to as the second seedling stand 402), a third seedling stand 40 (hereinafter referred to as the third seedling stand 403), and a fourth seedling stand 40 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth seedling stand 404).

[0042] The first seedling stand 401 is disposed on the first seedling placement portion 27a and presses the seedling mat placed on the placement surface 28 of the first seedling placement portion 27a. The first seedling stand 401 has three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the first seedling placement portion 27a.

[0043] The second seedling stand 402 is disposed in the range of the second seedling placement portion 27b to the fourth seedling placement portion 27d and presses the seedling mats placed on the respective placement surfaces 28 of the second seedling placement portion 27b to the fourth seedling placement portion 27d. The second seedling stand 402 has three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the second seedling placement portion 27b, three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the third seedling placement portion 27c, and three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the fourth seedling placement portion 27d. The second seedling stand 402 is configured to include one first member 41, one second member 42, and a total of nine third members 43.

[0044] The third seedling stand 403 is disposed in the range of the fifth seedling placement portion 27e to the seventh seedling placement portion 27g and presses the seedling mats placed on the respective placement surfaces 28 of the fifth seedling placement portion 27e to the seventh seedling placement portion 27g. The third seedling stand 403 has three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the fifth seedling placement portion 27e, three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the sixth seedling placement portion 27f, and three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the seventh seedling placement portion 27g. The third seedling stand 403 is configured to include one first member 41, one second member 42, and a total of nine third members 43.

[0045] The fourth seedling stay 404 is disposed on the eighth seedling placement portion 27h and presses the seedling mat placed on the placement surface 28 of the eighth seedling placement portion 27h. The fourth seedling stay 404 has three third members 43 facing the placement surface 28 of the eighth seedling placement portion 27h.

[0046] (Configuration of the seedling pressing rod) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the planting device 20 further includes a seedling pressing rod 49. The seedling pressing rod 49 is composed of a round bar made of metal (stainless steel in this embodiment). The seedling pressing rod 49 is disposed on the placement surface 28 side of the seedling placing table 25. The seedling pressing rod 49 is disposed at the rearmost and lowermost part of the seedling placing table 25. The seedling pressing rod 49 presses the lower end portion of the seedling mat placed on the seedling placing table 25. The seedling pressing rod 49 includes a first rod 49a extending in the range of the first to seventh seedling placement portions 27a to 27g along the left - right direction, and a second rod 49b extending in the range of the eighth seedling placement portion 27h along the left - right direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of the loadability of the transplanter 1 on a truck or the like, the planting device 20 is configured such that the eighth seedling placement portion 27h can be folded and stored toward the first to seventh seedling placement portions 27a to 27g. However, the configuration of the planting device included in the transplanter 1 of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and it may be a type with less than eight rows of planting, and may be provided with a planting device in which a specific seedling placement portion 27 is not foldable.

[0048] (Support structure of the seedling stay) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the seedling placing table 25 further includes a column 44, a support plate 45, and a fixture 46.

[0049] The column 44 is composed of a metal square bar (square column). The column 44 is provided on the seedling placement portion 27. The column 44 is linearly extended at the end surface of the middle part in the vertical direction of the partition wall 26 in a direction in which the length direction is substantially perpendicular to the placement surface 28. The column 44 supports the first member 41 located on the upper end side of the seedling stay 40.

[0050] The support plate 45 is composed of a metal plate material. The support plate 45 is provided at the seedling placement part 27. The support plate 45 is provided at the end face of the lower end part of the partition wall 26 in a direction in which the surfaces (front and back surfaces) of the support plate 45 itself are substantially perpendicular to the placement surface 28. It supports the second member 42 located on the lower end side of the seedling stay 40.

[0051] For the seedling stay 40, both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the first member 41 are fixed to the column 44 by the fixtures 46 respectively. For the seedling stay 40, both left and right ends in the lateral direction of the second member 42 are supported by the support plates 45 respectively. Thereby, in the seedling stay 40, the third member 43 extends along the feeding direction of the seedling mat in the seedling placement part 27 and is arranged at a position separated from the placement surface 28.

[0052] (Configuration of the fixture) FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 7 are perspective views showing the fixture in a use state. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixture and its use state. FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the fixture 46 provided in the transplanter 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the fixture 46 includes a case 50 and a pressing member 60. Note that in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the illustration of the elastic member 70 described later is omitted.

[0053] The case 50 is a box-shaped member having five faces. The case 50 has a first side plate 51, a second side plate 52, a third side plate 53, a fourth side plate 54, and a top plate 55. The first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 are parallel to each other, and the third side plate 53 and the fourth side plate 54 are parallel to each other. The top plate 55 is arranged perpendicular to each side plate 51 - 54.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the case 50 includes locking portions 56, which are holes through which the first member 41 of the seedling stand 40 can be inserted, in the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52, respectively. The locking portion 56 includes a first portion 56a including a circular hole slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first member 41, and a second portion 56b obtained by radially expanding a part of the hole of the first portion 56a. The second portion 56b is a portion for passing the protrusion 48 formed at the end of the first member 41 when the first member 41 is inserted into the locking portion 56. The two first portions 56a respectively formed in the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 are coaxially arranged. After inserting the first member 41 into the case 50 while passing the protrusion 48 through the second portion 56b, the seedling stand 40 is rotated around the axis of the first member 41. The protrusion 48 of the first member 41 prevents the first member 41 from coming out of the locking portion 56 and functions as a retaining means. In this way, the first member 41 is locked by the locking portion 56. Thereby, the seedling stand 40 is locked to the case 50 at the first portion 41.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, and 8, the case 50 includes guide portions 57, which are holes for inserting the column 44, in the third side plate 53 and the fourth side plate 54. The guide portion 57 is a rectangular hole slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the columnar column 44. The two opposing guide portions 57 are coaxially arranged.

[0056] The pressing member 60 is a member that presses the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57. The pressing member 60 includes a shaft 61, a cam 62, and a lever 63. The shaft 61 is provided in the case 50 penetrating the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52. The cam 62 has a shaft hole 62a. The cam 62 is supported rotatably around the shaft 61 when the shaft 61 is inserted through the shaft hole 62a. The lever 63 is a portion that serves as a gripping portion when the user rotates the cam 62.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, the cam 62 and the lever 63 are configured to be rotatable within a rotation range R around the shaft 61 provided in the case 50. In this description, the rotation range R is defined based on a straight line L connecting the axial center position C of the shaft 61 and the shoulder S of the lever 63 in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft 61. The rotation range R is obtained by rotating the lever 63 to one side (see the upper figure in FIG. 8) until the lever 63 abuts against the fourth side plate 54, which is the position P1 of the straight line L at this time, and rotating the lever 63 to the other side (see the lower figure in FIG. 8) until the lever 63 abuts against the third side plate 53, which is the range between the position P2 of the straight line L at this time.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, and 8, the case 50 includes notches 59 formed in the top plate 55, the third side plate 53, and the fourth side plate 54. The notch 59 is a portion obtained by notching the range through which the lever 63 passes when the cam 62 is rotated within the rotation range R. The position P1 of the straight line L is the position when the lever 63 is rotated to one side (see the upper figure in FIG. 8) until the lever 63 abuts against one end (the fourth side plate 54) of the notch 59 in the front-rear direction. The position P2 of the straight line L is the position when the lever 63 is rotated to the other side (see the lower figure in FIG. 8) until the lever 63 abuts against the other end (the third side plate 53) of the notch 59 in the front-rear direction.

[0059] (Regarding the shape of the cam) As shown in FIG. 8, the cam 62 includes an outer peripheral surface 64. The outer peripheral surface 64 is a portion capable of pressing the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 in the cam 62. The outer peripheral surface 64 has a shape in which the distance from the axial center C of the shaft 61 changes according to the position around the shaft 61.

[0060] The outer peripheral surface 64 includes a portion where the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 is greater than the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 to the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57, and a portion where the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 is smaller than the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 to the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57. Among the outer peripheral surface 64, the portion where the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 is greater than the distance from the axis of the shaft 61 to the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57 can press the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57. Among the outer peripheral surface 64, the portion where the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 is smaller than the distance from the axis of the shaft 61 to the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57 is separated from the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57 (the column 44 cannot be pressed).

[0061] When the straight line L in the pressing member 60 is rotated to a position within the first range R1, the cam 62 can press the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57 by the outer peripheral surface 64. When the straight line L in the pressing member 60 is rotated to a position within the second range R2, the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62 is separated from the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57 (the column 44 is not pressed). In other words, as shown in FIG. 8, the rotation range R includes a first range R1 where the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62 presses the column 44 and a second range R2 where the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62 is separated from the column 44 inserted into the guide portion 57. When pressing the column 44 at the portion where the distance from the axis C of the shaft 61 in the outer peripheral surface 64 is the maximum, the pressing force applied from the cam 62 to the column 44 is the maximum.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, in the fixture 46, among the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62, the portion that presses the column 44 when the cam 62 is rotated within the first range R1 includes a first surface 64a formed by a plane and a second surface 64b formed by a curved surface. Further, in the fixture 46, among the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62, the portion that is separated from the column 44 when the cam 62 is rotated within the second range R2 includes a third surface 64c formed by a curved surface.

[0063] The cam 62 is rotated from the second range R2 toward the first range R1. When the position where the column 44 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface 64 shifts from the third surface 64c and the second surface 64b to the first surface 64a, the cam 62 (lever 63) can give the user a change in the feel by the flat first surface 64a. Thereby, the user can surely perceive that the cam 62 has been rotated to the first range R1. Also, in this case, when the first surface 64a, which is a flat surface of the cam 62, comes into contact with the elastic member 70, the state of being rotated to the first range R1 is surely maintained even if the user releases the hand from the lever 63. In the cam 62, it is more preferable that the distance from the center C of the shaft 61 to the outer peripheral surface 64 is maximized at the boundary between the first surface 64a and the second surface 64b.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, the pressing member 60 further includes a concave portion 66. The concave portion 66 is a substantially circular depression. The concave portion 66 is formed in a part of the lever 63. When the cam 62 (lever 63) is rotated to a position where the first surface 64a contacts the elastic member 70, the concave portion 66 engages with the case 50 (the upper end of the fourth side plate 54 in the notch portion 59). The pressing member 60 is surely maintained in the state of being rotated to the first range R1 even if the user releases the hand from the lever 63 when the concave portion 66 engages with the case 50. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to release the fixed state of the seedling stay 40. Note that the concave portion 66 may be configured to engage with the shaft 73 via the elastic member 70 instead of the case 50. In this case, the frictional force between the pressing member 60 and the elastic member 70 makes it even more difficult to release the fixed state of the seedling stay 40.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the pressing member 60 further includes a cutout portion 67. The cutout portion 67 is a portion obtained by cutting out an intermediate portion of the pressing member 60 in the plate thickness direction. The pressing member 60 is made lighter in weight by providing the cutout portion 67. Thereby, the weight of the fixture 46 can be reduced.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the pressing member 60 further includes a reinforcing rib 68. The reinforcing rib 68 is a part that reinforces the cam 62 and the lever 63 in the pressing member 60. The reinforcing rib 68 of the present embodiment is provided in a form that divides the cutout portion 67 into a plurality of spaces at an intermediate portion in the plate thickness direction of the pressing member 60. By providing the reinforcing rib 68, the pressing member 60 can suppress a decrease in strength due to the provision of the cutout portion 67. Further, by providing the reinforcing rib 68, the pressing member 60 can ensure the strength of the cam 62 to which a load for fixing the seedling stay 40 is applied. In the pressing member 60 of the present embodiment, the reinforcing rib 68 is provided at an intermediate portion in the plate thickness direction, but may be provided on the outer side surface of the pressing member 60.

[0067] (Regarding the elastic member) As shown in FIGS. 6A and 8, the fixture 46 further includes an elastic member 70. The elastic member 70 is a member having elasticity. The elastic member 70 shown in the present embodiment is made of rubber. The elastic member 70 is disposed between the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 and the outer peripheral surface 64. The elastic member 70 increases the frictional force between the column 44 and the outer peripheral surface 64 as compared with the case where the column 44 and the outer peripheral surface 64 are in direct contact. Therefore, the elastic member 70 suppresses the relative displacement between the outer peripheral surface 64 and the column 44. Further, the elastic member 70 prevents the outer peripheral surface 64 and the column 44 from coming into direct contact, thereby suppressing the wear of the cam 62. The surface of the elastic member 70 may be provided with irregularities or subjected to special processing for the purpose of increasing the frictional force at the portion in contact with the column 44.

[0068] The elastic member 70 includes a first portion 71 and a second portion 72. The first portion 71 is a part for attaching the elastic member 70 itself to the case 50. The first portion 71 of the present embodiment is a cylindrical portion and has a shaft hole 71a. The second portion 72 is a portion disposed between the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 and the outer peripheral surface 64. The second portion 72 of the present embodiment is a sheet-like portion. The second portion 72 is provided to extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 71.

[0069] The case 50 further includes projecting portions 51a, 52a (see FIG. 7) where the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 extend to the outside on the side of the fourth side plate 54. The first portion 71 of the elastic member 70 is attached to the outside of the case 50 by inserting a shaft 73 (see FIG. 7) fixed to the projecting portions 51a, 52a into a shaft hole 71a. As shown in FIG. 8, the second member 72 is inserted into the case 50 through an opening 54a from the first portion 71 fixed to the projecting portions 51a, 52a and is disposed between a column 44 inserted through a guide portion 57 and an outer peripheral surface 64.

[0070] When the cam 62 rotates within the first range R1, the outer peripheral surface 64 presses the column 44 via the elastic member 70 (second portion 72). When the cam 62 and the lever 63 rotate within the second range R2, the outer peripheral surface 64 separates from the elastic member 70 (second portion 72). Note that when the cam 62 and the lever 63 rotate within the second range R2, the outer peripheral surface 64 does not have to actively press the elastic member 70 and may be in contact with the elastic member 70.

[0071] (Regarding the fixing state of the seedling stay by the fixture) FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the fixing state of the seedling stay on the first column and the second column. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the fixing state of the seedling stay on the fourth column and the fifth column. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the supporting state of the seedling stay by the first support plate. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the supporting state of the seedling stay by the fifth to ninth support plates. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 to 12, the planting device 20 of the present embodiment supports the seedling stay 40 using a fixture 46, five columns 44, and nine support plates 45.

[0072] In the following description, a total of five columns 44 are distinguished and referred to as the first to fifth columns 44 in order from the right side. The first column 44 is referred to as the first column 44a, the second column 44 is referred to as the second column 44b, the third column 44 is referred to as the third column 44c, the fourth column 44 is referred to as the fourth column 44d, and the fifth column 44 is referred to as the fifth column 44e. Each of the first to fifth columns 44a to 44e is inserted into the guide portion 57 of each fixture 46. Each of the columns 44a to 44e supports the fixture 46 so as to be displaceable along the length direction. The seedling stay 40 can change the separation distance from the placement surface 28 of the first member 41 by changing the position of the fixture 46 in the length direction of the column 44. In this description, the separation distance from the placement surface 28 of the first member 41 is also referred to as the "height of the seedling stay 40".

[0073] Also, in the following description, a total of nine support plates 45 are distinguished and referred to as the first to ninth support plates 45 in order from the right side. The first support plate 45 is referred to as the first support plate 45a, the second support plate 45 is referred to as the second support plate 45b, the third support plate 45 is referred to as the third support plate 45c, the fourth support plate 45 is referred to as the fourth support plate 45d, the fifth support plate 45 is referred to as the fifth support plate 45e, the sixth support plate 45 is referred to as the sixth support plate 45f, the seventh support plate 45 is referred to as the seventh support plate 45g, the eighth support plate 45 is referred to as the eighth support plate 45h, and the ninth support plate 45 is referred to as the ninth support plate 45k.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, in the first seedling stay 401, the first member 41 is fixed to the first column 44a and the second column 44b by the fixture 46. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, in the first seedling stay 401, the second member 42 is supported by the first support plate 45a and the second support plate 45b. The first seedling stay 401 is provided in the first seedling placement portion 27a with such a configuration.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, in the second seedling stay 402, the first member 41 is fixed to the second column 44b and the third column 44c by the fixture 46. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second seedling stay 402, the second member 42 is supported by the second support plate 45b, the third support plate 45c, the fourth support plate 45d, and the fifth support plate 45e. With such a configuration, the second seedling stay 402 is provided between the second seedling placement part 27b to the fourth seedling placement part 27d.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, in the third seedling stay 403, the first member 41 is fixed to the third column 44c and the fourth column 44d by the fixture 46. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, in the third seedling stay 403, the second member 42 is supported by the fifth support plate 45e, the sixth support plate 45f, the seventh support plate 45g, and the eighth support plate 45h. With such a configuration, the third seedling stay 403 is provided between the fifth seedling placement part 27e to the seventh seedling placement part 27g.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, in the fourth seedling stay 404, the first member 41 is fixed to the fourth column 44d and the fifth column 44e by the fixture 46. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, in the fourth seedling stay 404, the second member 42 is supported by the eighth support plate 45h and the ninth support plate 45k. With such a configuration, the fourth seedling stay 404 is provided in the eighth seedling placement part 27h.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth column 44d includes an upper fourth column 44d1 and a lower fourth column 44d2. The upper fourth column 44d1 has the left end of the first member 41 in the third seedling stay 403 fixed thereto. The lower fourth column 44d2 has the right end of the first member 41 in the fourth seedling stay 404 fixed thereto.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, the second support plate 45b is composed of a second support plate 45b1 located on the right side and a second support plate 45b2 located on the left side. The second support plate 45b1 on the right side supports the left end of the second member 42 in the first seedling stand 401. The second support plate 45b2 located on the left side supports the right end of the second member 42 in the second seedling stand 402.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the fifth support plate 45e is composed of a fifth support plate 45e1 located on the right side and a fifth support plate 45e2 located on the left side. The fifth support plate 45e1 on the right side supports the left end of the second member 42 in the second seedling stand 402. The fifth support plate 45e2 located on the left side supports the right end of the second member 42 in the third seedling stand 403.

[0081] The eighth support plate 45h is composed of an eighth support plate 45h1 located on the right side and an eighth support plate 45h2 located on the left side. The eighth support plate 45h1 on the right side supports the left end of the second member 42 in the third seedling stand 403. The eighth support plate 45h2 located on the left side supports the right end of the second member 42 in the fourth seedling stand 404.

[0082] Each support plate 45 has a comb-like form provided with a plurality of recesses 45p. Each recess 45p is provided at a different position in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The seedling stand 40 can change the separation distance of the second member 42 from the mounting surface 28 by changing the recess 45p into which each second member 42 is inserted.

[0083] (Support structure of the seedling pressing rod) The support plate 45 further supports the seedling pressing rod 49. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the seedling pressing rod 49 is inserted into through holes 45q coaxially provided in each support plate 45. The support plate 45 is provided with a plurality of through holes 45q at different positions in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The seedling pressing rod 49 can change the separation distance of the seedling pressing rod 49 from the placement surface 28 by selecting through holes 45q with different positions. In the seedling pressing rod 49 shown in the present embodiment, the first rod 49a is coaxially inserted into each through hole 45q between the first support plate 45a and the right-side eighth support plate 45h1 of the eighth support plate 45h, and the second rod 49b is coaxially inserted into each through hole 45q between the left-side eighth support plate 45h2 of the eighth support plate 45h and the ninth support plate 45k.

[0084] (Regarding the method of fixing the seedling stay with a fixture) The fixture 46 shown in FIG. 8 can adjust the separation distance of the locking portion 56 from the placement surface 28 by sliding the case 50 along the column 44 with the cam 62 (lever 63) rotated to the second range R2 (see FIG. 8). Thereby, the separation distance (the height of the seedling stay 40) of the first member 41 locked by the locking portion 56 from the placement surface 28 can be adjusted. After the adjustment of the height of the seedling stay 40 is completed, the fixture 46 can fix the seedling stay 40 to the column 44 through the fixture 46 by rotating the cam 62 (lever 63) from the second range R2 to the first range R1 (see FIG. 8).

[0085] The fixture 46 can release the fixing of the seedling stay 40 to the column 44 by rotating the cam 62 (lever 63) rotated to the first range R1 to the second range R2.

[0086] In the fixture 46, the cam 62 and the lever 63 are less likely to be fixed due to rusting, mud adhesion, etc. Further, the fixture 46 can switch between fixing and releasing the seedling stay 40 to the pillar 44 with one touch by rotating the cam 62 and the lever 63. Therefore, according to the planting device 20 provided with the fixture 46, the labor required for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced. Further, according to the planting device 20 provided with the fixture 46, it becomes easy to adjust the height of the seedling stay 40 according to the state of the field (paddy field), the characteristics of the seedlings, etc., and the labor required for adjusting the height of the fixture 46 can also be reduced.

[0087] (Regarding a modified example of the fixture) FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a connecting member according to a modified example. FIG. 13 shows a fixture 80 which is a modified example of the fixture provided in the transplanter 1 of the present disclosure. The fixture 80 shown in FIG. 13 is different from the conventional fixture 100 (see FIGS. 14 to 16) using the wing bolt 109 in that the bolt 81 is used. The fixture 80 has a configuration common to the conventional fixture 100 except for the bolt 81, and includes a female screw 118 for screwing the bolt 81 on the top plate 115.

[0088] The bolt 81 includes a gripping portion 82. The gripping portion 82 is a portion that the user grips when tightening or loosening the bolt 81 screwed into the female screw 118. The radial dimension L1 of the gripping portion 82 is larger than the radial dimension L2 (see FIGS. 14 to 16) of the gripping portion 121 of the wing bolt 109. Therefore, the user can tighten or loosen the bolt 81 with a smaller force than the conventional wing bolt 109. Therefore, even when the bolt 81 is fixed due to rusting, mud adhesion, etc., it can be tightened or loosened with a smaller force than the conventional wing bolt 109. Therefore, according to the transplanter 1 provided with the planting device 20 including the fixture 80, the labor required for adjusting the position of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced. Further, according to the transplanter 1 provided with the planting device 20 including the fixture 80, it becomes easy to adjust the position of the seedling stay 40 according to the state of the field (paddy field), the characteristics of the seedlings, etc.

[0089] <Operation and Effect of this Embodiment> (1) The transplanter 1 of the above embodiment includes a seedling placing table 25. The seedling placing table 25 includes a seedling placing portion 27 having a seedling placement surface 28, a seedling stay 40 that presses the seedlings on the placement surface 28 toward the placement surface 28, and a fixture 46 that fixes the seedling stay 40 at a predetermined height from the placement surface 28. The fixture 46 includes a cam 62 that rotates around a shaft 61. The cam 62 is configured to be switchable between a state where a load capable of fixing the seedling stay 40 is generated by rotation around the shaft 61 and a state where the load is not generated.

[0090] In the transplanter 1 of this embodiment, by operating to rotate the cam 62 provided in the fixture 46, the fixed state of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 and the state where the fixation is released can be switched with one touch. Therefore, according to the transplanter 1 of this embodiment, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced.

[0091] (2) The transplanter 1 of the above embodiment includes a seedling placing table 25. The seedling placing table 25 includes a seedling placing portion 27 having a seedling placement surface 28, a seedling stay 40 that presses the seedlings on the placement surface 28 toward the placement surface 28, a column 44 provided on the seedling placing portion 27, and a fixture 46 that fixes the seedling stay 40 to the column 44. The fixture 46 includes a case 50 having a locking portion 56 that locks the seedling stay 40 and a guide portion 57 through which the column 44 is inserted, and a pressing member 60 that presses the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57, and is configured to be displaceable along the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57. The pressing member 60 includes a cam 62 that rotates around a shaft 61 provided on the case 50. The rotation range R of the cam 62 around the shaft 61 includes a first range R1 in which the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62 presses the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 and a second range R2 in which the outer peripheral surface 64 is separated from the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57. In the transplanter 1 of this embodiment, by operating to rotate the cam 62 provided in the fixture 46 within the rotation range R, the fixed state of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 and the state where the fixation is released can be switched with one touch. Therefore, according to the transplanter 1 of this embodiment, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced.

[0092] (3) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, the fixture 46 further includes an elastic member 70 disposed between the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 and the outer peripheral surface 64. According to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the elastic member 70 can surely hold the pressing state of the seedling stay 40 by the pressing member 60. Thereby, the fixing state of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 can be surely held. Further, according to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the wear of the cam 62 can be suppressed by the elastic member 70.

[0093] (4) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, the elastic member 70 includes a first portion 71 fixed to the case 50 and a second portion 72 disposed between the column 44 and the outer peripheral surface 64. The first portion 71 is fixed to the projecting portions 51a and 52a located outside the case 50. The second portion 72 extends from the first portion 71 to the inside of the case 50 through the opening 54a formed in the case 50. According to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, by disposing the first portion 71 outside the case 50, the replacement of the elastic member 70 in the fixture 46 can be facilitated.

[0094] (5) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, the pressing member 60 further includes a lever 63 protruding from the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62. In the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the user can easily rotate the cam 62 by operating the lever 63. Therefore, according to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced.

[0095] (6) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, among the outer peripheral surfaces 64, the portion that presses the pillar 44 when the cam 62 rotates within the first range R1 includes a first surface 64a formed by a flat surface and a second surface 64b formed by a curved surface. According to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, when the cam 62 rotates within the first range R1, when the position pressing the pillar 44 on the outer peripheral surface 64 crosses the boundary between the second surface 64b and the first surface 64a, a change in the tactile sensation can be given to the user. Thereby, the user can surely perceive that the cam 62 has rotated within the first range R1. Further, according to the transplanter 1 having such a configuration, the first surface 64a can surely hold the state in which the cam 62 has rotated within the first range R1.

[0096] (7) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, it is preferable that the pressing member 60 has a recess 66 that engages with the case 50 when the cam 62 is rotated to the position where it presses the pillar 44 by the first surface 64a. According to the transplanter 1 having such a configuration, by engaging the recess 66 with the case 50, it is possible to make it difficult to release the fixed state of the seedling stay 40.

[0097] (8) In the transplanter 1 of the above embodiment, the cam 62 includes a reinforcing rib 68. According to the transplanter 1 having such a configuration, the reinforcing rib 68 can ensure the strength of the cam 62 to which a load for fixing the seedling stay 40 is applied.

[0098] (9) The fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the above embodiment is a fixing method of the seedling stay 40 in the transplanter 1 provided with the seedling placing table 25. The seedling placing table 25 includes a seedling placing portion 27 having a seedling placing surface 28, a seedling stay 40 that presses the seedlings on the placing surface 28 toward the placing surface 28, a pillar 44 provided on the seedling placing portion 27, and a fixture 46 that fixes the seedling stay 40 to the pillar 44. The fixture 46 includes a case 50 having a locking portion 56 for locking the seedling stay 40 and a guiding portion 57 through which the pillar 44 is inserted, and a pressing member 60 that presses the pillar 44 inserted through the guiding portion 57, and is configured to be displaceable along the pillar 44 inserted through the guiding portion 57. The fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment includes, in the pressing member 60, a step of providing a cam 62 that rotates around a shaft 61 provided on the case 50 and locking the seedling stay 40 at the locking portion 56 of the case 50, and a step of rotating the cam 62 within a first range R1 in which the pillar 44 inserted through the guiding portion 57 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface 64 of the cam 62 to fix the case 50 to the pillar 44.

[0099] According to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, by operating to rotate the cam 62 of the fixture 46 within the first range R1, the fixing of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 can be performed with one touch. Therefore, according to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced.

[0100] (10) The fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the above embodiment further includes a step of rotating the cam 62 within a second range R2 in which the outer peripheral surface 64 is separated from the pillar 44 inserted through the guiding portion 57 to release the fixing of the case 50 to the pillar 44. According to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, by rotating the cam 62 within the second range R2, the release of the fixing of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 can be performed with one touch. Therefore, according to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, the labor for adjusting the height of the seedling stay 40 can be reduced.

[0101] (11) The fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the above embodiment arranges an elastic member 70 between the column 44 inserted through the guide portion 57 and the outer peripheral surface 64. According to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, the elastic member 70 can surely hold the pressing state of the column 44 by the pressing member 60. Thereby, the fixing state of the seedling stay 40 by the fixture 46 can be surely held. Further, according to the fixing method of the seedling stay 40 of the present embodiment, the elastic member 70 can suppress the wear of the cam 62.

[0102] The above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described in the scope of claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1 Transplanter 25 Seedling placing table 27 Seedling placement portion 28 Placement surface 40 Seedling stay 44 Column 46 Fixture 50 Case 54a Opening 56 Locking portion 57 Guide portion 60 Pressing member 61 Shaft 62 Cam 63 Lever 64 Outer peripheral surface 64a First surface (first surface) 64b Second surface (second surface) 66 Concave portion 68 Reinforcing rib 70 Elastic member 71 First portion 72 Second portion R (Rotation range of the cam) R1 First range R2 Second range

Claims

1. A transplanter equipped with a seedling placing table, wherein the seedling placing table has a seedling placing portion having a placement surface for seedlings, a seedling stay for pressing the seedlings on the placement surface toward the placement surface, and a fixture for fixing the seedling stay at a predetermined height from the placement surface, and the fixture includes a cam that rotates around an axis, and the cam is configured to be switchable between a state in which a load capable of fixing the seedling stay is generated by rotation around the axis and a state in which the load is not generated, a transplanter.

2. The seedling placing table includes a column provided in the seedling placing portion, the seedling stay is fixed to the column by the fixture, and the fixture includes a case having a locking portion for locking the seedling stay and a guiding portion through which the column is inserted, and a pressing member for pressing the column inserted through the guiding portion, and is configured to be displaceable along the column inserted through the guiding portion, the pressing member includes the cam that rotates around an axis provided in the case, the rotation range of the cam around the axis includes a first range in which the outer peripheral surface of the cam presses the column inserted through the guiding portion and a second range in which the outer peripheral surface is separated from the column inserted through the guiding portion, the transplanter according to Claim 1.

3. The fixture further includes an elastic member disposed between the column inserted through the guiding portion and the outer peripheral surface, the transplanter according to Claim 2.

4. The elastic member includes a first portion fixed to the case and a second portion disposed between the column and the outer peripheral surface, the first portion is fixed outside the case, and the second portion extends from the first portion through an opening formed in the case to the inside of the case, the transplanter according to Claim 3.

5. The pressing member further includes a lever protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the cam, the transplanter according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

6. Among the outer peripheral surface, the portion that presses the column when the cam rotates in the first range includes a first surface formed by a plane and a second surface formed by a curved surface, the transplanter according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

7. The pressing member has a recess that engages with the case when the cam is rotated to a position where the column is pressed by the first surface, the transplanter according to Claim 6.

8. The cam includes a reinforcing rib, the transplanter according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

9. A method for fixing a seedling stay in a transplanter equipped with a seedling mounting table, wherein the seedling mounting table, has a seedling placement part having a placement surface for seedlings, a seedling stay that presses the seedlings on the placement surface toward the placement surface, a column provided on the seedling placement part, and a fixture for fixing the seedling stay to the column, and the fixture, includes a case having a locking part for locking the seedling stay and a guiding part through which the column is inserted, and a pressing member for pressing the column inserted through the guiding part, and is configured to be displaceable along the column inserted through the guiding part, in the pressing member, a cam that rotates around an axis provided on the case is provided, a step of locking the seedling stay at the locking part of the case, and a step of rotating the cam within a first range in which the column inserted through the guiding part is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the cam to fix the case to the column, the method for fixing a seedling stay including these steps.

10. The method for fixing a seedling stay according to claim 9, further including a step of rotating the cam within a second range in which the outer peripheral surface is separated from the column inserted through the guiding part to release the fixing of the case to the column.

11. The method for fixing a seedling stay according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein an elastic member is disposed between the column inserted through the guiding part and the outer peripheral surface.

Images