Transplanter

Abstract

To provide a transplanter for controlling planting based on a plurality of setting items, whose set values can be respectively set in a plurality of stages, the transplanter enabling quick setting and easily acquiring an overall picture of a setting state.SOLUTION: A transplanter includes setting means for setting set values of a plurality of setting items relating to control of planting in a plurality of stages, and a monitor for displaying the plurality of setting items collectively and also displaying one or both of a control state and alarm, where the set values of the plurality of setting items are respectively, individually displayed on the monitor by means of horizontal bar meters corresponding to the number of stages. The plurality of bar meters are arranged in a vertical direction orthogonal to the total length of the bar meters, and are displayed on the monitor, with display positions representing that the set values are set to predetermined standard values, aligned with lateral positions of one ends and the other ends of the bar meters in the overall length direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transplanter that performs planting control based on a plurality of setting items whose respective set values can be set in multiple stages.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a transplanter including a monitor visible to an operator seated on a seat, a control unit that controls the monitor and performs planting control based on a plurality of setting items, and setting means capable of stepwise setting the set value of each of the plurality of setting items in multiple stages (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] According to the transplanter of the above document, since the set value of each of the plurality of setting items can be set in multiple stages, appropriate planting can be performed. On the other hand, for each of the plurality of setting items, every time a predetermined switching operation (specifically, a pressing operation of the “display switching switch” in the same document) is performed, the target setting item is switched and displayed on the monitor, and settings are made for each of them. Therefore, not only does it take time to set, but it is also difficult to grasp the overall setting state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a transplanter that performs planting control based on a plurality of setting items whose respective set values can be set in multiple stages, and that can perform setting quickly and easily grasp the overall setting state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the transplanter of the present invention includes a monitor visible to an operator sitting on a seat, a control unit that controls the monitor and performs control related to planting based on a plurality of setting items, and setting means capable of stepwise setting the set values of each of the plurality of setting items in a plurality of steps. Among the plurality of setting items, at least two setting items are provided in which the number of changeable steps of their installation values is different from each other. On the monitor, the set values of each of the plurality of setting items related to planting are collectively displayed. One or both of one or more control state display parts for displaying a predetermined control state and one or more warning display parts for displaying a predetermined warning are arranged around the monitor, avoiding the range for displaying the plurality of setting items. A standard value, which is a standard set value for each of the plurality of setting items, is predetermined. The control unit is configured to individually display the set value on the monitor by a horizontal bar meter for each of the plurality of setting items. Each bar meter is displayed on the monitor in a form corresponding to the number of steps of the setting item. The plurality of bar meters are displayed on the monitor in a state arranged in a vertical direction orthogonal to their total length. The plurality of bar meters are displayed on the monitor in a state where the standard position, which is the display position indicating that the set value of each of the individual setting items is the standard value, and the horizontal positions of one end and the other end in the total length direction are aligned.

[0007] The scraping amount, which is the amount of seedlings scraped from the seedling placing table by the beak, is provided as one of the setting items. The scraping amount is configured such that the set value can be changed more finely in the range where the value is larger than the standard position value than in the range where the value is smaller. The bar meter related to the scraping amount may be displayed on the monitor in a manner corresponding to the setting width in each range.

[0008] The setting means is a setting operation tool that can be dial-operated and momentarily pressed, and the control unit can switch between a selection mode in which an installation value is selected from a plurality of the setting items as a target setting item, and a setting mode in which the setting value of the target setting item is changed. When the control unit is switched to the selection mode, the state in which the scraping amount is tentatively selected is set as the initial state, and while tentatively selecting the setting item to be set from the plurality of the setting items by the dial operation of the setting operation tool, by pressing the setting operation tool, the setting item tentatively selected at that time is switched to the setting mode as the target setting item. When switched to the setting mode, while performing a temporary setting in which the installation value related to the target setting item is changed to a temporary setting value by the dial operation of the setting operation tool, by pressing the setting operation tool, the setting value tentatively set at that time is set as the setting value to be reflected in the planting. It may be configured as such.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] In a transplanter that controls planting based on a plurality of setting items for which each setting value can be set in multiple steps, the horizontal bar meters related to each of the plurality of setting items are arranged vertically, and the entire lengthwise ends of those bar meters and the standard position are aligned with each other and displayed on the monitor. Therefore, the overall setting state can be grasped at a glance, and by using the displayed content, it is also possible to quickly perform the setting itself.

[0010] The scraping amount, which is the amount of seedlings scraped from the seedling placing table by the beak, is provided as one of the setting items, and the scraping amount is configured such that the setting value can be changed more finely in the range where the value is larger than the standard position value than in the range where the value is smaller. According to the meter for the scraping amount, which is displayed on the monitor in a manner corresponding to the setting width in each range, it is possible to change the amount of seedlings planted per unit area of the field. In addition, when changing the amount, fine settings are possible when increasing the planting amount, preventing unnecessary increase in seedling consumption and suppressing poor planting.

[0011] The setting means is a setting operation tool that can be operated by dial and can be pushed momentarily. The control unit can switch between a selection mode in which an installation value is set from a plurality of the setting items and is selected as a target setting item, and a setting mode in which the setting value of the target setting item is changed. When the control unit is switched to the selection mode, the state in which the scraping amount is temporarily selected is set as the initial state. By dial operation of the setting operation tool, while temporarily selecting the setting item to be set from the plurality of the setting items, by pushing the setting operation tool, the setting item temporarily selected at that time is switched to the setting mode as the target setting item. When switched to the setting mode, by dial operation of the setting operation tool, a temporary setting is performed to change the installation value related to the target setting item to a temporary setting value, while by pushing the setting operation tool, the setting value temporarily set at that time is set as a setting value to be reflected in planting. According to this configuration, it is possible to stepwise change and set the setting values related to a large number of setting items with a small number of operation tools, and it is also possible to quickly change and set the scraping amount that needs to be frequently changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] Figs. 1 and 2 are a side view and a plan view of a riding rice transplanter to which the transplanter of the present invention is applied. The riding rice transplanter shown in these drawings includes a traveling body 3 having four wheels 1 and 2, and a planting work implement 4 that is liftably connected to the rear part of the traveling body 3.

[0014] The traveling body 3 has a pair of left and right front wheels 1, a pair of left and right rear wheels 2, and a front-rear vehicle body 3a supported by these wheels 1 and 2. An engine (not shown) is mounted on the front part of the vehicle body 3a, and the engine is covered by a bonnet 6 so as to be openable and closable. A control section 7 for the operator to board is provided behind the bonnet 6 in the traveling body 3.

[0015] The control section 7 includes a seat 8 on which the operator sits, an operation panel 9 arranged at a predetermined interval in front of the seat 8, and a floor step 7a which is a flat floor surface formed at a lower position of the control section 7 and is located in the arrangement position of the seat 8 and the operation panel 9 in plan view.

[0016] The planting work implement 4 is connected to the traveling body 3 via a lift link 11. The planting work implement 4 includes a main frame 12 which is a left-right angular pipe supported on the lift link 11 side, a seedling placing table 13 which is movably supported on the main frame 12 side and is steeply inclined obliquely upward in the front from the main frame 12 side, a plurality of planter cases 14 which are attached and fixed to the main frame 12 side and protrude straight backward from the lower surface side of the main frame 12, and a plurality of floats 16 which are suspended and supported by the planter cases 14 (main frame 12 side) in the front-rear direction.

[0017] A plurality of planter cases 14 are arranged side by side left and right. On at least one of the left and right side surfaces of each planter case 14, a beak (not shown) for picking up seedlings from the mat seedlings placed on the seedling placing surface 13a, which is composed of at least a part (most part in the illustrated example) of the back surface of the seedling placing table 13, and planting them in the field is supported so as to be capable of planting operation. Incidentally, the planting claws are driven for planting by the power from the engine.

[0018] The main frame 12 is elastically supported on the lifting link 11 side so as to be rotatable left and right (rolling operation) about a rolling axis, which is a virtual or real axis in the front-rear direction passing directly above the central portion of the main frame 12 in the left-right direction. The planting work implement 4 is provided with an inclination adjustment actuator (actuator) 17 (see FIG. 3), such as a cylinder or a motor, for rolling the entire planting work implement 4 including the main frame 12 left and right with respect to the traveling body 3 about the rolling axis.

[0019] The seedling placing table 13 is supported on the main frame 12 side so as to be liftable. The planting work implement 4 is provided with a scraping amount adjustment actuator (actuator) 18 (see FIG. 3), such as a cylinder or a motor, for lifting the seedling placing table 13 with respect to the main frame 12 (that is, the planter case 14 and the beak).

[0020] In addition, the planting work implement 4 is provided with a lateral feed mechanism (not shown) for reciprocally sliding the seedling placing table 13 left and right with respect to the main frame 12, and a longitudinal feed mechanism (not shown) for feeding the seedlings on the seedling placing surface 13a downward. The lateral feed operation by the lateral feed mechanism and the longitudinal feed operation by the longitudinal feed mechanism utilize the power from the engine. By performing the lateral feed operation and the longitudinal feed operation in a state where each beak is performing the planting operation, the seedlings on the seedling placing surface 13a are evenly scraped by the beak.

[0021] The plurality of floats 16 are arranged side by side horizontally. The floats 16 are configured to be vertically movable relative to the main frame 12 while maintaining their postures. Since the floats 16 are grounded on the field surface, the planting depth of the seedlings into the field by the beak is changed by the relative vertical movement with respect to the main frame 12. Further, the planting work implement 4 is provided with a planting depth adjustment actuator (actuator) 19 (see FIG. 3) for raising and lowering the float 16 relative to the main frame 12.

[0022] According to the planting work implement 4 configured as described above, the tilt adjustment actuator 17 enables adjustment of the absolute left - right tilt angle of the planting work implement 4 and the relative left - right tilt angle with respect to the traveling machine body 3, making it possible to perform planting work corresponding to the left - right tilt of the field.

[0023] Also, if the relative vertical position of the seedling placing table 13 with respect to the beak is changed by the scraping amount adjustment actuator 18, accordingly, the scraping amount of the seedlings from the seedling placing table 13 by the beak is also changed, so that it is possible to appropriately maintain the amount of seedlings planted in the field.

[0024] Furthermore, the planting depth adjustment actuator 19 enables appropriate change of the planting depth of the seedlings into the field.

[0025] Incidentally, on the traveling machine body 3 side, a work clutch (not shown) is provided for interrupting the power from the engine transmitted from the traveling machine body 3 on which the engine is mounted to the planting work implement 4. The power transmitted to the planting work implement 4 via the work clutch is transmitted to the above - mentioned longitudinal feed mechanism and lateral feed mechanism, and is also intermittently transmitted to the beak via a planting clutch (not shown) provided on the planting work implement 4 side. When the planting clutch is disengaged while the planting work implement 4 is being driven, the beak is stopped from being driven while the longitudinal feed operation and the lateral feed operation are in progress.

[0026] In addition, since the planting work machine 4 is driven by the power taken out from the power of the traveling system of the traveling machine body 3, when the traveling machine body 3 has stopped traveling, the planting work machine 4 also stops driving. Since the planting work is performed during forward traveling in which the forward rotation power from the traveling machine body side is transmitted to the planting work machine 4, in a state where the traveling machine body 3 travels backward and the reverse rotation power is transmitted to the planting work machine 4, it is a principle to switch the work clutch to the disengaged state.

[0027] By the way, in front of the planting work machine 4, a soil preparation rotor 21 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to cover the entire left-right width thereof is supported so as to be rotatable about its axis and vertically movable with respect to the planting work machine 4. In addition, on both the left and right sides of the planting work machine 4, markers (not shown) that can be swung out to the left and right outside are provided.

[0028] The soil preparation rotor 21 is rotationally driven by the power from the engine and prepares the field before the planting work by the beak. The relative vertical position of the soil preparation rotor 21 with respect to the planting work machine 4 is changed by a soil preparation depth adjustment actuator 22 (see FIG. 3) such as a motor or a cylinder. The soil preparation rotor 21 can have its vertical position adjusted by this soil preparation depth adjustment actuator 22 within a range from a non-working height at which it does not contact the field to a working height at which the soil preparation rotor 21 contacts the field, and the soil preparation depth at the time of contacting the field can also be appropriately changed.

[0029] Each of the pair of left and right markers can be switched between a swung-out posture in which it swings out to the left and right outside and a stored posture in which it is stored along the planting work machine 4 side.

[0030] With respect to these left and right markers, while the operator is making the traveling machine body 3 travel forward while performing the planting work with the planting work machine 4, the operator switches the marker facing the working side, which is the side where planting has not yet been performed, to the swung-out posture to draw the traveling reference line for the next process on the field, and switches the marker facing the side where planting has already been performed or the side where planting is not performed to the stored posture.

[0031] Incidentally, each of the left and right markers is elastically biased toward the deployment posture side by a biasing member (not shown). On the lifting link 11 side, an interlocking mechanism (not shown) is provided that switches each of the left and right markers to the storage posture in conjunction with the upward movement of the planting work implement 4 to the non-working position. As the planting work implement 4 descends to the working position, the action of the interlocking mechanism is released, and the biasing member acts on each of the left and right markers with a force toward the side that switches to the deployment posture.

[0032] A regulating member (not shown) that can regulate the release of the posture switching of this marker to the deployment posture is provided on the planting work implement 4 side. This regulating member may be provided for each of the left and right markers, or the switching of the left and right markers to the deployment posture may be regulated by a single regulating member. Further, a deployment switching actuator (actuator) 23 (see FIG. 3), such as a motor, that moves the regulating member to release the regulation of the switching of the marker to the deployment posture is provided on the planting work implement 4 side for each regulating member.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. The control unit 24 is composed of a plurality of microcontrollers or a single microcontroller that can communicate with each other via CAN or the like. This control unit 24 performs control related to planting based on a plurality of setting items, controls at least a part of the display content of the monitor 26 that is fixedly embedded and installed in the frontward and upward part of the operation panel 9, and also executes various controls.

[0034] A timer 24a and a storage unit 24b are mounted on the control unit 24.

[0035] On the input side of the control unit 24, there are a lift height detection means 27 such as a potentiometer for detecting the relative lift height of the planting work machine 4 with respect to the traveling body 3, a vehicle speed detection means 28 such as a rotation sensor for detecting the vehicle speed which is the traveling speed of the riding rice transplanter, a left-right inclination state detection means 29 such as a gyro sensor for detecting the absolute left-right inclination state of the planting work machine 4 or a potentiometer for detecting the relative left-right inclination state with respect to the traveling body 3, a scraping amount detection means 31 such as a potentiometer for detecting the scraping amount by obtaining the relative vertical position of the seedling placing table 13 with respect to the main frame 12, an end approach state detection means 32 such as a detection switch or a potentiometer for detecting that the seedling placing table 13 is in a state (end approach state) of being slid to one end (in this example, the left end) of the movement range in the left-right direction with respect to the main frame 12, a planting depth detection means 33 such as a potentiometer for detecting the planting depth by obtaining the relative vertical position of the float 16 with respect to the main frame 12, a soil preparation depth detection means 34 such as a potentiometer for detecting the soil preparation depth by obtaining the relative vertical position of the soil preparation rotor 21 with respect to the planting work machine 4, a turning detection means 36 such as a potentiometer for detecting turning travel, a seedling detection means 37 such as a detection switch for detecting that the remaining amount of seedlings placed on the seedling placing surface 13a has become 0 or less than a predetermined value, a setting operation tool (setting means) 38 for setting a plurality of setting items, a return switch 40, one or more other operation means 39a to 39f, and one or more other detection means 41a to 41i are connected.

[0036] Incidentally, the traveling distance can also be detected by integrating the detection values of the rotation sensor constituting the vehicle speed detection means 28. In other words, the vehicle speed detection means 28 also functions as a traveling distance detection means.

[0037] On the output side of the control unit 24, there are connected a lifting actuator 42 such as a hydraulic cylinder for lifting the planting work implement 4 with respect to the traveling body 3, the plurality of actuators 17, 18, 19, 22, 23 described above, the monitor 26 described above, a work switching actuator (actuator) 43 such as a motor for intermittently operating the work clutch, a planting switching actuator (actuator) 44 such as a motor for intermittently operating the planting clutch, and one or more other actuators 45a.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the operation panel from the operator's line of sight. The operation panel 9 has a steering handle 46 supported so as to be operable for steering at the left and right center sides of the rearward portion thereof, the monitor 26 described above is disposed at the forward portion thereof, a main shift lever (shift lever) 47 is supported so as to be swingable on one side (in this example, the right side) of the steering handle 46, and a sub-shift lever (shift lever) 48 and an accelerator lever 49 are supported so as to be swingable back and forth on the other side (in this example, the left side) thereof.

[0039] Also, a quick-up lever (switching operation tool) 51 that protrudes obliquely upward toward the side (in this example, the right side) far from the left and right main shift levers 47 is supported so as to be swingable back and forth from the side of the steering shaft 46a (see FIG. 1) of the steering handle 46 on the operation panel 9. Further, switch panel portions 52, 53 are provided at the portion near the seat 8 and the portion near the main shift lever 47 around the steering shaft 46a on the operation panel 9, respectively.

[0040] The main shift lever 47 operates a hydrostatic transmission (not shown) that steplessly shifts the power from the engine by its swinging. More specifically, when the main shift lever 47 is swung to the front-rear neutral position, the hydrostatic transmission is in a neutral state where it does not transmit power. By swinging the main shift lever 47 in the front-rear neutral state to one side (in this example, the right side) and tilting it, it becomes swingable forward, and by swinging it to the other side (in this example, the left side) and tilting it, it becomes swingable backward.

[0041] The more the operation amount from the front-rear neutral position of the main shift lever 47 increases forward, the more the power for forward travel is switched to high speed. On the other hand, the more the operation amount from the front-rear neutral position increases rearward, the more the power for reverse travel is switched to high speed. That is, the main shift lever 47 performs a stepless traveling speed change operation and also performs a forward-reverse switching operation.

[0042] Incidentally, the power after being shifted by this HST is also transmitted to the planting work implement 4 and the tilling rotor 21.

[0043] Incidentally, as one of the above-described detection means, a speed change operation detection means 41a such as a potentiometer for detecting the front-rear swing position of the main shift lever 47 is provided at a portion closer to the base end of the main shift lever 47.

[0044] The sub-shift lever 48 switches the traveling speed change mechanism at least in two stages of "high speed" and "low speed" by its front-rear swing. The power shifted by this traveling speed change mechanism is transmitted to the front and rear wheels 1 and 2. Incidentally, "high speed" of the traveling speed change mechanism may be used for road travel and "low speed" may be used for work travel. The accelerator lever 49 changes and sets the engine speed by its front-rear swing. The quick-up lever 51 is elastically biased to the front-rear and up-down neutral positions by a biasing member (not shown). At a portion closer to the base end of the sub-shift lever 48, similar to the main shift lever 47, a speed change operation detection means 41b such as a potentiometer for detecting its front-rear swing position is provided.

[0045] On the switch panel portion 52 arranged on the side closer to the main shift lever 47, as the above-described operation means 39a to 39d, a planting switch 39a, an edge alignment switch 39b, a tilling rotor changeover switch 39c, and a planting automatic switch 39d are provided. On the switch panel portion 53 arranged on the side closer to the seat 8, a row stop switch 39e is provided as the above-described operation means. At a position adjacent to one of the left and right sides (in this example, the side of the shift lever 47) of this switch panel portion 53, a seedling connection switch 39f is provided as the above-described operation means.

[0046] On the floor step 7a, at a position slightly to one side (right side in the illustrated example) on the rear side of the operation panel 9 in plan view, a brake pedal 54 is provided. The brake pedal 54 is elastically biased toward the release side at all times by a biasing member (not shown). When the operator steps on the brake pedal 54 with his / her foot against the elastic force of the biasing member, the main shift lever 47 mechanically connected to the brake pedal 54 swings to the front-rear neutral position, the HST is switched to the neutral state, and braking force acts on one or both of the front and rear wheels 1 and 2, causing the traveling machine body 3 to stop traveling. As one of the above-described detection means, a brake operation detection means 41c such as a potentiometer or a detection switch for detecting the stepping operation of the brake pedal 54 is provided at a portion closer to the base end of the brake pedal 54.

[0047] The planting switch 39a is a momentary switch, and each time it is pressed, it switches between the "planting-on mode" and the "planting-off mode". This planting-on mode is a prerequisite for connecting the work clutch and driving the planting work implement 4. In the planting-off mode, the work clutch is held in the disengaged state and the planting work implement 4 is maintained in the stopped state. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the planting-on state is in effect.

[0048] The quick lift lever 51 is switched to one of the "raise mode", "lower mode", and "planting mode" by its vertical swinging operation. When switching to the raise mode, the control unit 24 generally raises the height to a non-working height that does not touch the field and switches the work clutch to the disengaged state. When switching to the lower mode, the control unit 24 lowers the planting work implement 4 to a working height that touches the field and switches the work clutch to the disengaged state. When switching to the planting mode, the control unit 24 lowers the planting work implement 4 to the working height and switches the work clutch to the engaged state. Incidentally, the control contents in each of these modes on the side of the planting work implement 4 are general principles, and in some cases, the other may be prioritized by separate modes or controls.

[0049] When the quick lift lever 51 is swung upward once in the state where it is switched to the planting mode, it is switched to the lowering mode. When the quick lift lever 51 is swung upward once in the state where it is switched to the lowering mode, it is switched to the raising mode. When the quick lift lever 51 is swung downward once in the state where it is switched to the raising mode, it is switched to the lowering mode. When the quick lift lever 51 is swung downward once in the state where it is switched to the lowering mode, it is switched to the planting mode.

[0050] On the other hand, the quick lift lever 51 switches between the "storage mode" and the "delivery mode" of the left and right markers by its forward and backward swinging operations. Specifically, for each forward swing operation of the quick lift lever 51, the storage mode and the delivery mode of the left marker are alternately switched, while for each backward swing operation of the quick lift lever 51, the storage mode and the delivery mode of the right marker are alternately switched. Also, when a backward swing operation is continuously performed after a forward or backward swing operation of the quick lift lever 51, both the left and right markers are switched to the delivery mode.

[0051] When at least one of the left and right markers is switched to the delivery mode, the control unit 24 executes marker automatic switching control. On the other hand, when both of the left and right markers are switched to the storage mode, the execution of the marker automatic switching control by the control unit 24 is stopped.

[0052] During the execution of the marker automatic switching control, the control unit 24 releases the restriction of the marker switched to the delivery mode by the restricting member by the delivery switching actuator 23, and switches the marker from the stored posture to the delivery posture as the planting work implement 4 descends to the working position. In contrast, the marker switched to the storage mode is held in the stored posture regardless of the raising and lowering of the planting work implement 4.

[0053] The seedling replenishment switch 39f is used when executing the seedling replenishment control (engine stop control) that temporarily stops the engine during replenishment of the mat seedlings on the seedling mounting table 13. Specifically, when the brake pedal 54 is depressed to stop the traveling of the traveling machine body 3 and the main transmission lever 47 is swung to the front-rear neutral position, by pressing the momentary type seedling replenishment switch 39f, the seedling replenishment control by the control unit 24 is executed and the engine is stopped. On the other hand, during the execution of the seedling replenishment control, when the brake pedal 54 is depressed to stop the traveling of the traveling machine body 3 and the main transmission lever 47 is swung to the front-rear neutral position, by pressing the momentary type seedling replenishment switch 39f, the execution of the seedling replenishment control by the control unit 24 is stopped and the engine is restarted.

[0054] The side approach switch 39b is a momentary type switch for performing the switching to the side approach state described above.

[0055] Specifically, the main transmission lever 47 and the sub-transmission lever 48 are swung to the front-rear neutral position to stop the traveling of the traveling machine body 3, and the planting work implement 4 is raised to the non-working height. Then, by operating a fixing operating tool such as a lever operating tool (not shown), the planting work implement 4 is locked at its lifting height. To explain in detail, by the locking operation of the fixing operating tool, the supply and discharge of pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder constituting the lifting actuator 42 are regulated (prohibited), and the planting work implement 4 is locked at the non-working height.

[0056] Subsequently, when the traveling machine body 3 is stopped traveling and the planting work implement 4 is fixed at the non-working height in this way, the quick lift lever 51 is used to switch to the lowering mode or the planting mode, and the work clutch is switched to the engaged state. Then, by pressing the side approach switch 39b, the execution of the side approach control by the control unit 24 is started.

[0057] During the execution of the side shift control, the control unit 24 switches the planting clutch to the disengaged state to stop the drive of the beak. During the execution of this side shift control, the traveling body 3 is moved forward to input forward rotational power to the planting work implement, and with the beak drive stopped, the mounting table 13 is slid in the left - right direction. Then, during this sliding operation, when the control unit 24 detects that the seedling mounting table 13 has reached the side shift position by the side shift state detection means 32, the planting clutch is switched to the disengaged state, and the seedling mounting table 13 is maintained at the side shift position to end the side shift control.

[0058] After that, the operator releases the restriction on the supply and discharge of pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder constituting the lifting actuator 42 by manually releasing the fixing tool, releases the lock at the non - working height of the planting work implement 4, and then performs a predetermined manual operation to start the seedling planting work in the field.

[0059] The tilling rotor change - over switch 39c is a momentary - type switch, and for each single push operation, it switches between the "non - tilling mode", the "normal mode", and the "vehicle - speed - linked mode". When switching to the non - tilling mode, the control unit 24 raises the tilling rotor 21 to the non - working height. When switching to the normal mode, the control unit 24 raises and lowers the tilling rotor 21 to the set depth (set tilling depth, set value) set by the setting tool 38 and holds it at that height. When switching to the vehicle - speed - linked mode, the control unit 24 executes vehicle - speed - linked control. During the execution of the vehicle - speed - linked control, the control unit 24 adjusts the vertical position of the tilling rotor 21 so that the tilling depth gradually becomes shallower as the vehicle speed increases. During the execution of this vehicle - speed - linked control, the deepest tilling depth is the set tilling depth in this example.

[0060] The planting automatic switch 39d is a momentary - type switch, and for each single push operation, it switches between the "automatic mode" and the "manual mode". When the planting work implement 4 is switched to the planting mode by the quick - up lever 51 in the state of being switched to the automatic mode, the execution of the planting automatic control is started.

[0061] Incidentally, in this riding rice transplanter, a plurality of reference lines drawn on the field by markers are arranged at predetermined intervals in a parallel or substantially parallel state to each other. In a state where the end of the reference line in the current process and the start of the reference line in the next process are adjacent to each other on the left and right, the traveling body 3 is U-turn rotated from the end of the reference line in the current process to the start of the reference line in the next process, thereby performing the transition from the current process to the next process. This transition means is referred to as "U-turn" in the following description.

[0062] Note that the traveling body 3 may be traveled from the end of the reference line in the current process to the edge of the ridge with its front end as a reference, then backed to the end of the reference line, and then U-turn rotated from that position to perform the transition from the current process to the next process. This transition means is referred to as "butting back" in the following description. According to this "butting back", it becomes possible to plant seedlings up to the end of the reference line or the position just short of it.

[0063] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned "U-turn" and "butting back", it is necessary to switch the planting work machine 4 to the raising mode when the riding rice transplanter is traveling backward and during U-turn rotation, while it is necessary to switch the planting work machine 4 to the planting mode while the riding rice transplanter is traveling straight in each of the current process and the next process. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently switch the mode of the planting work machine 4 in a short period of time. During the execution of automatic planting control, the control unit 24 automatically performs this series of mode switches.

[0064] Specifically, during the execution of automatic planting control, when the traveling body 3 reaches the end side of the reference line in the current process and the traveling body 3 is rotated to start a "U-turn", the start is detected by the turning detection means 36, and the planting work machine 4 is switched from the planting mode to the raising mode, thereby switching the planting clutch to the disengaged state and raising the planting work machine 4 to the non-working height, and continuously continuing the U-turn rotation as it is. Incidentally, the turning detection means 36 is composed of a potentiometer or the like that detects the rotation position of the steering shaft 46a or the left and right swinging position of the pitman arm.

[0065] The determination of the end of the U-turn by the control unit 24 may be detected by the turning detection means 36, or may be performed by detecting the travel distance or time of the traveling machine body 3 by the travel distance detection means 28 or the timer 24a until it reaches the end position of the U-turn or the vicinity thereof from the turning start position. After the U-turn, the traveling machine body 3 is switched to straight-ahead travel, and the planting work implement 4 is automatically switched from the raising mode to the planting mode to start the planting work.

[0066] On the other hand, when performing "ram-back" during the execution of the automatic planting control, at the timing when the traveling machine body 3 backs up, the planting work implement 4 is switched from the planting mode to the raising mode, the planting clutch is switched to the disengaged state, and the planting work implement 4 is raised to the non-working height. The start of turning is detected by the turning detection means 36, and the counting of the distance or time from that position or point in time is started. The subsequent procedure is the same as when performing a "U-turn".

[0067] By the way, in this example, after performing "ram-back" or "U-turn" to make a U-turn, the timing to start the planting work (hereinafter referred to as "start timing", which is essentially the distance from the end point of the U-turn) is set as one of the above-described setting items. The start timing is set with the travel distance or elapsed time from a predetermined time point or point as a set value based on the travel distance detection means 28 or the timer 24a, and that value (specifically, the set travel distance or set elapsed time) can be set in multiple steps (11 steps in this example).

[0068] By setting the start timing as one of the setting items in this way, it becomes possible to correspond to both "ram-back" that can start the planting work at an earlier timing after the U-turn and "U-turn" that can start the planting work at a slightly delayed timing after the U-turn. Also, this makes it possible to align the front and rear positions of the seedlings located at the most terminal side in the current process and the seedlings located at the most start side in the next process.

[0069] In addition, in this riding rice transplanter, in addition to this start timing, as the above-described setting items, the left and right tilt angles controlled by the tilt adjustment actuator 17, the scraping amount controlled by the scraping amount adjustment actuator 18, the soil cultivation depth controlled by the soil cultivation depth change actuator, and the soil cultivation depth controlled by the planting depth adjustment actuator 19 are provided.

[0070] Each of these multiple setting items is configured such that its set value is set in multiple steps in a stepped manner by the above-described single setting operation tool 38. In addition, among these multiple setting items, at least two setting items having different numbers of changeable steps of their installation values are included. The monitor 26 displays these multiple setting items collectively. The operator determines the set value from among a plurality (specifically, the same number as the number of steps) of candidates while checking the contents of the setting items displayed on the monitor 26.

[0071] In addition, in this riding rice transplanter, for each of the multiple setting items, one most standard set value is defined as the standard value.

[0072] When the stop switch 39e is pressed during the planting drive of the planting work implement 4, the control unit 24 executes stop control to switch the work clutch to the disengaged state and forcibly stop the drive of the planting work implement 4. On the other hand, when the control unit 24 detects a second pressing operation of the stop switch 39e during the execution of the stop control, the control unit 24 switches the work clutch to the disengaged state and resumes the drive of the planting work implement 4.

[0073] Next, based on FIGS. 3 to 5, the configuration of the monitor and the setting means for the multiple setting items will be described in detail.

[0074] FIG. 5 is a rear-side perspective view of the monitor. The illustrated monitor 26 is long in the left-right direction, and the items to be displayed thereon are fixedly determined. The display content is controlled by the control unit 24 by switching the lighting and extinguishing of a backlight such as an LED arranged inside by the control unit 24.

[0075] The monitor 26 has a normal line that vertically penetrates its flat display surface and is directed obliquely upward to the rear. At the center of the monitor 26 in the left - right direction, a rectangular setting item collective display range 26a for collectively displaying a plurality of setting items is provided, and various display ranges 26b are provided around it, avoiding the setting item collective display range 26a.

[0076] The various display ranges 26b form an inverted U - shape surrounding both sides in the horizontal direction and one side (upper side) in the vertical direction of the collective display range 26a. In the various display ranges 26b, one or more (a plurality in this example) control state display parts 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64 for displaying and notifying a predetermined control state by lighting and flashing of a backlight, and one or more (a plurality in this example) alarm display parts 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 for displaying a predetermined alarm by lighting and flashing of the backlight are arranged, and one or both (both in this example) of them are arranged. A part of the monitor 26 is constituted by these display parts 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70.

[0077] As control state display parts, on the left - hand side part of the various display ranges 26b, there are provided a marker automatic switching control display part 56 for displaying that marker automatic switching control is in execution, a centering control display part 57 for displaying that centering control is in execution, a vehicle - speed interlocking control display part 58 for displaying that vehicle - speed interlocking control is in execution, a planting automatic control display part 59 for displaying that planting automatic control is in execution, a planting display part 61 for displaying that the beak is being driven for planting and is in the middle of performing a planting operation, and a fertilization display part 62 for displaying that fertilization work by a fertilization device (not shown) is in progress. On the upper - hand side part of the various display ranges 26b, a strip - stopping control display part 63 for displaying that strip - stopping control is in execution is provided, and on the right - hand side part of the various display ranges 26b, a seedling - connecting control display part 64 for displaying that seedling - connecting control is in execution is provided.

[0078] These control state display units 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64 constitute a part of the monitor 26 and are controlled to turn on and off by the control unit 24. They are turned on during the execution of the corresponding control or operation, while they are turned off during the stop thereof.

[0079] Correspondingly, as one of the above-described actuators, a fertilization actuator 45a such as a motor or a pump for driving the fertilization device to perform fertilization is provided.

[0080] As an alarm display unit, on the upper part of various display ranges 26b, there are provided a fertilizer clogging alarm unit 66 for alarming that clogging has occurred in the fertilization device, a fertilizer shortage alarm unit 67 for alarming that the remaining amount of fertilizer stored in the fertilizer device has become 0 or decreased, and a seedling alarm unit 68 for alarming that the remaining amount of seedlings on the seedling mounting table 13 has become 0 or a small amount based on the detection result of the seedling detection means 37. On the right side part of various display ranges 26b, there are provided a water temperature abnormality alarm unit 69 for alarming that the temperature of the engine cooling water has become high and there is a possibility of causing an abnormality in its cooling, a pressure abnormality alarm unit 71 for alarming a pressure abnormality caused by a decrease in the pressure of the lubricating oil for the engine, etc., and a battery alarm unit 70 for alarming that the electricity stored in the battery has become 0 or a small amount.

[0081] These alarm display units 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 constitute a part of the monitor 26 and are controlled to turn on and off by the control unit 24. They are turned on during the alarm, while they are turned off otherwise.

[0082] Also, in order to respond to these alarms, as the above-described detection means, there are provided a fertilizer clogging detection means 41d such as a pressure sensor for detecting clogging of the fertilizer in the fertilization device, a fertilizer remaining amount detection means 41e which is a predetermined sensor or the like for detecting that the remaining amount of fertilizer has become 0 or a small amount, a water temperature detection means 41f such as a thermometer for detecting the temperature of the engine cooling water, a pressure detection means 41g such as a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure of the lubricating oil in the engine, and a remaining amount detection means 41h for detecting the remaining amount of the battery.

[0083] Also, in the upper part of each display range 26b, a gasoline remaining amount display section 75 for displaying the remaining amount of gasoline is provided as information other than control states and warnings. To correspond to this, as the detection means described above, a gasoline remaining amount detection means 41i, which is various sensors for detecting the remaining amount of gasoline, etc., is provided.

[0084] In the setting item collective display range 26a, bar meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 that are individually provided for each of a plurality of setting items and extend in a bar shape in the left - right horizontal direction (lateral direction) to display their set values are displayed. The plurality of bar meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the monitor 26 in the entire length direction thereof (in this example, the front - rear direction in plan view and a direction inclined obliquely upward toward the front).

[0085] Specifically, a start timing bar meter 72 for displaying the set value of the start timing, which is one of the setting items, a left - right tilt angle bar meter 73 for displaying the set value of the left - right tilt angle, which is another one of the setting items, a scraping amount bar meter 74 for displaying the set value of the scraping amount, which is another one of the setting items, a soil tillage depth bar meter 76 for displaying the set value of the soil tillage depth, which is another one of the setting items, and a planting depth bar meter 77 for displaying the set value of the planting depth, which is the remaining one of the setting items, are arranged in this order from the top.

[0086] The plurality of bar meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 have the same overall length, and the positions of one ends of their overall lengths and the positions of the other ends are aligned (the lateral positions of one ends of their overall lengths and the lateral positions of the other ends are the same).

[0087] In addition, for each of the plurality of meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, selection display units 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 are displayed at positions adjacent to one side (the left side in the illustrated example) in the entire length direction of the setting item batch display range 26a. Each of the selection display units 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 constantly displays the name of the setting item related to the adjacent meter 72, 73, 74, 76, 77. In addition, while lighting the selection display unit 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 related to one setting item selected as the setting target by the means described later, the selection display units 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 related to the other unselected setting items are turned off.

[0088] More specifically, regarding each of the meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, it has a plurality of cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a forming a rectangular shape (specifically, a rectangular shape long in the entire length direction) along the entire length direction. By arranging these plurality of cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a in a straight line in the entire length direction of the meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, the meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 which are bar-shaped meters are formed.

[0089] The number of cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a constituting each meter 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 is the same as the number of steps of the setting item related to the meter 72, 73, 74, 76, 77. In other words, each meter 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 is displayed on the monitor 26 in a form corresponding to the number of steps of the setting item related to it.

[0090] Specifically, the start timing and the left and right tilt angles are in 11 steps, the scraping amount is in 10 steps, the soil tillage depth is in 7 steps, and the planting depth is in 5 steps, and since it is possible to change their respective set values, each of the start timing meter 72 and the left and right tilt angle meter 73 is composed of 11 cells 72a, 73a, the scraping amount meter 74 is composed of 10 cells 74a, the soil tillage depth meter 76 is composed of 7 cells 76a, and the planting depth meter 77 is composed of 5 cells 77a.

[0091] Regarding the display means for the set values by these dials 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, each individual cell 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a corresponds to a set value respectively, and at least those cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a are lit. Also, in this example, in those dials 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, in addition to those cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a corresponding to the set value, all the cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a closer to the selection display portions 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 than those cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a are also lit simultaneously to facilitate immediate understanding.

[0092] For example, when the value can be set in 11 steps and the start timing is set to the second earliest start timing, together with the cell 72a arranged second from the left, the leftmost cell 72a arranged closer to the selection display portion 78 side than that cell 72a is also lit.

[0093] Incidentally, the standard cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a which are the cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a corresponding to the above-mentioned standard values have a configuration distinguishable from other cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a. In this example, an indicator 80 such as an arrow indicating the standard cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a is displayed on the monitor 26. Hereinafter, the position of this standard cell 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a is referred to as the "standard position".

[0094] Also, for the plurality of dials 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 arranged in the vertical direction, the horizontal positions (the left - right positions at the center in the horizontal direction of the standard cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a) of their respective standard cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a are aligned with each other. In this example, the cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a located in the middle of the dials 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 are used as the standard cells. That is, the standard position is set in the middle in the horizontal direction of the dials 72, 73, 74, 76, 77.

[0095] In addition, the set value of each of the plurality of setting items is set to a standard value at the initial stage. On the other hand, the set value is changed from the standard value by the setting operation tool 38, and the value is stored in the storage unit 24b. After that, even after the engine stops, the set value is retained.

[0096] Furthermore, the horizontal length of the cells 72a, 73a, 74a, 76a, 77a (hereinafter simply referred to as "cell length") corresponds to the set width of the setting item concerned. When the set value can be changed finely, the cell length becomes shorter, while when the change of the set value becomes rough, the cell length becomes longer. That is, the bar meters 72, 73, 74, 76, 77 are displayed on the monitor 26 in a manner corresponding to the set width within their respective ranges.

[0097] Specifically, for one setting item, it is not necessary to set the set width to be constant throughout the entire set range, and in a part of the set range, the set width may be changed more than in other parts. For example, for the scraping amount, which is one of the setting items, it is possible to change the set value more finely in the range on the right side of the standard position than in the range on the left side. In other words, in the bar meter 74 for the scraping amount, the cell 74a corresponding to a set value larger than the standard value of the scraping amount has a shorter cell length than the cell 74a corresponding to a set value smaller than the standard value of the scraping amount.

[0098] The setting operation tool 38 and the return switch 40 are arranged side by side in the front of the sub-shift lever 48 and the accelerator lever 49 on the operation panel 9. The return switch 40 is a momentary type switch operation tool that can be pressed. The setting operation tool 38 is a dial operation tool that can be rotated or turned step by step (dial operation possible), and is also a momentary type switch operation tool that can be pressed.

[0099] The control unit 24 can be switched between an "initial mode" which is the initial state, a "selection mode" for selecting a target setting item which is a setting item for setting a setting value from among a plurality of setting items, and a "setting mode" for setting and changing the setting value of the target setting item.

[0100] In the initial mode, when the setting operation tool 38 is pressed once, the control unit 24 switches to the selection mode. On the other hand, in the selection mode, when the return switch 40 is pressed once, the control unit 24 switches to the initial mode.

[0101] When switched to the selection mode, the control unit 24 sets the state in which the scraping amount is tentatively selected as the initial state, and tentatively selects a setting item to be set from among a plurality of setting items by dial operation of the setting operation tool 38. On the other hand, by pressing the setting operation tool 38, the setting item tentatively selected at that time is determined as the target setting item, and it is configured to switch to the setting mode.

[0102] Incidentally, when switching to the selection mode, the control unit 24 lights up one of the selection display units 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 that are tentatively the target setting item, while turning off the other plurality of selection display units 78, 79, 81, 82, 83 that are not the target setting item. By such a display means, it is possible to immediately grasp the selection item that is the target setting item.

[0103] When switched to the setting mode, the control unit 24 makes a temporary setting by changing the setting value related to the target setting item to a temporary setting value by dial operation of the setting operation tool 38. On the other hand, by pressing the setting operation tool 38, the setting value tentatively set at that time is set as the setting value to be reflected in the planting and the selection mode is switched.

[0104] Also, when the control unit 24 detects a single press operation of the return switch 40 when switching to the setting mode, it switches to the selection mode, and when it detects a long press operation of the return switch 40, it is configured to switch to the initial mode.

[0105] Incidentally, when switching from the setting mode to the selection mode in this way, the setting items set in the setting mode may be used as the target setting items as they are, or the scraping amount may be used as the target setting item.

[0106] According to the riding rice transplanter configured as described above, it is possible to change and set a plurality of setting items related to planting control with a small number of operations while looking at the monitor 26 on which they are collectively displayed.

[0107] Note that, in the above-described form, the example in which the entire display content of the monitor 26 is fixed has been described, but a liquid crystal monitor capable of appropriately changing the entire display content may also be used. In this case, it is possible to control the display content by switching between light and dark, switching between display and non-display, or changing the color, instead of switching between lighting and extinguishing.

[0108] Further, the monitor 26 may be a touch panel type liquid crystal monitor. In this case, as shown by the virtual line in FIG. 3, the monitor 26 is connected to the control unit 24 so as to be inputtable and outputtable. In this case, it is also possible to configure the monitor 26 itself as a setting means for setting a plurality of setting items.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] 8 seats 13 seedling mounts 24 control unit 26 monitor (setting means) 38 setting operation tool (setting means) 56 marker automatic switching control display unit (control state display unit) 57 sideward movement control display unit (control state display unit) 58 vehicle speed interlock control display unit (control state display unit) 59 planting automatic control display unit (control state display unit) 61 planting display unit (control state display unit) 62 fertilization display unit (control state display unit) 63 row stop control display unit (control state display unit) 64 Seedling Successive Control Display Unit (Control State Display Unit) 66 Fertilizer Clogging Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 67 Fertilizer Empty Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 68 Seedling Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 69 Water Temperature Abnormality Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 70 Battery Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 71 Pressure Abnormality Warning Unit (Warning Display Unit) 72 Thermometer for Starting Timing (Thermometer) 73 Inclinometer for Left and Right Tilt Angle (Inclinometer) 74 Meter for Scraping Amount (Meter) 76 Meter for Soil Preparation Depth (Meter) 77 Meter for Planting Depth (Meter)

Claims

1. A monitor visible to an operator sitting on a seat, a control unit that controls the monitor and performs planting-related control based on a plurality of setting items, and setting means capable of stepwise setting the set values of each of the plurality of setting items in a plurality of steps. Among the plurality of setting items, at least two setting items having different numbers of changeable steps of their installation values are provided. On the monitor, the set values of each of the plurality of setting items related to planting are collectively displayed. Around the monitor, avoiding the range where the plurality of setting items are displayed, one or both of one or more control state display parts for displaying a predetermined control state and one or more alarm display parts for displaying a predetermined alarm are arranged. For each of the plurality of setting items, a standard value that is a standard set value is predetermined. The control unit is configured to individually display the set value on the monitor for each of the plurality of setting items by a horizontal bar meter. Each bar meter is displayed on the monitor in a form corresponding to the number of steps of the setting item. The plurality of bar meters are displayed on the monitor in a state arranged in a vertical direction orthogonal to their total length. The plurality of bar meters are displayed on the monitor in a state where the standard position, which is the display position indicating that the set value of each of the individual setting items is the standard value, and the horizontal positions of one end and the other end in the total length direction are aligned. A transplanter characterized by the above.

2. The scraping amount, which is the amount of seedlings scraped from the seedling placing table by a beak, is provided as one of the setting items. The scraping amount is configured such that the set value can be changed more finely in a range where the value is larger than the standard value than in a range where the value is smaller. The bar meters related to the scraping amount are displayed on the monitor in a manner corresponding to the setting width in each range. The transplanter according to claim 1.

3. The setting means is a setting operation tool that can be operated by dialing and can be momentarily pressed, The control unit can switch between a selection mode in which a setting item for which an installation value is to be set is selected from a plurality of the setting items as a target setting item, and a setting mode in which the setting value of the target setting item is changed, The control unit, When switched to the selection mode, with the initial state being that the scraping amount is tentatively selected, the setting item to be set is tentatively selected from a plurality of the setting items by dialing the setting operation tool, while by pressing the setting operation tool, the setting item tentatively selected at that time is switched to the setting mode as the target setting item, When switched to the setting mode, while a temporary setting is performed to change the installation value related to the target setting item to a temporary setting value by dialing the setting operation tool, by pressing the setting operation tool, a final setting is performed so that the setting value tentatively set at that time becomes a setting value reflected in the planting, The transplanter according to claim 2.

Images