Transplanter
The integration of a satellite-guided antenna unit in a riding vegetable transplanter reduces operator burden and ensures precise planting alignment, addressing the inefficiencies of manual steering in conventional models.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023219643
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional riding vegetable transplanters impose a significant operation burden on operators due to the need for manual steering along field ridges, leading to potential disorderly planting of seedlings.
Incorporation of an antenna unit that receives satellite positioning information for automatic steering control, reducing operator burden and ensuring precise alignment of the transplanter along a reference azimuth.
The automatic steering system enhances planting efficiency by minimizing operator intervention, maintaining seedling alignment, and preventing disorderly planting.
Smart Images

Figure 2025102295000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a riding vegetable transplanter for planting vegetable seedlings in a field.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a transplanter disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been known.
[0003] The transplanter disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a riding vegetable transplanter including a planting work machine for planting vegetable seedlings in a field, a traveling body that travels with the planting work machine mounted thereon to the rear, and a driver's seat mounted on the traveling body.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] In a conventional riding vegetable transplanter, an operator operates a steering wheel to run a traveling body along a ridge in a field, and a work of planting seedlings in the ridge is performed by a planting work machine. That is, the operator needs to operate the steering wheel so that the traveling body travels along the ridge in the field. For this reason, there is a problem that the operation burden is imposed on the operator in the riding vegetable transplanter.
[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a transplanter that can reduce the operation burden of an operator and assist the work of planting vegetable seedlings.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The transplanter according to one aspect of the present invention includes a planting work machine for planting vegetable seedlings in a field, a traveling body on which the planting work machine is mounted and travels, a driver's seat mounted on the traveling body, and an antenna unit that receives satellite positioning information. The antenna unit is disposed above the planting work machine.
Advantages of the Invention
[0008] In the case of the riding-type transplanter provided with the above-described driver's seat, by providing an antenna unit that receives satellite positioning information, it is possible to perform automatic steering control for causing the transplanter (traveling body) to travel along a reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit. And, by performing the above-described automatic steering control based on satellite positioning information, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced, and the work of planting vegetable seedlings can be supported.
[0009] Further, by disposing the antenna unit above the planting work machine and receiving satellite positioning information at a position above the planting work machine, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the planting work machine with respect to the target travel line. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings from being planted in a disorderly manner in the longitudinal direction of the machine body.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010]
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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the riding vegetable transplanter 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the riding vegetable transplanter 1. FIG. 1C is a schematic front view of the riding vegetable transplanter 1. As shown in FIG. 1A, the riding vegetable transplanter 1 (hereinafter, appropriately abbreviated as the transplanter 1) is a riding type transplanter having a driver's seat 3 on which an operator (driver, operator, worker, user) 2 sits.
[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the transplanter 1 has a planting work machine 4 for planting seedlings 7 (for example, vegetable seedlings) in a field 6, and a traveling body 5 that travels while mounting the planting work machine 4. Therefore, the transplanter 1 is a machine that plants the seedlings 7 in the field 6 by the planting work machine 4 while traveling in the field 6 by the traveling body 5. That is, the transplanter 1 is a riding type vegetable transplanter for planting the seedlings 7 (for example, vegetable seedlings). In the present embodiment, the planting work machine 4 is mounted behind the traveling body 5.
[0014] In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction in front of the operator 2 sitting on the driver's seat 3 of the transplanter 1 (the direction of arrow A1 in FIGS. 1A and 1B) will be described as the front, and the direction behind the operator 2 (the direction of arrow A2 in FIGS. 1A and 1B) will be described as the rear. Also, the direction of arrow K1 in FIGS. 1A and 1B is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the machine body. Further, the right side of the operator 2 (the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 1B) will be described as the right side, and the left side of the operator 2 (the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. 1B) will be described as the left side.
[0015] Also, as shown in FIG. 1B, the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine body (in the direction of arrow K1), will be described as the machine body width direction (in the direction of arrow K2). The direction from the center of the machine body 16 in the width direction towards the right or left will be described as the outer side in the machine body width direction. In other words, the outer side in the machine body width direction is the direction in the machine body width direction K2 that is away from the center of the machine body 16 in the width direction. The direction opposite to the outer side in the machine body width direction will be described as the inner side in the machine body width direction. In other words, the inner side in the machine body width direction is the direction in the machine body width direction K2 that approaches the center of the machine body 16 in the width direction.
[0016] First, an overview of the planting work implement 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1A, the planting work implement 4 has a seedling placing table 9 on which a plurality of seedling trays (cell trays) 8 having a large number of seedlings 7 are placed (the seedling trays 8 are placed). As shown in FIG. 1B, in the present embodiment, a plurality of seedling placing tables 9 are provided. The plurality of seedling placing tables 9 are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The number of seedling placing tables 9 is two in the present embodiment, but may be three or more. Also, the number of seedling placing tables 9 may be one.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the seedling tray 8 is made of plastic, is formed thin and has flexibility, and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. The seedling tray 8 has a large number of pot portions 8a arranged in a grid pattern at a predetermined pitch in the vertical and horizontal directions. The opening edge portions of the pot portions 8a are connected by a flat upper surface wall 8b. The pot portions 8a project from the upper surface wall 8b towards the back side (downward). In the seedling tray 8, seedlings 7 (soil block seedlings) are grown by supplying floor soil to the pot portions 8a, sowing seeds in the floor soil, and raising seedlings (see FIG. 1A).
[0018] As shown in Fig. 4, the seedling placing table 9 has a placing plate 10 on which the seedling tray 8 is placed in a state of being inclined downward (inclined in a direction of moving backward as it goes downward). As shown in Fig. 1A, the seedlings 7 in the seedling tray 8 are taken out one by one by a seedling taking-out device 11 arranged at the lower rear of the seedling placing table 9 and supplied to the lower planting body 12. The planting body 12 reciprocates vertically and receives the seedlings 7 at the top dead center position. Further, the planting body 12 penetrates into the field 6 when descending and plants the seedlings 7. Specifically, the planting body 12 is formed of an opener that can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction. When in the closed state, it holds the seedlings 7 inside and moves downward. When it penetrates into the field 6, it opens in the front-rear direction to form a planting hole in the field 6 and drops the seedlings 7 into the planting hole for planting. The planting working machine 4 has a pair of soil covering wheels 62 that roll on the field 6 to press the soil on both sides (left side and right side) in the machine width direction K2 of the seedlings 7 dropped into the planting holes from the planting body 12. By rolling the pair of soil covering wheels 62 on the field, soil is heaped up at the base of the seedlings 7 and the base of the seedlings is compacted. The planting working machine 4 takes out the seedlings 7 from the seedling tray 8 and automatically plants them in the field 6 at predetermined intervals.
[0019] The planting body 12, the seedling taking-out device 11, and the pair of soil covering wheels 62 are components for planting the vegetable seedlings 7. One or more planting units including these components (the seedling taking-out device 11, the planting body 12, the pair of soil covering wheels 62) are provided according to the number of the seedling placing tables 9. When there are a plurality of planting units, they are arranged side by side in the machine width direction K2 corresponding to the seedling placing tables 9.
[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the placement plate 10 can be used to stack a plurality of seedling trays 8 vertically along the inclined direction. The seedling trays 8 are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned with the inclined direction. The seedling extraction device 11 extracts the seedlings 7 from the lowermost seedling tray 8 (8A) among the plurality of seedling trays 8 placed on the placement plate 10. Also, while the seedling placement table 9 is intermittently laterally fed by one pitch of the pot portion 8a in the machine body width direction K2, the seedling extraction device 11 extracts the seedlings 7 one by one from the seedling tray 8. When a horizontal row of seedlings 7 is extracted from the seedling tray 8, the seedling tray 8 is vertically fed downward by one pitch of the pot portion 8a along the inclined direction. As a result, the next horizontal row of seedlings 7 can be extracted. After that, the seedling placement table 9 is laterally fed in the direction opposite to the previous one to extract the seedlings 7. When a horizontal row of seedlings 7 is extracted, the seedling tray 8 is vertically fed. By sequentially repeating this process, all the seedlings 7 are extracted from the seedling tray 8.
[0021] As shown in Fig. 4, the seedling placement table 9 has an inversion guide 13 at the lower part. After the seedlings 7 are extracted from the seedling tray 8 by the seedling extraction device 11, the seedling tray 8 is vertically fed and sent to the inversion guide 13. The seedling tray 8 sent to the inversion guide 13 is guided by the inversion guide 13 and guided to the back side (lower surface side) 10A of the placement plate 10. Also, the seedling placement table 9 has an empty tray guide 14 on the back side of the placement plate 10. The empty tray guide 14 has a curved portion 14a at the lower part. The curved portion 14a receives the seedling tray 8 from the inversion guide 13 and guides it to the guide main body portion 14b arranged on the back side of the placement plate 10. The empty seedling tray 8 is guided to the upper part of the back surface of the placement plate 10 by the guide main body portion 14b. The empty tray guide 14 has an upper guide portion 14c at the upper part. The upper guide portion 14c extends forward from the upper end of the guide main body portion 14b toward the driver's seat 3 side. The empty seedling tray 8 can be taken out from the upper guide portion 14c.
[0022] Next, the traveling body 5 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 1A, the traveling body 5 is arranged in front of the planting work machine 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the traveling body 5 includes a machine body 16 on which a driver's seat 3 is mounted, and a traveling device 17 that supports the machine body 16 so that it can travel.
[0023] The body 16 has a prime mover 18, a prime mover frame 19, a transmission case 20, and a body frame 21. The prime mover 18 is, for example, a diesel engine. The prime mover 18 is disposed at the front part of the traveling body 5. The prime mover frame 19 is disposed below the prime mover 18 and supports the prime mover 18. The transmission case 20 is disposed behind the prime mover 18 and houses a transmission mechanism that shifts the power output from the prime mover 18. The prime mover frame 19 is connected to the front part of the transmission case 20. The body frame 21 is disposed behind the transmission case 20. In other words, the body frame 21 is disposed at the rear part of the traveling body 5. The transmission case 20 is connected to the front part of the body frame 21. The body frame 21 has a support 22 at the rear part. The driver's seat 3 is attached to the support 22 via a seat attachment member 31.
[0024] The driver's seat 3 is disposed at the rear part of the body 16 (mounted on the rear part of the traveling body 5). The driver's seat 3 has a seat part 3A and a backrest part 3B. The seat part 3A is the part where the operator 2 sits (places the buttocks and thighs). The backrest part 3B is the part where the seated operator 2 leans the back, and is provided so as to extend upward from the rear part of the seat part 3A.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in this embodiment, the traveling device 17 is a wheel-type traveling device having a pair of (left and right) front wheels 23 and a pair of (left and right) rear wheels 24 in the vehicle body width direction K2. The front wheels 23 and the rear wheels 24 rotate when the power output from the transmission case 20 is transmitted thereto.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in front of the driver's seat 3, a steering wheel 25 for steering the traveling body 5 (front wheels 23), a bonnet 26, and a steering column 27 are provided. A fuel tank or the like is housed in the bonnet 26. The prime mover 18 is disposed below the bonnet 26. The steering column 27 covers a handle post or the like that supports the steering wheel 25.
[0027] The driver's seat 3, the steering wheel 25, and operating members such as operation levers provided around the steering wheel 25 and the driver's seat 3 constitute the operation unit 501.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the traveling body 5 has a floor seat 29 disposed below the driver's seat 3. The floor seat 29 has, at the front, a floor step 29a that constitutes the floor surface of the operation unit 501. The floor step 29a is disposed in front of and below the driver's seat 3. The floor step 29a has a main step portion 29a1 on which the operator 2 seated on the driver's seat 3 places his / her feet, and front step portions 29a2 on both sides in the machine width direction K2 of the bonnet 26. The main step portion 29a1 is a walk-through passage in the machine width direction K2.
[0029] Below the floor step 29a, the transmission case 20 is disposed. Behind the main step portion 29a1 and below the driver's seat 3, a seat base cover 30 is provided to cover a portion 22A (see FIG. 5) of the support 22 where the driver's seat 3 is supported.
[0030] A rear portion 32 of the floor seat 29 is provided at a position higher than the floor step 29a and behind the seat base cover 30. Specifically, the rear portion 32 protrudes rearward from the lower end of the rear portion of the seat base cover 30. Also, the left portion of the rear portion 32 protrudes leftward of the seat base cover 30, and the right portion protrudes rightward of the seat base cover 30. The left and right portions of the rear portion 32 are connected to the floor step 29a by inclined portions 29b. The inclined portions 29b extend in an inclined direction that shifts upward as it goes rearward from the rear portion of the floor step 29a.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the traveling body 5 has side steps 507 provided so as to project outward in the machine width direction from the floor step 29a. In the present embodiment, the side steps 507 are provided on the left and right sides of the floor step 29a. That is, the traveling body 5 has one side step 507L provided so as to project outward to one side (left side) in the machine width direction K2 from the floor step 29a, and the other side step 507R provided so as to project outward to the other side (right side) in the machine width direction K2 from the floor step 29a. Note that the side step 507 may be either one of the one side step 507L and the other side step 507R.
[0032] The one side step 507L and the other side step 507R are provided so as to project above the front wheels 23 from the floor step 29a. The one side step 507L and the other side step 507R are provided at substantially the same height position as the floor step 29a. The one side step 507L and the other side step 507R have rear portions 507a located on the side of the driver's seat 3.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the traveling body 5 has a rear step 33 provided between the floor step 29a and the planting work machine 4. Specifically, the rear step 33 is provided between the driver's seat 3 and the planting work machine 4. In other words, the rear step 33 is provided between the driver's seat 3 and the seedling placing table 9 in the side view shown in FIG. 4. Further, the rear step 33 is provided at a position higher than the floor step 29a and the side steps 507. Also, the rear step 33 is provided at a position lower than the driver's seat 3.
[0034] The rear step 33 has a main portion 33A, a portion 33L on one side, and a portion 33R on the other side. The main portion 33A is disposed behind the driver's seat 3 and in front of the seedling placing table (left and right seedling placing tables) 9, and extends in the machine width direction K2.
[0035] The part 33L on one side is provided on one side (the left side) in the machine width direction K2 of the main part 33A. Specifically, the rear part of the part 33L on one side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the left part of the main part 33A, and the front part of the part 33L on one side extends forward from the rear part of the part 33L on one side. Also, the part 33L on one side is provided so as to protrude outward in the machine width direction from above the rear wheel 24 on one side (the left side) and outside the rear wheel 24. The part 33L (rear step 33) on one side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9. Specifically, the part 33L on one side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9 on one side (the left side). Also, the part 33L on one side is arranged behind one side step 507L.
[0036] The part 33R on the other side is provided on the other side (the right side) in the machine width direction K2 of the main part 33A. Specifically, the rear part of the part 33R on the other side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the right part of the main part 33A, and the front part of the part 33R on the other side extends forward from the rear part of the part 33R on the other side. Also, the part 33R on the other side is provided so as to protrude outward in the machine width direction from above the rear wheel 24 on the other side (the right side) and outside the rear wheel 24. The part 33R (rear step 33) on the other side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9. Specifically, the part 33R on the other side is provided to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9 on the other side (the right side). Also, the part 33R on the other side is arranged behind the other side step 507R.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the rear step 33 protrudes outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9. Specifically, the part 33L on one side of the rear step 33 protrudes outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9 on one side (the left side) in the machine width direction K2 among the plurality of seedling mounting tables 9. The part 33R on the other side of the rear step 33 protrudes outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table 9 on the other side (the right side) in the machine width direction K2 among the plurality of seedling mounting tables 9.
[0038] Since the rear step 33 is disposed in front of the seedling mounting table 9, when the operator 2 supplies (replenishes) the seedling tray 8 (seedlings 7) to the seedling mounting table 9, the operator 2 can catch a foot on the rear step 33, and by catching a foot on the rear step 33, the replenishment of the seedling tray 8 can be easily performed. Further, since the rear step 33 is provided so as to protrude outward in the machine width direction from the seedling mounting table, that is, since the width of the rear step 33 in the machine width direction K2 is wide, the workability when the operator 2 performs the seedling tray replenishment work of getting on the rear step 33 and replenishing the seedling tray 8 to the seedling mounting table 9 (from the side of the rear step 33) can be improved.
[0039] A step member 508 is provided behind the side step 507. The step member 508 is provided behind each of one side step 507L and the other side step 507R. The step member 508 is behind and above the side step 507 and is disposed on the side of the driver's seat 3. Specifically, one (left) step member 508 is behind and above one side step 507L and is disposed on the left side of the driver's seat 3. The other (right) step member 508 is behind and above the other side step 507R and is disposed on the right side of the driver's seat 3.
[0040] One step member 508 is higher than one side step 507L and is disposed at substantially the same height position as a part 33L on one side of the rear step 33. The other step member 508 is higher than the other side step 507R and is disposed at substantially the same height position as a part 33R on the other side of the rear step 33.
[0041] The step member 508 is provided on the path from the side step 507 to the rear step 33. Specifically, one step member 508 is provided between one side step 507L and a part 33L on one side of the rear step 33. The other step member 508 is provided between the other side step 507R and a part 33R on the other side of the rear step 33.
[0042] Now, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, at the front and rear of the traveling body 5, there are respectively arranged preliminary seedling table devices 28 (front preliminary seedling table device 28F, rear preliminary seedling table device 28K) for placing the seedling trays 8 having the seedlings 7 (preliminary seedlings 7 (preliminary seedling trays 8)). The operator 2 can take out the seedling trays 8 from the front preliminary seedling table device 28F and the rear preliminary seedling table device 28K and supply (replenish) them to the planting work machine 4 (seedling placing table 9).
[0043] Conventionally, the transplanter 1 is only provided with the front preliminary seedling table device 28F. However, in this embodiment, by providing the rear preliminary seedling table device 28K in addition to the front preliminary seedling table device 28F, the number of preliminary seedlings 7 that can be mounted on the transplanter 1 can be increased, and the working efficiency of the planting operation of the seedlings 7 can be improved.
[0044] In this embodiment, the front preliminary seedling table device 28F and the rear preliminary seedling table device 28K are provided on both sides in the machine width direction K2 of the traveling body 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as at least one front preliminary seedling table device 28F and at least one rear preliminary seedling table device 28K are provided respectively.
[0045] The front preliminary seedling table device 28F is provided on the end side in the machine width direction K2 at the front of the traveling body 5. Specifically, the front preliminary seedling table device 28F is arranged on the side of the bonnet 26 (in this embodiment, the left side and the right side).
[0046] Each of the left and right front spare seedling table devices 28F has a spare seedling table 28A for placing the seedling tray 8 (spare seedling tray 8) and a frame member 28B to which the spare seedling table 28A is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, a plurality of stages (for example, six stages) of the spare seedling tables 28A are attached to the frame member 28B in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the base end portion of the spare seedling table 28A is rotatably attached to the frame member 28B about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction K1 of the machine body, and can be changed between a use posture UP1 (see the right figure in FIG. 8) in which the seedling tray 8 is placed and a folded posture UP2 (see the left figure in FIG. 8) which is a posture erected from the use posture UP1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the use posture UP1, the tip end portion of the spare seedling table 28A on the side opposite to the base end portion of the spare seedling table 28A is positioned in the lateral width direction of the traveling body 5, so that the spare seedling tray 8 can be placed. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in the folded posture UP2, the spare seedling table 28A is in an upright posture in which the tip end portion of the spare seedling table 28A is raised so as to approach the frame member 28B, so that the spare seedling tray 8 cannot be placed.
[0047] The frame member 28B is provided upright on both sides in the machine body width direction K2 at the front portion of the traveling body 5, for example, on the left side and the right side of the bonnet 26. The frame member 28B is provided on the end side in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5. Also, the frame member 28B extends upward from the lower portion of the traveling body 5 to a position higher than the driver's seat 3. The frame member 28B is configured in a portal shape having a front support member 28B1 and a rear support member 28B2 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction K1 of the machine body, and an upper connecting portion 28B3 connecting the upper portions of the front support member 28B1 and the rear support member 28B2.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the left and right rear spare seedling table devices 28K is provided behind the front spare seedling table device 28F on the same side in the machine width direction K2. Further, the rear spare seedling table device 28K is provided on the end side in the machine width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the rear step 33 protrudes outward in the machine width direction from the seedling placing table 9, and the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged on the outer end side in the machine width direction K2 of the protruding part (one side part 33L and the other side part 33R). Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged more outward in the machine width direction than the front spare seedling table device 28F.
[0049] By the way, in the transplanter 1 in which the planting work machine 4 is mounted behind the traveling body 5, when the rear spare seedling table device 28K is provided at the rear part of the traveling body 5, it is conceivable that the rear spare seedling table device 28K may interfere with the seedling supply work when supplying the seedlings 7 to the planting work machine 4. According to the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, by arranging the rear spare seedling table device 28K more outward in the machine width direction than the front spare seedling table device 28F, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. Specifically, when the operator 2 gets on the rear step 33 and performs the seedling tray supply work of supplying the seedling tray 8 to the seedling placing table 9 (from the rear step 33 side), since the rear spare seedling table device 28K is on the outer end side in the machine width direction K2 of the rear step 33, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. Further, when the operator stands on the ground behind one side part 33L or the other side part 33R of the rear step 33 and performs the seedling tray supply work, since the rear spare seedling table device 28K is on the outer end side in the machine width direction K2 of the rear step 33, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. Further, since the rear step 33 is in front of the seedling placing table 9 and protrudes in the machine width direction K2 more than the seedling placing table 9, a working space is secured behind one side part 33L and the other side part 33R of the rear step 33.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 1C, each of the left and right rear spare seedling table devices 28K has a spare seedling table 28A for placing the seedling tray 8 (spare seedling tray 8), and a frame member 28C to which the spare seedling table 28A is attached. The spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is formed in the same structure as the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F. As shown in Fig. 8, the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is attached to the frame member 28C so as to be changeable between a use posture UP1 and a folded posture UP2, similarly to the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F. Further, the spare seedling tables 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K are attached to the frame member 28C in a plurality of stages (for example, six stages) arranged vertically, similarly to the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F.
[0051] Since the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged outward in the machine body width direction from the front spare seedling table device 28F, as shown in Fig. 1F, the outer end in the machine body width direction of the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is located outward in the machine body width direction from the outer end in the machine body width direction K2 of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1F, when the spare seedling tables 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F and the rear spare seedling table device 28K are in the use posture UP1, the outer end in the machine body width direction K2 of the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is located outward in the machine body width direction from the outer end in the machine body width direction K2 of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F. As shown in Fig. 1C, when the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is in the folded posture UP2, it is located inward in the machine body width direction from the outer end in the machine body width direction K2 of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F in the use posture UP1.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the frame member 28C is provided upright on both sides in the machine body width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5, that is, on the left side and the right side of the rear step 33. Further, the frame member 28C is provided on the end side in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 (rear step 33). In other words, one (left) frame member 28C (28CL) is arranged on one side (left side) in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the driver's seat 3, and the other (right) frame member 28C (28CR) is arranged on the other side in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the driver's seat 3. Further, one frame member 28CL and the other frame member 28CR are arranged behind the seat portion 3A of the driver's seat 3 and extend (project) upward from below the traveling body 5 to a position higher than the driver's seat 3.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9A, the frame member 28C is configured in a portal shape having a front support member 28C1 and a rear support member 28C2 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction K1 of the machine body, and an upper connecting portion 28C3 connecting the upper part of the front support member 28C1 and the upper part of the rear support member 28C2.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 9B, the frame member 28C of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is provided on the end side in the machine body width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5. Specifically, the frame member 28C of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged at the end on the outer side in the machine body width direction of the rear step 33. As shown in FIG. 7, since the rear step 33 projects outward in the machine body width direction from the position where the front spare seedling table device 28F is provided at the front part of the traveling body 5, the frame member 28C of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged and provided outward in the machine body width direction with respect to the frame member 28B of the front spare seedling table device 28F.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the frame member 28C (rear spare seedling table device 28K) is attached to the machine body 16 (machine body frame 21) by the attachment structure 500. The transplanter 1 has a left attachment structure 500 for attaching the left frame member 28CL (rear spare seedling table device 28K) to the machine body 16 and a right attachment structure 500 for attaching the right frame member 28CR (rear spare seedling table device 28K) to the machine body 16. Since the left attachment structure 500 and the right attachment structure 500 have the same structure and are symmetrically configured left and right, they will be described together.
[0056] The attachment structure 500 has a first component member 500A, a second component member 500B, and a third component member 500C. The first component member 500A has a first part 500a disposed below the rear step 33 and extending in the machine body width direction K2, and a second part 500b extending upward from the outer end of the first part 500a in the machine body width direction K2. The first part 500a of the first component member 500A is attached to the machine body 16 (machine body frame 21) via one or more brackets.
[0057] The second part 500b is located laterally below the lower part of the front support member 28C1. A first bracket member 502 is fixed to the lower part of the front support member 28C1. The first bracket member 502 is attached to the second part 500b of the first component member 500A via bolts or the like. The first bracket member 502 has a front wall 502a fixed to the front side of the front support member 28C1, a rear wall 502b fixed to the rear side of the front support member 28C1, and a side wall 502c connecting the outer ends in the machine body width direction K2 of the front wall 502a and the rear wall 502b.
[0058] The second component member 500B is located on the side of the rear strut member 28C2. A second bracket member 503 is fixed to the lower part of the rear strut member 28C2. The second bracket member 503 is attached to the second component member 500B via bolts or the like. The second bracket member 503 has a front wall 503a fixed to the front side of the rear strut member 28C2, a rear wall 503b fixed to the rear side of the rear strut member 28C2, and a side wall 503c connecting the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the front wall 503a and the rear wall 503b.
[0059] The third component member 500C is disposed between the lower parts of the second part 500b of the first component member 500A and the second component member 500B, and connects the second part 500b and the second component member 500B. Specifically, the front part of the third component member 500C is connected to the first component member 500A by connecting a stay member 504a fixed to the front part of the third component member 500C and a stay member 504b fixed to the lower part of the second part 500b with bolts or the like. The rear part of the third component member 500C is fixed to the lower part of the second component member 500B. Also, a stay member 505a is fixed to the middle part of the third component member 500C in the machine front-rear direction K1. This stay member 505a is connected to a stay member 505b fixed to the rear step 33 with bolts or the like.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the frame member 28C of the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on one (left) side and the frame member 28C of the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on the other (right) side are connected by a connecting member 506. Therefore, the connecting member 506 connects the pair of rear auxiliary seedling table devices 28K (the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on the left side and the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on the right side).
[0061] The connecting member 506 is formed of a bar and extends in the machine width direction K2 across the rear support member 28C2 of the left rear spare seedling table device 28K and the rear support member 28C2 of the right rear spare seedling table device 28K. Brackets 543 connected to the rear support member 28C2 by bolts or the like are fixed to one longitudinal end and the other end of the connecting member 506. Further, the connecting member 506 connects the middle portions in the vertical direction of a pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K (the left frame member 28CL and the right frame member 28CR). Also, as shown in FIG. 9B, the connecting member 506 is arranged at a height position near the upper end of the backrest portion 3B of the driver's seat 3. By providing the connecting member 506 that connects the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K to each other, the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K can reinforce each other and enhance rigidity.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 506 is arranged in front of the seedling placing table 9. Also, as shown in FIG. 9B, the connecting member 506 is arranged at a height position near the upper end of the driver's seat 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper end of the seedling placing table 9 is located near the upper end of the driver's seat 3 and slightly below the upper end of the driver's seat 3. Therefore, the connecting member 506 is located in front of the seedling placing table 9 and near the upper end of the seedling placing table 9. Thereby, when replenishing the seedling placing table 9 with the seedling tray 8 from the rear step 33 side, the connecting member 506 can function as a support member that supports the operator, and the working posture of the operator can be stabilized. Also, the connecting member 506 can function as a gripping member when the operator moves the rear step 33 or the like when replenishing the seedling placing table 9 with the seedling tray 8 from the rear step 33 side.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10A, and 10B, an empty tray placing device 509 for placing the empty seedling tray 8 after the seedlings 7 have been taken out is provided on the side of the driver's seat 3. In the present embodiment, the empty tray placing device 509 is provided on the left side of the driver's seat 3, but the empty tray placing device 509 may be provided on the right side of the driver's seat 3. Also, the empty tray placing device 509 may be provided on both the left side and the right side of the driver's seat 3.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 11A, the empty tray placement device 509 includes an empty tray placement member 510 for placing the empty seedling tray 8, a pressing member 511 for pressing the empty seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placement member 510, a support member 512 for supporting the pressing member 511 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a biasing member 513 for biasing the pressing member 511 downward.
[0065] The empty tray placement member 510 is arranged on the side of the driver's seat 3. Further, the empty tray placement member 510 is arranged at a position where the operator 2 can place the empty seedling tray 8 from the driver's seat 3 (by the operator 2 sitting on the driver's seat 3). Also, as shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 10B, the empty tray placement member 510 is arranged above the rear part 507a of the side step 507. In the present embodiment, the empty tray placement member 510 is arranged above the rear part 507a and the step member 508.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 10A, the empty tray placement member 510 has a placement member main body 514 for placing the empty seedling tray 8. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the placement member main body 514 is formed of a bar material. The placement member main body 514 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the machine body width direction K2 in plan view. Specifically, the placement member main body 514 includes a pair of first bar portions 514a that are arranged to face each other with a space therebetween in the machine body front-rear direction K1, and a pair of second bar portions 514b that connect the left and right end portions of the pair of first bar portions 514a.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 11A, the empty tray placement member 510 has a support bar 515 for supporting the placement member main body 514. The support bar 515 extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged below the central portion of the placement member main body 514 in the machine body width direction K2. The front end portion of the support bar 515 is fixed to the front first bar portion 514a, and the middle portion thereof is fixed to the rear first bar portion 514a. The support bar 515 protrudes rearward from the placement member main body 514. The support bar 515 passes through the lower portion of the front support member 28C1 of the frame member 28C (see FIG. 11G).
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, when the empty seedling tray 8 is placed on the placement member main body 514, the first rod portion 514a and the second rod portion 514b are formed so as to fit between the pot portions 8a of the seedling tray 8. Further, when the empty seedling tray 8 is placed on the placement member main body 514, the support rod 515 is provided so as to fit between the pot portions 8a.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 11E and 11G, the empty tray placement member 510 has a rotation prevention structure 516 for preventing rotation around the axis of the support rod 515. The rotation prevention structure 516 includes a cylindrical member 516A, an engaging member 516B, and a fixing member (bolt) 516C. The support rod 515 passes through the lower portion of the front support member 28C1 and protrudes rearward from the front support member 28C1, and the cylindrical member 516A is externally fitted to the protruding portion. The fixing member 516C is screwed into a screw hole 516a formed in the cylindrical member 516A. By rotating the fixing member 516C in the screwing direction, the cylindrical member 516A is fixed to the support rod 515.
[0070] The engaging member 516B is formed of a rod-shaped material and has a first portion 516B1 and a second portion 516B2. The first portion 516B1 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction behind the front support member 28C1, and the lower end is fixed to the cylindrical member 516A. The second portion 516B2 extends forward from the upper portion of the first portion 516B1 and passes through an insertion hole 520 formed in the front support member 28C1. Thereby, rotation around the axis of the support rod 515 is prevented.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 11G, the middle portion in the vertical direction of the first portion 516B1 is held by a holding member (referred to as the first holding member) 518 attached to the front support member 28C1. The first holding member 518 is formed of an elastic member and is attached to a mounting hole 521b formed in the front support member 28C1 as shown in FIG. 11G. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11F and 11E, the first holding member 518 has a bifurcated portion that holds the first portion 516B1 therebetween.
[0072] The empty tray placement member 510 is located above the rear part 507a and the step member 508 and can be changed between a placement posture E1 (see FIG. 11A) in which an empty seedling tray 8 can be placed and a retracted posture E2 (see the dashed two-dot line in FIG. 10B) in which it retracts from above the rear part 507a and the step member 508. By setting it to the retracted posture E2, it is possible to prevent the empty tray placement member 510 from obstructing the passage of an operator (such as the operator 2) when passing over the rear part 507a and the step member 508.
[0073] The empty tray placement member 510 can change the position of the placement member main body 514 between the placement posture E1 and the retracted posture E2 by rotating the support rod 515 around its axis. Also, the rotation prevention of the support rod 515 by the rotation prevention structure 516 can be released in order to change the position of the placement member main body 514 between the placement posture E1 and the retracted posture E2.
[0074] To change the empty tray placement member 510 from the placement posture E1 to the retracted posture E2, first, move the support rod 515 backward (see the arrow D1 in FIG. 11G), pull out the second part 516B2 from the insertion hole 520, and detach the first part 516B1 from the first holding member 518 (see the dashed two-dot line in FIG. 11G). Thereby, the rotation prevention of the support rod 515 by the rotation prevention structure 516 can be released.
[0075] Next, rotate the placement member main body 514 around the axis of the support rod 515 (see the arrow D2 in FIGS. 10B and 11G). Next, move the placement member main body 514 backward (see the arrow D3 in FIG. 11G) and hold the rear first rod part 514a by a holding member (referred to as the second holding member) 517 attached to the front support member 28C1 (see FIG. 11G). The second holding member 517 is formed of an elastic member and is attached to an attachment hole 521a formed in the front support member 28C1 as shown in FIG. 11G. Also, as shown in FIG. 11F, the second holding member 517 has a bifurcated portion. Hold the first rod part 514a between the bifurcated portions. The placement member main body 514 can be held in the retracted posture E2 by the second holding member 517.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11H, the pressing member 511 includes a vertical rod portion 511a extending in the vertical direction, a horizontal rod portion 511b extending forward from the lower end of the vertical rod portion 511a, a grip 511c attached to the upper portion of the vertical rod portion 511a, and a spring receiving member (referred to as the first spring receiving member) 524 fixed to the lower portion of the vertical rod portion 511a.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 11I, the support member 512 includes a front wall 512a, a rear wall 512b, a side wall 512c connecting the right ends of the front wall 512a and the rear wall 512b, a front protruding wall 512e protruding rightward from the front portion of the side wall 512c, a rear protruding wall 512f protruding rightward from the rear portion of the side wall 512c, a connecting wall 512g connecting the right ends of the front protruding wall 512e and the rear protruding wall 512f, a connecting plate 512j connecting the upper portions of the left parts of the front wall 512a and the rear wall 512b, and a spring receiving member (referred to as the second spring receiving member) 523 fixed to the lower ends of the front protruding wall 512e, the rear protruding wall 512f, and the connecting wall 512g.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 11A, the support member 512 is arranged to sandwich the front support member 28C1 between the lower portion of the front wall 512a and the lower portion of the rear wall 512b. The lower portion of the front wall 512a and the lower portion of the rear wall 512b are attached to the front support member 28C1 by bolts 519. The connecting plate 512j is in contact with the front support member 28C1. The front wall 512a is close to the front wall 502a of the first bracket member 502, and the rear wall 512b is close to the rear wall 502b of the first bracket member 502. The connecting plate 512j and the first bracket member 502 can prevent the support member 512 from rotating around the bolt 519.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 11I, a guide groove 512d is formed between the front protruding wall 512e and the rear protruding wall 512f in the side wall 512c. As shown in FIG. 11J, the guide groove 512d is formed from the upper end to the lower part of the side wall 512c. As shown in FIG. 11I, a locking groove 512h that is open upward is formed in the upper portion of the connecting wall 512g.
[0080] As shown in Fig. 11J, a vertical rod portion 511a is inserted between a side wall 512c and a connecting wall 512g so as to be vertically movable. Further, the vertical rod portion 511a passes through a second spring receiving member 523.
[0081] The biasing member 513 is formed of a compression coil spring and is fitted outside the vertical rod portion 511a between a first spring receiving member 524 and the second spring receiving member 523. Therefore, the pressing member 511 is biased downward by the biasing force of the biasing member 513.
[0082] As shown in Fig. 11J, a pin 522 that fits into a guide groove 512d is attached to the vertical rod portion 511a, and the downward movement of the pressing member 511 is restricted when the pin 522 abuts against the lower end of the guide groove 512d.
[0083] As shown in Fig. 11A, the front portion of the horizontal rod portion 511b of the pressing member 511 is located above the rear first rod portion 514a. When placing the empty seedling tray 8 on the empty tray placing member 510, an operator pulls up the pressing member 511 against the biasing force of the biasing member 513. After placing the empty seedling tray 8 on the empty tray placing member 510, by bringing the horizontal rod portion 511b of the pressing member 511 into contact with the seedling tray 8, the seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placing member 510 can be pressed.
[0084] The pressing member 511 can be freely changed between a pressing posture E3 (see Fig. 11A) in which the horizontal rod portion 511b presses the empty seedling tray 8 and a tray taking-out posture E4 (see the two-dot chain line in Figs. 10A and 11H) in which, by rotating the vertical rod portion 511a about its axis, the horizontal rod portion 511b moves to a position where the empty seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placing member 510 can be taken out freely. By setting the pressing member 511 to the tray taking-out posture E4, the operation for taking out the seedling trays 8 stacked on the empty tray placing member 510 becomes easier. Further, by setting the pressing member 511 to the tray taking-out posture E4, when the empty tray placing member 510 is not in use (when it is in the retracted posture E2), the pressing member 511 can be retracted from above the step member 508.
[0085] In addition, when the operator takes out the seedling tray 8 stacked on the empty tray placement member 510, the operator can also take out the stacked seedling trays 8 while pulling up the pressing member 511 and holding it in that state.
[0086] To change the pressing member 511 from the pressing posture E3 to the tray removal posture E4, as shown in FIG. 11J, first, the pressing member 511 is moved upward (see arrow D4) until the pin 522 comes out of the guide groove 512d against the biasing force of the biasing member 513. Next, the pressing member 511 is rotated 180° (see arrow D5) around the axis of the vertical rod portion 511a. Then, the pin 522 is positioned above the locking groove 512h. Next, the pressing member 511 is moved downward (see arrow D6) to fit the pin 522 into the locking groove 512h. Thereby, the pressing member 511 is held in the tray removal posture E4.
[0087] The empty tray placement device 509 is configured to be attached to the right front support member 28C1 as well. That is, it is configured to be used for both left and right sides. When attaching the empty tray placement device 509 to the right side, the direction of the pin 522 is changed.
[0088] FIG. 1D is a running system configuration and control block diagram of the riding vegetable transplanter 1.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 1D, the transplanter 1 is provided with a steering device 320. The steering device 320 has a steering wheel 25, a rotating shaft (steering shaft) 25b that rotates as the steering wheel 25 rotates, and an auxiliary mechanism (power steering mechanism) 25c that assists the steering of the steering wheel 25. The auxiliary mechanism 25c includes a hydraulic pump 133, a control valve 323 to which the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 133 is supplied, and a steering cylinder 321 that is operated by the control valve 323. The control valve 323 is an electromagnetic valve that operates based on a control signal. The control valve 323 is, for example, a three-position switching valve that can be switched by the movement of a spool or the like. Also, the control valve 323 can be switched by the steering of the steering shaft 25b. The steering cylinder 321 is connected to an arm (knuckle arm) 322 that changes the direction of the front wheels 23.
[0090] Therefore, by operating the steering wheel 25, the switching position and the opening degree of the control valve 323 are switched according to the operation of the steering wheel 25, and the piston rod of the steering cylinder 321 moves left or right according to the switching position and the opening degree of the control valve 323, whereby the steering direction of the front wheels 23 can be changed. Note that the above-described steering device 320 is an example and is not limited to the above-described configuration.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 1D, the transplanter 1 is provided with a position detection device 330. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the position detection device 330 is mounted on a connecting frame 420 that connects the upper connecting portion 28B3 of the left frame member 28B and the upper connecting portion 28B3 of the right frame member 28B. The position detection device 330 is a device that detects its own position (positioning information including latitude and longitude) by means of a satellite positioning system. That is, the position detection device 330 includes an antenna unit 400 that receives signals (position of positioning satellites, transmission time, correction information, etc.) transmitted from a plurality of positioning satellites, and a communication antenna 403 (see FIG. 2A) that receives a radio signal including correction information of positioning error from a base station (reference station) capable of receiving signals from the positioning satellites. The position detection device 330 further includes a communication device 401 that acquires correction information of positioning error from the radio signal received by the communication antenna 403, and detects the position (latitude, longitude) based on the received satellite positioning information and correction information. In addition, the position detection device 330 may have an inertial measurement device such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, and detect the position corrected by the inertial measurement device as its own position. The position detection device 330 can detect the position (travel position) of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5).
[0092] As shown in FIG. 1D, the transplanter 1 is provided with a control device 131 that controls the automatic steering of the traveling body 5 based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit 400. The control device 131 is connected to the position detection device 330 and the travel detection device 341 of the travel system. Therefore, the control device 131 can acquire the position (travel position) detected by the position detection device 330 and the detection value detected by the travel detection device 341. The travel detection device 341 is, for example, a crank sensor, a cam sensor, an engine rotation sensor, an accelerator sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, or the like.
[0093] The control device 131 controls the travel system of the transplanter 1. The control device 131 controls, for example, the engine speed, the vehicle speed, the steering angle of the steering device 320, etc. based on the detection value detected by the travel detection device 341. The control device 131 has a steering control unit 131A and a storage device 131B.
[0094] The control device 131 is composed of an electric / electronic circuit, a processor, a memory, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The storage device 131B is a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various control programs (such as a steering control program, a setting program), various data, etc. For example, when the aforementioned processor of the control device 131 executes the steering control program stored in the storage device 131B, it functions as the steering control unit 131A.
[0095] The steering control unit 131A (control device 131) can automatically control (auto-steering control) the steering of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) based on the set reference azimuth. FIG. 1E is a view of the steering column in front of the driver's seat as seen from the driver's seat side. As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the transplanter 1 includes a shift lever 350, a steering changeover switch (GS switch) 351, a first switch 352, a second switch 353, a main switch 354, a third switch 355, and a fourth switch 356. The shift lever 350, the steering changeover switch 351, the first switch 352, the second switch 353, the main switch 354, the third switch 355, and the fourth switch 356 are connected to the control device 131.
[0096] The shift lever 350 is operated by the operator 2 for shifting the transmission mechanism. The steering changeover switch 351 is a switch that can be switched ON / OFF by the operator 2. When it is ON, the auto-steering control is enabled, and when it is OFF, the auto-steering control is disabled. The first switch 352 is operated by the operator 2 to set the starting point of the reference azimuth. The second switch 353 is operated by the operator 2 to set the ending point of the reference azimuth. The third switch 355 is a switch that can be switched ON / OFF by the operator 2. When it is ON, when the permission condition for auto-steering is satisfied, the auto-steering control is enabled without operating the steering changeover switch 351. The fourth switch 356 is a switch that can be switched ON / OFF by the operator 2. When it is ON, the inter-row assist function is enabled, and when it is OFF, the inter-row assist function is disabled.
[0097] The main switch 354 is a switch for turning the power on / off and turning the prime mover 18 on / off. Specifically, the main switch 354 can be switched to any of the positions of start, operation, and stop. When the switch key is inserted into the main switch 354 by the operator 2 and turned to the start position, the prime mover 18 starts and the power of the transplanter 1 is turned on. When the hand is released after the prime mover 18 starts, the switch key returns to the operation position. In the operation position, various electrical devices of the transplanter 1 operate. When the switch key is turned from the operation position to the stop position, the prime mover 18 stops and the switch key can be inserted and removed.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 1E, the shift lever 350, the steering changeover switch 351, the first switch 352, and the second switch 353 are installed near the driver's seat 3 and can be operated by the operator 2. For example, the steering changeover switch 351 is provided near the grip of the shift lever 350. The first switch 352 is provided on the upper part of the steering column 27 on the right side of the display device 360, and the second switch 353 is provided on the upper part of the steering column 27 on the left side of the display device 360. The main switch 354 is provided on the upper part of the steering column 27 at the front right side.
[0099] In the field 6, when the first switch 352 is operated, the control device 131 sets the position of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) (the position of the antenna unit 400 specified based on the satellite positioning information) as the starting point of the reference azimuth and stores this starting point in the storage device 131B. Subsequently, when the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) advances by a certain distance or more by the operation of the operator 2 and the second switch 353 is operated, the control device 131 sets the position of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) (the position of the antenna unit 400 specified based on the satellite positioning information) as the ending point of the reference azimuth and stores this ending point in the storage device 131B. Then, the control device 131 stores in the storage device 131B the azimuth of the straight-line route connecting the starting point and the ending point as the reference azimuth.
[0100] When the steering changeover switch 351 is turned on under the condition that the permission conditions for automatic steering are satisfied, the control device 131 performs automatic steering control to make the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) travel along the reference azimuth. The permission conditions for automatic steering are that the reference azimuth is stored in the storage device 131B (that is, the reference azimuth is set), and the difference between the traveling direction of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) and the reference azimuth is equal to or less than the allowable value.
[0101] When the steering changeover switch 351 is turned on and the auto-steering control becomes effective, the steering control unit 131A sets the switching position and the opening degree of the control valve 323 so that the traveling position of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5), including the traveling position of the traveling body 5, coincides with the planned traveling route parallel to the reference azimuth, that is, so that the traveling body 5 is moved on the planned traveling route parallel to the reference azimuth. In other words, when the steering changeover switch 351 is ON, the control device 131 sets the moving direction and the moving amount of the piston rod of the steering cylinder 321 (the steering direction and the steering angle of the front wheels 23) so that the traveling position of the transplanter 1 coincides with the planned traveling route.
[0102] Specifically, when the auto-steering control is effective, the steering control unit 131A compares the traveling position of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) detected by the position detection device 330 with the position indicated by the planned traveling route (planned traveling position). When the traveling position coincides with the planned traveling position, the steering angle and the steering direction of the steering wheel 25 in the steering device 320 (the steering angle and the steering direction of the front wheels 23) are held without being changed (the opening degree and the switching position of the control valve 323 are maintained without being changed).
[0103] On the other hand, when the traveling position does not coincide with the planned traveling position, the steering control unit 131A changes the steering angle and / or the steering direction of the steering wheel 25 in the steering device 320 (changes the opening degree and / or the switching position of the control valve 323) so that the deviation (deviation amount) between the traveling position and the planned traveling position becomes zero.
[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the steering control unit 131A changes the steering angle of the steering device 320 based on the deviation between the traveling position and the planned traveling position in the auto-steering control. However, when the azimuth of the planned traveling route R1 and the azimuth of the traveling direction (traveling direction) of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) (vehicle body azimuth) are different, the steering control unit 131A may set the steering angle so that the vehicle body azimuth coincides with the azimuth of the planned traveling route R. Further, the steering control unit 131A may set the final steering angle in the auto-steering control based on the steering angle obtained based on the deviation (position deviation) and the steering angle obtained based on the azimuth deviation in the auto-steering control. The setting of the steering angle in the auto-steering control in the above-described embodiment is an example and is not limited.
[0105] When the permission condition for auto-steering is satisfied, the control device 131 starts the control of auto-steering based on the satellite positioning information when the steering changeover switch 351 is turned on, and ends the control of auto-steering when the steering changeover switch 351 is turned off. That is, the transplanter 1 can travel the traveling body 5 along the reference azimuth by the auto-steering control by the steering control unit 131A (control device 131) from when the steering changeover switch 351 is turned on until it is turned off.
[0106] On the other hand, when the auto-steering control is invalid, the steering control unit 131A sets the steering direction and steering angle of the front wheels 23, the vehicle speed, etc. based on the operation of the operator 2 (operation of the steering wheel 25 of the operator 2, operation of the accelerator of the operator 2, etc.). In this way, the steering control unit 131A can manually change the direction of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5).
[0107] As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the transplanter 1 includes a display device 360 and an alarm lamp 362. The display device 360 is disposed at the center of the upper part of the steering column 27 in front of the driver's seat 3. The alarm lamp 362 is disposed on the right side of the display device 360 of the steering column 27. The operator 2 can visually recognize the display device 360 and the alarm lamp 362 while seated on the driver's seat 3. The display device 360 has, for example, a segment display unit 361. The segment display unit 361 is a segment LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various information in segment form for a plurality (for example, four) of characters. The segment display unit 361 can display various setting information before the start of automatic steering, various display information related to automatic steering, etc. in segment form. Note that the display device 360 may include a dot matrix display unit (for example, a display unit composed of a liquid crystal panel, a touch panel, etc.) with excellent expressive power instead of the segment display unit 361. The alarm lamp 362 lights up, blinks, etc. under the control of the control device 131 when there is an abnormality, caution, etc. about the transplanter 1. Thus, notification to the operator 2 is made.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, an antenna unit 400 for receiving satellite positioning information, and a housing 405 containing a communication device 401 and a communication antenna 403 are respectively attached to the connecting frame 420.
[0109] Note that the communication antenna 403 is housed inside the housing 405, but it is not limited thereto. Instead of the communication antenna 403, a configuration other than housing an external communication antenna inside the housing 405 may be used. For example, the communication antenna can also be retrofitted to the connecting frame 420.
[0110] The antenna unit 400 is in a higher position relationship than components other than the antenna unit 400.
[0111] An antenna unit 400 is attached above the connecting frame 420. Further, a housing 405 and a rearview mirror 430 are attached below the connecting frame 420. The rearview mirror 430 is attached to the left end side of the connecting frame 420.
[0112] FIG. 2A is a left side view of an upper portion of a front spare seedling table device of a riding vegetable transplanter. FIG. 2B is a plan view of a position detection device attached to a central portion of a connecting frame. FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of a front spare seedling table device of a riding vegetable transplanter as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. 2D is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of a front spare seedling table device of a riding vegetable transplanter as viewed from the upper left rear.
[0113] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, a bracket 410 is attached to the connecting frame 420. An antenna unit 400 is attached above the bracket 410. A housing 405 is attached below the bracket 410. As shown in FIG. 2B, the antenna unit 400 and the housing 405 are arranged at overlapping positions via the bracket 410 in a plan view.
[0114] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the bracket 410 includes a first bracket 411 to which the housing 405 is attached and fixed to the connecting frame 420, and a second bracket 412 to which the antenna unit 400 is attached.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, screw holes 411a are formed in the first bracket 411. Long holes 412a that are long along the connecting frame 420 are formed in the second bracket 412. The second bracket 412 is screwed to the first bracket 411 by inserting a fastening member 413 such as a bolt into the long hole 412a and screwing it into the screw hole 411a.
[0116] The first bracket 411 includes a sandwiching portion 411A having a conical shape in a side view fixed to the connecting frame 420, and a mounting plate portion 411B having a rectangular shape in a plan view to which the housing 405 is attached to the lower surface. For example, the conical sandwiching portion 411A is fixed to the connecting frame 420 in a state of sandwiching the connecting frame 420 by pressing against the connecting frame 420 inside thereof or welding to the connecting frame 420. Note that the sandwiching portion 411A may be fixed to the connecting frame 420 with fastening parts or the like.
[0117] Through holes into which bolts 415 are inserted are formed at the four corners of the mounting plate portion 411B of the first bracket 411. By screwing the bolts 415 inserted into the through holes into female screws 407 formed at the four corners inside the upper surface of the housing 405, the housing 405 is attached to the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 411B.
[0118] In FIG. 2C, for reasons of convenience of explanation, a state in which the female screw 407 is screwed into the bolt 415 of the mounting plate portion 411B is illustrated, but it should be noted that the female screw 407 is formed at the four corners inside the upper surface of the housing 405.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the second bracket 412 includes a substantially rectangular mounting plate portion 412A with rounded corners, and an L-shaped frame body 412B fixed to the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 412A and long in the lateral width direction of the second bracket 412. Two elongated holes 412a are formed side by side in the L-shaped frame body 412B in the machine body width direction K2.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 2B, in a plan view, the size of the mounting surface to which the antenna unit 400 is attached of the bracket 410 is larger than that of the antenna unit 400. This mounting surface is the surface whose outer contour is formed by the mounting plate portion 411B of the first bracket 411 and the mounting plate portion 412A of the second bracket 412. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the mounting plate portion 412A of the second bracket 412 is larger than the lower surface 400a of the antenna unit 400.
[0121] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, a handle portion 416 that can be gripped by the operator 2 is attached to the mounting plate portion 412A of the second bracket 412. The handle portion 416 is formed of, for example, a resin material. Therefore, there is almost no influence on the antenna unit 400. Note that the handle portion 416 may be made of metal as long as it is located outside the range of the directivity pattern of the antenna unit 400 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2F described later. The handle portion 416 is gripped by the operator 2 and can be used for changing the posture between the upright posture SP (see FIG. 2A) and the storage posture DP (see FIG. 2E) of the antenna unit 400 described later.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 2A, a communication device 401, a communication antenna 403, and a speaker 402 are accommodated in the housing 405. The speaker 402 is attached to the housing 405 in a posture facing the driver's seat 3.
[0123] The housing 405 includes a USB hub (branch device) connected to the control device 131, and the USB hub includes two USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports. In the open state of the housing 405, it is possible to connect a USB cable connected to an external device (for example, the mobile terminal 498) possessed by the operator 2 to the USB port, and charging and data communication with the external device via the USB cable are possible.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 2B, the antenna unit 400 is connected to the control device 131 via a cable CB1. The communication device 401 is connected to the control device 131 via a cable CB2. The cable CB2 has a power supply cable for supplying power to the communication device 401 and a communication cable for data communication between the communication device 401 and the control device 131. The speaker 402 is connected to the audio output circuit of the control device 131 via a cable CB3. The USB port inside the housing 405 is connected to the control device 131 via a cable CB4.
[0125] The housing 405 has a transmission part 405C through which a wireless signal can penetrate into the housing 405. The transmission part 405C is formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material and can be utilized as a viewing window. That is, it is possible to check the lighting state of the lamp display (for example, a power lamp when power is supplied, a communication state lamp indicating the communication state, etc.) of the communication device 401 inside the housing 405 from the outside of the housing 405 through the transmission part 405C (viewing window).
[0126] Note that the housing 405 may be formed of a radio wave transmissive material through which a wireless signal can penetrate. The housing 405 may be formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material. Also, at least a part of the housing 405 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material.
[0127] FIG. 2E is a left side view of an upper portion of the spare seedling table with the connecting frame in the stored posture DP. The connecting frame 420 is configured to be switchable between the standing posture SP shown in FIG. 2A and the stored posture DP shown in FIG. 2E by rotating around the horizontal axis X3 along the lateral width direction (machine width direction K2) of the traveling body 5. In the standing posture SP of the connecting frame 420 shown in FIG. 2A, the antenna unit 400 is at a position higher than the upper parts of both frame members 28B and can receive satellite positioning information. In the stored posture DP of the connecting frame 420 shown in FIG. 2E, the antenna unit 400 is lower than in the standing posture SP and is located below the housing 405. Therefore, in the stored posture DP, the antenna unit 400 cannot receive satellite positioning information or the reception state deteriorates significantly.
[0128] When the reception level of the signal indicating the satellite positioning information from the antenna unit 400 is equal to or lower than a specified value and correction information for the positioning error is acquired by the communication device 401, the control device 131 determines that the connecting frame 420 is in the stored posture DP. For example, when the control device 131 determines that the connecting frame 420 is in the stored posture DP, it can notify the operator 2 by outputting a voice from the speaker 402 saying "the connecting frame 420 is in the stored posture DP", segment-displaying a character string indicating that fact on the display device 360, or causing the warning lamp 362 to emit light.
[0129] Here, a configuration in which the connecting frame 420 can be switched between the standing posture SP shown in FIG. 2A and the stored posture DP shown in FIG. 2E will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the connecting frame 420 includes a left leg portion 421, a right leg portion 422, and a rod-shaped body 423. The left leg portion 421 has a lower left portion 421A connected to the upper connecting portion 28B3 of the left frame member 28B on the left side of the traveling body 5, and a first extending portion 421B bent upward and extending from the lower left portion 421A. The right leg portion 422 has a lower right portion 422A connected to the upper connecting portion 28B3 of the right frame member 28B on the right side of the traveling body 5, and a second extending portion 422B bent upward and extending from the lower right portion 422A. The rod-shaped body 423 is a member that connects the upper ends of the first extending portion 421B and the second extending portion 422B and extends in the lateral width direction (aircraft width direction K2) of the traveling body 5.
[0130] A rotation support body 28B4 that rotatably supports the connecting frame 420 is fixed to the upper portion of the upper connecting portion 28B3 of the frame member 28B. That is, the rotation support body 28B4 is fixed to each of the left and right frame members 28B.
[0131] The left rotation support body 28B4 includes a pair of support walls 28B41 that extend upward with a slightly larger interval than the lower left portion 421A of the left leg portion 421, a semi-circular protrusion 28B42 that protrudes upward at the center of the pair of support walls 28B41, a through hole formed in the protrusion 28B42, and a fixing pin 28B43 inserted into the through hole formed at the tip of the lower left portion 421A of the left leg portion 421.
[0132] Further, the right rotation support 28B4 includes a pair of support walls 28B41 that extend upward at a slightly larger interval than the lower right portion 422A of the right leg portion 422, a semi-circular protrusion 28B42 that protrudes upward at the center of the pair of support walls 28B41, a through hole formed in the protrusion 28B42, and a fixing pin 28B43 inserted into the through hole formed at the tip of the lower right portion 422A of the right leg portion 422.
[0133] Therefore, the connecting frame 420 can be rotated between the standing posture SP shown in FIG. 2A and the storage posture DP shown in FIG. 2E.
[0134] The connecting frame 420 can be fixed in the standing posture SP shown in FIG. 2A and the storage posture DP shown in FIG. 2E, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2A, the left rotation support 28B4 includes a first female screw portion 28B61 for screwing the connecting frame 420 in the standing posture SP and a second female screw portion 28B62 for screwing the connecting frame 420 in the storage posture DP. In the standing posture SP shown in FIG. 2A, two fixing bolts 28B5 are inserted into the vertical through holes formed in the lower left portion 421A of the left leg portion 421, and by the two fixing bolts 28B5, the lower left portion 421A of the left leg portion 421 is screwed to the first female screw portion 28B61 of the left rotation support 28B4. Further, two fixing bolts 28B5 are inserted into the vertical through holes formed in the lower right portion 422A of the right leg portion 422, and by the two fixing bolts 28B5, the lower right portion 422A of the right leg portion 422 is screwed to the first female screw portion 28B61 of the right rotation support 28B4. Thereby, the connecting frame 420 is fixed to the frame member 28B in the standing posture SP.
[0135] On the one hand, as shown in FIG. 2D, by removing two fixing bolts 28B5 from the lower left part 421A of the left foot part 421 and two fixing bolts 28B5 from the lower right part 422A of the right foot part 422, the connecting frame 420 becomes rotatable. The operator 2 rotates the connecting frame 420 around the horizontal axis X3 to the storage posture DP shown in FIG. 2E. In the storage posture DP shown in FIG. 2E, the two removed fixing bolts 28B5 are inserted into the vertical through holes in the lower left part 421A of the left foot part 421 and screwed into the second female screw part 28B62 of the left rotation support 28B4. Also, the two removed fixing bolts 28B5 are inserted into the vertical through holes in the lower right part 422A of the right foot part 422 and screwed into the second female screw part 28B62 of the right rotation support 28B4. Thus, the connecting frame 420 is fixed to the frame member 28B in the storage posture DP.
[0136] FIG. 2F shows a partial front view of the riding vegetable transplanter 1.
[0137] The antenna unit 400 has a directional pattern that flares upward as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2F. In FIGS. 2F and 6B, the upper sides of the two-dot chain line extending obliquely upward to the left and the two-dot chain line extending obliquely upward to the right are the reception ranges of the antenna unit 400. Since the rearview mirror 430 is located outside the range of the directional pattern of the antenna unit 400 (that is, below the two-dot chain line), the satellite signal is not blocked by the rearview mirror 430. Also, although the rearview mirror 430 is attached to the connecting frame 420 so that its posture can be changed, it is located outside the range of the directional pattern of the antenna unit 400 regardless of the posture state of the rearview mirror 430.
[0138] The rod-shaped body 423 of the connecting frame 420 is located at a position higher than the uppermost spare seedling table 28A among the plurality of spare seedling tables 28A when the uppermost spare seedling table 28A is in the folded posture UP2. That is, the rod-shaped body 423 of the connecting frame 420 is at the position of the third height H3 from the uppermost spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F and at the position of the third height H4 from the uppermost spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K. As shown in FIG. 6B, the uppermost spare seedling tables 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F and the rear spare seedling table device 28K are located outside the range of the directivity pattern in the folded posture UP2.
[0139] Next, the planting work machine 4 will be described in detail.
[0140] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the planting work machine 4 has a transplanting frame 36. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 14, the transplanting frame 36 has a main frame 37 and a plurality of unit frames 38. The plurality of unit frames 38 includes a first unit frame 38R and a second unit frame 38L.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 12, the main frame 37 has a first frame 39, a second frame 40, a third frame 42, and a fourth frame 48. The first frame 39 is disposed at the front part of the main frame 37. The first frame 39 has a first column part 39a on the right side, a second column part 39b on the left side, and a connecting part 39c connecting the upper parts of the first column part 39a and the second column part 39b. The first column part 39a and the second column part 39b are bent forward at the middle part in the vertical direction.
[0142] The second frame 40 has a first member 40a, a second member 40b, and a plurality of third members 40c. The first member 40a is arranged to extend in the machine body width direction K2 so as to connect the first support column portion 39a and the second support column portion 39b. The right part of the first member 40a of the second frame 40 protrudes to the right of the first support column portion 39a, and the left part protrudes to the left of the second support column portion 39b. The second member 40b is arranged at a distance below the first member 40a. The plurality of third members 40c are arranged side by side at intervals in the machine body width direction K2 between the first member 40a and the second member 40b, and connect the first member 40a and the second member 40b.
[0143] The third frame 42 protrudes rearward from the middle part in the vertical direction of the second frame 40. The third frame 42 has a first part 42a, a second part 42b, and a third part 42c. The front part of the first part 42a is connected to the middle part in the vertical direction of the third member 40c whose right end is at the front, and protrudes rearward from the third member 40c. The front part of the second part 42b is connected to the middle part in the vertical direction of the third member 40c whose left end is at the front, and protrudes rearward from the third member 40c. The third part 42c connects the rear parts of the first part 42a and the second part 42b.
[0144] The fourth frame 48 is arranged at substantially the central part in the machine body width direction K2 of the main frame 37, and connects a member 41 that connects a pair of central third members 40c and the third part 42c of the third frame 42. A fixed plate 53 is provided between the pair of central third members 40c. A rolling shaft 54 (see FIG. 21) is attached to the fixed plate 53 in a forward protruding manner. The rolling shaft 54 has a rolling axis X1 (see FIGS. 21 and 22) that extends in the machine body front-rear direction K1. The rolling shaft 54 is arranged at substantially the central part in the machine body width direction K2 of the main frame 37.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 35, a rail member (referred to as the first rail) 56 extending in the machine body width direction K2 is disposed on the rear side of the first member 40a of the second frame 40. The first rail 56 is formed of a channel steel-shaped member and is open rearward. A reinforcing member 559 extending in the machine body front-rear direction K1 is fixed to the front surface of the first rail 56. Above the midpoint of the third frame 42 in the machine body front-rear direction K1, a rail member (referred to as the second rail) 58 extending in the machine body width direction K2 is disposed. The second rail 58 is formed of a channel steel-shaped member and is open forward. A reinforcing member 560 extending in the machine body front-rear direction K1 is fixed to the rear surface of the second rail 58. The first rail 56, the reinforcing member 559, the second rail 58, and the reinforcing member 560 are attached to the main frame 37 via a pair of left and right mounting frames 44.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of connecting plates 61 are provided at the rear portion of the main frame 37. The plurality of connecting plates 61 include a first connecting plate 61R and a second connecting plate 61L. The first connecting plate 61R is fixed to the right portion of the third part 42c of the third frame 42, and the second connecting plate 61L is fixed to the left portion of the third part 42c.
[0147] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 14, the first unit frame 38R is disposed on the right portion of the main frame 37, and the second unit frame 38L is disposed on the left portion of the main frame 37. Specifically, the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are disposed between the first part 42a and the second part 42b of the third frame 42. The first unit frame 38R is disposed on the right side between the first part 42a and the second part 42b, and the second unit frame 38L is disposed on the left side between the first part 42a and the second part 42b. The first connecting plate 61R is disposed behind the first unit frame 38R, and the second connecting plate 61L is disposed behind the second unit frame 38L.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 14, the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are respectively provided with a seedling extraction device 11, a planting body 12, and a soil covering wheel (ground roller) 62.
[0149] A plurality of seedling extraction devices 11 are provided, and the plurality of seedling extraction devices 11 include a first seedling extraction device 11R provided on the first unit frame 38R and a second seedling extraction device 11L provided on the second unit frame 38L.
[0150] A plurality of planting bodies 12 are provided, and the plurality of planting bodies 12 include a right planting body 12R provided on the first unit frame 38R and a left planting body 12L provided on the second unit frame 38L. The right planting body 12R constitutes a part of a first planting device 35R (see FIG. 15) for planting the seedling 7 taken out by the first seedling extraction device 11R in the field 6. The left planting body 12L constitutes a part of a second planting device 35L (see FIG. 15) for planting the seedling 7 taken out by the second seedling extraction device 11L in the field 6.
[0151] The soil covering wheel 62 includes a first soil covering wheel 62R provided on the first unit frame 38R and a second soil covering wheel 62L provided on the second unit frame 38L. Two first soil covering wheels 62R and two second soil covering wheels 62L are respectively provided. The two first soil covering wheels 62R are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The two second soil covering wheels 62L are also arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The first soil covering wheel 62R is arranged behind the right planting body 12R, rolls on the left and right sides of the seedling 7 planted by the right planting body 12R to heap soil at the base of the seedling 7 and compresses the base of the plant. The second soil covering wheel 62L is arranged behind the left planting body 12L, rolls on the left and right sides of the seedling 7 planted by the left planting body 12L to heap soil at the base of the seedling 7 and compresses the base of the plant.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 15, the first unit frame 38R, the first seedling take-out device 11R, the right planter 12R (first planting device 35R), and the first soil covering wheel 62R constitute the first transplanting unit 63R. The second unit frame 38L, the second seedling take-out device 11L, the left planter 12L (second planting device 35L), and the second soil covering wheel 62L constitute the second transplanting unit 63L.
[0153] There may be one transplanting unit, or there may be three or more. Also, the number of seedling placing tables 9 is determined according to the number of transplanting units.
[0154] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first unit frame 38R has a frame body 64 in a rectangular shape in plan view. The frame body 64 includes a first side frame 65A and a second side frame 65B that are arranged opposite to each other with a space therebetween in the machine body width direction, a front frame (referred to as the first front frame 66) that connects the front portions of the first side frame 65A and the second side frame 65B, a rear frame 67 that connects the front portions of the first side frame 65A and the second side frame 65B, and a second front frame 68 that is arranged behind the first front frame 66 and connects the first side frame 65A and the second side frame 65B. The first side frame 65A is arranged outside the machine body of the second side frame 65B.
[0155] The second unit frame 38L also has a frame body 64 with the same configuration as the first unit frame 38R.
[0156] At the front portion of each frame body 64, a first unit bracket 69 and a second unit bracket 70 are provided, which are arranged with a space therebetween in the machine body width direction K2. The upper portions of the first unit bracket 69 and the second unit bracket 70 are fixed to the first front frame 66 and the second front frame 68, and they protrude downward from the frame body 64. The first unit bracket 69 is arranged on the outside of the machine body side of the frame body 64, and the second unit bracket 70 is arranged on the inside of the machine body side of the frame body 64.
[0157] As shown in Fig. 15, a drive main shaft 71 is disposed to extend in the machine width direction K2 at the front portions of a first unit frame 38R (first transplant unit 63R) and a second unit frame 38L (second transplant unit 63L). Further, the drive main shaft 71 is provided to extend in the machine width direction at the front portion of the main frame 37.
[0158] The front portions of the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are supported by the drive main shaft 71 so as to be movable in the machine width direction K2. Specifically, the drive main shaft 71 has an axis extending in the machine width direction K2, and is provided from the front portion of a first part 42a to the front portion of a second part 42b of the third frame 42. The left side of the drive main shaft 71 is rotatably supported by a first support bracket 59 via a bearing 72, and the right side is rotatably supported by a second support bracket 60 via a bearing 73.
[0159] As shown in Fig. 16, the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are disposed above the drive main shaft 71. The drive main shaft 71 passes through the lower portions of a first unit bracket 69 and a second unit bracket 70 of the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L, and is rotatably supported by bearings 74 provided on the first unit bracket 69 and the second unit bracket 70. Thereby, the front portions of the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are supported by the drive main shaft 71 so as to be movable in the machine width direction K2.
[0160] As shown in Figs. 15 and 17, the first unit frame 38R has a first mounting plate 76R attached to a first connecting plate 61R, and the second unit frame 38L has a second mounting plate 76L attached to a second connecting plate 61L.
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first mounting plate 76R is attached to the rear frame 67 of the first unit frame 38R by bolts 77A and nuts 77B so as to be position - adjustable in the machine width direction K2. The second mounting plate 76L is attached to the rear frame 67 of the second unit frame 38L by bolts 77A and nuts 77B so as to be position - adjustable in the machine width direction K2. The first mounting plate 76R is attached to the first connecting plate 61R by bolts 78A and nuts 78B so as to be position - adjustable in the machine width direction K2. The second mounting plate 76L is attached to the second connecting plate 61L by bolts 78A and nuts 78B so as to be position - adjustable in the machine width direction K2. By changing the mounting position of the first mounting plate 76R in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the first connecting plate 61R, the first unit frame 38R can be position - adjusted in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the main frame 37. By changing the mounting position of the second mounting plate 76L in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the second connecting plate 61L, the second unit frame 38L can be position - adjusted in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the main frame 37. That is, the first transplanting unit 63R and the second transplanting unit 63L are each independently supported by the main frame 37 so as to be position - adjustable in the machine width direction K2.
[0162] By adjusting the positions of the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L in the machine width direction K2, the row spacing W1 (see FIG. 15), which is the interval in the machine width direction K2 between the right planting body 12R and the left planting body 12L (the interval in the machine width direction K2 between the seedlings 7 planted by the right planting body 12R and the seedlings 7 planted by the left planting body 12L), can be adjusted.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 17, the first mounting plate 76R and the second mounting plate 76L are provided with indicators 78. The first connecting plate 61R and the second connecting plate 61L are provided with row - spacing display portions 79. The row - spacing display portion 79 is marked with numbers representing the row spacing W1. By aligning the indicator 78 with the numbers on the row - spacing display portion 79, the adjustment of the row spacing W1 can be easily performed.
[0164] As shown in Fig. 16, an input sprocket 83, which is an input member for inputting rotational power to the drive main shaft 71, is provided on the central side of the drive main shaft 71 so as to be integrally rotatable. The input sprocket 83 is supported by a bearing 84, and the bearing 84 is attached to a stay member 85 fixed to the fourth frame 48.
[0165] Fig. 19 shows a side view of a power input section 86 for inputting power to the drive main shaft 71, and Fig. 20 shows a plan view with a part of the power input section 86 developed.
[0166] As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the power input section 86 includes an input shaft 87, a gear transmission mechanism 88, and a winding transmission mechanism 89 including an input sprocket 83.
[0167] As shown in Fig. 1A, power is transmitted to the input shaft 87 from a PTO shaft (power take-off shaft) 90 that protrudes rearward from the transmission case 20. Specifically, a first joint shaft 92 is interlockingly connected to the PTO shaft 90 via a planting clutch (intermediate clutch) 91, and a second joint shaft 93 is interlockingly connected to the first joint shaft 92. The second joint shaft 93 is interlockingly connected to the input shaft 87. The planting clutch 91 intermittently transmits the power output from the PTO shaft 90 to the input shaft 87. When the planting clutch 91 is disengaged, the operations of the planting body 12, the seedling taking-out device 11, etc. stop, and when connected, the operations of the planting body 12, the seedling taking-out device 11, etc. resume. Therefore, the control device 131 can plant the seedlings 7 at a predetermined plant spacing by adjusting the disengagement time of the planting clutch 91.
[0168] As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the gear transmission mechanism 88 includes a first bevel gear 88A that is fitted to the input shaft 87 so as to be integrally rotatable, and a second bevel gear 88B that meshes with the first bevel gear 88A. The winding transmission mechanism 89 includes a first transmission sprocket 94 that is integrally rotatable with the second bevel gear 88B, a second transmission sprocket 95 to which power is transmitted from the first transmission sprocket 94, and a third transmission sprocket 96 to which power is transmitted from the second transmission sprocket 95. Power is transmitted from the third transmission sprocket 96 to the input sprocket 83.
[0169] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 21, the main frame 37 (planting work implement 4) is mounted on the traveling body 5 via the work implement mounting device 123. The work implement mounting device 123 has a mounting frame 124 for detachably mounting the main frame 37 (planting work implement 4) and a work implement lifting mechanism 125 for lifting and lowering the main frame 37 (planting work implement 4).
[0170] As shown in FIG. 21, the mounting frame 124 has a shaft receiver 128 that rotatably supports the rolling shaft 54 around the rolling axis X1. The main frame 37 is swingable around the rolling axis X1 with respect to the mounting frame 124. The right planting body 12R and the left planting body 12L are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2 with the rolling axis X1 interposed therebetween.
[0171] The work implement lifting mechanism 125 has a link mechanism 129 for connecting the traveling body 5 and the mounting frame 124 and a lifting drive body (lifting cylinder 130) for driving the planting work implement 4 to lift and lower.
[0172] The link mechanism 129 is constituted by parallel links and has an upper link 129A and a lower link 129B arranged below the upper link 129A. The front part of the upper link 129A is rotatably connected to the rear part of the machine body 16 (machine body frame 21) around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. The rear part of the upper link 129A is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 124 around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. The front part of the lower link 129B is rotatably connected to the rear part of the machine body 16 (machine body frame 21) around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. The rear part of the lower link 129B is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 124 around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. The link mechanism 129 enables the planting work implement 4 to move up and down in parallel.
[0173] The lifting drive body is, for example, a lifting cylinder 130 constituted by a hydraulic cylinder. One end side of the lifting cylinder 130 (the bottom side of the cylinder main body 130A) is rotatably connected to the rear part of the machine body 16 (the machine body frame 21) around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. The other end side of the lifting cylinder 130 (the connecting body 130C attached to the tip side of the piston rod 130B) is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 124 around the axis in the machine body width direction K2. One end side of the lifting cylinder 130 is pivotally supported concentrically with the front part of the upper link 129A, and the other end side is pivotally supported concentrically with the rear part of the lower link 129B.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 21, the transplanter 1 includes a control valve 132 for controlling the lifting cylinder 130. The control valve 132 is controlled by a control device 131. The control valve 132 is formed by a solenoid valve and is constituted by, for example, a three-position directional switching valve that can be switched between a neutral position, a rising position, and a falling position. The control valve 132 is connected to the control device 131 by electrical wiring or the like and is connected to the cylinder main body 451 of the lifting cylinder 130, the hydraulic pump 133, and the hydraulic oil tank 134 via hydraulic pipelines. When a rising command signal is transmitted from the control device 131 to the control valve 132, the control valve 132 is switched to the rising position, and the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump 133 is supplied to the bottom side of the cylinder main body 451, and the lifting cylinder 130 extends and the main frame (the planting work implement 4) rises. Further, when a falling command signal is transmitted from the control device 131 to the control valve 132, the control valve 132 is switched to the falling position, and the hydraulic oil is supplied to the rod side of the cylinder main body 451, and the lifting cylinder 130 contracts and the main frame 37 falls.
[0175] Incidentally, the lifting and lowering drive body may be constituted by an electric cylinder (electric actuator) or an electric hydraulic cylinder (electric hydraulic actuator). The electric cylinder is a cylinder driven by electricity. For example, it is an actuator that rotates a ball screw around its axis by an electric motor to move the ball screw nut, and the movement of this ball screw nut advances and retracts the rod. The electric hydraulic cylinder is, for example, an actuator in which an electric motor, an oil tank, a hydraulic pump, a valve, a hydraulic cylinder, etc. are integrated, and is an actuator in which the hydraulic pump rotates and the valve is switched by the rotation of the electric motor to operate the hydraulic cylinder.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 22, the transplanter 1 has a rolling mechanism 135 that swings the planting work implement 4 around the rolling axis X1. The rolling mechanism 135 has a rolling motor 136, a rolling roller 137, and a cable body 138. The rolling motor 136 and the rolling roller 137 are provided on the mounting frame 124 (work implement mounting device 123). The rolling motor 136 and the rolling roller 137 are arranged above the rolling axis 54 and at a position corresponding to the central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the main frame 37. The rolling roller 137 is arranged above the rolling motor 136. The rolling motor 136 is constituted by an electric motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. Further, the rolling motor 136 is connected to the control device 131. The control device 131 controls the rolling mechanism 135.
[0177] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the power of the rolling motor 136 is transmitted to the rolling roller 137 via a transmission mechanism (gear transmission mechanism) 139. The transmission mechanism 139 has a first gear 139A that is rotationally driven by the power of the rolling motor 136, and a second gear 139B that meshes with the first gear 139A. The second gear 139B has a larger diameter than the first gear 139A and rotates integrally with the rolling roller 137. Therefore, the rolling roller 137 rotates forward and backward by the power of the rolling motor 136.
[0178] The cable body 138 is formed of, for example, a wire or a cable, etc., and is wound around the rolling roller 137. The right side 138R of the cable body 138 extends rightward from the rolling roller 137, and the left side 138L of the cable body 138 extends leftward from the rolling roller 137. The right side 138R of the cable body 138 is connected to the right side in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4, and the left side 138L of the cable body 138 is connected to the left side in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the right side 138R of the cable body 138 is connected to one end side of the first buffer spring 140R, and the left side 138L is connected to one end side of the second buffer spring 140L. The other end side of the first buffer spring 140R is hooked on the first spring hanging stay 52R of the main frame 37, and the other end side of the second buffer spring 140L is hooked on the second spring hanging stay 52L. That is, one end side of the cable body 138 is connected to one side in the machine body width direction K2 of the main frame 37 via the first buffer spring 140R, and the other end side is connected to the other side in the machine body width direction K2 of the main frame 37 via the second buffer spring 140L.
[0179] When the rolling roller 137 is rotated in the forward and reverse single directions by the rolling motor 136, for example, when rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 22, the left side of the cable body 138 is pulled. Thereby, the main frame 37 (planting work machine 4) swings in the clockwise direction in FIG. 22 around the rolling axis X1. Further, when the rolling roller 137 is rotated in the forward and reverse other directions (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 22) by the rolling motor 136, the right side of the cable body 138 is pulled. Thereby, the main frame 37 (planting work machine 4) swings in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 22 around the rolling axis X1. As described above, the main frame 37 (planting work machine 4) is freely swingable around the rolling axis X1.
[0180] As shown in Fig. 23, the mounting frame 124 is provided with a detection sensor 141 for detecting large swings around the rolling axis X1 of the planting implement 4. The detection sensor 141 includes a first limit switch 141R for detecting the clockwise swing of the planting implement 4 and a second limit switch 141L for detecting the counterclockwise swing of the planting implement 4. One of the numerous teeth of the second gear 139B is a detection tooth 142 that protrudes radially outward from the other teeth in the gear diameter direction. When this detection tooth 142 contacts the contact of the first limit switch 141R or the second limit switch 141L, a large swing around the rolling axis X1 of the planting implement 4 is detected. When the first limit switch 141R or the second limit switch 141L detects the detection tooth 142, for example, the drive of the rolling motor 136 is stopped.
[0181] As shown in Fig. 1B, the planting implement 4 has a first sensing roller 126R (sensing roller 126) disposed on the front side of the right planter 12R and a second sensing roller 126L (sensing roller 126) disposed in front of the left planter 12L. The first sensing roller 126R is provided on the first unit frame 38R. That is, the first transplant unit 63R includes the first sensing roller 126R. The second sensing roller 126L is provided on the second unit frame 38L. That is, the second transplant unit 63L includes the second sensing roller 126L.
[0182] As shown in Fig. 22, the first sensing roller 126R is a member for detecting the height of the first planting surface 144R, which is the planting surface of the field 6 corresponding to the right planter 12R. In other words, the first sensing roller 126R is a member for detecting the height of the first ridge 143R where the seedlings 7 are planted by the right planter 12R.
[0183] The second sensing roller 126L is a member for detecting the height of the second planting surface 144L, which is the planting surface of the field 6 corresponding to the left planter 12L. In other words, the second sensing roller 126L is a member for detecting the height of the second ridge 143L where the seedlings 7 are planted by the left planter 12L.
[0184] The first sensing roller 126R rolls on the first planting surface 144R and moves up and down following the height change of the first planting surface 144R. The second sensing roller 126L rolls on the second planting surface 144L and moves up and down following the height change of the second planting surface 144L.
[0185] As shown in FIG. 25, the first sensing roller 126R is supported by a first roller support mechanism 145R on the first unit frame 38R so as to be swingable up and down. The second sensing roller 126L is supported by a second roller support mechanism 145L on the second unit frame 38L so as to be swingable up and down.
[0186] The first roller support mechanism 145R has a first roller bracket 146R that supports the first sensing roller 126R so as to be swingable up and down, and a first biasing spring (spring) 147R that biases the first roller bracket 146R downward to press the first sensing roller 126R against the field surface (ground). The first roller bracket 146R has a first arm 148A, a second arm 148B, and a connecting member 148C. The first arm 148A is disposed on the outer side of the machine body of the first sensing roller 126R, and the second arm 148B is disposed on the inner side of the machine body of the first sensing roller 126R. The first arm 148A and the second arm 148B project forward from the first sensing roller 126R. The connecting member 148C connects the first arm 148A and the second arm 148B on the front side of the first sensing roller 126R.
[0187] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, a support bracket 149 is provided on the first unit frame 38R. The support bracket 149 includes a fixed plate 149A provided across the first unit bracket 69 and the second unit bracket 70, and a mounting plate 149B fixed to the fixed plate 149A. The mounting plate 149B is disposed in front of the first sensing roller 126R. The mounting plate 149B is formed to have a width corresponding to the width of the first sensing roller 126R in the machine width direction K2. Further, the mounting plate 149B has a first side plate portion 149a on the outer end side in the machine width direction K2 and a second side plate portion 149b on the inner end side in the machine width direction K2. The front portions of the first arm 148A and the second arm 148B are pivotally supported by the first side plate portion 149a and the second side plate portion 149b by a pivot 150. The rear portions of the first arm 148A and the second arm 148B are rotatably supported by a roller shaft 151 having an axis along which the first sensing roller 126R extends in the machine width direction K2.
[0188] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first biasing spring 147R is formed of a compression coil spring and is fitted outside a rod member 152. The lower portion of the rod member 152 is pivotally supported by a rod support shaft 153 fixed to the second arm 148B. The upper portion of the rod member 152 is supported by a support stay 154 fixed to the second side frame 65B of the first unit frame 38R so as to be vertically movable along the axial direction of the rod member 152. The first biasing spring 147R is interposed in a compressed state between a spring receiving plate 155 attached to the rod member 152 and the support stay 154.
[0189] The second roller support mechanism 145L includes a second roller bracket 146L that supports the second sensing roller 126L so as to be vertically swingable, and a second biasing spring (spring) 147L that biases the second roller bracket 146L downward to press the second sensing roller 126L against the field surface (ground). The second roller bracket 146L is configured in the same manner as the first roller bracket 146R. The second roller bracket 146L is supported by the second unit frame 38L by a support bracket 149 and rotatably supports the second sensing roller 126L by a roller shaft 151. The second biasing spring 147L is formed of a compression coil spring and is fitted to a rod member 152 on the second unit frame 38L side. The rod member 152 is pivotally supported by the second roller bracket 146L and is supported by a support stay 154 fixed to the second side frame 65B of the second unit frame 38L.
[0190] The height (height change) of the first planting surface 144R is detected by the first sensor mechanism 156R for the swing amount of the first roller bracket 146R (the amount of change in the vertical position of the first sensing roller 126R). The height (height change) of the second planting surface 144L is detected by the second sensor mechanism 156L for the swing amount of the second roller bracket 146L (the amount of change in the vertical position of the second sensing roller 126L).
[0191] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the first sensor mechanism 156R includes a first height detection sensor 157R and a first detection arm 159R. The first height detection sensor 157R is formed of a potentiometer. The first height detection sensor 157R is attached to a sensor bracket 158 fixed to the second side plate portion 149b on the first unit frame 38R side. The first detection arm 159R has an arm body 160 and a contactor 161. The front portion of the arm body 160 is connected to the rotation detector of the first height detection sensor 157R and is rotatable together with the rotation detector. The contactor 161 is fixed to the rear portion of the arm body 160. The contactor 161 is formed by a pin and abuts on the second arm 148B of the first roller bracket 146R. The arm body 160 can swing vertically concentrically with the first roller bracket 146R. When the first detection arm 159R swings vertically together with the first roller bracket 146R, the first height detection sensor 157R detects the amount of swing of the first roller bracket 146R. Thereby, the height (height change) of the first planting surface 144R can be detected.
[0192] The second sensor mechanism 156L includes a second height detection sensor 157L and a second detection arm 159L. The second height detection sensor 157L is also formed of a potentiometer. The second height detection sensor 157L is attached to a sensor bracket 158 fixed to the second side plate portion 149b on the second unit frame 38L side. The second detection arm 159L has an arm body 160 and a contactor 161. The front portion of the arm body 160 is connected to the rotation detector of the second height detection sensor 157L and is rotatable together with the rotation detector. The contactor 161 is fixed to the rear portion of the arm body 160. The contactor 161 is formed by a pin and abuts on the second arm 148B of the second roller bracket 146L. The arm body 160 can swing vertically concentrically with the second roller bracket 146L. When the second detection arm 159L swings vertically together with the second roller bracket 146L, the second height detection sensor 157L detects the amount of swing of the second roller bracket 146L. Thereby, the height (height change) of the second planting surface 144L can be detected.
[0193] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first roller support mechanism 145R is provided with a scraper 162 for scraping off mud on the first detection roller 126R. The scraper 162 is attached to a scraper bracket 163. The scraper bracket 163 is provided so as to straddle the first detection roller 126R and is fixed to the first roller bracket 146R. Similarly, the second roller support mechanism 145L is also provided with a scraper 162 for scraping off mud on the second detection roller 126L.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 22, the first height detection sensor 157R and the second height detection sensor 157L are connected to the control device 131 and transmit the detection values to the control device 131. The control device 131 acquires the detection values detected by the first height detection sensor 157R and the second height detection sensor 157L.
[0195] If there is a height difference between the first planting surface 144R and the second planting surface 144L, the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the right planter 12R and the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the left planter 12L will be different. Therefore, when a height difference occurs between the first planting surface 144R and the second planting surface 144L, in order to make the first height H1, which is the height of the right planter 12R with respect to the first planting surface 144R (planting surface), and the second height H2, which is the height of the left planter 12L with respect to the second planting surface 144L (planting surface), a predetermined height, the planting work implement 4 is swung around the rolling axis X1. Specifically, the control device 131 calculates the height difference between the first height H1 and the second height H2 based on the detection values detected by the first detection roller 126R and the second detection roller 126L, and swings the planting work implement 4 around the rolling axis X1 in a direction to reduce this height difference. In other words, the control device 131 calculates the height difference between the first detection roller 126R and the second detection roller 126L based on the detection values detected by the first detection roller 126R and the second detection roller 126L, and swings the planting work implement 4 around the rolling axis X1 in a direction to reduce the height difference between the first detection roller 126R and the second detection roller 126L.
[0196] More specifically, when the second planting surface 144L is higher than the first planting surface 144R, a height difference occurs between the first sensing roller 126R and the second sensing roller 126L. In this case, the control device 131 swings the planting implement 4 around the rolling axis X1 so that the left side rises and the right side falls. As a result, basically, the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the right planter 12R and the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the left planter 12L are made the same. Incidentally, when a height difference is provided in advance between the first height H1 and the second height H2 by the angle adjusting unit 194 described later, the planting implement 4 is swung around the rolling axis X1 so as to return to the set height.
[0197] Further, the control device 131 raises and lowers the planting implement 4 based on the unevenness of the planting surface (field 6) detected by one of the first sensing roller 126R or the second sensing roller 126L, and calculates the height difference between the first sensing roller 126R and the second sensing roller 126L with reference to the one sensing roller.
[0198] In the present embodiment, the unevenness of the first planting surface 144R is detected by the first sensing roller 126R, and the planting implement 4 is raised and lowered according to the unevenness of the first planting surface 144R, so that the planting depth of the seedlings 7 in the longitudinal direction of the machine body (arrow K1), that is, in the longitudinal direction of the ridge, is made the same. Specifically, when the planting surface becomes higher, the planting implement 4 is raised, and when the planting surface becomes lower, the planting implement 4 is lowered. Further, the height difference is calculated based on the height of the second sensing roller 126L with respect to the first sensing roller 126R with reference to the first sensing roller 126R. By calculating the height difference between the first sensing roller 126R and the second sensing roller 126L with reference to one of the first sensing roller 126R or the second sensing roller 126L, the rolling control for swinging the planting implement 4 around the rolling axis X1 can be performed stably.
[0199] Incidentally, the unevenness of the second planting surface 144L may be detected by the second sensing roller 126L, the planting implement 4 may be raised and lowered, and the height difference between the first sensing roller 126R and the second sensing roller 126L may be calculated with reference to the second sensing roller 126L.
[0200] Also, in this embodiment, when the height difference between the first sensing roller 126R and the second sensing roller 126L is less than a predetermined value, the rolling control by the control device 131 is not performed, and the height difference is absorbed by the free swinging around the rolling axis X1 of the planting work implement 4. When the height difference between the first planting surface 144R and the second planting surface 144L becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control device 131 operates the rolling mechanism 135 to perform rolling control.
[0201] As shown in FIG. 28, swing frames 164 are provided on the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L so as to be vertically swingable. Since the first unit frame 38R and the second unit frame 38L are fixed to the main frame 37, the swing frame 164 is vertically swingable with respect to the main frame 37 (transplanting frame 36).
[0202] The swing frame 164 provided on the first unit frame 38R is referred to as the first swing frame 164R, and the swing frame 164 provided on the second unit frame 38L is referred to as the second swing frame 164L. Since the first swing frame 164R and the second swing frame 164L are symmetric about the left and right and formed with the same structure, the first swing frame 164R and the second swing frame 164L will be described together.
[0203] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the swing frame 164 includes a first side frame portion 164A on the outer side of the machine body, a second side frame portion 164B on the inner side of the machine body, an intermediate frame portion 164C connecting the front and rear middle portions of the first side frame portion 164A and the second side frame portion 164B, a rear frame portion 164D connecting the rear portions of the first side frame portion 164A and the second side frame portion 164B, a first support portion 164E fixed to the front portion of the first side frame portion 164A by bolts, welding, etc., and a second support portion 164F fixed to the front portion of the second side frame portion 164B by bolts, welding, etc.
[0204] The first support portion 164E is rotatably supported on the first unit bracket 69 about a horizontal axis (an axis extending in the machine width direction), and the second support portion 164F is rotatably supported on the second unit bracket 70 about the horizontal axis. Therefore, the rear portion of the swing frame 164 can swing vertically. Specifically, the planting drive shaft 165 is rotatably supported about the horizontal axis across the first unit bracket 69 and the second unit bracket 70, and the first support portion 164E and the second support portion 164F are rotatably supported on the planting drive shaft 165. A transmission gear 166 is integrally rotatably provided on the planting drive shaft 165, and rotational power is transmitted from the drive main shaft 71 to the transmission gear 166 to rotate the planting drive shaft 165.
[0205] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a first planting lifting mechanism 167R (planting lifting mechanism 167) is provided on the first swing frame 164R, and a right planting body 12R is provided on the first planting lifting mechanism 167R so as to be reciprocally movable vertically. A second planting lifting mechanism 167L (planting lifting mechanism 167) is provided on the second swing frame 164L, and a left planting body 12L is provided on the second planting lifting mechanism 167L so as to be reciprocally movable vertically. The right planting body 12R and the first planting lifting mechanism 167R constitute a first planting device 35R (planting device 35), and the left planting body 12L and the second planting lifting mechanism 167L constitute a second planting device 35L (planting device 35).
[0206] The first soil covering wheel 62R is supported on the first swing frame 164R by a first roller frame (roller frame 168) 168R so as to be vertically swingable. The second soil covering wheel 62L is supported on the swing frame 164 by a second roller frame 168L (roller frame 168) so as to be vertically swingable.
[0207] Since the first roller frame 168R and the second roller frame 168L are formed with the same structure, the first roller frame 168R and the second roller frame 168L will be described together.
[0208] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the roller frame 168 is formed of a pipe material or the like, and has a first side rod portion 168A on the outer side of the machine body, a second side rod portion 168B on the inner side of the machine body, and a rear rod portion 168C at the rear. The first side rod portion 168A has a first portion 168a extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine body and a second portion 168b extending upward from the rear end of the first portion 168a. The front portion of the first portion 168a is rotatably connected about a horizontal axis to a bracket member 169 protruding downward from the first side frame 65A. The second side rod portion 168B has a first portion 168c extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine body and a second portion 168d extending upward from the rear end of the first portion 168c. The front portion of the first portion 168c is rotatably connected about a horizontal axis to a bracket member 170 protruding downward from the second side frame 65B. The rear rod portion 168C connects the rear portions of the first side rod portion 168A and the second side rod portion 168B. Specifically, it connects the upper ends of the second portion 168b and the second portion 168d. The covering wheel 62 is attached to the rear portions of the first portion 168a and the first portion 168c via stay members 171.
[0209] A first planting depth adjusting mechanism 172R (planting depth adjusting mechanism 172) is provided across the first swing frame 164R and the first roller frame 168R, and a second planting depth adjusting mechanism 172L (planting depth adjusting mechanism 172) is provided across the second swing frame 164L and the second roller frame 168L. Since the first planting depth adjusting mechanism 172R and the second planting depth adjusting mechanism 172L are formed with the same structure, the first planting depth adjusting mechanism 172R and the second planting depth adjusting mechanism 172L will be described together.
[0210] The planting depth adjusting mechanism 172 is a mechanism that fixes the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164 so that it can be changed, and adjusts the planting depth of the seedlings 7 by changing the distance.
[0211] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 includes a mechanism frame 173, an adjustment motor 174, a drive mechanism 175, and a link member 176. The mechanism frame 173 is erected on the rear frame portion 164D of the swing frame 164. The adjustment motor 174 is formed by an electric motor and is connected to the control device 131. The adjustment motor 174 is attached to the mechanism frame 173. Specifically, the adjustment motor 174 is attached to the upper part of the mechanism frame 173. The drive mechanism 175 is driven by the adjustment motor 174. Specifically, the drive mechanism 175 includes a first gear 177 driven by the adjustment motor 174 and a second gear 178 that meshes with and rotates with the first gear 177. The link member 176 connects the drive mechanism 175 and the roller frame 168 and moves up and down in conjunction with the drive of the drive mechanism 175.
[0212] The first gear 177 is formed by a pinion gear, and the second gear 178 is formed by a sector gear. The first gear (pinion gear) 177 is rotatably attached to the upper part of the mechanism frame 173. The lower part of the second gear (sector gear) 178 is pivotally supported by the mechanism frame 173, and the upper part has a gear portion 178a that meshes with the first gear (pinion gear) 177. The second gear 178 (sector gear) has a connecting portion 178b for connecting the link member 176. The upper part 176a of the link member 176 is connected to the connecting portion 178b via a ball joint. The lower part 176b of the link member 176 is connected via a ball joint to a bracket member 179 fixed to the rear rod portion 168C.
[0213] In the above-mentioned planting depth adjustment mechanism 172, by rotating the first gear 177 with the adjustment motor 174, the second gear 178 swings around the pivot portion 180. When the second gear 178 swings, the connecting portion 178b moves up and down to move the link member 176 up and down. When the link member 176 moves up and down, the swing frame 164 swings up and down with respect to the roller frame 168. As a result, the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164 changes, and the height of the planting body 12 with respect to the soil covering wheel 62 changes. When the height of the planting body 12 with respect to the soil covering wheel 62 changes, the height of the planting body 12 with respect to the planting surface changes, so the planting depth can be changed. Also, by stopping the drive of the adjustment motor 174, the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164 is fixed, and the set planting depth can be maintained.
[0214] The swing frame 164 swings up and down as the soil covering wheel 62 follows the unevenness of the field 6. The swing frame 164 is set to be located at the center of the swing allowable range. When the planting depth is changed, the swing frame 164 swings up and down with respect to the transplanting frame 36, so the relative position in the vertical direction with respect to the transplanting frame 36 changes. Therefore, when the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164 is changed, the control device 131 raises and lowers the main frame 37 (transplanting frame 36) in a direction to return the relative position of the swing frame 164 with respect to the transplanting frame 36 according to the change in the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164.
[0215] The planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 has a detection unit 182 that detects the amount of change in the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164. The detection unit 182 is connected to the control device 131 and feeds back the amount of change in the distance between the roller frame 168 and the swing frame 164 to the control device 131. The detection unit 182 is composed of, for example, a potentiometer. The rotation detector of the detection unit 182 is connected to a pivot 181 that pivotally supports the second gear 178. The pivot 181 rotates integrally with the second gear 178. Therefore, the detection unit 182 detects the amount of rotation of the second gear 178.
[0216] Figure 31 shows a soil covering pressure adjusting mechanism 183 for adjusting the soil covering pressure (the force with which the soil covering wheel 62 presses the ground). The soil covering pressure adjusting mechanism 183 includes a support plate 185, an operation lever 184, a spring hanging arm 186, a first fixed bracket 187A, a second fixed bracket 187B, an interlocking link 188, and an adjusting spring 189.
[0217] The support plate 185 is fixed to the rear part of the unit frame 38. The operation lever 184 is attached to the support plate 185 so as to be swingable about a pivot 185A. The spring hanging arm 186 is fixed to the operation lever 184 by bolts and swings integrally with the operation lever 184. The first fixed bracket 187A is fixed to the swing frame 164. The second fixed bracket 187B is fixed to the unit frame 38. The interlocking link 188 has a first link 188A pivotally supported by the first fixed bracket 187A and a second link 188B pivotally supported by the second fixed bracket 187B. The first link 188A and the second link 188B are pivotally connected. The adjusting spring 189 is formed of a tension coil spring, one end of which is hooked on a locking hole 186a formed at the end of the spring hanging arm 186, and the other end of which is hooked on a locking hole 188a formed on the first link 188A.
[0218] In the soil covering pressure adjusting mechanism 183, the soil covering pressure can be adjusted by changing the spring force of the adjusting spring 189 by swinging the operation lever 184 about the pivot 185A. A plurality of locking portions 185a are provided on the upper part of the support plate 185, and the operation lever 184 can be fixed at a plurality of positions by locking the locking piece 184a of the operation lever 184 to the locking portion 185a.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 32, the planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 is operated by the operation unit 127. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the operation unit 127 is provided near the driver's seat 3. Specifically, the operation unit 127 is provided in an inclined shape that moves upward as it goes forward at the upper part of the steering column 27 in front of the driver's seat 3. Further, the operation unit 127 is disposed below the steering wheel 25. Also, the operation unit 127 can be operated by the operator 2 seated in the driver's seat 3. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 30, the operation unit 127 is connected to the control device 131.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 32, the operation unit 127 sends an operation signal for operating the planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 to the control device 131. Also, the operation unit 127 has a planting depth adjustment unit 190 for operating the planting depth adjustment mechanism 172. The planting depth adjustment unit 190 is provided at the rear (lower part) of the operation unit 127. The planting depth adjustment unit 190 has an operation dial (rotary operation member) 191 and an indicator 192 indicating the rotational position of the operation dial 191. The indicator 192 is provided on the upper surface of the operation dial 191. The planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 (adjustment motor 174) is operated by rotating the operation dial 191 to the left or right. The planting depth adjustment unit 190 has a depth display unit 193 indicating the operation direction of the operation dial 191. The depth display unit 193 has the character "deep" provided on the right side of the operation dial 191 and the character "shallow" provided on the left side of the operation dial 191.
[0221] In the above-mentioned planting depth adjustment unit 190, when the operation dial 191 is turned to the right, a first operation signal S1 is sent from the operation unit 127 to the control device 131. When the control device 131 acquires the first operation signal S1, it operates the planting depth adjustment unit 190 in the direction of increasing the planting depth. The indicator 192 is set to the reference planting depth in a state facing forward (upward) as shown in FIG. 32. When the operation dial 191 is turned to the right from the state where the indicator 192 faces forward, the planting depth becomes deeper from the reference depth as it is turned more. Also, when the operation dial 191 is turned to the left, a second operation signal S2 is sent from the operation unit 127 to the control device 131. When the control device 131 acquires the second operation signal S2, it operates the planting depth adjustment unit 190 in the direction of decreasing the planting depth. When the operation dial 191 is turned to the left from the state where the indicator 192 faces forward, the planting depth becomes shallower from the reference depth as it is turned more. Note that the planting depth may be increased when the operation dial 191 is turned to the right and decreased when it is turned to the left.
[0222] The operation dial 191 is operable stepwise, and the planting depth is adjustable stepwise. The operation dial 191 may be made continuously operable so that the planting depth can be continuously adjusted.
[0223] Since the operator 2 can operate the planting depth adjustment mechanism 172 while sitting on the driver's seat 3 by the planting depth adjustment unit 190, the adjustment of the planting depth of the seedlings 7 can be easily performed.
[0224] The operation unit 127 has an angle adjustment unit 194. The angle adjustment unit 194 performs an operation of lowering one side in the machine width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4 around the rolling axis X1 or lowering the other side. By lowering one side in the machine width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4, the planting body 12 on that side is lowered, and by lowering the other side in the machine width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4, the planting body 12 on the other side is lowered. Thereby, fine adjustment of the planting depth can be performed.
[0225] For example, even if the first planting surface 144R and the second planting surface 144L are at the same height, the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the right planter 12R and the planting depth of the seedlings 7 planted by the left planter 12L may be slightly different. In such a case, for example, the planter 12 with the shallower planting depth is lowered to finely adjust the planting depth. The rolling control is performed in the state where this adjustment has been made.
[0226] As shown in FIG. 32, the angle adjustment unit 194 is provided at the front part (upper part) of the operation unit 127 and has a lower right switch 195 and a lower left switch 196 arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The lower right switch 195 sends a first lowering signal to the control device 131 to lower the right side (the first planter arrangement side) of the planting work machine 4 around the rolling axis X1. In other words, the lower right switch 195 sends a first lowering signal S3 to the control device 131 to lower the first planter arrangement side of the planting work machine 4 around the rolling axis X1. When the control device 131 acquires the first lowering signal S3, it lowers the right side of the planting work machine 4.
[0227] The lower left switch 196 sends a second lowering signal S4 to the control device 131 to lower the left side (the second planter arrangement side) of the planting work machine 4 in the machine body width direction K2 around the rolling axis X1. When the control device 131 acquires the second lowering signal S4, it lowers the left side of the planting work machine 4.
[0228] For example, each time the lower right switch 195 or the lower left switch 196 is pressed, the planting work machine 4 rotates by a predetermined angle around the rolling axis X1, and the planting depth can be finely adjusted in a predetermined dimension unit (a few millimeters or a few centimeters). Note that it is not limited to this.
[0229] Further, the operation unit 127 has a transplanting unit height adjustment unit 197. The transplanting unit height adjustment unit 197 is arranged in the middle part of the operation unit 127 (between the angle adjustment unit 194 and the planting depth adjustment unit 190) and has a raising switch 198 and a lowering switch 199. The lowering switch 199 is arranged to the right and rear (lower) of the raising switch 198.
[0230] The transplanting part height adjustment part 197 corrects the difference in the sinking amount between the sensing roller 126 and the soil covering wheel 62. It is also used to correct the deviation of mechanical and electrical initial values. The aim is to prevent the swing frame 164 from deviating significantly above or below the swing range.
[0231] This will be described in detail below. Also, the numerical values described in the following explanations are exemplary and not restrictive.
[0232] The planting body 12 and the soil covering wheel 62 are attached to a swing frame 164 that swings up and down with the front part (planting drive shaft 165) as the fulcrum. If the soil covering wheel 62 (which is in contact with the ground) is raised by, for example, 1 cm with respect to the swing frame 164, the swing frame 164 will lower and the planting body 12 will enter the ground about 1 cm deeper, and the planting depth will become about 1 cm deeper.
[0233] The swing frame 164 has a swing range of about 4 cm at the soil covering wheel 62 part. If the soil covering wheel 62 is at the center of the swing range, the planting depth can be kept constant even if there are ±2 cm irregularities in the ridge.
[0234] However, if the height of the transplanting frame 36 (the height of the rotation fulcrum (planting drive shaft 165) of the swing frame 164) is the same, when the soil covering wheel 62 is raised by 1 cm, the swing frame 164 will shift to the lower side of the swing range and the ridge irregularity adaptation range will be -1 cm to +3 cm. Therefore, when increasing the planting depth by 1 cm, the soil covering wheel 62 is raised by 1 cm and the transplanting frame 36 is lowered by 1 cm so that the swing frame 164 is at the center of the swing range.
[0235] The planting depth adjustment range is -2 cm to +5 cm, and 0 means that the upper surface of the root ball (the bedding soil of the seedling 7) and the upper surface of the ridge are on the same plane. It doesn't necessarily mean that 0 will always be on the same plane; it means that more adjustment allowance is taken on the deep planting side.
[0236] Incidentally, the ground contact height of the sensing roller 126 and the ground contact height of the covering wheel 62 are not the same. That is, since the covering wheel 62 has a higher compaction load than the sensing roller 126, the covering wheel 62 sinks and becomes lower than the sensing roller 126. In terms of design, it is assumed that the covering wheel 62 is 1 cm lower, but the difference in the amount of sinking varies depending on the adjustment of the compaction load of the covering wheel 62, the hardness of the surface of the ridge, the presence or absence of a mulch film, etc. In order to correct this difference in the amount of sinking, a transplanting unit height adjustment unit 197 is provided.
[0237] When the lowering switch 199 is pressed, the transplanting unit height adjustment unit 197 sends a correction value (first correction value S5) to the control device 131, and the control device 131 lowers the transplanting frame 36 based on this. Specifically, normally, when the difference in the ground contact surfaces of the sensing roller 126 and the covering wheel 62 is 1 cm, but the ridge is soft and the sinking of the covering wheel 62 is large (the swing frame 164 is shifted downward within the swing range), and the difference in the ground contact surfaces is large. For example, if the difference in the ground contact surfaces is 1.5 cm, press the lowering switch 199 ("lower") to lower the transplanting frame 36 by 0.5 cm (raise the sensing roller by 0.5 cm) and correct it so that the swing frame 164 is at the center of the swing range.
[0238] Also, when the raising switch 198 is pressed, the transplanting unit height adjustment unit 197 sends a correction value (second correction value S6) to the control device 131, and the control device 131 raises the transplanting frame 36 based on this. Specifically, when the ridge is hard or there is a mulch film, the difference in the ground contact surface heights of the sensing roller 126 and the covering wheel 62 is small, and the swing frame 164 is shifted upward within the swing range. Therefore, press the raising switch 198 ("higher") to raise the transplanting frame 36.
[0239] Incidentally, the raise switch 198 and the lower switch 199 may be configured to change a numerical value in a predetermined dimension unit each time they are pressed. Also, in the planting depth adjustment, if the soil covering ring 62 aims for 2 cm, the detection roller 126 aims for 3 cm which is 1 cm higher than the soil covering ring 62. That is, when the detected value of the detection roller 126 becomes +1 cm (4 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is raised, and when it becomes -1 cm (2 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is lowered. Also, when the raise switch 198 is pressed to raise the transplanting frame height by 0.5 cm, the detection roller 126 is controlled to target 2.5 cm which is (1 - 0.5 =) 0.5 cm higher than the soil covering ring 62. (The target value of the detection roller height becomes lower, but conversely the transplanting frame height becomes higher.) That is, when the detected value of the detection roller 126 becomes +1 cm (3.5 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is raised, and when it becomes -1 cm (1.5 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is lowered. Also, when the lower switch 199 is pressed to lower the transplanting frame height by 0.5 cm, the detection roller 126 is controlled to target 3.5 cm which is (1 + 0.5 =) 1.5 cm higher than the soil covering ring 62. That is, when the detected value of the detection roller 126 becomes +1 cm (4.5 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is raised, and when it becomes -1 cm (2.5 cm), the transplanting frame 36 is lowered.
[0240] Now, with reference to FIGS. 33, 34, etc., the first planting elevating mechanism 167R and the second planting elevating mechanism 167L will be described. Since the first planting elevating mechanism 167R and the second planting elevating mechanism 167L are symmetrically formed with the same structure on the left and right, the first planting elevating mechanism 167R and the second planting elevating mechanism 167L will be described together.
[0241] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the planting elevating mechanism 167 includes a first rotating case 201, a second rotating case 202, and a support plate 121. The first rotating case 201 is rotatably supported on the first side frame portion 164A via a first support shaft 205. Specifically, a bearing member 204 is provided on a bracket member 169 provided on the first side frame portion 164A, the first support shaft 205 is rotatably supported by this bearing member 204, and the first rotating case 201 is supported on the first support shaft 205. A sprocket 203 is integrally rotatably attached to the first support shaft 205. As shown in FIG. 28, power is transmitted from a sprocket 207 integrally rotatably attached to the planting drive shaft 165 to the sprocket 203.
[0242] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the second rotating case 202 is rotatably supported around a second support shaft 206 on the free end side of the first rotating case 201. The support plate 121 is supported by the second rotating case 202. Specifically, a bearing member 209 is provided on the upper portion of the support plate 121 via a pivot support shaft 208, a bearing member 211 is fixed to the lower end side of a plate member 210 protruding downward from this bearing member 209, and a third support shaft 215 provided on the second rotating case 202 is supported by this bearing member 211. The planting body 12 is supported on the support plate 121. Specifically, the planting body 12 has a front component 12A and a rear component 12B. The upper front side of the front component 12A is rotatably supported around a pivot shaft 212A provided on the support plate 121, and the upper rear side of the rear component 12B is rotatably supported around a pivot shaft 212B provided on the support plate 121.
[0243] The planting elevating mechanism 167 is driven by the power transmitted to the first support shaft 205 to raise and lower the planter 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, in the first rotating case 201 and the second rotating case 202, when the first rotating case 201 rotates in the direction of arrow Y1 around the first support shaft 205, the second rotating case 202 rotates in the direction opposite to that of the first rotating case 201 (direction of arrow Y2) in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating case 201. A power transmission device is provided. When the first rotating case 201 and the second rotating case 202 rotate, the support plate 121 moves vertically while moving back and forth, and the planter 12 moves up and down (ascends and descends) along an elliptical trajectory.
[0244] As shown in FIG. 34, the planter 12 is provided on the side of the planting elevating mechanism 167 (second rotating case 202). Specifically, the planter 12 is provided at a position overlapping the second rotating case 202 in a side view. Thereby, the planting device (planter 12 and planting elevating mechanism 167) can be configured compactly, and as shown in FIG. 33, the planter 12 can be brought closer to the seedling placing table 9 while preventing interference with the seedling placing table 9.
[0245] As shown in FIG. 35, the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2 and mounted on the main frame 37. The first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L are movably supported in the machine body width direction K2 on the rail members (first rail 56, second rail 58) of the main frame 37.
[0246] As shown in FIG. 36, the reversing guide 13 is provided at the center, right side, and left side in the machine body width direction K2 at the lower part of the seedling placing table 9, and is attached to the support rod 217 provided at the lower part of the seedling placing table 9. The empty tray guide 14 includes a first rod portion 14A arranged on the outer side of the machine body of the seedling placing table 9, a second rod portion 14B arranged on the inner side of the machine body of the seedling placing table 9, and a connecting rod portion 14C connecting the upper parts of the first rod portion 14A and the second rod portion 14B. The lower part of the seedling placing table 9 has a first accommodating portion 218 provided on the right side and a second accommodating portion 219 provided on the left side.
[0247] As shown in Fig. 36, a seedling shortage sensor 281 for detecting the timing of replenishing the seedling tray 8 is provided at the lower part of the seedling placing table 9. With the seedling shortage sensor 281 in an operating state, two seedling trays 8 can be replenished on the placement plate 10.
[0248] As shown in Figs. 37 and 38, the first seedling placing table 9R has a first holder member 221R. The first holder member 221R has an upper holder 222R and a lower holder 223R provided below the upper holder 222R. The upper holder 222R has a first stay 224R attached to the first accommodating portion 218, a second stay 225R attached to the second accommodating portion 219, and a connecting stay 226R connecting the first stay 224R and the second stay 225R. A first stay plate 227R is fixed to the inner side (left side) of the connecting stay 226R inside the machine body. A connecting bracket 228 is fixed to the connecting stay 226R (see Fig. 37). The connecting bracket 228 is disposed on the outer side of the first stay plate 227R outside the machine body and is also fixed to the first stay plate 227R. At the lower part of the first seedling placing table 9R, an operating shaft 229 extending in the machine body width direction K2 is provided so as to be rotatable over the machine body width direction K2. The outer side of the operating shaft 229 outside the machine body protrudes significantly outward from the first accommodating portion 218. Two followers 230 are attached to the operating shaft 229 at intervals in the machine body width direction K2.
[0249] The lower holder 223R has a first stay 231R attached to the first accommodating portion 218, a second stay 232R attached to the second accommodating portion 219, and a connecting stay 233R connecting the first stay 231R and the second stay 232R.
[0250] A plurality of first rollers 234R are rotatably attached to the connecting stay 226R and the connecting stay 233R. The first roller 234R attached to the connecting stay 226R is supported by the first rail 56 so as to be movable in the machine body width direction K2. The first roller 234R attached to the connecting stay 233R is supported by the second rail 58 so as to be movable in the machine body width direction K2.
[0251] As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the second seedling mounting table 9L has a second holder member 221L. The second holder member 221L has an upper holder 222L and a lower holder 223L provided on the lower side of the upper holder 222L. The upper holder 222L has a first stay 224L attached to the first accommodation portion 218, a second stay 225L attached to the second accommodation portion 219, and a connecting stay 226L connecting the first stay 224L and the second stay 225L. A second stay plate 227L is fixed to the inner side (right side) of the connecting stay 226L within the machine body. The lower holder 223L has a first stay 231L attached to the first accommodation portion 218, a second stay 232L attached to the second accommodation portion 219, and a connecting stay 233L connecting the first stay 231L and the second stay 232L.
[0252] A plurality of second rollers 234L are rotatably attached to the connecting stay 226L and the connecting stay 233L. The plurality of second rollers 234L attached to the connecting stay 226L are supported by the first rail 56 so as to be movable in the machine body width direction K2. The plurality of second rollers 234L attached to the connecting stay 233L are supported by the second rail 58 so as to be movable in the machine body width direction K2.
[0253] As shown in FIG. 37, a connecting member 235 extending in the machine body width direction K2 is provided from the left part of the first seedling mounting table 9R to the second seedling mounting table 9L. The first stay plate 227 is bolt-fixed to the right part of the connecting member 235. The second stay plate 227L is bolt-fixed to the connecting member 235 so as to be position-adjustable in the machine body width direction K2.
[0254] Since the first seedling mounting table 9R and the second seedling mounting table 9L are connected via the connecting member 235, the first seedling mounting table 9R and the second seedling mounting table 9L move integrally in the machine body width direction K2 along the first rail 56 and the second rail 58.
[0255] Fig. 37 shows the states of the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L when the row spacing W1 is at the narrowest interval. By changing the mounting position of the second stay plate 227L from this state, it is possible to adjust the interval in the machine body width direction K2 between the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L according to the adjustment of the row spacing W1.
[0256] Fig. 39 shows a transverse feed mechanism 236 that intermittently feeds the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L in the machine body width direction K2 by one pitch of the pot portion 8a. The transverse feed mechanism 236 has a transverse feed shaft 237 disposed below the first seedling placing table 9R. The transverse feed shaft 237 extends in the machine body width direction K2 and is supported by a support 238 fixed to the first unit frame 38R. The support 238 is provided on the frame body 64 of the first unit frame 38R. The support 238 has a first bracket 238A attached to the frame body 64, a second bracket 238B fixed to the first bracket 238A, a third bracket 238C fixed to the right end side of the second bracket 238B, a gear box 238D fixed to the second bracket 238B and the third bracket 238C, and a fourth bracket 238E provided on the side of the second bracket 238B opposite to the gear box 238D. The transverse feed shaft 237 is provided across the gear box 238D and the fourth bracket 238E. A first transmission sprocket 239 that can rotate integrally with the drive main shaft 71 and can move in the axial direction is provided at the lower part of the third bracket 238C. The first transmission sprocket 239 can transmit power to a second transmission sprocket 240 provided on the second bracket 238B. The power transmitted to the second transmission sprocket 240 is transmitted from an input shaft rotatably provided integrally with the second transmission sprocket 240 to the transverse feed shaft 237 through a transmission mechanism in the gear box 238D.
[0257] For the cross-feed shaft 237, a Napier screw having spiral grooves (so-called traverse grooves) 237a that reciprocate in the axial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface. A sliding body 241 having an engaging portion 241a that engages with the traverse groove 237a is fitted to the cross-feed shaft 237. A connecting shaft 242 is provided on the sliding body 241, and the connecting shaft 242 is connected to a connecting bracket 228 provided on the first holder member 221R of the first seedling placing table 9R. Vertical feed cams (operating bodies) 243 are fixed to one end side and the other end side of the cross-feed shaft 237.
[0258] When the cross-feed shaft 237 rotates, the engaging portion 241a is guided along the traverse groove 237a, and the sliding body 241 reciprocates in the machine body width direction K2. As a result, the first seedling placing table 9R can reciprocate in the machine body width direction K2. Further, since the second seedling placing table 9L is connected to the first seedling placing table 9R via a connecting member 235, the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L can integrally reciprocate in the machine body width direction K2.
[0259] When adjusting the row spacing W1, since the first seedling placing table 9R and the first unit frame 38R (first transplanting unit 63R) are connected via a cross-feed mechanism 236 and the first seedling placing table 9R and the second seedling placing table 9L are connected by a connecting member 235, the first seedling placing table 9R, the second seedling placing table 9L, and the first transplanting unit 63R are integrally position-adjusted in the machine body width direction K2. The second transplanting unit 63L is position-adjusted separately from the first transplanting unit 63R. After adjusting the first transplanting unit 63R and the second transplanting unit 63L in the machine body width direction K2, the second seedling placing table 9L is position-adjusted according to the adjusted row spacing W1.
[0260] FIG. 40 shows a vertical feed mechanism 244 that vertically feeds the seedling tray 8 downward by one pitch of the pot portion 8a along the inclined direction and a seedling take-out device 11. The vertical feed mechanism 244 has a tray feed mechanism 245 provided in each of the first accommodation portion 218 and the second accommodation portion 219 of each seedling placing table 9. The tray feed mechanism 245 has a drive sprocket 246, a driven sprocket 247, and an endless conveyor chain 248 wound around the drive sprocket 246 and the driven sprocket 247. Conveyor pins 249 that fit between the pot portions 8a are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the conveyor chain 248. By rotating the drive sprocket 246 in the direction of arrow Y3 in FIG. 40, the seedling tray 8 is vertically fed downward (in the direction of arrow Y4 in FIG. 40) along the placement plate 10 via the conveyor chain 248 and the conveyor pins 249.
[0261] As shown in FIG. 40, the seedling take-out device 11 is disposed at the lower rear of the seedling placing table 9 and has a seedling take-out claw 250. The seedling take-out claw 250 penetrates into the pot portion 8a from the rear and pierces the root ball of the seedling 7, and by retreating from the pot portion 8a in the state of piercing the root ball, the seedling 7 is taken out from the pot portion 8a. After taking out the seedling 7, the seedling take-out claw 250 changes its posture so that the bedding soil (root ball) of the seedling 7 faces the lower planting body 12, and then releases the seedling 7 and throws it into the planting body 12.
[0262] Now, as shown in FIG. 1D, in the transplanting machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the setting mode for performing the setting before the start of automatic steering, it is possible to set the reference orientation from the information received from the mobile terminal 498.
[0263] The communication device 401 receives information regarding automatic steering from the mobile terminal 498. Specifically, apart from acquiring correction information for positioning errors from the radio signals received by the communication antenna 403, the communication device 401 may have a wireless communication module that acquires correction information for positioning errors by communicating via the Internet or a telephone communication network. Further, the communication device 401 may have a short-range wireless communication module that receives a wireless signal including correction information for positioning errors from the mobile terminal 498. This short-range wireless communication module is, for example, a device that performs wireless communication according to Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy or the like in the specifications of Bluetooth (registered trademark) of the communication standard IEEE802.15.1 series.
[0264] As shown in FIG. 1D, the control device 131 has a setting unit 131C. The setting unit 131C sets a reference azimuth from the information received by the communication device 401, that is, the information regarding automatic steering from the mobile terminal 498. The control device 131 performs control of automatic steering to make the moving body 5 travel along the reference azimuth.
[0265] Also, the communication device 401 can transmit setting information to the mobile terminal 498. The setting information is various information set in the transplanter 1 and includes information regarding automatic steering.
[0266] For example, when the control device 131 is in a setting mode for performing settings before the start of automatic steering, it causes the communication device 401 to transmit all or a selected one of the reference azimuths stored in the storage device 131B to the mobile terminal 498. Further, when there is an overwrite instruction for a new reference azimuth from the mobile terminal 498, the setting unit 131C overwrites the selected reference azimuth or the stored reference azimuth instructed from the mobile terminal 498 with the new reference azimuth from the mobile terminal 498 and stores it in the storage device 131B.
[0267] As shown in FIG. 1D, the transplanter 1 has a notification device 440. The storage device 131B can store reference orientations up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10). When one of the reference orientations already stored in the storage device 131B is selected in the setting mode, the control device 131 causes the segment display unit 361 to display the selected reference orientation and causes the notification device 440 to notify the selected reference orientation.
[0268] When there is an instruction to overwrite with a new reference orientation, the setting unit 131C overwrites the selected stored reference orientation with the new reference orientation and stores it in the storage device 131B.
[0269] The notification device 440 includes, for example, a voice output device 402 such as a speaker 402 and headphones 402A. When one of the reference orientations already stored in the storage device 131B is selected, the control device 131 causes the voice output device 402A to output the selected reference orientation as voice.
[0270] In addition, in the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, in the setting mode, various information settings and the like can be performed by manual input by the operator 2. For example, in the transplanter 1 of the present embodiment, the reference orientation can be set by manual input by the operator 2 in the setting mode without performing the operation of running the transplanter 1 in the field 6 to acquire the reference orientation. Also, in the setting mode, information other than the reference orientation can be set by manual input by the operator 2. Therefore, the setting mode is a mode in which, before the start of automatic steering, input, calling, changing, etc. of the setting values of various setting items can be performed by manual input by the operator 2.
[0271] The control device 131 causes the transplanter 1 to shift to the setting mode based on a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation here is, for example, to simultaneously long-press the third switch 355 and the fourth switch 356 while the main switch 354 is on (for example, the switch key is in the start or operation position). Also, the predetermined operation may be to press the steering changeover switch 351 while the main switch 354 is off (that is, the switch key is in the stop position), turn on the main switch 354 (for example, move the switch key to the start or operation position), and then release the steering changeover switch 351 within 2 seconds, or it may be other operations. Note that when the transplanter 1 is not in the setting mode, it is a non-setting mode in which various settings cannot be made. The non-setting mode is a mode that allows operations other than making various settings, and for example, manual driving or driving by automatic steering can be performed.
[0272] The setting unit 131C of the control device 131 functions as the setting unit 131C, for example, when the aforementioned processor of the control device 131 executes the setting program stored in the storage device 131B. The setting unit 131C performs settings related to the traveling and operation of the transplanter 1 (such as automatic sensitivity setting, azimuth setting, GPS adjustment, row spacing setting, and RTK setting). Regarding the azimuth setting, the setting unit 131C can set the azimuth input (for example, manually input) by the operator as the reference azimuth. More specifically, when in the setting mode, the setting unit 131C accepts the input of the azimuth (for example, manual input of the azimuth by the operator) and stores the input azimuth in the storage device 131B as the reference azimuth.
[0273] Note that the communication device 401 may communicate with the server 499 that manages work information.
[0274] In the above-described transplanter 1, the case where the antenna unit 400 that receives satellite positioning information is disposed above the center in the machine width direction K2 at the front of the bonnet 26 has been illustrated, but the location where the antenna unit 400 is disposed is not limited to the location shown in the above embodiment.
[0275] For example, as shown in FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 41C, in a transplanter 1 in which a plurality of components (for example, a planter 12, a seedling take-out device 11, and a pair of soil covering rings 62) for planting vegetable seedlings 7 are arranged side by side in the machine width direction K2, The antenna unit 400 may be disposed within a range 526 that extends the width (machine width direction width) T1 between the outer ends of one component among the plurality of components (the planter 12, the seedling take-out device 11, and the pair of soil covering rings 62) in the planter unit 525 at one end (left end) in the machine width direction K2 and the same component as the one component in the planter unit 525 at the other end (right end) in the machine width direction K2 in the machine longitudinal direction K1.
[0276] Specifically, FIG. 41A shows a case where the machine width direction width T1 and the machine longitudinal direction width T2 of the range 526 for arranging the antenna unit 400 are set as follows. In FIG. 41A, the distance between the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the planter 12 of the left planter unit 525 and the planter 12 of the right planter unit 525 is defined as the machine width direction width T1, and the distance in the machine longitudinal direction K1 from the vicinity of the front end portion of the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) to the vicinity of the rear end portion of the transplanter 1 (planting work machine 4) is defined as the machine longitudinal direction width T2.
[0277] In FIG. 41B, the distance between the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the seedling take-out device 11 of the left planter unit 525 and the seedling take-out device 11 of the right planter unit 525 is defined as the machine width direction width T1. The machine longitudinal direction width T2 is the same as in the case of FIG. 41A above.
[0278] In FIG. 41C, the distance between the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the pair of soil covering rings 62 of the left planter unit 525 and the pair of soil covering rings 62 of the right planter unit 525 is defined as the machine width direction width T1. The machine longitudinal direction width T2 is the same as in the case of FIG. 41A above. The outer ends of the pair of soil covering rings 62 are the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the soil covering rings 62 located on the outer side in the machine width direction K2.
[0279] The machine width direction width T1 is, for example, the distance between the outer ends in the machine width direction K2 of the plurality of components when the row spacing W1 is the maximum row spacing.
[0280] Further, the antenna unit 400 is preferably disposed at a substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the range 526. In FIG. 41A, a case where the antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the planting body 12 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the planting body 12 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is illustrated. In FIG. 41B, a case where the antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the seedling extraction device 11 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling extraction device 11 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is illustrated. In FIG. 41C, a case where the antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the pair of soil covering rings 62 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the pair of soil covering rings 62 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is illustrated.
[0281] When the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the traveling body 5, for example, the antenna unit 400 is attached to a frame member provided on the traveling body 5 (see FIGS. 1A and 43A). The frame member is not limited to one provided on the traveling body 5, and may be a frame member separately provided for attaching the antenna unit 400. When the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the planting work machine 4, for example, the antenna unit 400 is attached to a frame member attached to the traveling body 5 and extending upward from the traveling body 5 above the planting work machine 4 (see FIG. 42A). When the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the planting work machine 4, the frame member to which the antenna unit 400 is attached can also be attached to the main frame 37.
[0282] In the embodiments described in FIGS. 41A, 41B, and 41C, a case where two sets of planting units 525 are provided in the machine body width direction K2 is illustrated, but the number of planting units 525 is not limited to two sets, and three or more sets of planting units 525 may be provided in the machine body width direction K2. Further, the components for planting the vegetable seedlings 7 are not limited to the above three components.
[0283] Figures 42A and 42B illustrate the case where the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the planting work machine 4. The placement position is not limited as long as it is above the planting work machine 4. Specifically, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 42A and 42, the range where the antenna unit 400 is disposed is a range with the width in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4 as the machine body width direction width and the width in the machine body longitudinal direction K1 of the planting work machine 4 as the machine body longitudinal direction width.
[0284] Figures 42A and 42B illustrate the case where the attachment body 527 is attached to the frame member 28C of the rear spare seedling table device 28K, and the antenna unit 400 is attached to the attachment body 527.
[0285] As shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the attachment body 527 includes left and right first rod portions 529 extending rearward from brackets 528 attached to upper connection portions 28C3 of the left and right frame members 28C, left and right second rod portions 530 extending upward from rear end portions of the respective first rod portions 529, a third rod portion 531 connecting upper end portions of the left and right second rod portions 530, and left and right fourth rod portions 532 having one end connected to the connecting member 506 via a connecting member (cylindrical member) 533 and the other end connected to the first rod portion 529 via a connecting member (cylindrical member) 534.
[0286] The attachment body 527 is not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and various design changes are possible. The attachment body 527 is not limited to being attached to the frame member 28C, and may be configured to be attached to a frame member separately provided on the traveling body 5 in order to attach the attachment body 527. Further, the attachment body 527 can also be attached to the main frame 37.
[0287] As shown by the solid lines in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the antenna unit 400 is preferably disposed above the substantially central portion in the machine width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4. In the solid lines of FIGS. 42A and 42B, the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the central portion in the machine width direction K2 between the seedling placing table 9 at one end in the machine width direction K2 and the seedling placing table 9 at the other end in the machine width direction K2. Specifically, the antenna unit 400 is disposed at the substantially central portion of the movement range of the plurality of seedling placing tables 9. It is not limited thereto, and the antenna unit 400 may be disposed above the outer ends between the seedling placing table 9 at one end in the machine width direction K2 and the seedling placing table 9 at the other end in the machine width direction K2. Also in this embodiment, the antenna unit 400 is above the substantially central portion in the machine width direction K2 of the plurality of planters 12 arranged side by side in the machine width direction K2, or above the substantially central portion in the machine width direction K2 of the seedling taking-out device 11 arranged side by side in the machine width direction K2, or above the substantially central portion in the machine width direction K2 of the pair of soil covering wheels 62 arranged side by side in the machine width direction K2.
[0288] In this embodiment, the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the planting work machine 4 to receive satellite positioning information (position information) at a position above the planting work machine 4, that is, to detect the position of itself (the transplanter 1) above the planting work machine 4. Thereby, when performing automatic steering control to cause the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) to travel along the reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit 400, the position of itself is detected at a position above the planting work machine 4, and by the automatic steering control, position control of the planting work machine 4 with respect to the target travel line is performed (automatic steering control is performed so that the planting work machine 4 moves along the target travel line), whereby displacement in the machine width direction K2 of the planting work machine 4 with respect to the target travel line can be suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine front-rear direction K1.
[0289] Further, by disposing the antenna unit 400 above the substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 between the seedling placing tables 9 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling placing tables 9 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2, above the substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the plurality of planting bodies 12 arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2, above the substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the seedling taking-out device 11 arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2, or above the substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the pair of soil covering wheels 62 arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the planting work machine 4.
[0290] FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C illustrate a case where the antenna unit 400 is supported by a support body (in the illustrated example, one and the other frame members 28C) provided upright at the rear portion of the traveling body 5. Specifically, the support body of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C includes the frame member 28C (28CL) of the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on one side (left) in the machine body width direction K2 and the frame member 28C (28CR) of the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K on the other side (right) in the machine body width direction K2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the support body for supporting the antenna unit 400 may be a separately provided support body for attaching the antenna unit 400 to the rear portion of the traveling body 5. In the present embodiment, by using the support body (one and the other frame members 28C) equipped on the transplanter 1, simplification of the configuration and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0291] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C, the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the central portion in the machine width direction K2 at the rear of the traveling body 5 or in the vicinity thereof and is supported by a support (one and the other frame members 28C). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 43C, one rear wheel 24 on one side in the machine width direction K2 is supported by a rear axle 537 supported by one rear axle case 536 provided at the rear of the machine body 16, and the other rear wheel 24 on the other side in the machine width direction K2 is supported by a rear axle 537 supported by the other rear axle case 536 provided at the rear of the machine body 16. The antenna unit 400 is disposed above the space between the one rear axle 537 and the other rear axle 537 and is supported by a support (one and the other frame members 28C). Further specifically, the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the central portion between the one rear axle 537 and the other rear axle 537 or in the vicinity thereof and is supported by a support (one and the other frame members 28C). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the antenna unit 400 may be disposed above the rear of the traveling body 5 within the range of the machine width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 and supported by a support (left and right frame members 28C).
[0292] In this embodiment, an antenna unit 400 that receives satellite positioning information is supported by a support body (one and the other frame members 28C) provided upright at the rear part of the traveling body 5, and satellite positioning information (position information) is received at a position above the rear part of the traveling body 5. Then, when performing automatic steering control to cause the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) to travel along a reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit, by the automatic steering control, position control is performed on the traveling body 5 with respect to the target travel line at the rear part of the traveling body 5 (near the center of turning) (the automatic steering control is performed so that the rear part of the traveling body 5 moves along the target travel line), whereby displacement in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 with respect to the target travel line can be suppressed. Further, since position information is detected at the rear part of the traveling body 5, that is, at a position close to the planting work implement 4, and the transplanter 1 is position-controlled with respect to the target travel line, displacement in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting work implement 4 with respect to the target travel line can also be suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine body front-rear direction K1.
[0293] Further, the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the central part in the machine body width direction K2 of the rear part of the traveling body 5 or in the vicinity thereof, or above the space between one rear axle 537 and the other rear axle 537, or further above the central part between one rear axle 537 and the other rear axle 537 or in the vicinity thereof, and by receiving satellite positioning information (position information) at these respective positions, displacement in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 and the planting work implement 4 with respect to the target travel line can be effectively suppressed.
[0294] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43A, 43B, and 43C, a mounting frame 542 to which the antenna unit 400 is attached is provided, and the mounting frame 542 is provided so as to connect one frame member 28C (28CL) and the other frame member 28C (28CR). Specifically, the mounting frame 542 is provided so as to connect the upper parts of one frame member 28C (28CL) and the other frame member 28C (28CL).
[0295] Specifically, the mounting frame 542 includes left and right first rod portions 539 extending rearward from brackets 538 attached to upper connecting portions 28C3 of left and right frame members 28C, left and right second rod portions 540 extending upward from rear end portions of the respective first rod portions 539, and a third rod portion 541 connecting upper end portions of the left and right second rod portions 540.
[0296] In FIGS. 41A to 41C, FIGS. 42A, 42B, FIGS. 43A to 43C, the housing 405 (communication device 401 and communication antenna 403) is not shown, but the housing 405 may be provided below the antenna unit 400, may be provided at the position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or may be provided at other locations.
[0297] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a transplanter 1 described in the following items. (Item 1-1) A transplanter 1 comprising a planting work machine 4 for planting vegetable seedlings 7 in a field 6, a traveling body 5 on which the planting work machine 4 is mounted and travels, a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5, and an antenna unit 400 for receiving satellite positioning information. The planting work machine 4 has a planting unit 525 including a plurality of components for planting the vegetable seedlings 7. A plurality of the planting units 525 are provided, and the plurality of planting units 525 are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The antenna unit 400 is arranged within a range 526 obtained by extending the width T1 between outer ends of one component among the plurality of components in the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the same component as the one component in the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 in the machine body front-rear direction K1.
[0298] According to the transplanter 1 related to this item 1-1, by providing the riding-type transplanter 1 equipped with the driver's seat 3 with the antenna unit 400 that receives satellite positioning information, it is possible to perform automatic steering control to make the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) travel along the reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit 400. And by performing the above automatic steering control based on the satellite positioning information, the operation burden on the operator 2 can be reduced, and the planting work of the vegetable seedlings 7 can be supported. (Item 1-2) The transplanter 1 according to item 1-1, wherein the antenna unit 400 is disposed at substantially the center in the machine body width direction K2 of the range 526.
[0299] According to the transplanter 1 related to this item 1-2, by receiving satellite positioning information at the center in the machine body width direction K2 of the range 526 whose width between the outer ends of one component among the plurality of components in the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the same component as the one component in the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is extended in the machine body front-rear direction K1, the displacement in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1 can be effectively suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-3) The transplanter 1 according to item 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the planting unit 525 includes a planter 12 for planting the seedlings 7 in the field 6, and the one component is the planter 12.
[0300] According to the transplanter 1 related to this item 1-3, by receiving satellite positioning information in the range 526 whose width between the outer ends of the planter 12 in the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the planter 12 in the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is extended in the machine body front-rear direction K1, the displacement in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1 can be effectively suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-4) The planting work machine 4 has a seedling placing table 9 on which the seedling tray 8 is placed. The planting unit 525 includes a seedling taking-out device 11 that takes out the seedlings 7 from the seedling tray 8 placed on the seedling placing table 9. The one component is the seedling taking-out device 11 of the transplanter 1 described in item 1-1 or 1-2.
[0301] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 1-4, by receiving satellite positioning information in a range 526 where the width between the outer ends of the seedling taking-out device 11 in the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling taking-out device 11 in the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is extended in the machine body front-rear direction K1, the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1 can be effectively suppressed. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-5) The planting unit 525 includes a planter 12 for planting the seedlings 7 and a pair of soil covering wheels 62 that roll on the field 6 to press the soil on both sides in the machine body width direction K2 of the seedlings 7 planted by the planter 12. The one component is the pair of soil covering wheels 62 of the transplanter 1 described in item 1 or 2.
[0302] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 1-5, by receiving satellite positioning information in a range 526 where the width T1 between the outer ends of the pair of soil covering wheels 62 in the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the pair of soil covering wheels 62 in the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 is extended in the machine body front-rear direction K1, the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1 can be effectively suppressed. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted unevenly in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-6) The antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the planter 12 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the planter 12 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 of the transplanter 1 described in item 3.
[0303] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 1-6, by receiving satellite positioning information above a substantially central portion between the planting bodies 12 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the planting bodies 12 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted in a disorderly manner in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-7) The antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the seedling take-out device 11 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling take-out device 11 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 of the transplanter 1 according to item 4.
[0304] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 1-7, by receiving satellite positioning information above a substantially central portion between the seedling take-out device 11 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling take-out device 11 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted in a disorderly manner in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 1-8) The antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the pair of soil covering wheels 62 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the pair of soil covering wheels 62 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2 of the transplanter 1 according to item 5.
[0305] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 1-8, by receiving satellite positioning information above a substantially central portion between the pair of soil covering wheels 62 of the planting unit 525 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the pair of soil covering wheels 62 of the planting unit 525 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the transplanter 1. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted in a disorderly manner in the machine body front-rear direction K1. (Item 2-1) A transplanter 1 includes a planting machine 4 for planting vegetable seedlings 7 in a field 6, a traveling body 5 on which the planting machine 4 is mounted and travels, a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5, and an antenna unit 400 for receiving satellite positioning information. The antenna unit 400 is disposed above the planting machine 4.
[0306] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 2-1, by providing the riding-type transplanter 1 equipped with the driver's seat 3 with the antenna unit 400 for receiving satellite positioning information, it is possible to perform automatic steering control for causing the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) to travel along a reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit 400. And by performing automatic steering control based on satellite positioning information, the driving burden on the operator 2 can be reduced, and the planting work of the vegetable seedlings 7 can be supported.
[0307] Further, by disposing the antenna unit 400 above the planting machine 4 and receiving satellite positioning information at a position above the planting machine 4, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the planting machine 4 with respect to the target travel line. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted in a non-aligned manner in the longitudinal direction K1 of the machine body. (Item 2-2) The transplanter 1 according to item 2-1, wherein the antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting machine 4.
[0308] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 2-2, by disposing the antenna unit 400 above a substantially central portion in the machine body width direction K2 of the planting machine 4, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the planting machine 4 in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line. (Item 2-3) The planting machine 4 has a plurality of seedling placing tables 9 on which seedling trays 8 are placed. The plurality of seedling placing tables 9 are arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2. The antenna unit 400 is disposed above the outer ends between the seedling placing table 9 at one end in the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling placing table 9 at the other end in the machine body width direction K2. The transplanter 1 according to item 2-1 or 2-2.
[0309] Even with the transplanter 1 according to this Item 2-3, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the planting work machine 4. (Item 2-4) The transplanter 1 according to Item 2-3, wherein the antenna unit 400 is disposed above a substantially central portion between the seedling placing table 9 at one end of the machine body width direction K2 and the seedling placing table 9 at the other end of the machine body width direction K2.
[0310] According to the transplanter 1 according to this Item 2-4, further, the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the planting work machine 4 can be effectively suppressed. (Item 2-5) The transplanter 1 according to Item 2-3 or 2-4, wherein the plurality of seedling placing tables 9 are configured to be reciprocally movable in the machine body width direction K2, and the antenna unit 400 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the moving range of the plurality of seedling placing tables 9.
[0311] Even with the transplanter 1 according to this Item 2-5, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement of the machine body in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the target travel line of the planting work machine 4. (Item 2-6) The transplanter 1 according to any one of Items 2-1 to 2-5, further comprising a mounting body 527 attached to the traveling body 5 and extending upward from the traveling body 5 above the planting work machine 4, and the antenna unit 400 is attached to the mounting body 527.
[0312] According to the transplanter 1 according to this Item 2-6, by attaching the mounting body to which the antenna unit 400 is attached to the traveling body 5, it is possible to stably receive satellite positioning information. (Item 3-1) A planting work machine 4 for planting vegetable seedlings 7 in a field 6, a traveling body 5 that travels while mounting the planting work machine 4 at the rear, a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5, a support body (one frame member 28CL, the other frame member 28CR) provided upright at the rear of the traveling body 5, and an antenna unit 400 that receives satellite positioning information. The antenna unit 400 is supported by the support body of the transplanter 1.
[0313] According to the transplanter 1 according to this Item 3-1, by providing the antenna unit 400 that receives satellite positioning information to the riding type transplanter 1 equipped with the driver's seat 3, it is possible to perform automatic steering control for causing the transplanter 1 (traveling body 5) to travel along the reference azimuth (target travel line) based on the satellite positioning information received by the antenna unit 400. And by performing the above-described automatic steering control based on the satellite positioning information, the operation burden on the operator 2 can be reduced, and the planting work of the vegetable seedlings 7 can be supported.
[0314] Further, in the transplanter 1 with the planting work machine 4 mounted at the rear of the traveling body 5, the antenna unit 400 is supported by a support body provided upright at the rear of the traveling body 5, and by receiving satellite positioning information at a position near the rear of the traveling body 5 and the planting work machine 4, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the traveling body 5 and the planting work machine 4 with respect to the target travel line. Subsequently, it is possible to suppress the seedlings 7 from being planted in a disorderly manner in the longitudinal direction K1 of the machine body. (Item 3-2) The transplanter 1 according to Item 3-1, wherein the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the rear of the traveling body 5 within a range 526 in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 and is supported by the support body.
[0315] Also with the transplanter 1 according to this Item 3-2, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation in the machine body width direction K2 of the traveling body 5 and the planting work machine 4 with respect to the target travel line. (Item 3-3) The antenna unit 400 is disposed above the center or the vicinity thereof in the machine width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5 and is supported by the support, and the transplanter 1 according to item 3-1 or 3-2.
[0316] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-3, it is possible to effectively suppress the displacement in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the target traveling line of the traveling body 5 and the planting work machine 4. (Item 3-4) The traveling body 5 has, at the rear part, a pair of rear wheels 24 in the machine width direction K2 and a pair of rear axles 537 in the machine width direction K2 provided corresponding to the respective rear wheels 24 and supporting the rear wheels 24, and the antenna unit 400 is disposed above the space between one of the rear axles 537 and the other rear axle 537 and is supported by the support, and the transplanter 1 according to any one of items 3-1 to 3-3.
[0317] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-4, it is possible to more effectively suppress the displacement in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the target traveling line of the traveling body 5. (Item 3-5) The antenna unit 400 is disposed above the center or the vicinity thereof between one of the rear axles 537 and the other rear axle 537 and is supported by the support, and the transplanter 1 according to item 3-4.
[0318] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-5, it is possible to further more effectively suppress the displacement in the machine width direction K2 with respect to the target traveling line of the traveling body 5. (Item 3-6) The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 3-1 to 3-5 includes a mounting frame 542 to which the antenna unit 400 is attached, and the support includes one frame member 28CL provided upright on one side in the machine width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5 and the other frame member 28CR provided upright on the other side in the machine width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5, and the mounting frame 542 is provided so as to connect the one frame member 28CL and the other frame member 28CR.
[0319] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-6, the rigidity of the support can be improved by the mounting frame 542. Further, by using the mounting frame 542 to which the antenna unit 400 is attached to improve the rigidity of the support, simplification of the structure and cost reduction can be achieved. (Item 3-7) The transplanter 1 according to item 6, wherein the mounting frame 542 is provided so as to connect the upper portions of the one frame member 28CL and the other frame member 28CR to each other.
[0320] Also by the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-7, improvement of the rigidity of the support, simplification of the structure, and cost reduction can be achieved. (Item 3-8) The transplanter 1 according to item 6 or 7, wherein the one frame member 28CL and the other frame member 28CR are arranged behind the seat portion which is the portion where the operator 2 sits in the driver's seat 3 and protrude above the driver's seat 3.
[0321] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-8, the support for supporting the antenna unit 400 can be suitably arranged at the rear part of the traveling body 5. (Item 3-9) The transplanter 1 according to item 8, wherein the one frame member 28CL is arranged on one side in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the driver's seat 3, and the other frame member 28CR is arranged on the other side in the machine body width direction K2 with respect to the driver's seat 3.
[0322] Also by the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-9, the support for supporting the antenna unit 400 can be suitably arranged at the rear part of the traveling body 5. (Item 3-10) The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 3-1 to 3-9, wherein the support has a plurality of spare seedling tables 28A on which the spare seedling trays 8 are placed.
[0323] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-10, the support is the spare seedling table device 28 provided at the rear part of the traveling body 5, and the antenna unit 400 can be attached using the spare seedling table device 28, and simplification of the structure and cost reduction can be achieved. (Item 3-11) The transplanter 1 according to item 6 or 7, wherein the support is a spare seedling table 28A on which a spare seedling tray 8 is placed, and has a plurality of spare seedling tables 28A attached to the one frame member 28CL and the other frame member 28CR.
[0324] Also by the transplanter 1 according to this item 3-11, simplification of the structure and cost reduction can be achieved. (Item 4-1) A transplanter 1 including a planting work machine 4 for planting seedlings 7 in a field 6, a traveling body 5 that travels with the planting work machine 4 mounted thereon at the rear, a pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K in the machine width direction K2 at the rear part of the traveling body 5, and a connecting member 506 that connects the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K to each other.
[0325] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-1, in the transplanter 1 with the planting work machine 4 mounted at the rear of the traveling body 5, by providing the rear spare seedling table device 28K at the rear part of the traveling body 5, it is possible to improve the efficiency of supplying the seedlings 7 from the spare seedling table device to the planting work machine 4. Further, by providing the connecting member 506 that connects the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K to each other, the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K can reinforce each other and enhance rigidity. (Item 4-2) The transplanter 1 according to item 4-1, further including a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5 and a rear step 33 provided between the driver's seat 3 and the planting work machine 4, wherein one of the rear spare seedling table devices 28K is disposed at one end side in the machine width direction K2 of the rear step 33, the other rear spare seedling table device 28K is disposed at the other end side in the machine width direction K2 of the rear step 33, and the connecting member 506 connects the middle parts in the vertical direction of the pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K.
[0326] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-2, when the operator rides on the rear step 33 and supplies the seedlings 7 placed on the rear spare seedling table device 28K to the planting work machine 4, the connecting member 506 can function as a gripping member, for example, when the operator moves on the rear step 33. (Item 4-3) The pair of rear spare seedling table devices 28K includes a front support member 28C1, a rear support member 28C2 disposed behind the front support member 28C1, and an upper connecting portion 28C3 that connects the upper portions of the front support member 28C1 and the rear support member 28C2. The connecting member 506 connects the rear support member 28C2 of one of the rear spare seedling table devices 28K and the rear support member 28C2 of the other rear spare seedling table device 28K. The transplanter 1 according to item 4-1 or 4-2.
[0327] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-3, when the operator supplies the seedlings 7 to the planting work machine 4 from the rear side of the connecting member 506, it is possible to suppress the connecting member 506 from becoming an obstacle. (Item 4-4) The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 4-1 to 4-3, which includes a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5, and the connecting member 506 is disposed at a height position near the upper end of the backrest portion 3B that supports the back of the operator 2 in the driver's seat 3.
[0328] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-4, it can be disposed at a position where the connecting member 506 can function as a gripping member. (Item 4-5) The traveling body 5 has a pair of rear wheels 24 in the machine body width direction K2 provided at the rear of the traveling body 5. One part 33L of the rear step 33 in the machine body width direction K2 is provided above one of the rear wheels 24 so as to protrude outward in the machine body width direction from the one rear wheel 24. The other part 33R of the rear step 33 in the machine body width direction K2 is provided above the other rear wheel 24 so as to protrude outward in the machine body width direction from the other rear wheel 24. The transplanter 1 according to item 4-2.
[0329] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-5, the width in the machine body width direction K2 of the rear step 33 can be widened, and the workability when an operator gets on the rear step 33 and supplies the seedlings 7 placed on the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K to the planting work machine 4 can be improved. (Item 4-6) The traveling body 5 includes a floor step 29a that forms the floor surface of the driving unit 501 having the driver's seat 3, one side step 507L provided so as to project from the floor step 29a to one side in the machine body width direction K2, and the other side step 507R provided so as to project to the other side. The one side portion 33L of the rear step 33 is disposed behind the one side step 507L, and the other side portion 33R of the rear step 33 is disposed behind the other side step 507R. The transplanter 1 according to Item 5.
[0330] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 4-6, when the operator 2 moves from the floor step 29a to the rear step 33, the movement can be easily performed. (Item 5-1) A planting work machine 4 for planting seedlings 7 in the field 6, a traveling body 5 that travels with the planting work machine 4 mounted behind it, at least one front auxiliary seedling table device 28F provided on the end side in the machine body width direction K2 at the front of the traveling body 5, and at least one rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K provided on the end side in the machine body width direction K2 behind the front auxiliary seedling table device 28F and at the rear of the traveling body 5. The rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K is disposed outside the machine body width direction than the front auxiliary seedling table device 28F. The transplanter 1.
[0331] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-1, by providing the rear auxiliary seedling table device 28K in addition to the front auxiliary seedling table device 28F, the number of seedlings 7 that can be mounted on the transplanter 1 can be increased, and the work efficiency of the seedling 7 planting work can be improved.
[0332] In addition, in a transplanter 1 in which a planting work implement 4 is mounted behind a traveling body 5, when a rear spare seedling table device 28K is provided at the rear of the traveling body 5, it is conceivable that the rear spare seedling table device 28K may interfere with the seedling supply work when supplying the seedlings 7 to the planting work implement 4. According to the transplanter according to Item 5-1, by arranging the rear spare seedling table device 28K outward in the machine width direction than the front spare seedling table device 28F, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. (Item 5-2) The front spare seedling table device 28F and the rear spare seedling table device 28K each have a spare seedling table 28A on which a spare seedling tray 8 is placed, and an outer end of the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K in the machine width direction K2 is located outward in the machine width direction than an outer end of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F in the machine width direction K2. The transplanter 1 according to Item 5-1.
[0333] Also with the transplanter 1 according to this Item 5-2, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. (Item 5-3) The spare seedling table 28A is changeable between a use posture UP1 in which a spare seedling tray 8 is placed and a folded posture UP2 which is a posture erected from the use posture UP1, and when the spare seedling tables 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F and the rear spare seedling table device 28K are in the use posture UP1, an outer end of the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K in the machine width direction K2 is located outward in the machine width direction than an outer end of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F in the machine width direction K2, and the spare seedling table 28A of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is located inward in the machine width direction than an outer end of the spare seedling table 28A of the front spare seedling table device 28F in the machine width direction K2 which is in the use posture UP1 when in the folded posture UP2. The transplanter 1 according to Item 5-2.
[0334] Also with the transplanter 1 according to this Item 5-3, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. (Item 5-4) The front spare seedling table device 28F has a frame member 28B to which the spare seedling table 28A is attached, and the rear spare seedling table device 28K has a frame member 28C to which the spare seedling table 28A is attached. The frame member 28B of the front spare seedling table device 28F is provided on the end side in the machine width direction K2 of the traveling body 5, and the frame member 28C of the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged on the end side in the machine width direction K2 of the traveling body 5, outside the frame member 28B of the front spare seedling table device 28F in the machine width direction. The transplanter 1 according to item 5-2 or 5-3.
[0335] Also by the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-4, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. (Item 5-5) It includes a driver's seat 3 mounted on the rear part of the traveling body 5 and a rear step 33 provided between the driver's seat 3 and the planting work machine 4. The planting work machine 4 has a seedling placing table 9 on which a seedling tray 8 is placed. The rear step 33 protrudes outward in the machine width direction from the seedling placing table 9, and the rear spare seedling table device 28K is arranged on the outer end side in the machine width direction K2 of the protruding part. The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 5-1 to 5-4.
[0336] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-5, the workability when the operator gets on the rear step 33 and supplies the seedlings 7 placed on the rear spare seedling table device 28K to the planting work machine 4 can be improved. (Item 5-6) A driver's seat 3 mounted on the rear part of the traveling body 5 and a rear step 33 provided between the driver's seat 3 and the planting work machine 4, the planting work machine 4 having a seedling placing table 9 on which a seedling tray 8 is placed, the plurality of seedling placing tables 9 being arranged side by side in the machine body width direction K2, a part 33L on one side in the machine body width direction K2 of the rear step 33 protruding outward in the machine body width direction from the seedling placing table 9 on the one side in the machine body width direction K2 among the plurality of seedling placing tables 9, and a part 33R on the other side in the machine body width direction K2 of the rear step 33 protruding outward in the machine body width direction from the seedling placing table 9 on the other side in the machine body width direction K2 among the plurality of seedling placing tables 9. The transplanter 1 according to items 5-1 to 5-5.
[0337] Also by the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-6, the workability when an operator gets on the rear step 33 and supplies the seedlings 7 placed on the rear spare seedling table device 28K to the planting work machine 4 can be improved. (Item 5-7) The front spare seedling table device 28F and the rear spare seedling table device 28K are provided on both sides of the traveling body 5 in the machine body width direction K2. One of the rear spare seedling table devices 28K is arranged on the outer end side in the machine body width direction K2 of the part 33L on the one side of the rear step 33, and the other of the rear spare seedling table devices 28K is arranged on the outer end side in the machine body width direction K2 of the part 33R on the other side of the rear step 33. The transplanter 1 according to item 6.
[0338] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-7, it is possible to suppress the rear spare seedling table device 28K from interfering with the seedling supply work. (Item 5-8) The traveling body 5 includes a floor step 29a that forms the floor surface of the driver's cab 501 having the driver's seat 3, one side step 507L provided so as to project laterally in one side in the machine width direction K2 from the floor step 29a, and the other side step 507R provided so as to project laterally in the other side. A portion 33L on one side of the rear step 33 is disposed behind the one side step 507L, and a portion 33R on the other side of the rear step 33 is disposed behind the other side step 507R. The transplanter 1 according to item 5-6 or 5-7.
[0339] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-8, when the operator 2 moves from the floor step 29a to the rear step 33, the movement can be easily performed. (Item 5-9) The traveling body 5 has a pair of rear wheels 24 in the machine width direction K2 provided at the rear of the traveling body 5. A portion 33L on one side of the rear step 33 is provided above one of the rear wheels 24 so as to project outward in the machine width direction from the one rear wheel 24, and a portion 33R on the other side of the rear step 33 is provided above the other rear wheel 24 so as to project outward in the machine width direction from the other rear wheel 24. The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 5-6 to 5-8.
[0340] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 5-9, the width in the machine width direction K2 of the rear step 33 can be increased, and the workability when replenishing the planting work machine 4 with the seedlings 7 can be improved. (Item 6-1) A planting work machine 4 that takes out the seedlings 7 from the seedling tray 8 placed on the seedling placing table 9 and plants them in the field 6, a traveling body 5 that mounts the planting work machine 4 and travels backward, a driver's seat 3 mounted on the traveling body 5, and an empty tray mounting member 510 for mounting the empty seedling tray 8 after the seedlings 7 are taken out. The transplanter 1 in which the empty tray mounting member 510 is disposed on the side of the driver's seat 3.
[0341] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-1, by arranging the empty tray placement member 510 for placing the empty seedling tray 8 after the seedlings 7 are taken out on the side of the driver's seat 3, the empty tray placement operation can be easily performed. (Item 6-2) The transplanter 1 according to item 6-1, wherein the empty tray placement member 510 is arranged at a position where the operator 2 can place the empty seedling tray 8 from the driver's seat 3.
[0342] Also according to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-2, the empty tray placement operation can be easily performed. (Item 6-3) The traveling body 5 has a floor step 29a that forms the floor surface of the driving unit 501 having the driver's seat 3, and a side step 507 provided so as to project laterally from the floor step 29a. The side step 507 has a rear part 507a located on the side of the driver's seat 3, and the empty tray placement member 510 is arranged above the rear part 507a. The transplanter 1 according to item 6-1 or 6-2.
[0343] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-3, the empty tray placement member 510 can be arranged at a position where the operator 2 can place the empty seedling tray 8 from the driver's seat 3. (Item 6-4) The transplanter 1 according to item 6-3, wherein the empty tray placement member 510 is changeable between a placement posture E1 in which the empty seedling tray 8 can be placed above the rear part 507a and a retracted posture E2 retracted from the upper position of the rear part 507a.
[0344] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-4, when the empty tray placement member 510 is not used, it can be retracted to a position where it does not get in the way. (Item 6-5) The traveling body 5 includes a rear step 33 provided between the floor step 29a and the planting work machine 4, and a step member 508 provided on a path from the side step 507 to the rear step 33. The step member 508 is disposed behind and above the side step 507 and on the side of the driver's seat 3. The empty tray placement member 510 is disposed above the rear portion 507a and the step member 508. The transplanter 1 according to item 6-3 or 6-4 as described above.
[0345] Also with the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-5, the empty tray placement member 510 can be disposed at a position where the operator 2 can place the empty seedling tray 8 from the driver's seat 3. (Item 6-6) The empty tray placement member 510 retreats from a position above the rear portion 507a and the step member 508 in the retracted posture E2. The transplanter 1 according to item 5 that cites item 4.
[0346] Also with the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-6, when the empty tray placement member 510 is not used, it can be retracted to a position where it does not get in the way. (Item 6-7) The empty tray placement member 510 includes a placement member main body 514 on which the empty seedling tray 8 is placed, a support rod 515 that supports the placement member main body 514 and extends in the front-rear direction, and a rotation prevention structure 516 that prevents rotation around the axis of the support rod 515. Further, the empty tray placement member 510 can release the rotation prevention of the support rod 515 by the rotation prevention structure 516 so as to change the position of the placement member main body 514 between the placement posture E1 and the retracted posture E2 around the axis of the support rod 515. The transplanter 1 according to item 4 as described above.
[0347] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-7, the empty tray placement member 510 can be easily changed between the placement posture E1 and the retracted posture E2. (Item 6-8) The transplanter 1 according to item 7, which includes a holding member 517 that holds the placement member main body 514 in the retracted posture E2.
[0348] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-8, when the placement member main body 514 is in the retracted posture E2, it can be held in the retracted posture E2. (Item 6-9) The transplanter 1 according to any one of items 6-1 to 6-8, which includes a pressing member 511 that presses the empty seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placement member 510.
[0349] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-9, it is possible to prevent the seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placement member 510 from coming off the empty tray placement member 510 due to wind or the like. (Item 6-10) The transplanter 1 according to item 6-9, which includes a support member 512 that supports the pressing member 511 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a biasing member 513 that biases the pressing member 511 downward.
[0350] According to the transplanter 1 according to this item 6-10, by moving the pressing member 511 upward, the seedling tray 8 can be easily placed on the empty tray placement member 510, and the biasing member 513 can firmly press the seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placement member 510. (Item 6-11) The pressing member 511 has a vertical rod portion 511a that extends in the vertical direction and a horizontal rod portion 511b that extends forward from the lower end of the vertical rod portion 511a. Further, the pressing member 511 has a pressing posture E3 in which the horizontal rod portion 511b presses the empty seedling tray 8, and a tray removal posture E4 in which the horizontal rod portion 511b is moved to a position where the empty seedling tray 8 placed on the empty tray placement member 510 can be removed by rotating the vertical rod portion 511a around its axis. The transplanter 1 according to item 6-9 is freely changeable between these postures.
[0351] According to the transplanter 1 related to this item 6-11, by setting the pressing member 511 to the tray removal posture E4, the operation for removing the seedling tray 8 stacked on the empty tray placement member 510 becomes easy.
[0352] As described above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, it should be considered that the disclosed embodiment is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0353] 1 Transplanter 3 Driver's Seat 4 Planting Work Machine 5 Traveling Body 6 Field 7 Seedling 8 Seedling Tray 9 Seedling Placing Table 400 Antenna Unit 527 Mounting Body K2 Machine Body Width Direction
Claims
1. A planting work machine for planting vegetable seedlings in a field, A traveling body that mounts the planting work machine and travels, A driver's seat mounted on the traveling body, An antenna unit that receives satellite positioning information, Comprising, The antenna unit is a transplanter disposed above the planting work machine.
2. The transplanter according to Claim 1, wherein the antenna unit is disposed above a substantially central portion in the machine width direction of the planting work machine.
3. The planting work machine has a plurality of seedling placing tables for placing seedling trays, The plurality of seedling placing tables are arranged side by side in the machine width direction, The transplanter according to Claim 1, wherein the antenna unit is disposed above the outer ends between the seedling placing table at one end in the machine width direction and the seedling placing table at the other end in the machine width direction.
4. The transplanter according to Claim 3, wherein the antenna unit is disposed above a substantially central portion between the seedling placing table at one end in the machine width direction and the seedling placing table at the other end in the machine width direction.
5. The plurality of seedling placing tables are configured to be reciprocally movable in the machine width direction, The transplanter according to Claim 3, wherein the antenna unit is disposed at a substantially central portion of the movement range of the plurality of seedling placing tables.
6. A mounting body attached to the traveling body and extending from the traveling body above the planting work machine, the transplanter according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, comprising a mounting body to which the antenna unit is attached.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Transplanting machine
JP2020202798A