Rice transplanter

Abstract

To provide a rice transplanter capable of improving workability of adjustment work.SOLUTION: A rice transplanter 1 includes a traveling part 10, a planting part 22, a supply part 40, a feeding part 3, and a drive part 50. The traveling part 10 travels. The planting part 22 is connected to the traveling part 10 and forms a plurality of planting rows by planting seedlings when the traveling part 10 is traveling. The supply part 40 supplies a fertilizer to the plurality of planting rows. The feeding part 3 feeds the fertilizer to the supply part 40. The drive part 50 drives the feeding part 3. The drive part 50 includes a feed amount changing part 51, a switching part 52, and a case part 53. The feed amount changing part 51 changes the feed amount of the fertilizer by the feeding part 3. The switching part 52 switches fertilizer supply destinations. The case part 53 accommodates at least a part of the feed amount changing part 51 and at least a part of the switching part 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rice transplanter. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice transplanter equipped with a fertilizer tank that stores fluidized fertilizer. Below the fertilizer tank are a fertilizer pump that supplies fluidized fertilizer to multiple planting rows and a speed change mechanism that changes the amount of fertilizer delivered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-172313 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the arrangement of a row stop mechanism that switches the row to which fertilizer is delivered. Therefore, when adjusting the amount of fertilizer delivered, if the speed change mechanism and the row stop mechanism are located in different places, there is a risk that the workability of adjusting the delivery characteristics will be reduced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a rice transplanter that can improve the workability of adjusting the amount of fertilizer delivered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The rice transplanter according to the present invention comprises a traveling unit, a planting unit, a supply unit, a feeding unit, and a drive unit. The traveling unit travels. The planting unit is connected to the traveling unit and plants seedlings while the traveling unit travels, forming multiple planting rows. The supply unit supplies fertilizer to the multiple planting rows. The feeding unit feeds the fertilizer to the supply unit. The drive unit drives the feeding unit. The drive unit has a feed amount change unit, a switching unit, and a case unit. The feed amount change unit changes the amount of fertilizer fed by the feeding unit. The switching unit switches the destination to which the fertilizer is supplied. The case unit houses at least a portion of the feed amount change unit and at least a portion of the switching unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the rice transplanter of the present invention, the workability of adjustment work can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rice transplanter shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fertilizer tank and the case portion. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a left side strip drive unit and a supply unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left side stripe drive unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism and the switching unit. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a deep layer drive unit and a supply unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a deep layer driving unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a switching unit and a side stripe drive unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a switching unit and a deep layer drive unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] Hereinafter, the rice transplanter 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the rice transplanter 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the rice transplanter 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the rice transplanter 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] In the following description, the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions are defined based on the operator operating the rice transplanter 1. In each drawing, the structure is described using the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions. Specifically, the direction from the driver's seat 11D toward the steering wheel 13 is the forward direction, and the direction from the steering wheel 13 toward the main shift lever 14 is the left.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice transplanter 1 includes a fertilizer tank 2, a delivery unit 3 (see FIG. 5), a traveling unit 10, a working unit 20, a lifting unit 30, a supply unit 40, a side row drive unit 50 (see FIG. 5), and a deep layer drive unit 50A (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, "side row" refers to a position near the row in which the seedlings are planted, and "deep layer" refers to a height position below the row but lower than the side row. The rice transplanter 1 is a device used, for example, for planting rice seedlings, and performs the planting work of the seedlings using the working unit 20 while traveling within a farm field using the traveling unit 10. The rice transplanter 1 is, for example, a riding rice transplanter that plants eight rows. The rice transplanter 1 may also be used for agricultural work other than planting seedlings, such as transplanting, sowing, or tilling of vegetables or grains. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the side stripe drive unit 50 and the deep layer drive unit 50A, they may be simply referred to as the drive unit 50 as an integrated name.

[0013] First, we will explain the configuration of the traveling unit 10. The traveling unit 10 is composed of a machine body that can travel in a field. The traveling unit 10 includes a vehicle body 11, an engine 12, a steering handle 13, a main shift lever 14, and a transmission case (not shown).

[0014] The vehicle body 11 includes front wheels 11A and rear wheels 11B. The front wheels 11A are provided as a pair on the left and right of the vehicle body 11. Similarly, the rear wheels 11B are also provided as a pair on the left and right of the vehicle body 11.

[0015] The vehicle body 11 includes a hood 11C. The hood 11C is provided at the front of the vehicle body 11. An engine 12 is provided inside the hood 11C. Power generated by the engine 12 is transmitted to front wheels 11A and rear wheels 11B via a transmission case.

[0016] The transmission case is disposed behind the engine 12. The transmission case has a stepped transmission (not shown). The stepped transmission transmits the power generated by the engine 12 to the front wheels 11A and the rear wheels 11B in response to the operation of the main shift lever 14 by the operator.

[0017] The vehicle body 11 is provided with a driver's seat 11D. An operator can sit in the driver's seat 11D. The driver's seat 11D is disposed between the front wheels 11A and the rear wheels 11B in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 11.

[0018] The steering handle 13 is a handle used by an operator to steer the rice transplanter 1. The steering handle 13 is disposed in the vehicle body 11, in front of the driver's seat 11D.

[0019] The main shift lever 14 is a lever that accepts operations such as "forward," "reverse," and "neutral." The main shift lever 14 is disposed next to the steering handle 13 in the vehicle body 11.

[0020] When the main shift lever 14 is operated to the "forward" position, the geared transmission in the transmission case transmits power to the front wheels 11A and the rear wheels 11B to move the rice transplanter 1 forward. On the other hand, when the main shift lever 14 is operated to the "reverse" position, the geared transmission in the transmission case transmits power to the front wheels 11A and the rear wheels 11B to move the rice transplanter 1 backward. When the main shift lever 14 is operated to the "neutral" position, the geared transmission in the transmission case cuts off the transmission of power to the front wheels 11A and the rear wheels 11B. The main shift lever 14 can also switch between "low speed" and "high speed" forward speeds. "Low speed" is used, for example, when traveling while working in a field. "High speed" is used, for example, when traveling on farm roads outside the field.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the working unit 20 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the working unit 20 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 11 and is connected to the traveling unit 10 via the lifting unit 30. The working unit 20 is a device that performs work in the field.

[0022] The working section 20 includes a seedling carrier 21, a planting section 22, an inter-row transmission (not shown), and a PTO shaft 24.

[0023] The seedling carrier 21 is a platform on which seedling mats containing raised seedlings are loaded. The seedling carrier 21 is located in front of and above the planting section 22. The surface of the seedling carrier 21 on which the seedling mats are placed is inclined so that it becomes lower toward the rear.

[0024] The seedling carrier 21 supplies seedlings from the seedling mats loaded on the loading surface of the seedling carrier 21 to the planting section 22. The seedling carrier 21 has a mechanism for reciprocating left and right. In other words, the seedling carrier 21 is supported so that it can slide left and right. The seedling carrier 21 also intermittently transports the seedling mats downward at the end of its reciprocating movement. As a result, the seedlings loaded on the loading surface of the seedling carrier 21 are supplied to the planting section 22 in order, starting from the seedlings located at the bottom.

[0025] The inter-row transmission is a device that changes the operating speed of the planting unit 22 relative to the travel speed of the traveling unit 10 to change the distance between seedling rows. Power is transmitted to the inter-row transmission from the transmission case. The power transmitted from the transmission case is changed in speed by a group of gears built into the inter-row transmission and is transmitted to the planting unit 22 by the PTO shaft 24.

[0026] The PTO shaft 24 is connected to the inter-row transmission and the planting section 22 via a universal joint.

[0027] The planting unit 22 is connected to the traveling unit 10. The planting unit 22 plants seedlings to form multiple planting rows while the traveling unit 10 is traveling. As shown in FIG. 2, the planting unit 22 includes a main frame (not shown), a center case (not shown), a transplanting mechanism, and a planting transmission case 221.

[0028] The main frame is a rod-shaped member with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction, and supports the seedling carrier 21 in the left-right direction.

[0029] The center case is located in the left-right center of the main frame. The center case is connected to the PTO shaft 24. The center case transmits power transmitted from the inter-row transmission via the PTO shaft 24 to the planting transmission case 221 via a planting drive shaft extending left-right.

[0030] The planting transmission cases 221 are arranged at multiple locations at approximately equal intervals in the left-right direction behind the main frame. A planting drive shaft is connected to the planting transmission cases 221 as an input shaft. A pair of left and right transplanting mechanisms is provided in the planting transmission cases 221.

[0031] The transplanting mechanism continuously plants the seedlings sequentially supplied from the seedling carrier 21. A plurality of transplanting mechanisms are provided in the working section 20. The number of transplanting mechanisms can be selected arbitrarily.

[0032] The transplanting mechanism is driven by power transmitted from the inter-row transmission via the PTO shaft 24. Specifically, the planting transmission case 221 transmits to the transplanting mechanism the rotational force changed in speed by the inter-row transmission.

[0033] The transplanting mechanism includes a rotating case 222 and a planting claw 223. The rotating case 222 has a rotating shaft extending in the left-right direction, and rotates around the rotating shaft as power is transmitted.

[0034] A plurality of planting claws 223 are arranged in the front-to-rear direction and attached to the rotating case 222. In the example of Fig. 1, two planting claws 223 are attached to the rotating case 222. The planting claw 223 for one row and the planting claw 223 for two rows are attached to the leftmost transmission case 221, the planting claw 223 for three rows and the planting claw 223 for four rows are attached to the second transmission case 221 from the left, the planting claw 223 for five rows and the planting claw 223 for six rows are attached to the third transmission case 221 from the left, and the planting claw 223 for seven rows and the planting claw 223 for eight rows are attached to the rightmost transmission case 221.

[0035] The planting claws 223 operate by rotating the rotating case 222 using power transmitted from the planting transmission case 221. Specifically, as the rotating case 222 rotates, the planting claws 223 pick up one row of seedlings from the seedling mat and plant them at approximately equal intervals within the field.

[0036] The working unit 20 moves the seedling carrier 21 left and right along the main frame. As the seedling carrier 21 moves back and forth left and right, the transplanting mechanism retrieves the seedlings from the seedling carrier 21 and plants them in the field. This creates multiple planting rows in the field. In this embodiment, planting rows 1 to 8 are created in order from left to right.

[0037] The traveling section 10 is also equipped with spare seedling carriers 25. The spare seedling carriers 25 are provided in front of the vehicle body section 11, in pairs on the left and right of the vehicle body section 11, with four tiers in each tier in the vertical direction. The spare seedling carriers 25 are arranged on the outside of the hood 11C in the left-right direction. Spare seedling mats are loaded on the spare seedling carriers 25. The number of tiers of the spare seedling carriers 25 can be changed as desired. When the seedling mats on the seedling carrier 21 are used up due to planting, the worker transfers the seedling mats from the spare seedling carrier 25 to the seedling carrier 21. This work is called seedling transplanting work.

[0038] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the lifting unit 30. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The lifting link mechanism 31 is configured by a parallel link including a top link and a lower link. A lifting cylinder 32 is connected to the lifting link mechanism 31.

[0040] The lifting unit 30 supports the working unit 20 so that it can be raised and lowered by extending and retracting a lifting cylinder 32. In this embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder is used for the lifting cylinder 32. However, the lifting cylinder 32 may also be an electric cylinder. Furthermore, the lifting unit 30 may raise and lower the working unit 20 by an actuator other than a cylinder.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the supply unit 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 is a side view of the fertilizer tank 2 and the case unit 53. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the left side strip drive unit 50. Fig. 5 is a view showing the left side strip drive unit 50 and the supply unit 40.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply unit 40 supplies fertilizer to a plurality of planting rows from four fertilizer tanks 2. The two front fertilizer tanks 2 are mounted on both left and right ends at the front end of the traveling unit 10. The two rear fertilizer tanks 2 are mounted on both left and right ends at the rear end of the traveling unit 10, in front of the working unit 20. The four fertilizer tanks 2 have approximately the same configuration.

[0043] In this embodiment, the two front and rear fertilizer tanks 2 on the left side and the two front and rear fertilizer tanks 2 on the right side are arranged so as to be equidistant with respect to a line parallel to the front-rear direction that passes through the center in the vehicle width direction of the rice transplanter 1. The two left and right fertilizer tanks 2 on the front side and the two left and right fertilizer tanks 2 on the rear side are positioned 180 degrees inverted with respect to a line parallel to the left-right direction that passes between them.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the supply unit 40 includes a pump 41, a side nozzle 42 (see FIG. 1), a deep nozzle 43 (see FIG. 1), and a hose 44.

[0045] The fertilizer tank 2 stores paste-like fertilizer. The fertilizer tank 2 has a pump case 2a and a covering part 45. The pump case 2a protrudes downward from the fertilizer tank 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the left rear fertilizer tank 2 and the right rear fertilizer tank 2 are connected by a connecting pipe (not shown) extending laterally. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the front fertilizer tanks 2 on both the left and right sides and the rear right fertilizer tank 2, four pumps 41 are arranged lined up in the front-rear direction on the inside of each pump case 2a in the vehicle width direction. The covering part 45 covers the front portion and the outer portion in the vehicle width direction of the pump case 2a. The covering part 45 is fixed to the pump case 2a with a plurality of fastening members (not shown). First, the supply part 40 corresponding to the left front fertilizer tank 2 will be mainly described.

[0046] In the supply unit 40 corresponding to the fertilizer tank 2 on the front left side, side row nozzles 42 (see Figure 1) are connected to a pump 41 via a hose 44. The two side row nozzles 42 each supply fertilizer to a position near the planting row. A deep nozzle 43 (see Figure 1) is disposed between the two side row nozzles 42. The deep nozzle 43 supplies fertilizer to a position deeper than the side row nozzles 42.

[0047] Four pumps 41 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. The pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the first row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 1 pump) and the pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the second row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 2 pump) start and stop fertilization in synchronization with each other, except for manual row stop operation. The pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the third row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 3 pump) and the pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the fourth row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 4 pump) start and stop fertilization in synchronization with each other, except for manual row stop operation. Similarly, in the case of the supply unit 40 corresponding to the fertilizer tank 2 on the right front, the pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the fifth row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 5 pump) and the pump 41 for applying fertilizer to the sixth row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side-row 6 pump) start and stop fertilization in synchronization with each other, except for manual row stop operation. The pump for applying fertilizer to the seventh row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side row 7 pump) 41 and the pump for applying fertilizer to the eighth row (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the side row 8 pump) 41 are synchronized in the start and stop of fertilization, except for manual row stopping operations. Hereinafter, if it is not related to planting rows, it may be referred to as the side row pump 41 or the deep layer pump 41, and if it is not related to side rows or deep layers, it may be simply referred to as the pump 41.

[0048] Next, the drive unit 50 will be described. The drive unit 50 drives the dispensing unit 3. The drive unit 50 drives the pump 41 via the dispensing unit 3. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the drive unit 50 has a dispensing amount changing unit 51, a switching unit 52, and a case unit 53.

[0049] The feed amount change unit 51 changes the amount of fertilizer fed by the feed unit 3. The feed amount change unit 51 changes the amount of fertilizer fed to the supply unit 40 by slowing down or speeding up the rotational speed of the input shaft 511 transmitted from the transmission case. The input shaft 511 extends from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The feed amount change unit 51 is connected to the pump 41 via the feed unit 3. The feed amount change unit 51 is connected to the feed unit 3 via a gear. The feed amount change unit 51 changes the amount of fertilizer supplied from the pump 41 by using a plurality of gears with different gear ratios.

[0050] The switching unit 52 switches the supply destination of the fertilizer. The switching unit 52 switches between transmitting and cutting off power transmission to the delivery unit 3. Specifically, the switching unit 52 is a clutch mechanism.

[0051] The case portion 53 houses at least a part of the feed rate change portion 51 and at least a part of the switching portion 52. The rotation speed from the engine changed by the transmission case is input to the case portion 53. The rotation speed input to the case portion 53 is further changed by the gears housed in the case portion 53. In other words, because the case portion 53 houses at least a part of the feed rate change portion 51 and at least a part of the switching portion 52 inside, the operation of the feed rate change portion 51 and the switching portion 52 to adjust the fertilizer feed characteristics can be performed inside the case portion 53. This makes it possible to shorten the overall time required for the reassembly work and improve work efficiency.

[0052] Next, the side stripe drive unit 50 will be further described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left side stripe drive unit 50. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism 60 and the switching unit 52.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the feed amount change unit 51 has an input shaft 511, a plurality of output shafts 512, and a transmission mechanism 60.

[0054] Power is input to the input shaft 511. The input shaft 511 has an input gear 85. Power is transmitted to the input shaft 511 from the engine 12 (see FIG. 1) via a transmission case. The power transmitted from the engine 12 (see FIG. 1) is distributed to the left and right side pumps 41 via a power distribution mechanism (not shown). In the case of the side pump drive unit 50, the input shaft 511 extends in the left-right direction between the front end of the pump case 2a and the covering portion 45. An input gear 85 is attached to the downstream end of the input shaft 511. The input gear 85 is, for example, a bevel gear.

[0055] The multiple output shafts 512 output power to the payout unit 3. Each of the multiple output shafts 512 has an output gear 86 and a sprocket 512a. Four output shafts 512 are provided to correspond to the single-row side pump 41 to the four-row side pump 41, respectively. The single-row side pump 41 to the four-row side pump 41 are arranged from the rear position to the front position. An output gear 86 is attached to the upstream end of the output shaft 512. The output gear 86 is, for example, a bevel gear. A sprocket 512a is provided on the upstream portion of the output shaft 512.

[0056] The multiple output shafts 512 have connecting portions (not shown) that connect to the payout unit 3. The position of the connecting portions is determined by the case portion 53 and a bearing (not shown). The connecting portions are located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the case portion 53. This allows the pump 41 and the drive unit 50 to be easily connected.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sprocket 512a of the first-row output shaft 512 and the sprocket 512a of the second-row output shaft 512 are connected by a chain 54, and the sprocket 512a of the third-row output shaft 512 and the sprocket 512a of the fourth-row output shaft 512 are connected by a chain 54. The output shaft 512 protrudes inward from the case portion 53 in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] The transmission mechanism 60 transmits power from the input shaft 511 to the multiple output shafts 512. The transmission mechanism 60 extends in the front-rear direction. The transmission mechanism 60 transmits power from the single-row side-row pump 41 to the four-row side-row pump 41.

[0059] The case portion 53 accommodates a portion of the input shaft 511, a portion of each of the plurality of output shafts 512, and the transmission mechanism 60. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the case portion 53 is configured in a generally cylindrical shape with an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0060] The transmission mechanism 60 has at least one gear set including multiple gears with different gear ratios. The delivery rate of the pump 41 is changed by the gear set. This makes it easy to change the delivery rate of the pump 41. In other words, because the transmission mechanism 60 has at least one gear set including multiple gears with different gear ratios, the gear ratio can be easily adjusted by rearranging the gears.

[0061] The transmission mechanism 60 includes a transmission shaft 61 , a transmission input gear 83 , and a third gear 84 .

[0062] The transmission shaft 61 extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the transmission shaft 61 is located rearward of the front end of the pump case 2a, and the rear end of the transmission shaft 61 is located forward of the rear end of the pump case 2a.

[0063] The transmission mechanism 60 further includes a first gear 81 and a second gear 82. The first gear 81 has a different gear ratio from the second gear 82. The first gear 81 and the second gear 82 form a gear set. The first gear 81 and the second gear 82 are disposed in an upper portion of the case portion 53.

[0064] The first gear 81 has a first opposing gear 81a and a first shaft 81b. The first gear 81 and the first opposing gear 81a are fixed to a first shaft 81b. The first opposing gear 81a is, for example, a bevel gear. Power is transmitted to the first opposing gear 81a from the input gear 85. The first shaft 81b extends in the vertical direction. The first gear 81 and the first opposing gear 81a rotate synchronously with the first shaft 81b as the rotation axis. Power input to the first opposing gear 81a is transmitted to the first gear 81 via the first shaft 81b.

[0065] The second gear 82 receives power from the first gear 81. The second gear 82 has a second opposing gear 82a and a second shaft 82b. The second gear 82 and the second opposing gear 82a are fixed to the second shaft 82b. The second opposing gear 82a is, for example, a bevel gear. The second opposing gear 82a transmits power to the power transmission input gear 83. The second shaft 82b extends in the vertical direction. The second gear 82 and the second opposing gear 82a rotate synchronously with the second shaft 82b as the rotation axis. The power input to the second gear 82 is transmitted to the second opposing gear 82a via the second shaft 82b. Finally, the second gear 82 transmits power to the power transmission shaft 61 via the power transmission input gear 83.

[0066] The transmission input gear 83 is disposed at the front end of the transmission shaft 61. The transmission input gear 83 rotates in synchronization with the transmission shaft 61. The transmission shaft 61 inputs power from the input shaft 511 via a gear set. Specifically, the transmission shaft 61 inputs power from the input shaft 511 via a gear set of the input gear 85 and the first opposing gear 81a, a gear set G1 of the first gear 81 and the second gear 82, and a gear set of the second opposing gear 82a and the transmission input gear 83. In other words, the payout amount is changed by adjusting at least one of the gear ratios between the input gear 85 and the first opposing gear 81a, the gear ratio between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82, and the gear ratio between the second opposing gear 82a and the transmission input gear 83. In this embodiment, the gear set is set so that the speed is reduced by adjusting the gear ratio between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82, and the speed is increased downstream of the gear set G1 of the first gear 81 and the second gear 82 in the power transmission direction.

[0067] The third gear 84 is configured to be switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state with respect to the transmission shaft 61. When the third gear 84 is engaged with the transmission shaft 61, it rotates in synchronization with the transmission shaft 61. When the third gear 84 is disengaged from the transmission shaft 61, it is independent of the rotation of the transmission shaft 61 and does not rotate in synchronization with the transmission shaft 61. The outer edge portion of the third gear 84 is engaged with the output gear 86. In this embodiment, two third gears 84 are disposed with respect to the transmission shaft 61, one corresponding to the position of the second-row output shaft 512 and the other corresponding to the position of the fourth-row output shaft 512. In other words, the front third gear 84 meshes with the output gear 86 of the fourth-row output shaft 512, and the rear third gear 84 meshes with the output gear 86 of the second-row output shaft 512. As a result, all four output shafts 512 can be driven by two chains 54 and two third gears 84. By adjusting the gear ratio between the third gears 84 and the output gear 86, it is also possible to change the payout amount for each output shaft 512.

[0068] The right-side strip drive unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the right-side strip drive unit 50. As shown in FIG. 8, the case 53 (see FIG. 4) of the right-side strip drive unit 50 is configured by rotating 180 degrees relative to the case 53 (see FIG. 4) of the left-side strip drive unit 50 with the center in the vehicle width direction as the reference. In the right-side strip drive unit 50, power is transmitted from an input gear 85 (see FIG. 5) to a first opposing gear 81a disposed at the bottom of a first shaft 81b. The power input to the first opposing gear 81a is transmitted to a first gear 81 located at the top via the first shaft 81b. Downstream from the first gear 81, the power transmission paths between the transmission mechanism 60 of the left-side strip drive unit 50 and the transmission mechanism 60 of the right-side strip drive unit 50 are the same. The five-row pump 41 to the eight-row pump 41 are arranged from a rear position to a front position.

[0069] Next, the switching unit 52 will be further described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the switching unit 52 has a clutch 70, an operating unit 71, an input unit 72, a spring 73, a wire 96a, and a wire 96b.

[0070] The clutch 70 switches between transmitting and disconnecting power to the multiple output shafts 512. The clutch 70 is disposed corresponding to the third gear 84. In other words, the clutch 70 switches between engaging the third gear 84 with the transmission shaft 61 and disengaging the third gear 84 with the transmission shaft 61. The clutch 70 is formed of a cylindrical member concentric with the transmission mechanism 60, and is inserted through the transmission shaft 61. The clutch 70 rotates synchronously with the transmission shaft 61 and is configured to be movable relative to the transmission shaft 61 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0071] The transmission mechanism 60 is configured so that the clutch 70 can be disposed at any of a plurality of predetermined locations on each output shaft 512. Therefore, since the clutch 70 can be disposed at a plurality of locations on the output shaft 512, row stopping, which stops fertilization on a specific planting row, can be precisely controlled.

[0072] The clutch 70 has a main body 700 , an engaging portion 701 , and a locking portion 702 .

[0073] The main body 700 is movable relative to the transmission shaft 61 in the front-to-rear direction, but its relative movement in the circumferential direction is restricted. The main body 700 is spline-coupled to the transmission shaft 61, for example. However, the coupling between the main body 700 and the transmission shaft 61 is not limited to spline coupling; any coupling structure can be employed.

[0074] The engaging portion 701 engages with the third gear 84 from the rear toward the front. Thereafter, the transmission shaft 61 and the third gear 84 rotate synchronously.

[0075] The locking portion 702 receives the biasing force of the spring 73. The locking portion 702 is disposed at the rear end of the main body 700. The locking portion 702 is formed by bending the rear end of the main body 700 toward the outside in the radial direction of the clutch 70. A stopper portion 62 is provided on the transmission shaft 61 at a position rearward of the locking portion 702 and facing the locking portion 702. The spring 73 is disposed between the stopper portion 62 and the locking portion 702. As a result, the spring 73 biases the clutch 70 forward so that the engaging portion 701 engages with the engaged portion 84a of the third gear 84.

[0076] The operating unit 71 disengages the third gear 84 from the clutch 70. Specifically, the operating unit 71 moves the main body 700 rearward against the biasing force of the spring 73. As a result, the engaging portion 701 moves away from the third gear 84. The operating unit 71 is provided for each clutch 70. The operating unit 71 is rotatable about a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the transmission shaft 61.

[0077] The input unit 72 receives an operating force for operating the operation unit 71. An input unit 72 is provided for each operation unit 71. In other words, the switching unit 52 has a plurality of input units 72 for receiving power for operating the clutch 70. The input unit 72 is disposed at the end of the operation unit 71 opposite to the transmission shaft 61. The operating force is input to the input unit 72 via wire 96a or wire 96b.

[0078] In the case of the left side-stripe drive unit 50, the input unit 72 is arranged corresponding to the second-stripe output shaft 512 and the fourth-stripe output shaft 512. In the case of the right side-stripe drive unit 50, the input unit 72 is arranged corresponding to the sixth-stripe output shaft 512 and the eighth-stripe output shaft 512. In the case of the right side-stripe drive unit 50, an operating force is input to the input unit 72 via a wire 96c (see FIG. 11) or a wire 96d (see FIG. 11). In the case of the side-stripe drive unit 50, the input unit 72 is arranged above the case unit 53. Even if the two input units 72 are arranged above the case unit 53, the input units 72 are not adjacent to each other, which suppresses interference and the like that occurs when the input units 72 are operated.

[0079] The deep layer driver 50A will be further described with reference to Figures 4 to 6, 9, and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the deep layer driver 50A and the supply unit 40. Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the deep layer driver 50A.

[0080] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the case of the deep layer drive unit 50A, the covering part 45 covers the front end of the pump case 2a and the outer side of the pump case 2a in the vehicle width direction. The input shaft 511 extends in the left-right direction rearward of the rear end of the pump case 2a. The deep layer drive unit 50A is provided only in the right-rear fertilizer tank 2. The left-rear fertilizer tank 2 only has the function of storing fertilizer.

[0081] The deep-layer drive unit 50A drives a deep-layer pump 41 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a deep-layer single-row pump) for applying fertilizer between the fertilizing positions of the one-side-row nozzle 42 and the two-side-row nozzle 42, a deep-layer pump 41 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a deep-layer two-row pump) for applying fertilizer between the fertilizing positions of the three-side-row nozzle 42 and the four-side-row nozzle 42, a deep-layer pump 41 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a deep-layer three-row pump) for applying fertilizer between the fertilizing positions of the five-side-row nozzle 42 and the six-side-row nozzle 42, and a deep-layer pump 41 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a deep-layer four-row pump) for applying fertilizer between the fertilizing positions of the seven-side-row nozzle 42 and the eight-side-row nozzle 42. Power transmitted from the engine 12 (see FIG. 2) is distributed to the deep-layer pump 41 via a power distribution mechanism.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 5, in the side-row drive unit 50, sprockets 512a of two output shafts 512 are connected by a chain 54, and one switching unit 52 is provided for each of the two output shafts 512. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, in the deep-layer drive unit 50A, because each deep-layer pump 41 must be controlled individually, a switching unit 52 is provided for each output shaft 512 corresponding to that deep-layer pump 41. That is, an output shaft 512, a third gear 84, an output gear 86, and a switching unit 52 are provided for each deep-layer pump 41. In the case of the deep-layer drive unit 50A, an operating force is input to the input unit 72 via a wire 96e (see Fig. 12), a wire 96f (see Fig. 12), a wire 96g (see Fig. 12), or a wire 96h (see Fig. 12).

[0083] 4 to 6, 9, and 10, the case part 53 of the side stripe drive part 50 and the case part 53 of the deep layer drive part 50A have the same configuration. The case part 53 has a first part 531, a second part 532, an upper opening 533, a lower opening 534, an upper cover part 53A, and a side cover part 53C.

[0084] Power is input to the first section 531 from the input shaft 511 via the input gear 85. The first section 531 houses a reduction mechanism. Specifically, the first section 531 houses a first gear 81, a first opposing gear 81a, a first shaft 81b, a second gear 82, a second opposing gear 82a, and a second shaft 82b. The second gear 82 has a different gear ratio from the first gear 81.

[0085] The upper end of first portion 531 is higher than the upper end of second portion 532. The upper end of first portion 531 forms upper opening 533. Upper lid portion 53A closes upper opening 533 via a fastening member (not shown). The lower end of first portion 531 is lower than the lower end of second portion 532. The lower end of first portion 531 forms lower opening 534. This allows the gear ratio to be changed by removing upper lid portion 53A. Note that a lower lid portion may be provided to close lower opening 534.

[0086] The second part 532 extends in the front-rear direction from the first part 531. The second part 532 has a first bearing part 53a, a second bearing part 53b, a third bearing part 53c, and a fourth bearing part 53d. The first bearing part 53a, the second bearing part 53b, the third bearing part 53c, and the fourth bearing part 53d rotatably support the operating part 71 at an upper part of the second part 532. The first bearing part 53a, the second bearing part 53b, the third bearing part 53c, and the fourth bearing part 53d rotatably support the operating part 71 at a lower part of the second part 532. In other words, the first bearing part 53a, the second bearing part 53b, the third bearing part 53c, and the fourth bearing part 53d are formed above and below the central axis of the second part 532, respectively.

[0087] In the deep-layer drive unit 50A, the deep single-row pump 41, deep double-row pump 41, deep triple-row pump 41, and deep four-row pump 41 are arranged in this order from the position closest to the first unit 531 (rear position). In the deep-layer drive unit 50A, operation units 71 are arranged on the upper first bearing unit 53a and the upper third bearing unit 53c, and on the lower second bearing unit 53b and the lower fourth bearing unit 53d. In other words, the input units 72 are arranged above and below each other with the case unit 53 sandwiched between them. This prevents the input units 72 from being adjacent to each other, thereby suppressing interference and other problems that may occur when operating the input units 72. Furthermore, because there are bearing units above and below, the case can be shared by both the left and right drive units 50.

[0088] The case part 53 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end part in the vehicle width direction of the traveling part 10 (see FIG. 1). The outer end part in the vehicle width direction of the input shaft 511 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end part in the vehicle width direction of the case part 53. As a result, the input shaft 511 does not protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the traveling part 10, and the rice transplanter 1 can be made more compact in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] Next, the rice transplanter 1 will be further described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the switching unit 90 and the side row drive unit 50. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the switching unit 90 and the deep layer drive unit 50A. The rice transplanter 1 further includes a switching unit 90. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the switching unit 90 has a motor 91, a gear 92, a cam 93, and a base 94. The switching unit 90 also has four links 95a to 95d and eight wires 96a to 96h.

[0090] The switching unit 90 switches between applying fertilizer to the planting rows and stopping the application of fertilizer by operating the switching section 52 (see Figure 7). The switching unit 90 is disposed between the traveling section 10 (see Figure 1) and the working section 20 (see Figure 1). Specifically, it is attached to the upper horizontal frame (not shown) on the front of the seedling carrier 21 (see Figure 1) via a bracket (not shown).

[0091] The gear 92 and the cam 93 are fixed by bolts and rotatably supported on a base 94. The rotation shafts of the gear 92 and the cam 93 are fixed to the seedling carrier 21 (see FIG. 1) via the base 94.

[0092] The motor 91 is fixed to a base 94. The power of the motor 91 is transmitted to a gear 92 via a transmission gear 98. The motor 91 can rotate in a forward direction W1 and a reverse direction W2, thereby rotating the gear 92 and the cam 93.

[0093] The four links 95a to 95d are rotatably supported on the base 94. When the cam 93 rotates, the four links 95a to 95d ride on the cam 93, thereby pushing and pulling the wires 96a to 96h. Pulling the wires operates the operating unit 71 via the input unit 72, and the clutch 70 and the third gear 84 are disengaged. As a result, power is not transmitted from the third gear 84 to the output shaft 512 (see FIG. 5).

[0094] The link 95a is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the two-row side-row pump 41 via a wire 96a, and is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the single-row deep-row pump 41 via a wire 96e. The single-row side-row pump 41 operates in synchronization with the two-row side-row pump 41. The link 95b is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the four-row side-row pump 41 via a wire 96b, and is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the two-row deep-row pump 41 via a wire 96f. The three-row side-row pump 41 operates in synchronization with the four-row side-row pump 41. The link 95c is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the six-row side-row pump 41 via a wire 96c, and is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the three-row deep-row pump 41 via a wire 96g. The five-row side-row pump 41 operates in synchronization with the six-row side-row pump 41. The link 95d is connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the eight-row side pump 41 via a wire 96d, and is also connected to the operating unit 71 corresponding to the four-row deep pump 41 via a wire 96h. The seven-row side pump 41 operates in synchronization with the eight-row side pump 41.

[0095] When the gear 92 rotates in the forward direction W1, the side row 1 pump 41 and the side row 2 pump 41 stop, then the side row 3 pump 41 and the side row 4 pump 41 stop, then the side row 5 pump 41 and the side row 6 pump 41 stop, and finally the side row 7 pump 41 and the side row 8 pump 41 stop. When the side row 1 pump 41 and the side row 2 pump 41 stop, the deep row 1 pump 41 stops. When the side row 3 pump 41 and the side row 4 pump 41 stop, the deep row 2 pump 41 stops. When the side row 5 pump 41 and the side row 6 pump 41 stop, the deep row 3 pump 41 stops. When the side row 7 pump 41 and the side row 8 pump 41 stop, the deep row 4 pump 41 stops. When the gear 92 rotates in the reverse direction W2, it performs the opposite operation to that when it rotates in the forward direction W1.

[0096] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0098] (1) As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 12, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the rice transplanter 1 is capable of planting eight rows, but this is not limited to this. The rice transplanter 1 may be capable of planting eight or fewer rows, such as two, three, or six rows, or may be capable of planting eight or more rows.

[0099] (2) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, in the above embodiment, an example of the drive unit 50 that drives four pumps 41 has been shown, but this is not limiting. The drive unit 50 may drive three or fewer pumps 41, or may drive five or more pumps 41. Furthermore, even in the case unit 53 of the drive unit 50 that drives four pumps 41, by omitting the pumps 41 and closing the opening, the case unit 53 can also be used for drive units 50 with fewer than four pumps.

[0100] (3) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, in the above embodiment, an example of the rice transplanter 1 equipped with the side row drive unit 50 and the deep layer drive unit 50A was shown, but this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient if the rice transplanter has at least one of the side row drive unit 50 and the deep layer drive unit 50A.

[0101] (4) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 , in the above embodiment, the speed reduction adjustment is performed by adjusting the gear ratio between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82 disposed in the first section 531. However, this is not limiting. Speed ​​increase adjustment may also be performed by adjusting the gear ratio between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82. Furthermore, the gear ratio adjustment may be performed by a gear set other than the gear set G1 between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82. For example, the gear ratio may be adjusted by one or more of the gear sets: the gear set between the first gear 81 and the input gear 85, the gear set between the second gear 82 and the transmission input gear 83, and the gear set between the third gear 84 and the output gear 86.

[0102] (5) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, in the above embodiment, an example of a cylindrical case portion 53 was shown, but this is not limiting. An elliptical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape may also be used. Since the left and right case portions 53 and the front and rear case portions 53 are used interchangeably, a vertically symmetrical shape or a front-to-back symmetrical shape is preferable. A case portion having a vertically symmetrical shape and a front-to-back symmetrical shape is more preferable.

[0103] This application discloses the following supplementary notes, which are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0104] (Appendix 1) a running unit that runs; a planting unit connected to the traveling unit and configured to plant seedlings while the traveling unit is traveling to form a plurality of planting rows; a supply unit that supplies fertilizer to the plurality of planting rows; a delivery unit that delivers the fertilizer to the supply unit; a drive unit that drives the payout unit; Equipped with The drive unit is a feed amount change unit that changes the amount of the fertilizer fed by the feed unit; A switching unit that switches the supply destination of the fertilizer; a case portion that accommodates at least a portion of the feed amount change portion and at least a portion of the switching portion; A rice transplanter having the following features.

[0105] (Appendix 2) The feed amount change unit is an input shaft to which power is input; a plurality of output shafts that output the power to the payout portion; a transmission mechanism that transmits the power from the input shaft to the plurality of output shafts; and The case portion is at least a portion of the input shaft; At least a portion of each of the plurality of output shafts; the transmission mechanism; Accommodates the transmission mechanism has at least one gear set including a plurality of gears having different gear ratios; The rice transplanter according to claim 1, wherein the feed amount is changed by the gear set.

[0106] (Appendix 3) Further comprising a fertilizer tank for storing fertilizer; the fertilizer tank is disposed above the delivery unit, the payout portion is disposed on the inner side of the running portion in the vehicle width direction than the case portion, The input shaft extends from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction, The output shaft protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the case portion, the case portion is disposed more inward in the vehicle width direction than an outer end portion thereof, The rice transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer end of the input shaft in the vehicle width direction is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the outer end of the case portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0107] (Appendix 4) the switching unit has a clutch that switches between transmitting and cutting off the power transmission to the plurality of output shafts, The rice transplanter described in any one of appendix 1 to appendix 3, wherein the transmission mechanism is configured so that the clutch can be arranged at any of a plurality of predetermined locations on each of the output shafts.

[0108] (Appendix 5) the switching unit has a plurality of input units for inputting power to operate the clutch, The rice transplanter according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 4, wherein the plurality of input sections are arranged above and below with the case section sandwiched therebetween.

[0109] (Appendix 6) the drive unit further includes a connection unit that connects the plurality of output shafts and the payout unit, The rice transplanter according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 5, wherein the connection portion is located more inward in the vehicle width direction of the traveling portion than the case portion. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The present invention can be used in the field of rice transplanters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1: Rice transplanter 2: Fertilizer tank 3: Feeding section 10: Running part 22: Planting section 40: Supply section 50: Drive unit 50: Side stripe drive unit 50A: Deep layer drive unit 51: Feed amount change unit 52: Switching section 53: Case part 60: Transmission mechanism 70: Clutch 72: Input section 81: 1st gear 82: 2nd gear 83: Transmission input gear 84: 3rd gear 85: Input gear 86: Output gear 511: Input shaft 512: Output shaft G1: Gear set

Claims

1. a running unit that runs; a planting unit connected to the traveling unit and configured to plant seedlings while the traveling unit is traveling to form a plurality of planting rows; a supply unit that supplies fertilizer to the plurality of planting rows; a delivery unit that delivers the fertilizer to the supply unit; a drive unit that drives the payout unit; Equipped with The drive unit is a feed amount change unit that changes the amount of the fertilizer fed by the feed unit; A switching unit that switches the supply destination of the fertilizer; a case portion that accommodates at least a portion of the feed amount change portion and at least a portion of the switching portion; A rice transplanter having the following features.

2. The feed amount change unit is an input shaft to which power is input; a plurality of output shafts that output the power to the payout portion; a transmission mechanism that transmits the power from the input shaft to the plurality of output shafts; and The case portion is at least a portion of the input shaft; At least a portion of each of the plurality of output shafts; the transmission mechanism; Accommodates the transmission mechanism has at least one gear set including a plurality of gears having different gear ratios; The rice transplanter according to claim 1 , wherein the payout amount is changed by the gear set.

3. Further provided is a fertilizer tank for storing the fertilizer, the fertilizer tank is disposed above the delivery unit, the payout portion is disposed on the inner side of the running portion in the vehicle width direction than the case portion, The input shaft extends from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction, The output shaft protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the case portion, the case portion is disposed more inward in the vehicle width direction than an outer end portion thereof, The rice transplanter according to claim 2, wherein the outer end of the input shaft in the vehicle width direction is located more inward in the vehicle width direction than the outer end of the case portion in the vehicle width direction.

4. the switching unit has a clutch that switches between transmitting and cutting off the power transmission to the plurality of output shafts, The rice transplanter according to claim 2, wherein the transmission mechanism is configured so that the clutch can be disposed at any of a plurality of predetermined locations on each of the output shafts.

5. the switching unit has a plurality of input units for inputting the power to operate the clutch, The rice transplanter according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of input sections are arranged one above the other with the case section sandwiched therebetween.

6. the drive unit further includes a connection unit that connects the plurality of output shafts and the payout unit, The rice transplanter according to claim 5, wherein the connection portion is located more inward in the vehicle width direction of the traveling portion than the case portion.

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