planter

Abstract

To provide a seed planter capable of improving germination rates. [Solution] The device comprises an adjustment unit that adjusts the orientation of the seed S so that the hilum S1 of the seed S does not face upward, and a sowing unit that sows the seed S whose orientation has been adjusted by the adjustment unit into a culture medium B. The adjustment unit is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed S by applying an impact to the seed S. The adjustment unit comprises a second slide unit 15 having a second through-hole 15b into which the seed S can fall, and a third flat plate unit 18 positioned below the second slide unit 15. The device is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed S by the impact when the seed S that has fallen through the second through-hole 15b collides with the third flat plate unit 18.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of seeders.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of seeders has been well-known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The seeder described in Patent Document 1 includes a first plate and a second plate. A plurality of first through-holes are formed in the first plate. A plurality of second through-holes are formed in the second plate. The first plate is disposed above the second plate and can slide horizontally. An operator introduces seeds into the first through-holes in a state where the first through-holes are horizontally displaced with respect to the second through-holes. Then, the operator slides the first plate until the first through-holes and the second through-holes are vertically aligned. Thereby, a plurality of seeds can be collectively moved (sown) from the plurality of second through-holes to the culture medium.

[0004] Here, a hilum is formed on the surface of the seed. Generally, roots extend from near the hilum of the seed. Therefore, if the seed is held in the culture medium with the hilum facing upward, the roots cannot enter the culture medium well and there is a possibility that germination may not occur.

[0005] When seeds are introduced into the first through-holes of Patent Document 1, some seeds lean against the first through-holes and the hilum faces upward. When the seeds are sown in this state, some seeds are held in the culture medium with the hilum facing upward, and there is a possibility that germination may not occur. Therefore, in the seeder of Patent Document 1, the germination rate may decrease.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a seed planter capable of improving the germination rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0009] In other words, claim 1 comprises an adjustment unit for adjusting the orientation of the seeds so that the hilum of the seeds does not face upward, and a sowing unit for sowing the seeds whose orientation has been adjusted by the adjustment unit into a culture medium.

[0010] In claim 2, the adjustment unit is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed by applying an impact to the seed.

[0011] In claim 3, the adjustment unit comprises a first member having a first through-hole through which the seeds can fall, and a second member disposed below the first member, and is configured to adjust the orientation of the seeds by the impact when the seeds that have fallen through the first through-hole collide with the second member.

[0012] In claim 4, the distance the seed falls in the vertical direction when it falls through the first through-hole is 1.11 times or more the major diameter of the seed.

[0013] In claim 5, the distance the seed falls in the vertical direction when it falls through the first through-hole is 1.98 times or more the major diameter of the seed.

[0014] In claim 6, the second member is formed with a second through-hole that penetrates vertically, and the sowing unit is configured to sow the seeds in a culture medium located below the second member by moving the seeds into the second through-hole.

[0015] In claim 7, the seeding unit comprises the first member and the second member, the second member being positioned adjacent to the first member on the lower side, and the first member and the second member being configured to switch between a first state in which the first through-hole and the second through-hole are not in communication and a second state in which the first through-hole and the second through-hole are in communication by relative movement of the first member and the second member.

[0016] In claim 8, the first through-hole is formed in a circular shape in plan view, having an inner diameter of 1.33 times or more the major diameter of the seed.

[0017] In claim 9, the thickness of the second member is 0.13 times or less the minor diameter of the seed.

[0018] In claim 10, the adjustment unit comprises a third member capable of moving a plurality of seeds collectively toward a plurality of first through holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0020] Claim 1 can improve the germination rate.

[0021] In claim 2, the orientation of the seeds can be adjusted by impact.

[0022] In claim 3, the orientation of the seeds can be adjusted by causing them to fall.

[0023] In claim 4, since the dropping distance can be made relatively long, the seeds can be dropped forcefully, and it is easy to adjust the orientation of the seeds so that the umbilical cord does not face upward.

[0024] In claim 5, the seeds can be dropped forcefully, and it is easy to adjust the orientation of the seeds.

[0025] In claim 6, by moving the seeds to the second through-hole after causing the seeds to collide with the second member, the seeds can be sown (promptly) without moving from the second member to other members.

[0026] In claim 7, the orientation of the seeds and sowing can be performed by the first member and the second member.

[0027] In claim 8, the inner diameter of the first through-hole is made relatively large with respect to the seeds, and it is possible to suppress the umbilical cord of the seeds that have collided with the second member from facing upward and being held in the first through-hole (failure in orientation adjustment).

[0028] In claim 9, it is possible to make it difficult for the seeds to be held in the medium with the umbilical cord facing upward.

[0029] In claim 10, since the orientations of a plurality of seeds can be adjusted collectively, the workability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] (a) Plan view showing a seeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. (b) Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing various dimensions of the seeder. [Figure 3] (a) Cross-sectional view showing a state where seeds are introduced into the first through-hole. (b) Cross-sectional view showing a state where the seeds collide with the third flat portion. (c) Cross-sectional view showing a state where the seeds are sown in the medium. [Figure 4](a) A figure showing the results of the first verification. (b) A graph showing the relationship between the distance the seeds were dropped and the number of seeds with their hilum facing upwards. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the results of the second verification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] In the following explanation, the up-and-down, left-and-right, and front-and-back directions are defined according to the arrows shown in the diagram.

[0032] In the following, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, a seed planter 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] The seed planter 10 is used to sow seeds S into the culture medium B (see Figure 3(b)). While the type of seeds S is not particularly limited, in this embodiment, seeds S of a leguminous plant are assumed. Specifically, soybean seeds S are assumed. The culture medium B is assumed to be a solid culture medium such as rock wool or soil.

[0034] First, let's briefly explain the soybean seed S. The seed S shown in Figure 2 is formed in an ellipsoidal shape. Also, in the state shown in Figure 2, the seed S is positioned with its major axis oriented horizontally and its minor axis oriented vertically. The major axis R1 and minor axis R2 of the seed S vary depending on the soybean variety, but in this embodiment, we assume that the major axis R1 of the seed S is 9 mm and the minor axis R2 is 7.6 mm.

[0035] The seed S has a hilum S1. The hilum S1 is formed on the surface of the seed S. The seed S extends roots from the vicinity of the hilum S1.

[0036] When a seed S is placed on a horizontal surface (a flat surface), it will remain stationary in a position where its center of gravity is stable. In this specification, this state will be referred to as the "stable state." In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the hilum S1 of the seed S is facing sideways in the stable state. Hereafter, the state in which the hilum S1 is tilted upward from the stable state will be referred to as the "hilum S1 facing upward state." Similarly, the state in which the hilum S1 is tilted downward from the stable state will be referred to as the "hilum S1 facing downward state."

[0037] Here, culture medium B (solid medium) has recesses and fine irregularities that hold the seed S. Therefore, if a seed S is sown with its hilum S1 facing upwards, culture medium B will hold the seed S in that position (facing upwards). As mentioned above, since the roots of the seed S extend from around the hilum S1, if the seed S is held in culture medium B with its hilum S1 facing upwards, the roots may not be able to properly enter culture medium B, and germination may not be possible. On the other hand, if the seed S is held in culture medium B with its hilum S1 facing downwards or in a stable position facing sideways (not facing upwards), the roots can enter culture medium B and germinate.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the seeding machine 10 will be described. The seeding machine 10 shown in Figure 1 is configured to sow seeds in the culture medium B with the hilum S1 not facing upwards (stable state in this embodiment). The seeding machine 10 comprises a side wall portion 11, a first slide portion 12, a first regulating portion 13, a first spring 14, a second slide portion 15, a second regulating portion 16, a second spring 17, and a third flat plate portion 18.

[0039] The side wall portion 11 is the part that forms the side wall of the seed planter 10. In this embodiment, a pair of side wall portions 11 are provided, one on the left and one on the right.

[0040] The first sliding portion 12 is a portion that can slide horizontally (left-right in this embodiment) relative to the side wall portion 11. The first sliding portion 12 comprises a first flat plate portion 12a, a first through hole 12b, and a first spring receiving portion 12c.

[0041] The first flat plate portion 12a is a portion formed in a flat plate shape. The first flat plate portion 12a is positioned with its plate surface facing vertically. In this embodiment, the first flat plate portion 12a is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with its longitudinal direction facing left to right and its short direction facing front to back. As shown in Figure 1(b), the first flat plate portion 12a is provided so as to be slidable in the left to right direction relative to the side wall portion 11, with its right end protruding to the right relative to the right side wall portion 11.

[0042] The first through-hole 12b shown in Figure 1 penetrates the first flat plate portion 12a in the vertical direction and is a hole through which the seed S can pass. The first through-hole 12b is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. Multiple first through-holes 12b are provided. In Figure 1, multiple first through-holes 12b are provided along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0043] The first spring receiving portion 12c is the part that receives the first spring 14. As shown in Figure 1(b), the first spring receiving portion 12c is formed to protrude upward from the right end of the first flat plate portion 12a. The first spring receiving portion 12c is formed in a plate shape with its plate surface oriented in the left-right direction and faces the right side wall portion 11.

[0044] The first restricting portion 13 shown in Figure 1 restricts the sliding movement of the first sliding portion 12 to the right beyond a predetermined range. The first restricting portion 13 is composed of, for example, a bolt or a pin. The first restricting portion 13 is inserted into the first spring receiving portion 12c from the right side and fixed to the side wall portion 11. In the state shown in Figure 1, the first restricting portion 13 abuts against the first spring receiving portion 12c from the right side. In this way, the first restricting portion 13 restricts the sliding movement of the first sliding portion 12 to the right beyond the state shown in Figure 1.

[0045] The first spring 14 biases the first slide portion 12 to the right. The first spring 14 is fitted onto the first restricting portion 13. The right end of the first spring 14 abuts against the first spring receiving portion 12c. The left end of the first spring 14 abuts against the right side wall portion 11. The first slide portion 12 is held in the state shown in Figure 1 by the first spring 14 and the first restricting portion 13.

[0046] The second slide section 15, the second restricting section 16, and the second spring 17 are configured to be approximately symmetrical with the first slide section 12, the first restricting section 13, and the first spring 14. Therefore, the configuration of the second slide section 15, the second restricting section 16, and the second spring 17 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first slide section 12, etc.

[0047] The second sliding portion 15 is a portion that can slide horizontally (left-right in this embodiment) relative to the side wall portion 11. The second sliding portion 15 is positioned adjacent to the lower side of the first sliding portion 12. The second sliding portion 15 comprises a second flat plate portion 15a, a second through hole 15b, and a second spring receiving portion 15c. The second flat plate portion 15a corresponds to the first flat plate portion 12a of the first sliding portion 12. The second through hole 15b corresponds to the first through hole 12b of the first sliding portion 12. The second spring receiving portion 15c corresponds to the first spring receiving portion 12c of the first sliding portion 12.

[0048] The thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a (see Figure 2) is greater than the thickness A18 of the third flat plate portion 18, which will be described later. The thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a will be described in detail later. The second through-hole 15b penetrates the second flat plate portion 15a in the vertical direction and is a hole through which the seed S can pass. In the state shown in Figure 1, the second through-hole 15b is positioned offset to the left relative to the first through-hole 12b.

[0049] The first sliding portion 12 can slide to the left from the state shown in Figure 1 until the first through-hole 12b and the second through-hole 15b are aligned vertically (see Figure 3(b)). In this way, the first sliding portion 12 and the second sliding portion 15 are switched to a state in which the first through-hole 12b and the second through-hole 15b are aligned (connected). Hereafter, this state will be referred to as the "first alignment state".

[0050] Furthermore, the first slide portion 12 can slide from the first alignment state so that the first through hole 12b is shifted to the right relative to the second through hole 15b (see Figure 1). In this way, the first slide portion 12 and the second slide portion 15 are switched to a state in which the first through hole 12b and the second through hole 15b are shifted to the left and right (not in communication). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the "first alignment release state". In this embodiment, the first alignment release state is held by the first regulating portion 13 and the first spring 14.

[0051] The third flat plate portion 18 shown in Figure 1(b) is a portion formed in a flat shape. With the plate surface of the third flat plate portion 18 facing vertically, both left and right ends are fixed to the lower ends of the pair of left and right side wall portions 11. The third flat plate portion 18 overlaps with the first flat plate portion 12a and the second flat plate portion 15a in a plan view. The third flat plate portion 18 is also positioned adjacent to the lower side of the second flat plate portion 15a.

[0052] The third plate portion 18 is made of a relatively crack-resistant material. Furthermore, the third plate portion 18 has fewer fine irregularities on its surface (is flatter) than the culture medium B, and is made of a hard material. For example, the third plate portion 18 can be made of plastic or metal. The third plate portion 18 is equipped with a third through-hole 18a.

[0053] The third through-hole 18a is a hole that penetrates the third flat plate portion 18 in the vertical direction. The third through-hole 18a is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. Multiple third through-holes 18a are provided along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The pitch of the third through-holes 18a in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions is equal to the pitch of the first through-holes 12b in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. In this way, the third through-holes 18a are arranged to correspond to the first through-holes 12b. In Figure 1, the third through-holes 18a are positioned offset to the right of the second through-hole 15b.

[0054] The second sliding portion 15 can slide to the right from the state shown in Figure 1 until the second through hole 15b and the third through hole 18a are aligned vertically (see Figure 3(c)). In this way, the second sliding portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 are switched to a state in which the second through hole 15b and the third through hole 18a are aligned (connected). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the "second alignment state".

[0055] Furthermore, the second slide portion 15 can slide from the second alignment state so that the second through hole 15b is shifted to the left relative to the third through hole 18a (see Figure 1). In this way, the second slide portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 are switched to a state in which the second through hole 15b and the third through hole 18a are shifted to the left and right (not in communication). Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the "second alignment release state". In this embodiment, the second alignment release state is held by the second restricting portion 16 and the second spring 17.

[0056] The dimensions of the first flat plate section 12a, the second flat plate section 15a, the third flat plate section 18, the first through hole 12b, the second through hole 15b, and the third through hole 18a will be described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0057] The thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a is set to 1.11 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S (seen S in a dry state). Preferably, the thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a is set to 1.98 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S. For example, if the major axis R1 of the seed S is 9 mm, it is desirable to set the thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a to 17.8 mm or more.

[0058] The thickness A18 of the third plate portion 18 is set to 0.13 times or less the minor axis R2 of the seed S. For example, if the minor axis R2 of the seed S is 7.6 mm, the thickness A18 of the third plate portion 18 is set to 1 mm or less.

[0059] The thickness of the first flat plate section 12a is not specifically defined and can be set arbitrarily. It is preferable that the thickness of the first flat plate section 12a be thinner than that of the second flat plate section 15a. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the seed planter 10.

[0060] The inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b is set to be at least 1.33 times the major axis R1 of the seed S. For example, if the major axis R1 of the seed S is 9 mm, the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b is set to be at least 12 mm. In addition, the inner diameters of the first through-hole 12b and the third through-hole 18a are set to be the same size as the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b.

[0061] The following describes the procedure for sowing seeds into culture medium B using the seeding machine 10.

[0062] First, as shown in Figure 3(a), in the first unaligned state where the first through-hole 12b and the second through-hole 15b are offset to the left and right, seeds S are introduced into the first through-hole 12b. For example, an operator supplies multiple seeds S to the upper surface of the first flat plate section 12a and moves the seeds S by shaking the seed planter 10 from side to side, introducing the seeds S one by one into the first through-hole 12b. At this point, some of the seeds S lean against the first through-hole 12b, so the orientation of the seeds S is not uniform. Therefore, some of the seeds S introduced into the first through-hole 12b may be facing upwards.

[0063] After introducing the seeds S into the first through-hole 12b, the seed planter 10 is moved to the upper side of the culture medium B. Then, as shown in Figure 3(b), the first slide section 12 is slid to the left to switch from the first unaligned state to the first aligned state. At this time, the seeds S are pushed by the first slide section 12 and move to the left (towards the second through-hole 15b) on the second flat plate section 15a and fall out of the second through-hole 15b.

[0064] When the seed S falls, the second sliding portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 are held in a second unaligned state in which the second through-hole 15b and the third through-hole 18a are shifted to the left and right. Therefore, the seed S falling through the second through-hole 15b collides with the third flat plate portion 18. As described above, the third flat plate portion 18 is made of a flat and hard material (metal, etc.). Therefore, the seed S that collides with the third flat plate portion 18 is not held by the third flat plate portion 18 in the orientation at the time of collision, but moves on the third flat plate portion 18. The seed S then attempts to come to rest in a stable state (a state in which the center of gravity is stable). As a result, the seed S comes to rest facing a uniform direction. In this embodiment, the hilum S1 comes to rest facing sideways.

[0065] In this way, the second slide portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 can adjust (control) the orientation of the seed S by dropping the seed S through the second through hole 15b, thereby moving the seed S so that its hilum S1 faces sideways (not upwards). Therefore, even if the seed S introduced into the first through hole 12b is facing upwards or downwards, the second slide portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 can correct its orientation so that the seed S faces sideways.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b is relatively large (more than 1.33 times the major axis R1 of the seed S), it is possible to make it difficult for the seed S that collides with the third flat plate portion 18 to lean against the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole 15b. This makes it possible to suppress the seed S from being held on the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole 15b in an upward position.

[0067] After adjusting the orientation of the seed S, the second slide portion 15 is slid to the right, as shown in Figure 3(c), to switch from the second unaligned state to the second aligned state. At this time, the seed S is pushed by the second slide portion 15 and moves to the right (towards the third through-hole 18a) on the third flat plate portion 18. The seed S is then placed on the culture medium B through the third through-hole 18a. In this way, the second slide portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 can sow the oriented seed S into the culture medium B.

[0068] As described above, the orientation of the seed S is adjusted to a horizontal position before sowing. By moving the seed S toward the third through-hole 18a, it is possible to easily retain the seed S in the culture medium B in that state (horizontally). In particular, in this embodiment, since the thickness A18 of the third flat plate portion 18 is relatively thin (less than 0.13 times the short diameter R2 of the seed S), even if the seed S moves (falls) from the upper surface of the third flat plate portion 18, the orientation of the seed S does not easily change. For this reason, the seed S can be more easily retained in the culture medium B in a horizontal position. The seed S retained in the culture medium B in a horizontal position can germinate by inserting its roots into the culture medium B.

[0069] In this way, the seed planter 10 can improve the germination rate by sowing seeds S into the growing medium B with their orientation adjusted so that the hilum S1 faces sideways (not upwards). Furthermore, if extra seeds S are sown taking the germination rate into consideration, the running costs can be reduced by decreasing the number of seeds S sown, the amount of growing medium B, and the labor costs required for the sowing work.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the seed planter 10 can move multiple seeds S toward multiple second through-holes 15b at once using the first slide section 12, and adjust the orientation of the seeds S all at once. This improves work efficiency.

[0071] Here, the longer the distance the seed S is dropped from the second through-hole 15b (drop distance), the more forcefully the seed S is dropped, and the greater the impact on the seed S. Furthermore, it is thought that the greater the impact, the easier it is to orient the seed S sideways. Therefore, we investigated to what extent the seed S can be oriented sideways depending on the drop distance of the seed S. Below, this investigation will be referred to as "the first investigation," and its contents will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0072] In the first verification, seeds S were dropped from the second through-hole 15b, which has an inner diameter R15 of 12 mm, onto the third flat plate section 18, and it was checked whether the hilum S1 was facing upwards. In the first verification, seeds S were dropped 100 times, and the number of seeds S with the hilum S1 facing upwards was tallied. In the first verification, the above tallies were also performed for drop distances of 3 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. In this embodiment, since the third flat plate section 18 is positioned below and adjacent to the second flat plate section 15a (see Figure 1(b)), the drop distance corresponds to the thickness A15 of the second flat plate section 15a. Figure 4(a) shows the results of the first verification.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4(a), when seeds S were dropped from the second flat plate section 15a with a thickness A15 of 3 mm (drop distance 3 mm), 12 out of 100 seeds S had their hilum S1 facing upwards. When the drop distance was 7 mm, 10 out of 100 seeds S had their hilum S1 facing upwards. When the drop distance was 10 mm, 6 out of 100 seeds S had their hilum S1 facing upwards. When the drop distance was 13 mm, 4 out of 100 seeds S had their hilum S1 facing upwards.

[0074] As is clear from these results, it was confirmed that increasing the distance the seeds S fall reduces the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards.

[0075] In the first verification, even at the longest drop distance (13 mm), the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards was not zero. Therefore, based on the results of the first verification, the drop distance at which the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards was calculated was determined. Figure 4(b) shows this process.

[0076] Figure 4(b) shows a graph with the drop distance on the horizontal axis and the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards on the vertical axis. The results shown in Figure 4(a) are plotted on this graph, and an approximate straight line is found. Based on this approximate straight line, it was found that when the drop distance is 17.8 mm (more precisely, 17.77 mm) or more, the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards becomes 0. From this, it is thought that by setting the drop distance (thickness A15 of the second flat plate section 15a) to 17.8 mm or more, it is possible to reduce the number of seeds S with their hilum S1 facing upwards when seeds S are dropped from the second through-hole 15b to 0. Furthermore, it is thought that this effectively suppresses the retention of seeds S in the culture medium B in an upward-facing position, thereby further improving the germination rate.

[0077] Here, as described above, the oriented seed S moves (falls) from the third plate section 18 to the culture medium B. It is thought that the thinner the thickness A18 of the third plate section 18, the less likely the orientation of the seed S is to change. Therefore, we investigated the probability of the orientation changing depending on the thickness A18 of the third plate section 18. Below, we will refer to this investigation as the "second investigation" and explain its contents with reference to Figure 5.

[0078] In the second verification, the second sliding section 15 was slid to move a sideways-facing seed S through the third through-hole 18a into rock wool (culture medium B), and it was confirmed whether the orientation of the seed S changed before and after the movement. In the second verification, the inner diameter of the third through-hole 18a was set to 12 mm. In the second verification, the seed S was dropped 100 times, and the number of seeds S whose orientation changed was tallied. In the second verification, the above tallied count was performed for cases where the thickness A18 of the third flat plate section 18 was 0.7 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. Figure 5 shows the results of the second verification.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, when seeds S were moved from the third plate section 18 with a thickness A18 of 0.7 mm to the culture medium B (when the thickness A18 is 0.7 mm), the number of seeds S whose hilum S1 orientation changed was 0 out of 100. Similarly, when the thickness A18 was 1 mm, the number of seeds S whose hilum S1 orientation changed was 0 out of 100. On the other hand, when the thickness A18 was 2 mm, the number of seeds S whose hilum S1 orientation changed was 2 out of 100.

[0080] As is clear from these results, by setting the thickness A18 of the third flat plate section 18 to 1 mm or less, it is possible to reduce the number of seeds S whose orientation has changed to zero.

[0081] As described above, the seed planter 10 according to this embodiment comprises an adjustment unit (second slide unit 15 and third flat plate unit 18) for adjusting the orientation of the seed S so that the hilum S1 of the seed S does not face upward, and a seed planting unit (second slide unit 15 and third flat plate unit 18) for planting the seed S, whose orientation has been adjusted by the adjustment unit, into the culture medium B.

[0082] By configuring it in this way, the germination rate can be improved.

[0083] Furthermore, the adjustment section (the second slide section 15 and the third flat plate section 18) is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed S by applying an impact to the seed S (see Figure 3(b)).

[0084] By configuring it in this way, the orientation of the seed S (hilum S1) can be adjusted by impact.

[0085] Furthermore, the adjustment unit comprises a second slide portion 15 (first member) having a second through-hole 15b (first through-hole) through which the seed S can fall, and a third flat plate portion 18 (second member) positioned below the second slide portion 15. The adjustment unit is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed S by the impact when the seed S, having fallen through the second through-hole 15b, collides with the third flat plate portion 18 (see Figure 3(b)).

[0086] By configuring it in this way, the orientation of the seed S can be adjusted by causing the seed S to fall.

[0087] Furthermore, when the seed S falls through the second through-hole 15b, the distance it falls in the vertical direction is 1.11 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S. In this embodiment, the third flat plate portion 18 is positioned below and adjacent to the second sliding portion 15 (see Figure 1(b)), so the drop distance corresponds to the thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a. In this embodiment, the thickness A15 is set to be 1.11 times or more (1.98 times or more) the major axis R1 of the seed S.

[0088] This configuration allows for a relatively long fall distance. This makes it easier to adjust the orientation of the seed S so that it falls with force and the hilum S1 does not face upwards.

[0089] Furthermore, when the seed S falls through the second through-hole 15b, the distance it falls in the vertical direction is 1.98 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S.

[0090] This configuration allows the seeds S to fall with force and makes it easier to adjust the orientation of the seeds S.

[0091] Furthermore, the third flat plate portion 18 has a third through-hole 18a (second through-hole) that penetrates vertically, and the sowing portion is configured to sow the seeds S in the culture medium B located below the third flat plate portion 18 by moving the seeds S into the third through-hole 18a (see Figure 3(c)).

[0092] By configuring the device in this way, the seeds S can be sown (quickly) without moving them from the third flat plate portion 18 to other members, by causing the seeds S to collide with the third flat plate portion 18 and then moving them to the third through-hole 18a.

[0093] Furthermore, the seeding unit comprises the second sliding portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18, the third flat plate portion 18 being positioned adjacent to the second sliding portion 15 on its lower side, and the second sliding portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 are configured to switch between a first state (second alignment release state) in which the second through hole 15b and the third through hole 18a are not in communication and a second state (second alignment state) in which the second through hole 15b and the third through hole 18a are in communication by relative movement of each other (see Figures 3(b) and 3(c)).

[0094] With this configuration, the orientation of the seeds S can be adjusted and sowing can be performed using the second sliding portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18.

[0095] Furthermore, the second through-hole 15b is formed in a circular shape in plan view, having an inner diameter R15 that is 1.33 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S.

[0096] By configuring it in this way, the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b is made relatively large relative to the seed S, which prevents the hilum S1 of the seed S that collides with the third flat plate portion 18 from being held in the second through-hole 15b with its orientation facing upwards (failure to adjust the orientation).

[0097] Furthermore, the thickness A18 of the third flat plate portion 18 is 0.13 times or less the minor axis R2 of the seed S.

[0098] By configuring it in this way, it becomes difficult for the seed S to be held in the culture medium B with the hilum S1 facing upwards.

[0099] Furthermore, the adjustment unit is equipped with a first sliding unit 12 (third member) that can move multiple seeds S collectively toward multiple second through holes 15b.

[0100] By configuring it in this way, the orientation of multiple seeds S can be adjusted at once, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0101] The second slide portion 15 and the third flat plate portion 18 in this embodiment are one form of implementation of the adjustment portion and seeding portion according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second through-hole 15b in this embodiment is one embodiment of the first through-hole according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second slide portion 15 in this embodiment is one embodiment of the first member according to the present invention. Furthermore, the third flat plate portion 18 in this embodiment is one embodiment of the second member according to the present invention. Furthermore, the third through-hole 18a in this embodiment is one embodiment of the second through-hole according to the present invention. Furthermore, the first slide portion 12 in this embodiment is one embodiment of the third member according to the present invention.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0103] For example, in this embodiment, the orientation of the seed S is adjusted so that the hilum S1 faces sideways, but the seed planter 10 (adjustment unit) only needs to adjust its posture so that the hilum S1 does not face upward. For this reason, if the seed planter 10 is planting a seed S in a stable state where the hilum S1 faces downward, it is also possible to drop the seed S from the second through-hole 15b and adjust the orientation of the seed S so that the hilum S1 faces downward.

[0104] In this embodiment, the orientation of the seed S is adjusted by dropping the seed S through the second through-hole 15b, but the orientation of the seed S may be adjusted by a method other than dropping. For example, it is possible to move the seed S on the third flat plate portion 18 by applying vibration to the seed S and then bring it to a stable resting state (adjusting its orientation).

[0105] Furthermore, although the shapes of the first through-hole 12b, the second through-hole 15b, and the third through-hole 18a are formed in a circular shape in plan view, the shape of the first through-hole 12b and the others in plan view is not particularly limited and may be other shapes (polygonal shape, elliptical shape, etc.).

[0106] Furthermore, the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b is set to be 1.33 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S, but this is just an example, and it may be set to a different size from that of this embodiment as long as it is large enough for the seed S to pass through. It is desirable that the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b be set to a size that makes it easy for the seed S to remain still in a stable state (making it difficult for the seed S to lean against).

[0107] Furthermore, the inner diameters of the first through-hole 12b and the third through-hole 18a are set to be the same size as the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b, but this is just an example, and they may be set to a different size from the inner diameter R15 of the second through-hole 15b as long as they are large enough for the seed S to pass through. It is desirable that the inner diameter of the third through-hole 18a be set to a size that allows a stable seed S to pass through. This makes it easier to sow the seed S in a stable state.

[0108] Furthermore, the thickness A15 of the second flat plate portion 15a is set to be 1.11 times or more the major axis R1 of the seed S, but this is just an example, and it may be set to a different width than in this embodiment.

[0109] In this embodiment, the communication state of the first through hole 12b, the second through hole 15b, and the third through hole 18a is switched by the sliding movement of the first flat plate portion 12a and the second flat plate portion 15a. However, this is just one example, and there are no particular limitations on which member is moved to switch the communication state. For example, the communication state may be switched by the sliding movement of the second flat plate portion 15a and the third flat plate portion 18. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 10 Seeding machine 15. Second slide section 18 3rd flat plate section S seeds S1 navel

Claims

1. An adjustment unit that adjusts the orientation of the seed so that the hilum of the seed does not face upwards, A sowing unit that sows the seeds whose orientation has been adjusted by the adjustment unit into a culture medium, Equipped with, Seeding machine.

2. The adjustment unit is, The system is configured to adjust the orientation of the seed by applying a shock to the seed. The seed planter according to claim 1.

3. The adjustment unit is, A first member having a first through-hole formed therein through which the aforementioned seeds can fall, A second member is positioned below the first member, It is equipped with, The orientation of the seed is adjusted by the impact when the seed that falls through the first through-hole collides with the second member. The seed planter according to claim 2.

4. When the seed falls through the first through-hole, the distance it falls in the vertical direction is 1.11 times or more the major diameter of the seed. The seed planter according to claim 3.

5. When the seed falls through the first through-hole, the distance it falls in the vertical direction is 1.98 times or more the major diameter of the seed. The seed planter according to claim 3.

6. The second member includes, A second through-hole is formed that penetrates vertically. The aforementioned seeding unit is The seed is moved into the second through-hole, thereby sowing the seed in the culture medium located below the second member. A seed planter according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The aforementioned seeding unit is The first member and the second member are provided, The second member is, It is positioned adjacent to the first member on the lower side, The first member and the second member are The device is configured to switch between a first state in which the first through-hole and the second through-hole are not in communication and a second state in which the first through-hole and the second through-hole are in communication, by moving them relative to each other. The seed planter according to claim 6.

8. The first through hole is, The seed is formed in a circular shape in plan view, having an inner diameter at least 1.33 times the longest diameter of the seed. The seed planter according to claim 7.

9. The thickness of the second member is The short diameter of the aforementioned seed is 0.13 times or less. The seed planter according to claim 6.

10. The adjustment unit is, It comprises a third member capable of moving multiple seeds collectively toward multiple first through holes, The seed planter according to claim 3.

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