planter

Abstract

To ensure accurate seeding using a seed planter. [Solution] The seed planter 10 propels seeds S from a nozzle 11 using air pressure. The seed planter 10 has a loading unit 14 having a holding unit 21 for holding seeds S and a supply unit 23 for supplying seeds S to the holding unit 21, and a launching unit 13 that generates air pressure to propel the seeds S from the holding unit 21 from the nozzle 11. The loading unit 14 has a cylindrical nozzle 25 that guides air from the launching unit 13 to the holding unit 21, and a switching mechanism 60 that switches between a loading state in which the nozzle 25 and the holding unit 21 are separated and a launch preparation state in which the nozzle 25 and the holding unit 21 are in contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seeding machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seeding machine which is a device for agricultural work. As a means for seeding, a method of free-falling of seeds or a method of giving an initial velocity to the seeds by a rotating body such as a gear and then letting them fall is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a means for seeding, a method of using pneumatic pressure (air pressure) to fly seeds toward a field can be considered. In order to perform accurate seeding, a configuration for preventing the pneumatic pressure from escaping is required. Therefore, a seeding machine having a configuration for enabling accurate seeding is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The seeding machine fires seeds from a launch port by pneumatic pressure. The seeding machine has a loading unit having a holding unit for holding seeds and a supply unit for supplying seeds to the holding unit, and a launch unit for generating pneumatic pressure to fly the seeds in the holding unit from the launch port. The loading unit has a cylindrical nozzle for guiding air from the launch unit to the holding unit, and a switching mechanism for switching between a loading state in which the nozzle and the holding unit are separated and a launch preparation state in which the nozzle and the holding unit are in contact.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The seeding machine described herein makes it possible to perform accurate seeding. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a seed planter. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a seeding aircraft equipped with the seeding machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seed planter with the covers and other components removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the wheel and the axis of rotation that the first gear has at its center. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the pallet and its surrounding configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pallet and holding section, taken from a different direction than in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the nozzle is in the upper position during loading. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in the launch preparation position with the nozzle in the lower position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the holding part and the tip of the nozzle. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the loading unit removed from the launch unit. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the seventh gear, the receiving member, and the pallet viewed from below. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a second example of a seed planter. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the drive source, launching unit, and loading unit of the second form of the seed planter. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the launching section and surrounding area of ​​the second form of the seed planter. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the launching section and its surroundings of the second form of the seed planter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Summary of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> The summary of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. (1) The seeder of this embodiment launches seeds from the launch port by air pressure. The seeder has a loading unit having a holding unit for holding seeds and a supply unit for supplying seeds to the holding unit, and a launching unit for generating air pressure to launch the seeds in the holding unit from the launch port. The loading unit has a cylindrical nozzle for guiding the air from the launching unit to the holding unit, and a switching mechanism for switching between a loading state in which the nozzle and the holding unit are separated and a launch preparation state in which the nozzle and the holding unit are in contact. In the loading state where the nozzle is separated from the holding unit, seeds are supplied to the holding unit by the supply unit. In the launch preparation state where the nozzle contacts the holding unit holding the seeds, the seeds in the holding unit are launched from the launch port by the air pressure generated by the launching unit. In the loading state, seeds are surely supplied to the holding unit, and in the launch preparation state, air pressure does not escape during the launch of the seeds. Accurate seeding work becomes possible.

[0009] (2) In the seeder of (1) above, when seeds are supplied to the holding unit in the loading state, the switching mechanism switches the nozzle to the launch preparation state. The operation of supplying seeds to the holding unit and the operation of switching the state of the nozzle are synchronized.

[0010] (3) In the seeder of (2) above, the loading unit has a power transmission unit for transmitting power to the supply unit, and the switching mechanism receives power from the power transmission unit and switches the nozzle in the loading state to the launch preparation state. The switching mechanism operates by receiving power from the power transmission unit for transmitting power to the supply unit, and the operation of supplying seeds to the holding unit and the operation of switching the state of the nozzle are synchronized.

[0011] (4) Any one of the seeders (1) to (3) has a drive source, a first power transmission unit for transmitting the power for generating the pneumatic pressure from the drive source to the launching unit, and a second power transmission unit that receives an input from the middle of the first power transmission unit and transmits power. The switching mechanism receives an input from the second power transmission unit and switches between the loading state and the launching preparation state. The power of the launching unit that generates pneumatic pressure for launching seeds and the power of the switching mechanism that switches the state of the nozzle are obtained from a common drive source. This enables miniaturization of the seeder.

[0012] (5) In the seeder of (4), the switching mechanism switches from the loading state to the launching preparation state before the pneumatic pressure from the launching unit reaches the holding unit. Since the power of the launching unit and the power of the switching mechanism are obtained from a common drive source, it becomes easy to perform control for matching the above timing.

[0013] (6) In any one of the seeders (1) to (5), the supply unit has a rotary pallet having a seed storage groove. Seeds in the storage groove that reach a predetermined position due to the rotation of the pallet are guided to the holding unit. The switching mechanism receives a rotational force for rotating the pallet and has a cam that converts it into a displacement force in the linear direction of the nozzle. The displacement of the nozzle switches between the loading state and the launching preparation state. In accordance with the rotation of the pallet that stores seeds, that is, in accordance with the timing when seeds in the storage groove that reach a predetermined position due to the rotation of the pallet are guided to the holding unit, a configuration is obtained in which the state switches from the launching preparation state to the loading state.

[0014] (7) In the seeder of (6), the loading unit has a gear that rotates integrally with the pallet and a changing unit that can change the relative phase between the pallet and the gear. The cam operates by receiving the rotational force of the gear and displaces the nozzle in the linear direction. The cam operates under the power of a gear that rotates integrally with the pallet. The modification allows for adjustment of the pallet's phase relative to the gear. This allows for adjustment of the switching timing between the loaded state and the ready-to-fire state in relation to the timing of seed delivery to the holding unit.

[0015] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure> The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0016] [Seed planters and seed planting aircraft] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a seed planter. The seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1 is a device that launches seeds S from a nozzle 11 using pneumatic pressure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a seed planting aircraft 7 having the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1. The seed planting aircraft 7 has a seed planter 10 and a flight body (aircraft) 8 on which the seed planter 10 is mounted. The flight body 8 shown in Figure 2 is a drone that flies through the air by wireless remote control or by automatic piloting. The seed planter 10 is mounted on the flight body 8. The seed planting aircraft 7 can sow seeds from the air at a desired location in a field or the like using the seed planter 10.

[0017] In the case of the seeding aircraft 7 shown in Figure 2, one seeding machine 10 is mounted on the aircraft body 8, but multiple seeding machines 10 may be mounted. If the seeding aircraft 7 has multiple seeding machines 10, the timing of launching the seeds S may be the same or different for the first seeding machine 10 and the second seeding machine 10. In addition to being mounted on the aircraft body 8, the seed planter 10 may also be mounted on another aircraft. This other aircraft could be a work vehicle such as a tractor. In this case, the seed planter 10 performs seed planting while the work vehicle travels across the field.

[0018] The seed planter 10 (see Figure 1) includes a drive source 12, a launching unit 13, and a loading unit 14. The drive source 12 is a power source for generating pneumatic pressure, and in this embodiment, it has a motor 19. The launching unit 13 has a mechanism for generating pneumatic pressure. The loading unit 14 has a mechanism for delivering the seeds S to be launched by pneumatic pressure to a predetermined position (a holding unit 21 described later) and for holding the seeds S.

[0019] The direction of the seed planter 10 is defined below. The seed planter 10 launches seeds S toward the field located below. In the seed planter 10, the direction in which seeds S are launched is "down," and the opposite direction is "up." If the seed planter 10 launches seeds S vertically downward, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is the horizontal direction. In the case of the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1, the drive source 12 and the launching unit 13 are aligned horizontally and combined with each other. The loading unit 14 is mounted below the launching unit 13.

[0020] [Configuration of the seed planter 10] The drive source 12 includes a motor 19 powered by a battery 18, and a drive unit case 17 housing the motor 19. The motor 19 has a rotating output shaft 191. The battery 18 may be located in the seed planter 10 or in the aircraft body 8 (see Figure 2). The seed planter 10 propels seeds S one by one using pneumatic pressure. For this purpose, the loading unit 14 has a holding unit 21 that holds the seeds S to be launched. The holding unit 21 positions and holds one seed S at a time. The specific configuration for the holding unit 21 to position and hold one seed S will be described later.

[0021] The loading unit 14 includes a storage unit 22 for storing multiple seeds S and a supply unit 23 for dispensing seeds S one by one from the storage unit 22 to the holding unit 21. The specific configurations of the storage unit 22 and the supply unit 23 will be described later. The loading section 14 has a straight barrel 24. The barrel 24 is connected to the lower part of the holding section 21. The tip of the barrel 24 is the firing port 11. The seeds S in the holding section 21 are propelled by air pressure through the barrel 24 and out of the firing port 11.

[0022] The seed planter 10 has a tank 15 that holds a large number of seeds S. Figure 1 shows the tank 15 as a dashed line. The tank 15 and the storage unit 22 are connected by a duct 151. The seeds S in the tank 15 are automatically supplied to the storage unit 22 by their own weight.

[0023] [Launch Unit 13] To launch the seeds S from the holding section 21 through the launch port 11, the launch section 13 generates air pressure using the power of the drive source 12 (motor 19). Specifically, the launch section 13 has a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 for pushing out air using the power of the motor 19. The seed planter 10 has a first power transmission section 26 that transmits the power to move the piston 32 from the motor 19 to the launch section 13 (see Figure 3).

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the seed planter 10 with the barrel 24, frames and covers of each part removed, in order to explain the power transmission configuration from the motor 19. The first power transmission unit 26 includes a first gear 261, a coupling 262 that connects the output shaft 191 of the motor 19 to the first gear 261, a wheel (crank) 263 that can rotate integrally with the first gear 261, and a connecting rod 264. The piston 32 has a piston body 33 and a mounting portion 34. The piston body 33 is located in the cavity 311 of the cylinder 31. The mounting portion 34 is integral with the piston body 33 and is connected to the connecting rod 264. The connecting rod 264 connects the wheel 263 to the mounting portion 34 of the piston 32.

[0025] The launch unit 13 has a plurality of linear guides 35 that guide the piston 32. The linear guides 35 guide the mounting portion 34 in a linear direction at multiple locations. In this embodiment, three linear guides 35 are provided in an arrangement that surrounds the piston 32. The linear guides 35 connect the cylinder 31 (cylinder block) and the upper block 37. The upper block 37 is part of the frame of the launch unit 13. The piston 32 is able to move linearly up and down along the linear guides 35.

[0026] The wheel 263 is rotated by the motor 19. The wheel 263 and connecting rod 264 convert the rotation of the motor 19 into vertical linear motion of the piston 32. The first power transmission unit 26, including the wheel 263 and connecting rod 264, transmits power to generate pneumatic pressure from the drive source 12 (motor 19) to the launch unit 13 (piston 32).

[0027] The paths of the connecting rod 264 and the piston 32 are offset. As a result, a lateral load acting on the piston 32 is perpendicular to its path of motion. This lateral load is distributed by the three linear guides 35. This reduces the sliding resistance between the piston 32 and the cylinder 31, suppressing wear between them. The piston 32 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cylinder 31 may be made of steel, such as stainless steel. This suppresses excessive heat generation due to friction between the parts and prevents welding.

[0028] As described above, the launch unit 13 has a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 that reciprocates within the cavity 311 of the cylinder 31. The rotation of the motor 19 causes the piston 32 to move in a direction that expands the cavity 311. Figure 3 shows the state in which the piston 32 is in its highest position, and the cavity 311 is in its most expanded state.

[0029] The launching section 13 has an elastic member 36. In this embodiment, the elastic member 36 is a compression coil spring. The elastic member 36 is provided between the upper block 37 and the piston body 33 in a state of compression elastic deformation. The elastic member 36 applies an elastic force to the piston 32 in the direction that the cavity 311 shrinks. When the piston 32 moves in a direction that expands the cavity 311 due to the power of the motor 19, the elastic member 36 is compressed. The piston 32 moves in a direction that contracts the cavity 311 due to the elastic member 36 (and its elastic restoring force), pushing the air inside the cavity 311. As a result, the firing unit 13 generates air pressure. The generated air pressure is supplied to the holding unit 21 through the cylindrical nozzle 25 of the loading unit 14.

[0030] As the piston 32 moves in a direction that reduces the cavity 311 in one stroke, pneumatic pressure is generated once. This generation of pneumatic pressure results in the launch of one seed S. As the motor 19 rotates continuously, the piston 32 repeats its reciprocating motion, generating pneumatic pressure continuously. As will be explained later, immediately before each generation of pneumatic pressure, the seed S is supplied to the holding unit 21. The seeds S held in the holding unit 21 are then launched continuously. By changing the rotation speed of motor 19, the seed launch cycle of S can be adjusted. This makes it easier to control the sowing operation. The seed planter 10 generates its own air pressure. Therefore, the seed planter 10 does not require a tank to store compressed air, which allows for a smaller size of the seed planter 10.

[0031] The first power transmission unit 26 has a one-way clutch 265 located between the output shaft 191 of the motor 19 and the wheel 263. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the rotating shaft 261a that the wheel 263 and the first gear 261 (see Figure 3) have at their center. The one-way clutch 265 is located between the rotating shaft 261a and the annular wheel 263. Figure 4 shows the direction of rotation of the rotating shaft 261a with arrow R1. One end of the connecting rod 264 (see Figure 3) is attached to a portion 263a of the wheel 263 in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The rotation of the output shaft 191 causes the rotation axis 261a of the first gear 261 to rotate. When the rotation of the rotation axis 261a precedes the rotation of the wheel 263 (arrow r1 in Figure 4), the one-way clutch 265 transmits power. In this case, the rotation axis 261a and the wheel 263 rotate in the same direction (direction of arrow R1).

[0033] Conversely, if the rotation of the motor 19 is slow, the force of the elastic member 36 prevails, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 261a lags behind the rotation of the wheel 263, the one-way clutch 265 will slip. In this case, the rotating shaft 261a and the wheel 263 rotate in the same direction (arrow R1 direction), but the relative rotation direction of the rotating shaft 261a with respect to the high-speed rotating wheel 263 is shown by arrow r2 in Figure 4.

[0034] The function of the one-way clutch 265 in the process in which the piston 32 moves in a direction that reduces the cavity 311 will be described. If the speed at which the piston 32 moves due to the elastic force of the elastic member 36 is higher than the speed at which the piston 32 moves due to the motor 19 (see Figure 3), the first gear 261, the wheel 263, and the connecting rod 264, that is, if the motor 19 rotates at a relatively low speed, the one-way clutch 265 will slip. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic member 36 causes the piston 32 to push out the air in the cavity 311. Even if the rotational speed of the motor 19 is low, the elastic member 36 makes it possible to move the piston 32 at high speed and generate the desired air pressure. This air pressure then launches the seeds S.

[0035] In contrast, when the speed at which the piston 32 moves due to the motor 19, first gear 261, wheel 263, and connecting rod 264 is higher than the speed at which the piston 32 moves due to the elastic force of the elastic member 36, that is, when the motor 19 rotates at a relatively high speed, the power of the motor 19 is transmitted to the piston 32 through the one-way clutch 265. As a result, the rotational force of the motor 19 causes the piston 32 to push out the air in the cavity 311. In this way, by increasing the rotational speed of the motor 19, it becomes possible to launch the seeds S at a higher speed than when the elastic member 36 is functioning. The rotational speed of the motor 19 is adjusted and controlled by a control device (microcomputer) in the seed planter 10. Increasing the rotational speed of the motor 19 enables high-speed continuous seed planting.

[0036] [Storage section 22 and supply section 23] As described above (see Figure 1), the loading unit 14 has a storage unit 22 for storing multiple seeds S, a holding unit 21 for holding the seeds S to be launched by air pressure, and a supply unit 23 for supplying the seeds S to the holding unit 21. The supply unit 23 has a rotating pallet 41 (see Figures 3 and 5). Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the pallet 41 and its surrounding configuration. The pallet 41 has a central axis 40. The pallet 41 has sides 42 that are shaped along a downward-flaring cone centered on the central axis 40. The pallet 41 rotates around the vertical central axis C1 of the central axis 40 by a second power transmission unit 27 (see Figure 3), which will be described later.

[0037] The supply unit 23 has a wall 43 facing the side surface 42 of the pallet 41 (see Figure 1). The wall 43, like the side surface 42, has a shape that follows the contour of a cone. The pallet 41 is housed within the wall 43, which is frustoconical in shape. The wall 43 serves as a cover for the pallet 41. The supply unit 23 has a wall 43, a lower case 44 located below the wall 43, and an upper case 45 located above the wall 43. The upper case 45 is cylindrical. The space inside the upper case 45, located above the pallet 41, becomes the storage unit 22. The lower case 44 is a bottomed cylinder and covers the seventh gear 47 (see Figures 3 and 5), which rotates integrally with the pallet 41.

[0038] The pallet 41 (see Figure 5) has storage grooves 48 for storing seeds S. The storage grooves 48 are provided along the side surface 42 of the pallet 41. Multiple storage grooves 48 are provided on the pallet 41. In this embodiment, 10 storage grooves 48 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The storage grooves 48 are provided along the side surface 42 from the upper end (upper surface 411) to the lower end (lower surface 412) of the pallet 41. One storage groove 48 can store multiple seeds S. Figure 5 shows, for illustrative purposes, how multiple seeds S are held in one storage groove 48.

[0039] The pallet 41 rotates around its central axis C1. As the pallet 41 rotates, when one of the storage grooves 48 reaches a predetermined position P1 in the direction of rotation of the pallet 41, the seeds S in that storage groove 48 are guided one by one to the holding section 21. The holding section 21 is located near the predetermined position P1. The supply unit 23 has a receiving member 50 that is positioned opposite the bottom of the pallet 41. The receiving member 50 has a disc shape. The receiving member 50 receives the seeds S at the lowest position of the storage groove 48 from below. The receiving member 50 is connected to the pallet 41 and can rotate integrally with the pallet 41.

[0040] The storage groove 48 has openings on the upper surface 411 and the lower surface 412 of the pallet 41. Seeds S in the storage section 22 located above the upper surface 411 fall into the storage groove 48 by their own weight through the opening on the upper surface 411 and become fitted into the storage groove 48. Seeds S located at the opening on the lower surface 412 of the storage groove 48 become the lowest seed S in the storage groove 48 and are supported by the receiving member 50. Due to the vibrations and centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the pallet 41, as well as the weight of the seeds S, the seeds S in the storage groove 48 move downward. The size (groove width W) of the storage groove 48 is set according to the seed S. The storage groove 48 can accommodate multiple seeds S side by side along the longitudinal direction of the groove (up and down direction along the side surface 42). The groove width W of the storage groove 48 is set to a value sufficient to accommodate only one seed S. In other words, the storage groove 48 has a groove width W that prevents multiple (two) seeds S from being placed side by side.

[0041] The loading section 14 (supply section 23) has a guide 49 for guiding the seeds S in the storage groove 48 to the holding section 21. The guide 49 is located between the pallet 41 and the receiving member 50. The guide 49 contacts the seed S in the storage groove 48 that has reached the predetermined position P1 due to the rotation of the pallet 41, and guides the seed S to the holding part 21. In other words, the guide 49 changes the direction of movement of the seed S in the storage groove 48 that has reached the predetermined position P1 from the direction of rotation of the pallet 41 to the direction toward the holding part 21.

[0042] The wall 43 (see Figure 1) and lower case 44 that house the pallet 41 also house the guide 49 and the receiving member 50. Seeds S aligned in the storage groove 48 of the rotating pallet 41 can move along the inner surface of the wall 43 and do not fall out of the storage groove 48. At the predetermined position P1, a portion of the wall 43 or lower case 44 is missing, and one seed S guided by the guide 49 moves towards the holding part 21 through the missing portion. The guide 49 is provided so as to be adjustable in the horizontal direction. This allows the width of the seed passage S, which is the gap between the guide 49 and the wall 43 and the lower case 44, to be changed. The position of the guide 49 is adjusted according to the size of the seed S, and the width of the seed passage S is set accordingly.

[0043] The seed S, located at the lowest position of the storage groove 48 and guided by the guide 49, falls through the opening 211 at the upper end of the holding part 21 and is held by the holding part 21. The vertical dimension of the guide 49 is set according to the size of the seed S. Specifically, the vertical dimension of the guide 49 is the same as the approximate diameter (vertical dimension) of the seed S. Therefore, the seed S one position above the lowest seed S is not guided to the holding section 21 by the guide 49, but passes over the guide 49.

[0044] According to the guide 49, when the storage groove 48 for holding the seeds S reaches the predetermined position P1 in the rotational direction of the pallet 41, the seeds S are accurately guided into the holding unit 21. Multiple seeds S are aligned in a single row along the storage groove 48 of the pallet 41. According to the guide 49, the reliability of the operation of feeding the seeds S one by one into the holding unit 21 is increased.

[0045] The mechanism for rotating the pallet 41 will now be explained. As described above (see Figure 3), the seed planter 10 has a first power transmission unit 26 that transmits power for generating pneumatic pressure in the cylinder 31 from the drive source 12 (motor 19) to the piston 32 of the launching unit 13. The seed planter 10 further includes a second power transmission unit 27 that receives input from the first power transmission unit 26. The second power transmission unit 27 is configured to transmit power to the supply unit 23 for supplying seeds S to the holding unit 21. In other words, the second power transmission unit 27 receives power from the first power transmission unit 26 and rotates the pallet 41 of the supply unit 23.

[0046] The second power transmission unit 27 of this embodiment has a second gear 272 that meshes with the first gear 261 of the first power transmission unit 26, a third gear (bevel gear) 273 integrated with the second gear 272, a fourth gear (bevel gear) 274 that meshes with the third gear 273, a fifth gear 275 that rotates integrally with the fourth gear 274, and a sixth gear 276 (see Figure 10) that meshes with the fifth gear 275. The sixth gear 276 has a rotating shaft 276a in its center. The central shaft 40 of the pallet 41 is connected to the rotating shaft 276a. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the loading unit 14 has been removed from the firing unit 13.

[0047] As described above, the rotation of the first gear 261 causes the sixth gear 276 to rotate, and this rotational force causes the pallet 41 to rotate. In this way, the second power transmission unit 27 receives input from the first gear 261, which is located in the middle of the first power transmission unit 26, and transmits power to the pallet 41 to rotate it. With the first power transmission unit 26 and the second power transmission unit 27, the power for the launching unit 13 that generates pneumatic pressure and the power to rotate the pallet 41 are obtained from a common drive source 12. The number of mechanical elements for power transmission is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize and lighten the seed planter 10.

[0048] n (where n is a positive integer) storage grooves 48 are provided on the side surface 42 of the pallet 41. In this embodiment (see Figure 5), 10 storage grooves 48 are provided on the pallet 41. These storage grooves 48 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the pallet 41. The first power transmission unit 26 and the second power transmission unit 27 each have a predetermined reduction ratio that reduces the operation of the drive source 12 (rotation of the motor 19). In this embodiment (see Figure 3), in the first power transmission unit 26, the rotational speed of the motor 19 and the rotational speed of the wheel 263 are the same, and the reduction ratio of the first power transmission unit 26 (rotational speed of the motor 19 / output rotational speed of the first power transmission unit 26) is "1". The output rotational speed of the first power transmission unit 26 is the rotational speed of the wheel 263. In one rotation of the wheel 263, the piston 32 makes one reciprocating motion, air pressure is generated once, and the seed planter 10 launches seeds S once.

[0049] The second power transmission unit 27 has a second gear 272, etc., and is reduced relative to the rotational speed of the motor 19. The reduction ratio of the second power transmission unit 27 (rotational speed of motor 19 / output rotational speed of the second power transmission unit 27) is n times the reduction ratio "1" of the first power transmission unit 26. "n" is the number of storage grooves 48, as described above. The output rotational speed of the second power transmission unit 27 is the rotational speed of the sixth gear 276, which is equal to the rotational speed of the pallet 41.

[0050] With this deceleration configuration, the pallet rotates 1 / n times each time a seed S is launched. Even if the generation of air pressure and the launching of the seeds S by that air pressure are high speed, the rotation speed of the pallet 41 is suppressed. This makes it possible to reliably transfer the seeds S from the pallet 41 to the holding unit 21 and to reliably launch the seeds S.

[0051] In this embodiment, the rotational power of the pallet 41 and the driving force of the piston 32 for generating pneumatic pressure are both obtained from the same motor 19. In contrast, although not shown in the figures, the seed planter 10 may be configured such that the rotational power of the pallet 41 and the driving force of the piston 32 are obtained from separate drive sources. In this case, the seed planter 10 has a sensor 28 capable of detecting the rotational position of the receiving member 50 or the pallet 41. If a sensor 28 is provided, its position is shown in Figure 3. The seed planter 10 has a control device, which controls the operation of one or both of the drive source for the piston 32 and the rotational drive source for the pallet 41 based on the measured value of the sensor 28.

[0052] If the receiving member 50 located beneath the pallet 41 is able to rotate integrally with the pallet 41, the sensor 28 detects the receiving member 50. The receiving member 50 has a plurality of holes 501 provided at equal intervals along the direction of rotation (circumferential direction). The sensor 28 is an optical non-contact sensor, and the area where the holes 501 are formed is used as the inspection area. When the pallet 41 rotates together with the receiving member 50, the detection state of the sensor 28 changes due to the holes 501, and the rotation of the receiving member 50 is detected. In other words, the sensor 28 detects the rotation of the pallet 41. The control device can use the detection signal from the sensor 28 to control the timing of the rotation of the pallet 41 and the generation of pneumatic pressure by the first power transmission unit 26.

[0053] If the seed planter 10 has a sensor 28, it becomes possible to control the rotation of the pallet 41 according to the detection result of the sensor 28. This is particularly effective for controlling the rotation of the pallet 41 when the drive source 12 for generating pneumatic pressure and the drive source for rotating the pallet 41 are separate. Furthermore, even if the rotational power of the pallet 41 and the driving force of the piston 32 are obtained by a common motor 19, as shown in the configuration in Figure 3, the seed planter 10 may still have a sensor 28 and the control device.

[0054] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pallet 41 and the holding section 21, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 5. The loading section 14 has a cylindrical nozzle 25 that guides air from the firing section 13 (cylinder 31, see Figure 3) to the holding section 21. The nozzle 25 is open at its upper end 251 (see Figure 6) and is connected to the cylinder 31 located above the nozzle 25. The air pressure generated in the cylinder 31 is supplied to the holding part 21 through the nozzle 25, which is open at its upper end 251.

[0055] As will be explained later (see Figure 8), the nozzle 25 approaches the seed S, which is supported from below by the first support member 51 of the holding part 21, or is in contact with the seed S, to guide the air from the launching part 13 (cylinder 31) to the holding part 21. Figures 6 and 7 show the state in which the nozzle 25 is away from the seed S, which is supported from below by the first support member 51. The nozzle 25 is movable vertically by a switching mechanism 60. The nozzle 25 moves downward from the state shown in Figures 6 and 7 to a state where it is close to the seed S or in contact with the seed S (see Figure 8). The configuration of the switching mechanism 60 will be described later.

[0056] [Holding part 21] As described above (see Figure 6), the loading section 14 has a holding section 21 for holding the seeds S. The holding section 21 has a first support member 51 that supports the seeds S from the launch port 11 side (see Figure 7). Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the holding section 21. The loading section 14 has a second support member 52 located on the opposite side of the first support member 51, with the seed S in between. In this embodiment, the second support member 52 is a cylindrical nozzle 25 through which air generated by the air pressure produced by the piston 32 and cylinder 31 of the launching section 13 passes. The nozzle 25 guides the air from the launching section 13 (cylinder 31 and piston 32) to the holding section 21. The nozzle 25 can contact the seed S, which is supported by the first support member 51, from the opposite side of the launching port 11 at the opening of its tip (lower end).

[0057] Figure 7 shows the state in the loading position with the nozzle 25 in the upper position. When the nozzle 25 is in the upper position, the nozzle 25 and the cup 55 of the holding part 21 are separated in the loading state. In the loading state, seeds S are supplied to the holding part 21 from the storage groove 48 of the pallet 41. Figure 8 shows the state in which the nozzle 25 is in the lower position, ready for firing. When the nozzle 25 is in the lower position, the nozzle 25 and the cup 55 are in contact, ready for firing. After the ready for firing state, the seeds S in the holding part 21 are fired by air pressure. In the ready for firing state, the nozzle 25 is able to contact the seeds S. Note that there are individual differences in the size of the seeds S, so although the tip 57 of the nozzle 25 will contact the seeds S, there is a possibility that it may not make contact in exceptional cases.

[0058] The holding unit 21 is able to position and hold the seed S with the first support member 51 and the nozzle 25 (second support member 52). In the holding unit 21, the nozzle 25 can press down on the seed S supported by the first support member 51, and the seed S is positioned. The seed S is then launched by air pressure while in its positioned position. Because the seed S is positioned, more accurate launching is possible compared to conventional methods.

[0059] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the holding part 21 and the tip 57 of the nozzle 25. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the holding part 21 has a cylindrical cup 55. The holding part 21 (cup 55) has a storage space 53 for storing seeds S. The space on the inner circumferential surface side of the cup 55 is the storage space 53. When viewed from above, the contour shape of the storage space 53 is circular. The inner circumferential surface of the cup 55 is an inclined inner circumferential surface 54 that narrows downwards toward the launch port 11 side. In other words, the storage space 53 has an inclined inner circumferential surface 54 that narrows toward the launch port 11 side. Seeds S supplied to the storage space 53 are guided by the inclined inner circumferential surface 54 and can be located in the center of the storage space 53. Of the storage space 53, the side opposite the launch port 11 widens at the opening 211, so seeds S are easily stored in the storage space 53.

[0060] The first support member 51 (see Figure 9) has a plurality of elastic pieces 511 arranged radially in the containment space 53. The elastic pieces 511 have a free end on the side facing the center of the containment space 53 and a fixed end on the opposite side that is attached to the cup 55 of the holding part 21. The seed S is positioned and held while resting on the plurality of elastic pieces 511. When the seed S is subjected to air pressure, the elastic pieces 511 are pressed by the seed S and elastically deform, and the seed S is launched toward the launch port 11.

[0061] The nozzle 25 can contact the inclined inner surface 54 when in the lower position (see Figure 8). This prevents the air guided by the nozzle 25 from escaping between the nozzle 25 and the housing space 53 of the cup 55. In other words, when the nozzle 25 is in the lower position (ready to fire), it is possible to improve the airtightness of the holding part 21. As will be explained later, in this embodiment, the nozzle 25 is displaced vertically by the power obtained from the drive source 12 (motor 19). In other words, the power obtained from the drive source 12 (motor 19) moves the nozzle 25 closer to the seed S and then brings it into contact with it. The specific mechanism for operating the nozzle 25 will be explained later.

[0062] The shape of the nozzle 25 will now be described. The nozzle 25 has an uneven shape along its circumferential direction on its inner circumference, specifically on the tip portion 57 which faces the seed S. The nozzle 25 has a straight inner surface 58 and a small-diameter inner surface 59 on its inner circumference. The straight inner surface 58 is located above the tip portion 57 and is straight along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the nozzle 25. The small-diameter inner surface 59 is located below the tip portion 57 and has a smaller inner diameter than the straight inner surface 58. This small-diameter inner surface 59 has the aforementioned uneven shape.

[0063] On the inner circumference of the tip 57 of the nozzle 25, the convex portion of the unevenly shaped portion 573 approaches or contacts the seed S. Depending on the shape of the seed S, the tip 57 of the nozzle 25 can reliably approach or contact the seed S supported by the first support member 51 (elastic piece 511). The nozzle 25 has a small-diameter inner circumferential surface 59 at its tip 57, which increases the airflow velocity due to pneumatic pressure on the small-diameter inner circumferential surface 59. The high-velocity air pushes out the seeds S supported by the first support member 51 (elastic piece 511).

[0064] The tip surface 571 of the nozzle 25 on the seed S side has an inclined surface 572 whose diameter decreases in the direction away from the seed S (i.e., upward). The inclined surface 572 is connected to a portion 573 having an uneven shape, thereby forming an uneven surface. With this configuration, multiple recesses 574 of the portion 573 having an uneven shape are located along the periphery of the seed S. The air escaping from the multiple recesses 574 allows the seed S to be ejected as linearly as possible towards the nozzle 11.

[0065] [Operating mechanism of nozzle 25] The mechanism for operating the nozzle 25 will now be described. The loading unit 14 (see Figures 3 and 6) has a switching mechanism 60 that operates the nozzle 25. The switching mechanism 60 displaces the nozzle 25 in the vertical direction. The switching mechanism 60 switches between a loaded state in which the nozzle 25 and the cup 55 of the holding unit 21 are separated, and a firing preparation state in which the nozzle 25 and the cup 55 are in contact. As described above, in the loaded state (see Figure 7), the nozzle 25 is in the upper position, and in the firing preparation state (see Figure 8), the nozzle 25 is in the lower position.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the loading unit 14 has a seventh gear 47 that rotates integrally with the pallet 41. When the pallet 41 rotates, the seventh gear 47 rotates. The loading unit 14 includes, as a third power transmission unit 29, an eighth gear 68 that meshes with the seventh gear 47, a ninth gear 69 that rotates integrally with the eighth gear 68, and a tenth gear 70 that meshes with the ninth gear 69. The switching mechanism 60 has a ring 71 including a cam 61. The cam 61 has an upwardly convex shape. In this embodiment, two cams 61 are provided on the ring 71. The ring 71 rotates integrally with the tenth gear 70. The two cams 61 are positioned with a phase difference of 180 degrees with respect to the central axis C2 of the tenth gear 70.

[0067] According to the third power transmission unit 29, the rotation of the pallet 41 causes the seventh gear 47 to rotate, and the ring 71, including the cam 61, to rotate around the central axis C2. The vertical central axis of the cup 55 and the vertical central axis of the nozzle 25 are both located on the same straight line as the central axis C2.

[0068] A vertically elongated lifting member 63 is attached to the nozzle 25. In this embodiment, two lifting members 63 are attached to the upper part of the nozzle 25. The lifting members 63 are displaceable together with the nozzle 25 in the vertical direction parallel to the central axis C2, but are not rotatable around the central axis C2 and are supported by the frame 141 of the loading section 14.

[0069] The lifting member 63 has a contact portion 64 at its lower end that contacts the cam 61. The contact portion 64 has a rolling bearing, and the cam 61, which rotates around the central axis C2, smoothly contacts the contact portion 64. When the ring 71, which includes the cam 61, rotates and the contact portion 64 contacts the protrusion of the cam 61, the lifting member 63 and the nozzle 25 move to the upper position. When the contact portion 64 contacts a part of the ring 71 other than the protrusion of the cam 61, the lifting member 63 and the nozzle 25 move to the lower position. The nozzle 25 may be biased in the direction of the lower position by an elastic member such as a spring.

[0070] Thus, the switching mechanism 60 has a cam 61, which receives rotational force to rotate the pallet 41 through the third power transmission unit 29. The cam 61 converts the rotational force of the ring 71 into linear displacement force of the nozzle 25. The loading state and the firing preparation state are alternately switched by the displacement of the nozzle 25. As the motor 19 rotates continuously, the pallet 41 is decelerated and rotates continuously, and the cam 61 rotates in response to this rotational force. This allows the device to alternately switch between a loaded state and a ready-to-fire state.

[0071] According to the cam 61, the nozzle 25 is switched from the firing preparation state to the loading state in accordance with the rotation of the pallet 41. In other words, the nozzle 25 is switched from the firing preparation state to the loading state in accordance with the timing at which the seeds S in the storage groove 48, which have reached the predetermined position P1 (see Figure 5) due to the rotation of the pallet 41, are guided into the cup 55. In the loading state, one seed S from the storage groove 48 is fed into the cup 55.

[0072] [Operation timing of nozzle 25] The operating timing of the nozzle 25 will be explained further. The third power transmission unit 29 has a predetermined reduction ratio that reduces the rotation of the pallet 41. The switching mechanism 60 has two cams 61, so that with one rotation of the tenth gear 70 and ring 71, the nozzle 25 is switched twice from the ready-to-fire state to the loaded state. In the loaded state once, one seed S is given to the cup 55 once. After entering the ready-to-fire state once, one seed S is fired. The pallet 41 has n (10 in this embodiment) storage grooves 48. During one rotation of the pallet 41, seeds S are supplied (loaded) into the cup 55 n times (10 times in this embodiment).

[0073] Therefore, the third power transmission unit 29 has a reduction ratio of "n / (number of cams 61)". In this embodiment, the number of cams 61 is "2", and "n=10", so the reduction ratio is "5". As described above, the nozzle 25 is switched from a ready-to-fire state to a loaded state in accordance with the timing at which the seeds S in the storage groove 48, which have reached the predetermined position P1 due to the rotation of the pallet 41, are guided into the cup 55. If this timing is not correct, that is, if the timing of the seeds S being guided into the cup 55 and the timing of the nozzle 25 switching state do not match, the supply of seeds S to the holding section 21 and the firing of seeds S will not be carried out smoothly.

[0074] Therefore, the loading unit 14 has a seventh gear 47 that rotates integrally with the pallet 41 and a changing unit 62 that can change the relative phase with the pallet 41 (see Figure 11). Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the seventh gear 47, the receiving member 50, and the pallet 41 viewed from below. The modified part 62 shown in Figure 11 is configured as follows: The seventh gear 47 is attached below the pallet 41 (or the receiving member 50 which is integrated with the pallet 41) to which it is to be attached.

[0075] The seventh gear 47 is attached to the mounting object (pallet 41) by bolts 621. The seventh gear 47 has an elongated hole 622. The elongated hole 622 is a hole that is long in the circumferential direction of the seventh gear 47. The bolts 621 pass through the elongated hole 622 and are tightened into the bolt holes of the mounting object (pallet 41). As a result, the seventh gear 47 is fixed to the mounting object (pallet 41) and rotates integrally with the pallet 41. By loosening the bolt 621, the position (phase) between the seventh gear 47 and the mounting object (pallet 41) is adjusted within the range of the elongated hole 622. The bolt 621 and the elongated hole 622 constitute the modification section 62. Note that the modification section 62 may have other configurations.

[0076] The modification unit 62 allows for adjustment of the position (phase) of the pallet 41 relative to the seventh gear 47. This allows for adjustment of the timing of switching between the loaded state and the ready-to-fire state in relation to the timing of when the seed S is supplied to the cup 55. The modification unit 62 synchronizes the timing of when the seed S is guided into the cup 55 with the timing of switching the state of the nozzle 25. As a result, the supply of the seed S to the holding unit 21 and the firing of the seed S are performed smoothly. ru.

[0077] The switching mechanism 60 (see Figure 6) switches the nozzle 25 from the loaded state to the firing preparation state, where the nozzle 25 is in the lower position, when seeds S are supplied to the cup 55 in the loaded state, where the nozzle 25 is in the upper position. In this embodiment in particular, the loading unit 14 has a second power transmission unit 27 for transmitting rotational power to the pallet 41. The switching mechanism 60 receives power from the second power transmission unit 27 through the seventh gear 47, etc., and switches the nozzle 25, which was in the loaded state, to the ready-to-fire state. Thus, the switching mechanism 60 (cam 61) operates by receiving power from the second power transmission unit 27, which transmits rotational power to the pallet 41. The operation of supplying the seeds S from the pallet 41 to the cup 55 and the operation of switching the state of the nozzle 25 are mechanically synchronized. The switching mechanism 60 then changes the state of the nozzle 25 from the loaded state to the ready-to-fire state before the air pressure from the firing unit 13 reaches the holding unit 21 (cup 55). In the ready-to-fire state (see Figure 8), the nozzle 25 is in the lower position and is in contact with the cup 55.

[0078] The switching mechanism 60 (cam 61) receives input from the second power transmission unit 27 and switches the state of the nozzle 25 between a loaded state and a ready-to-fire state. The power for the launching unit 13, which generates air pressure to launch the seeds S, and the power for the switching mechanism 60, which switches the state of the nozzle 25, are both obtained from a common motor 19. This configuration makes it possible to miniaturize and lighten the seed planter 10. Furthermore, since the power for the launch unit 13 and the power for the switching mechanism 60 are obtained from a common motor 19, the generation of pneumatic pressure and the operation of preparing the nozzle 25 for launch are mechanically synchronized, making it easier to control the timing of these operations.

[0079] [Second example of seed planter 10] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a second example of a seed planter. The seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12 (hereinafter referred to as "second form seed planter 10") is a device that propels seeds S from a nozzle 11 using pneumatic pressure, similar to the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as "first form seed planter 10"), and has a drive source 12, a launching unit 13, and a loading unit 14. The seed planter 10 propels the seeds S toward the field located below. In the seed planter 10, the direction in which the seeds S are launched is "down," and the opposite direction is "up." If the seed planter 10 launches the seeds S vertically downward, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is the horizontal direction. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12 and the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1. In the case of the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12, the drive source 12 and the launch unit 13 are aligned vertically and combined with each other, and the loading unit 14 is mounted below the launch unit 13. The seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12 is also mounted on the aircraft body 8 shown in Figure 2.

[0080] [Configuration of the second form of the seed planter 10] The drive source 12 has a motor 19 powered by a battery 18, and a drive unit case 17 that houses the motor 19. The motor 19 has a rotating output shaft 191 (see Figure 13). Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the drive source 12, firing unit 13, and loading unit 14, showing the state with the barrel 24 removed from the loading unit 14. The battery 18 may be located in the seed planter 10 or in the aircraft body 8 (see Figure 2). The output shaft 191 is a rotational axis that extends downward, parallel to the launch direction of the seed S. The output shaft 191 may also be in the same direction as the launch direction of the seed S. In other words, the output shaft 191 may be located on the same straight line as the launch trajectory of the seed S.

[0081] The seed planter 10 propels seeds S one by one using pneumatic pressure. For this purpose, the loading unit 14 has a holding unit 21 that holds the seeds S to be launched. The holding unit 21 positions and holds one seed S at a time. The specific configuration for the holding unit 21 to position and hold one seed S at a time is the same as that of the first embodiment of the seed planter 10.

[0082] The loading unit 14 has a storage unit 22 for storing multiple seeds S and a supply unit 23 for supplying seeds S one by one from the storage unit 22 to the holding unit 21. The loading unit 14 has a barrel 24 which is a straight pipe. The barrel 24 is connected to the lower part of the holding unit 21. The tip of the barrel 24 is the nozzle 11. The seeds S in the holding unit 21 are propelled by air pressure through the barrel 24 and out of the nozzle 11. The specific configuration of the storage unit 22 and the supply unit 23 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the seed planter 10.

[0083] The second form of the seed planter 10 also has a tank (not shown) that holds a large number of seeds S, similar to the first form of the seed planter 10. The tank and the storage unit 22 are connected by a duct. The seeds S in the tank are automatically supplied to the storage unit 22 by their own weight.

[0084] [Launch Unit 13] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the launching section 13 and its surroundings of the second form of the seed planter 10. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the launching section 13 and its surroundings of the second form of the seed planter 10, and the viewing direction is different from that of Figure 14. Figures 14 and 15 show the barrel 24 omitted, and the frames and covers of each part removed in order to explain the power transmission configuration.

[0085] The seed planter 10 propels the seeds S from the holding section 21 one by one using pneumatic pressure. To propel the seeds S from the holding section 21 through the launching port 11, the launching section 13 generates pneumatic pressure using the power of the drive source 12 (motor 19). Specifically, the launching section 13 has a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 for pushing out air using the power of the motor 19. Note that in Figure 15, the cylindrical portion of the cylinder 31 is omitted in order to show the internal structure of the cylinder 31.

[0086] The launching unit 13 is the same as the first-form seed planter 10 in that it has a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 to generate air pressure, but in the second-form seed planter 10 the direction in which the piston 32 moves to generate air pressure is different from that of the first-form seed planter 10. The configuration of the launching unit 13 is different between the first-form seed planter 10 and the second-form seed planter 10.

[0087] In the second form of the seed planter 10, the direction in which the piston 32 operates is horizontal, perpendicular to the direction of seed ejection S. For this reason, the cylinder 31 is elongated horizontally. The cylinder 31 has a cavity 311 inside it. The piston 32 is capable of reciprocating linearly along the horizontal direction which is the longitudinal direction of the cavity 311.

[0088] As described above (see Figure 13), the drive source 12 (motor 19) has an output shaft 191 that extends downward. In contrast, the direction of motion of the piston 32 is horizontal. Therefore, the launch unit 13 has a conversion unit 80 as a power transmission unit. The conversion unit 80 converts the rotation of the output shaft 191 into linear motion of the piston 32 along the horizontal direction. The conversion unit 80 shown in Figures 14 and 15 consists of a pinion 81 and a rack 82. The pinion 81 is connected to the output shaft 191 of the motor 19 (see Figure 13) and rotates due to the rotational power of the output shaft 191.

[0089] The rack 82 can mesh with the pinion 81. The rack 82 is a horizontally elongated straight member and is integrated with the piston 32. Figures 14 and 15 show the cavity 311 in its most contracted state. When the pinion 81 rotates in one direction indicated by arrow r10 in Figures 14 and 15, the rack 82, which meshes with the pinion 81, moves the piston 32 in the direction in which the cavity 311 in the cylinder 31 expands. The launching section 13 has an elastic member 36. In this embodiment, the elastic member 36 is a compression coil spring. The elastic member 36 is provided between the side frame 79 of the launching section 13 and the piston 32 in a state of compression elastic deformation. The elastic member 36 applies an elastic force to the piston 32 in the direction that the cavity 311 shrinks.

[0090] The pinion 81 does not have teeth that mesh with the rack 82 all around its circumference, but rather only on a portion of its circumference. The portion of the pinion 81 without teeth becomes a non-meshing portion 83 that does not mesh with the rack 82. In other words, the pinion 81 has a non-meshing portion 83. The non-meshing portion 83 disengages from the rack 82 when the piston 32 is expanding the cavity 311 in the cylinder 31.

[0091] As described above, the motor 19 powers the pinion 81, causing the piston 32, which is integrated with the rack 82, to move in a direction that expands the cavity 311. At this time, the elastic member 36 is compressed. As the piston 32 moves in a direction that expands the cavity 311, the engagement between the pinion 81 and the rack 82 is eventually released at the non-engaging portion 83. Then, the elastic member 36 shrinks the cavity 311 due to its elastic restoring force. The piston 32 pushes the air inside the cavity 311, generating pneumatic pressure. This pneumatic pressure makes it possible to eject the seeds S held in the holding portion 21.

[0092] With the piston 32 moving in the direction that the cavity 311 is contracting, the pinion 81 and rack 82 return to a state where they are engaged again. Then, due to the rotation of the pinion 81, the rack 82 and piston 32 move in the direction that the cavity 311 is expanding. Eventually, the engagement between the pinion 81 and rack 82 is released at the non-engaging portion 83. The biasing force of the elastic member 36 causes the piston 32 to move, contracting the cavity 311 and generating pneumatic pressure. The same process is repeated thereafter, generating pneumatic pressure continuously and enabling continuous firing of seeds S.

[0093] Furthermore, the rack 82 may have a non-engaging portion 83, which is a part where there are no teeth that mesh with the pinion 81. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the pinion 81 and the rack 82 has a non-engaging portion 83 that disengages the mesh when the cavity 311 in the cylinder 31 is being enlarged.

[0094] In the case of the second form of the seed planter 10, the direction in which the cylinder 31 moves to reduce the cavity 311 is horizontal. In other words, the direction in which the air pushed out by the piston 32 in the cylinder 31 flows is horizontal. In contrast, the direction in which the seeds S are launched by air pressure is downward. The direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air is different from the direction in which the seeds S are launched. Therefore, the launch section 13 (see Figure 15) has a flow path block 85. The flow path block 85 has a flow path hole 851 that penetrates the flow path block 85 in order to change the direction of air flow that is pushed out by the piston 32 in the cavity 311.

[0095] One end of the flow path hole 851 is connected to the cavity 311 of the cylinder 31, and the other end of the flow path hole 851 is connected to an opening provided at the upper end 251 of the cylindrical nozzle 25 (Figure 14) of the loading section 14. The air pressure generated in the cylinder 31 is supplied to the holding section 21 through the flow path hole 851 and the cylindrical nozzle 25.

[0096] As described above, in the second form of the seed planter 10, the rotation of the pinion 81 powered by the motor 19 is converted into linear motion of the piston 32 by the rack 82. The rotational force of the motor 19 causes the piston 32 to move in a direction that expands the cavity 311. As described above, the pinion 81 has a non-engaging portion 83 that disengages from the rack 82 when the cavity 311 is expanding. The non-engaging portion 83 causes the elastic member 36 to move the piston 32 in a direction that reduces the cavity 311. As the piston 32 moves in a direction that contracts the cavity 311 in one stroke, pneumatic pressure is generated once. This generation of pneumatic pressure results in the firing of one seed S.

[0097] As the motor 19 rotates continuously, the piston 32 repeatedly reciprocates, generating continuous pneumatic pressure. The seeds S held in the holding unit 21 are continuously launched. Similar to the first form of the seed planter 10, the seeds S are supplied to the holding unit 21 immediately before each generation of pneumatic pressure. The rotational speed of motor 19 is adjusted and controlled by a control device (microcomputer) in the seed planter 10. Increasing the rotational speed of motor 19 enables high-speed continuous seed planting. Changing the rotational speed of motor 19 allows for adjustment of the seed ejection cycle. This facilitates control of the seed planting operation. The second form of the seed planter 10 also generates its own air pressure. Therefore, the seed planter 10 does not require a tank to store compressed air, which allows for a smaller size of the seed planter 10.

[0098] As described above (see Figure 15), the launching unit 13 has a flow path block 85 that changes the direction of the air flow pushed out by the piston 32. The direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air and the direction in which the seeds S are launched are different. As the stroke of the piston 32 increases, the launching section 13 may also increase in the direction of that stroke. Even if the direction of launching the seeds S is downward toward the field, the flow path block 85 allows the direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air to not be limited to the launching direction (downward), and the direction of operation of the piston 32 can be set in various ways, such as to be horizontal. As a result, there is a degree of freedom in the arrangement of each part that constitutes the seed planter 10, and it becomes possible to miniaturize the seed planter 10. In the illustrated configuration, the direction of movement of the piston 32 is horizontal, but it may be any direction that intersects the firing direction, and may not be horizontal.

[0099] As described above (see Figure 13), the motor 19 has an output shaft 191 that extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the seed S is launched. The launching unit 13 has a conversion unit 80 that converts the rotation of the output shaft 191 into the linear motion of the piston 32. The conversion unit 80 is configured to have a pinion 81 and a rack 82, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. According to the conversion unit 80, even if the direction of seed launching S is downward toward the field, and the direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air (i.e., the linear direction of movement of the piston 32) is horizontal, it is possible to mount the drive source 12 on top of the launching unit 13, as shown in Figure 12.

[0100] In the second form of the seed planter 10, the drive source 12, the launching unit 13, and the loading unit 14 are arranged in that order along a direction parallel to the direction in which the seeds S are launched. The drive source 12, the launching unit 13, and the loading unit 14 are not arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the seeds S are launched (horizontal direction). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the horizontal increase in the size of the seed planter 10.

[0101] The conversion unit 80, which has a pinion 81 and a rack 82, becomes a first power transmission unit 26 that transmits the power to move the piston 32 from the drive source 12 (motor 19) to the launch unit 13. In other words, the first power transmission unit 26 transmits the power to generate pneumatic pressure from the drive source 12 to the launch unit 13.

[0102] The second form of the seed planter 10 (see Figure 14) has a second power transmission unit 27 that receives input from the middle of the first power transmission unit 26, similar to the first form of the seed planter 10. The second power transmission unit 27 is configured to transmit power to the supply unit 23 for supplying seeds S to the holding unit 21. In other words, the second power transmission unit 27 rotates the pallet 41 of the supply unit 23. The second power transmission unit 27 has a first gear 91 that rotates integrally with the pinion 81, a second gear 92 that meshes with the first gear 261, a third gear 93 that rotates integrally with the second gear 92, and a fourth gear 94 that meshes with the third gear 93. The central shaft 40 of the pallet 41 is connected to the central shaft portion of the fourth gear 94.

[0103] As described above, the rotation of the first gear 91 causes the fourth gear 94 to rotate, and this rotational force causes the pallet 41 to rotate. The power for the launching unit 13 that generates pneumatic pressure and the power to rotate the pallet 41 are obtained from a common drive source 12 by the first power transmission unit 26 and the second power transmission unit 27. The number of mechanical elements for power transmission is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize and lighten the seed planter 10. The configuration of the loading unit 14, including the pallet 41 and the switching mechanism 60, is the same as that of the loading unit 14 in the first form of the seed planter 10.

[0104] [Regarding the seed planter 10 of each of the above forms] As described above, each of the above-described forms of seed planter 10 is a device that propels seeds S from a nozzle 11 using pneumatic pressure. The seed planter 10 comprises a drive source 12, a loading unit 14 having a holding unit 21 for positioning and holding seeds S, and a launching unit 13. The launching unit 13 generates pneumatic pressure using the power of the drive source 12 in order to propel the seeds S from the holding unit 21 out of the nozzle 11. In each of the above-described configurations of the seed planter 10, the launching unit 13 generates air pressure using the power of the drive source 12, and the seeds S are launched from the launching port 11 by this air pressure. A tank for storing compressed air is not required, making it possible to miniaturize and lighten the seed planter 10. The seeds S are launched by air pressure while in a positioned state, enabling accurate launching.

[0105] The launch unit 13 has a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 that reciprocates within a cavity 311 in the cylinder 31. The drive source 12 can move the piston 32 in the direction in which the cavity 311 expands. The launch unit 13 has an elastic member 36, which applies an elastic force to the piston 32 in the direction in which the cavity 311 contracts. In this configuration, the piston 32 moves in a direction that expands the cavity 311 due to the power of the drive source 12. At this time, the elastic member 36 is compressed. The piston 32 moves in a direction that shrinks the cavity 311 due to the elastic member 36 (and its elastic restoring force), pushing the air inside the cavity 311. This air (pneumatic pressure) ejects the seeds S.

[0106] In the case of the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12, the launching section 13 has a flow path block 85 that changes the direction of the air flow pushed out by the piston 32. The direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air and the direction in which the seeds S are launched are different. In the case of the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 12, even if the direction of seed ejection S is downward toward the field, the flow path block 85 allows the direction in which the piston 32 pushes out air to not be limited to the ejection direction (downward), and the operating direction of the piston 32 can be set in various ways. Therefore, a degree of freedom is obtained in the arrangement of each part that constitutes the seed planter 10, and the seed planter 10 can be made smaller.

[0107] In the case of the seed planter 10 shown in Figure 1, the direction in which the piston 32 pushes the air inside the cylinder 31 and the direction in which the seeds S held in the holding part 21 are ejected are the same, and both are downward. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the effect of vibrations caused by the movement of the piston 32 on the ejection of the seeds S.

[0108] In each of the above-described forms of the seed planter 10 (see Figures 1 and 12), the loading unit 14 has a supply unit 23 that provides seeds S to the holding unit 21. The supply unit 23 has a rotating pallet 41 having a side surface 42 shaped along a downwardly widening cone, and a wall 43 facing the side surface 42. The pallet 41 (see Figures 3 and 14) has seed-receiving grooves 48 provided along its side surface 42. When the seed-receiving grooves 48 reach a predetermined position in the rotational direction of the pallet 41, the seeds S in the seed-receiving grooves 48 are guided into the holding section 21.

[0109] Since the side surface 42 of the pallet 41 follows the shape of a cone that widens at the bottom, the seeds S in the storage groove 48 move downward along the storage groove 48 due to gravity. The centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the pallet 41 also moves the seeds S downward along the storage groove 48. When the storage groove 48 containing the seeds S reaches a predetermined position, the seeds S are guided to the holding section 21. The seeds S are held in the holding section 21 and launched by air pressure, enabling accurate sowing (launching of seeds S).

[0110] In each of the above-described configurations of the seed planter 10, the loading unit 14 includes a cylindrical nozzle 25 that guides air from the firing unit 13 to the holding unit 21, and a switching mechanism 60 that switches the state of the nozzle 25. The switching mechanism 60 switches between a loading state in which the nozzle 25 and the holding unit 21 are separated, and a firing preparation state in which the nozzle 25 and the holding unit 21 are in contact.

[0111] In the loaded state (see Figure 7), the seeds S are supplied to the holding unit 21 by the supply unit 23. In the launch preparation state (see Figure 8), when the nozzle 25 is in contact with the holding unit 21 that holds the seeds S, the air pressure generated by the launch unit 13 propels the seeds S from the holding unit 21 through the launch port 11. In the loaded state, the seeds S are reliably supplied to the holding unit 21, and in the launch preparation state, the air pressure does not escape when the seeds S are launched. This enables accurate sowing operations.

[0112] The holding section 21 has a first support member 51 that supports the seed S from the launch port 11 side. The loading section 14 has a cylindrical nozzle 25 as a second support member 52 located on the opposite side of the seed S from the first support member 51. The nozzle 25 is positioned close to the seed S supported by the first support member 51, or in contact with the seed S, to guide air from the launch section 13 to the holding section 21. In the holding section 21, the seed S is supported from the launch port 11 side by the first support member 51, and from the opposite side, the cylindrical nozzle 25 approaches or comes into contact with the seed S, making it possible to launch the seed S by air pressure. This enables accurate sowing.

[0113] In each of the above-described configurations of the seed planter 10 (see Figures 10 and 13), the loading unit 14 is detachably attached to the launching unit 13, which is combined with the drive source 12. The loading section 14 has a mounting member 75 on its upper part. The mounting member 75 is a plate-shaped member. The mounting member 75 has a first hole 751 through which the tip of the central axis 40 of the pallet 41 protrudes. The mounting member 75 has a second hole 752 through which the upper end 251 of the nozzle 25 protrudes.

[0114] The launching unit 13 has a mounting member 76 at its lower part. A mounting member 75 is attached to the mounting member 76 by fastening members 77 such as bolts, and the loading unit 14 becomes integrated with the launching unit 13. With the loading unit 14 attached to the launching unit 13, the central axis 40 of the pallet 41 is connected to a power transmission member such as a gear included in the second power transmission unit 27, and the upper end 251 of the nozzle 25 is connected to a cylinder 31 (see Figure 10) or a flow path block 85 (see Figure 15).

[0115] By removing the fastening members 77 such as bolts, the loading unit 14 can be detached from the firing unit 13. In this way, the loading unit 14 is detachably attached to the firing unit 13. This configuration allows the loading unit 14 to be replaced according to the characteristics of the seed S, such as its size or type. In other words, loading units 14 having pallets 41 with varying sizes (groove widths) of storage grooves 48 are prepared for multiple types. Depending on the size of the seed S, one loading unit 14 suitable for that seed S is selected and attached to the launch unit 13. Furthermore, the drive source 12 is detachably attached to the firing unit 13 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0116] In each of the above-described forms of the seed planter 10, the loading unit 14 has one holding unit 21 for holding seeds S. Although not shown, the loading unit 14 may have multiple holding units 21. In this case, the air pressure generated by one launching unit 13 may be distributed and supplied to multiple holding units 21, or the seed planter 10 may have the same number of launching units 13 as the number of holding units 21.

[0117] [Other Inventions] The seed planter 10 generates air pressure and ejects air from the barrel 24. The ejected air may be used to cultivate fields. In other words, the seed planter 10 may be used as a tiller. However, in this case, the seed planter 10 (tiller) has a drive source 12 and a launching unit 13 that generates air pressure using the power of the drive source 12, but the loading unit 14 may be omitted. The seed planter 10 (tiller) may be mounted on the aircraft body 8 as shown in Figure 2, or it may be mounted on a work vehicle such as a tractor.

[0118] 〔others〕 The embodiments described above are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 7 Seeding aircraft 8. Flight body 10 Seeding machine 11 Launch ports 12 Power source 13 Launch Unit 14 Loading section 15 tanks 17 Drive unit case 18 batteries 19 Motor 21 Holding part 22 Storage section 23 Supply section 24 barrels 25 nozzles 26 First power transmission section 27 Second power transmission section 28 sensors 29 Third power transmission section 31 cylinders 32 pistons 33 Piston body 34 Mounting part 35 Straight Guide 36 Elastic members 37 Top 40 center axis 41 Palettes 42 Side view 43 Wall 44 Lower case 45 Top case 47 Seventh Gear 48 storage grooves 49 Guide 50 Receiving member 51 First support member 52 Second support member 53 Containment space 54 Inclined inner circumferential surface 55 cups 57 Tip 58 Straight inner circumference 59 Small diameter inner circumferential surface 60 Switching mechanism 61 Cam 62 Changes 63 Lifting Member 64 Contact area 68 Eighth Gear 69 Ninth Gear 70 Tenth Gear 71 Ring 75 Mounting components 76 Member to be attached 77 Fastening Members 79 Side frame 80 Conversion section 81 pinion 82 racks 83 Non-meshing part 85 Flow channel block 91 First Gear 92 Second Gear 93 Third Gear 94 Fourth Gear 141 frames 151 Duct 191 Output shaft 211 Aperture 251 Upper end 261 First Gear 261a Rotation axis 262 Coupling 263 wheels 263a part 264 Connecting Rod 265 One-way clutch 272 Second Gear 273 Third Gear 274 Fourth Gear 275 Fifth Gear 276 Sixth Gear 276a Rotation axis 311 Cavity 411 Top surface 412 Bottom surface 501 Hole 511 Elastic piece 571 Tip surface 572 Slope 573 Parts having an uneven shape 574 recess 621 volts 622 Slotted hole 751 First hole 752 Second hole 851 Flow channel hole P1 Predetermined position

Claims

1. A seed planter that uses air pressure to launch seeds from a nozzle, A loading unit having a holding unit for holding seeds and a supply unit for supplying seeds to the holding unit, A launching unit that generates air pressure to launch the seeds from the holding unit out of the launching port, It has, The aforementioned loading section is, A cylindrical nozzle that guides the air from the launching section to the holding section, The device has a switching mechanism that switches between a loaded state in which the nozzle and the holding part are separated, and a firing preparation state in which the nozzle and the holding part are in contact. Seeding machine.

2. The seed planter according to claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism switches the nozzle to the firing preparation state when seeds are supplied to the holding part in the loaded state.

3. The loading unit has a power transmission unit for transmitting power to the supply unit, The switching mechanism receives power from the power transmission unit and switches the nozzle, which was in the loaded state, to the ready-to-fire state. The seed planter according to claim 2.

4. Power source and A first power transmission unit for transmitting power to generate the aforementioned air pressure from the drive source to the launching unit, A second power transmission unit receives input from the middle of the first power transmission unit and transmits power, It has, The switching mechanism receives input from the second power transmission unit and switches between the loading state and the firing preparation state. A seed planter according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The switching mechanism changes from the loaded state to the ready-to-fire state before the air pressure from the firing unit reaches the holding unit. The seed planter according to claim 4.

6. The supply unit has a rotating pallet having seed-holding grooves, and the seeds in the holding grooves that have reached a predetermined position by the rotation of the pallet are guided to the holding unit. The seed planter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching mechanism has a cam that receives a rotational force for rotating the pallet and converts it into a linear displacement force of the nozzle, and the loading state and the firing preparation state are switched by the displacement of the nozzle.

7. The loading unit includes a gear that rotates integrally with the pallet, and a changing unit that allows the relative phase between the pallet and the gear to be changed. The cam operates in response to the rotational force of the gear, causing the nozzle to be displaced in a linear direction. The seed planter according to claim 6.

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