transplant machine

Abstract

The present invention aims to suppress fluctuations in weight balance caused by changes in the front-to-rear position of the work seat and water tank, thereby preventing disturbances in the direction of travel of the vehicle and disturbances in the planting posture of the planting hopper. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a vehicle body (40), a steering handle (404) for walking operation located at the rear of the vehicle body (40), a planting device (42) for planting seedlings in the field, a seedling supply device (43) for supplying seedlings to the planting device (42), and a rearward-facing work seat (46) located in the center left and right of the vehicle body, in front of the seedling supply device (43). A side support frame (60) is provided so as to be vertically rotatable between the front road wheels (45) and the rear running wheels (44) of the aircraft, and the side support frame (60) is equipped with a base for a seat support frame (46a) that supports a work seat (46) and a water tank holder (601) for loading a water tank (600).

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a transplanter for transplanting vegetable seedlings to a field. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, there is known a transplanter that plants seedlings in a field with a planting device and detects the end of a ridge (Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-4813 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When transplanting seedlings to a field, there may be a so-called irrigation operation of supplying water near the planted seedlings in consideration of conditions such as the soil quality of the field, the surrounding water environment, or the weather before work. An object of the present invention is to suppress fluctuations in the weight balance due to fluctuations in the front-rear positions of the work seat and the water tank, and to prevent disturbances in the traveling direction of the traveling vehicle body and disturbances in the planting posture of the planting hopper. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 In order to solve the above problems, the following technical means have been taken. 【0006】 The invention according to claim 1 is a traveling vehicle body (40), a steering handle (404) for walking operation provided at the rear part of the traveling vehicle body (40), a planting device (42) for planting seedlings in a field, a seedling supply device (43) for supplying seedlings to the planting device (42), and a work seat (46) provided rearward at the center position of the left and right sides of the machine body on the front side of the seedling supply device (43), The transplanting machine is characterized by having a side support frame (60) that can rotate vertically across the front road wheels (45) and rear running wheels (44) of the machine, and by attaching the base of a seat support frame (46a) that supports a work seat (46) and a water tank holder (601) for loading a water tank (600) to this side support frame (60). 【0007】 The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the transplant machine according to claim 1 is composed of a front frame (61) arranged linearly between the front and rear of the road wheels (45) and the running wheels (44), a rear frame (62) arranged linearly inside the machine body of the drive transmission case (38), and a connecting frame 63 that passes under the drive transmission case 38 and connects the rear end of the front frame (61) and the front end of the rear frame (62), and to which the base of the seat support frame (46a) is attached. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 Fluctuations in weight balance due to changes in the front-to-back position of the work seat 46 and the water tank 600 are suppressed, preventing disturbances in the direction of travel of the vehicle body 40 and disturbances in the planting posture of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] Left side view of the transplanting machine [Figure 2] Right side view of the transplanting machine [Figure 3] Rear view of the transplanting machine [Figure 4] Front view of the transplanting machine [Figure 5] Plan view of the transplanting machine [Figure 6] A plan view of the main parts showing the area around the front bumper of the aircraft. [Figure 7] Side view of key area around the front bumper of the aircraft. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the key area around the front bumper of the aircraft. [Figure 9] Side view of the main components of a transplanting machine equipped with an irrigation pump and check valve. [Figure 10]Perspective view of the main part showing the control part, planting device, seedling supply device, etc. at the rear of the machine body [Figure 11] Perspective view of the main part of the transplanter showing the ridge end sensor, boarding step, etc. [Figure 12] Side view of the main part showing the state of mounting the side support frame [Figure 13] Plan view of the main part showing the state of mounting the side support frame [Figure 14] Front view of the main part showing the support state of the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 15] Side view of the main part showing the support state of the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 16] Plan view of the main part showing the support state of the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 17] Perspective view of the main part showing the support state of the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 18] Plan view of the main part showing the state of mounting a scraper on the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 19] Side view of the main part showing the state of mounting a scraper on the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 20] Side view of the main part showing the support structure of the water tank stay of another configuration example [Figure 21] Front view of the main part showing the support structure of the water tank stay of another configuration example 【Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0010】 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. 【0011】 FIG. 1 is a left side view showing a transplanter 10 for transplanting seedlings as an example of a transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a right side view, FIG. 3 is a rear view, FIG. 4 is a front view, and FIG. 5 is a plan view. 【0012】 In the following description, the side where the control handle 404 is arranged is taken as the rear, and the opposite side, that is, the side where the engine 41 is arranged is taken as the front. And the right hand side toward the front side of the machine body is taken as the right, and the left hand side is taken as the left. 【0013】 As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the transplanter 10 of this embodiment includes a vehicle body 40 that allows the machine to move forward, a steering handle 404 for walking control provided at the rear of the vehicle body 40, a planting device 42 for planting seedlings in the field, and a seedling supply device 43 for supplying seedlings to the planting device 42. 【0014】 The vehicle body 40 has a transmission case 39 at the front of the body, and an engine 41, which is a drive device, is located in front of the transmission case 39. Axle covers 101 that cover axles capable of adjusting the tread to change the left-right position of the driving wheels 44, which are the rear wheels, are connected to the lower rear side of the transmission case 39 on both the left and right sides of the body. A drive transmission case 38 that transmits driving force to the driving wheels 44 located at the rear of the body is mounted on the outer end of the axle cover 101 so as to be able to rotate up and down. 【0015】 The left and right running wheels 44 shall be mounted on the outside of the machine body of the drive transmission case 38. 【0016】 More precisely, the left and right axle covers 101 are mounted so as to be rotatable around an internal axle (not shown), and a drive transmission case 38 is attached to each of these axle covers 101. The axle covers 101 rotate due to the extension and retraction of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 and rolling cylinder, which will be described later, causing the drive transmission case 38 to rotate up and down. 【0017】 As shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 10, a base plate 400 is provided on the transmission case 26, which receives power from the transmission case 39 and supplies driving force to the planting device 42 and seedling supply device 43. This base plate 400 covers at least the left and right sides and the back of the transmission case 26, and a frame stay 401 is detachably attached to the rear of the base plate 400 via fastening members such as bolts and nuts. A handle frame 402 is provided on the frame stay 401, projecting in an arc shape toward the upper rear of the machine. A control unit 403 is provided at the rear of the handle frame 402 for adjusting the vehicle height and for switching the transmission on and off for driving and planting operations, as well as a control handle 404 for the operator to grip when operating the machine during movement when not planting seedlings. The control handle 404 is shaped to bend in the left-right direction and toward the rear of the aircraft, centered on the handle frame 402, and side clutch operating levers 405 for engaging and disengaging the transmission to the running wheels 44 are provided on the left and right rear sides. In addition, a first throttle lever 406 for increasing or decreasing the output of the engine 41 is provided on either the left or right side of the control handle 404. 【0018】 A control panel 47a is provided between the left and right handle 404, and the control panel 47a is equipped with a ride height adjustment lever 123 that adjusts the ride height of the vehicle body 40 by extending and retracting the lifting hydraulic cylinder 300, a main clutch lever 125 that switches the transmission of driving force to the left and right drive transmission cases 38 and transmission case 26 on and off, a first engine switch 407 that switches whether or not to start the engine 41 and also performs a stop operation, and a main transmission lever 150 that switches the drive transmission of the vehicle body 40 to one of the following: travel speed, planting speed, neutral, or reverse. 【0019】 When authorizing the starting of engine 41, the operator presses and rotates the first engine switch 407 to the ON position. When this is done, the engine 41 starts. The engine 41 may be started using either an electric starter or a recoil starter. Furthermore, even if the drive system is operated by a motor other than engine 41, such as an electric motor, the system is configured to start the motor when the first engine switch 407 is in the ON position, thereby supplying power to the electric motor. 【0020】 When stopping the engine 41, the operator lightly presses the first engine switch 407, which is then switched to the off position by the force of an internal torque spring (not shown), thereby stopping the engine 41. 【0021】 When switching off, simply lightly pressing the first engine switch 407 is sufficient to immediately stop both driving and planting. This prevents the machine from planting seedlings in areas that are not furrows, as driving and planting stop immediately upon reaching the end of a furrow, thus reducing the consumption of excess seedlings. Furthermore, since no extra movement is required when moving the machine to the next furrow for planting, fuel consumption and working time are reduced. 【0022】 A seedling supply device 43 is provided on the front side of the machine body of the control handle 404 and on the upper part of the transmission case 26, which will be described later, for transporting seedlings fed by the operator to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b. A front-to-back reinforcing frame 152 is provided extending from the rear of the seedling supply device 43 to a reinforcing connecting stay 151 located on the upper rear side of the handle frame 402 and in front of the control panel 47a, to improve the strength around the control handle 404 and the seedling supply device 43 and to reduce vibration. 【0023】 When the planting of seedlings in one furrow is completed, the operator moves to the rear of the machine in the direction of travel, grips the steering handle 404 on the inside of the turn and the side clutch operating lever 405 to disconnect the power transmission to the running wheel 44 on the inside of the turn, and operates the machine to turn, moving to the starting end of the next planting row. At this time, the operator, while still gripping the steering handle 404, puts their weight downward to move the front of the machine to a point where it is lifted upward from the field surface, making it easier to turn. 【0024】 On the front side of the mission case 39, on both the left and right sides, bumper support frames 108, which are U-shaped in a front cross-sectional view, are provided protruding forward from the aircraft body. In front of these left and right bumper support frames 108, bumpers 109 are provided that also protrude forward from the aircraft body. 【0025】 As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the bumper 109 consists of a bumper plate 109a, which is a flat plate that is bent downwards on the front and left and right sides of the aircraft body; a front weight 109b that can be attached to the upper surface of the bumper plate 109a; and a bumper rod 109c that extends from the bumper plate 109a in the left and right directions. The front weight 109b is made of a relatively heavy and hard material such as iron and is shaped to protrude further forward than the bumper plate 109a. 【0026】 As a result, the front weight 109b, which is a solid mass with weight and hardness, protrudes furthest forward from the aircraft, preventing damage to the bumper plate 109a when it comes into contact with an obstacle. 【0027】 On the front and lower sides of the left and right bumper support frames 108, recesses (not shown) with openings on the lower side of the aircraft are formed, and the front beam frame 110, whose longitudinal direction is in the left-right direction of the aircraft, is inserted into these recesses and fixed in place. 【0028】 By providing the front beam frame 110, a rectangular frame is assembled on the front side of the aircraft with the left and right bumper support frames 108 and the transmission case 39, thereby improving the strength of the front side of the aircraft. In particular, when the bumper 109 comes into contact with an obstacle, the left and right bumper support frames 108 are inserted into and fixed to the front beam frame 110, making it less likely for damage or impact to be transmitted to the rear side of the left and right bumper support frames 108. 【0029】 Furthermore, when assembling the mission case 39 to the aircraft, the recesses of the left and right bumper support frames 108 are inserted into the front beam frame 110, and then moved in the left-right direction. This allows the front-to-back position of the mission case 39 to be fixed while the left-to-right position can be adjusted, thus preventing delays in assembly work due to misalignment of the mission case 39's mounting position. 【0030】 Furthermore, the rear of the engine 41 is mounted on the front side of the transmission case 39, on one side on the left or right, and the front of the engine 41 is mounted on an engine mount located near the left and right center of the front beam frame 110. However, the bumper support frame 108 on the side where the engine 41 is mounted and the engine 41 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. In other words, the bumper support frame 108 is not a member that supports the engine 41 from below. 【0031】 With the above configuration, the impact when the bumper 109 comes into contact with an obstacle is prevented from being transmitted from the bumper support frame 108 to the engine 41, thereby preventing damage to the engine 41 or malfunction due to the impact. 【0032】 Furthermore, even if the bumper support frame 108 is deformed by an impact, the configuration is such that it does not significantly affect the loading state of the engine 41, and even if the bumper 109 is damaged, work and movement can still be performed using the power of the engine 41. 【0033】 Then, step support plates 111, each having a left-right recess for mounting a bumper rod 109c, are attached to both the left and right sides of the bumper plate 109a. The left and right step support plates 111 are supported via reinforcing arms 112 provided on both the left and right sides of the rear side of the front beam frame 110. 【0034】 The upper surfaces of the left and right step support plates 111 are flat, and on one side of the vehicle body 40, i.e., the left side of the vehicle body, the front portion of the front boarding step 113, on which the worker places their feet when getting on or off the vehicle from the front, is attached. On the other side of the vehicle body, i.e., the right side of the vehicle body, a plant spacing switching cover 114 is formed, which supports the plant spacing main speed lever 801 and plant spacing sub speed lever 802, which set the front-to-back spacing between seedlings planted by the planting hoppers 20a and 20b, and the plant spacing switching cover 114, which supports the plant spacing switching lever 803, which selects the first planting speed or the second planting speed when the main speed lever 150 is operated to planting speed. 【0035】 The front boarding step 113 consists of a lower footrest 113a located at the front of the machine and below it in the vertical direction, an upper footrest 113b located at the rear of the machine and above it in the vertical direction, and an intermediate inclined section 113c located vertically between the lower footrest 113a and the upper footrest 113b, which is twisted and inclined toward the outside of the machine. Multiple anti-slip protrusions 113d are formed on the surface of the lower footrest 113a, and the intermediate inclined section 113c is designed with an inclination angle that makes it psychologically difficult for an operator to place their feet on it when boarding or disembarking, and has a length that allows it to be stepped over and passed over when moving between the lower footrest 113a and the upper footrest 113b. 【0036】 On the other hand, the plant spacing switching cover 114 consists of a lower base portion 114a located at the front of the machine and at the lower side in the vertical direction, an upper base portion 114b located at the rear of the machine and at the upper side in the vertical direction compared to the lower base portion 114a, and a lever mounting portion 114c located between the lower base portion 114a and the upper base portion 114b, which is twisted and inclined toward the outside of the machine and has a movable groove formed therein for the movement of the main plant spacing shift lever 801, the sub-plant spacing shift lever 802, and the main shift lever 150, respectively. 【0037】 Furthermore, the front boarding step 113 and the plant spacing change cover 114 are symmetrical in shape, and the plant spacing change cover 114 may be provided on one side of the aircraft, while the front boarding step 113 may be provided on the other side. 【0038】 Furthermore, side steps 118 are provided on the rear side of the machine body of the upper footrest 113b and the upper platform 114b, respectively, for workers to get on and off from the side of the machine and to serve as a platform during work. 【0039】 The side steps 118 are configured to form multiple spaces by arranging plates vertically and horizontally within the frame, allowing soil adhering to the soles of the worker's shoes to fall downwards. A central step 119, which serves as a footrest for the worker, is detachably provided between the left and right side steps 118. 【0040】 The floor step 122 is thus constructed. 【0041】 The front boarding step 113, the inter-row switching cover 114, the left and right side steps 118, and the central step 119 are each attached independently; that is, they are not fastened together with a single mounting component (bolt, etc.). This eliminates the need to remove other step components when removing individual step components during partial maintenance work, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work. 【0042】 An access assist mechanism 170 is attached to the front lower part of the front boarding step 113, for the worker to place their feet on when getting on or off the front boarding step 113. The access assist mechanism 170 consists of an outer support arm 171 located on the outside of the machine body, which is L-shaped in side view and has a first projection 171a that protrudes forward from the machine body below the bent portion; an inner support arm 172 located on the inside of the machine body, which is L-shaped in front view and has a second projection 172a that protrudes outward from the machine body below the bent portion; and an access assist step 173 provided across the first projection 171a and the second projection 172a. 【0043】 The outer support arm 171 is attached to the vehicle body 40 by fastening it together with the step support plate 111 using bolts 174... The inner support arm 172 is attached to the vehicle body 40 by fastening it together with the bumper plate 109a using bolts 174... 【0044】 As a result, multiple components are fastened together with the same fastening bolts 174..., which improves the strength of the front of the vehicle body 40 and reduces the decrease in durability caused by the load applied when workers get on and off. 【0045】 Furthermore, by providing the boarding / alighting assistance step 173, even if the vehicle height of the vehicle body 40 is increased to match the height of the ridges, the worker can place their feet on the boarding / alighting assistance step 173 and then gradually place their feet on the lower footrest portion 113a of the front boarding step 113 to board, and then dismount by performing the reverse motion. This eliminates the need to lift the legs high or jump down to any extent when boarding or dismounting, thus reducing the physical burden on the worker. 【0046】 Furthermore, by providing the boarding / alighting assistance step 173 across the first protrusion 171a and the second protrusion 172a, the outer support arm 171 and the inner support arm 172 are not located within the left-right width of the boarding / alighting assistance step 173, thus preventing the worker's feet from coming into contact with the outer support arm 171 and the inner support arm 172. 【0047】 On the other hand, when the vehicle height of the traveling vehicle 40 is lowered or during planting work, the boarding / alighting assist mechanism 170 becomes unnecessary, and depending on the vehicle height, it may come into contact with the ridge surface or the slope of the ridge, causing the ridge to collapse and reducing the accuracy of seedling planting. 【0048】 To prevent this, the bases of the outer support arm 171 and the inner support arm 172 are attached with double nuts (not shown), and the outer support arm 171 and the inner support arm 172 are rotatably mounted using the shared fastening bolts 174... as pivot points, thereby configuring the boarding / alighting assist mechanism 170 to rotate up and down. 【0049】 With the above configuration, the boarding / alighting assist mechanism 170 can be rotated upward away from the ridge surface when not needed, preventing the boarding / alighting assist mechanism 170 from collapsing the ridge and maintaining the accuracy of seedling planting. 【0050】 As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a ridge end sensor stay 182a is provided at the lower part of the plant spacing switching cover 114 to support a ridge end sensor 182. This sensor supports a ridge end sensor 182, which rotates downward due to its own weight to contact the ridge surface, and rotates further downward when the vehicle body 40 reaches the end of the ridge and no longer touches the ground, activating a notification device 181 that informs the worker that the end of the field has been reached. The notification device 181 may be a buzzer or lamp attached to various parts of the vehicle body 40, or a communication device that notifies the worker's information terminal (tablet, smartphone, etc.). 【0051】 The ridge end sensor 182 is configured such that a sensor arm 183 is rotatably mounted, a ridge contact roller 184 is rotatably attached to the lower part of the sensor arm 183, a ground biasing spring 185 is provided to bias the sensor arm 183 downward, and a ridge end detection switch 186 is provided at the base of the sensor arm 183 which turns on (or off) when it exceeds a predetermined angle. The upper end of the ground biasing spring 185 is attached to a detection adjustment plate 187 whose angle can be adjusted along an elongated hole, and the angle at which it operates can be changed according to the ridge height. 【0052】 The ridge edge sensor 182 is brought into contact with the ridge surface by adjusting the vehicle height of the vehicle body 40 at the start of the seedling planting operation. By making contact with the rotatable ridge contact roller 184, the ridge surface is less likely to be disturbed, and fine irregularities can be leveled, thereby improving the accuracy of seedling planting. 【0053】 Then, as the vehicle body 40 continues to move forward and reaches the end of the ridge, and the ridge contact roller 184 no longer makes contact with the ridge surface, the biasing force of the ground biasing spring 185 and the weight of the sensor arm 183 and the ridge contact roller 184 cause the sensor arm 183 to rotate downward, preventing the ridge end detection switch 186 from being pressed. When the ridge end detection switch 186 is no longer pressed, the notification device 181 is energized, which activates the notification device 181 and notifies the operator that the front end of the vehicle body 40 has reached the end of the ridge. 【0054】 Furthermore, when the ridge end sensor 182 detects the ridge end, there is still space left for planting several seedlings on the ridge. Therefore, the operator does not immediately stop the machine, but instead prepares to stop it while feeding the seedlings needed to plant in the remaining planting space into the seedling supply device 43. 【0055】 This allows the operator to know when approaching the end of a furrow without having to look behind them, enabling them to stop the machine at the moment they have finished planting the seedlings on the furrow. This prevents unnecessary fuel consumption due to extra travel and avoids long distances to move to the next work row. 【0056】 Furthermore, since the number of seedlings fed into the seedling supply device 43 can be adjusted when approaching the end of a ridge, even if the stopping operation of the planting operation is delayed and the planting hoppers 20a and 20b perform the planting operation, it is prevented that seedlings will be released into areas other than ridges. 【0057】 As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the sensor arm 183 may be a pair of left and right sensor arms 183a, 183a, the furrow contact roller 184 may be rotatably mounted as left and right furrow contact rollers 184a, 184a, and left and right furrow end detection switches 186, 186 may be provided. 【0058】 As a result, when either of the left or right sensor arms 183, 183 rotates downward and one of the corresponding furrow edge detection switches 186, 186 is not pressed, the notification device 181 is activated. This makes it easier to detect the furrow edge even if it has been damaged and its shape disrupted by wind and rain, allowing the operator to stop the planting operation at the right time. 【0059】 Furthermore, front wheels 45 are provided on both the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle body 40, and further forward than the running wheels 44, via lateral frames 16 that are provided on the lower side of the front beam frame 110 and protrude in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, allowing them to roll freely. 【0060】 The tips of the wheel drive shafts, which extend outward from the transmission case 39, fit into the pivot axis position at the front of the drive transmission case 38, and the power for driving, which has passed through the drive system transmission unit in the transmission case 39, is transmitted to the transmission mechanism in the drive transmission case 38. The power for driving is then transmitted to the drive axle of the drive transmission case 38 via the transmission mechanism in the drive transmission case 38, causing the driving wheels 44 to rotate. 【0061】 Furthermore, the drive mechanism that rotates vertically is connected to the drive transmission case 38, which uses the front side of the drive transmission case 38 as a pivot point to move the drive wheels 44 up and down. Specifically, an upward-extending arm 13 is integrally attached to the mounting portion of the drive transmission case 38 to the transmission case 39, and the arm 13 is connected to both the left and right sides of a connecting body attached to the tip of the piston rod of a lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 fixed to the transmission case 39. One side (right side) is connected by a connecting rod, and the other side (left side) is connected by a left and right control hydraulic cylinder that can extend and retract in accordance with the tilt of the machine. 【0062】 When the lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 is activated and its piston rod protrudes to the rear of the machine, the left and right arms 13 rotate backward, and consequently the travel transmission case 38 rotates downward, causing the machine to rise. Conversely, when the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 moves forward and retracts into the cylinder, the left and right arms 13 rotate forward, and consequently the travel transmission case 38 rotates upward, causing the machine to descend. 【0063】 The lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 is operated by a ridge sensor 14 that makes contact with the ridge surface and operates in accordance with fluctuations in the vertical distance between the machine and the ridge surface. The operation of the ridge sensor 14 detects the height of the ridge surface relative to the position of the machine, and the lifting hydraulic cylinder 300 is operated in such a way that the machine is moved to a set height corresponding to the height of the ridge surface based on the detection operation of the ridge sensor 14. 【0064】 Furthermore, when the left-right horizontal control hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts, the left arm 13 connected to the left-right horizontal control hydraulic cylinder rotates, causing only the left-side running wheel 44 to move up and down, tilting the machine to the left or right. This left-right horizontal control hydraulic cylinder operates based on the detection results of a sensor that detects the left-right tilt of the machine with left-right horizontal as the reference point, and is configured to keep the machine horizontal. 【0065】 As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the horizontal frame 16 is mounted on the front beam frame 110 so as to be able to roll and rotate around its longitudinal axis, and vertically long vertical frames 17 are mounted on both the left and right sides of the horizontal frame 16. The left and right front wheels 45 are rotatably mounted on the front wheel axles 18 fixed to the sides of the lower ends of the vertical frames 17. Therefore, the left and right front wheels 45 are able to roll and rotate around the longitudinal axis in the center of the left and right sides of the machine. Furthermore, the vertical frames 17 are provided so as to be vertically adjustable with respect to both the left and right sides of the horizontal frame 16, allowing for height adjustment of the front wheels 45. 【0066】 The control handle 404 is located at the rear of the aircraft and is positioned behind the transmission axle of the running wheels 44. Specifically, it is attached to the rear end of the aircraft frame 19, which has its front end fixed to the transmission case 39. 【0067】 The aircraft frame 19 extends rearward from the left-right center of the aircraft, and also extends diagonally upward and rearward from the front-rear middle section. 【0068】 The control handle 404 extends to the left and right rearward from the rear end of the aircraft frame 19, with each rear end serving as a grip portion of the control handle 404. 【0069】 In Figure 2, the grip section is shown as being divided into left and right halves, but the left and right rear ends of the control handle 404 may also be connected to each other from left to right, and the connected portion may be used as the grip section. 【0070】 The planting device 42 includes a plurality of beak-shaped planting tools with their tips pointing downwards, an up-and-down movement mechanism 21 that moves the planting tools up and down between a position where the lower end of the planting tool is above the field surface and a position where it is below the field surface, and an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the planting tool to a closed state in which the lower end of the beak-shaped planting tool is closed to receive seedlings from above and house the seedlings inside, and an open state in which the lower end of the planting tool is opened to the left and right to release the seedlings housed inside downwards. 【0071】 As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the planting device 42 of this embodiment has a two-row planting configuration with a first planting hopper 20a and a second planting hopper 20b arranged side by side. These first planting hopper 20a and second planting hopper 20b are respectively mounted on vertical movement mechanisms 21 provided on both the left and right sides of the transmission case 26, which is transmitted from the mission case 39. 【0072】 Each seedling container 22 has a cylindrical body that opens at the top and bottom, and a bottom lid that opens and closes the lower opening of the cylindrical body, and they are connected to each other in a loop. 【0073】 The moving mechanism 23 causes the connected seedling containers 22 to rotate counterclockwise in a long, oval-shaped loop when viewed from above, with each connected seedling container 22 passing near the top of the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b. 【0074】 The seedling dropping mechanism opens the bottom cover of the seedling container 22 at a position above the planting hoppers 20a and 20b that correspond to the seedling container 22. 【0075】 In this embodiment, a cylindrical outer circumference is formed on the outer circumference of the seedling container 22, and an engaging portion (round hole) is provided on the cylindrical outer circumference to allow rotation from the outside, thereby forming multiple connecting bodies that connect two seedling containers 22. The engaging portions of these connecting bodies are then rotatably connected to the cylindrical outer circumference of the seedling container 22, and the adjacent seedling container 22 is connected rotatably using the cylindrical outer circumference as a pivot axis, thus creating a configuration in which multiple seedling containers 22 are connected to each other. In other words, the seedling containers 22 and the connecting bodies are connected in a manner similar to an endless chain. 【0076】 As a result, the spacing between adjacent seedling containers 22 remains constant whether the linear section 28 moves in a straight line or the arc-shaped section 29 moves in an arc. Therefore, at the point where seedlings are supplied from the seedling container 22 to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b, positional deviations of the seedling container 22 relative to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b are less likely to occur, ensuring proper seedling supply and accurate planting. 【0077】 The moving mechanism 23 of the seedling supply device 43 is configured such that seedling containers 22, which are connected to each other like an endless chain, are wrapped around arc-shaped notches on the outer circumference of sprockets provided on the left and right sides, and these left and right sprockets are driven to rotate by power taken out from inside the transmission case 26, thereby causing each seedling container 22 to rotate in a circular motion. 【0078】 The circular movement path on which the seedling container 22 travels is oval-shaped, comprising a straight section 28 extending in the left-right direction in a plan view, and an arc-shaped section 29 that curves forward or backward from the straight section 28 by a sprocket, and is located inside the machine body relative to the left and right running wheels 44. 【0079】 The seedling containers 22 of the seedling supply device 43 move relatively stably in a predetermined direction in the linear section 28, but in the arc-shaped sections 29 on both the left and right sides, the spacing between the seedling containers 22 narrows or widens, which may put a load on the drive of the seedling supply device 43, potentially causing damage or instability in the timing of seedling drop supply. To prevent this, star wheels 240, 240 that rotate on the inner periphery of multiple seedling containers 22 and on both the left and right outer sides of the seedling supply device 43 are provided, and protrusions are formed at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the star wheels 240, 240. By inserting these protrusions into the spacing between the seedling containers 22, the position of each seedling container 22 is maintained as it passes through the arc-shaped sections 29 on both the left and right sides of the seedling supply device 43, thereby preventing overload and deviations in the timing of seedling drop supply. 【0080】 The worker sits in the work seat 46 or stands on the floor step 122 to supply seedlings to the seedling supply device 43. However, if the supply of seedlings runs out or any problem occurs, such as the seedling planting posture being continuously abnormal or the seedlings not being able to be planted, it is necessary to stop the movement of the vehicle body 40 or to stop the drive of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b. Also, if the travel speed or the lifting and lowering speed of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b is faster than the worker's pace, it is necessary to reduce the output of the engine 41 and change it to a speed that makes it easier to work. 【0081】 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in order to perform the above operations while seated in the work seat 46 or without getting off the floor step 122, a second engine switch 408 for switching the starting of the engine 41 and stopping it is provided on the front side of the seedling supply device 43, and at one end on the left or right side, i.e., on the right side of the worker seated in the work seat 46. A second throttle lever 409 for increasing or decreasing the output of the engine 41 is provided at a position closer to the inside of the machine (to the other left or right side of the machine) than the second engine switch 408, and is rotatable in the left or right direction of the machine. 【0082】 The second engine switch 408 is operated in the same manner as the first engine switch 407, but the engine 41 will not start unless both the first engine switch 407 and the second engine switch 408 are operated to the ON position. 【0083】 As a result, when the operator is operating the machine from the rear, such as when moving, they can stop the engine using the first engine switch 407, and when the operator is on board the vehicle body 40, such as when planting seedlings, they can stop the engine 41 by switching off the second engine switch 408. Therefore, there is no need to get out of the vehicle body 40 while on board to switch off the first engine switch 407, and planting or any operation that may cause problems with the machine can be interrupted. 【0084】 Furthermore, since the second throttle lever 409 can be operated from the vehicle body 40, there is no need to get on or off the vehicle body 40 when increasing or decreasing the output of the engine 41, improving work efficiency and precision. 【0085】 Furthermore, the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b are positioned behind the position of the transmission axle. 【0086】 The seedling supply device 43 is configured such that the seedling container 22 rotates in a circular motion in accordance with the planting hoppers 20a and 20b on the left and right sides to supply seedlings. 【0087】 Seedlings are supplied from the seedling container 22 to the planting hoppers 20a and 20b at the first drop supply position 31a and the second drop supply position 31b, respectively. 【0088】 Furthermore, a separate seedling container 22 is provided for each of the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b to hold the seedlings that are dropped in. The bottom lid of the seedling container 22 opens only when it is above the corresponding left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b, and the bottom lid does not open when it is above the planting hoppers 20a and 20b that do not correspond to it. 【0089】 In other words, the seedling container 22 corresponding to planting hopper 20a opens its bottom lid only when it reaches the first drop supply position 31a, and the seedling container 22 corresponding to planting hopper 20b opens its bottom lid only when it reaches the second drop supply position 31b, thereby supplying seedlings to the corresponding planting hopper 20a and 20b. 【0090】 Furthermore, the first drop supply position 31a and the second drop supply position 31b are configured to be movable to corresponding positions when the spacing between rows of the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b is adjusted. 【0091】 The operating cycle of the moving mechanism 23 is set to synchronize with the operating cycle of the vertical movement mechanism 21. By combining the seedling containers 22 corresponding to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b into a single seedling container unit, and connecting multiple such seedling container units, the seedling containers 22 can pass through the left and right drop supply positions 31a and 31b in series, supplying seedlings to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b without any seedling supply leakage. Furthermore, the configuration ensures that no seedling containers 22 remain unsupplied after passing through the left and right drop supply positions 31a and 31b, thus supplying seedlings to the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b without any waste. 【0092】 In this embodiment, the transplanter 10 has soil-covering wheels 37, which are used to compact the soil covering the seedlings planted by the left and right planting hoppers 20a and 20b, located near the rear left and right sides of the seedling planting area of ​​each planting hopper 20a and 20b. Each of the left and right soil-covering wheels 37 consists of a compaction arm 370, 370, each independently rotatable up and down, made by bending a single rod into a J-shape in plan view, and a compaction rotating body 371, 371, each rotatably provided on the rear side of the left and right compaction arms 370, 370. 【0093】 The compaction arm 370 has one end located inside the machine body that is mounted on the rear side of the vehicle body 40 so as to be able to rotate up and down. The rear of the straight section that protrudes toward the rear is bent upward, then bent outwards, and then bent downwards to bend towards the front of the machine body at the same vertical position as the straight section inside the machine body. Of the left and right compaction rotating bodies 371, 371, the compaction rotating body 371 on the outside of the machine body is provided on the straight section on the outside of the machine body that bends toward the front of the machine body, and the compaction rotating body 371 on the inside of the machine body is mounted on the straight section inside the machine body. 【0094】 With the above configuration, a relief portion 372 is formed at the rear of the compaction arm 370, protruding upward toward the machine body, and the left and right compaction rotating bodies 371, 371 are positioned with a gap between them. As a result, seedlings planted by the planting hoppers 20a, 20b pass through the gap between the left and right compaction rotating bodies 371, 371, while the surrounding soil is leveled, and as they pass below the relief portion 372, they are not pushed down by the soil-covering compaction wheels 37, 37, preventing the planting posture from being disrupted. 【0095】 Furthermore, the left and right compaction arms 370, 370 are mounted so that their left and right positions on the machine body can be adjusted, allowing the compaction position to be changed in accordance with the row spacing settings of the planting hoppers 20a, 20b. In addition, by configuring the left and right compaction rotating bodies 371, 371 to have adjustable left and right positions, the soil around the seedlings after planting can be reliably compacted, preventing the seedlings from lodging or suffering from poor growth due to low temperatures. 【0096】 The transplanting machine in this case is equipped with a work seat 46 for an operator to sit on and perform seedling replenishment work in the seedling supply device 43. Specifically, the work seat 46 is positioned facing backward at the center left and right of the machine body, which is in front of the seedling supply device 43. The operator sitting in the work seat 46 sits facing backward towards the front of the seedling supply device 43 and performs seedling replenishment work in the front of the seedling supply device 43, in particular the front straight section 28 of the circular movement path of the seedling container 22. 【0097】 Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the control panel 47a, there are main clutch levers 125 housed in the transmission case 39, which switch the transmission of driving force to the left and right drive transmission cases 38 and transmission case 26 on and off. 【0098】 In the transplanting machine of the present invention, the operator operates the machine using the control handle 404 at the rear of the machine when moving to the field, loading and unloading from the transport means, storing in the warehouse, and turning at the edge of the field. On the other hand, when planting seedlings, the operator is seated in the work seat 46 of the vehicle body 40, and it is difficult to operate the control panel 47a of the control handle 404. 【0099】 Therefore, a vehicle-mounted control unit 126 for the operator seated in the work seat 46 is provided on the vehicle body 40. 【0100】 As shown in Figures 4 and 11, the seedling supply device 43 is provided with a rear step 127 that slopes upward toward the rear of the machine at its lower part, and a vehicle-mounted control unit 126 is provided at the end of either the left or right side of the rear step 127, in this case the right side of the machine (left side relative to the worker seated in the work seat 46), as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 11. 【0101】 The control unit 126 on the vehicle body has a second vehicle height adjustment lever 128 positioned at the outermost part of the vehicle body to adjust the height of the vehicle body 40 and adjust the planting depth of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b, and a second main clutch lever 129 positioned inside the vehicle body from the second vehicle height adjustment lever 128. 【0102】 Furthermore, since there is generally no need to fix the vehicle height during seedling planting, the second vehicle height adjustment lever 128 is configured to have only a "high" position and a "low" position. 【0103】 Furthermore, at the outer end of the rear step 127, a ride height adjustment lever guide 130 is provided in an upward-sloping position toward the front of the machine, housing the second ride height adjustment lever 128 within its frame and forming a display scale indicating the approximate ride height. On the inside of the machine, a main clutch lever guide 131 is provided in an upward-sloping position toward the front of the machine, housing the second main clutch lever 129 within its frame. 【0104】 Furthermore, the second ride height adjustment lever 128 protrudes more towards the front of the machine than the second main clutch lever 129. 【0105】 Furthermore, if the second ride height adjustment lever 128 and the second main clutch lever 129 are rotatably mounted at their bases to the mounting support plate 105 on one side of the machine (right side of the machine) and to the front and rear beam frames 106f and 106r, there is no need to provide separate mounting members, thus reducing the number of parts. 【0106】 Furthermore, on the left side of the vehicle, beyond the control unit 126 on the vehicle body, side clutch pedals 132L and 132R for engaging and disengaging the left and right side clutches are provided exposed on the upper surface of the rear step 127. 【0107】 The ride height adjustment lever guide 130 and the main clutch lever guide 131 shall be positioned with a certain vertical gap S between them and the upper surface of the side step 118. The vertical gap S shall be such that there is enough space for an operator's foot to fit underneath (e.g., about 15-20 cm). 【0108】 With the above configuration, workers on the floor step 122 and in the work seat 46 can manually adjust the planting depth and manually turn the planting operation on and off without getting off the vehicle body 40, thereby improving work efficiency and seedling planting accuracy. 【0109】 Furthermore, by positioning the second main clutch lever 129 closer to the work seat 46 on the inside of the machine than the second ride height adjustment lever 128, the operator can more easily reach the second main clutch lever 129, which is used when replenishing seedlings, correcting the planting condition, taking breaks, etc., thereby reducing the amount of labor required. 【0110】 In particular, when a problem occurs, the seedling planting process can be quickly interrupted, eliminating the need to replant seedlings, and reducing the number of seedlings that are unsuitable for growth and have to be discarded. 【0111】 Furthermore, by positioning the second ride height adjustment lever 128 to protrude further forward than the second main clutch lever 129, the operator does not need to stretch their arm far when operating the second ride height adjustment lever 128 on the side furthest from the operator's seat 46, thereby reducing the operator's workload. 【0112】 Furthermore, by providing left and right side clutch pedals 132L and 132R on the rear step 127, when the direction of travel of the vehicle body 40 is about to deviate from the straight direction relative to the furrow, the vehicle body 40 can be corrected by operating either of the side clutch pedals 132L or 132R to temporarily disengage the corresponding side clutch, thereby preventing the planting position of the seedlings from meandering in the left-right direction. 【0113】 Furthermore, by configuring the vehicle with a height adjustment lever guide 130 and a main clutch lever guide 131, that is, a vertical gap S is formed between the vehicle body's upper control section 126 and the side step 118, the movement of the worker's feet when seated in the work seat 46 is not hindered, allowing the worker to sit in the control seat 46 in a comfortable posture and reducing the amount of labor required. 【0114】 On both the left and right sides of the work seat 46, above the transmission axle of the running wheel 44 in a side view of the machine, there are spare seedling frames 50 capable of accommodating seedlings to be supplied to the seedling supply device 43. 【0115】 The aforementioned spare seedling frame 50 is constructed by providing a support stay 52 on the upper part of a seedling support column 51 that protrudes from the outside of the vehicle body 40, providing a seedling rotating arm 53 on the support stay 52 that can be switched between a rotating state and a non-rotating state, arranging vertical seedling frame frames 54, 54 at intervals on the seedling rotating arm 53, and attaching one end of a mounting base 55 on which a container such as a seedling box or seedling tray for storing replenishment seedlings is placed to the same surface of the seedling frame frames 54, 54. 【0116】 The mounting platform 55 may be provided as a single unit in the vertical direction, or multiple units may be arranged with vertical spacing that does not hinder the removal of the container. 【0117】 The spare seedling frames 50 in the above configuration are provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle body 40, and the seedling-mounting rotating arm 53 is rotated on the support stay 52 according to the situation. 【0118】 For example, during seedling planting, by orienting the long side of the mounting platform 55 in the direction of the front-to-back of the machine, it becomes easier to remove seedling containers from the mounting platform 55 and return empty containers, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0119】 Furthermore, in this position, the mounting platform 55 is located on both the left and right sides of the vehicle body 40, making it easier for the worker to grasp the edges of the rideable portion of the vehicle body 40, and preventing their feet from extending over the vehicle body 40 and causing them to lose their balance. 【0120】 Furthermore, when workers get on or off the vehicle body 40, the seedling loading rotation arm 53 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees. 【0121】 This creates spaces for getting on and off the vehicle on both the left and right sides of the vehicle body 40. 【0122】 Furthermore, while workers can also get on and off the vehicle body 40 from the front, if the seedling loading rotation arm 53 is rotated so that the seedling frame 54, 54 is positioned at the front of the vehicle and the mounting platform 55 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, workers can use the seedling frame 54, 54 as handrails, thereby enabling smooth boarding and alighting from the vehicle body 40. 【0123】 Furthermore, when loading or unloading seedling containers onto the mounting platform 55, there are no obstructions to loading or unloading the containers if done from the rear of the machine, thus improving work efficiency. 【0124】 When transplanting seedlings into a field, it is sometimes necessary to supply water to the area around the planted seedlings, taking into consideration conditions such as the soil type of the field, the surrounding water environment, and the weather before the work is done. 【0125】 As shown in Figures 1 to 5, and Figures 12 and 13, the transplanting machine in this case is provided with a side support frame 60 that can rotate vertically across the front road wheels 45 and the rear running wheels 44 of the machine body. The base of a seat support frame 46a that supports the working seat 46 and a water tank holder 601 that holds the water tank 600 are attached to this side support frame 60. 【0126】 This side support frame 60 consists of a front frame 61 positioned linearly between the front and rear of the road wheels 45 and the running wheels 44, a rear frame 62 positioned linearly inside the machine body of the drive transmission case 38, and a connecting frame 63 that passes under the drive transmission case 38, connecting the rear end of the front frame 61 and the front end of the rear frame 62, and to which the base of the seat support frame 46a is attached. The front frame 61, rear frame 62 and connecting frame 63 are configured to be connected in a way that prevents them from rotating relative to each other, and the side support frame 60 rotates up and down as a single unit. 【0127】 Furthermore, a front connecting arm 64 is attached to the front end of the front frame 61, i.e., the front support frame 60, to rotatably connect the side support frame 60 to the road wheel 45. This front connecting arm 64 is U-shaped in plan view and is rotatably mounted near the axle portion of the road wheel 45, sandwiching the road wheel 45 between them. In addition, a road wheel scraper 65 is attached to the front lower part of the front frame 61 so as to be able to adjust its fore and aft position, passing below the front connecting arm 64 and having its tip face the outer surface of the road wheel 45 or near the outer surface. 【0128】 The rear frame 62 is provided with a rear connecting arm 66, which has an elongated hole 66a formed in the longitudinal direction of the machine body, into which the axle 12 of the rear wheel 44 is inserted. The front and rear ends of this rear connecting arm 66 form a bent support portion 66b toward the inside of the machine body, and the lower part of the water tank stay 601 is connected to these front and rear bent support portions 66b, 66b. By inserting the axle 12 into the elongated hole 66a of the rear support arm 66, the vertical rotation of the side support frame 60 is not hindered when changing the vertical height of the road wheels 45 and changing the vehicle height of the running body 40 by rotating the running transmission case 38 vertically. 【0129】 Furthermore, of the axle 12 described above, the portion opposite to the side inserted into the running wheel 44, i.e., the portion extending towards the inside of the machine body, shall fit into the elongated hole 66a. In addition, the rear connecting arm 66 and the drive transmission case 38 shall not be in close contact, but a gap of several centimeters (e.g., 3-8 cm) shall be arbitrarily adjusted to create a gap. 【0130】 This allows for more precise tread adjustments to match the furrow width, not only by manipulating the lateral frame 16 to change the left-right position of the road wheels 45, but also by changing the left-right position of the side support frame 60. 【0131】 Furthermore, a vertical support post 67 is positioned on the outer side of the connecting frame 63 and on the upper rear side of the front frame 61, into which the base of the seat support frame 46a is inserted. The seat frame 46a straddles the running body 40, and its left and right bases are inserted into the left and right support posts 67, 67. However, it is also possible to provide a support post 67 on only one side, and insert the lower end of the seat support frame 46a into the support post 67. 【0132】 The above-described connecting frame 63 consists of a front plate 63a whose outer side is located on the front frame 61 and in contact with the front end of the rear frame 62, a rear plate 63b whose outer side is in contact with the rear end of the front frame 61 and located on the rear frame 62, and left and right plates 63c, 63c connecting the front plate 63a and the rear plate 63b, forming a frame shape with open top and bottom. The front plate 63a and the rear plate 63b shall be constructed as irregular polygons rather than rectangles in order to pass under the drive transmission case 38. 【0133】 The water tank stay 601 described above consists of a front and rear support plate 602 with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction, multiple left and right support plates 603 with their longitudinal direction in the left-to-right direction, provided between the front and rear of the front and rear support plate 602 (two in Figures 12 and 13), and a frame-shaped water tank guard 604 that is mounted across the front and rear support plate 602 and the left and right support plates 603. 【0134】 Note that in Figure 13, the configuration of the side support frame 60 becomes unclear when the water tank stay 601 is attached, so it is shown with the stay removed. 【0135】 More specifically, the front and rear support plates 602 each have front and rear support bends 602a that face upwards toward the aircraft, and the left and right support plates 603 each have left and right support bends 603a that face upwards toward the aircraft, and the water tank guards 604 are attached to the upper ends or near the upper ends of the front and rear support bends 602a and the left and right support bends 603a by welding or the like. The water tank guards 604 may be provided below the aircraft rather than near the upper ends, and furthermore, multiple guards may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction. 【0136】 Furthermore, a pair of L-shaped connecting stays 605, 605 are provided on the lower side of the front and rear support plates 602, which are connected to the front and rear bending indicators 66b, 66b of the rear connecting arm 66. The front and rear bending indicators 66b, 66b and the connecting stays 605, 605 can be connected with fasteners such as bolts and nuts, but in order to prevent them from breaking under the load of the water tank 600, it is desirable to use larger diameter fasteners than the standard ones used to fasten these components together. 【0137】 With the above configuration, when the drive transmission case 38 rotates up and down and the vertical frame 17 adjusts the vertical position of the road wheels 45, the side support frame 60 can rotate up and down in conjunction with it, and the amount of forward and backward movement of the side support frame 60 can be suppressed. Therefore, fluctuations in weight balance due to changes in the forward and backward positions of the work seat 46 and the water tank 600 are suppressed, and disturbances in the direction of travel of the vehicle body 40 and disturbances in the planting posture of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b are prevented. 【0138】 Furthermore, since the side support frame 60 rotates in conjunction with the vertical rotation of the drive transmission case 38, there is no need to rotate the side support frame 60 separately, allowing for efficient vehicle height adjustment. 【0139】 Furthermore, since the front connecting arm 64 is attached in a way that sandwiches the road wheel 45 from both sides, the road wheel 45 is supported from both sides, resulting in a structure that is strong against the load received from the work seat 46 and less prone to damage. 【0140】 Furthermore, since the front frame 61 and support posts 67 are arranged in a straight line between the front and rear of the road wheels 45 and the running wheels 44, these components are located on the furrow, preventing the furrows from collapsing due to contact, and thus reducing the likelihood of adverse effects on the growth of planted seedlings. 【0141】 Furthermore, by inserting the axle 12 of the running wheel 44 into the elongated hole 66a formed in the rear connecting arm 66, the load of the water tank 600 can be supported by the axle 12, which is designed with high strength to withstand the load and ground resistance of the running vehicle body 40, thus preventing damage to the water tank stay 601 and the side support frame 60. 【0142】 Furthermore, by attaching the road wheel scraper 65 to the front frame 60, soil adhering to the road wheels 45 can be scraped off, thus preventing changes in the diameter of the road wheels 45 that disrupt the direction of travel of the vehicle body 40, and preventing changes in the front-to-rear tilt angle of the vehicle body 40 that disrupt the planting posture of the seedlings. 【0143】 Furthermore, the adjustable fore-aft position of the road wheel scraper 65 prevents excessive contact with the road wheel 45, which can increase running resistance, and also prevents the scraper from failing to adequately remove soil adhering to the road wheel 45, thus reducing its effectiveness. 【0144】 The capacity of the water tank 600 loaded in the above configuration should be approximately 10 liters, taking strength into consideration, which is desirable to be 10 kg of water plus a few hundred grams of the water tank 600 itself. However, in fields with a large planting area, it is desirable to have a low frequency of water tank 600 replacement in order to prevent a decrease in work efficiency. As an example, a 20-liter poly tank used for transporting and storing kerosene, etc., can be used. 【0145】 When increasing the capacity of the water tank, in addition to the load, the front-to-back and left-to-right width of the water tank becomes an issue. When loading a large-capacity water tank in accordance with the configuration of the transplanting machine of this invention, the space above the drive transmission case 38 has no problem in terms of front-to-back width, but the left-to-right width cannot be secured, or even if it can be secured, there is a risk of contact with the inside of the drive wheels 44, so it is desirable to use the open space on the outside of the machine body of the drive wheels 44. 【0146】 In order to support the large-capacity tank 610 on the outside of the machine body of the running wheels 44, an inner stay 611 is provided on the rotating base side of the drive transmission case 38, i.e., on the front side of the machine body and on the inside, as shown in Figures 14 to 17. The upper side of this inner stay 611 protrudes significantly above the upper surface of the drive transmission case 38, and the lower side also protrudes below the lower surface of the drive transmission case 38. In addition, an outer stay 612 corresponding to the inner stay 611 is attached to the front side of the drive transmission case 38 and on the outside of the machine body. The lower part of this outer stay 612 protrudes below the drive transmission case 38, and the upper part forms a receiving portion that receives a rectangular prism-shaped member above the upper surface of the drive transmission case 38. 【0147】 A hollow columnar member, such as a hexagonal columnar outer tube 613, is attached to the receiving portion formed on the outer stay 612, facing in the left-right direction of the aircraft. This hexagonal columnar outer tube 613 is firmly fixed to the outer stay 612 by welding or the like in order to support the load of the large-capacity tank 610. 【0148】 Furthermore, the rear end of the outer stay 612 has a bent portion 612a facing outwards, and the upper end of this bent portion 612a is brought into contact with the rear end of the outer tube 613 and welded to it, thereby improving its strength. In addition, the outer tube 613 is provided with a receiving nut on its outer circumference into which a fastening member such as a bolt is inserted, and the fastening member is screwed into a threaded groove (not shown) formed in the inner stay 611, and the fastening member is also inserted into mounting holes formed on the lower side of the inner stay 611 and the outer stay 612 to fasten them, thereby increasing the mounting strength. Moreover, mounting holes are also formed in part of the surfaces of the inner stay 611 and the outer stay 612 that come into contact with the drive transmission case 38, and nuts or the like are attached to the threaded shafts exposed from inside the drive transmission case 38, creating a structure that ensures load-bearing capacity in the vertical direction. 【0149】 Then, the left and right bases of the tank guard 615, which surrounds and supports the outer circumference of the large-capacity tank 610, are connected to a columnar member, for example, a hexagonal columnar inner tube 614, which has a shape corresponding to the outer tube 613. Holes for inserting the inner tube 614 are formed in the base of the tank guard 615, and it is desirable to fix the inner tube 614 in place by welding or the like after inserting it to improve strength. In addition, the parts of the tank guard 615 located on the left and right sides of the large-capacity tank 610 form an upward sloping portion 615a that slopes upward from the base to near the center in the front-rear direction, and from near the center in the front-rear direction to the rear, it is in a V-shape when viewed from the side, which is approximately parallel to the contact surface of the running wheel 44. 【0150】 Between the rear of the tank guard 615 and the front and rear of the inner tube 614, the front and rear sides of a front and rear support plate 616, whose longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction of the aircraft, are connected, respectively. The front side of the front and rear support plate 616 has a front support bend portion 616a that bends upward, and the rear side has a rear support bend portion 616b that bends upward. The rear support bend portion 616b protrudes higher than the front support bend portion 616a, and the configuration in which the upward sloping portion 615a is located lower towards the front of the aircraft makes it easy to load and unload the large-capacity tank 610. 【0151】 Furthermore, a reinforcing bend 616c is formed on the lower side of the front support bend 616a, specifically below the inner tube 614, bending toward the front of the aircraft, and the upper surface of this reinforcing bend 616c is connected to the lower surface of the inner tube 614. In addition, the outer portion of the front and rear support plate 616, which is between the front and rear of the aircraft, is bent toward the lower part of the aircraft to further improve its strength. 【0152】 Furthermore, the front support bend 616a is bent towards the front of the aircraft above the upper end, i.e., above the position where it connects to the inner tube 614, and the rear support bend 616b is bent towards the rear of the aircraft above the upper end, i.e., above the position where it connects to the rear of the tank guard 615, making it easier to load and unload larger capacity tanks. 【0153】 Then, on the front and rear support plate 616, one or multiple left and right support plates 617 are arranged at intervals to support both the left and right sides of the large-capacity tank 610. When only one left and right support plate 617 is provided, the front and rear support plate 616 in the front and rear direction shall be positioned at or near the front and rear intermediate position. On both the left and right sides of the left and right support plate 617, left and right support bends 617a, 617a that bend upward are formed, and the upper ends of the left and right support bends 617a, 617a are connected to the tank guard 615 by welding or the like. 【0154】 The upper ends of the left and right support bends 617a, 617a are positioned the same or approximately the same on both sides, but the support bends 617a located on the outside of the aircraft are connected within the frame of the tank guard 615, while the support bends 617a located on the inside of the aircraft are connected outside the frame of the tank guard 615. 【0155】 This creates a large-capacity tank stay 618 that supports the large-capacity tank 610 so that it can be easily inserted and removed. 【0156】 This large-capacity tank stay 618 can be removed by fully extending the inner tube 614 from the outer tube 613. This allows the large-capacity tank stay 618 to be removed when the large-capacity tank 610 is not being loaded, making the width of the machine more compact. This prevents it from protruding from the bed of a light truck and makes it easier to store in a warehouse or other location. 【0157】 On the other hand, when planting seedlings with the large-capacity tank 610 mounted, it is naturally necessary to prevent the large-capacity tank stay 618 from coming off. However, if it can move from side to side, it will disrupt the weight balance, which may cause significant disturbances in the direction of travel of the vehicle body 40 and the posture of planting seedlings. 【0158】 To restrict the lateral movement of the inner tube 614 during operation and to allow easy attachment and detachment of the large-capacity tank stay 618 when not in use, multiple adjustment holes are formed in the outer tube 613 and inner tube 614 at intervals in the lateral direction. The system is configured so that the attached and detached states can be switched by attaching and detaching mounting members such as bolts and nuts while the adjustment holes of the outer tube 613 and inner tube 614 are aligned. 【0159】 In the above configuration, when the large-capacity tank stay 618 is removed, it is necessary to store the mounting components in a way that prevents them from being lost. If the mounting components are attached to the adjustment holes formed in the outer tube 613 or inner tube 614, they can be used immediately when the large-capacity tank stay 618 is next installed, but this requires work such as removing the nuts from the bolts. Also, when bringing the transplanting machine back from the field, it is necessary to remove the mounting components, but if they are fastened tightly to prevent the large-capacity tank stay 618 from falling off during work, they cannot be removed without tools, which requires extra time and also adds the trouble of bringing tools to the field. 【0160】 To address this problem, one could consider attaching the base of the rotating arm portion of the pipe pin to the outer tube 613 and providing a mounting pin at the end of this rotating arm portion. This would prevent the mounting pin from being lost, as the rotating arm portion remains attached to the outer tube 613 even if the mounting pin is removed. 【0161】 As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the bent portion 612a formed on the outer stay 612 is open at the top except for the portion connected to the outer tube 613. A scraper plate 620, which is L-shaped in side view, is attached to this bent portion 612a, and a running wheel scraper 621 is mounted on this scraper plate 620 so as to be able to adjust the amount of rearward protrusion toward the rear side of the machine body, i.e., toward the outer circumferential surface of the running wheel 44. 【0162】 By installing the running wheel scraper 621, soil adhering to the running wheel 44 can be scraped off, thus preventing changes in the diameter of the running wheel 44 which would disrupt the direction of travel of the running vehicle body 40, and preventing changes in the front-to-rear tilt angle of the running vehicle body 40 which would disrupt the planting posture of the seedlings. 【0163】 Furthermore, by making the amount of rearward protrusion of the running wheel scraper 621 adjustable, it is prevented that it will not come into excessive contact with the running wheel 44, thereby creating running resistance, nor will it be possible to remove soil adhering to the running wheel 44 sufficiently, thus rendering the system ineffective. 【0164】 Furthermore, in order to match the shape of the outer surface of the running wheel 44, the rear end of the running wheel scraper 621, that is, the side that contacts the outer surface of the running wheel 44, should be given a slit-like cut so that the end bends and acts on the soil. 【0165】 The large-capacity tank stay 618 described above can be made cantilevered to ensure strength against load by making the outer tube 613 and inner tube 614 into prismatic shapes and by constructing them from high-density material. However, to reliably reduce the reduction in strength, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, a collar 622 for preventing co-rotation is provided on the outer circumference of the axle 12 of the running wheel 44, and a receiving ring 623 is provided on the outer circumference of this collar 622 and at a position rearward in line with the front and rear support plates 616. Then, a rear extension plate 624 that fits into a receiving groove 623a formed in the receiving ring 623 is attached to the front and rear support plates 616 via a fastening member. 【0166】 This allows the large-capacity tank stay 618 to be supported using the strength of the axle 12, thus preventing damage due to load even during long-term use. 【0167】 The irrigation water stored in the water tank 600 is pumped up by the operation of an irrigation pump 700 located at the bottom of the vehicle body 40, near the center of the front and rear of the vehicle body, and discharged to the planting hopper 20a, 20b at the positions where seedlings are planted. The irrigation pump 700 is arranged according to the number of planting hopper 20a, 20b, and is positioned on the left and right sides with spacing between them, based on the left and right center of the vehicle body 40. 【0168】 It is also possible to attach a hose to the irrigation pump 700 and configure it so that water is discharged from the water tank 600 through the irrigation pump 700 to the watering nozzle 710. However, due to the operation of the gear pump 800 of the irrigation pump 700, some of the water sent out in the discharge direction may be returned to the water tank 600. As a result, the amount of irrigation water supplied to the field each time decreases, which may cause seedling growth to be delayed due to water shortage, or the quality of harvested crops to deteriorate due to poor growth. 【0169】 To prevent this, check valves 720 are provided at the lower outer surface of each of the left and right side steps 118 to restrict the water supply direction to one side. The water tank 600 and the water supply side of the check valve 720 are connected by a suction hose 721, and the drain side of the check valve 720 and the drain nozzle 710 are connected by a drain hose 722. In addition, the check valve 720 and the irrigation pump 700 are connected by a relay hose 723. 【0170】 More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, first, an intake check valve 724 and a drain check valve 725 are mounted vertically on the lower part of the outer end of the side step 118, facing in a direction that allows water to be supplied from the front to the rear of the aircraft. Then, one end of the intake hose 721 is inserted into the water tank 600, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the intake check valve 724, i.e., the front of the aircraft. One end of the drain hose 722 is connected to the outlet of the drain check valve 725, i.e., the rear of the aircraft, and the other end is connected to the drain nozzle 710. 【0171】 The irrigation pump 700 is fitted with the base end of a first relay hose 723a running in the left-right direction of the machine, and the end end is fitted with the convergence port of a three-pronged branch joint 723d. A second relay hose 723b is provided between the intake port of the branch joint 723d and the outlet (rear side of the machine) of the intake check valve 724, and a third relay hose 723c is provided between the drain port of the branch joint 723d and the inlet (front side of the machine) of the drain check valve 725. 【0172】 The drainage nozzle 710 may supply water directly to the field, but it may also be configured to introduce irrigation water into the planting hoppers 20a and 20b with a certain amount of force from the upper openings, and be used to remove mud adhering to the inside of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b. 【0173】 This eliminates the need for a scraper to enter and remove mud while the planting hoppers 20a and 20b are open, thus reducing the number of parts. 【0174】 If the scraper described above moves along a predetermined trajectory in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b, the number of parts in the mechanism that raises and lowers along the predetermined trajectory can be reduced, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of parts and simplification of the machine's structure. 【0175】 Furthermore, since the mud can be returned to the field through irrigation, it is possible to prevent the area outside the field from being contaminated with mud, and the outflow of nutrients from within the field is reduced. 【0176】 With the above configuration, the check valve 720 is positioned in the space on the left and right outer sides of the aircraft, making it easier to investigate the cause and perform maintenance work when problems such as clogging occur, thus reducing labor and shortening working time. 【0177】 Furthermore, by arranging the intake check valve 724 and the drain check valve 725 so that they supply water in the same direction, it becomes less likely to install them incorrectly during reassembly after disassembly, thereby improving work efficiency. 【0178】 Furthermore, by positioning the check valve 720 at the rear of the water tank 600, at the front of the planting hoppers 20a and 20b, and on the outside of the irrigation pump 700, the bending of the suction hose 721, the drainage hose 722, the first relay hose 723a, the second relay hose 723b, and the third relay hose 723c can be minimized, and they can be arranged in a way that minimizes overlap. 【0179】 Furthermore, if the intake check valve 724 and the drain check valve 725 are made of transparent tubes, allowing the internal spring and backflow prevention ball to be seen from the outside, the direction of water supply can be visually confirmed, making installation errors less likely. [Industrial applicability] 【0180】 The transplanting machine according to the present invention can be applied to improve the ease of getting on and off a transplanting machine used for planting seedlings, and has high potential for industrial use. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0181】 20a Planting hopper (planting device) 20b Planting hopper (planting device) 38. Drive transmission case 40 Running vehicle 44 wheels 610 Water Tank 611 Inner stay 612 Outer stay 613 Outer tube (receiving member) 614 Inner tube (connecting component) 615 Tank Guard 616 Front and rear support plates 616a Anterior bending support 616b Posterior bending support 617 Left and right support plates 617a Support bend 618 Tank Stay

Claims

[Claim 1] The vehicle comprises a vehicle body (40), a steering handle (404) for walking operation located at the rear of the vehicle body (40), a planting device (42) for planting seedlings in the field, a seedling supply device (43) for supplying seedlings to the planting device (42), and a rearward-facing work seat (46) located in the center left and right of the vehicle body, in front of the seedling supply device (43). A transplanting machine characterized by having a side support frame (60) that can rotate vertically across the front road wheels (45) and rear running wheels (44) of the machine, and having a base for a seat support frame (46a) that supports a work seat (46) and a water tank holder (601) for loading a water tank (600) attached to this side support frame (60). [Claim 2] The transplant machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the side support frame (60) comprises a front frame (61) arranged linearly between the front and rear of the road wheels (45) and the running wheels (44), a rear frame (62) arranged linearly inside the machine body of the drive transmission case (38), and a connecting frame 63 that passes under the drive transmission case 38, connecting the rear end of the front frame (61) and the front end of the rear frame (62), and to which the base of the seat support frame (46a) is attached.

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