Seedling machine

Abstract

There are rice transplanters that detect the amount of mat-shaped seedlings used, which are placed on a seedling tray. However, these transplanters have a usage sensor that bites into the bottom of the mat-shaped seedlings and rotates to detect the amount used, making the configuration and usage calculation control complex. Therefore, we provide a seedling transplanter that can measure the length of the mat-shaped seedlings with a simple configuration and calculate the appropriate amount of seedlings to use. [Solution] A seedling planting machine equipped with a seedling planting device that takes out a single seedling from the lower end of a mat-shaped seedling mat placed on a seedling platform that moves back and forth from left to right and plantes it in the field, The seedling planter is characterized in that the seedling tray is equipped with a measuring scale that can measure the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat while it is placed on the seedling tray before the start of planting work by the seedling planting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seedling planting machine that plants seedlings placed on a seedling mounting table in a field.

Background Art

[0002] There is a rice transplanter that detects the usage amount of mat-shaped seedlings placed on a seedling mounting table (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above rice transplanter is provided with a usage amount sensor that bites into the bottom surface of the mat-shaped seedlings and rotates to detect the usage amount, and the configuration and control of calculating the usage amount are complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a seedling planting machine that can measure the seedling length of mat-shaped seedlings with a simple configuration and can calculate an appropriate seedling usage amount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is a seedling planting machine equipped with a seedling planting device that takes out one-plant seedlings from the lower end of a mat-shaped seedling mat placed on a seedling mounting table that reciprocates left and right and plants them in a field. The seedling mounting table is provided with a measurement scale portion capable of measuring the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat in a state where it is placed on the seedling mounting table before the start of the planting operation by the seedling planting device. The seedling planting machine is characterized by this.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, the actual seedling length of the seedling mat can be measured with a simple configuration.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a seedling planter according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring scale is capable of measuring the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat when two seedling mats are placed on the seedling stand in the vertical direction.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, the compression ratio (seedling length) of the seedling mat can be measured with a simple configuration.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a seedling planter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating tool provided on the control panel, wherein a set value can be set by the operating tool using a measurement result based on the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat measured by the scale section, and based on the set value, an electric motor for adjusting the amount of seedlings to be taken out and used for one plant is activated, and the amount of seedlings to be taken is changed by moving the seedling receiving plate in the near and far direction relative to the lower end of the seedling stand using the electric motor.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a seedling planter according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a seedling detection sensor that detects mat-shaped seedlings supplied to the upper end of the seedling tray, and an input device that inputs a set amount of seedlings to be used for each predetermined planting area, and receives signals from positioning satellites using a GPS mounted on the machine, calculates position information using a satellite positioning system, calculates the work area from the work distance after the work is completed, compares the set amount of seedlings to be used with the amount of seedlings detected by the seedling detection sensor when the work area reaches a predetermined planting area, and adjusts the amount of seedlings to be picked so that the amount of seedlings to be used is the same as the set amount of seedlings to be used if the set amount of seedlings to be used and the amount of seedlings to be used differ. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a riding-type rice transplanter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the seedling tray of the same rice transplanter. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the extension seedling holder for the same rice transplanter. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the seedlings attached to the mat-like soil of the same rice transplanter. [Figure 5] This is a control block diagram of the same rice transplanter. [Figure 6] This is a reference diagram showing explanations of symbols and mathematical formulas for the same rice transplanter. [Figure 7] This is a reference diagram showing explanations of symbols and mathematical formulas for the same rice transplanter. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of an extended seedling holder illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a side view of a riding-type rice transplanter equipped with a fertilizer applicator, which is one embodiment of the seedling transplanter of the present invention. In this riding-type rice transplanter 1 with a fertilizer applicator, the seedling planting section 4 is mounted on the rear side of the traveling body 2 via a lifting link device 3 so as to be able to move up and down, and the main body of the fertilizer applicator 5 is provided on the upper rear side of the traveling body 2. A leveling rotor 6 is provided at the front of the seedling planting section 4. In addition, spare seedling trays Y are provided on both the left and right sides of the front of the traveling body 2, and a center marker CM is provided at the center of the front end of the traveling body 2. Note that the left and right directions in the forward direction of the riding-type rice transplanter 1 are referred to as left and right, respectively, and the forward and reverse directions are referred to as front and rear, respectively.

[0015] <Vehicle in operation 2> The vehicle body 2 is a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a pair of left and right front wheels 7,7 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 8,8, which are drive wheels. A transmission case 9 is located at the front of the vehicle body, and front wheel final drive cases 10,10 are provided on the left and right sides of the transmission case 9. The left and right front wheels 7,7 are attached to left and right front wheel axles 10b,10b that protrude outward from each front wheel support part 10a,10a of the left and right front wheel final drive cases 10,10, which can change the steering direction.

[0016] Further, the front end of the main frame 11 is fixed to the back surface of the mission case 9, and the left and right rear wheel gear cases 12, 12 are independently supported so as to be vertically movable via left and right suspensions at the rear end of the main frame 11. Rear wheels 8, 8 are attached to the left and right rear wheel axles 13, 13 protruding outward from the left and right rear wheel gear cases 12, 12.

[0017] The engine 14 is mounted on the main frame 11, and the rotational power of the engine 14 is transmitted to the mission case 9 via a belt transmission device and an HST 15.

[0018] The rotational power transmitted to the mission case 9 is shifted by a transmission in the mission case 9 and then taken out separately as traveling power and external extraction power.

[0019] Then, part of the traveling power is transmitted to the left and right front wheel final cases 10, 10 to drive the left and right front wheels 7, 7, and the rest is transmitted to the left and right rear wheel gear cases 12, 12 via the left and right rear wheel drive shafts to drive the left and right rear wheels 8, 8.

[0020] Also, the external extraction power is transmitted to a planting clutch case provided at the rear of the traveling vehicle body 2, and then transmitted to the seedling planting part 4 by a planting transmission shaft and transmitted to the fertilizer applicator 5 by a fertilizer transmission mechanism.

[0021] The upper part of the engine 14 is covered by an engine cover 16, and a seat 17 is installed thereon.

[0022] In front of the seat 17, there is a front cover 18 that incorporates various operating mechanisms and has an operation panel 18a provided at the upper rear part, and a handle 19 as a steering operation device for steering the front wheels 7, 7 is provided above it.

[0023] The lower left and right ends of the engine cover 16 and front cover 18 are horizontal floor steps 20. Part of the floor steps 20 are lattice-shaped so that mud from the shoes of workers walking on the floor steps 20 falls onto the field. The rear of the floor steps 20 is a rear step 21 which also serves as a rear wheel fender.

[0024] The lifting link device 3 has a parallel link configuration and includes one upper link 22a and a pair of left and right lower links 22b, 22b.

[0025] These links 22a, 22b, and 22b are rotatably attached at their bases to a rear-view gate-shaped link base frame 23 erected at the rear end of the main frame 11, with a vertical link 24 connected to its tip.

[0026] Then, a connecting shaft 25, which is rotatably supported by the seedling planting section 4, is inserted and connected to the lower end of the vertical link 24, and the seedling planting section 4 is connected so as to be able to roll around the connecting shaft 25.

[0027] A lifting hydraulic cylinder 26 is provided between the link base frame 23 and the vertical link 24. By extending and retracting the lifting hydraulic cylinder 26 using hydraulics, the lifting link device 3 rotates up and down, causing the seedling planting section 4 to move up and down while maintaining a nearly constant position.

[0028] A GPS 29 is installed at the upper end of a support column 28, whose base is fixed to the machine frame, in the center of the front left and right sides of the vehicle body 2.

[0029] The control device 27, located inside the front cover 18, stores map data of the field registered in the map database. The control device 27 receives signals from positioning satellites via GPS 29 in the field and calculates position information using the satellite positioning system. It displays the completed work route and current position on a monitor 37, which also serves as a touch panel input device on the operation panel 18a on the top surface of the front cover 18, and calculates the work area d (d = work distance c × work width k) from the completed work distance c.

[0030] <Seedling planting section 4> The seedling planting unit 4 has a 6-row configuration and includes a transmission case 40 that also serves as a frame, a seedling platform 41 on which a mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N (an example of a mat-shaped seedling) is placed and moves back and forth along the seedling receiving plate 41a to supply one seedling at a time to the seedling outlets 41a' of each row of the seedling receiving plate 41a, and a seedling feeding belt 41b transfers all the seedlings in a horizontal row to the seedling receiving plate 41a, and a seedling planting device 42 that plants the seedlings supplied to the seedling outlets 41a' of the seedling receiving plate 41a into the field.

[0031] At the bottom of the seedling planting section 4, a center leveling float 43 is provided in the center, and side leveling floats 44, 44 are provided on both the left and right sides.

[0032] When the machine is moved forward with these leveling floats 43, 44, 44 in contact with the mud surface of the field, the leveling floats 43, 44, 44 glide along while leveling the mud surface, and seedlings are planted in the leveled area by the seedling planting device 42.

[0033] Each of the leveling floats 43, 44, 44 is rotatably mounted so that its front end moves up and down in accordance with the unevenness of the topsoil surface of the field. During planting, the vertical movement of the front of the center leveling float 43 is detected by an angle of attack control sensor (not shown), and the hydraulic valve that controls the lifting hydraulic cylinder 26 is switched according to the detection result to raise and lower the seedling planting unit 4, thereby maintaining a constant planting depth for the seedlings.

[0034] At the front of the seedling planting section 4, a leveling rotor 6 is provided to level the mud surface prior to the leveling floats 43, 44, 44.

[0035] Here, the detailed configuration of the seedling tray 41 will be explained based on Figures 2 to 7.

[0036] The seedling stand 41 is constructed by arranging six seedling resting sections 41f in the left-right direction, since it is a 6-row planting system. These sections consist of a bottom surface 41c on which the mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N are placed, left and right side walls 41d, and a slat-like extension seedling resting device 41e.

[0037] Each seedling placement section 41f is provided with a pair of seedling feeding belts 41b on the left and right sides that, when the seedling platform 41 moves to the left or right movable end, send the placed seedlings N with soil attached toward the seedling outlet 41a' below.

[0038] The seedling tray 41 moves back and forth from side to side by a lateral drive mechanism driven via a lateral speed change device with gears inside the transmission case 40, and the lateral speed change device is driven by a lateral speed change electric motor 30 that operates according to a command from the control device 27.

[0039] Furthermore, the electric motor 30 for lateral speed control can also be operated by the lateral speed setting dial 31 provided on the control panel 18a, and the lateral speed of the seedling tray 41 can be changed by manually operating the lateral speed setting dial 31, thereby changing the amount of seedlings picked by the seedling planting device 42.

[0040] A seedling tray sensor 32 is provided on the upper surface of the transmission case 40 to detect when the seedling tray 41 has moved to the left or right reciprocating end. The control device 27 calculates the number of reciprocations a of the seedling tray 41 (the number of times the seedling tray sensor 32 detects when the seedling tray 41 moves from one end to the other) based on the detection by the seedling tray sensor 32.

[0041] The seedling feeding belt 41b is driven by a stepping motor 33. When the seedling platform sensor 32 detects that the seedling platform 41 has reached its left or right end, the control device 27 commands the stepping motor 33 to move a predetermined amount of seedlings N with soil attached to the seedling placement section 41f toward the seedling receiving plate 41a.

[0042] The seedling receiving plate 41a can be moved closer or further away from the lower end of the seedling tray 41 by an electric motor 34 for adjusting the amount of seedlings to be picked, which is operated by a command from the control device 27.

[0043] Furthermore, the electric motor 34 for adjusting the seedling quantity can also be operated by the seedling quantity setting dial 35 provided on the control panel 18a, and the seedling quantity of the seedling planting device 42 can be changed by manually operating the seedling quantity setting dial 35 to adjust the distance position of the seedling receiving plate 41a relative to the lower end of the seedling platform 41.

[0044] Furthermore, a seedling detection sensor 45, which is configured as a limit switch for detecting seedlings N with mat-like soil attached, is provided at the lower end of the extended seedling holder 41e of a predetermined seedling placement section 41f (in this embodiment, the fourth seedling placement section 41f from the left).

[0045] Since the seedling detection sensor 45 is provided on the extended seedling holder 41e, which is the upper end of the seedling placement section 41f, it can appropriately detect the mat-like soil-covered seedlings N supplied to the seedling placement section 41f, and reliably detect the number of seedlings f used.

[0046] The seedling placement section 41f is set to a length that can accommodate two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N. The vertical position of the seedling detection sensor 45 is above the first mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N (the lowest mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N) placed on the seedling placement section 41f, and below the upper end of the second mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N (the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N placed above the lowest mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N). In other words, since the length of the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling is 580 mm, the seedling detection sensor 45 is positioned above 580 mm from the lower end of the seedling placement section 41f and below 1160 mm.

[0047] Therefore, when two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N are placed on the seedling placement section 41f at the start of rice planting, there will be a mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N of a predetermined length X mm above the seedling detection sensor 45.

[0048] Furthermore, when the rice planting operation begins, the seedlings N with soil attached to them are supplied from the top of the seedling placement unit 41f. The seedling detection sensor 45 detects that two seedlings N with soil attached to them have been placed, and the control device 27 stores that two seedlings N with soil attached to them have been used.

[0049] Then, two mat-shaped seedlings N with soil attached are supplied to all six seedling placement sections 41f, and the rice planting operation begins.

[0050] Then, each time the seedling platform 41 reaches the left or right end of the seedling platform 41, the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N placed on the seedling platform 41f is transported by the seedling feed belt 41b towards the seedling receiving plate 41a below. When the upper end of the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N on the seedling detection sensor 45 descends past the seedling detection sensor 45, the seedling detection sensor 45 sends information that there are no mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N to the control device 27, and the control device 27 stores the number of times the seedling platform 41 has made round trips a when it receives this information that there are no mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the seedling N with soil attached in a mat has a vertical length of 580 mm, but it is compressed by the lateral reciprocating movement of the seedling stand 41 and vibrations of the machine, causing its vertical length to become shorter than 580 mm.

[0052] The compression ratio p of the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N can be calculated by the ratio of the number of round trips a' of the seedling stand 41 until the upper end of the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N, which is above the seedling detection sensor 45 and has a length of X mm, passes the seedling detection sensor 45 without being compressed, to the actual number of round trips a of the seedling stand 41.

[0053] Therefore, the control device 27 calculates the number of times a' the seedling platform 41 moves back and forth until the upper end of the mat-shaped soil-covered seedling N, which is above the seedling detection sensor 45 and has a length of X mm, passes the seedling detection sensor 45 without being compressed, using the formula a'=X / h, where h is the amount of seedlings that the seedling planting device 42 takes out. The control device 27 then calculates the compression ratio p using the formula p=a' / a and stores it in memory.

[0054] Therefore, since the compression ratio p of the mat-like soil-covered seedling N can be calculated using the seedling detection sensor 45 provided on the seedling placement section 41f and the seedling platform sensor 32 which detects the number of left-right reciprocating movements of the seedling platform 41, the compression ratio p can be calculated with a simple configuration and control.

[0055] Furthermore, the control device 27 uses the compression coefficient m (m = 0.05p + 0.98) calculated from the measured values ​​in the test rice planting operation shown in Figure 7 to calculate the seedling usage amount g (g = number of rows l × number of seedlings used per row f = l × (seedling consumption b / 580) × compression coefficient m = l × ((2 × number of round trips a × amount of seedlings taken h) / 580) × m) using the formula in Figure 6.

[0056] Meanwhile, the operator inputs the set seedling usage amount g' (the set number of seedlings N with mat-like soil attached) to be used for every 10 ares using the monitor 37 provided on the operation panel 18a, and the control device 27 stores this set seedling usage amount g'.

[0057] Then, two mat-shaped seedlings N with soil attached are supplied to each seedling placement section 41f of the seedling platform 41, and the machine is moved forward to perform the rice planting work.

[0058] Furthermore, when the number of seedlings N with soil attached to the seedling tray on the seedling tray 41f decreases during rice planting, new seedlings are supplied sequentially from the top of the seedling tray 41f. The seedling detection sensor 45 then sequentially detects the seedlings N with soil attached to the seedling tray, and the control device 27 stores the number of seedlings N used based on the number of detections.

[0059] During rice planting, the control device 27 receives signals from positioning satellites via GPS 29 in the field and calculates the working area d (d = working distance c × working width k) from the working distance c while calculating position information using the satellite positioning system. When the working area d reaches a predetermined planting area of ​​10 ares (1 tan), the control device 27 compares the set amount of seedlings to be used per 10 ares, g', which was entered on the monitor 37, with the actual amount of seedlings used in the rice planting operation, g.

[0060] Then, if the set seedling usage amount g' to be used per 10 ares, as entered on the monitor 37, differs from the actual seedling usage amount g used in the rice planting operation, the seedling amount adjustment motor 34 is activated to adjust the seedling receiving plate 41a in relation to the lower end of the seedling platform 41, thereby changing the seedling amount h so that the seedling usage amount g is the same as the set seedling usage amount g' (g'=g).

[0061] For example, if the amount of seedlings used (g) is less than the set amount of seedlings used (g'), the amount of seedlings to be taken up (h) is converted in reverse, taking the smaller amount into account, so that the amount of seedlings used (g) per 10 ares is equal to the set amount of seedlings used (g'), and the amount of seedlings to be taken (h) is increased.

[0062] Conversely, if the amount of seedlings used (g) is greater than the set amount of seedlings used (g'), the excess amount is taken into account and the amount of seedlings used (g) per 10 ares is converted in reverse to equal the set amount of seedlings used (g'), thereby reducing the amount of seedlings taken (h).

[0063] Furthermore, if the set seedling usage amount g' for each 10 ares entered on the monitor 37 differs from the actual seedling usage amount g used in the rice planting operation, the lateral feed speed change motor 30 may be operated to change the lateral feed speed of the seedling tray 41 so that the seedling usage amount g becomes the same as the set seedling usage amount g' (g'=g), thereby changing the amount of seedlings to be picked.

[0064] For example, if the amount of seedlings used g is less than the set amount of seedlings used g', the lateral feeding speed of the seedling tray 41 is increased to take the smaller amount into account and increase the amount of seedlings picked so that the amount of seedlings used g per 10 ares is the same as the set amount of seedlings used g'.

[0065] Conversely, if the amount of seedlings used (g) is greater than the set amount of seedlings used (g'), the lateral feeding speed of the seedling tray 41 is slowed down to account for the excess amount, so that the amount of seedlings used per 10 ares (g) is equal to the set amount of seedlings used (g'), thereby reducing the amount of seedlings taken.

[0066] Furthermore, if the set amount of seedlings to be used per 10 ares, g', entered on the monitor 37, differs from the actual amount of seedlings used in the rice planting operation, the amount of drive (drive rotation) of the stepping motor 33 that drives the seedling feed belt 41b may be changed to adjust the amount of mat-like soil-covered seedlings N being transported toward the seedling receiving plate 41a, so that the amount of seedlings used g is the same as the set amount of seedlings used g' (g'=g).

[0067] For example, if the amount of seedlings used g is less than the set amount of seedlings used g', the amount of drive (drive rotation) of the stepping motor 33 that drives the seedling feed belt 41b is increased to take the smaller amount into account, so that the amount of seedlings used g per 10 ares is the same as the set amount of seedlings used g', thereby increasing the amount of seedlings N with mat-like soil attached that are transported toward the seedling receiving plate 41a.

[0068] Conversely, if the amount of seedlings used g is greater than the set amount of seedlings used g', the amount of drive (drive rotation) of the stepping motor 33 that drives the seedling feed belt 41b is reduced to take the greater amount into account, so that the amount of seedlings used g per 10 ares is the same as the set amount of seedlings used g', thereby reducing the amount of seedlings N with mat-like soil attached that are transported toward the seedling receiving plate 41a.

[0069] Furthermore, if the set seedling usage amount g' for each 10 ares entered on the monitor 37 differs from the actual seedling usage amount g used in the rice planting operation, and the seedling usage amount h is changed by operating the seedling amount adjustment electric motor 34 to adjust the distance of the seedling receiving plate 41a relative to the lower end of the seedling platform 41 so that the seedling usage amount g is the same as the set seedling usage amount g' (g'=g), then even more appropriate correction can be made by simultaneously changing the drive amount (drive rotation amount) of the stepping motor 33 that drives the seedling feeding belt 41b to match the changed seedling usage amount h, thereby changing the amount of mat-like soil-covered seedlings N transported toward the seedling receiving plate 41a.

[0070] Furthermore, by displaying the difference between the seedling usage amount g calculated for 10 ares and the set seedling usage amount g' used per 10 ares entered on the monitor 37, the worker can constantly recognize whether there is a discrepancy in the seedling usage amount. If there is a discrepancy, they can immediately manually adjust the seedling amount h, improving the accuracy of seedling consumption and preventing problems such as having too many or too few seedlings.

[0071] Furthermore, if there is a discrepancy of one or more mat-type soil-covered seedlings N between the seedling usage amount g calculated for 10 ares and the set seedling usage amount g' to be used per 10 ares entered in monitor 37, monitor 37 (or other warning means) will issue a warning to reset the compression ratio p of the mat-type soil-covered seedlings N.

[0072] Upon receiving the warning, the worker returns to the same working conditions as when the rice planting work began, calculates the compression ratio p again, and continues the rice planting work.

[0073] Therefore, if the compression ratio p of the seedlings N with soil attached to the mat differs from that at the start of the rice planting process, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent a significant discrepancy in the amount of seedlings used.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a seedling detection sensor 45 for detecting seedlings N with mat-like soil attached is provided at the lower end of the extended seedling holder 41e of the fourth seedling placement section 41f from the left. However, seedling detection sensors 45 may be provided in multiple seedling placement sections 41f (or all seedling placement sections 41f), and the values ​​detected and calculated by each seedling detection sensor 45 may be averaged and used.

[0075] In another embodiment, as a method for calculating the amount of seedlings used g in the rice planting operation, since it is a 6-row planting, the control device 27 may multiply the number of mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N detected by the seedling detection sensor 45 by 6 and sequentially store this as the amount of seedlings used g.

[0076] In other words, the amount of seedlings used g = (number of seedlings N with mat-like soil attached detected by the seedling detection sensor 45) × number of rows l (in this embodiment = 6).

[0077] Then, the amount of seedlings used g calculated for 10 ares using the method described above is corrected using the same method as described above (changing the amount of seedlings taken h, changing the lateral feeding speed of the seedling tray 41, changing the amount transported by the seedling feeding belt 41b) so that it is the same as the amount of seedlings used g' set to be used for each 10 ares entered on the monitor 37.

[0078] Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the extended seedling holder 41e is equipped with memory scales 50a to 50i for measuring the compression ratio of seedlings N with mat-like soil.

[0079] In other words, the uppermost memory 50a is set at a distance of 1,160 mm (= 580 mm × 2) from the lower end of the seedling placement section 41f, and is the memory where the upper ends of the two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N are located when the seedlings are not compressed after placing two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N on the seedling placement section 41f.

[0080] When two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N are placed on the seedling placement section 41f, the weight of the seedlings N themselves compresses them, causing the upper ends of the two mat-shaped soil-covered seedlings N to be positioned below the marking 50a, specifically at the markings 50b to 50i.

[0081] For example, if memory points 50a to 50i are set at 10mm intervals, then when the upper ends of two mat-like seedlings N with soil attached are located at memory point 50c, it can be seen that they are compressed by 20mm (=10mm x 2).

[0082] Therefore, the operator can determine from the compression ratio and manually adjust the seedling quantity setting dial 35 provided on the control panel 18a to the desired seedling quantity.

[0083] <Fertilizer 5> The fertilizer applicator 5 dispenses granular fertilizer stored in the fertilizer hopper 60 in fixed amounts via the dispensing unit 61, guides the fertilizer via the fertilizer hose 62 to the fertilizer guides 63 attached to both the left and right sides of each leveling float 43, 44, 44, and drops it into the fertilizer area formed near the side of the seedling planting row by the furrowing body 64 provided in front of the fertilizer guide 63. Air generated by a blower driven by an electric motor for the blower is blown into the fertilizer hose 62 via a long air chamber 65 in the left-right direction, forcibly transporting the fertilizer in the fertilizer hose 62 by air pressure.

[0084] <Another Embodiment> (1) Traditionally, the quality of seedling planting was judged based on subjective feelings, which was difficult for beginners. In addition, there were significant differences in the seedling planting condition due to differences in the amount of lateral movement (lateral movement speed) of the seedling tray 41 and the amount of seedlings picked.

[0085] Therefore, the seedling planting status is recognized by image recognition using a camera mounted on the aircraft, and the quality of the seedling planting is determined by AI.

[0086] Furthermore, the determination is made based on the learning content performed for each setting of the lateral movement amount and seedling picking amount of the seedling tray 41.

[0087] Furthermore, the process can be broadly categorized into two cases: when the lateral movement amount of the seedling tray 41 and the amount of seedlings picked are small, and when they are large.

[0088] The system determines whether the number of seedlings planted in the field matches the set number and whether their posture is good.

[0089] If the judgment result shows a poor trend, adjustments will be made to bring it closer to the target value.

[0090] When there are many seedlings per plant, reduce the amount of seedlings taken; when there are few seedlings per plant, reduce the amount of seedlings taken. To address poorly positioned seedlings during planting, the vehicle speed is reduced.

[0091] In the event of consecutive stock shortages, the train will stop to address the situation.

[0092] Furthermore, since poor seedling planting can be caused by mud clogging the seedling receiving plate 41a or the seedling planting device 42 lifting (taking away) the seedlings without planting them when planting them in the field, image recognition of the seedling receiving plate 41a is also performed to confirm that there is no clogging, and that the seedling planting device 42 is not lifting (taking away) the seedlings. If the seedling receiving plate 41a is clogged with mud or the seedling planting device 42 is lifting (taking away) the seedlings without planting them, the vehicle will stop and take appropriate action.

[0093] Therefore, the judgment can be automated. (2) Direct seeding machines equipped with a direct seeding device on a vehicle body 2 are often affected by field conditions as a factor in causing poor seeding.

[0094] Therefore, the field is photographed using a camera mounted on the aircraft, and the field conditions are recognized by AI to determine the sowing settings.

[0095] By using image recognition to determine the topsoil condition and hardness, the planting settings are decided, along with the motorized feed rate adjustment mechanism, soil covering mechanism, float sensitivity, and furrow depth.

[0096] The sowing conditions can be optimized. (3) The aircraft uses a camera mounted on it to photograph the field, and AI uses image recognition to determine the seedling planting and sowing settings.

[0097] Then, after planting seedlings or sowing seeds, users evaluate the work results, weighting the results accordingly, and the actual seedling planting and sowing conditions are used as learning materials.

[0098] Initially, no learning is performed; instead, supervised learning is implemented through user evaluation of the actual seedling planting and sowing conditions.

[0099] Alternatively, instead of performing initial training, it could be used as supervised learning by photographing the seedling planting and sowing stages using drones, and then incorporating (weighting) the evaluation of these images.

[0100] It uses quantitative evaluation rather than subjective assessment to perform automatic judgments and automatically optimizes to the user's style. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 29 GPS 32 Seedling tray sensor 37. Input device (monitor) 41 Seedling stand 42 Seedling planting device 45 Seedling detection sensor a Number of round trips c Working distance d Working area g Seedling usage amount g' Set seedling usage amount h Seedling quantity m compressibility factor N Mat-type seedlings (seedlings with soil attached to a mat) p compression ratio

Claims

1. In a seedling planting machine equipped with a seedling planting device that takes out a single seedling from the lower end of a mat-shaped seedling mat placed on a seedling platform that moves back and forth from side to side and plants it in the field, The seedling planter is characterized in that the seedling tray is equipped with a measuring scale that can measure the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat while it is placed on the seedling tray before the start of planting work by the seedling planting device.

2. The seedling planter according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring scale section is a scale section capable of measuring the actual length in the vertical direction of the seedling mat when two seedling mats are placed on the seedling stand in the vertical direction.

3. The control panel is further equipped with a control device, The operating tool can be used to set a value based on the measurement result derived from the actual length of the seedling mat in the vertical direction, as measured by the scale section. The seedling planter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it operates an electric motor for adjusting the amount of seedlings to be taken out and used based on the aforementioned set value, and adjusts the amount of seedlings to be taken by moving the seedling receiving plate in the near and far direction relative to the lower end of the seedling stand using the electric motor.

4. The seedling planter according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a seedling detection sensor that detects mat-shaped seedlings supplied to the upper end of the seedling platform, and an input device that inputs a set amount of seedlings to be used for each predetermined planting area, and receives signals from positioning satellites using a GPS mounted on the machine, calculates position information using a satellite positioning system, calculates the work area from the work distance after the work is completed, compares the set amount of seedlings to be used with the amount of seedlings detected by the seedling detection sensor when the work area reaches a predetermined planting area, and adjusts the amount of seedlings to be picked so that the amount of seedlings to be used is the same as the set amount of seedlings to be used if the set amount of seedlings to be used and the amount of seedlings to be picked differ.

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