Work vehicle

Abstract

To address such a problem that when seedling planting work is not performed, it is not always easy for a work vehicle such as a conventional transplanter to retract a seedling tray rod such that the seedling tray rod in a seedling tray rod locked state takes a seedling tray rod unlocked state.SOLUTION: When performing seedling planting work, a transplanter repeats a seedling tray rod locked state where a seedling tray rod 610 is locked to a seedling tray 1000, and a seedling tray rod unlocked state where the seedling tray rod 610 is not locked to the seedling tray 1000. The transplanter includes a seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 for, when the seedling planting work is not performed, retracting the seedling tray rod 610 in response to manual operation such that the seedling tray rod 610 in the seedling tray rod locked state takes the seedling tray rod unlocked state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle such as a transplanter.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a work vehicle such as a transplanter that plants seedlings while traveling, and includes a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism that feeds a seedling tray in the longitudinal direction, in which a plurality of seedling pots containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions. The seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism has a seedling tray rod that is engaged with the seedling tray and driven to feed the seedling tray in the longitudinal direction. When the seedling planting operation is being performed, the seedling tray rod is repeatedly in a seedling tray rod locked state in which the seedling tray rod is engaged with the seedling tray and a seedling tray rod unlocked state in which the seedling tray rod is not engaged with the seedling tray (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] However, with respect to the conventional work vehicle such as a transplanter described above, it is not always easy to retract the seedling tray rod so that the seedling tray rod in the seedling tray rod locked state takes the seedling tray rod unlocked state when the seedling planting operation is not being performed.

[0005] In consideration of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that can more easily retract the seedling tray rod so that the seedling tray rod in the seedling tray rod locked state takes the seedling tray rod unlocked state when the seedling planting operation is not being performed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The first invention is a work vehicle that plants seedlings while traveling, comprising a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) that feeds a seedling tray (1000) in which a plurality of seedling pots (1100) containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions in the vertical direction, wherein the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) has a seedling tray rod (610) that is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and driven to feed the seedling tray (1000) in the vertical direction, when the seedling planting operation is being performed, a seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and a seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is not locked to the seedling tray (1000) are repeated, when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retracting lever (710) is provided to retract the seedling tray rod (610) in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod (610) in the seedling tray rod locking state takes the seedling tray rod non-locking state, a link member (720) connecting the seedling tray rod (610) to the seedling tray rod retracting lever (710) is provided, when the seedling planting operation is being performed, the link member (720) does not prevent the repetition of the seedling tray rod locking state and the seedling tray rod non-locking state, when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, in response to a manual operation, the seedling tray rod retracting lever (710) retracts the seedling tray rod (610) via the link member (720), the link member (720) is rotatably attached to an arm member (620) to which the seedling tray rod (610) is fixed, and the seedling tray rod retracting lever (710) is slidably attached to the link member (720). The second invention is a work vehicle that plants seedlings while traveling, comprising a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) that feeds a seedling tray (1000) in which a plurality of seedling pots (1100) containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions in the vertical direction, The seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) has a seedling tray rod (610) that is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and driven to feed the seedling tray (1000) in the longitudinal direction. When the seedling planting operation is being performed, a seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and a seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is not locked to the seedling tray (1000) are repeated. When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is provided to retract the seedling tray rod (610) in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod (610) in the seedling tray rod locking state assumes the seedling tray rod non-locking state. A side wall portion (810) in which a notch (811) is formed according to the locus (610t) of the driven seedling tray rod (610) is provided on at least one of the left side and the right side of the vehicle body. When the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and supports the seedling tray (1000), a receiving portion (812) for receiving the seedling tray rod (610) is provided in the notch (811). The work vehicle is characterized by this. The first invention related to the present invention is a work vehicle that plants seedlings while traveling, a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) that feeds a seedling tray (1000) in which a plurality of seedling pots (1100) containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions in the vertical direction, the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) has a seedling tray rod (610) that is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and is driven to feed the seedling tray (1000) in the vertical direction, when the seedling planting operation is being performed, a seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and a seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is not locked to the seedling tray (1000) are repeated, When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is provided to retract the seedling tray rod (610) in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod (610) in the seedling tray rod locked state assumes the seedling tray rod unlocked state. The work vehicle is characterized by this.

[0007] The second invention related to the present invention A link member (720) that connects the seedling tray rod (610) to the seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is provided. When the seedling planting operation is being performed, the link member (720) does not prevent the repetition of the seedling tray rod locked state and the seedling tray rod unlocked state. When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, the seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) retracts the seedling tray rod (610) via the link member (720) in response to a manual operation. This is the characteristic of The first invention related to the present invention the work vehicle.

[0008] The third invention related to the present invention The link member (720) is rotatably attached to an arm member (620) to which the seedling tray rod (610) is fixed. The seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is slidably attached to the link member (720). This is the characteristic of The second invention related to the present invention the work vehicle.

[0009] The fourth invention related to the present invention Side wall portions (810) in which notches (811) are formed according to the locus (610t) of the driven seedling tray rod (610) are provided on at least one of the left side and the right side of the vehicle body. When the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) to support the seedling tray (1000), a receiving portion (812) for receiving the seedling tray rod (610) is provided in the notch (811). This is the characteristic of The first invention related to the present invention the work vehicle.

[0010] The fifth invention related to the present invention When the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and driven to send the seedling tray (1000) in the vertical direction, a seedling tray brake member (910) for suppressing the slipping of the seedling tray (1000) is provided. The first invention related to the present invention It is a work vehicle.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, it is possible to more easily retract the seedling tray rod so that the seedling tray rod in the seedling tray rod locking state assumes the seedling tray rod non-locking state. The first invention related to the present invention Accordingly, when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, it is possible to more easily retract the seedling tray rod so that the seedling tray rod in the locked state of the seedling tray rod assumes the unlocked state of the seedling tray rod.

[0012] The second invention related to the present invention Accordingly, The first invention related to the present invention In addition to the effects of, it is possible to retract the seedling tray rod with a highly reliable configuration.

[0013] The third invention related to the present invention Accordingly, The second invention related to the present invention In addition to the effects of, it is possible to retract the seedling tray rod with a simple configuration.

[0014] The fourth invention related to the present invention Accordingly, The first invention related to the present invention In addition to the effects of, when the seedling tray rod is locked to the seedling tray and supports the seedling tray, it is possible to receive the seedling tray rod.

[0015] The fifth invention related to the present invention Accordingly, The first invention related to the present invention In addition to the effects of, when the seedling tray rod is locked to the seedling tray and driven to send the seedling tray in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the slipping of the seedling tray.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

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Figure 24

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The same applies hereinafter, but some components may not be shown in the drawings, or may be shown perspectively or omitted. [[ID=#

[0019] (1) First, with reference mainly to FIGS. 1 to 12, the configuration and operation of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0020] Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic left side view of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view in the vicinity of the seedling extraction device 200 and the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 are left side views (No. 1 and No. 2) in the vicinity of the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear views (No. 1 and No. 2) in the vicinity of the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 7 and 8 are front views (No. 1 and No. 2) in the vicinity of the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan views (No. 1 and No. 2) in the vicinity of the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are bottom views (No. 1 and No. 2) in the vicinity of the seedling tray conveyance device 400 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] While explaining the operation of the transplanter of this embodiment, the operation control method of the work vehicle of the invention related to the present invention, which is realized by a controller or the like, will also be explained.

[0022] The transplanter of this embodiment is a transplanter such as a vegetable seedling transplanter that travels with a traveling device 120 having a pair of left and right driven front wheels 121 and driving rear wheels 122 while using the driving force transmitted from the engine 110, and plants seedlings with a seedling planting device 300 having a seedling planter 310.

[0023] The transplanter of this embodiment is a work vehicle that plants seedlings while traveling, and is an example of the work vehicle in the present invention.

[0024] The seedling tray conveying device 400 has a seedling tray lateral feed mechanism 500, a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism 600, and a seedling tray loading unit 800. It is a seedling conveying device that loads the seedling tray 1000 and moves it left and right, and also moves the seedling tray 1000 forward and backward. The seedling extraction device 200 is a seedling extraction device that extracts seedlings from the seedling tray 1000 by the operation of the seedling extractor 210 along the locus 210t. The seedling planting device 300 is a seedling planting device that receives seedlings from the seedling extraction device 200 by the operation of the seedling planter 310 and plants them in the field.

[0025] The seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism 600 is a mechanism that feeds the seedling tray 1000 in the longitudinal direction, in which a plurality of seedling pots 1100 containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0026] When the seedling tray conveying device 400 moves left and right along the lead cam shaft, the seedlings arranged in the horizontal rows, which are the left and right rows of the seedling tray 1000, are taken out one by one. When the seedling tray conveying device 400 reaches the end in the left and right direction, the seedling tray 1000 is fed out by one row in the longitudinal direction, and the seedlings in the next left and right rows can be taken out.

[0027] The seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism 600 has a seedling tray rod 610 that is locked to the seedling tray 1000 and is driven to feed the seedling tray 1000 in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] When the seedling planting operation is being performed, the seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod 610 is locked to the seedling tray 1000 and the seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod 610 is not locked to the seedling tray 1000 are repeated.

[0029] When the rotating contact member 630 contacts the seedling tray rod retraction cam 642, the seedling tray rod 610 that has been pushed into the front-rear interval between the seedling pots 1100 against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pushing biasing member 651 is retracted downward. When the contact member 630 contacts the seedling tray longitudinal feed cam 641, the seedling tray rod 610 is pushed upward against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pulling biasing member 652. The movement of the seedling tray rod 610 along the locus 610t is realized as such a seedling tray longitudinal feed operation (see FIGS. 14 to 16).

[0030] More specifically, the seedling tray 1000 has a configuration in which a plurality of cell pots, i.e., seedling pots 1100, are connected. The lower side of the seedling pot 1100 has intervals in the front-rear and left-right directions. When the seedling tray conveying device 400 moves in the left-right direction, the seedling tray rod 610 as a tray feed rod enters the front-rear interval in the left-right direction, preventing the seedling tray 1000 from moving due to its own weight and vibration. When the seedling tray conveying device 400 reaches the end in the left-right direction, the seedling tray rod 610 moves downward by the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism 600, which is a moving mechanism, and moves downward toward the lower side of the vehicle body compared to the lower end of the seedling pot 1100. At this time, by moving while contacting a plurality of seedling pots 1100 in the left and right rows, the seedling tray 1000 starts to move and is pushed out downward in front of the vehicle body. Then, at the position where the seedling tray 1000 has almost finished moving one row in the left and right rows, the seedling tray rod 610 moves upward and enters the front-rear interval between the seedling pots 1100 in the row one position behind, restricting the movement of the seedling tray 1000.

[0031] By performing such an operation normally, the seedlings in the seedling tray 1000 can be planted in the field at set plant spacings, one by one.

[0032] (2) Next, the configuration and operation of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0033] First, the seedling tray rod release unit 700 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19.

[0034] Here, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the seedling tray rod release unit 700, the seedling tray loading unit 800, and the seedling tray brake unit 900 of the transplanter in the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14 to 17 are perspective views (one to four) of the vicinity of the seedling tray rod release unit 700 of the transplanter in the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 18 and 19 are left side views (one and two) of the vicinity of the seedling tray rod release unit 700 of the transplanter in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In FIGS. 14 to 16 and 18, a state where the manual operation of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is not performed is shown. In FIGS. 17 and 19, a state where the manual operation of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is performed is shown.

[0036] In FIG. 14, the seedling tray rod 610 is pushed downward by the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pulling-down biasing member 652, and is pushed into the front-rear interval portion between the seedling pots 1100 by the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pushing-in biasing member 651. The position of the seedling tray rod 610 at this time substantially coincides with the position of the apex V1 of the seedling tray rod locus (see FIG. 2).

[0037] In FIG. 15, when the rotating contact member 630 contacts the seedling tray rod retraction cam 642, the seedling tray rod 610 that has been pushed into the front-rear interval portion between the seedling pots 1100 against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pushing-in biasing member 651 is about to be retracted downward. When the contact member 630 contacts the seedling tray longitudinal feed cam 641, the seedling tray rod 610 is about to be pushed upward against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pulling-down biasing member 652. The position of the seedling tray rod 610 at this time substantially coincides with the position of the apex V2 of the seedling tray rod locus (see FIG. 2).

[0038] In FIG. 16, the rotating contact member 630 further contacts the seedling tray rod retraction cam 642, so that the seedling tray rod 610, which was pushed into the front-rear interval portion between the seedling pots 1100 against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pushing biasing member 651, is retracted downward. When the contact member 630 contacts the seedling tray longitudinal feed cam 641, a state is shown in which the seedling tray rod 610 is pushed upward against the biasing force of the seedling tray rod pulling biasing member 652. The position of the seedling tray rod 610 at this time substantially coincides with the position of the apex V3 of the seedling tray rod locus (see FIG. 2).

[0039] When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is provided to retract the seedling tray rod 610 in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod 610 in the seedling tray rod locked state assumes the seedling tray rod unlocked state.

[0040] A configuration is adopted in which a seedling tray rod release unit 700 for releasing the fixation of the seedling tray 1000 is provided together with the seedling tray rod 610, the link member 720, the long hole 721, and the seedling tray lower guide 401. Therefore, when the seedling tray 1000 is taken out or clogged, the seedling tray 1000 can be easily pulled out by pulling the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 obliquely rearward.

[0041] More specifically, a seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided as a lock release lever device having a seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 that retracts the seedling tray rod 610 from the seedling tray 1000 and releases the movement restriction of the seedling tray 1000 regardless of the feeding operation by the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism 600. For this reason, when the work is completed with seedlings remaining in the seedling tray 1000, or when the seedling tray 1000 stops moving during conveyance, if the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is operated to retract the seedling tray rod 610 from the seedling tray 1000, the seedling tray 1000 can be manually moved freely, so that the seedling tray 1000 can be recovered without damaging the remaining seedlings.

[0042] The seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 forcibly lowers the seedling tray rod 610 for vertical rod feeding. Therefore, even when the seedling tray rod 610 is jammed, the seedling tray rod 610 can be surely lowered to release the seedling tray 1000.

[0043] More specifically, when the seedling planting operation is completed, there may still be seedlings remaining in the seedling tray 1000, and it is necessary to remove the seedling tray 1000 at this time. However, since the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided, the operator only needs to press a so-called empty planting switch to drive only the seedling tray conveying device 400, and there is no need to perform the difficult operation of pulling up the seedling tray 1000 above the rear side of the vehicle body at the timing when the seedling tray rod 610 is positioned below the seedling tray 1000.

[0044] Since the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided, the operator does not need to hold the seedling tray 1000 with one hand, and the removal operation of the seedling tray 1000 is easy to perform. Although the time when the seedling tray rod 610 is separated below the seedling tray 1000 is limited, since the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided, the timing of removing the seedling tray 1000 will not be mistaken and the seedling tray 1000 will not become impossible to remove, and no extra time will be wasted.

[0045] If the seedling tray 1000 is damaged such as being fractured or stretched, when the seedling tray 1000 being conveyed bends at a part from the lower side of the seedling tray conveying device 400 toward the rear side of the vehicle body, the bending direction or the bending amount may become abnormal, and the seedling tray 1000 may not move and a jamming state may occur. However, since the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided, a phenomenon in which the seedling tray 1000 is damaged by being fractured or stretched by trying to forcibly remove the seedling tray 1000 against the contact resistance with the seedling tray rod 610 is unlikely to occur.

[0046] Due to jamming, the left and right movement of the seedling tray conveyor 400 and the feeding movement of the seedling tray 1000 may be disabled. However, since the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is provided, it is not necessary to operate the empty planting switch to move the seedling tray rod 610 below the seedling tray 1000, and there is no risk of the seedling tray 1000 being damaged or rendered unusable by forcibly pulling it out or cutting it to remove it.

[0047] A link member 720 connecting the seedling tray rod 610 to the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is provided.

[0048] The seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is connected to the seedling tray longitudinal feeding mechanism 600 via the link member 720. The rear end of the arm member 620 connected to the seedling tray rod 610 is pulled up by the traction of the link member 720, and the seedling tray rod 610 is pulled down.

[0049] More specifically, the seedling tray rod release unit 700 as a seedling tray rod unlocking device is connected to the seedling tray longitudinal feeding mechanism 600 via a link member 720 constituting a release link mechanism. A long hole 721 is formed in the link member 720 as a release link arm. A sliding pin 722 as a switching pin provided in the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is inserted into the long hole 721, and a rotation pin 723 as a connecting pin provided on the arm member 620 of the seedling tray longitudinal feeding mechanism 600 is inserted into the end of the link member 720 on the front side of the vehicle body.

[0050] When the seedling planting operation is being performed, the link member 720 does not prevent the repeated state of the seedling tray rod locking state and the seedling tray rod non-locking state.

[0051] When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, in response to manual operation, the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 retracts the seedling tray rod 610 via the link member 720.

[0052] The link member 720 is connected to the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 by a sliding pin 722 inserted into the long hole 721. When the normal longitudinal feeding of the seedling tray is performed, the longitudinal rod feeding operation is performed by utilizing the sliding of the sliding pin 722 within the longitudinal range of the long hole 721, so that the adverse effect of the unintentional release of the seedling tray rod lock is not caused.

[0053] Since the longitudinal range of such a long hole 721 is sufficiently wide compared to the longitudinal rod feeding operation, there is no influence on the normal longitudinal rod feeding operation.

[0054] Since the long hole 721 is provided on the side of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710, when the sliding pin 722 slides in the long hole 721, the link member 720 is less likely to get in the way.

[0055] More specifically, by inserting the sliding pin 722 into the long hole 721 of the link member 720, the connection with the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is made. During the seedling planting operation, in conjunction with the operation of the longitudinal feeding mechanism 600 of the seedling tray, only the link member 720 can be moved without moving the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710, so that the state of the seedling tray rod release unit 700 being unintentionally switched to the released state is prevented.

[0056] The link member 720 is rotatably attached to the arm member 620 to which the seedling tray rod 610 is fixed.

[0057] The seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is slidably attached to the link member 720.

[0058] The seedling tray rod 610 starts from the apex V1 of the seedling tray rod locus 610t at the timing when the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 starts to be pulled, passes through the apex V2 of the seedling tray rod locus at the timing when the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is being pulled, and the apex V3 of the seedling tray rod locus at the timing when the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is completely pulled, and reaches the apex V4 of the seedling tray rod locus at the timing when the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is returned. That is, after the seedling tray rod 610 is moved downward, the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is moved by pulling the rear end of the arm member 620 obliquely rearward. When the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is pulled to the maximum, the seedling tray rod 610 is moved vertically upward from the retracted position.

[0059] However, in reality, the position of the seedling tray rod 610 is not necessarily uniquely determined, for example, in which part between adjacent seedling pots 1100. Such a part may be the narrowest part close to the surface of the seedling tray 1000, or a relatively wide part in the middle in the vertical direction of the seedling tray 1000, or an impossible part such as the part between the front and back surfaces caused by the crack of the seedling tray 1000 when the seedling tray 1000 is jammed. In order to facilitate the removal of the seedling tray 1000 regardless of the jamming position, the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is attached via the link member 720 in which the long hole 721 is formed. Therefore, if the lever operation amount of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is sufficiently guaranteed, the seedling tray rod 610 can be forcibly retracted from the seedling tray 1000 by an easy lever operation and moved to the unlock position even if it is jammed in approximately any position.

[0060] Since the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 pulls the rear end of the arm member 620 obliquely rearward for the rod vertical feed operation, the arm member 620 is pulled in the same direction as the normal rod vertical feed operation, so that the lock of the seedling tray 1000 can be smoothly released.

[0061] The operating direction of the arm member 620 is the vertical direction of the locus 610t traced by the lowered seedling tray rod 610 after the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is pulled. Therefore, even if the seedling tray rod 610 is in an unintended position due to snagging or the like during the rod vertical feeding operation, the lock of the seedling tray 1000 can be surely released.

[0062] More specifically, in the configuration of the seedling tray vertical feed mechanism 600, an arm member 620 as a feed arm whose rear part is connected to the link member 720, and a seedling tray rod 610 which is mounted on the front part side of the arm member 620 and is a tray contact rod movable between a position in contact with the seedling tray 1000 and a position separated from the seedling tray 1000 are used.

[0063] The configuration of the seedling tray rod release unit 700 is such that when the lever operation of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is performed toward the lower side of the vehicle body, the seedling tray rod 610 is separated from the seedling tray 1000.

[0064] When the lever operation of the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is performed toward the lower side of the vehicle body which is the release side, the arm member 620 is moved upward and rearward of the vehicle body via the link member 720, and the seedling tray rod 610 is moved to a position separated from the seedling tray 1000.

[0065] When the seedling tray rod retraction lever 710 is operated downward, the seedling tray rod 610 moves in a direction away from the seedling tray 1000, so that the unlocked state of the seedling tray 1000 can be realized by using the tray feeding operation of the seedling tray vertical feed mechanism 600. Therefore, when the unlocking is performed, a load on the seedling tray vertical feed mechanism 600 is less likely to occur, and malfunction and breakage are less likely to be caused.

[0066] Since the seedling tray rod 610 is pulled downward and obliquely backward, even if there is contact that obstructs the movement of the seedling tray 1000 or abnormal contact with the seedling tray 1000, the seedling tray 1000 can be moved to the retracted position. Therefore, the seedling tray 1000 can be surely and easily removed from the seedling tray loading unit 800, which is the tray loading part.

[0067] The fulcrum of the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is provided at the attachment part of the seedling tray lower guide 401. The seedling tray lower guide 401 is located on the rear side of the vehicle body of the seedling tray conveying device 400, is arranged perpendicular to the guide rail and is located at the rearmost side, and is a member that receives the bottom of the seedling tray 1000. Such a configuration is simple and realizes so-called cost reduction.

[0068] The attachment base side of the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is Y-shaped in plan view and is formed by overlapping two plates. Since the width for the fulcrum is ensured by such overlapping, the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is less likely to rattle and the fulcrum is less likely to be fixed by mud.

[0069] A torque spring as a lever return spring is inserted between the seedling tray rod retracting levers 710. Since the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is composed of two plates as described above, spring fixation can be easily realized.

[0070] Since the lever operation direction of the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is the downward direction opposite to the pulling direction of the tray, the lever operation is easy.

[0071] When the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710 is pushed down, it wraps around the round bar of the seedling tray lower guide 401. By applying a force to grip and pick both such a round bar and the seedling tray rod retracting lever 710, the unlocked state of the seedling tray 1000 can be realized by an easy lever operation.

[0072] (2B) Next, the seedling tray loading unit 800 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0073] Here, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the seedling tray loading unit 800 and the seedling tray brake unit 900 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the seedling tray loading unit 800 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] A side wall portion 810 formed according to the locus 610t of the seedling tray rod 610 driven by the notch 811 is provided on at least one of the left side and the right side of the vehicle body.

[0075] When the seedling tray rod 610 is locked to the seedling tray 1000 to support the seedling tray 1000, a receiving portion 812 for receiving the seedling tray rod 610 is provided in the notch 811.

[0076] The seedling extraction position is a position corresponding to the position where the seedling extractor 210 as a seedling taking claw moving along the locus 210t which is a circular locus enters the seedling tray 1000. By keeping the lateral feed amount and the vertical feed amount of the seedling tray 1000 constant, when the seedling extractor 210 takes out the seedlings, it moves to the appropriate position along the circular locus and reaches the correct position of the seedling pots 1100 of the seedling tray 1000 to take out the seedlings.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 21, a receiving portion 812 in the form of a protrusion is provided below the rod fixing position of the seedling tray rod 610 at the upper part of the front plate of the side wall portion 810.

[0078] On the side wall portion 810 of the seedling tray loading unit 800, a notch 811 is formed in a shape based on the locus 610t, which is the movement locus of the seedling tray rod 610 serving as the feed rod of the seedling tray 1000. At the upper part of the front side of the vehicle body of the notch 811, a receiving portion 812 serving as a receiving projection toward the rear side of the vehicle body is formed at the portion where the seedling tray rod 610 is located when the state of the seedling tray 1000 is in the locked state. When the position of the seedling tray rod 610 tends to be lowered by the weight of the seedling tray 1000, the receiving portion 812 functions as a stopper.

[0079] The lower side of the side wall portion 810 is recessed forward with respect to the portion of the locus 610t where the seedling tray rod 610 descends, so that the seedling tray rod 610 descends smoothly.

[0080] Since the central portion of the front plate of the side wall portion 810 is inclined obliquely upward, when the seedling tray rod 610 contacts such a front plate, it smoothly escapes upward.

[0081] Since a curved round shape is formed rearward at the lower part of the front plate of the side wall portion 810, when the seedling tray rod 610 descends in the rod vertical feed operation and contacts such a lower part of the front plate, it smoothly moves rearward.

[0082] Since the rear part of the front plate of the side wall portion 810 is cut obliquely upward, when the seedling tray rod 610 descends and moves rearward, the seedling tray rod 610 is guided by such a cut-up portion and enters the gap of the seedling tray 1000.

[0083] More specifically, a notch 811 is formed in the side wall 810 of the seedling tray loading unit 800 as a moving notch portion having a shape along the locus 610t which is the circumferential locus of the seedling tray rod 610. In the notch 811, a receiving portion 812 is formed as a receiving projection portion that suppresses the unintended downward movement of the seedling tray rod 610 at the position where the seedling tray rod 610 locks the seedling tray 1000 located at the upper part of the front side of the vehicle body. A slight upward slope is formed at a position from the receiving portion 812 to the vicinity of the lower end of the notch 811. The vicinity of the lower end of the notch 811 is formed in a curved round shape toward the upper part of the rear side of the vehicle body.

[0084] Since the receiving portion 812 that suppresses the unintended downward movement of the seedling tray rod 610 is formed at the position where the seedling tray rod 610 locks the seedling tray 1000, it is possible to suppress the seedling tray rod 610 from being moved downward by the weight of the seedling tray 1000. Therefore, the seedling tray rod 610 is locked at a predetermined position and the seedlings can be appropriately taken out.

[0085] Since a forward upward slope is formed at a position from the receiving portion 812 to the vicinity of the lower end of the notch 811, even if the seedling tray rod 610 contacts the side plate of the side wall portion 810, it can not only move downward without being caught but also be surely separated from the seedling tray 1000 and move the seedling tray 1000 in the traveling direction.

[0086] Since the vicinity of the lower end of the notch 811 is formed in a curved round shape toward the upper part of the rear side of the vehicle body, even if the seedling tray rod 610 contacts the side plate of the side wall portion 810, it can move rearward and upward without being caught and position itself at an appropriate timing at the locking position of the next seedling tray 1000. Therefore, the seedling tray 1000 is locked at a position suitable for taking out the seedlings.

[0087] (2C) Next, the seedling tray brake unit 900 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24.

[0088] Here, FIGS. 22 to 24 are perspective views (one to three) of the vicinity of the seedling tray brake unit 900 of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] When the seedling tray rod 610 is engaged with the seedling tray 1000 and driven to feed the seedling tray 1000 in the vertical direction, a seedling tray brake member 910 for suppressing the slippage of the seedling tray 1000 is provided.

[0090] The rotating contact member 630 abuts against a seedling tray brake cam 921 provided on the rear body side of the seedling tray brake member 910, which is a tray brake arm of the seedling tray brake unit 900, and rotates the seedling tray brake member 910. The period during which the braking operation for suppressing the movement of the seedling tray 1000 is performed so that the tray moving speed is reduced by the tray brake due to the contact of the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 with the seedling tray 1000 is only a short period immediately before the completion of the vertical feeding of the seedling tray. When the seedling tray rod 610 retracts from the seedling tray 1000, the movement of the seedling tray 1000 does not become free, and an overrun at the seedling taking position is less likely to occur.

[0091] Since the inertial force in the left - right direction is generated due to the movement of the seedling tray lateral feeding mechanism 500 in the left - right direction, the load due to the inertial force accompanying the arrival at the left and right end portions of the movement range is continuously applied to the seedling tray brake member 910 from the side. However, since the rotation base side of the seedling tray brake member 910 is in contact with the side wall portion 810, it is difficult for the seedling tray brake member 910 to enter the rotation locus of the contact member 630 even if it bends due to factors such as material deterioration.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 22, sufficient space is secured in the lower part of the front plate of the side wall portion 810 so that interference of the seedling tray rod 610 is less likely to occur, and the upper part behind the front plate protrudes forward to realize the braking operation immediately before the seedling extraction position.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 23, the seedling tray brake member 910 extends rearward and wraps around the notch 811 which is a notch in the seedling tank. Even when a lateral load is applied, the seedling tray brake member 910 is difficult to enter into the notch 811.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 24, since the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 of the seedling tray brake member 910 is located outside compared to the tray guide of the seedling tray loading unit 800, it is difficult for the leaves of the seedlings to enter under the seedling tray brake member 910, and a reliable braking effect is exerted.

[0095] The braking operation of the seedling tray 1000 is performed by firmly pressing the seedling tray 1000 from above at the iron plate edge portion of the seedling tray brake contact portion 911, so that the seedling tray 1000 is less likely to slip.

[0096] Since the width of the portion of the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 that contacts the seedling tray 1000 is set to be narrow, the surface pressure for pressing the seedling tray 1000 becomes large, and a reliable braking operation is realized.

[0097] More specifically, on the side plate of the tray placement portion of the seedling tray loading unit 800, there is arranged a seedling tray brake member 910 as a movement restricting member that restricts tray movement by contacting the seedling tray 1000 to perform a braking operation. The seedling tray brake contact portion 911 of the seedling tray brake member 910 contacts the seedling tray 1000 outside the vehicle body compared to the inner end portion of the side wall portion 810. The seedling tray brake contact portion 911 is formed by bending the front side portion of the vehicle body toward the side wall side inside the vehicle body, and the width of the portion of the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 that contacts the seedling tray is narrower than the width of other portions.

[0098] Since the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 contacts the seedling tray 1000 outside the vehicle body compared to the inner end portion of the side wall portion 810, the foliage of the seedling is less likely to droop toward the seedling tray brake contact portion 911, and it is almost impossible for the foliage to enter between the seedling tray 1000 and the seedling tray brake contact portion 911, and damage to the foliage is unlikely to occur.

[0099] Since the width of the portion of the seedling tray brake contact portion 911 that contacts the seedling tray is narrower than the width of the other portions, the contact area is reduced and the contact resistance is increased, so that the movement restricting action is surely exerted, and it is almost impossible for the seedling tray 1000 to move excessively, and it is easy to appropriately take out the seedlings.

[0100] (3) Next, the configuration and operation of the transplanter according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically.

[0101] <Full-automatic vegetable transplanter (1)> In a full-automatic vegetable transplanter, (i) a configuration of this machine in which the engine speed of this machine can be controlled not only by an attached lever but also by electronic control from a controller can be considered. (ii) A configuration of this machine in which sensors for measuring the distance to the ridge surface by ultrasonic waves are mounted on the front and rear parts of this machine can be considered. (iii) A configuration of this machine in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted rearward from the rear part of this machine so that it can be detected whether an operator is located near this machine can be considered. (iv) A configuration of this machine in which the opening degree (grip degree) of the clutch levers of both the left and right wheels can be detected can be considered.

[0102] It is possible to enable autonomous operation using a mounted controller such as automation.

[0103] <Full-automatic vegetable transplanter (2)> With the configuration of the <Full-automatic vegetable transplanter (1)> described above, (i) when detecting an operator running alongside this machine with the mounted sensors, control for detecting the grip degree of the clutch lever during operation and detecting the operation status of the operator (ease of operating this machine) can be considered.

[0104] It is possible to detect the operator's operation of this machine and enable automation in automatic control.

[0105] <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (3)> With the configuration of the <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (2)> described above, (1) In field work, when the operator's operation is detected and the vehicle speed is set to be fast by engine rotation, control can be considered to detect whether the clutch operation is loose and the front of the vehicle is about to lift. (2) When the operator is judged not to be able to keep up with the operation of this machine in the detection state of (1) (when it seems likely to fall by relying on the center of gravity on the machine), control can be considered to automatically decelerate the engine speed to the low rotation side and automatically decelerate the vehicle speed.

[0106] The safety during the operation of this machine can be ensured.

[0107] <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (4)> With the configuration of the <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (2)> described above, (1) In field work, when the operator's operation is detected and the vehicle speed is set to be fast by engine rotation, control can be considered to detect whether the clutch operation is surely operated for traveling stop and the front of the vehicle is about to lift. (2) When the detection state of (1) is judged by the operator as an operation for turning, control can be considered to automatically decelerate the engine speed to the low rotation side and automatically decelerate the vehicle speed. (3) Further, when the detection of the operator disappears after reducing the engine speed, control can be considered to automatically return to the engine speed at the start of the reduction.

[0108] By automatically controlling the engine speed, it is possible to facilitate the operation of this machine.

[0109] <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (5)> With the configuration of the <Fully automatic vegetable transplanter (2)> described above, (1) In field work, when the operator's operation is detected and the vehicle speed is set to be slow by engine rotation, control can be considered to detect the operation interval of the clutch. (2) When the detection state of (1) is judged by the operator as a state with room for operation of this machine, control can be considered to automatically increase the engine speed to the high rotation side and automatically increase the vehicle speed.

[0110] By automatically controlling the engine speed, it is possible to facilitate the operation of this machine.

[0111] Note that the program of the invention related to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the operations of all or part of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.) of the work vehicle operation control method of the invention related to the present invention described above, and is a program that operates in cooperation with the computer.

[0112] Also, the recording medium of the invention related to the present invention is a recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute all or part of the operations of all or part of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.) of the work vehicle operation control method of the invention related to the present invention described above, and is a computer-readable recording medium in which the read program is used in cooperation with the computer.

[0113] Note that the above-mentioned "part of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.)" means one or several of those multiple steps.

[0114] Also, the above-mentioned "operation of the steps (or processes, operations, and actions, etc.)" means all or part of the operations of the above-mentioned steps.

[0115] Also, one usage form of the program of the invention related to the present invention may be a form in which it is transmitted through a transmission medium such as the Internet, light, radio waves, or sound waves, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer.

[0116] Also, as the recording medium, ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. are included.

[0117] In addition, the computer may include not only pure hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but also firmware, an OS (Operating System), and further peripheral devices.

[0118] As described above, the configuration of the present invention may be realized either software-wise or hardware-wise.

Industrial Applicability

[0119] When the planting operation of seedlings is not being performed, the work vehicle according to the present invention can more easily retract the seedling tray rod so that the seedling tray rod in the locked state of the seedling tray rod assumes the non-locked state of the seedling tray rod, and is useful for the purpose of being used in a work vehicle such as a transplanter.

Explanation of Signs

[0120] 110 Engine 120 Traveling Device 121 Driven Front Wheels 122 Driving Rear Wheels 200 Seedling Extraction Device 210 Seedling Extractor 210t Locus 300 Seedling Planting Device 310 Seedling Planter 400 Seedling Tray Conveying Device 401 Seedling Tray Lower Guide 500 Seedling Tray Lateral Feeding Mechanism 600 Seedling Tray Longitudinal Feeding Mechanism 610 Seedling Tray Rod 610t Locus 620 Arm Member 630 Contact Member 641 Seedling Tray Longitudinal Feeding Cam 642 Seedling Tray Rod Retraction Cam 651 Seedling Tray Rod Pushing Biasing Member 652 Seedling Tray Rod Pulling Biasing Member 700 Seedling Tray Rod Release Unit 710 Seedling tray rod retraction lever 720 Link member 721 Long hole 722 Sliding pin 723 Rotating pin 800 Seedling tray loading unit 810 Side wall part 811 Notch 812 Receiving part 900 Seedling tray brake unit 910 Seedling tray brake member 911 Seedling tray brake contact part 921 Seedling tray brake cam 1000 Seedling tray 1100 Seedling pot V1, V2, V3, V4 Seedling tray rod locus vertices

Claims

A work vehicle for planting seedlings while traveling, comprising: a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) for feeding a seedling tray (1000) in which a plurality of seedling pots (1100) containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions in the vertical direction; the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) has a seedling tray rod (610) that is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and driven to feed the seedling tray (1000) in the vertical direction; when the seedling planting operation is being performed, a seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and a seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is not locked to the seedling tray (1000) are repeated; when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) for retracting the seedling tray rod (610) is provided in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod (610) in the seedling tray rod locking state assumes the seedling tray rod non-locking state; a link member (720) connecting the seedling tray rod (610) to the seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is provided; when the seedling planting operation is being performed, the link member (720) does not prevent the repetition of the seedling tray rod locking state and the seedling tray rod non-locking state; when the seedling planting operation is not being performed, in response to a manual operation, the seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) retracts the seedling tray rod (610) via the link member (720); the link member (720) is rotatably attached to an arm member (620) to which the seedling tray rod (610) is fixed; the work vehicle, characterized in that the seedling tray rod retraction lever (710) is slidably attached to the link member (720). A work vehicle for planting seedlings while traveling, comprising: a seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) for feeding a seedling tray (1000) in which a plurality of seedling pots (1100) containing the seedlings to be planted are arranged in a lattice pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions in the vertical direction; the seedling tray longitudinal feed mechanism (600) has a seedling tray rod (610) that is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and driven to feed the seedling tray (1000) in the vertical direction; When the seedling planting operation is being performed, a seedling tray rod locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) and a seedling tray rod non-locking state in which the seedling tray rod (610) is not locked to the seedling tray (1000) are repeated. When the seedling planting operation is not being performed, a seedling tray rod retracting lever (710) is provided to retract the seedling tray rod (610) in response to a manual operation so that the seedling tray rod (610) in the seedling tray rod locking state takes the seedling tray rod non-locking state. A side wall portion (810) in which a notch (811) is formed according to the locus (610t) of the driven seedling tray rod (610) is provided on at least one of the left side and the right side of the vehicle body. A work vehicle, characterized in that a receiving portion (812) for receiving the seedling tray rod (610) is provided in the notch (811) when the seedling tray rod (610) is locked to the seedling tray (1000) to support the seedling tray (1000).

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