Seedling transplanter

Abstract

To provide a seedling transplanter capable of smoothly supplying a seedling mat from a second seedling platform to a first seedling platform.SOLUTION: A seedling transplanter includes a first seedling platform, a transplant mechanism, and a second seedling platform. The first seedling platform includes: a first passage inclined downward to the back in a front-rear direction of the seedling transplanter to mount a seedling mat; and a plurality of first guide parts located at both ends of the first passage in a left-right direction of the seedling transplanter to guide a seedling mat on the first passage. The second seedling platform includes: a second passage inclined downward to the back in a front-rear direction to mount preliminary seedling mats; and a plurality of second guide parts located at both ends of the second passage in a left-right direction to guide the preliminary seedling mats on the second passage. A lower end of the second passage is located at an upper part from the top end of the first passage. Lower end sides of the plurality of the second guide parts are formed into a tapered shape toward a tip.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seedling transplanter.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional seedling transplanter, seedlings are scraped off from a seedling mat placed on a seedling placing table. The scraped seedlings are planted on the paddy field by the seedling transplanter. As a result, since the seedlings on the seedling mat on the seedling placing table decrease, the conventional seedling transplanter has a seedling conveying device for replenishing the seedling mat on the seedling placing 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] However, in a seedling transplanter, the seedling placing table is reciprocally transferred in the left-right direction. Also, there may be play in at least one of the seedling conveying device and the seedling placing table. Therefore, the positional relationship between the seedling conveying device and the seedling placing table is likely to shift in the left-right direction. As a result, there has been a problem that the seedling mat is not smoothly replenished from the seedling conveying device to the seedling placing table.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a seedling transplanter capable of smoothly replenishing a seedling mat to a seedling placing table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A seedling transplanter according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first seedling stand on which a seedling mat is placed, a transplanting mechanism for planting seedlings from the seedling mat on the first seedling stand, and a second seedling stand on which a spare seedling mat supplied to the first seedling stand is placed. The first seedling stand has a first passage and a plurality of first guides. The first passage is inclined downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction of the seedling transplanter. The seedling mat is placed in the first passage. The plurality of first guides are located at both ends of the first passage in the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter and guide the seedling mat on the first passage. The second seedling stand has a second passage and a plurality of second guides. The second passage is inclined downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction. The spare seedling mat is placed in the second passage. The plurality of second guides are located at both ends of the second passage in the left-right direction and guide the spare seedling mat on the second passage. The lower end of the second passage is located above the upper end of the first passage. The lower ends of the plurality of second guide sections are tapered towards the tip.

[0007] A seedling transplanter according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a first seedling tray on which a seedling mat is placed, a transplanting mechanism for planting seedlings from the seedling mat on the first seedling tray, and a second seedling tray on which a spare seedling mat supplied to the first seedling tray is placed. The first seedling tray has a first passage and a plurality of first guides. The first passage is inclined downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction of the seedling transplanter. The seedling mat is placed in the first passage. The plurality of first guides are located at both ends of the first passage in the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter and guide the seedling mat on the first passage. The second seedling tray has a second passage, a plurality of fixed guides, and a plurality of movable guides. The second passage is inclined downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction. The spare seedling mat is placed in the second passage. The plurality of fixed guides are fixed at both ends of the second passage in the left-right direction and guide the spare seedling mat on the second passage. The plurality of movable guides are provided in correspondence with the plurality of fixed guides. Each of the plurality of movable guides protrudes toward the plurality of first guides beyond the second passage. The lower end of each of the plurality of movable guides can contact the upper end of the plurality of first guides and is swingable in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seedling transplanter that can smoothly supply seedling mats from the second seedling tray to the first seedling tray. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a seedling transplanter according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the seedling transplanter. [Figure 3A] This is a view of the second seedling tray from viewing direction A shown in Figure 1, with the stopper in the open position. [Figure 3B] This is a view of the second seedling tray from viewing direction A shown in Figure 1, with the stopper in the closed position. [Figure 4A]This diagram shows an enlarged view of a situation where the first seedling tray, which is in the supply position, is slightly shifted to the left relative to the second seedling tray. [Figure 4B] This figure shows a modified example of the first guide section 72 shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the seedling transplanter. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control unit. [Figure 7] This is a view of a part of the second seedling stand according to the second embodiment, as seen from the viewing direction A shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows one variation of the stopper. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the left two rows of the second seedling tray folded down by the hinge. [Figure 10A] This diagram shows another variation of the stopper. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A shows the area around the stopper as viewed from the left. [Figure 11] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of processing by the control program stored in the control unit 44. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The seedling transplanter 100 according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated in the description.

[0011] In the following, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes may be described to facilitate understanding of the embodiments. The X axis indicates, for example, the front-to-back direction of the seedling transplanter 100. In detail, the front-to-back direction is defined with the forward direction of the seedling transplanter 100 as forward. The Y axis indicates, for example, the left-to-right direction of the seedling transplanter 100. In detail, the left-to-right direction is defined toward the front of the seedling transplanter 100. The Z axis indicates the up-to-down direction of the seedling transplanter 100.

[0012] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the seedling transplanter 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of the seedling transplanter 100 according to each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the seedling transplanter 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seedling transplanter 100 includes a traveling body 1 and a planting device 2. The planting device 2 is arranged behind the traveling body 1.

[0014] The traveling body 1 has a pair of front wheels 3, a pair of rear wheels 4, a driver's seat 5, a steering handle 6, and a second seedling placing table 9. The planting device 2 has a first seedling placing table 7 and eight transplanting mechanisms 8.

[0015] On the first seedling placing table 7, a seedling mat to be the target of the planting operation by the transplanting mechanism 8 is placed. In the embodiment, the seedling transplanter 100 is of an 8-row planting type. Therefore, eight seedling mats can be arranged side by side horizontally on the first seedling placing table 7. The eight transplanting mechanisms 8 are arranged on the planting device 2 rear end so as to be in a horizontal row from left to right. A frame 38 is provided between the driver's seat 5 and the first seedling placing table 7 in the front-rear direction. The second seedling placing table 9 is supported by the frame 38 and is located obliquely upward in front of the first seedling placing table 7.

[0016] An engine 10 is arranged near the front end of the traveling body 1. A transmission case 11 is arranged behind the engine 10. A hydrostatic continuously variable transmission (hereinafter referred to as "HST") 12 is mounted on the left side surface of the transmission case 11. The power of the engine 10 is transmitted to the HST 12 by a drive transmission part (not shown) such as a belt.

[0017] Front axle devices 17 are attached to the left and right sides of the transmission case 11. The front wheels 3 are mechanically connected to the front axle devices 17. A rear axle case 18 is located behind the transmission case 11. Axles protrude to the left and right from the left and right sides of the rear axle case 18. One rear wheel 4 is attached to the protruding end of each axle. The transmission case 11 and the rear axle case 18 are mechanically connected by a long joint member 19. Two rear support columns 20 are attached to the rear axle case 18. The upper ends of each rear support column 20 are fixed near the rear end of the vehicle body 1.

[0018] Here, a linkage device 21, consisting of a top link and a lower link, is rotatably connected to each rear support column 20 on the side of the traveling machine body 1. The planting device 2 is attached to the rear end of the linkage device 21. The linkage device 21 can be rotated by a hydraulic cylinder 22 connected to a joint member 19. The planting device 2 is raised and lowered by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 22. In detail, the hydraulic cylinder 22 raises and lowers the first seedling tray 7 between the planting position P11 (see Figure 1) and the supply position P12 (see Figure 1), which is diagonally forward and above the planting position P11. At the planting position P11, the transplanting mechanism 8 can plant seedlings from the seedling mat on the first seedling tray 7 into the field. At the supply position P12, a spare seedling mat on the second seedling tray 9 is supplied to the first seedling tray 7. Note that the combination of the linkage device 21 and the hydraulic cylinder 22 is an example of a "lifting mechanism" in the present invention.

[0019] Driving force is transmitted from inside the transmission case 11 to inside the rear axle case 18 via the rear wheel drive shaft 23. The rotational driving force of the rear wheel drive shaft 23 is transmitted to the rear wheels 4 via a gear group provided in the rear axle case 18.

[0020] A plant-to-plant speed control device 26 is mounted on the right side of the rear axle case 18. The plant-to-plant speed control device 26 receives power from the transmission case 11 via a planting power transmission shaft 27. The rotational power of the planting power transmission shaft 27 is shifted by a gear group built into the plant-to-plant speed control device 26 and transmitted to the planting device 2 via a PTO shaft 29.

[0021] The planting device 2 has a horizontally elongated frame 28, and a center case 30 is fixed to the frame 28 approximately in the left-right center. The driving force of the PTO shaft 29 is transmitted to a gear group built into the center case 30. Four planting transmission cases 31 are fixed to the rear surface of the frame 28, extending rearward at intervals from left to right. Two transplanting mechanisms 8 are rotatably mounted on the rear side of each planting transmission case 31.

[0022] A slender planting drive shaft (not shown) passes through the front of each planting transmission case 31 in the left-right direction. The transplanting mechanism 8 is driven by the rotation of each planting drive shaft. Power is also transmitted to each planting drive shaft from the PTO shaft 29 via a gear group built into the center case 30. A horizontally elongated lateral feed shaft (not shown) is also attached to the center case 30. The rotation of the lateral feed shaft causes the first seedling tray 7 to move laterally by one pitch at a time in the left-right direction. In other words, the center case 30 and the lateral feed shaft constitute the lateral feed mechanism of the first seedling tray 7.

[0023] The first seedling tray 7 will now be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 2, the first seedling tray 7 is equipped with eight first aisles 71 arranged in the left-right direction. The reference numeral "71" is used for only three of the first aisles. Each of the first aisles 71 has a surface that slopes downward towards the rear in the front-to-back direction. One row of seedling mats can be placed in each of the first aisles 71.

[0024] The first seedling tray 7 further comprises nine first guide sections 72 arranged in the left-right direction. The reference numeral "72" is attached to only four of the first guide sections. Each of the first guide sections 72 is located at both ends of the first passage 71 in the left-right direction and is a rib that protrudes diagonally upward and rearward relative to the first passage 71. In detail, the leftmost first guide section 72 is located at the left end of the leftmost first passage 71. The remaining first guide sections 72 are located one at each right end of the first passage 71. Hereinafter, two adjacent first guide sections 72 in the left-right direction may be referred to as "adjacent first guide sections 72". The left-right spacing between adjacent first guide sections 72 is slightly wider than the left-right width of the seedling mat. The adjacent first guide sections 72 guide the spare seedling mat supplied from the second seedling tray 9 to the upper end of the first passage 71 toward the lower end of the first passage 71.

[0025] In each of the first aisles 71, two endless belts 34 (see Figure 2) are positioned near the lower end. The reference numeral "34" is used only for two of the endless belts. A total of 16 endless belts 34 are arranged in a horizontal line from left to right. Each endless belt 34 is wrapped around a pair of vertical feed shafts 35 (see Figure 2). When the first seedling tray 7 moves completely to either the left or right, the vertical feed shafts 35 rotate, and the seedling mat placed on the lower end of the first aisle 71 descends by one pitch.

[0026] Each transplanting mechanism 8, when in the planting position P11 (see Figure 1), picks up seedlings from the seedling mat placed on the first seedling tray 7 and plants the picked-up seedlings on the field surface. The reference numeral "8" is assigned to only two of the transplanting mechanisms. Each transplanting mechanism 8 specifically comprises a rotary case 36 and a planting claw member 37. The planting claw member 37 is attached to the rotary case 36 and is rotatable around a rotation axis that runs in the left-right direction. As a result, each planting claw member 37 picks up seedlings from the seedling mat placed on the first seedling tray 7 and plants the picked-up seedlings on the field surface.

[0027] Next, the second seedling tray 9 will be described in detail. Figures 3A and 3B are arrow views of the second seedling tray 9 as seen from viewing direction A shown in Figure 1. In particular, Figure 3A shows the stopper 95 in the open position, and Figure 3B shows the stopper 95 in the closed position. Viewing direction A is the direction from which the second seedling tray 9 is viewed from diagonally above and behind. Figures 3A and 3B may include mutually orthogonal Y-axis, Z1-axis, and X1-axis to facilitate understanding of the embodiment. The Y-axis indicates the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter 100. The Z1-axis indicates the direction parallel to viewing direction A. The X1-axis is the direction along the second passage 93.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the second seedling stand 9, in the case of an 8-row planting type, comprises nine bases 91, a plurality of rotating bodies 92, eight second passages 93, nine second guides 94, eight stoppers 95, and a rotating mechanism 96. Reference numeral "91" is attached only to two bases. Reference numeral "92" is attached only to the rotating body in the upper left corner. Reference numeral "93" is attached only to the second passage at the left end. Reference numeral "94" is attached only to the two second guides. Reference numeral "95" is attached only to the stopper at the left end.

[0029] The nine base portions 91 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend downwards towards the rear in the front-rear direction of the seedling transplanter 100 (see Figure 1). Each base portion 91 is a thin plate-like structure in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, two adjacent base portions 91 in the left-right direction may be referred to as "adjacent base portions 91".

[0030] Each of the multiple rotating bodies 92 is a roller. Each of the multiple rotating bodies 92 is positioned spaced apart along the adjacent bases 91 between adjacent bases 91. Both ends of each rotating body 92 are supported by the adjacent bases 91 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A11 along the left-right direction. The rotation axis A11 is an example of a “second rotation axis” in this disclosure.

[0031] The second aisle 93 is defined along a plurality of rotating bodies 92 located between adjacent bases 91. Therefore, the second aisle 93 slopes downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction. The second aisle 93 is where the spare seedling mats supplied to the first seedling stand 7 are placed. The lower end of the second aisle 93 is located above the upper end of the first aisle 71. In detail, the range of motion of the first seedling stand 7 is predetermined. When the first seedling stand 7 is at the right end of the range of motion and at the supply position P12, the second seedling stand 9 is located at a distance diagonally above and in front of the first seedling stand 7.

[0032] Here, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the central part of each rotating body 92 in the left-right direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the ends of each rotating body 92 in the left-right direction. In detail, each rotating body 92 becomes thinner towards its center. Therefore, when the seedling mat is placed on the rotating body 92, a force is applied toward the center of the rotating body 92. As a result, when the seedling mat is transported diagonally downward and backward along the second passage 93, it is less likely to shift position in the left-right direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the multiple bodies of rotation 92 include multiple first bodies of rotation 921 and multiple second bodies of rotation 922. The multiple second bodies of rotation 922 are located below, and more specifically diagonally downward and rearward, the multiple first bodies of rotation 921. Also, the number of multiple second bodies of rotation 922 per unit length between adjacent bases 91 is greater than the number of multiple first bodies of rotation 921. As a result, the total number of bodies of rotation 92 between adjacent bases 91 can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, since the number of second rotating bodies 922 is greater than the number of first rotating bodies 921, the seedling mats are less likely to shift position laterally, especially in positions closer to the lower end of the second aisle 93.

[0035] The second guide portion 94 is provided in correspondence with the base portion 91. Therefore, each second guide portion 94 is located on both sides of the second passage 93 in the left-right direction. The second guide portion 94 is a rib that protrudes diagonally upward and rearward from each of the base portion 91 and the rotating body 92. Therefore, the second guide portions 94 on both the left and right sides of the second passage 93 guide the spare seedling mat passing over the second passage 93 toward the lower end of the second passage 93.

[0036] Furthermore, the lower end of each second guide section 94 tapers towards the tip. Therefore, the seedling mat can be smoothly transported from the second seedling stand 9 to the first seedling stand 7.

[0037] Figure 4A is an enlarged view showing a state in which the first seedling tray 7 is slightly misaligned laterally with respect to the second seedling tray 9. As shown in Figure 4A, the second guide section 94 is designed to be in a straight line with the first guide section 72 when the first seedling tray 7 is located at the supply position P12. However, the first seedling tray 7 at the supply position P12 may experience a slight lateral misalignment δ with respect to the second seedling tray 9. Due to this misalignment δ, the second guide section 94 and the first guide section 72 may not be in a straight line. However, the second guide section 94 has a tapered shape, allowing the left-right width of the lower end of the second passage 93 to be wider than the left-right width of the upper end of the first passage 71. Therefore, even if the first seedling tray 7 at the supply position P12 is slightly misaligned laterally with respect to the second seedling tray 9, the seedling mat can be smoothly transported from the second seedling tray 9 to the first seedling tray 7.

[0038] Figure 4B shows a modified example of the first guide section 72 shown in Figure 3A. As shown in Figure 4B, the upper end of each first guide section 72 is preferably tapered towards the tip. Therefore, the left-right width of the lower end of the second passage 93 and the left-right width of the upper end of the first passage 71 are wider than other parts. As a result, even if the first seedling tray 7 at the supply position P12 is slightly misaligned in the left-right direction relative to the second seedling tray 9, the seedling mat can be transported more smoothly from the second seedling tray 9 to the first seedling tray 7. Note that the width of each first guide section 72 may be approximately the same from the upper end to the lower end.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, eight stoppers 95 are provided corresponding to eight second passages 93. Each stopper 95 is a substantially trapezoidal flat plate. Each stopper 95 is supported by an adjacent base 91 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis A12 that runs along the left-right direction at the lower end of the corresponding second passage 93. In detail, each stopper 95 rotates around the rotation axis A12 between an open position and a closed position by a rotational driving force generated by a rotation mechanism 96. The rotation axis A12 is an example of a “first rotation axis” in this disclosure. The open position is the position that opens the lower end of the corresponding second passage 93, as shown in Figure 3A. The closed position, on the other hand, is the position that closes the lower end of the corresponding second passage 93, as shown in Figure 3B. In detail, when the stopper 95 is in the open position, it extends from the lower end of the second passage 93 along the X1 and Y axes, thereby enabling the supply of spare seedling mats from the second passage 93 to the first passage 71. When the stopper 95 is in the closed position, it extends approximately perpendicular to the second passage 93 and the X1 axis, and along the Y and Z1 axes. As a result, it becomes impossible to supply spare seedling mats from the second passage 93 to the first passage 71.

[0040] When the first seedling tray 7 is in the supply position P12 and the stopper 95 is in the open position, the stopper 95 extends from the lower end of the second passage 93 toward the upper end of the first passage 71 on the side of the first seedling tray 7. Therefore, during the process of supplying the spare seedling mat from the second passage 93 to the first passage 71, it is possible to prevent the spare seedling mat from falling into the gap between the first passage 71 and the second passage 93. In other words, the spare seedling mat is supplied smoothly from the second passage 93 to the first passage 71.

[0041] The rotating shaft A12 extends in the left-right direction near the long base of the stopper 95. Therefore, the length of the tip of the stopper 95 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the base of the stopper 95 in the left-right direction. Consequently, when the first seedling tray 7 is in the supply position P12, interference between the tip of the stopper 95 in the open position and the upper end of the first guide portion 72 can be suppressed.

[0042] The rotating mechanism 96 is located at the lower end of the right side of the base 91 at the right end. The rotating mechanism 96 includes a motor, gears, and shafts, and rotates all the stoppers 95 together around the rotation axis A12 between a closed position and an open position.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the seedling transplanter 100 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the seedling transplanter 100 further comprises a planting clutch sensor 41, a remaining amount sensor 42, a position sensor 43, and a control unit 44.

[0044] The planting clutch sensor 41 detects the position of a planting clutch lever (not shown) located near the steering handle 6. The planting clutch sensor 41 outputs a binary signal (hereinafter referred to as "clutch position signal") indicating the detection result to the control unit 44. Specifically, the planting clutch sensor 41 outputs a clutch position signal having a first level when the planting clutch provided in the inter-plant transmission 26 is engaged. On the other hand, the planting clutch sensor 41 outputs a clutch position signal having a second level different from the first level when each planting clutch is disengaged.

[0045] The remaining quantity sensor 42 outputs a binary signal (hereinafter referred to as the "remaining quantity signal") to the control unit 44 indicating the remaining quantity of any seedling in the seedling mat placed on the first seedling tray 7. Specifically, when the remaining quantity of seedlings reaches the remaining quantity threshold, the remaining quantity sensor 42 outputs a remaining quantity signal having a first level. On the other hand, if the remaining quantity of seedlings has not reached the remaining quantity threshold, the remaining quantity sensor 42 outputs a remaining quantity signal having a second level different from the first level.

[0046] The position sensor 43 detects whether the first seedling tray 7 is located at the right end of its movable range in the left-right direction. The position sensor 43 outputs a signal indicating the detection result (hereinafter referred to as the "tray position signal") to the control unit 44. Specifically, the position sensor 43 outputs a tray position signal having a first level if the first seedling tray 7 is located at the right end of its movable range. The position sensor 43 outputs a tray position signal having a second level different from the first level if the first seedling tray 7 is not located at the right end of its movable range.

[0047] The control unit 44 includes, for example, a microcomputer and various types of memory. The various types of memory are typically implemented in the microcomputer. However, the various types of memory may also be implemented outside the microcomputer. The various types of memory store control programs and various data. The microcomputer performs overall control of the seedling transplanter 100 by executing the control programs.

[0048] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control program stored in the control unit 44 shown in Figure 5. The control program is executed by the control unit 44 while the seedling transplanter 100 is moving according to the operator's controls. While the seedling transplanter 100 is moving for seedling planting, the first seedling platform 7 moves laterally in the left-right direction at the planting position P11 (see Figure 1). Also, each stopper 95 is in the closed position and the planting clutch is engaged.

[0049] In detail, in step S101 of Figure 6, the control unit 44 receives a remaining quantity signal from the remaining quantity sensor 42 at predetermined time intervals. If the remaining quantity signal does not indicate the first level (No in step S101), the control unit 44 considers that it is not necessary to supply a spare seedling mat to the first seedling tray 7 and returns to step S101. If the seedling transplanter 100 is not in a seedling planting operation state, step S101 is repeated. On the other hand, if the remaining quantity signal indicates the first level (Yes in step S101), the control unit 44 considers that it is necessary to supply a spare seedling mat to the first seedling tray 7 and executes step S102.

[0050] In step S102, the control unit 44 receives a clutch position signal from the planting clutch sensor 41. If the clutch position signal does not indicate the first level (No in step S102), the control unit 44 assumes that the seedling transplanter 100 is not traveling for seedling planting and returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the clutch position signal indicates the first level (Yes in step S102), the control unit 44 assumes that the seedling transplanter 100 is traveling for seedling planting and executes step S103.

[0051] In step S103, the control unit 44 drives the hydraulic cylinder 22 at a predetermined movement timing to move the first seedling tray 7 from the planting position P11 to the supply position P12. An example of the movement timing is the timing when the seedling transplanter 100 stops moving.

[0052] Next, in step S104, the control unit 44 receives a platform position signal from the position sensor 43. If the platform position signal has a first level (Yes in step S104), the control unit 44 assumes that the first seedling platform 7 is located at the right end of the movable range and executes step S105. On the other hand, if the platform position signal does not have a first level (No in step S104), the control unit 44 assumes that the first seedling platform 7 is not located at the right end of the movable range and executes step S106.

[0053] In step S106, the control unit 44 rotates the lateral feed shaft by a predetermined amount by applying driving force to the center case 30, moving the first seedling tray 7 to the rightmost end of its movable range. At this time, in order to prevent the seedlings placed on the first seedling tray 7 from being scraped off by the transplanting mechanism 8, the drive of the transplanting mechanism 8 is stopped using a planting claw clutch (not shown). This prevents the seedling mat on the first seedling tray 7 from being scraped off by the transplanting mechanism 8. After that, the control unit 44 executes step S105.

[0054] In step S105, the control unit 44 rotates each stopper 95 from the closed position to the open position using the rotation mechanism 96. As a result, the seedling mats on the second seedling stand 9 slide down the second passage 93 and the first passage 71 due to their own weight and move to the first seedling stand 7. Therefore, spare seedling mats can be supplied to the first seedling stand 7 with relatively little power consumption.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Next, the seedling transplanter 100 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0056] Figure 7 is a view of a part of the second seedling stand 9 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the viewing direction A shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the second seedling stand 9 differs from the second seedling stand 9 of the first embodiment in that it has nine fixed guides 97 and nine movable guides 98 instead of each second guide 94. Reference numeral "97" is assigned to only two fixed guides. Reference numeral "98" is assigned to only two movable guides.

[0057] The fixed guide portion 97 is provided in correspondence with the base portion 91. Therefore, each fixed guide portion 97 is fixed to both sides of the second passage 93 in the left-right direction. Each fixed guide portion 97 is a rib that protrudes diagonally upward and rearward from both the base portion 91 and the rotating body 92. Therefore, the fixed guide portions 97 on both the left and right sides of the second passage 93 guide the spare seedling mat passing over the second passage 93 toward the lower end of the second passage 93.

[0058] The lower end of each fixed guide portion 97 does not taper towards the tip. More specifically, the width of each fixed guide portion 97 in the left-right direction is generally constant from its upper end to its lower end. Also, the lower end of each fixed guide portion 97 is set back from the upper end of the corresponding base portion 91. In other words, the lower end of the base portion 91 protrudes more than the lower end of the fixed guide portion 97.

[0059] The movable guide portion 98 is provided in correspondence with the fixed guide portion 97. Each movable guide portion 98 is made of a rigid material. Each movable guide portion 98 is a rib that protrudes diagonally upward and rearward from the base portion 91 and the rotating body 92, respectively. Each movable guide portion 98 extends downward and rearward in the front-rear direction from a position adjacent to the lower end of the fixed guide portion 97 on the base portion 91 (hereinafter referred to as the "base end position"). Each movable guide portion 98 protrudes toward the multiple first guide portions 72 at the supply position P12, rather than toward the lower ends of the base portion 91 and the second passage 93. The lower end of each movable guide portion 98 can abut against the upper ends of the multiple first guide portions 72 and is supported at the base end position so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.

[0060] Preferably, at least the lower end of each movable guide section 98 is magnetically attracted to at least the upper end of each first guide section 72. Therefore, when the first seedling tray 7 is positioned at the supply position P12, the lower end of each movable guide section 98 is attracted to the first guide section 72 located diagonally downward and rearward. As a result, seedling mats can be smoothly transported from the second seedling tray 9 to the first seedling tray 7.

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be removed from the embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, the drawings schematically show each component in order to facilitate understanding of this disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the convenience of drawing creation. Also, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of this disclosure.

[0063] (1) In each embodiment, each of the multiple rotating bodies 92 was a roller. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the adjacent base 91 may be a conveyor belt instead of multiple rollers. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the stopper 95 may be provided with a rotating body 910 similar to each of the rotating bodies 92. The rotating body 910 makes it possible to impart a greater conveying force toward the seedling mat toward the first seedling tray 7.

[0064] (2) In each embodiment, the stopper 95 was a flat plate. However, it is not limited to this, and the stopper 95 may have a comb-like shape.

[0065] (3) In each embodiment, the seedling transplanter 100 was an 8-row planting type. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of rows of the seedling transplanter 100 may be other than 8.

[0066] (4) In the second embodiment, the movable guide portion 98 was made of a rigid material. However, the movable guide portion 98 may be made of an elastic material so as to be able to swing in the left-right direction.

[0067] (5) In each embodiment, the second seedling tray 9 was a single tier in the vertical direction. However, it is not limited to this, and multiple second seedling trays 9 may be arranged in a vertically spaced arrangement. Also, a hopper for spreading fertilizer may be located between the traveling machine 1 and the second seedling tray 9. Furthermore, the second seedling tray 9 may be configured to move away from the hopper in order to allow the hopper's top cover to be opened and closed.

[0068] (6) In each embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, for example, the left two rows of the second seedling stand 9 may be configured to be foldable by a plurality of hinges 99.

[0069] (7) In each embodiment, with the first seedling tray 7 positioned at the right end of the movable range, each stopper 95 rotated from the closed position to the open position. However, the control unit 44 may rotate each stopper 95 from the closed position to the open position with the first seedling tray 7 positioned at the left end of the movable range.

[0070] (8) In the embodiment, the timing when the seedling transplanter 100 temporarily stops moving was given as an example of the "movement timing". However, the movement timing is not limited to this, and may also occur while the seedling transplanter 100 is moving. Specifically, the seedling transplanter 100 performs planting work during a straight-line movement, and performs a turning movement in which no planting work is performed between two consecutive straight-line movements. The control unit 44 may perform step S103 during the turning movement (i.e., while moving) to move the first seedling tray 7 from the planting position P11 to the supply position P12.

[0071] (9) Also, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the position of the rotation axis A12 of each stopper 95 may be located slightly away from the second passage 93 in the protruding direction of the second guide portion 94. The protruding direction is the direction indicated by the arrow "◎" indicating the Z1 axis in Figure 10A. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, each stopper 95 is rotatable around the rotation axis A12 between a first position P21 and a second position P22 by the rotation mechanism 96. The first position P21 is the position where the stopper 95 is aligned with the second passage 93 on the second passage 93. The stopper 95 at the first position P21 is shown by a dashed line in Figures 10A and 10B. The second position P22 is the same position as the open position. The stopper 95 at the second position P22 is shown by a solid line in Figures 10A and 10B. By rotating the stopper 95 from the first position P21 to the second position P22, it becomes possible to impart a conveying force to the seedling mat toward the first seedling stand 7 on the second passage 93.

[0072] (10) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of processing by the control program stored in the control unit 44 shown in Figure 5. The flowchart in Figure 11 differs from the flowchart in Figure 6 in that steps S201 and S202 are listed in this order and are between steps S102 and S103.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 44 performs step S201 if the clutch position signal indicates a first level (Yes in step S102), assuming that the seedling transplanter 100 is in motion for seedling planting.

[0074] In step S201, the control unit 44 automatically slows down the seedling transplanter 100.

[0075] In step S202, the control unit 44 determines whether the seedling transplanter 100 has stopped. If it is determined that the seedling transplanter 100 has not stopped (No in step S202), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if it is determined that the seedling transplanter 100 has stopped (Yes in step S202), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0076] This application discloses the following notes. These notes are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0077] (Note 1) It is a seedling transplanter, The first seedling tray on which the seedling mat is placed, A transplanting mechanism for planting seedlings on the seedling mat on the first seedling stand, A second seedling stand on which a spare seedling mat supplied to the first seedling stand is placed, Equipped with, The first seedling stand is, The seedling transplanter has a first aisle that slopes downward towards the rear in the front-to-back direction, on which the seedling mat is placed, A plurality of first guide sections are located at both ends of the first passage in the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter and guide the seedling mat on the first passage. It has, The aforementioned second seedling stand is The second passage, which slopes downward towards the rear in the aforementioned front-to-back direction and on which the spare seedling mats are placed, A plurality of second guide sections are located at both ends of the second passage in the left-right direction and guide the spare seedling mat on the second passage. It has, The lower end of the second passage is located above the upper end of the first passage. The seedling transplanter has a tapered shape towards the tip at the lower end of each of the multiple second guide sections.

[0078] (Note 2) The seedling transplanter described in Appendix 1, wherein the upper end of the first guide section is tapered towards the tip.

[0079] (Note 3) It is a seedling transplanter, The first seedling tray on which the seedling mat is placed, A transplanting mechanism for planting seedlings on the seedling mat on the first seedling stand, A second seedling stand on which a spare seedling mat supplied to the first seedling stand is placed, Equipped with, The first seedling stand is, The seedling transplanter has a first aisle that slopes downward towards the rear in the front-to-back direction, on which the seedling mat is placed, A plurality of first guide sections are located at both ends of the first passage in the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter and guide the seedling mat on the first passage. It has, The aforementioned second seedling stand is The second passage, which slopes downward towards the rear in the aforementioned front-to-back direction and on which the spare seedling mats are placed, Fixed guides are provided at both ends of the second passage in the left-right direction and guide a spare seedling mat on the second passage. Multiple movable guides provided corresponding to the multiple fixed guides, It has, Each of the plurality of movable guides protrudes toward the plurality of first guides toward the second passage, A seedling transplanter, wherein the lower end of each of the plurality of movable guides is capable of contacting the upper end of the plurality of first guides and is capable of swinging in the left-right direction.

[0080] (Note 4) The seedling transplanter described in Appendix 3, wherein the lower end of the movable guide is magnetically attracted to the upper end of the first guide.

[0081] (Note 5) A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the first seedling stand between a planting position on the first seedling stand where the transplanting mechanism can plant seedlings from the seedling mat, and a supply position on the second seedling stand where the spare seedling mat can be supplied to the first seedling stand. A remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of seedling mat on the first seedling stand, A control unit moves the first seedling tray from the planting position to the supply position using the lifting mechanism based on the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount sensor, A stopper that is rotatable around a first rotation axis along the left-right direction at the lower end of the second passage, A rotation mechanism rotates the stopper around the first rotation axis between a closed position that closes the lower end of the second passage and an open position that opens the lower end of the second passage. Furthermore, The seedling transplanter according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the control unit moves the first seedling tray from the planting position to the supply position using the lifting mechanism, and then rotates the stopper from the closed position to the open position using the rotation mechanism.

[0082] (Note 6) The seedling transplanter according to Appendix 5, wherein the stopper is a flat plate and, when in the open position, extends from the lower end of the second passage toward the upper end of the first passage.

[0083] (Note 7) The seedling transplanter as described in Appendix 5, wherein the length of the tip of the stopper in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the base end of the stopper in the left-right direction.

[0084] (Note 8) The aforementioned second seedling stand is The above-mentioned multiple bases are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and extend downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction, A plurality of rotating bodies are positioned at intervals along the second passage between two adjacent bases in the left-right direction, and are rotatable around a second rotation axis along the left-right direction. It further possesses, The seedling transplanter according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the central part of the rotating body in the left-right direction is thinner than the ends of the rotating body in the left-right direction.

[0085] (Note 9) The aforementioned second seedling stand is The above-mentioned multiple bases are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and extend downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction, A plurality of rotating bodies are positioned at intervals along the second passage between two adjacent bases in the left-right direction and are rotatable about a second rotation axis along the left-right direction. It further possesses, The plurality of rotating bodies include a plurality of first rotating bodies and a plurality of second rotating bodies located below the plurality of first rotating bodies. A seedling transplanter according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the number of the multiple second rotating bodies per unit length in the multiple bases is greater than the number of the multiple first rotating bodies. [Industrial applicability]

[0086] This invention relates to a seedling transplanting machine and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100 seedling transplanter 41 Planting clutch sensor 42. Battery level sensor 43 Position Sensor 44 Control Unit 7. First seedling stand 71 1st aisle 72 1st Information Department 8 Transplant mechanism 9. Second seedling stand 91 Base 92. Solids of revolution 921 First Rotating Body 922 Second Rotating Body 93 2nd aisle 94 2nd Information Department 95 Stopper 96 Rotating Mechanism 97 Fixed guide part 98 Movable guide part

Claims

1. It is a seedling transplanter, The first seedling tray on which the seedling mat is placed, A transplanting mechanism for planting seedlings on the seedling mat on the first seedling stand, A second seedling stand on which a spare seedling mat supplied to the first seedling stand is placed, Equipped with, The first seedling stand is, The seedling transplanter has a first aisle that slopes downward towards the rear in the front-to-back direction, on which the seedling mat is placed, A plurality of first guide sections are located at both ends of the first passage in the left-right direction of the seedling transplanter and guide the seedling mat on the first passage. It has, The aforementioned second seedling stand is The second passage, which slopes downward towards the rear in the aforementioned front-to-back direction and on which the spare seedling mats are placed, A plurality of second guide sections are located at both ends of the second passage in the left-right direction and guide the spare seedling mat on the second passage. It has, The lower end of the second passage is located above the upper end of the first passage. The seedling transplanter has a tapered shape towards the tip at the lower end of each of the multiple second guide sections.

2. The seedling transplanter according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the first guide portion is tapered towards the tip.

3. A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the first seedling stand between a planting position on the first seedling stand where the transplanting mechanism can plant seedlings from the seedling mat, and a supply position on the second seedling stand where the spare seedling mat can be supplied to the first seedling stand, A remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount of seedling mat on the first seedling stand, A control unit moves the first seedling tray from the planting position to the supply position using the lifting mechanism based on the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount sensor, A stopper that is rotatable around a first rotation axis along the left-right direction at the lower end of the second passage, A rotation mechanism rotates the stopper around the first rotation axis between a closed position that closes the lower end of the second passage and an open position that opens the lower end of the second passage. Furthermore, The seedling transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit moves the first seedling tray from the planting position to the supply position using the lifting mechanism, and then rotates the stopper from the closed position to the open position using the rotation mechanism.

4. The seedling transplanter according to claim 3, wherein the stopper is a flat plate and, when in the open position, extends from the lower end of the second passage toward the upper end of the first passage.

5. The seedling transplanter according to claim 3, wherein the length of the tip of the stopper in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the base end of the stopper in the left-right direction.

6. The aforementioned second seedling stand is The above-mentioned multiple bases are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and extend downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction, A plurality of rotating bodies are positioned at intervals along the second passage between two adjacent bases in the left-right direction, and are rotatable around a second rotation axis along the left-right direction. It further possesses, The seedling transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central portion of the rotating body in the left-right direction is thinner than the ends of the rotating body in the left-right direction.

7. The aforementioned second seedling stand is The above-mentioned multiple bases are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and extend downward towards the rear in the front-rear direction, A plurality of rotating bodies are positioned at intervals along the second passage between two adjacent bases in the left-right direction and are rotatable around a second rotation axis along the left-right direction. It further possesses, The plurality of rotating bodies include a plurality of first rotating bodies and a plurality of second rotating bodies located below the plurality of first rotating bodies. The seedling transplanter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of the plurality of second rotating bodies per unit length in the plurality of bases is greater than the number of the plurality of first rotating bodies.

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