Multi-purpose hopper

Abstract

The objective is to provide a mulch hopper that can prevent excessive widening of the film holes between seedlings in a field where agricultural mulch film has been laid, even when seedlings are transplanted closely together and deeply. [Solution] A mulch hopper (1) comprising a base (2) fixed to a seedling transplanting device (20), consisting of a first planting body (1a) and a second planting body (1b) that can be divided along the axial direction; a tapered portion (4) formed so as to decrease in diameter from the base (2) toward the tip and having a space capable of accommodating the seedlings; a cylindrical portion (6) connected to the tip side of the tapered portion (4), formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and defining the diameter and depth of the holes formed in the agricultural mulch film; and a tip portion (8) provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion (6) for perforating the agricultural mulch film and simultaneously guiding the seedlings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-purpose hopper for transplanting seedlings into a field where an agricultural multi-film is laid by opening and closing the lower part by rotating a pair of planting bodies that accommodate the seedlings inside.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, seedling transplanting machines for semi-automating seedling transplantation have been proposed. Such a seedling transplanting machine generally uses a hopper 100 as shown in FIG. 1. This type of hopper 100 accommodates seedlings (X) inside a pair of planting bodies (100a, 100b), and after inserting the hopper 100 to an arbitrary depth at the location where transplantation is to be performed, by rotating the pair of planting bodies (100a, 100b) relative to each other, the lower part of the hopper is opened to transplant the seedlings (X) into the field. 3

[0003] Also, in recent years, the number of farmers who lay agricultural multi-films in the field to cultivate crops has been increasing. The purpose of laying an agricultural multi-film in the field is to stabilize the growth environment of the crops, improve the efficiency of cultivation management, and increase the yield and quality. That is, by covering the soil surface with the multi-film, the fluctuation of the ground temperature can be alleviated, and the germination and initial growth of the crops can be promoted. Also, the evaporation of soil moisture is suppressed to maintain an appropriate water content state, and the generation of weeds is suppressed by blocking sunlight, contributing to labor saving in weeding work. Furthermore, by preventing mud splashing during rainfall, the occurrence of diseases is reduced, and by suppressing the runoff of fertilizer components, the fertilization efficiency can be improved.

[0004] To transplant seedlings into a field where an agricultural multi-film is laid, a rocket (a tool for making holes in the multi-film) has been used for many years, and the seedlings have been planted one by one manually. However, in recent years, techniques for efficiently planting seedlings using a seedling transplanting machine have been proposed.

[0005] ​For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-122999 discloses a transplanting machine in which a cutting blade 113 for cutting mulch film laid in a field is provided on the outer surface of the planting body portions 5L, 5R, and a gently sloping portion 114 is provided on the outer edge of the cutting blade 113, which is located closer to the planting body at the bottom when the lower part of the planting body 5 is closed, or along the vertical or substantially vertical direction, and is located further away from the planting body at the bottom when the upper part of the planting body 5 is open (Patent Document 1).

[0006] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-000098 discloses a seedling transplanter that grasps the vine-like stem of a seedling with the tips of a pair of transplanting claws, and moves both transplanting claws downward from the direction of travel to the direction of retreat to insert the stem into a field covered with mulch film, wherein a disc-shaped cutting body is arranged to move back and forth toward the mulch film on the direction of travel side of both transplanting claws, and the cutting body has a sawtooth-shaped edge so as to be able to roll around an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and as it advances and penetrates the transplanting site in the field, it rolls in the direction of travel against the resistance of the mulch film and partially cuts the mulch film (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-122999 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-000098 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In a field where agricultural mulch film has been laid, see Figure 1. 3When transplanting seedlings using a hopper of the shape shown, the overall shape of the hopper is an inverted cone, so the deeper it is inserted, the larger the diameter of the holes formed in the agricultural mulch film becomes. As a result, when transplanting seedlings of crops with relatively close spacing, the film between seedlings tears, causing them to become one continuous piece, which halves the effectiveness of the agricultural mulch film. To reduce the diameter of the holes, the insertion depth of the hopper can be reduced to 10 cm or less, but transplanting seedlings shallowly makes them more prone to falling over, and also creates another problem: the hot air in the gap between the agricultural mulch film and the soil makes the seedlings more likely to wither.

[0009] For example, when transplanting leek seedlings into a field covered with agricultural mulch film, it is generally necessary to set the spacing between plants at 6-7 cm. Furthermore, leeks planted in March need to be transplanted to a depth of 10 cm or more to protect against low temperatures, while leeks planted in August need to be transplanted to a depth of 10 cm or more to protect against high temperatures. However, conventional seedling transplanting devices using hoppers could not transplant seedlings under these conditions for the reasons mentioned above.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a solution for a field where agricultural mulch film is laid, which allows for dense and deep planting of seedlings, even when the film is not filled between plants. diameter The objective is to provide a multi-purpose hopper that can prevent excessive spreading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the inventors conducted various studies and found that even when the hopper is inserted into agricultural mulch film, the holes formed in the mulch film are diameter We have found that the above problem can be solved by forming a roughly cylindrical section in the hopper to prevent it from becoming larger than a certain size.

[0012] The present invention is based on the aforementioned findings and provides a mulch hopper (1) for transplanting seedlings into a field covered with agricultural mulch film by rotating a pair of planting bodies (1a, 1b) that contain seedlings inside, thereby opening and closing the lower part, and comprising a first planting body (1a) and a second planting body (1b) that are separable along the axial direction, a base (2) fixed to a seedling transplanting device (20), a tapered portion (4) formed so as to decrease in diameter from the base (2) toward the tip and having a space capable of containing the seedlings, a cylindrical portion (6) connected to the tip side of the tapered portion (4) and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that defines the diameter and depth of the holes formed in the agricultural mulch film, and a tip portion (8) provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion (6) for perforating the agricultural mulch film and simultaneously guiding the seedlings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The mulch hopper of the present invention allows for insertion to any depth without changing the size of the holes in agricultural mulch film. Therefore, seedlings can be transplanted closely together and at a deep depth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows the mulching hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the seedling transplanting device 20. [Figure 2] This is a side view illustrating the overall shape of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the front view (a) and rear view (b) of the planting body (1a) of the mulch hopper 1. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of hopper 1 for multi-purpose use. [Figure 5] This shows variations in the cross-sectional view of the cylindrical part (6) of the mulching hopper 1. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the mulch hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (seedling input step). [Figure 7] A diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (positioning step). [Figure 8] A diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (insertion step). [Figure 9] A diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (opening step). [Figure 10] A diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (withdrawal step). [Figure 11] A diagram for explaining the operation of the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (return step). [Figure 12] A diagram showing a state where seedlings are transplanted into a field where an agricultural multi-film is laid using the multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a conventional substantially conical hopper 100 provided with planters 100a and 100b.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where a multi-purpose hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a seedling transplanter 20. The seedling transplanter 20 includes a multi-purpose hopper (1) with a tip facing downward, a vertical movement mechanism for vertically moving the multi-purpose hopper (1) so that the lower end of the multi-purpose hopper (1) moves up and down between a position above the field surface and a position below the field surface, and an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the multi-purpose hopper (1) between a closed state where the lower end of the multi-purpose hopper (1) is closed to receive seedlings from above and accommodate the seedlings inside, and an open state where the lower end of the multi-purpose hopper (1) is opened left and right to release the seedlings accommodated inside downward.

[0016] Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the overall shape of the mulch hopper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the front view (a) and rear view (b) of the planting body (1a) of the mulch hopper (1). Furthermore, Figure 4 is a plan view of the mulch hopper 1.

[0017] The bases (2a, 2b) function as attachment points fixed to the seedling transplanting device (20) and are formed at the upper ends of the first planting body (1a) and the second planting body (1b), respectively. These bases (2a, 2b) may be configured to be detachably fixed to a support member provided on the seedling transplanting device (20).

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the base (2a, 2b) has openings (10a, 10b) for inserting seedlings into the tapered sections (4a, 4b), and the structure is designed so that seedlings are fed into the mulch hopper (1) from the top of Figure 2.

[0019] The tapered sections (4a, 4b) are formed so that their diameter gradually or continuously decreases from the base (2a, 2b) towards the tip, and have a space inside that can accommodate seedlings. These tapered sections (4a, 4b) guide the seedlings naturally towards the cylindrical sections (6a, 6b), allowing them to be transported without disturbing their posture.

[0020] The cylindrical sections (6a, 6b) are connected to the tip of the tapered sections (4a, 4b) and are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. These cylindrical sections (6a, 6b) have the function of defining the diameter of the holes formed in the agricultural mulch film and the planting depth of the seedlings, and are maintained within a certain range regardless of the insertion depth of the hopper (1). The length of the cylindrical sections (6a, 6b) can be appropriately designed considering the type of seedling, the spacing of the seedlings to be planted in the agricultural mulch film, and the planting depth of the seedlings.

[0021] The tip sections (8a, 8b) are formed at the ends of the tubular sections (6a, 6b) and have a shape that allows them to perforate agricultural mulch film. Furthermore, the tip sections (8a, 8b) also function as guides to lead seedlings into the soil below after perforation.

[0022] The reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) are positioned along the boundary between the base (2a, 2b) and the tapered section (4a, 4b), and have a reinforcing function to mechanically integrate these two members. The reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) play a role in distributing the stress concentrated at the connection between the base (2a, 2b) and the tapered section (4a, 4b) when subjected to pressing loads, pulling loads, and external forces from the side acting on the entire mulch hopper (1) during seedling transplanting work. As a result, the rigidity and durability of the joint between the base (2a, 2b) and the tapered section (4a, 4b) are improved, and deformation, loosening, or detachment of the joint can be suppressed even under repeated use or harsh working conditions. Therefore, by providing the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b), the structural strength and reliability of the entire mulch hopper (1) are improved, enabling stable seedling transplanting work over a long period of time.

[0023] The specific configuration of the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) is not limited to the illustrated form. For example, the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) may be formed as rib-shaped members integrally molded with the base parts (2a, 2b) and tapered parts (4a, 4b), or they may be formed as separate members and fixed to the base parts (2a, 2b) and tapered parts (4a, 4b) by fixing means such as welding, crimping, bonding, or screwing. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) can be plate-shaped, rib-shaped, curved plate-shaped, or a combination of these shapes, and can be changed as appropriate as long as the connection strength with the base parts (2a, 2b) and tapered parts (4a, 4b) can be improved. Furthermore, the placement and extent of the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b) only need to be such that they cover at least a portion of the boundary between the base (2a, 2b) and the tapered parts (4a, 4b), and they may be provided on both sides or on only one side. In this way, by appropriately changing the configuration and placement of the reinforcing parts (12a, 12b), the optimal reinforcing effect can be obtained according to the usage conditions of the seedling transplanter and the required strength.

[0024] Figure 5 shows variations in the cross-sectional view of the cylindrical part (6) of the mulch hopper 1. Figure 5(a) is an example where the cross-section is roughly lens-shaped (biconvex), with curves that bulge outward on both sides and pointed at the top and bottom. Figure 5(b) is an example where it is roughly circular. Figure 5(c) is an example where it is roughly elliptical. Figure 5(d) is an example where it is roughly diamond-shaped. After inserting the mulch hopper (1) of this embodiment into agricultural mulch film, holes with roughly the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical part (6a, 6b) are formed. The cross-section of the cylindrical part (6) can be appropriately changed depending on the planting interval of seedlings and the type of seedlings, but Figure 5(a) is particularly preferable because the roughly lens-shaped (biconvex) cross-section makes it less likely for the film between plants to tear.

[0025] Figures 6 to 11 are diagrams illustrating the operation of a mulching hopper (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that green onion seedlings are used.

[0026] (Seedling planting step: Figure 6) The lower end of the mulch hopper (1) is closed, and seedlings are fed in from the opening (10) above the base (2). The seedlings are then housed in the tapered sections (4a, 4b) and the cylindrical sections (6a, 6b). Seedling feeding is performed above the mulch hopper (1), with seedlings supplied from a seedling supply device falling into the tapered sections (4a, 4b) from the openings (10a, 10b) of the mulch hopper (1).

[0027] (Positioning step: Figure 7) The seedling transplanting device (20) operates, moving the mulch hopper (1) to the planting position and positioning the front ends (8a, 8b) of the mulch hopper (1) on the agricultural mulch film.

[0028] (Insertion step: Figure 8) The mulch hopper (1) is lowered, and the cylindrical parts (6a, 6b) are inserted to a predetermined depth while the tip parts (8a, 8b) perforate the agricultural mulch film. At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the cylindrical parts (6a, 6b) is defined as the diameter of the holes in the agricultural mulch film.

[0029] (Release step: Figure 9) The first planting unit (1a) and the second planting unit (1b) are rotated relative to each other, and their lower ends are opened to release the seedlings into the soil. At the same time, the mulch hopper (1) is also pulled upward.

[0030] (Pulling step: Figure 10) The mulch hopper (1) is completely pulled upward, and the first planting body (1a) and the second planting body (1b) are rotated relative to each other to close the lower end.

[0031] (Return step: Figure 11) The first planting unit (1a) and the second planting unit (1b) are returned to a completely closed state to prepare for the next seedling transplanting operation. Thereafter, the operations shown in Figures 6 to 11 are repeated until the target transplanting position is reached.

[0032] Figure 12 shows the state after the steps described above have been completed and the green onion seedlings have been planted in the field where agricultural mulch film has been laid. Here, the green onion seedlings are planted on the agricultural mulch film at intervals of 6-7 cm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1… Multi-purpose hopper 1a,1b…planted body 2a,2b…Base 4a, 4b... Tapered section 6a, 6b...Cylindrical part 8a, 8b…Tip 10a,10b...opening 12a, 12b...Reinforcement part 20...Seedling transplanting device

Claims

1. A mulch hopper (1) for transplanting seedlings into a field covered with agricultural mulch film, which opens and closes the lower part by rotating a pair of planting bodies (1a, 1b) that contain seedlings inside, It consists of a first planting body (1a) and a second planting body (1b) that can be divided along the axial direction, A base (2) that is fixed to the seedling transplanting device (20), The tapered portion (4) is formed such that its diameter decreases from the base (2) towards the tip and has a space capable of accommodating the seedlings, A cylindrical portion (6) is provided on the tip side of the tapered portion (4) and has a constant diameter along the axial direction, A tip portion (8) is provided at the end of the tubular portion (6) for perforating the agricultural mulch film and simultaneously guiding the seedlings, Equipped with, The diameter of the cylindrical portion (6) defines the diameter of the holes formed in the agricultural mulch film, and the axial length of the cylindrical portion (6) defines the planting depth of the seedlings. A multi-purpose hopper (1) characterized by the following:

2. The multi-purpose hopper (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion (6) is convex, circular, elliptical, rhombic, or polygonal.

3. The first planting body (1a) and the second planting body (1b) are configured to be rotatable relative to each other around a pivot axis provided on the base (2) side. The aforementioned rotation causes the tip of the cylindrical portion (6) to open and close from side to side. A multi-purpose hopper (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned tip portion (8) has a perforating function for perforating the agricultural mulch film, It also has a guiding function that leads the seedling into the hole formed after the drilling, A multi-purpose hopper (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The axial length of the cylindrical portion (6) is set to define the planting depth of seedlings in the soil under agricultural mulch film. A multi-purpose hopper (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Furthermore, it is provided with a reinforcing portion (12) that is positioned along the boundary between the base portion (2) and the tapered portion (4) and mechanically integrates these two members, A multi-purpose hopper (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A seedling transplanting device comprising a mulch hopper (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

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