transplant machine

Abstract

To provide a transplanter that enables the seedling supply work to be easily performed.SOLUTION: A transplanter according to an embodiment includes a travel vehicle body, a planting device, a seedling tank, and an auxiliary seedling tank part. The travel vehicle body is capable of traveling across a field. The planting device plants seedlings in the field. The seedling tank is provided on the rear side of the seedling planting device, stores the seedlings, and supplies the stored seedlings to the seedling planting device. The auxiliary seedling tank part is provided on the rear side of the seedling tank, stores the seedlings, and supplies the stored seedlings to the seedling tank. The auxiliary seedling tank part is configured such that a plurality of auxiliary tanks with the same left-right width is arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The seedling tank has the left-right width equal to that of one auxiliary tank, and is movable for the interval equal to the left-right width of the auxiliary tanks in the left-right direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transplanter. <000QQ05>

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a transplanter for planting seedlings in a field, a supply device is provided above a seedling tank so that seedlings can be supplied from the seedling tank to a planting device (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 the conventional transplanter as described above, since it is necessary for an operator to manually supply seedlings to the transplanter, the seedling supply work is complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a transplanter capable of easily performing the seedling supply work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the transplanting machine (1) according to the embodiment comprises a vehicle body (2) that can travel on a field (F), a planting device (5) that plants seedlings in the field (F), a seedling tank (22) provided behind the planting device (5) for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the planting device (5), and an auxiliary tank section (23) provided behind the seedling tank (22) for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the seedling tank (22), wherein the auxiliary tank section (23) is characterized in that a plurality of auxiliary tanks (231) of the same left-right width (W1) are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, the seedling tank (22) has the same left-right width (W2) as one of the auxiliary tanks (231) and is provided to be movable in the left-right direction for a distance equal to the left-right width (W1) of the plurality of auxiliary tanks (231). [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the transplanting machine of this embodiment, the seedling replenishment work can be easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a transplanting machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a transplanting machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the seedling tank and auxiliary tank section. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing an example of a transplanting machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a transplanting machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the battery housing structure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a modified seedling supply mechanism. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a modified seedling supply mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the parking brake mechanism. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the parking brake mechanism. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of the parking brake mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the transplanting machine disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of the transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the transplanter 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the seedling tank 22 and the auxiliary tank section 23.

[0011] Note that some of the figures show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that includes a Z-axis with the positive direction being vertically upward (upward). For the sake of explanation below, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as left, the negative direction of the X-axis as right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as forward, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as backward. The X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following, the term "machine" may refer to both transplant machine 1 and the vehicle body 2 described later.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transplanter 1 moves on a vehicle body 2 that has a pair of front wheels 3 and rear wheels 4 on the left and right sides, in response to manual operation by an operator, and plants seedlings of vegetables and the like using a planting device 5 equipped with a planting tool 5a.

[0014] On the traveling vehicle body 2, a transmission case (transmission) 6 is provided at the front of the body, and a drive source 7 such as an engine or an electric motor (hereinafter referred to as an engine) is provided in front of the transmission case 6. The transmission case 6 and the engine 7 are covered with a bonnet 8.

[0015] Axle covers that cover the axles for transmitting the driving force to the rear wheels 4 are respectively connected to the rear parts of the vehicle body on both left and right sides of the transmission case 6. A traveling transmission case 9 for transmitting the driving force to the rear wheels 4 is rotatably mounted on the outer end of the axle cover on the outside of the vehicle body.

[0016] On the traveling vehicle body 2, a transmission case for branching and supplying the driving force from the transmission case 6 to the planting device 5 is provided. That is, the planting device 5 is operated by the driving force transmitted from the engine 7. Note that the planting device 5 may be operated by an electric motor.

[0017] A steering handle 11 for manual operation is provided at the rear of the traveling vehicle body 2. A throttle lever for increasing and decreasing the output of the engine 7 is provided on the steering handle 11. Between the left and right of the steering handle 11, a vehicle height adjustment lever, a main clutch lever, a main transmission lever, an engine switch, etc. are provided.

[0018] The vehicle height adjustment lever is a lever for adjusting the vehicle height of the traveling vehicle body 2. The main clutch lever is a lever for turning on and off the transmission of the driving force to the left and right traveling transmission cases 9 and the transmission case. The main transmission lever is a lever for switching the traveling transmission of the traveling vehicle body 2 to any one of the forward speed, the planting operation, the traveling neutral, and the reverse. The engine switch is a switch for switching the enablement of starting the engine and for performing a stop operation.

[0019] The transplanting machine 1 is equipped with a machine control mechanism. The machine control mechanism controls the attitude and height of the transplanting machine 1 (vehicle body 2). The machine control mechanism is provided between the vehicle body 2 and the drive transmission case 9, and includes a hydraulic lifting cylinder that raises and lowers the vehicle body 2 by moving the rear wheels 4 up and down, and a horizontal hydraulic cylinder that tilts the vehicle body 2 left and right. When the hydraulic lifting cylinder is extended or retracted, the left and right rear wheels 4 move up and down in the same direction by the same amount relative to the vehicle body 2, causing the vehicle body 2 to rise or fall.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, a pendulum-type left-right tilt sensor is provided on the right side of the transmission case 6. The detection by the left-right tilt sensor activates a horizontal hydraulic cylinder, causing only the left rear wheel 4 to move up and down, thereby maintaining the vehicle body 2 horizontally regardless of the unevenness of the furrows.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1-3, the transplanter 1 comprises a removal device 21, a seedling tank 22, and an auxiliary tank section 23. The removal device 21 removes seedlings from the seedling tank 22 (described later) and supplies the removed seedlings to the planting tool 5a of the planting device 5. The seedling tank 22 is located at the rear of the planting device 5. The seedling tank 22 stores seedlings. The seedling tank 22 is located at the upper rear of the removal device 21. The seedling tank 22 supplies the stored seedlings to the planting device 5.

[0022] In the transplanting machine 1, the extraction device 21 and the seedling tank 22 constitute a fully automatic supply device in which the extraction device 21 sequentially extracts seedlings from the trays 221 of the seedling tank 22 and supplies them to the planting tool 5a.

[0023] The auxiliary tank section 23 is located at the rear upper part of the seedling tank 22. The auxiliary tank section 23 stores seedlings. The auxiliary tank section 23 supplies the stored seedlings to the seedling tank 22. The auxiliary tank section 23 has a vertical step S between it and the seedling tank 22. The auxiliary tank section 23 comprises a plurality of auxiliary tanks 231. The plurality of auxiliary tanks 231 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the direction of the seedling tank 22. All of the plurality of auxiliary tanks 231 are formed with the same left-right width W1.

[0024] The auxiliary tank 231 is equipped with a first conveyor belt 232. The first conveyor belt is, for example, an endless belt conveyor that transports seedlings in the first supply direction D1 (see Figure 3) in the seedling supply path. By supplying seedlings to the seedling tank 22 via the first conveyor belt 232, the time required to supply seedlings to the seedling tank 22 can be reduced. The auxiliary tank 231 is supported by a support extending from a frame separate from the seedling tank 22.

[0025] The seedling tank 22 is formed with a width W2 equivalent to that of one auxiliary tank 231. The seedling tank 22 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction at intervals equivalent to the left-right width W1 of the multiple auxiliary tanks 231. In this embodiment, the auxiliary tank section 23 comprises two auxiliary tanks 231. The seedling tank 22 moves in the left-right direction between the two auxiliary tanks 231. Note that the number of auxiliary tanks 231 is not limited to two, and may be three or more, for example.

[0026] With this configuration, by providing multiple auxiliary tanks 231 with a left-right width W1 equivalent to the left-right width W2 of the seedling tank 22, a large quantity of seedlings can be loaded into the transplanter 1 at once. This reduces the number of times seedlings need to be replenished to the transplanter 1, making the seedling replenishment process easier.

[0027] Furthermore, the transplanter 1 is equipped with a seedling depletion detection unit 24. The seedling depletion detection unit 24 detects when the seedling tank 22 runs out of seedlings. The seedling depletion detection unit 24 is provided, for example, on the outside of the seedling tank 22. When the seedling depletion detection unit 24 detects that the seedling tank 22 is depleted of seedlings and its left-right width W2 matches the left-right width W1 of one auxiliary tank 231, seedlings from the auxiliary tank 231 are supplied by the first conveyor belt 232.

[0028] Furthermore, protrusions are provided on the seedling conveying surface 232a of the first conveyor belt 232. Multiple protrusions are provided on the conveying surface 232a. By providing protrusions on the conveying surface 232a of the first conveyor belt 232 in this way, it is possible to suppress seedlings from sliding down from the conveying surface 232a due to machine vibrations or other factors. In addition, the conveying surface 232a of the first conveyor belt 232 may be provided with, for example, a stopper to restrict the movement of seedlings. Such a stopper can also suppress seedlings sliding down from the conveying surface 232a from above.

[0029] With this configuration, the supply of seedlings from the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22 can be automated. Furthermore, seedlings can be accurately supplied from the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22.

[0030] <Second Embodiment> The transplanting machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing an example of the transplanting machine 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the transplanting machine 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5.

[0031] Note that the second embodiment described below differs from the first embodiment in its seedling supply mechanism. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the seedling tank 22 is located behind the planting device 5. The seedling tank 22 stores seedlings. The seedling tank 22 is located above and behind the extraction device 21. The seedling tank 22 supplies the stored seedlings to the planting device 5. In the transplanter 1, the extraction device 21 and the seedling tank 22 constitute a fully automatic supply device in which the extraction device 21 sequentially extracts seedlings from the trays 221 of the seedling tank 22 and supplies them to the planting device 5a.

[0033] The auxiliary tank section 23 is located on either the left or right side of the seedling tank 22, and at the rear. The auxiliary tank section 23 stores seedlings. The auxiliary tank section 23 supplies the stored seedlings to the seedling tank 22. The auxiliary tank section 23 includes an auxiliary tank 231. The auxiliary tank 231 is located at the rear of the seedling frame 25, which will be described later.

[0034] The auxiliary tank 231 is equipped with a switchback section 233 in the seedling supply path. The switchback section 233 is driven by an electric roller 234 and transports the seedlings in a predetermined supply direction. The switchback section 233 switches the seedling supply direction to either the forward direction or the opposite direction by switching the rotation of the electric roller 234.

[0035] The switchback section 233 switches the direction of seedling supply, so that when seedlings are supplied from the seedling frame 25, they are transported backward, and when seedlings are supplied from the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22, they are transported forward. In this way, the direction in which the seedlings are moved can be switched according to the direction of seedling supply.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the transplanter 1 further comprises a seedling frame 25 and a transfer section 26. The seedling frame 25 supplies seedlings to the auxiliary tank section 23. The seedling frame 25 is located at the front upper part of the auxiliary tank section 23. Multiple seedling frames 25 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. That is, the seedling frame 25 is composed of multiple tiers. In this embodiment, the seedling frame 25 is composed of two tiers. However, the seedling frame 25 is not limited to two tiers and may be composed of three or more tiers.

[0037] The seedling frame 25 is equipped with a second conveyor belt 251. The second conveyor belt 251 is, for example, an endless belt conveyor that conveys seedlings in the second supply direction D2 to the seedling supply path. By supplying seedlings to the auxiliary tank 231 via the second conveyor belt 251, the time required to supply seedlings to the auxiliary tank 231 can be reduced.

[0038] The auxiliary tank section 23 has a step S between it and the seedling frame 25 such that it is lower than the seedling supply path of the seedling frame 25. Furthermore, the auxiliary tank section 23 has a step S that decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction of seedling supply. In other words, the auxiliary tank section 23 has a vertical step S between it and the seedling tank 22.

[0039] With this configuration, seedlings can be stored in the seedling frame 25, allowing a large quantity of seedlings to be loaded into the transplanter 1 at once. This reduces the number of times seedlings need to be replenished to the transplanter 1, making the seedling replenishment process easier. Furthermore, by arranging the seedling frames 25 and auxiliary tanks 231 in a staggered manner, with the height decreasing sequentially, seedlings are automatically transported from the seedling frames 25 to the auxiliary tanks 231. This automates the supply of seedlings.

[0040] The transfer section 26 is located below the auxiliary tank 231. The transfer section 26 connects the auxiliary tank 231 and the seedling tank 22. By providing the transfer section 26, the seedling supply path from the seedling frame 25 is configured to get progressively lower from the uppermost seedling frame 25 through the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22. As shown in Figure 6, the transfer section 26 is positioned lower than the auxiliary tank 231 and higher than the seedling tank 22.

[0041] With this configuration, seedlings are automatically transported from the seedling frame 25 through the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22 by sequentially lowering them in accordance with the direction of seedling supply. This enables the automation of seedling supply.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the seedling frame 25 is equipped with guides (upper guide 252a, lower guide 252b) at the end on the auxiliary tank section 23 side, that is, at the downstream end in the second supply direction D2. Of these, the lower guide 252b of the lower seedling frame 25 is provided so that its tip can swing vertically. The lower guide 252b swings downward due to the weight of the seedlings when seedlings are supplied from the seedling frame 25.

[0043] Furthermore, a fixing guide 27 is provided on the outside of the auxiliary tank 231. The fixing guide 27 can be used to restrict the seedlings supplied to the auxiliary tank 231 so that they do not deviate from the supply path.

[0044] <Battery housing structure> The battery housing structure will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the battery housing structure.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the transplanter 1 is equipped with a battery housing 30 (30A, 30B). In the first example, the battery housing 30A is located below the seedling tank 22. The battery housing 30A is located between the seedling tank 22 and the operating frame 12. In the battery housing 30A, the battery 31 is positioned above the empty tray discharge. Alternatively, the battery 31 may be positioned below the empty tray discharge in the battery housing 30A.

[0046] Furthermore, in the battery housing section 30A, the outlet for the battery 31 is open upwards. Also, in the battery housing section 30A, the outlet for the battery 31 is open towards the rear.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the battery housing 30B in the second example is located at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 2. The battery housing 30B is located above the hydraulic lifting cylinder 13.

[0048] Furthermore, in the battery housing section 30B, the outlet for the battery 31 is open upwards. Also, in the battery housing section 30B, the outlet for the battery 31 is open towards the rear. Note that the transplanting machine 1 is provided with at least one of the first example and the second example.

[0049] <Variations of seedling supply mechanisms> A modified version of the seedling supply mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams of the modified version of the seedling supply mechanism. Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the modified version of the seedling supply mechanism. Figure 9 shows a schematic plan view of the modified version of the seedling supply mechanism.

[0050] The transplanting machine 1 (see Figure 1) is equipped with a supply device 40 shown in Figures 8 and 9 above the machine body. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the supply device 40 supplies long seedlings PL, such as sweet potatoes, to the planting device 5 (see Figure 1). The supply device 40 comprises a conveyor belt 41, rollers 42, partition members 43, sorting table 44, and plate members 45.

[0051] The conveyor belt 41 is wrapped around a plurality (four) of rollers 42. The conveyor belt 41 circulates in a rotary manner. The rollers 42 consist of a large roller 42a and a small roller 42b. Multiple holding members 411 for holding seedlings are provided at equal intervals on the surface 41a of the conveyor belt 41, which is the surface that conveys the seedling PL. In addition, holes are formed in the surface 41a of the conveyor belt 41 for the partition members 43, which will be described later, to protrude.

[0052] The partition member 43 is provided on the back surface 41b of the conveyor belt 41. The partition member 43 is pressed by the plate member 45, which will be described later, and protrudes from the surface 41a of the conveyor belt 41 through the holes in the conveyor belt 41.

[0053] The sorting table 44 is located upstream of the supply device 40. The sorting table 44 is located upstream of the supply device 40 and above the conveyor belt 41. The surface of the sorting table 44 is flocked. This makes it easier for workers to sort the seedlings.

[0054] The plate member 45 is provided on the back surface 41b of the conveyor belt 41. The plate member 45 has an inclined surface 451 that slopes downward on the upstream side of the supply device 40.

[0055] In the supply device 40, an operator takes seedling PLs from a storage section 46 such as a basket containing seedling PLs and places them on a sorting table 44. Once the seedling PLs are placed on the supply device 40 by the operator, the operator lightly separates the seedling PLs and moves them downstream, where they are handed over to the conveyor belt 41 and transported by the conveyor belt 41.

[0056] The seedlings are separated into individual seedling PLs by partition members 43 that are pushed up by the inclined surface 451 of the plate member 45 and protrude from the surface 41a of the conveyor belt 41, and the seedling PLs are held in the holding members 411. As the conveyor belt circulates, the seedling PLs are transported to a predetermined receiving position.

[0057] <Parking brake mechanism> The parking brake mechanism 50 will be explained with reference to Figures 10-12. Figures 10-12 are explanatory diagrams of the parking brake mechanism 50. Note that Figures 10-12 show perspective views of the parking brake mechanism 50.

[0058] The parking brake mechanism 50 activates the parking brake in the transplanting machine 1. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the parking brake mechanism 50 is installed, for example, on the axle of the rear wheel 4 (see Figure 1). The parking brake mechanism 50 comprises an arm 51, a pin 52, and a cam 53. The arm 51 is biased in the opening direction by a biasing member 54 such as a spring.

[0059] The pin 52 is provided at the tip of the arm 51. Multiple pins (two) are provided. The pin 52 is pressed against the cam 53, which will be described later, by the arm 51. The two pins 52 are positioned opposite each other by being provided at the tips of the arm 51. As a result, the pins 52 press against the plate of the cam 53 from both sides, making it less likely for an uneven load to be applied to the axis of the pin 52 when the parking brake is applied.

[0060] The cam 53 is positioned opposite the arm 51 and the pin 52. In the parking brake mechanism 50, the parking brake is activated by pressing the pin 52 against the cam 53. In this case, the pressing load on the pin 52 can be increased by pressing the pin 52 against the cam 53 via the arm 51. This enables a parking brake with strong braking force.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the arm 51 is positioned symmetrically with respect to the plate of the cam 53. Therefore, it contacts the cam 53 at a symmetrical position, and the contact angle of the cam 53 remains the same even when the transplanting machine 1 is moving forward or backward. As a result, the braking force is the same when the transplanting machine is moving forward or backward.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, the parking brake mechanism 50 includes a cable 55 for operating the arm 51. A spring 56 is provided on the cable 55. When the spring 56 extends, the cable 55 can release the pin 52 that operates the parking brake in the event of an overload.

[0063] Based on the embodiments described above, the following transplantation machine 1 is realized.

[0064] (1) A transplanter 1 comprising a vehicle body 2 capable of traveling in a field F, a planting device 5 for planting seedlings in the field F, a seedling tank 22 located behind the planting device 5 for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the planting device 5, and an auxiliary tank section 23 located behind the seedling tank 22 for storing seedlings and supplying the seedlings stored in the seedling tank 22, wherein the auxiliary tank section 23 has multiple auxiliary tanks 231 of the same left-right width W1 arranged in a row in the left-right direction, and the seedling tank 22 has a left-right width W2 equivalent to that of one auxiliary tank 231 and is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction at intervals equivalent to the left-right width W1 of the multiple auxiliary tanks 231.

[0065] With this type of transplanter 1, by providing multiple auxiliary tanks 231 with a width W1 equivalent to the width W2 of the seedling tank 22, a large quantity of seedlings can be loaded into the transplanter 1 at once. This reduces the number of times seedlings need to be replenished to the transplanter 1, making the seedling replenishment process easier.

[0066] (2) The transplanter 1, wherein the seedling tank 22 is equipped with a seedling depletion detection unit 24 for detecting when seedlings run out, the auxiliary tank 231 has a first conveyor belt 232 for transporting seedlings in a first supply direction D1 to the seedling supply path, and when the seedling depletion detection unit 24 detects that seedlings have run out in the seedling tank 22 and the left-right width W2 matches the left-right width W1 of one auxiliary tank 231, seedlings from the auxiliary tank 231 are supplied by the first conveyor belt 232.

[0067] With this transplanting machine 1, in addition to the effects of (1) above, the supply of seedlings from the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22 can be automated. Furthermore, seedlings can be accurately supplied from the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22.

[0068] (3) In the above (2), the first conveyor belt is a transplanter 1 having protrusions on the seedling conveying surface.

[0069] With this type of transplanter 1, in addition to the effects of (2) above, it is possible to suppress the seedlings from sliding down from the transport surface 232a due to machine vibrations, etc.

[0070] (4) A transplanter 1 comprising a vehicle body 2 capable of traveling in a field F, a planting device 5 for planting seedlings in the field F, a seedling tank 22 located behind the planting device 5 for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the planting device 5, an auxiliary tank section 23 located on either the left or right side and behind the seedling tank 22 for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the seedling tank 22, and a seedling frame 25 located in front of the auxiliary tank section 23, arranged in a row in the vertical direction for supplying seedlings to the auxiliary tank section 23, wherein the seedling frame 25 has a second conveyor belt 251 for transporting seedlings in a second supply direction D2 in the seedling supply path, and the auxiliary tank section 23 has an auxiliary tank 231, with a vertical step S between the auxiliary tank 231 and the seedling tank 22.

[0071] With this type of transplanter 1, seedlings can be stored in the seedling tray 25, allowing a large quantity of seedlings to be loaded into the transplanter 1 at once. This reduces the number of times seedlings need to be replenished to the transplanter 1, making the seedling replenishment process easier. Furthermore, by arranging the seedling trays in a staggered manner, decreasing in height from the seedling tray 25 to the auxiliary tank 231, seedlings are automatically transported from the seedling tray 25 to the auxiliary tank 231. This automates the supply of seedlings.

[0072] (5) The transplanter 1, wherein the transplanter 1 is provided with a connecting section 26 that connects the auxiliary tank 231 and the seedling tank 22, and is configured to get progressively lower from the uppermost seedling frame 25 through the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22, and the connecting section 26 is positioned lower than the auxiliary tank 231 and higher than the seedling tank 22.

[0073] With this transplanter 1, in addition to the effects described in (4) above, seedlings are automatically transported from the seedling frame 25 through the auxiliary tank 231 to the seedling tank 22 by gradually lowering them in accordance with the direction of seedling supply. This makes it possible to automate the supply of seedlings.

[0074] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 transplanter 2. Running vehicle 5 Planting equipment 22 seedling tanks 23 Auxiliary tank section 24 Seedling break detection unit 25 Seedling frame 231 Auxiliary tank 232 First conveyor belt 251 Second conveyor belt D1 1st supply direction D2 2nd supply direction Field F S step W1 Left and right width W2 Left and right width

Claims

1. A vehicle capable of traveling on a field, A planting device for planting seedlings in the field, A seedling tank is provided behind the planting device for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the planting device, An auxiliary tank section is provided behind the seedling tank for storing seedlings and supplying the seedlings stored in the seedling tank. Equipped with, The aforementioned auxiliary tank section consists of multiple auxiliary tanks of the same width arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The seedling tank has the same width from left to right as one of the auxiliary tanks, and is installed so as to be movable in the left-right direction at intervals equal to the width from left to right of multiple auxiliary tanks. A transplanting machine characterized by the following features.

2. Seedling depletion detection unit for detecting seedling depletion in the seedling tank Equipped with, The auxiliary tank has a first conveyor belt that transports seedlings in a first supply direction in the seedling supply path. When the seedling shortage detection unit detects that seedlings have run out in the seedling tank and the width of the tank matches the width of one of the auxiliary tanks, seedlings from the auxiliary tank are supplied by the first conveyor belt. The transplanting machine according to feature 1.

3. The first conveyor belt has protrusions on the seedling conveying surface. The transplanting machine according to feature 2.

4. A vehicle capable of traveling on a field, A planting device for planting seedlings in the field, A seedling tank is provided behind the planting device for storing seedlings and supplying the stored seedlings to the planting device, An auxiliary tank section is provided on either the left or right side and at the rear of the seedling tank, for storing seedlings and supplying seedlings stored in the seedling tank, A seedling frame is provided in front of the auxiliary tank section, arranged in a row in the vertical direction, and supplies seedlings to the auxiliary tank section. Equipped with, The seedling frame has a second conveyor belt that transports seedlings in a second supply direction in the seedling supply path. The auxiliary tank section has an auxiliary tank, and there is a vertical step between the auxiliary tank and the seedling tank. A transplanting machine characterized by the following features.

5. A connecting section between the auxiliary tank and the seedling tank. Equipped with, The structure is configured such that the layers gradually decrease in height from the uppermost seedling frame through the auxiliary tank to the seedling tank. The transfer section is positioned lower than the auxiliary tank and higher than the seedling tank. The transplanting machine according to feature 4.

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