JP5676217B2 - Powder and particle feeder - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a granular material supply device that intermittently feeds a granular material stored in a granular material tank by a set amount by means of a drive-rotating feeding rotator provided with a feeding recess and drops it toward a field. .

  Conventionally, there existed what was described in patent document 1, for example as a granular material supply apparatus. In what is described in Patent Document 1, a feeding roll having a recess formed on the outer peripheral surface is rotated in a certain direction, and seeds are fed so that the seeds in the seed hopper are held by an appropriate number of recesses and fed downward. The portion is configured, and seeds fed from the seed feeding portion are guided to the sowing groover by the first guide tube and the second guide tube. In the device described in Patent Document 1, a seed detection sensor is provided in the first guide tube. In the seed detection sensor, a light emitter and a light receiver are arranged to face each other across a seed passage.

JP 2003-116309 A

  In the above-mentioned powder and granular material supply apparatus, the feed rotary body is configured to be capable of changing and adjusting the amount of feed by the feed and rotating body, and to detect whether or not the powder and granular material is being supplied by the powder and granular material supply apparatus. In order to detect the fall of the granular material from the feed, even if the granular material falls from the feed rotating body in the state where the feed amount is adjusted so as to maximize the feed amount, the feed amount is minimized. By configuring the detection sensor to detect the powder particles falling from the feeding rotating body in the state where the feeding amount is adjusted so that the feeding amount is adjusted, any feeding in the entire adjusting range from the smallest amount to the largest amount is performed. If detection is possible even when the amount is adjusted, the detection area of the detection sensor becomes large, and the detection sensor tends to be large.

  The object of the present invention is to detect the fall of the granular material from the feeding rotating body even when adjusted to any feeding amount in the entire adjustment range, while allowing the detection sensor to be miniaturized. It is to provide a supply device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a granular material supply in which the granular material stored in the granular material tank is intermittently fed out by a set amount by a driving rotary feeding rotary member provided with a feeding recess and dropped toward the field. In the device
By changing the opening area of the feeding recess, the feeding amount by the feeding recess of the feeding rotating body is changed,
A detection sensor is provided for detecting the fall of the powder in the drop supply path for dropping the powder from the feeding rotating body toward the field,
The detection area of the detection sensor in the direction crossing the drop supply path is from the feed rotating body in a state in which the feed amount is adjusted so as to maximize the feed amount by the feed recess in the drop supply path. The part where the granular material falls from the feeding rotating body in a state where the feeding amount is adjusted so as to minimize the feeding amount by the feeding recess, which is smaller than the part where the granular material falls. The detection area is set so as to be located in

  According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the feeding amount by the feeding recess can be changed. And, if the feed amount by the feed recess is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, the opening area of the feed recess is minimized, and if the feed amount by the feed recess is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, the opening area of the feed recess is maximized, When the feed amount is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, the part of the fall supply path where the granular material falls from the feed rotating body is narrowed, and when the feed amount is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, The part where the granular material falls from the feeding rotating body becomes wide, and when the feeding amount is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, the part where the granular material falls is adjusted when the feeding amount is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount. It becomes the part including the part where the granule falls. The detection area is located in a part smaller than the part where the granular material falls in the state where the feeding amount is adjusted to the maximum amount, and is located in the part where the granular material falls in the state where the feeding amount is adjusted to the minimum amount. Therefore, even if the detection sensor is configured with a small detection area, the detection target area is smaller than the part where the granular material falls when the feeding amount is adjusted to the maximum amount, Even if it is a case where it is adjusted to any feed amount in the entire adjustment range from the minimum amount to the maximum amount, it is possible to detect the fall of the granular material from the feed rotating body.

  Accordingly, the feed amount can be adjusted and the fall of the granular material in the drop supply path can be detected, and even if the feed amount is adjusted to any feed amount in the entire adjustment range, The fall of the body can be detected by a small detection sensor having a small detection area, so that notification of whether or not the powder particles are supplied can be made at low cost.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the feeding rotating body includes a rotating body main body including the feeding recess and a capacity adjusting body including a capacity setting unit engaged with the feeding recess, and the capacity adjusting body is the By adjusting sliding relative to the rotating body, the amount of engagement of the capacity setting portion in the feeding recess changes, the capacity and opening area of the feeding recess changes, and the feeding amount by the feeding recess changes. Configured to
The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are positioned with the drop supply path in a direction different from a direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slid and adjusted with respect to the rotating body.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the invention, the detection sensor is configured by including the light projecting element and the light receiving element having the light projecting width and the light receiving width in the direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slidably adjusted. Therefore, when the feed amount adjustment is performed, the size of the part of the drop supply path where the powder particles fall is caused by the property and structure of the powder particles and the feed rotating body, so that the capacity adjuster slides. In the case of mainly changing in the direction, the detection sensor is configured to be a small one having a light projecting element or a light receiving element having a small light projecting width or light receiving width, and the fall of the granular material from the feeding rotating body is pulverized. It can detect in the non-contact state with respect to a granular material.

  Therefore, while detecting the fall of the granular material in the drop supply path, it is detected in a non-contact state with respect to the granular material with a small detection sensor, and the predetermined detection is performed while providing excellent spotting accuracy. You can get what you can afford.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the feeding rotating body is configured to move from the side where the light receiving unit is located toward the side where the light projecting unit is located at a location where the feeding rotary body is located below the rotational axis.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect of the invention, even if dust such as crushed pieces of powder particles are scattered by the rotation of the feeding rotating body, it is difficult to adhere to the light receiving unit.

  Therefore, regardless of the scattering of dust, the light receiving portion is hardly contaminated by dust, and detection can be performed with high accuracy.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a granular material supply in which the granular material stored in the granular material tank is intermittently fed out by a set amount by a drive-rotating feeding rotary body provided with a feeding recess and dropped toward the field. A device,
The feeding rotary body includes a rotary body main body including the feeding recess and a capacity adjusting body including a capacity setting unit that engages with the feeding recess, and the capacity adjusting body is configured with respect to the rotary body main body. By adjusting the sliding, the amount of engagement of the capacity setting portion in the feeding recess changes, the capacity and opening area of the feeding recess changes, and the feeding amount by the feeding recess changes.
A detection sensor is provided for detecting the fall of the powder in the drop supply path for dropping the powder from the feeding rotating body toward the field,
The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are positioned with the drop supply path in a direction along a direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slid and adjusted with respect to the rotating body main body ,
The detection area of the detection sensor is set to a part of the drop supply path where the granular material from the feeding rotating body falls in a state where the feeding amount is adjusted so that the feeding amount by the feeding recess is minimized. It is .

  According to the configuration of the fourth invention, the detection sensor is provided with a light projecting element or a light receiving element having a light projecting width or a light receiving width in a direction crossing a direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slid and adjusted in a plan view. Will be composed. Therefore, when the feed amount adjustment is performed, the size of the part of the drop supply path where the powder particles fall is caused by the property and structure of the powder particles and the feed rotating body, so that the capacity adjuster slides. In the case of mainly changing in the direction crossing the direction, the powder from the feeding rotating body while constituting the detection sensor in a small one having a light projecting element or a light receiving element having a small light projecting width or light receiving width Can be detected in a non-contact state with respect to the granular material.

  Therefore, while detecting the fall of the granular material in the drop supply path, it is detected in a non-contact state with respect to the granular material with a small detection sensor, and the predetermined detection is performed while providing excellent spotting accuracy. You can get what you can afford.

  In the fifth invention, the detection area of the detection sensor is positioned between a vertical line passing through the granular material discharge location of the feeding rotary body and a tangent line at the granular material discharge location of the feeding rotary body. The detection area is set.

  The granular material from the feeding rotator is discharged while receiving the rotational force of the feeding rotator, and is between the vertical line passing through the powder discharging portion of the feeding rotator and the tangent line at the powder discharging portion of the feeding rotator. It falls to the place located at. According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the invention, since the detection area of the detection sensor is located between the vertical line passing through the powder discharge part of the feeding rotary body and the tangent line at the powder discharge part of the feeding rotary body, If the detection sensor is configured with a small detection area located between the vertical line passing through the granular material discharge location of the rotating body and the tangent line at the granular material discharge location of the feeding rotary body, the feeding rotary body Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the fall of the powder and granular material.

  Therefore, while detecting the fall of the granular material in the fall supply channel, the fall of the granular material is detected by a small detection sensor with a small detection area, and notification whether the granular material is supplied or not. Etc. can be performed at low cost.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an inspection opening is disposed on a side where the light receiving portion is located with respect to a rotation axis of the feeding rotary body in a feeding case that houses the feeding rotary body.

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the invention, the hand and the cleaning tool can easily reach the light receiving unit from the inspection opening.

  Therefore, even if the light receiving unit is contaminated with dust or the like, it can be easily cleaned from the inspection opening to ensure a predetermined detection accuracy.

It is a side view which shows the whole paddy field machine. It is a rear view which shows the whole working part. It is a top view which shows the whole working part. It is a side view which shows a part of working part. It is a rear view which shows a part of working part. It is a vertical side view which shows a granular material supply apparatus. It is a vertical rear view which shows a part of granular material supply apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the maintenance point of a feeding case. It is a vertical side view which shows the removal state of a cylindrical body and an optical sensor. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the site | part where a seed drop falls in the state where the amount of feeding was adjusted to the minimum amount, and the detection area of an optical sensor, (b) was the amount of feeding adjusted to the maximum amount It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the site | part where a seed sow falls in a state, and the detection area of an optical sensor. It is a perspective view which shows the whole sensor support body, a light projection part, and a light-receiving part. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of an alerting | reporting apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conditions which comprise the light reception structure of a light-receiving part. It is a vertical side view which shows the granular material supply apparatus provided with 2nd implementation structure. It is a vertical side view which shows the granular material supply apparatus provided with 3rd implementation structure. It is a vertical rear view which shows the granular material supply apparatus provided with 3rd implementation structure. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the site | part which a seed | vessel falls and the detection effect | action of an optical sensor in the state which the feeding amount was adjusted to the minimum amount in the granular material supply apparatus provided with 3rd Embodiment structure, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the site | part to which a seed drop falls, and the detection effect | action of an optical sensor in the state by which feeding amount was adjusted to the maximum amount in the granular material supply apparatus provided with 3rd Embodiment structure. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the detection area of an optical sensor in a granular material supply apparatus provided with 3rd Embodiment structure, and a delivery rotary body.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an entire paddy field working machine equipped with a granular material supply device A according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, a paddy field work machine includes a self-propelled vehicle that is self-propelled by a pair of left and right steering operations and driveable front wheels 1 and 1 and a pair of left and right driveable rear wheels 2 and 2, The working unit S is connected to the rear part of the body frame 3 of the self-propelled vehicle via a link mechanism L, and the fertilizer application device C has a fertilizer tank 71 arranged at the rear part of the self-propelled vehicle body. .

  The self-propelled vehicle includes an engine 5 provided at the front part of the vehicle body. The driving force output from the engine 5 is input to a transmission case 6 located at the front part of the vehicle body. The driving force input to the transmission case 6 is input to the transmission case. 6 is transmitted to the front wheel drive case 7 from the traveling mission located inside the vehicle 6 to drive the pair of left and right front wheels 1, 1, and the driving force from the engine 5 input to the mission case 6 is transmitted from the traveling mission to the rotating shaft 8. To the rear wheel drive case 9 located at the rear of the vehicle body to drive the pair of left and right rear wheels 2 and 2. The self-propelled vehicle includes a driving unit 4 having a driving seat 4a located at the rear of the vehicle body, and is a riding type so as to ride on the driving unit 4 for driving. The self-propelled vehicle receives the driving force from the engine 5 input to the mission case 6 from the work mission located inside the mission case 6 to the rotary shaft 11 located below the body frame 3 and the rear of the rotary shaft 11. The power is transmitted to the input shaft 42 (see FIG. 4) of the drive mechanism D of the working unit S via the transmission shaft 12 extending from the end portion toward the rear of the vehicle body.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the entire working unit S. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the entire working unit S. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the working unit S. FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a part of the working unit S. As shown in these drawings and FIG. 1, the working unit S includes a working unit frame 25 having a front end connected to a lower end of the rear link 17 in the link mechanism L, and a lower part of the working unit frame 25 in the vehicle body lateral direction. It is attached to four grounding floats 20 that are mounted side by side, six powder supply devices A that are mounted side by side on the support frame 26 provided in the working unit frame 25, and a column 66 that is provided to the working unit frame 25. And a pair of left and right groove forming bodies F, F attached to the front portion of the working unit frame 25.

  The link mechanism L includes an upper link 15 and a lower link 16 extending from the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 3 so as to be swingable rearward and a rear link 17 connected to rear ends of the upper link 15 and the lower link 16. I have. A working unit frame 25 is connected to the rear link 17, and the link mechanism L is swung up and down with respect to the vehicle body frame 3 by a hydraulic cylinder 13 connected across the vehicle body frame 3 and the rear link 17. Then, the working unit S is moved up and down to the lowering work position where the four grounding floats 20 are in contact with the field and the ascending non-working position where each grounding float 20 is lifted from the field.

  When the paddy field work machine lowers the working part S to the lowering work position and runs the self-propelled vehicle, it is the rice seed seeds that have been subjected to the iron coating process by the six powder supply devices A. Seeding work to supply a (hereinafter simply referred to as seed pod a) to the field with six-row supply, fertilization work to supply fertilizer to the six-row seed pod a by the fertilizer application apparatus C, weed prevention by the chemical spraying apparatus B, etc. The chemical spraying operation for spraying the chemical in the field and the groove forming operation for forming the drainage groove in the field by the pair of left and right groove forming bodies F and F are performed. The seed pod a supplied by each powder and granular material supply device A is supplied to a place leveled by passing through the ground float 20.

  The working unit frame 25 is connected to the rear link 17 so as to be able to roll around the rolling axis X facing the vehicle front-rear direction. Even if the self-propelled vehicle is tilted left and right, the working unit S It rolls naturally around the rolling axis X with respect to the self-propelled vehicle (free rolling) to maintain a horizontal or almost horizontal posture in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.

  When the working unit S rolls with respect to the self-propelled vehicle, a restoring spring 28 connected across a spring support 17a provided on the rear link 17 and a pair of left and right spring hanging columns 27 provided on the working unit frame 25. Is elastically deformed to the extension side, and is returned to the horizontal posture by the restoring spring 28.

The fertilizer applicator C will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the fertilizer application apparatus C includes the fertilizer tank 71, a fertilizer feeding mechanism 73 connected to a lower portion of the fertilizer tank 71, and a blower pipe at a fertilizer discharge portion of the fertilizer feeding mechanism 73. The electric blower 75 is connected via the 76. The fertilizer feeding mechanism 73 includes six fertilizer discharge ports (not shown) arranged in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. Each fertilizer discharge port of the fertilizer feeding mechanism 73 is connected to each of six groove-growing fertilizers 77 arranged in the lower part of the working unit S in the lateral direction of the vehicle body via a fertilizer supply hose 74. The fertilizer feeding mechanism 73 is driven by inputting a driving force from the traveling transmission through the input shaft 78.

  The fertilizer application device C feeds the granular fertilizer stored in the fertilizer tank 71 from the fertilizer tank 71 to each fertilizer discharge port by the fertilizer feed mechanism 73, and feeds the fertilizer fed to each fertilizer discharge port by the electric blower 75. Is supplied to the grooving fertilizer 77 via the fertilizer supply hose 74. The six groove fertilizer fertilizers 77 are arranged so as to be located one by one on the slightly lateral side and slightly on the front side of the cylindrical body 56 provided in each powder and granular material supply device A. Each ditch fertilizer applicator 77 forms a groove in the field near the side of the seed pod a supplied from the cylindrical body 56 to the field by the granular material supply device A, and fertilizer from the fertilizer supply hose 74 is formed in the formed groove. Supply.

The medicine spraying device B will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medicine spreader B includes an electric spreader 62 having a spreader case connected to the upper end of the column 66, and a drug tank 61 attached to the upper part of the electric spreader 62. It is prepared. The electric sprayer 62 includes a feeding tray 63 and a rotating sprayer 64 that are rotatably driven inside the sprayer case. The medicine stored in the medicine tank 61 is sprayed by the feeding tray 63 and the rotary sprayer 64. It is scattered outside the machine case and sprayed onto the field after the seed meal a is supplied by each powder and granular material supply device A.

The granular material supply apparatus A will be described.
The six granular material supply devices A are configured to have the same structure. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the powder supply device A includes a feeding case 51 having an upper end connected to a funnel portion 32 a formed at the bottom of the seed tank 32, and a lower end of the feeding case 51. A cylindrical body 56 attached to the part is provided. Each of the seed tank 32 for the three powder supply devices A on the left side of the working unit and the seed tank 32 for the three powder supply devices A on the right side of the working unit has three corresponding powder supply devices. A tank is shared by A.

  FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side view showing the powder body supply apparatus A. FIG. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal rear view showing the granular material supply apparatus A. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the feeding case 51 includes a front wall portion 51 a having a connecting portion 51 d detachably connected to the support frame 26 in the working portion frame 25 by a connecting bolt 21, and an inspection. The rear wall portion 51b having the opening 108 for use and the pair of left and right lateral wall portions 51c and 51c having the rotating body support portion 51e are integrally formed of a resin material. The upper part communicates with the funnel part 32a of the powder tank 32, and the lower part communicates with the cylindrical body 56. The inspection opening 108 is opened and closed by attaching and detaching the lid 107.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, inside the feeding case 51, a feeding roll-shaped feeding rotary body 52 located at the same arrangement height as the inspection opening 108, and the circumference of the feeding rotary body 52 above the feeding rotary body 52. The brush portion 54a of the lower-side scraper 54 located on the lower side in the rotation direction of the feeding rotating body of the pair of scrapers 53, 54 and the pair of scrapers 53, 54 arranged in a distributed manner. A feeding guide 80 arranged along the peripheral surface 52s of the feeding rotating body 52 and a flow guide plate 57 arranged above the feeding rotating body 52 are provided at a position located on the lower side in the feeding rotating body rotation direction.

  The feeding rotary body 52 is arranged in a state where it is arranged at an arrangement height substantially equal to the arrangement height of the rolling shaft core X so that the seed pod a is dropped from a place as close as possible to the field, and the rotation support shaft 59 and the rotation support The shaft 59 and a pair of left and right lateral wall portions 51c and 51c are rotatably supported by the pair of left and right lateral wall portions 51c and 51c via a boss member 51f interposed between the rotating body support portions 51e. The feeding rotary body 52 is rotationally driven in the rotation direction F (see FIG. 6) by the rotation support shaft 59 around the rotation shaft core P that is a vehicle body lateral axis of the rotation support shaft 59. Four feeding recesses 58 are provided on the peripheral surface 52 s of the feeding rotary body 52 so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction F of the feeding rotary body 52.

  The feeding rotary body 52 is fed out by the upper side sliding body 53 located on the upper side of the feeding rotating body rotation direction of the pair of grinding bodies 53 and 54 and the wall body 51g integrally formed inside the feeding case 51. A supply space 50 for supplying seeds to the recess 58 is formed above the upper end side of the feeding rotary body 52 so as to face the peripheral surface 52 s of the feeding rotary body 52.

  The flow down guide plate 57 includes a guide surface 57a in an inclined posture, and the seed pod a stored in the seed tank 32 and flowed down from the seed circulation holes of the lattice body 45 mounted in the bottom of the funnel portion 32a is guided by the guide surface 57a. Guidance is made so as to flow down into the supply space 50 without flowing down between the pair of scrapers 53 and 54.

  The feeding guide 80 includes a guide portion 81 positioned along the peripheral surface 52 s of the feeding rotary body 52 and a connecting portion 82 connected to the lower end side of the guide portion 81, and extends downward from the brush support portion 54 b of the slide-off body 54 on the downstream side. It is supported by a connecting portion 82 on the lower end portion of the support body 70 extending in the direction. The feeding guide 80 is guided by the guide portion 81 to the seed pod a that enters the feeding recess 58 of the feeding rotating body 52 and moves to the discharge point Z installed on the lower end side of the feeding rotating body 52. In other words, the feeding guide 80 allows the seed pod a to be fed from the feeding recess 58 passing through the brush portion 54a of the lower-side scraped body 54 to the discharge point Z even if the feeding recess 58 is turned sideways or downward. It stays in the feeding recess 58 without spilling from the recess 58, and when the feeding recess 58 reaches the discharge point Z and faces downward, the seed soot a is guided to the seed soot a so as to fall and be discharged from the feeding recess 58. Works.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the scraper 53 on the upstream side includes a brush support portion 53b supported by the lower end portion of the flow guide plate 57, and a brush portion 53a implanted in the brush support portion 53b. It is configured. The downstream scraper 54 includes a brush support portion 54b supported by the feeding case 51 via a rotation support shaft 72, and a brush portion 54a implanted in the brush support portion 54b. . The pair of slicing bodies 53, 54 is sliced by the brush parts 53 a, 54 a against the seed pod a that has entered the feeding recess 58 of the feeding rotator 52.

  Accordingly, the powder and granular material supply device A is fed and rotated by the power transmitted by the drive mechanism D to the drive gear 86 provided to be rotatable integrally with one end portion of the rotation support shaft 59 so that the rotation support shaft 59 is rotationally driven. The set amount set by the volume of the feeding recess 58 through the supply space 50 by the feeding rotary body 52 that drives the body 52 in the rotation direction F by the rotation support shaft 59 and rotates the seed pod a stored in the seed tank 32. It is fed out intermittently, and the seed pod a fed out by the feeding rotary body 52 is dropped onto the field and supplied in the form of spot sowing supply.

  That is, the seed pod a stored in the seed tank 32 and flowing down from the seed circulation holes of the lattice body 45 attached to the funnel portion 32 a is caused to flow down and stay in the supply space 50 by the flow-down guide by the flow-down guide plate 57. By driving the feeding rotary body 52 in the rotation direction F, each feeding recess 58 moves between the supply space 50 and the discharge point Z. When the feeding recess 58 is located in the supply space 50, the seed pod a of the supply space 50 is introduced and accommodated. The feeding recess 58 containing the seed pod a passes through the brush portions 53a and 54a of the upper and lower side scraped bodies 53 and 54 and is subjected to the scraping action by the brush portions 53a and 54a. Move down the moving path. At this time, even if the feeding recess 58 is turned sideways or downward, the seed pod a does not spill out from the feeding recess 58 due to the guiding action of the feeding guide 80 on the seed potato a. When the feeding recess 58 reaches the discharge point Z, the feeding recess 68 is directed downward, and the guiding action of the feeding guide 80 by the guide portion 81 is released, so that the seeds a stored in the feeding recess 58 are cylindrical from the feeding recess 58. It falls into the body 56. The seed pod a dropped from the feeding recess 58 falls on the drop supply path 88 formed by the cylindrical body 56 while being wind-shielded by the cylindrical body 56 so as not to be dispersed by receiving the wind. It falls to the field slightly behind and slightly to the side.

  The downstream scraper 54 is supported by the feeding case 51 via a rotation support shaft 72 so as to be swingable. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a maintenance procedure inside the feeding case 51. As shown in this figure, the rotary support shaft 72 is rotated by an opening / closing lever 100 disposed outside the supply case 51 and attached to the end of the rotation support shaft 72, whereby the scraped body 54 and the supply guide 80 are provided. Can be switched to the open posture, and the discharge path 101 can be formed on the outer peripheral side of the feeding rotary body 52, or the peripheral surface 52 s of the feeding rotary body 52 can be opened toward the inspection opening 108. If the discharge path 101 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the feeding rotary body 52, the seed soot a remaining in the powder tank 32 can be discharged into the cylindrical body 56 through the discharge path 101.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the feeding rotary body 52 includes a feeding rotary body main body 52 a provided with four feeding recesses 58, and four bar-shaped capacity adjusting portions 58 a respectively engaged with the four feeding recesses 58. And a capacity adjusting body 52b provided. The operating screw portion provided on the inner peripheral side of the capacity adjusting body 52b is engaged with the feed screw portion 59b provided on the outer peripheral side of the adjusting cylinder shaft 59a that is externally fitted to the rotation support shaft 59 so as to be relatively rotatable. Yes. The capacity adjustment body 52b is arranged outside the feeding case 51 and is rotated by an adjustment dial 59c provided integrally with an end of the adjustment cylinder shaft 59a so that the adjustment screw shaft 59a is rotated. By the feeding action of the above, the sliding rotary body 52a is slidably adjusted in the direction along the rotation axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 to move the capacity adjusting portions 58a with respect to the feeding concave portions 58, and each feeding concave portion 58. The amount of engagement of the capacity adjustment unit 58a is changed. Thereby, the capacity | capacitance and opening area of each feeding recessed part 58 of the feeding rotary body 52 are changed, and the feeding amount of the seed soot a by each feeding recessed part 58 of the feeding rotary body 52 can be changed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the fall of the seed pod a in the drop supply path 88 formed by the cylindrical body 56 is detected inside the cylindrical body 56 of each of the six granular material supply devices A. An optical sensor 90 is attached. As shown in FIG. 12, the optical sensor 90 provided in each granular material supply device A is linked to the control device 110, and the control device 110 is linked to the notification device 111. The notification device 111 is installed on the operation panel of the operation unit 4.

  The control device 110 is configured using a microcomputer, and includes notification control means 112. The notification control unit 112 determines whether each of the six powder supply devices A is in a seeding state based on the detection information from the six optical sensors 90, and determines the notification device 111 based on the determination result. Execute the control to be activated. The notification control unit 112 adds the predetermined time if the optical sensor 90 switches to the non-detection state after the detection state, and if the detection state is changed to the next detection state within the predetermined time after the detection state. Thus, even if the detection time is short, the notification device 111 can be detected in the processing routine of the microcomputer.

  The notification device 111 is operated by the operation control by the notification control means 112 based on the detection information by the optical sensor 90 provided in each of the six powder supply devices A, and each of the six powder supply devices A. The operator is notified of whether the sowing is in an execution state or a stop state, and the worker is recognized.

  If the detection that the feeding rotary body 52 serving as the feeding section of the powder supply unit A is not driven and the detection of the optical sensor 90 serving as the powder presence / absence sensor are in the simultaneous detection state, the projection of the optical sensor 90 is performed. If it is determined that the light receiving units 91 and 95 are dirty and the operator is notified, it is possible to know an appropriate maintenance time for the optical sensor 90.

The optical sensor 90 will be described.
The optical sensors 90 provided in the six granular material supply devices A have the same structure. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the optical sensor 90 includes a light projecting portion 91 and a light receiving portion 95 that are supported on the inner side of the upper end portion of the cylindrical body 56 so as to sandwich the drop supply path 88. is there.

  The light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 are attached to both ends of one sensor support 120 attached to the inside of the upper end of the cylindrical body 56.

  The light projecting portion 91 is arranged on the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the drop supply path 88 and the feeding rotary body 52. The light receiving unit 95 is located on the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the drop supply path 88 and the feeding rotary body 52 so as to prevent the light receiving unit 95 from being touched when the maintenance work in the feeding case is performed from the inspection opening 108. It is arranged on the opposite side.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the sensor support 120, the light projecting unit 91, and the light receiving unit 95. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6, the light projecting unit 91 includes a rectangular control board 92 housed in one of a pair of sensor case parts 121, 121 included in the sensor support 120, and the surface side of the control board 92. And three light projecting elements 93 arranged side by side in the direction along the rotation axis P of the feeding rotating body 52. The light receiving unit 95 is provided in a rectangular control board 96 accommodated in the other of the pair of sensor case parts 121 and 121, and arranged side by side in the direction along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 on the surface side of the control board 96. Three light receiving elements 97 are provided. The three light projecting elements 93 and the three light receiving elements 97 are in an arrangement relationship in which the three detection lights irradiated by the three light projecting elements 93 are directed to the three light receiving elements 97 respectively.

  The sensor support 120 includes a pair of sensor case portions 121 and 121 positioned with the drop supply path 88 interposed therebetween, and a pair of plates that connect the pair of sensor case portions 121 and 121 with the drop supply path 88 positioned therebetween. The connecting portions 122 and 122 are formed in a state of being integrally formed of a resin material. The sensor support 120 is made of resin and has an annular shape surrounding the fall supply path 88 over the entire circumference.

  Each of the pair of sensor case parts 121, 121 is provided at the front wall 123 toward the drop supply path 88, the pair of left and right side walls 124, 124 connected to the connection part 122, and the upper end of the front wall 123 and each side wall 124. The upper wall 125 is connected to the front wall 123 and the lower wall 126 is connected to the lower end of each lateral wall 1124. Each sensor case unit 121 includes a pair of locking claws 127 and 127 that are separately located on both sides of an opening through which the light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 are inserted and removed, and the control board 92 is formed by the pair of locking claws 127 and 127. 96 are detachably locked. A light projecting hole 128 is formed in the front wall 123 of the sensor case part 121 that houses the light projecting part 91, and a light receiving hole 129 is formed in the front wall 123 of the sensor case part 121 that houses the light receiving part 95. As shown in FIG. 8, each sensor case 121 includes a transparent protective plate 130 that covers the light projecting hole 128 and the light receiving hole 129 and protects the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97, and the front wall 123 and the control board. A spacer 131 interposed between 92 and 96 is accommodated.

Accordingly, the optical sensor 90 detects the fall of the seed pod a in the drop supply path 88 as follows.
The light projecting portion 91 delivers one detection light from each of the three light projecting elements 93 and a total of three detection lights in a plan view by light projection control by the control board 92, and the rotational axis P of the rotating body 52. Irradiation is performed so as to cross the drop supply path 88 in a direction orthogonal to the above. When the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 hits the seed pod a falling through the drop supply path 88, the light receiving element 97 does not receive the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 due to light shielding by the seed pod a, and enters a non-light receiving state. If the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 does not hit the seed soot a, or if the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 hits the seed soot a and the range of the seed soot a hit by the detection light is narrow, the light receiving element 97 projects the light. Upon receiving the detection light from the light unit 91, the light receiving state is entered. The light receiving unit 95 determines whether or not each of the three light receiving elements 97 is in a non-light receiving state by detection control by the control board 96, and at least one of the three light receiving elements 97 is not receiving light. When it is determined that the state is in a state, the optical sensor 90 enters a detection state of the presence of seed soot as a detection state that the seed soot a is falling on the drop supply path 88. When the light receiving unit 95 determines that all of the three light receiving elements 97 are not in the non-light receiving state, the optical sensor 90 is in the non-detecting state.

  A through hole 129a disposed below the light projection hole 128 is formed in the front wall 123 of the sensor case part 121 that accommodates the light projecting part 91, and light is received by the front wall 123 of the sensor case part 121 that accommodates the light receiving part 95. A through-hole 128a disposed below the hole 129 is formed, and the sensor case portions 121 and 121 can be used for both the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion.

That is, the sensor case unit 121 that accommodates the light projecting unit 91 accommodates the light projecting unit 91 in a mounting posture in which the light projecting element 93 is positioned above the control board 92. When the light receiving unit 95 is accommodated in the sensor case unit 121 that accommodates the light projecting unit 91, the light receiving unit 95 is mounted in an attachment posture in which the light receiving element 97 is positioned below the control board 96. Then, the through hole 129a of the sensor case part 121 that accommodates the light projecting part 91 and the light receiving element 97 match, and the through hole 129a becomes a light receiving hole.
The sensor case unit 121 that houses the light receiving unit 95 houses the light receiving unit 95 in a mounting posture in which the light receiving element 97 is positioned above the control board 96. When the light projecting unit 91 is accommodated in the sensor case unit 121 that accommodates the light receiving unit 95, the light projecting unit 91 is mounted in a mounting posture in which the light projecting element 93 is positioned below the control board 92. Then, the through hole 128a of the sensor case unit 121 that accommodates the light receiving unit 95 and the light projecting element 93 are matched, and the through hole 128a becomes a light projecting hole.
That is, when the light receiving portion 95 is arranged on the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the feeding rotary body 52, the through hole 129a is used as the light receiving hole, and the through hole 128a is used as the light projecting hole.

  In the case where the light receiving unit 95 is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the feeding rotary body 52, the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97 are configured to be disposed below the sensor case unit 121. May be implemented. Further, when the light receiving portion 95 is disposed on the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the feeding rotary body 52, the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97 are configured to be disposed above the sensor case portion 121. May be.

  The optical sensor 90 (powder particle presence / absence sensor) is unitized by connecting a light projecting unit 91 and a light receiving unit 95 by a sensor support 120 as a connecting member. The optical sensor 90 can be assembled in a unit state to the cylindrical body 56 as a case member. Relative positioning of the light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 is easy. The sensor support 120 can be used as a light shielding member to prevent erroneous detection due to ambient light, and the cylindrical body 56 can be made transparent. If a wiring groove is provided in the sensor support 120, the sensor support 120 can also be used as a harness attachment member.

  Since the optical sensor 90 as a non-contact particulate matter presence / absence sensor includes a plurality of spot detection type sensor elements (light projecting element 93 and light receiving element 97), it covers a wide area at a relatively low cost. it can.

  The seed pods a intermittently pass through the drop supply path 88 so as to sow in a spot sowing manner, and the seed pod a drops off in the drop supply path 88 even during normal operation. The notification control unit 112 sets the drop interruption time generated in the drop supply path 88 as a set elapsed time, and when the optical sensor 90 enters the detection state, the set elapsed time after the optical sensor 90 enters the detection state. Until the time elapses, it is determined whether or not the optical sensor 90 is in the detection state in the form of signal processing in which the optical sensor 90 is considered to be in the detection state.

  FIG. 10A shows a portion of the drop supply path 88 where the seed soup a from the feeding rotating body 52 falls in a state where the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the minimum amount, and a detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship. FIG. 10B shows the relationship between the part where the seed soup a from the feeding rotary body 52 falls in a state where the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the maximum amount, and the detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90. It is explanatory drawing. As shown in these drawings, in a state where the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the minimum amount, the direction along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotor 52 in the drop supply path 88 (the volume of the feeding recess 58). In a portion traversing the drop supply path 88 in the direction in which the capacity adjusting body 52b is slid and adjusted so that the feed amount is changed, and in a portion 88B narrower than the case where the feeding amount is adjusted to the maximum amount. The seed pod a falls. In a state in which the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the maximum amount, the capacity adjusting body 52b in the drop supply path 88 along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotor 52 (the volume adjusting body 52b is changed so as to change the volume of the feeding recess 58). In a direction crossing the drop supply path 88 in the direction of sliding adjustment), and the feed amount is wider than when the feed amount is adjusted to the minimum amount, and the feed amount is adjusted to the minimum amount. The seed pod a falls in the part 88A including the part 88B of the case. The detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B slides along the capacity adjusting body 52b so as to change the volume of the feeding recess 58 along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotating body 52. This is the detection area of the optical sensor 90 in the direction crossing the drop supply path 88 in the adjustment direction.

  FIG. 7 shows the feeding rotary body 52 in a state where the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the minimum amount. As shown in FIGS. 7, 10A and 10B, the direction along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 (the direction in which the capacity adjusting body 52b is slid and adjusted so as to change the volume of the feeding recess 58). In the direction in which the optical sensor 90 in the direction crossing the drop supply path 88 is set, the feeding rotator 52 of the drop supply path 88 in which the seed pod a falls in a state where the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the maximum amount. The feeding rotating body 52 of the drop supply path 88 in which the seed pod a falls in a state where the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the minimum amount, which is a portion smaller than the portion 88A in the direction along the rotation axis P. In order to set the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97 along the rotational axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 of the drop supply path 88 (feeding recess 58) The volume of To the side where the volume adjustment unit 58a is positioned relative to the center 88C of the volume adjustment member 52b in the direction) that slides adjusted to further are biases the opposite side.

  Therefore, the detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90 is set so as to be positioned over the entire portion 88A where the seed pod a falls when the feeding amount of the drop supply path 88 is adjusted to the maximum amount. Even if the simple optical sensor 90 having a small number of light projecting elements 93 and light receiving elements 97 is adopted, the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is changed and adjusted from any of the minimum amount to the maximum amount of the entire adjustment range. The detection light can be applied to the seed pod a falling from the feeding rotary body 52 so that the detection by the optical sensor 90 can be performed reliably. Since the light projecting / receiving units 93 and 97 are laid out in a direction crossing the feeding amount adjustment direction in plan view, the seed pod a is likely to enter the detection area 90w even if a centrifugal force acts on the seed pod a.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing conditions that constitute the light receiving structure of the light receiving unit 95. W shown in this figure is the width of the detection area 90W (hereinafter referred to as detection width W), Da is the diameter of seed (seed pod a) (hereinafter referred to as seed diameter Da), and 97D is , The light receiving width of the light receiving element 97, and 97P is the arrangement pitch of the light receiving elements 97. If it is set that it can be detected that about 1/3 of the light receiving window of the light receiving element 97 is blocked by seeds,
97D (light receiving width) × 1/3 = 97K (width that the light receiving element 97 is blocked)
97D (light receiving width) + [Da (seed diameter) −97K (width covered by the light receiving element)] = 97P (arrangement pitch)
If the minimum number of light receiving elements for covering the detection width W is Y,
W (detection width) <97P (arrangement pitch) × Y (number of light receiving elements).

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cylindrical body 56 is detachably attached to the feeding case 51 by a pair of cylindrical body connecting means 135 provided separately on both lateral outer sides of the feeding case 51.

  Each of the pair of cylindrical body connecting means 135 is engaged with and disengaged from the upper end portion of the cylindrical body 56 toward the lateral outer side by a connecting projection 136 and a hook portion 137a (see FIG. 9) with respect to the connecting projection 136. In this state, the connecting case 137 is provided on the laterally outer side of the feeding case 51 so as to be swingable.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 11, the sensor support 120 is formed so as to open upward at a pair of connection protrusions 140 provided on the outer peripheral side of the sensor support 120 and the upper end portion of the cylindrical body 56. It is attached to the cylindrical body 56 by a sensor connecting means 142 configured to include a pair of locking recesses 141 and 141 (see FIG. 9).

  That is, when the pair of connection protrusions 140 and 140 are engaged with the locking recess 141 from above the cylindrical body 56, the sensor connection means 142 is connected, and the lower end side of the pair of sensor case portions 121 and 121 and The pair of connecting portions 122 and 122 enter the inside of the cylindrical body 56 and are received and supported by the pair of locking recesses 141 and 141 so that the entering amount becomes a set amount, so that the sensor support 120 is attached to the cylindrical body 56. A predetermined attachment state is reached, and the optical sensor 90 is attached to the cylindrical body 56.

  FIG. 9 is a longitudinal side view showing a removed state of the cylindrical body 56 and the optical sensor 90. As shown in this figure, when the cylindrical body 56 is lowered and operated in a state where the connection to the feeding case 51 by the cylindrical body connecting means 135 is released, the upper end side of the cylindrical body 56 is connected to the connecting cylindrical portion 51h of the feeding case 51. The cylindrical body 56 is detached from the feeding case 51. Even if the cylindrical body 56 is detached from the feeding case 51, the sensor connecting means 142 is in a connected state, the sensor support 120 is detached from the feeding case 51 together with the cylindrical body 56, and the optical sensor 90 is detached from the feeding case 51. . When the sensor support body 120 is pulled up from the cylindrical body 56 that is detached from the feeding case 51, the pair of connection projections 140, 140 of the sensor support body 120 come out of the locking recess 141 of the cylindrical body 56, and the sensor connection. The means 142 is released, and the optical sensor 90 can be taken out from the cylindrical body 56.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper part 121U of the sensor case part 121 of the sensor support 120 located on the opposite side to the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the feeding rotary body 52 is formed in a thin shape. It is inserted between the peripheral surface 52 s of the feeding rotary body 52 and the front wall portion 51 a of the feeding case 51. A surface of the upper part 121U facing the feeding rotary body 52 is formed on an inclined surface 121a along the peripheral surface 52s of the feeding rotary body 52.
Therefore, the seed pod a accommodated in the feeding recess 58 may not fall out of the feeding recess 58 at the discharge point Z, but may fall after being attached to the upper side of the sensor case portion 121, and the dropped seed potato a falls to the upper portion 121U. However, the gap between the upper part 121U and the peripheral surface 52s of the feeding rotary body 52 is lowered along the inclined surface 121a of the upper part 121U and does not accumulate on the upper part 121U. Further, the detection area can be limited so that the optical sensor 90 is brought close to the feeding rotary body 52 and the detection light acts on the seed pod a having a small distance from the feeding rotary body 52 after falling. Further, the separation distance between the light receiving element 97 and the light receiving hole 129 can be increased to prevent the incidence of disturbance light.

  The upper part of the sensor case part 121 of the sensor support 120 that supports the light projecting part 90 faces the lower part of the inspection opening 108 so as to be a light shielding part 121b for light traveling from the inspection opening 108 toward the drop supply path 88. Even if the inspection opening 108 is opened, the light shielding portion 121b prevents light outside the feeding case 51 from reaching the light receiving element 97 of the light receiving portion 95 from the inspection opening 108. The upper portion 121U of the sensor support 120 located on the opposite side of the inspection opening 108 with respect to the feeding rotary body 52 is inserted between the peripheral surface 52s of the feeding rotary body 52 and the front wall portion 51a of the feeding case 51. Thus, the light that enters from the inspection opening 108 is fed out and the rotating body 52 blocks the light, and the light receiving unit 95 always becomes a shadow no matter which direction the light enters. Therefore, when the inspection opening 108 is opened and a test operation is performed, the optical sensor 90 does not receive disturbance light and does not malfunction.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the granular material supply apparatus A having the second embodiment structure. In the granular material supply apparatus A having the second embodiment structure, the light projecting portion 91 is disposed on the opposite side to the side where the inspection opening 108 is located with respect to the feeding rotary body 52 and the drop supply path 88.

  The light receiving unit 95 is arranged on the side where the inspection opening 208 is located with respect to the rotation axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 and the drop supply path 88, and the lid 107 of the inspection opening 108 is transparent for visual inspection inside. Or even if it is translucent, the disturbance light from the inspection opening 108 does not strike the light receiving portion 95, and erroneous detection can be prevented. The light receiving unit 95 is disposed in the vicinity of the inspection opening 108, and the light receiving unit 95 can be easily cleaned from the inspection opening 108. The light receiving unit 95 is arranged on the upper side in the rotation direction of the feeding rotary body 52, and dust generated by the rotation of the feeding rotary body 52 is difficult to adhere to the light receiving unit 95. The light receiving unit 95 is disposed on the back side of the feeding guide 80, and the light receiving element 97 and the light projecting element 93 can be brought as close as possible to the end of the feeding guide 80.

  The seed supply device A having the second embodiment structure is different from the sensor support 120 provided in the seed supply device A shown in the first embodiment in the arrangement of the light projecting holes and the light receiving holes in the sensor case portion 121. A sensor support 120 having a structure is provided.

  In the seed supply apparatus A having the second embodiment structure, the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97 may be configured to be arranged below the sensor case part 121.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the granular material supply apparatus A having the third embodiment structure. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal rear view showing the granular material supply apparatus A having the third embodiment structure. As shown in these drawings, in the granular material supply apparatus A provided with the third embodiment structure, the granular material supply apparatus A of the first embodiment except for the arrangement of the optical sensor 90 and the inspection opening 108. Has the same configuration. Next, the optical sensor 90 of the granular material supply apparatus A provided with the third embodiment structure will be described.

  The optical sensor 90 of the granular material supply apparatus A having the third embodiment structure is configured to slide the volume adjusting body 52b so as to change the volume of the feeding recess 58 in the direction along the rotation axis P of the feeding rotating body 52. The light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 are arranged so as to sandwich the drop supply path 88 in the direction of

  The granular material supply apparatus A provided with the third embodiment structure includes a sensor support body 120 having the same structure as the sensor support body 120 provided in the granular material supply apparatus A shown in the first embodiment. The light projecting portion 91 and the light receiving portion 95 are distributed and accommodated in a pair of sensor case portions 121 and 121 provided with the drop supply path 88 sandwiched between the support 120.

Accordingly, the optical sensor 90 detects the fall of the seed pod a in the drop supply path 88 as follows.
A direction along the rotational axis P of the rotating rotator 52, where the light projecting unit 91 delivers one detection light from each of the three light projecting elements 93 and a total of three detection lights by light projection control by the control board 92. Then, irradiation is performed so as to cross the drop supply path 88. When the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 hits the seed pod a falling through the drop supply path 88, the light receiving element 97 does not receive the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 due to light shielding by the seed pod a, and enters a non-light receiving state. If the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 does not hit the seed pod a, or the detection light from the light projecting unit 91 hits the seed pod a, the light receiving element 97 projects the light if the range of the seed pod a to which the detection light hits is narrow. Upon receiving the detection light from the light unit 91, the light receiving state is entered. The light receiving unit 95 determines whether or not each of the three light receiving elements 97 is in a non-light receiving state by detection control by the control board 96, and at least one of the three light receiving elements 97 is not receiving light. When it is determined that the state is in a state, the optical sensor 90 enters a detection state of the presence of seed soot as a detection state that the seed soot a is falling on the drop supply path 88. When the light receiving unit 95 determines that all of the three light receiving elements 97 are not in the non-light receiving state, the optical sensor 90 is in the non-detecting state.

  FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the detection action of the optical sensor 90 and the portion 88B of the drop supply path 88 where the seed pod a falls while the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the minimum amount. It is. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the detection action of the optical sensor 90 and the part 88A of the drop supply path 88 where the seed pod a falls in a state where the feeding amount by each feeding recess 58 is adjusted to the maximum amount. It is.

  As shown in these drawings, if the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, the opening area of the feeding recess 58 is minimized, and if the feeding amount by the feeding recess 58 is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, the feeding amount is increased. The opening area of the recess 58 is maximized. When the feeding amount is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, the seed soup a from the feeding rotary body 52 falls on the part 88B of the drop supply path 88, and the area of the part 88B in the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b becomes narrow. . When the feeding amount is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, the seed soot a from the feeding rotary body 52 falls on the part 88A of the drop supply path 88, and the area of the part 88A in the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b becomes wide. . The part 88B of the drop supply path 88 where the seed pod a falls when the feed amount is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, and the part 88A of the drop supply path 88 where the seed potato a falls when the feed amount is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount Polymerization is performed in a direction along the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b. When the feed amount is changed and adjusted to the minimum amount, the size in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b of the portion 88B of the drop supply path 88 where the seed pod a falls is the size of the powdery body such as the seed pod a. Depending on the property, when the feeding amount is changed and adjusted to the maximum amount, the size becomes smaller than the size in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b of the portion 88A of the drop supply path 88 where the seed pod a falls. The optical sensor 90 is located at a portion 88B where the seed pod a falls when the feeding amount is adjusted to the minimum when viewed in the direction along the sliding direction of the capacity adjusting body 52b, and the optical sensor 90 of the capacity adjusting body 52b is seen in plan view. Although it is a small one having a detection area 90W (see FIG. 18) in the direction crossing the sliding direction, it is adjusted to any feeding amount in the entire adjustment range from the minimum amount to the maximum amount. Also, the fall of the seed pod a from the feeding rotary body 52 is detected.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90 and the feeding rotary body 58 in a direction intersecting the rotational axis P of the feeding rotary body 58 in plan view. As shown in this figure, the detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90 is detected so as to be positioned between the vertical line Z1 passing through the discharge point Z of the feeding rotary body 58 and the tangent line Z2 at the discharge point Z of the feeding rotary body 58. In order to set the area W, the light projecting element 93 and the light receiving element 97 of the optical sensor 90 are arranged.

  That is, in the vicinity of the discharge point Z, the seed soot a discharged from the feeding recess 58 is discharged while receiving the rotational force of the feeding rotary body 52, and is discharged to a place between the vertical line Z1 and the tangent Z2. Even if a centrifugal force acts on a, or even if the optical sensor 90 is brought close to the feeding rotary body 52, the seeds a from the feeding rotary body 52 tend to enter the detection area 90W of the optical sensor 90. Therefore, the optical sensor 90 is a small sensor having a small detection area 90W located between the vertical line Z1 and the tangent line Z2, but accurately detects the seed pod a falling from the feeding rotary body 52. To do. Detection is ensured when the light receiving unit 97 approaches the feeding rotary body 52.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the inspection opening 108 provided in the feeding case 51 is arranged on the side where the light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 are located with respect to the rotational axis P of the feeding rotating body 52, and the light receiving unit 95. The light receiving element 97 can be easily reached from the inspection opening 108.

[Another embodiment]
(1) Although the example which employ | adopted the optical sensor 90 was shown in the above-mentioned Example, you may implement by employ | adopting the contact-type detection sensor which makes a detection piece contact-act with the seed potato | acupuncture a.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the detection light is irradiated in a direction orthogonal to the rotational axis P of the feeding rotary body 52 in a plan view is shown. Alternatively, the detection light may be irradiated in a direction intersecting the rotation axis P.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 are configured to be detachable from the feeding case 51 and the cylindrical body 56 has been shown. You may implement by integrally forming in the case 51 and the cylindrical body 56. FIG. In this case, relative positioning of the light projecting unit 91 and the light receiving unit 95 is facilitated.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the roll-shaped feeding rotary body 52 is adopted has been shown. However, the feeding recess is formed by a through hole extending in the direction along the rotation axis while being driven to rotate around the vertical axis. It may be carried out by adopting a pan-shaped feeding rotary body provided with

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the three detection lights are irradiated has been described. However, the detection light may be configured to be irradiated with the detection light other than three such as four.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the working unit S freely rolls with respect to the traveling machine body is shown. However, an inclination detection sensor that detects the right and left inclination of the traveling machine body and a drive mechanism that performs the rolling operation of the working unit S are provided. The working unit S may be configured to be subjected to rolling control based on the detection result of the tilt detection sensor.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which seed potato a is supplied in the form of 6-row supply is shown. However, seed potato a is supplied in a supply form other than 6 such as 4-row supply and 8-row supply. You may comprise and implement so that it may supply.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the seed pod a subjected to the iron coating process is supplied. However, the seed pod subjected to the calper coating process, the iron coating process, and the calper coating process are performed. You may comprise and implement so that the seeds which have not been supplied may be supplied. In this case, it is advisable to provide a grooving device that forms a groove in the field so that the seed pod from the powder and granular material supply device A is supplied to the grooving, and a soil covering device that covers the supplied seed potato.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can also be used in a paddy field work machine including a working part having a powder body supply device for supplying powder particles other than seeds, such as fertilizers and drugs, in addition to seeds such as seed pods.

32 Powder body tank 51 Feeding case 52 Feeding rotator 52a Rotating body main body 52b Capacity adjusting body 52s Circumferential surface of feeding rotator 58 Feeding recess 58a Capacity setting part 88 Drop supply path 88A Site where seed drops when feeding amount is minimum 88B Site where seed is dropped when feeding amount is maximum 90 detection sensor 90W detection area 91 light projecting unit 95 light receiving unit 108 inspection opening a granular material P rotational axis of feeding rotary body Z granular material discharge location Z1 vertical line Z2 Tangent

Claims (6)

A granular material supply device that intermittently feeds a granular material stored in a granular material tank by a set amount by a driving rotary member provided with a feeding recess and is dropped toward a farm field.
By changing the opening area of the feeding recess, the feeding amount by the feeding recess of the feeding rotating body is changed,
A detection sensor is provided for detecting the fall of the powder in the drop supply path for dropping the powder from the feeding rotating body toward the field,
The detection area of the detection sensor in the direction crossing the drop supply path is from the feed rotating body in a state in which the feed amount is adjusted so as to maximize the feed amount by the feed recess in the drop supply path. The part where the granular material falls from the feeding rotating body in a state where the feeding amount is adjusted so as to minimize the feeding amount by the feeding recess, which is smaller than the part where the granular material falls. The granular material supply apparatus which has set the said detection area so that it may be located in. The feeding rotary body includes a rotary body main body including the feeding recess and a capacity adjusting body including a capacity setting unit that engages with the feeding recess, and the capacity adjusting body is configured with respect to the rotary body main body. By adjusting the sliding, the amount of engagement of the capacity setting portion in the feeding recess changes, the capacity and opening area of the feeding recess changes, and the feeding amount by the feeding recess changes.
The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are positioned with the drop supply path in a direction different from a direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slid and adjusted with respect to the rotating body main body. Item 2. The powder and granular material supply apparatus according to Item 1.   The granular material according to claim 2, wherein the feeding rotary member is configured to move from a side where the light receiving unit is located toward a side where the light projecting unit is located at a location where the feeding rotary member is located below the rotation axis. Feeding device. A granular material supply device that intermittently feeds a granular material stored in a granular material tank by a set amount by a driving rotary member provided with a feeding recess and is dropped toward a farm field.
The feeding rotary body includes a rotary body main body including the feeding recess and a capacity adjusting body including a capacity setting unit that engages with the feeding recess, and the capacity adjusting body is configured with respect to the rotary body main body. By adjusting the sliding, the amount of engagement of the capacity setting portion in the feeding recess changes, the capacity and opening area of the feeding recess changes, and the feeding amount by the feeding recess changes.
A detection sensor is provided for detecting the fall of the powder in the drop supply path for dropping the powder from the feeding rotating body toward the field,
The detection sensor includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit that are positioned with the drop supply path in a direction along a direction in which the capacity adjusting body is slid and adjusted with respect to the rotating body main body ,
The detection area of the detection sensor is set to a part of the drop supply path where the granular material from the feeding rotating body falls in a state where the feeding amount is adjusted so that the feeding amount by the feeding recess is minimized. A granular material supply device.   The detection area is set so that the detection area of the detection sensor is located between a vertical line passing through the powder discharge part of the feeding rotary body and a tangent line at the powder discharge part of the feeding rotary body. The granular material supply apparatus according to claim 4.   The granular material according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an opening for inspection is provided on a side where the light receiving part is located with respect to a rotation axis of the feeding rotary body in a feeding case that houses the feeding rotary body. Feeding device.

Images