Title of Invention

RIDING TYPE RICE TRANSPLANTING VEHICLE

Abstract The present invention discloses a riding type rice transplanting vehicle, and more particularly to a transplanting means (53) provided in a transplanting machine for performing the transplantation of young rice plants, said transplanting means (53) having a simplified structure and reduced weight and comprising a transmission casing (65) formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of back and forth extending pipe like frames (57, 58 and 59) extending back and forth, a right and left extending pipe like frame (60 and 61) extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides between front end portions of the back and forth extending frame, and pipe like rear end frames (62, 63 and 64) extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and formed integrally with a rear end portion of each back and forth extending frame, front end portions of the drive shafts (67, 68 and 69) received rotatably within the respective back and forth extending frames are cooperatively coupled with a cooperation shaft received rotatably within the right and left extending frame, transplanting arm shafts (72, 73 and 74) received rotatably within the rear end frame (62, 63 and 64) are cooperatively coupled with rear end portions of the respective drive shafts (67, 68 and 69) through unit clutches (75, 76 and 77) and transplanting arms (80) having transplanting claws (79) are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts (72, 73 and 74) and the unit clutches (75, 76, 77) are arranged at the rear end frame (62, 63 and 64).
Full Text SPECIFICATION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
RIDING TYPE RICE TRANSPLANTING VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a riding type rice
transplanting vehicle, and more particularly to a
transplanting mechanism provided in a transplanting
machine for performing the transplantation of young
rice plants .
BACKGROUND ART In a conventional riding type rice transplanting vehicle, a transplanting machine is arranged to be movable up and down through an elevating mechanism at a rear portion of a traveling vehicle, a young rice plant tray and a transplanting mechanism are arranged in the transplanting machine, and the young rice plants on the young rice plant tray are transplanted in a field.
Then, in the transplanting mechanism, aluminum die-cast transmission chain cases extending in a back-and-forth direction are mounted at an interval on the right and left sides on a cylindrical pipe-like support frame extending in a widthwise direction on the right and left sides. A PTO shaft coupled to a prime mover of the traveling vehicle is cooperatively coupled to a cooperation shaft received rotatably within the
1

support frame. Under the condition that the cooperation shaft extends in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides within the transmission chain cases, the PTO shaft is cooperatively coupled through transmission chains to a transplanting arm shaft received movably. Transplanting arms having transplanting claws are cooperatively coupled with the transplanting arm shaft. A unit clutch is interposed between the transmission chain and the transplanting arm shaft. The transmission chains and the transplanting arm shaft are switched over between the connected condition or the release condition by means of the unit clutch.
However, in the transplanting mechanism of the above-described conventional riding type rice transplanting machine, since the aluminum die-cast transmission cases are mounted on the support frame and the power transmission is performed through the transmission chains arranged within the transmission chain cases, the structure of the power transmission path becomes complicated. In addition, since the transmission cases are die-cast of aluminum, the manufacturing cost is increased and the weight is increased.
2

Published Japanese Patent No. 11-332326 discloses that a transmitting mechanism is arranged in a rear portion of a traveling vehicle body and cooperation shaft are received to be rotatable in right and left extending pipe like frames.
However, though JP 11-332326 has pipe like frames for the transmission casing comprising arranging a transmission pipe on right and left having the desired decreased weight and decreased manufacturing cost, but the assembling work of the unit clutch cannot be enhanced, the unit clutch cannot be downsized, the young rice plants are wasted, and the unit clutch cannot be operated smoothly.
Further, published Japanese Patent No. 61-111615 discloses that a transmitting mechanism is received on the rear end portion of respective drive shaft rotatably within the rear end frame and said unit clutches are arranged at the rear end frame.
However, JP 61-111615 has drawbacks wherein the weight .-of the transplanting mechanism cannot be reduced, the manufacturing cost cannot be reduced, the unit clutch cannot be downsized, the young rice plants are wasted, and the unit clutch cannot be operated smoothly.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art transplanting mechanism, simplify its structure and to reduce its weight thereof.
2A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a riding type rice transplanting vehicle in which a transplanting machine is arranged in a rear portion of a traveling vehicle body and a transplanting means provided in the transplanting machine is cooperatively coupled with a prime mover provided in the traveling vehicle body, characterized in that:
said transplanting means comprises a transmission casing formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of back and forth extending pipe like frames extending back and forth, a right and left extending pipe like frame extending in a widthwise direction on the right and left sides between front end portions of the back and for the extending frame and a pipe like rear end frame extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and formed integrally with a rear end portion of each back and forth extending frame,
front end portions of the drive shafts received rotatably within the respective back and forth extending frames are cooperatively coupled with a cooperation shaft received rotatably within the right and left extending frame transplanting arm shafts received rotatably within the rear end frame are cooperatively coupled with rear end portions of the respective drive shafts through unit clutches and transplanting arms having transplanting claws are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts, and
3

said unit clutches are arranged at the rear end frame, wherein, in each unit clutch, a transmission gear cooperatively coupled with the drive shaft is loosely fitted with transplanting arm shaft, a clutch working member for performing a clutch operation by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into a coupled condition or an interrupt condition is arranged slidably along the transplanting arm shaft and a stop member for stopping a drive of a transplanting arm by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into the interrupt condition while allowing the sliding movement of the clutch working member only in a predetermined angular range of the clutch working member is arranged in the vicinity of the transplanting arm shaft.
Also, the stop member allows the sliding movement of the clutch working member only when a rotational angle of the clutch working member is in an angular range between a rotational angle when the transplanting claw is above a float and a position where young rice plants are picked up by the transplanting claw.
4

Also, an engagement recess into which the stop member enters only within the predetermined rotational angle range of the clutch working member is formed in the clutch working member, and an end portion of the engagement recess is slanted.
The transmission casing of the transplanting mechanism is formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of back-and-forth extending pipe-like frames extending back and forth, the right and left extending pipe-like frame extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides between the front end portions of the back-and-forth extending frame, and the pipe-like rear end frame extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and formed integrally with the rear end portion of each back-and-forth extending frame.
For this reason, it is possible to reduce the weight of the transplanting mechanism and to enhance the assembling work to reduce the manufacturing cost. Moreover, since the front endportions of the drive shafts received rotatably within the respective back-and-forth extending frames are cooperatively coupled with the cooperation shaft received rotatably within the right and left extending frame, at the same time, the transplanting arm shafts received rotatably
5

witthin the rear end frame are cooperatively coupled with the rear end portions of the respective drive shafts through unit clutches, and the transplanting arms having the transplanting claws are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts , it is possible to simplify the power transmission structure of the transplanting mechanism. Also, thereby, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the transplanting mechanism and to reduce the manufacturing cost.
Furthermore, each unit clutch is arranged in the rear end frame to thereby enhance the assembling property of the unit clutch.
In each unit clutch, a transmission gear cooperatively coupled with the drive shaft is loosely fitted with transplanting arm shaft, a clutch working member for performing a clutch operation by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into a coupled condition or an interrupt condition is arranged slidably along the transplanting arm shaft, and a stop member for stropping a drive of a transplanting arm by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into the interrupt condition while allowing the sliding movement of the clutch working member only in a predetermined angular range of the clutch working member is arranged in the
6

vicinity of the transplanting arm shaft.
For this reason, it is possible to miniaturize the unit clutch as much as possible.
In addition, the stop member allows the sliding movement of the clutch working member only when a rotational angle of the clutch working member is in an angular range between a rotational angle when the transplanting claw is above a float and a position where young rice plants are picked up by the transplanting claw. Accordingly, in the case where the unit clutch works, there is no fear that the tip end portion of the transplanting claw is stopped in the position below the float, and it is possible to avoid a fear that the transplanting claw would be brought into abutment with the field surface or road surface. Also, there is no fear that the transplanting claw is stopped while holding the young rice plants. The young rice plants are not wasted.
Also, an engagement recess into which the stop member enters only within the predetermined rotational angle range of the clutch working member is formed in the clutch working member, and an end portion of the engagement recess is slanted. Accordingly, the stop member is smoothly inserted into the engagement recess of the clutch working member that is rotating. It is
7

possible to smoothly operate the unit clutch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view showing a riding type rice transplanting vehicle according to this invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a vehicle frame. Fig. 3 is a partially fragmentary plan view showing a transplanting mechanism.
Fig. 4 is another fragmentary plan view showing the same.
Fig. 5 is a plan sectional view showing a unit clutch.
Fig. 6 is a partially fragmentary back sectional view .
Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the same. Fig. 8 is views showing a mechanical part of a transmission gear.
Fig. 9 is views showing a mechanical part of a clutch working member.
Fig. 10 is a side elevational view showing a locus' of a transplanting claw.
BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION An embodiment of this invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
8

As shown in Fig. 1, in the riding type transplanting machine 1 according to this invention, a transplanting machine 3 is provided to be movable up and down through an elevating mechanism 4 in a rear portion of a traveling vehicle 2 that may be moved by itself.
As shown in Fig. 1, in the traveling vehicle 2 , a traveling portion 6 is disposed in a lower portion of a vehicle frame 5, a prime mover portion 7 is disposed on a front side upper portion of the vehicle frame 5 and a driving operating portion 8 is disposed immediately after the position of the prime mover portion' 7 .
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the vehicle frame 5, a hollow cylindrical front end pipe 11 extending in a widthwise direction on the right and left directions is arranged between front end portions of a pair of right and left main pipes 9 and 10 each of which has a rectangular shape in cross-section and extends in a back-and-forth direction.
Also, in the vehicle frame 5, a cylindrical engine support pipe 12 extending widthwise on the right and left sides is provided between intermediate portions on the front side of the main pipes 9 and 10. An engine support plate 13 extending in the back-and-forth
:)

direction is provided between a central portion of the front end pipe 11 and a central portion of the engine support pipe 12. On the other hand, a pair of right and left transmission support brackets 14 and 15 are mounted on a rear portion of the central portion of the engine support pipe 12. Furthermore, the rear portions of the main pipes 9 and 10 are formed to be slanted with front side low and rear side high. Front end portions of a pair of right and left slant pipes 16 and 17 each having a rectangular cross-section and extending slantwise with front portion high and rear portion low are continuously provided at rear end portions of the main pipes 9 and 10. A transmission case 18 is provided in the back-and-forth direction between the rear end portions of the slant pipes 16 and 17 and the transmission support bracket 14 and 15 mounted on the above-described engine support pipe 12. In the drawings, reference numeral 19 denotes a U-shaped seat support pipe provided between the intermediate portions of the main pipes 9 and 10, numeral 20 and 21 denote step support "pipes mounted under the condition that they extend widthwise on the right and left sides in the intermediate portions of the main pipes 9 and 10, reference numeral 22 denotes a pair of right and left weights for adjusting the weight balance of the vehicle body, numeral 23
10

denotes peripheral transplanting markers, numeral 2 4 denotes a center marker.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the traveling portion 6, a front axle case 25 is formed integrally with the front side portion of the transmission case 18. A pair of right and left front wheels 26 and 27 are cooperatively coupled with the front axle case 25. A rear axle case 28 formed integrally with the rear side portion of the transmission case 18. A pair of right and left rear wheels 29 and 30 are cooperatively coupled with the rear axle case 28.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , in the prime mover portion 7, an engine 31 is mounted as a prime mover on the upper portion of the engine support plate 13, and the transmission case 18 is cooperatively coupled with the engine 31.
Also, in the prime mover portion 7, a fuel reservoir 32 is arranged immediately above the engine 31 and the engine 31 is covered by means of a bonnet 33. Spare young rice plant trays 34 and 34 for carrying spare young rice plants are arranged in the right and left sides of the bonnet 33.
As shown in Fig. 1, in the driving operating portion 8, a steering post 35 is provided in the bonnet 33, and the a steering wheel 36 is provided at a top
11

end of the steering post 35. A seat 37 is arranged immediately after the position of the steering wheel 36 .
Also, in the driving operating portion 8, a speed shift lever 38 for performing the speed change of the traveling vehicle 2 and a clutch lever 39 by which the clutch operation may be performed also from the outside of the vehicle body may be swung and operated in the back-and-forth direction on the left side of the bonnet 33. At the same time, a clutch pedal 39 is arranged so that it is stepped in. A transplanting elevating lever 41 for performing the up-and-down operation of the transplanting machine 3 is provided to be swingably operated in the back-and-forth direction on the right side of the seat 37.
Also, in the driving operating portion 8, a pair of right and left front steps 4 4 and 44 are arranged on the right and left side portions of he bonnet 33. A cover member 45 is arranged from a lower portion to the right and left side portions of the seat 37. The front steps 44 and 44 and the cover member 45 form a floor portion. Reference numeral 46 denotes steps formed in the cover member 45.
In the transplanting machine 3, as shown in Fig. 1, a transplanting mechanism 53 is coupled with a rear
12

portion of the elevating mechanism 4 . A young, rice plant tray 47 is. mounted on the upper portion of the transplanting mechanism 5 3 obliquely with front high and rear low. In the drawing, numeral 48 denotes floats. Then, as shown in Fig. 2, a proximal end portion of a PTO joint 50 is cooperatively coupled with a tip end portion of a PTO output shaft 49 projecting rearward from an intermediate portion of the transmission case 18. A proximal end portion of a relay shaft 51 is cooperatively coupled with a tip end portion of the PTO joint 50. A proximal end portion of a transmission shaft 52 is cooperatively coupled with a distal end portion of the relay shaft 51. A distal end portion of the transmission shaft 52 is cooperatively coupled with the transplanting mechanism 53 to thereby transmit the power to the transplanting machine 3.
In the elevating mechanism 4, a pair of right and left upper links 54 and 54 are mounted movably up and down between upper portions of the slant pipes 16 and 17 at the rear portion of the traveling vehicle 2. A pair of right and left lower links 55 and 55 in the intermediate portions of the slant pipes 16 and 17 to be swingable up and down. A pair of right and left elevating links 56 and 56 coupled with the lower links 55 and 55 are angularly moved up and down by an elevating
13

cylinder (not shown) to move the transplanting machine 3 up and down.
In the transplanting mechanism 53, as shown in Fig 3 and 10 a pipe frame-like transmission casing 65 is composed
of three back-and-forth extending frames 57, 58 and 59 provided at an interval in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and extending in the back-and-forth direction, two pipe-like right and left extending frame 60 and 61 extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides between front end portions of the back-and-forth extending frames 57, 58 and 59, pipe-like rear end frames 62, 63 and 64 extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and integrally formed at the rear end portions of the respective back-and-forth extending frames 57, 58 and 59. In the drawing, numeral 66 denotes hollow joint member interposed between the back-and-forth extending frames 57, 58 and 59 and the right and left extending frames 60 and 61.
Thus, in this embodiment, since the transmission casing 65 of the transplanting mechanism 53 is formed into a pipe frame, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the transplanting mechanism 53.
Also, in the transplanting mechanism 53, drive shafts 57, 5 8 and 59 are received rotatably in the
14

back-and-forth extending frames 57, 58 and 59, respectively. Cooperation shafts 70 and 71 are received to be rotatable in right and left extending frames 60 and 61, respectively. Furthermore, transplanting arm
shafts 72, 73 and 74 are received as shown in Fig 4 to be rotatable in the rear end frames 62, 63 and 64, respectively. The central drive shaft 68 is cooperatively coupled with the PTO output shaft 49. The front end portions of the drive shafts 67, 68 and 69 are cooperatively coupled with each other by means of the cooperation shafts 70 and 71. The transplanting shafts 72, 73 and 74 are cooperatively coupled through unit clutches 75, 76 and 77 to the rear end portions of the respective drive shafts 67, 68 and 69. In the drawing, numeral 78 denotes a lateral feeding mechanism for reciprocally moving the young rice tray 47 in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides.
Thus, since the drive shafts 67, 68 and 69, the cooperation shafts 70 and 71 and the transplanting arm shafts 72, 73 and 74 are cooperatively connected within the pipe frame-like transmission casing 65, it is possible to simplify the power transmission structure of the transplanting mechanism 53 and it is possible to reduce the weight and size of the transplanting mechanism 53 and to reduce the manufacturing cost.
15


In particular, the unit clutches 75, 76 and 77 are arranged in the interior of the respective rear end frames 62, 63 and 64, it is possible to enhance the assembling workability of the unit clutches 75, 76 and 77 .
The respective transplanting arm shafts 72, 73 and 74 are cooperatively coupled through front side cranks 81 to the intermediate portions of transplanting arms 80 having transplanting claws 79. The rear end portions of the transplanting arms 80 are coupled through rear cranks 83 to the rear end portions of support members 82 mounted on upper portions of the rear end frames 62, 63 and 64.
Each unit clutch 75, 76, 77 has the same structure. The structure of the left side unit clutch 75 will now be described. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, in the unit clutch 75, a transmission gear {bevel gear) 84 cooperatively coupled with the drive shaft 67 is loosely fitted in the transplanting arm 72. A clutch working member 85 for performing the clutch operation by the engagement or the disengagement of the transmission gear 84 and the transplanting arm shaft 72 is arranged to be slidable along the transplanting arm shaft 72. The clutch working member 85 and the transplanting arm shaft 72 are cooperatively coupled with each other through a spline
16

engagement. In the drawings, numeral 86 denotes a spline groove, numeral 87 denotes a biasing spring for biasing the clutch working member 85 toward the transmission gear 84, numeral 93 denotes bearings, numeral 94 denotes a bevel gear and numeral 95 denotes a shaft support member.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, in the transmission gear 84, a slanted toothed surface 89 is formed at an end portion of a gear body 88. Two engagement portions 90 formed by cutting parts of the gear surface 89 into recesses along the axis of the gear body 88 are formed at an interval in the circumferential direction.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 9, in the clutch working member 85, two clutch claws 92 projected along the axis of the operating member body 91 at the end portion of the cylindrical operating member body 91 are formed at an interval in the circumferential direction.
Then, the clutch working member 85 is biased toward the transmission gear 8 4 by the biasing force of the biasing spring 87. In the case where the clutch claws 92 of the clutch working member 85 are engaged with the engagement portions 90 of the transmission gear 84, the transmission gear 84 and the transplanting arm shaft 72 are in engagement with each other. On the other hand, in the case where the clutch working member 85 is moved
17

against the biasing force of the biasing spring 87 in a direction away from the transmission gear 84 and the clutch claws 92 of the clutch working member 85 and the engagement portions 90 of the transmission gear 84 are disengaged from each other, the transmission gear 84 and the transplanting arm shaft 72 are out of engagement with each other.
In this embodiment, thus, since the engagement portions 90 in which the clutch claws 92 of the clutch working member 85 are engaged with the parts of the toothed surface 89 of the transmission gear 84 are formed integrally with the transmission gear 84, it is unnecessary to separately form the members for engaging with the clutch claws 92 of the clutch working member 85 to thereby reduce the number of the mechanical parts and to reduce the weight and size of the unit clutches 75, 76 and 77.
In addition, in this embodiment, since the engagement portions 90 are formed in recesses to the toothed surface 89 of the transmission gear 84, it is possible to make the transmission gear 8 4 by casting with high precision and at the same time to also mold the engagement portions 90 to thereby form the engagement portions 90 with ease and to thereby reduce the cost of the manufacturing cost.
18

Also, as shown in Figs.4 to 7, in the unit clutch 75, openings 96 and 97 are formed by bulging at the front end and the rear end of the rear end frame 62. The rear end portion of the back-and-forth extending frame 57 is fitted into and coupled with the front side opening 96. A disc-like cover member 98 covers the rear side opening 97. Furthermore, an opening 99 is formed by bulging also in the upper portion of the rear end frame 62. A clutch operating member support member 101 for supporting a clutch operating member 100 for engagement/disengagement of the unit clutch 75 is mounted in the opening 99.
In the clutch operating member support member 101, a cylindrical fitting portion 102 is formed in the lower portion. The fitting portion 102 is fitted in the opening 99 of the upper portion of the rear end frame 62. The clutch operating member support member 101 is mounted on the upper portion of the rear end frame 62 by means of fastening bolts 104. The cylindrical clutch operating member 100 is mounted in a through hole. 105 passing from above to below to be rotatably. Numeral 112 denotes a packing.
Thus, since the opening 99 is formed in the upper portion of the rear end frame 62, and the clutch operating member support member 101 for supporting the
19

clutch operating member 100 is mounted in the opening 99, it is possible to assemble the clutch operating support member 101 on which the clutch operating member 100 is mounted after the assembling to the rear end frame 62 the transplanting arm shaft 7 2 on which the transmission gear 84 and the clutch working member 85 are mounted.
In addition, it is possible to effect the maintenance work for the parts constituting the unit clutch 75 such as transmission gear 84, clutch working member 85, transplanting arm shaft 72 or the like simply by removing the clutch operating member support member 101. Thus, it is possible to enhance the maintenance property of the unit clutch 75.
In particular, since the fitting portion 102 of the clutch operating member support member 101 is fitted in the opening 99 formed by bulging so that the clutch operating member support member 101 is mounted in the opening 99 of the rear frame 62, it is possible to enhance the assembling precision. Also, the assembling wor.k is effected without using oil or the like, it is possible to enhance the maintenance property.
In the clutch operating member 100, an operating claw 106 is formed in the lower end portion. The operating claw 106 is engaged with a flanged portion
20

107 of the clutch working member 85. A clutch operating lever 108 is mounted on the upper end portion. In the drawings, numeral 109 denotes a biasing spring, numeral
110 denotes a biasing spring fastening screw and numeral
111 denotes an adjust plate.
As shown in Fig. 3, each clutch operating member 100 is cooperatively coupled with an operating lever (not shown) arranged on the back side surface of the young rice plant tray 47 through a clutch operating wire 118, 119, 120. An outer receiver 121, 122, 123 of each clutch operating wire 118, 119, 120 is mounted on each back-and- forth extending frame 57, 58, 5 9 so that each operating wire 118, 119, 120 is mounted along each back-and-forth extending frame 57, 58, 59 and each clutch operating wire 118, 119, 120 is not brought into contact with the transplanting arm 80 and the back-and-forth side cranks 81 and 83 that are rotating, the lateral feed mechanism 78 and the young rice plant tray 47 that are moving on the right and left side, or the like.
Then, when the clutch operating member 100 is rotated by using the clutch operating lever 108, the operating claw 106 depresses the flanged portion 107 of the clutch working member 85 and the clutch working member 85 is moved against the biasing force of the
21

biasing spring 87 in the direction away from the transmission gear 84 . As a result, the engagement between the clutch claws 92 of the clutch working member 85 and the engagement portions 90 of the transmission gear 84 is released to bring the transmission gear 84 and the transplanting arm shaft 7 2 into the release condition.
Also, in the clutch operating member support member 101, a stop member 113 by which the clutch working member 85 is allowed to slide along the transplanting arm shaft 7 only within a predetermined angular range of the clutch working member 85 to thereby bring the transmission gear 84 and the transplanting arm shaft 72 into the interrupt condition to stop the drive of the transplanting arm 80 is mounted close to the transplanting arm shaft 72.
Namely, the stop member 113 is threadedly engaged toward the transplanting arm shaft 72 on the lower surface of the fitting portion 102 of the clutch operating member support member 101 and in a position just above the transplanting arm shaft 72. An engagement recess 114, into which the stop member 113 enters, is formed to extend in the circumferential direction in the end face of the clutch working member 85. Both ends 115 and 116 of the engagement recess 114 are formed
22

obliquely.
Then, in the case where the stop member 113 may fit in the engagement recess 114 of the clutch working member 85, i.e., in the case where the clutch working member 85 is in the predetermined angular range, when the clutch operating member 100 is rotated by using the clutch operating lever 108, the stop member 113 is introduced into the engagement recess 114 of the clutch working member 85 and the clutch working member 85 is moved along the transplanting arm shaft 72. On the other hand, in the case where the stop member 113 could not fit in the engagement recess 114 of the clutch working member 85, i.e., in the case where the clutch working member 85 is out of the predetermined angular range, even when the clutch operating member 100 is rotated by using the clutch operating lever 108, the stop member 113 is in abutment with the end face 117 of the clutch working member 85 and the clutch working member 85 is prevented from being moved.
As shown in Fig 4, 5 and 10, the predetermined angular range of the clutch working member 85 is set to a rotational angle range between a rotational angle when the tip end of the transplanting claw 79 is positioned above the float 48 and a rotational angle at a position where the transplanting claw 79 picks up young rice
23

plants from the young rice plant tray 47.
Thus, in this embodiment, since the stop member 113 is provided in the unit clutch 75, and the clutch working member 85 is allowed to slide along the transplanting arm shaft 72 only between the rotational angle when the tip end of the transplanting claw 79 is positioned above the float 48 and the rotational angle at the position where the transplanting claw 79 picks up young rice plants by the action of the stop member 113, in the case where the unit clutch 75 works, there is no fear that the tip end portion of the transplanting claw 79 is stopped in the position below the float 48, and it is possible to avoid a fear that the transplanting claw 79 would be brought into abutment with the field surface or road surface. Also, there is no fear that the transplanting claw 79 is stopped while holding the young rice plants. The young rice plants are not wasted.
In addition, since the stop member 113 is arranged in the vicinity of the transplanting arm shaft 72, it is possible to miniaturize the unit clutch 75 as much as possible.
In particular, since the stop member 113 is mounted on the clutch operating member supporting member 101, the clutch operating member 100 and the stop member 113 are mounted on the same member (clutch operating member
24

support member 101) to thereby enhance the positional precision between both components and to make it possible to perform the smooth clutch operation by means of the clutch operating member 100.
Also, in this embodiment/ since both end portions 115 and 116 of the engagement recess 114 provided in the clutch working member 85 are slanted, the stop member 113,13 smoothly inserted into the engagement recess 114 of the clutch working member 85 that is rotating. It is possible to smoothly operate the unit clutch 75.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION
The present invention is embodied in the
above-described mode to ensure the following effects.
Namely, according to this invention, since the
transmission casing of the transplanting mechanism is
formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of
back-and-forth extending pipe-like frames extending
back and forth, the right and left extending pipe-like
frame extending in the widthwise direction on the right
and left sides-between the front end portions of the
back-and-forth extending frame, and the pipe-like rear
end frame extending in the widthwise direction on the
right and left sides and formed integrally with the rear
end portion of each back-and-forth extending frame, it
is possible to reduce the weight of the transplanting
25

mechanism and to enhance the assembling work to reduce the manufacturing cost.
Moreover, since the front end portions of the drive shafts received rotatably within the respective back-and-forth extending frames are cooperatively coupled with the cooperation shaft received rotatably within the right and left extending frame, at the same time, the transplanting arm shafts received rotatably within the rear end frame are cooperatively coupled with the rear end portions of the respective drive shafts through unit clutches, and the transplanting arms having the transplanting claws are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts , it is possible to simplify the power transmission structure of the transplanting mechanism. Also, thereby, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the transplanting mechanism and to reduce the manufacturing cost.
Furthermore, each unit clutch is arranged in the rear end frame to thereby enhance the assembling property of the unit clutch.
In particular, since in each unit clutch, a transmission gear cooperatively coupled with the drive shaft is loosely fitted with transplanting arm shaft, a clutch working member for performing a clutch operation by bringing the transmission gear and the
26

transplanting arm shaft into a coupled condition or an interrupt condition is arranged slidably along the transplanting arm shaft, and a stop member for stropping a drive of a transplanting arm by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into the interrupt condition while allowing the sliding movement of the clutch working member only in a predetermined angular range of the clutch working member is arranged in the vicinity of the transplanting arm shaft, it is possible to miniaturize the unit clutch as much as possible.
In addition, the stop member allows the sliding movement of the clutch working member only when a rotational angle of the clutch working member is in an angular range between a rotational angle when the transplanting claw is above a float and a position where young rice plants are picked up by the transplanting claw. Accordingly, in the case where the unit clutch works, there is no fear that the tip end portion of the transplanting claw is stopped in the position below the float, and it is possible to avoid a fear that the transplanting claw would be brought into abutment with the field surface or road surface. Also, there is no fear that the transplanting claw is stopped while holding the young rice plants. The young rice plants
27

are not wasted.
Also, an engagement recess into which the stop member enters only within the predetermined rotational angle range of the clutch working member is formed in the clutch working member, and an end portion of the engagement recess is slanted. Accordingly, the stop member is smoothly inserted into the engagement recess of the clutch working member that is rotating. It is possible to smoothly operate the unit clutch.
28

WE CLAIM:
A riding type rice transplanting vehicle in which a transplanting machine is arranged in a rear portion of a travelling vehicle body and a transplanting means provided in the transplanting machine is cooperatively coupled with a prime mover provided in the travelling vehicle body, characterized in that:
said transplanting means comprises a transmission casing formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of back and forth extending pipe like frames extending back and forth, a right and left extending pipe like frame extending in a widthwise direction on the right and left sides between front end portions of the back and forthe extending frame and a pipe like rear end frame extending in the widthwise direction on the right and left sides and formed integrally with a rear end portion of each back and forth extending frame,
front end portions of the drive shafts received rotatably within the respective back and forth extending frames are cooperatively coupled with a cooperation Shaft received rotatably within the right and left extending frame transplanting arm shafts received rotatably within the rear end frame are cooperatively coupled with rear end portions of the respective drive shafts through unit clutches and transplanting arms having transplanting claws are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts, and
29

said unit clutches are arranged at the rear end frame, wherein, in each unit clutch, a transmission gear cooperatively coupled with the drive shaft is loosely fitted with transplanting arm shaft, a clutch working member for performing a clutch operation by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into a coupled condition or an interrupt condition is arranged slidably along the transplanting arm shaft and a stop member for stopping a drive of a transplanting arm by bringing the transmission gear and the transplanting arm shaft into the interrupt condition while allowing the sliding movement of the clutch working member only in a predetermined angular range of the clutch working member is arranged in the vicinity of the transplanting arm shaft.
2. The riding type rice transplanting vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stop member allows the sliding movement of the clutch working member only when a rotational angle of the clutch working member is in angular range between a rotational angle when the transplanting claw is above a float and a position where young rice plants are picked up by the transplanting claw.
3. The riding type rice transplanting vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein an engagement recess into which the stop member enters only within the predetermined rotational angle range of the clutch working member is formed in the clutch working member and an end portion of said engagement recess is slanted.
30
The present invention discloses a riding type rice
transplanting vehicle, and more particularly to a
transplanting means (53) provided in a transplanting machine
for performing the transplantation of young rice plants, said
transplanting means (53) having a simplified structure and
reduced weight and comprising a transmission casing (65)
formed into a pipe frame composed of a plurality of back and
forth extending pipe like frames (57, 58 and 59) extending
back and forth, a right and left extending pipe like frame
(60 and 61) extending in the widthwise direction on the right
and left sides between front end portions of the back and
forth extending frame, and pipe like rear end frames (62, 63
and 64) extending in the widthwise direction on the right and
left sides and formed integrally with a rear end portion of
each back and forth extending frame, front end portions of
the drive shafts (67, 68 and 69) received rotatably within
the respective back and forth extending frames are
cooperatively coupled with a cooperation shaft received
rotatably within the right and left extending frame,
transplanting arm shafts (72, 73 and 74) received rotatably
within the rear end frame (62, 63 and 64) are cooperatively
coupled with rear end portions of the respective drive shafts
(67, 68 and 69) through unit clutches (75, 76 and 77) and
transplanting arms (80) having transplanting claws (79) are cooperatively coupled to the transplanting arm shafts (72, 73
and 74) and the unit clutches (75, 76, 77) are arranged at
the rear end frame (62, 63 and 64).

Documents:


Patent Number 201738
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2001/00572/KOL
PG Journal Number 07/2007
Publication Date 16-Feb-2007
Grant Date 16-Feb-2007
Date of Filing 29-May-2001
Name of Patentee YANMAR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT CO. LTD.
Applicant Address 1-32, CHAYAMACHI, KITA-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 530-8321, JAPAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NAKAO, TOSHIO C/O YANMAR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT CO. LTD., 1-32, CHAYAMACHI, KITA-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 530-8321, JAPAN
2 YAMASHITA TSUNATAKE C/O YANMAR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT CO. LTD., 1-32, CHAYAMACHI, KITA-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 530-8321, JAPAN
3 MIYAKE, KOYO C/O YANMAR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT CO. LTD., 1-32, CHAYAMACHI, KITA-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA 530-8321, JAPAN
PCT International Classification Number A 01 C 11/02
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP00/08971
PCT International Filing date 2000-12-19
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2000-182028 2000-06-16 Japan