JP2004180538A - Method for inoculating liquid spawn and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for inoculating liquid spawn increasing inoculation working efficiency while performing stable inoculation work with liquid spawn, and to provide a device for inoculating the liquid spawn. <P>SOLUTION: This device for inoculating the liquid spawn comprises a spawn storage container 1 storing the liquid spawn B, a spawn supply line 3 connected to a carry-out port set on the spawn storage container 1 and supplying the liquid spawn B from the inside of the spawn storage container 1 to the outside, and a liquid spawn jet mechanism 20 connected to the spawn supply line 1 and set on a liquid spawn inoculation machine 2 jetting and inoculating the liquid spawn B supplied with the spawn supply line 3 to a culture medium C in a cultivation container 15. Furthermore, the device has a residual quantity detecting sensor 7 for detecting the quantity of the liquid spawn B in the spawn storage container 1, and a control part 50 stopping supply operation of the liquid spawn B with the liquid spawn jet mechanism 20 based on the detection signal of the residual quantity detecting sensor 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an inoculum inoculation device that inoculates a culture medium filled in a mushroom cultivation container with an inoculum of a mushroom.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a method of artificially cultivating mushrooms using a culture medium in which a nutrient source is blended with sawdust or rice bran as a main component, a sterilization treatment is performed in a state where the culture medium is filled in a cultivation container. After inoculating seed cultures of mushrooms such as enoki mushrooms and oyster mushrooms in the culture medium inside, cover the mouth of the cultivation container with a lid, close the cultivation container, and cultivate the bacteria under predetermined temperature and humidity conditions for industrial cultivation. There is a way to do that.
[0003]
In this case, when inoculating the inoculum, in order to increase the working efficiency of the inoculation operation, a seed inoculation machine capable of inoculating the cultivation containers while placing each container on the conveyor without removing the containers one by one from the container. Has been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-63-258519
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-63-258520
[0005]
In the inoculum inoculation machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, the inoculum itself is generally propagated in a inoculum bottle in a culture medium in which a nutrient is blended with sawdust or rice bran as a main component. The seed bottle containing the seed is placed upside down and mounted on the body frame side, and in this state, the seed bottle is rotated, and the scraping shaft provided with a scraping blade is rotated from the mouth of the seed bottle. Inserted into the inoculum bottle while allowing the inoculated seeds to be scraped out by the scraping blade while gradually raising and rotating the scraping shaft, and configured to fill the inoculated seeds into the cultivation container via a hopper etc. I have.
[0006]
In addition, in the above prior art, the filling amount of the inoculum generally sets the rotation time of the scraping shaft according to the type of the mushroom to be cultivated. The amount of inoculum scraped out may differ due to the difference in outer diameter of the part, and the size of the inoculum (sawdust) scraped out when the inoculum is scraped out because the inoculum itself in the inoculum bottle is solid. May vary, as a result, there may be variations in the filling amount of the inoculum, especially if the filling amount of the inoculum is less than a predetermined amount, it is difficult for the mycelium of the inoculum to propagate in the cultivation container, and the number of days of culture is reduced. It is expected that it will take.
[0007]
In order to avoid this, there has been proposed a seed inoculum inoculating a liquid inoculum instead of a solid inoculum.
[0008]
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-12-175559
[Patent Document 4]
JP-A-2002-51639
[0009]
In the liquid inoculum inoculator in Patent Document 3 or Patent Document 4, etc., the liquid inoculum contained in the inoculum container is supplied by spraying the liquid inoculum into the cultivation container with a nozzle, In this case, since the seeds are supplied by setting a timer to inoculate a certain amount of liquid seeds in the cultivation container, there is an advantage that the filling amount of the seeds can be kept almost constant without variation. There is.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the liquid inoculum inoculator, the liquid inoculum contained in the inoculum container is configured to be sprayed onto the culture medium through a nozzle, but before the liquid inoculum in the inoculum container disappears, It is necessary to replace it with an inoculum container containing a liquid inoculum prepared separately in advance. If the timing of the replacement operation is overlooked, the inside of the inoculum container is emptied, so that there is a problem that the nozzle falls into an air-blown state. Therefore, since the cultivation container is sent out in a state where the inoculation of the inoculum is not performed, the cultivation container must be sent again to the inoculation step. Also, as described above, if the liquid inoculum in the inoculum container is exhausted and the nozzle is in an air-blown state, the newly prepared inoculum container containing the inoculum is reconnected and the inoculum is to be sent out. However, since there is air in the tube connecting the inoculum container and the nozzle, it is necessary to send liquid inoculum into the tube and check whether the liquid inoculum is supplied to the nozzle position. is there. For this reason, there is also a problem that the setup is troublesome and time is easily consumed.
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of the inoculation operation while providing a stable inoculum supply method using the liquid inoculum. And an inoculation device therefor.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the invention according to claim 1, a step of supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside through the inoculum supply pipe to the liquid inoculum, Injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum supplied in the supply line by injecting the liquid inoculum into a culture medium in a cultivation container via a liquid inoculation mechanism provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine, and inoculating the liquid inoculum. The amount of liquid inoculum in the storage container is detected by the remaining amount detection sensor, and the liquid inoculum is ejected by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism by a control unit provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. A step of stopping the supply operation.
[0013]
Further, in the invention of claim 2, a step of supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside through the inoculum supply pipe to the liquid inoculum to the outside, A step of injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum supplied in the inoculum supply conduit into a culture medium in a cultivation container by injecting the liquid inoculum through a liquid inoculation mechanism provided in the inoculant inoculation machine. A plurality of the seed storage containers, and the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether or not the amount of liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount is provided in each of the inoculum storage containers. A step of switching the inoculum storage container in accordance with the open / close switching operation of the on-off valve via the control unit based on the detection signal of the amount detection sensor and supplying the inoculum to the liquid inoculum injection mechanism. liquid Inoculum is a vaccination method of.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the notification means notifies the driver that the drive unit has stopped via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. This is a method of inoculating a liquid inoculum.
[0015]
In the invention of claim 4, the inoculum storage container for storing the liquid inoculum is connected to the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container, and the liquid inoculum is supplied from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside. A liquid inoculum provided in a liquid inoculum inoculating machine that is connected to the inoculum supply line for injecting and injecting the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation container for inoculation In the liquid inoculum inoculation device comprising an injection mechanism, a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is provided, and the liquid inoculum injection mechanism based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. A liquid inoculum inoculation device comprising a control unit for stopping the supply operation of the liquid inoculum.
[0016]
According to the invention of claim 5, the inoculum storage container for storing the liquid inoculum and the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container are connected to supply the inoculum to the outside from the inside of the inoculum storage container. A liquid inoculum provided in a liquid inoculum inoculating machine that is connected to the inoculum supply line for injecting and injecting the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation container for inoculation In the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus comprising an injection mechanism, a plurality of the inoculum storage containers are provided in parallel, and a connection portion is connected between the outlets of the various bacterial storage containers via on-off valves, respectively, and provided at the connection portion. The supply port is connected to the inoculum supply pipe so that liquid inoculum can be supplied, and the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether or not the inoculum in the inoculum storage container is a predetermined amount or less is provided. Inoculum storage volume A liquid inoculum inoculation device, characterized in that the inoculation device is provided so as to switch the inoculum storage container in accordance with the open / close switching operation of the on / off valve via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. .
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, there is provided a notifying means for calling out that the driving means has stopped via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detecting sensor. It is a liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0018]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the liquid inoculum inoculation device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the remaining amount detection sensor is provided outside the inoculum storage container.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the invention according to claim 1, a step of supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside through the inoculum supply pipe to the liquid inoculum, Injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum supplied in the supply line by injecting the liquid inoculum into a culture medium in a cultivation container via a liquid inoculation mechanism provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine, and inoculating the liquid inoculum. The amount of liquid inoculum in the storage container is detected by the remaining amount detection sensor, and the liquid inoculum is ejected by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism by a control unit provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. And a step of stopping the supply operation.When the amount of the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor is used. Operating inoculation by spraying liquid inoculum by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism is stopped by the control unit based on. This stop makes it possible to prevent the inside of the inoculum supply conduit connected to the inoculum storage container from being empty.
[0020]
Further, in the invention of claim 2, a step of supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside through the inoculum supply pipe to the liquid inoculum to the outside, A step of injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum supplied in the inoculum supply conduit into a culture medium in a cultivation container by injecting the liquid inoculum through a liquid inoculation mechanism provided in the inoculant inoculation machine. A plurality of the seed storage containers, and the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether or not the amount of liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount is provided in each of the inoculum storage containers. A step of switching the inoculum storage container in accordance with the open / close switching operation of the on-off valve via the control unit based on the detection signal of the amount detection sensor and supplying the inoculum to the liquid inoculum injection mechanism. liquid Due to the inoculum inoculation method, even if the amount of liquid inoculum in one of the inoculum storage containers falls below a predetermined amount, the on-off valve automatically opens and closes via the control unit based on the signal from the remaining amount detection sensor. Is done. In this case, according to the invention of claim 3, in claim 1 or claim 2, the notification means alerts that the driving means has stopped via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. Since the method is an inoculation method of a liquid inoculum, a worker can be notified by an informing means that the liquid inoculum is disappearing or a stopped state of the driving means and the like.
[0021]
In the invention of claim 4, the inoculum storage container for storing the liquid inoculum is connected to the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container, and the liquid inoculum is supplied from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside. A liquid inoculum provided in a liquid inoculum inoculating machine that is connected to the inoculum supply line for injecting and injecting the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation container for inoculation In the liquid inoculum inoculation device comprising an injection mechanism, a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is provided, and the liquid inoculum injection mechanism based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. Since the liquid inoculum inoculation device is provided with a control unit for stopping the supply operation of the liquid inoculum, when the amount of the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the detection of the remaining amount detection sensor is performed. Faith The operation of injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism based on the control is stopped by the control unit, thereby preventing the inside of the inoculum supply line connected to the inoculum storage container from being empty. This makes it possible to continue the inoculation operation by connecting the next prepared seed storage container to the seed supply line.
[0022]
According to the invention of claim 5, the inoculum storage container for storing the liquid inoculum and the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container are connected to supply the inoculum to the outside from the inside of the inoculum storage container. A liquid inoculum provided in a liquid inoculum inoculating machine that is connected to the inoculum supply line for injecting and injecting the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation container for inoculation In the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus comprising an injection mechanism, a plurality of the inoculum storage containers are provided in parallel, and a connection portion is connected between the outlets of the various bacterial storage containers via on-off valves, respectively, and provided at the connection portion. The supply port is connected to the inoculum supply pipe so that liquid inoculum can be supplied, and the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether or not the inoculum in the inoculum storage container is a predetermined amount or less is provided. Inoculum storage volume A liquid inoculum inoculation device, characterized in that the inoculation device is provided so as to switch the inoculum storage container in accordance with the open / close switching operation of the on / off valve via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. Therefore, for example, even if the amount of the liquid inoculum in one of the inoculum storage containers becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the open / close valve is automatically opened / closed via the control unit based on the signal from the remaining amount detection sensor, thereby improving the work efficiency. Can be increased.
[0023]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, there is provided a notifying means for calling out that the driving means has stopped via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detecting sensor. Since the liquid inoculum inoculation device is characterized in that it is possible to notify the worker in advance that the liquid inoculum is running out by the notification means.
[0024]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid inoculum inoculation device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, the remaining amount detection sensor is provided outside the inoculum storage container. It can be easily operated when performing internal sterilization processing or internal cleaning work, and at this time it damages sensors etc. fixedly provided inside due to processing at high temperature such as steam sterilization The problem can be solved beforehand.
[0025]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a schematic diagram of the entire structure of a liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus using a seed inoculation container and an inoculator for liquid inoculum. Liquid inoculum B is made of metal having a size of about 50 to 500 liters. Cultured and stored in the inoculum storage container 1, the inoculum storage tank 1 and the inoculant for liquid inoculation 2 are connected via the inoculum supply line 3 composed of a heat-resistant tube, and inoculation of inoculum B in liquid form. In some cases, the liquid inoculum B in the inoculum storage container 1 is pressurized and supplied to the inoculant 2.
[0026]
In the first embodiment, two inoculum storage containers 1 are prepared, and a connection portion 4 is attached to each of the outlet ports of the inoculum storage container 1, and the inoculum storage container 1 is provided in the supply port side of the connection portion. The supply pipeline 3 is connected, and on-off valves 5 and 6 are provided at four connecting portions on the outlet side of the inoculum storage container 1, and the inoculum storage container is operated by switching operations of the on-off valves 5 and 6. 1 is provided so as to be able to supply the liquid inoculum B from at least one of them, and is provided so that the liquid inoculum B is sent out from the four connection portions to the liquid inoculum inoculating machine 2 via the inoculum supply line 3. Have been.
[0027]
At a predetermined location on each outer peripheral surface of the inoculum storage container 1, a remaining amount detection sensor 7 for detecting whether or not the amount of the liquid inoculum B in the inoculum storage container 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount is provided. . In this case, as the remaining amount detecting sensor 7, for example, an ultrasonic sensor disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3328640 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-166277 is applied.
[0028]
The liquid inoculum inoculator 2 is provided with a conveyor mechanism 9 comprising a conveyor over substantially the entire length of the main body frame 8 of the liquid inoculum inoculator 2, and the transport mechanism 9 is started and stopped by operating a switch on an operation panel 10. A plurality of sprocket wheels 11 are respectively supported on both ends of the main body frame 8, and an endless chain 12 is arranged in parallel between the sprocket wheels 11 provided on both ends of the main body frame 8. The rotation force of the motor 13 is transmitted to the sprocket wheel 11 which is bridged and is on the drive source side.
[0029]
Then, a cultivation container 15 filled with a culture medium C such as sawdust or rice bran and sealed with a lid 14 is provided, for example, in a plastic container 16 containing four columns and four rows. When the container 16 is placed on the chain 12 and its transport mechanism 9 is started, the container 16 can be transported toward the transfer end by the traveling of the chain 12.
[0030]
The transport mechanism 9 provided on the main body frame 8 transfers the container 16 in which a plurality of the cultivation containers 15 are arranged in rows and columns from the loading side to an area to inoculate the inoculum, and in the inoculation area of the inoculum, The cultivation container 15 is configured to be intermittently transferred together with the container 16. In this case, as a means for stopping the container 16 sent via the transport mechanism 9 when the cultivation container 15 reaches an appropriate inoculum inoculation area, in this embodiment, a stopper mechanism 17 provided with a stopper pin 17A is used. The stopper pin 17A is provided so as to be vertically movable via an air cylinder 17B.
[0031]
Also, the interval between the stopper pins 17A provided on the stopper mechanism 17 for stopping the container 16 at a predetermined position is such that the cultivation containers 15 arranged in a column (four rows) of the cultivation containers 15 stored in the container 16 are arranged. Are arranged in four rows in accordance with the intervals. Further, a container positioning mechanism 18 is provided on the main body frame 8 for positioning and holding the cultivation container 15 when opening and closing the lid 14 while adjusting the position of the cultivation container 15 in the container 16.
[0032]
The cultivation container 15 positioned and arranged in the inoculum inoculation region by the container positioning mechanism 18 is provided with a lid opening / closing mechanism 19 for opening and closing the lid 14 of the cultivation container 15 at a position above the inoculum inoculation region. In the example, a lid opening / closing mechanism 19 for opening / closing the lids 14 arranged in a row is arranged in a cultivation container 15 in which four columns and four rows are stored in a container 16.
[0033]
In addition, when the lids 14 in the horizontal row unit arranged in the front row position of the cultivation container 15 are opened by the operation of the lid opening / closing mechanism 19, the culture medium C in the horizontal row unit cultivation container 15 in which the lid 14 is opened and aligned. In response, the liquid inoculum B was sprayed through each of the liquid inoculum spraying mechanisms 20 arranged in one row (four) in accordance with the number (four) of the cultivation containers 15 in one horizontal row unit, and the opened liquid inoculum was opened. The cultivation container 15 is configured to be filled with the liquid inoculum B and inoculated. In this embodiment, as the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20 for supplying the liquid seed B into the cultivation container 15, the liquid seed germ B is arranged in a row at the upper side where the cultivation container 15 passes, and is arranged in a row. As the number of the cultivation containers 15, the same number of the four cultivation containers 15 as the four liquid inoculum spraying mechanisms 20 are installed at equal intervals in a horizontal row unit. In some cases, the number of horizontal row units may be set to 5 or 6 in some cases. Also, when inoculating the cultivation containers 15 arranged in the container 16, two horizontal rows can be inoculated simultaneously. It is also possible to arrange the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 and the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20 in two horizontal rows so that the liquid seed B can be inoculated at once, and in that case, it may be appropriately set according to the specifications.
[0034]
After filling and inoculating the liquid seed bacteria B into the cultivation containers 15 in a horizontal row opened by the liquid seed germ spraying mechanism 20, the lid 14 is attached to the cultivation container 15 by the return operation of the lid opening / closing mechanism 19. . Next, the container 16 is intermittently transferred by the transport mechanism 9 and the lids 14 of the four cultivation containers 15 arranged in the second row of the cultivation containers 15 in the container 16 are opened and closed in units of one horizontal row. The opening / closing operation is performed by the mechanism 19, and the liquid inoculum B is ejected by the four liquid inoculum ejection mechanisms 20 similarly arranged in units of one horizontal row, inoculated into the cultivation container 15, and then the return operation of the lid opening and closing mechanism 19 is performed. Thereby, the lid 14 is attached to the cultivation container 15. After the third and fourth rows of the cultivation containers 15 arranged in the container 16 are similarly inoculated into the culture medium C of all the cultivation containers 15 in the container 16, the transport mechanism 9 To transfer the container 16 to the unloading side.
[0035]
In addition, the liquid inoculum B is stored in the inoculum storage container 1, and in order to supply the inoculum B from the inoculum storage container 1 to the respective inoculum spraying mechanisms 20 provided in the inoculum 2 for liquid inoculation, The inoculum storage container 1 and the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 are connected via the inoculum supply pipe 3 made of a flexible tube.
[0036]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 8 to 11, etc., the liquid inoculum B is distributed to the four liquid inoculum injection mechanisms 20 in the middle of the inoculum supply line 3. A branch 21 for supply is provided. In this case, the inoculum supply line 3 includes a inoculum supply trunk line 3A for supplying the liquid inoculum B from the inoculum storage container 1 to the branch body 21, and a plurality of the liquid inoculum from the branch body 21. An inoculum supply branch line 3B for distributing and supplying the liquid inoculum B to the injection mechanism 20 is provided, and the branch body 21 is connected to the inoculum supply line 3 (the inoculum supply main line 3A, the inoculum supply branch tube). It is provided detachably to the road 3B). In the first embodiment, the inoculum supply branch line 3B branches off from the inoculum supply main line 3A via the branch 21 to connect the inoculum supply branch line 3B, and each of the inoculum supply branch lines is bifurcated. Separately provided branch bodies 21 are connected to the pipes 3B, and the end sides of the four inoculum supply branch pipes 3B that are bifurcated from each of the branch bodies 21 are connected to the four liquid inoculum sprays. It is connected to the mechanism 20 and is detachably attached and fixed.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid inoculum B is supplied from the inoculum storage container 1 to the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 through the inoculum supply line 3 (inoculation main supply line 3A, inoculum supply branch line 3B) comprising the tube. In order to pressurize and supply, the liquid seed pressurizing means 22 composed of a compressor or the like is configured to apply air pressure into the seed storage container 1 via the filter 23. The liquid inoculum B pressurized and supplied by the liquid inoculum pressurizing means 22 is injected into the culture medium C in the cultivation container 15 by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 and inoculated. By actuation of the on-off valve 24, the supply and shutoff of the liquid inoculum B pressure-fed from the inoculum storage container 1 via the inoculum supply line 3 (the inoculum supply main line 3A and the inoculum supply branch line 3B) are performed. Is configured.
[0038]
In this embodiment, in order to reciprocate the injection on-off valve 24 for supplying and shutting off the liquid inoculum B provided in the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20, the compressor includes a compressor for supplying air to the injection on-off valve 24. A gas pressurizing means 25 is provided, and a gas supply pipe 27 made of a flexible tube is interposed between the gas pressurizing means 25 and the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20 provided with the injection on-off valve 24 via a filter 26. Is connected, and an electromagnetic valve 28 for supplying and shutting off the air as a pressurized gas is interposed between the filter 26 and the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20.
[0039]
Each of the filters 23 and 26 is provided for purifying air sent from the liquid seed pressurizing means 22 and the gas pressurizing means 25, and prevents various bacteria from entering the seed storage container 1. It is configured such that various germs do not enter the inside of the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20.
[0040]
The liquid seed injecting mechanism 20 in the first embodiment is located on the upper side through which the cultivation containers 15 pass, and is arranged in the same number as the four cultivation containers 15 in the horizontal row. The inoculum injection mechanism 20 is provided with a liquid inoculum injection cylinder main body 30 provided with an injection nozzle 29 on the tip side for injecting and inoculating the culture medium B in the cultivation container 15. As shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16, the liquid inoculum injection cylinder main body 30 has a inoculum supply port 30A connected to the inoculum supply pipe 3 (inoculum supply branch pipe 3B) and a inoculum supply port. A hollow fluid passage 30B into which the liquid inoculum B can flow in continuously from 30A is formed, and the injection nozzle 29 is attached and fixed to the distal end side of the hollow fluid passage 30B. In the hollow fluid passage 30B between the port 30A and the hollow fluid passage 30B, the injection opening / closing valve 24 for supplying and shutting off the liquid seed B fed under pressure is provided.
[0041]
In addition, a valve seat 30C that is opened or closed with the movement of a valve element 24A provided in the injection on-off valve 24 is formed in the hollow fluid passage 30B, and a liquid seed is formed. On the rear end side of the injection cylinder main body 30, a gas supply port 30D connected to the end of the gas supply pipe 27 is provided. The injection opening / closing valve 24 is provided with the reciprocating movement of the injection opening / closing valve 24 with respect to a valve seat 30C provided in the middle of the hollow fluid passage 30B between the injection nozzle 29 and the seed supply port 30A. The opening and closing of the valve body 24A causes the supply and shutoff of the liquid seed B fed under pressure.
[0042]
The injection opening / closing valve 24 is provided with the valve 24A for opening and closing a hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid-seed injection cylinder body 30, and a piston shaft 24B continuously extending rearward from the valve 24A. Is disposed facing the gas supply port 30 </ b> D of the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30. Further, a piston spring 24C is interposed between the large diameter portion provided on the piston shaft 24B and the liquid seed injecting cylinder main body 30, and a valve 24A is provided in the liquid seed injecting cylinder main body 30 by the piston spring 24C. The fluid passage 30B is disposed so as to be constantly resiliently urged toward the valve seat 30C of the fluid passage 30B.
[0043]
Further, in order to keep water tight between the side of the hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid seed injecting cylinder body 30 and the gas supply port 30D provided in the rear end side of the liquid injecting cylinder main body 30, the piston shaft 24B and the A diaphragm 24 </ b> D made of a flexible material such as synthetic rubber, which serves as an airtight member, is arranged between the liquid seed bacterium injection cylinder main body 30.
[0044]
The injection nozzle 29 attached and fixed to the tip end of the hollow fluid passage 30B of the liquid inoculum injection cylinder body 30 has a nozzle tip set to have a predetermined injection pattern when injecting the liquid inoculum B therein. 29A is provided, and the liquid inoculum B pressurized from the injection port 29B of the injection nozzle 29 is injected toward the culture medium C of the cultivation container 15.
[0045]
In this embodiment, an inoculation hole C1 is provided in the center of the surface of the culture medium C, which is pressurized and filled in the cultivation container 15, from the upper surface to the bottom of the culture medium C. . The inoculation hole C1 is provided to improve the surroundings of the cultivation medium C. The cultivation medium C itself is improved in air permeability, and when the liquid inoculum B is inoculated from the cultivation container 15, the bottom of the cultivation medium C is formed. The purpose is to make it easier for seeds to spread.
[0046]
The liquid seed germ injection cylinder main body 30 provided with the four injection nozzles 29 provided in the above-described liquid germ injection mechanism 20 is detachably mounted via a nozzle fixing member 31 by means of a fixing screw or the like. The nozzle mounting member 32 is detachably mounted and fixed to a support plate 33 on the body frame 8 side of the liquid inoculum inoculator 2.
[0047]
The support plate 33 is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating up and down by the operation of an air cylinder 34. The air cylinder 34 is fixed to a cylinder support plate 35, and is fixed to the lower end side of the cylinder support plate 35. A piece 36 is disposed so as to be able to reciprocate in a horizontal direction along a guide rod 37 provided on the main body frame 8 side.
[0048]
Further, in the inoculum inoculation area, the respective lid opening / closing mechanisms 19 for opening / closing the cultivation container 15 / lids 14 in units of one horizontal row are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-103542 previously proposed by the present applicant. As described above, the movable clamping member formed of the pair of the stationary clamping member 38 and the clamping shaft that allows the lids 14 of the cultivation containers 15 positioned and arranged in a horizontal row to be clamped from the upper surface side and the lower surface side thereof. 39, a movable clamping member 39 which can be driven forward and backward, and a clamping member opening / closing means for clamping and releasing each of the lids 14 in a horizontal row between the movable clamping member 39 and the fixed clamping member 38 Are provided, respectively. Each of the air cylinders 40 is mounted and fixed on a cylinder holding plate 41 provided along the width direction of the main body frame 8 of the inoculator 2, and an inverted T-shaped link arm is attached to an end of the cylinder holding plate 41. A transmission / transfer means 42, which is a member, is attached and fixed, and a fixed clamping member 38, a movable clamping member 39, and an air cylinder 40, which are mounted on the cylinder holding plate 41, serve to link the link arm member 42 (the transmission movement means 42). The cultivation container 15 is provided so as to be movable between a lid closed position and a lid open position via the cultivation container 15. In this case, the link arm member 42 is provided on a support shaft provided on the main body frame 8. 43 is provided so as to be rotatable.
[0049]
A drive cylinder 44 is provided below the transport mechanism 9, and a distal end of a drive rod 45 provided on the drive cylinder 44 is pivotally attached to an end of the link arm member 42 to be connected and fixed. In addition, a connecting rod 46 is provided between the end of the link arm member 42 and the piece 36 fixed to a cylinder support plate 35 that is reciprocally movable along the guide rod 37. Are pivotally attached to each other to be connected and fixed.
[0050]
A lid opening / closing drive means for reciprocating the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 between the lid closing position and the lid opening position of the cultivation container 15 in accordance with the lid opening / closing operation of the lid opening / closing mechanism 19; Seed supply drive means for reciprocating the injection mechanism 20 between a position where the injection mechanism 20 is detached from the mouth portion of the cultivation container 15 and a position on the mouth portion of the cultivation container 15 is also configured. Thereby, the opening operation of the lid opening and closing mechanism 19 and the operation of moving the liquid inoculum spraying mechanism 20 onto the mouth of the cultivation container 15 are operated in synchronization with each other, and the closing operation of the lid opening and closing mechanism 19 is performed. The liquid inoculum spraying mechanism 20 is configured to be operated in synchronization with a moving operation of detaching the liquid inoculation mechanism 20 from the mouth position of the cultivation container 15.
[0051]
Next, a series of mechanical operations of the liquid inoculum inoculator 2 in the above-described configuration will be described. First, a container 16 containing a predetermined number of cultivation containers 15 with lids 14 is placed on the transport mechanism 9 and the container 16 is transported. When the container 16 reaches the seed inoculation area, the transport surface of the transport mechanism 9 is moved. The position of the front end of the container 16 is regulated and stopped by a stopper pin 17A provided on a stopper mechanism 17 that moves up and down so that the container 16 can move up and down. When the position of the container 16 is detected by a sensor (not shown) at this stop, A series of inoculation steps are configured to operate. (See FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9.) In this case, the position of the shoulder of the cultivation container 15 in the container 16 is regulated in advance by the container positioning mechanism 18, or a series of inoculation steps are performed at the time of inoculation. The cultivation container 15 is positioned and held when the cover 14 is opened and closed in conjunction with the cultivation.
[0052]
When the cultivation container 15 is positioned and fixed, the air cylinder 40 operates to shift from the state of FIG. 12 to the state of FIG. 13, and the lids 14 of the cultivation container 15 positioned and arranged in a horizontal row positioned at the frontmost row, The lid 14 is pressed from the upper surface by the movable clamping member 39, and the lid 14 is clamped and held in a horizontal row unit between the fixed clamping member 38 provided on the lower surface and the movable clamping member 39.
[0053]
Next, after the positioning by the container positioning mechanism 18 is performed and the lid 14 is clamped and held, as shown in FIG. 45, the cover 14 is turned to the cover opening position by the cover opening / closing mechanism 19 attached to the link arm member 42, and the end of the link arm member 42 is synchronized with the cover opening operation. The piece 36 attached to and fixed to the cylinder support plate 35 via the connecting rod 46 attached to the portion moves along the guide rod 37 provided on the main body frame 8 side, and the cylinder support plate 35 The four spray nozzles 29 provided in the liquid inoculum spray mechanism 20 by the movement are positioned at the mouth of the cultivation container 15, that is, right above the cultivation container 15 from which the lid 14 is removed. It will be migrated. (See FIGS. 6 and 14)
[0054]
Then, the injection nozzle 29 approaches the mouth position of the cultivation container 15 or is inserted and arranged in the mouth portion by the operation of the air cylinder 34. (See FIGS. 10 and 15)
[0055]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 11, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, when the lid 14 of the cultivation container 15 is opened by the lid opening / closing mechanism 19, the cultivation container 15 in the horizontal single row unit in which the lid 14 is opened is opened. The liquid inoculum B is injected into the culture medium C in a row unit via the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20, and the open cultivation container 15 is filled with the liquid inoculum B and inoculated.
[0056]
After the liquid inoculum B is filled by the injection nozzle 29 by a predetermined amount, the injection nozzle 29 provided in the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 is separated from the mouth position of the cultivation container 15 by the return operation of the air cylinder 34, and then the driving cylinder 44 The ejecting nozzle 29 is retracted from the position of the cultivation container 15 and returned by the return operation of the driving rod 45, and at the same time, the rotation return operation of the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 causes the cultivation container 15 in a horizontal row unit inoculated with the liquid inoculum B. Cover 14 is fitted.
[0057]
Accordingly, by sequentially operating a series of steps by the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 and the liquid inoculum spraying mechanism 20, the cultivation containers 15 in the front row in the inoculation area of the inoculum inoculation area are arranged in units of one row. Inoculated.
[0058]
Then, when a series of inoculation steps based on the cultivation container 15 in the front row is completed, the stopper pin 17A that has stopped and held the front end of the container 16 once drops down via the air cylinder 17B, and then moves upward. At the same time as the return operation, the container 16 is transferred in the unloading direction by the operation of the transport mechanism 9. Due to the transfer operation of the container 16, the stopper pin 17 </ b> A initially stopping and holding the front end of the container 16 also attempts to return upward, but the stopper pin 17 </ b> A which has been stopped and held until now by the transport operation of the container 16. Has its upper end portion abutting against the bottom portion of the container 16. However, since the upward urging force of the stopper pin 17A is set to be weak, the container 16 can be smoothly transported without hindering the transport of the container 16, and is provided in the next row of the stopper mechanism 17. The front end side of the container 16 is stopped and held by another stopper pin 17A. (See FIG. 18)
[0059]
Further, when the container 16 is stopped, the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 and the liquid inoculum inoculation mechanism 20 perform a series of inoculation steps based on the second row of the cultivation container 15 as described above. 18 can be inoculated as shown in FIG. 18, and then the third and fourth rows are sequentially inoculated in row units, so that all of the cultivation containers 15 in the container 16 can be inoculated. Is inoculated.
[0060]
When the inoculation process for all the cultivation containers 15 in the container 16 is completed, as shown in FIG. 19, the stopper pin 17A of the stopper mechanism 17 is once lowered downward via the air cylinder 17B, and then returned to the upward operation. Then, the container 16 containing the inoculated cultivation container 15 is transferred to the unloading side by the transport mechanism 9, and the container 16 containing the cultivation container 15 to be newly inoculated is supplied from the import side of the transport mechanism 9. The inoculation operation is performed continuously by performing this.
[0061]
In addition, the opening operation of the lid 14 by the lid opening / closing mechanism 19, the inoculation operation of the liquid inoculum B by the liquid inoculum spraying mechanism 20, and the operation of the lid opening / closing mechanism 19 are sequentially performed in the horizontal row unit from the front row position to the cultivation containers 15 in the horizontal row unit. By repeating the closing operation of the lid 14, the cultivation containers 15 housed in the container 16 can be continuously inoculated in a row. Thereby, the inoculation work efficiency of the liquid inoculum B can be improved, and the opening and closing operation of the lid 14 of the cultivation container 15 and the inoculation operation are performed in one horizontal row. Can be reduced as much as possible, and the invasion of various bacteria can be suppressed.
[0062]
By the way, during the operation of the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus, the inside of the inoculum storage container 1 storing the liquid inoculum B is applied with air pressure through the filter 23 by the liquid inoculum pressurizing means 22 such as a compressor or the like. The internal pressure in the inoculum storage vessel 1 is constantly increased, and the inoculum storage vessel 1 in which the internal pressure is increased is pumped through the inoculum supply line 3 (the inoculum supply main line 3A, the inoculum supply branch line 3B). The liquid inoculum B thus supplied is supplied to the inoculum supply port 30A provided in the liquid inoculum injection cylinder main body 30, and flows into the hollow fluid passage 30B in a pressurized state. (See FIGS. 15 and 16)
[0063]
At the time of the inflow, except for the inoculation step of injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum B by the injection nozzle 29, the injection opening and closing valve is used during the opening operation and the closing operation of the lid opening and closing mechanism 19 or the shifting operation of the liquid inoculation mechanism 20. The 24 valve bodies 24A come into contact with the valve seat 30C provided in the hollow fluid passage 30B of the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30 to maintain a sealed state, whereby the injection attached to the distal end side of the hollow fluid passage 30B. Since the liquid inoculum B is not supplied to the nozzle 29 side, the liquid inoculum B is not injected.
[0064]
That is, in this embodiment, a compressor or the like is used as a means for maintaining a sealed state with respect to the valve seat 30C of the hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid inoculum injection cylinder main body 30 by the valve body 24A of the injection on-off valve 24. The air pressurized by the gas pressurizing means 25 is pressure-fed through a gas supply pipe 27 and guided to a gas supply port 30 </ b> D provided on the rear end side of the liquid inoculum cylinder main body 30 via a filter 26. It is provided that the gas whose air pressure is increased is transmitted to the piston shaft 24B side of the injection on-off valve 24 by closing the solenoid valve 28 disposed between the filter 26 and the gas supply port 30D. Will be cut off. For this reason, the valve body 24A is formed by the piston spring 24C interposed between the large diameter portion provided on the piston shaft 24B and the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30 so that the hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30 is closed. The spring is constantly urged toward the valve seat 30C, and the shut off state is maintained without supplying the liquid inoculum B by the urged force. (See FIG. 15)
[0065]
When the liquid inoculum B is injected (see FIGS. 7, 11, 16 and 17), the liquid inoculum injection cylinder body 30 is opened by opening the solenoid valve 28 as shown in FIG. The valve body 24A of the injection on-off valve 24 is kept open with respect to the valve seat 30C of the provided hollow fluid passage 30B. That is, by opening the electromagnetic valve 28, the air pressure-fed from the gas pressurizing means 25 via the gas supply pipe 27 is provided at the rear end side of the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30 via the filter 26. To the supplied gas supply port 30D. The air pressurized from the gas supply port 30D is directly applied to the diaphragm 24D made of a flexible material disposed between the piston shaft 24B and the liquid seed injecting cylinder body 30, so that the diaphragm 24D is pressed and bent. Move on. The piston shaft 24B moves along with the movement of the diaphragm 24D due to the deflection, and the valve body 24A provided at the tip of the piston shaft 24B is connected to the valve seat of the hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid seed injection cylinder main body 30. When the valve 24A of the injection on-off valve 24 is opened from the closed state, the liquid inoculum B is injected from the injection nozzle 29.
[0066]
At this time, the opening time of the solenoid valve 28 is set to a predetermined time, or the solenoid valve 28 is shut off when the flow rate of the liquid inoculum B reaches a predetermined amount, so that the inoculation amount of the liquid inoculum B is set to an appropriate state. can do.
[0067]
That is, the valve opening / closing drive control means 10A for setting the flow rate or the inoculation time for inoculating the liquid inoculum B by switching the injection on / off valve 24 in accordance with the switching operation for shutting off or opening the solenoid valve 28 is provided on the operation panel 10. By being provided, the inoculation and filling amount of the liquid inoculum B can be adjusted and set by the valve opening / closing drive control means 10A according to the capacity and form of the culture medium C in the culture container 15 or the medium of the culture medium C, The filling amount of the liquid inoculum B can be kept almost constant without variation, and a stable inoculation step can be performed.
[0068]
The injection nozzle 29 attached and fixed to the tip end of the hollow fluid passage 30B of the liquid inoculum injection cylinder body 30 has a nozzle tip set to have a predetermined injection pattern when injecting the liquid inoculum B therein. By disposing 29A, the surface of the culture medium C filled in the cultivation container 15 is formed when the liquid seed bacteria B pressurized from the injection port 29B of the injection nozzle 29 is jetted toward the culture medium C of the cultivation container 15. As the flow rate distribution by injection of the liquid inoculum B inoculated into the portion, the liquid inoculum is adjusted according to the area where the surface area of the culture medium C is increased by the depression by the inoculation hole C1 with respect to the area of the surface of the normal culture medium C By increasing the injection flow rate of B, the inoculum is distributed almost uniformly over the entire surface of the culture medium C, and it is possible to promote the growth of hypha by the inoculum. .
[0069]
Further, in order to keep water tight between the side of the hollow fluid passage 30B provided in the liquid seed injecting cylinder body 30 and the gas supply port 30D provided in the rear end side of the liquid injecting cylinder main body 30, the piston shaft 24B and the By disposing a diaphragm 24D made of a flexible material such as synthetic rubber, which serves as an airtight member, between the liquid-seed injecting cylinder body 30 and the air pressurized air for the switching operation of the injection on-off valve 24. The liquid seeds pressurized and supplied by the liquid seed pressurizing means 22 can be shut off without mixing into the hollow fluid passage 30B side, and by opening the valve body 24A in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm 24D. B that can be seeded by injecting B into the culture medium C of the cultivation container 15 via an injection nozzle 29 provided on the tip side of the liquid inoculum injection cylinder body 30 There, bacteria invasion is minimized at the time of inoculation.
[0070]
Next, an electrical configuration, which is a main part of the present invention, of the liquid inoculum inoculator 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0071]
The liquid inoculum incubator 2 supplies the liquid inoculum B from the various bacterial storage containers 1 based on the detection signals from the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B disposed at predetermined locations in the various bacterial storage containers 1. It has a control unit (control means) 50 that can be switched by on / off control of each of the on-off valves 5 and 6 that can be controlled in a controlled manner. The control unit 50 includes a sequencer and a microcomputer, and can also be used as a main control unit of the liquid inoculum inoculator 2. In the following description, it is assumed that the liquid inoculum B is supplied from the inoculum storage container 1 located on the left side shown in FIG.
[0072]
When the control unit 50 receives a detection signal indicating that it has reached the warning remaining position of the liquid inoculum B from the remaining amount detection sensor 7A disposed at the predetermined remaining amount position in the inoculum storage container 1 on the left side, the opening and closing valve 5 A control signal is output to the on-off valve 5 in order to stop the supply of the liquid inoculum B by the above, and a control signal for permitting the supply of the liquid inoculum B to the on-off valve 6 of the inoculum storage container 1 located on the right side in FIG. The supply operation of the liquid inoculum B is switched from the inoculum storage container 1 located on the left side to the inoculum storage container 1 located on the right side. This supply operation is the same as in the switching operation from the right inoculum storage container 1 to the left inoculum storage container 1. In this case, the warning remaining position of the liquid inoculum B is monitored by the remaining amount detection sensor 7B. Will be done.
[0073]
Further, the liquid inoculum inoculation machine 2 has a buzzer which evokes a worker working near the liquid inoculum inoculation machine 2 when the liquid inoculum B in the various bacteria storage container 1 reaches the warning remaining position. A notifying unit 51 including a lamp and a lamp is provided. Note that the notification means 51 may be a display such as a touch panel (not shown).
[0074]
The control unit 50 continues the alarm operation (operation of sounding a buzzer or turning on or blinking a lamp) by the alarm unit 51 until the remaining amount warning signals from the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B are interrupted. While the alarm operation is being continued, the supply operation of the liquid inoculum B to the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 by the on-off valves 5 and 6 corresponding to the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B, respectively, is prohibited. The injection permission signal to the solenoid valve 28 is not output so as to prohibit the injection of the liquid seed B from each nozzle 29 of the liquid seed injection mechanism 20.
[0075]
With such an electrical configuration, the control unit 50 monitors the remaining amount of the liquid inoculum B stored in the inoculum storage container 1 by using the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B. When it is detected that the warning residual position 1 has been reached, the supply of the liquid inoculum B to the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20 is prohibited via the on-off valves 5 and 6, and the liquid inoculant B is ejected from each nozzle 29 of the liquid inoculum injection mechanism 20. The injection of the inoculum B is prohibited via the electromagnetic valve 28, and the notification means 51 is operated while the operations of the on-off valves 5, 6 and the electromagnetic valve 28 are prohibited. The supply permission and the injection permission of the opening / closing valves 5 and 6 and the electromagnetic valve 28 are restarted by the reset processing of the prohibition operation accompanying the input of the operation switch of the operation panel 10.
[0076]
Therefore, in the inoculum inoculation apparatus and the inoculation method in the liquid inoculum inoculator according to the present invention, a plurality of inoculum storage containers 1 are provided in parallel, and open / close valves 5 and 6 are provided between the outlets of the various inoculum storage containers 1 respectively. In addition to connecting the connecting portion 4 with the connecting portion 4, the inoculum supply pipe 3 is connected to the supply port provided in the connecting portion 4 so that the liquid inoculum B can be supplied. The remaining amount detection sensor 7 for detecting that the amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount is provided in each of the inoculum storage containers 1, and based on a detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor 7, the open / close valves 5, 6 are provided via the control unit. Is a liquid inoculum inoculation device provided so as to switch the inoculum storage container 1 in accordance with the opening / closing switching operation of the inoculum. From detection sensor 7 Off valve 5,6 based on a signal through the control unit it is possible to increase the working efficiency by operating automatically opened and closed switching.
[0077]
In this embodiment, for example, even if the liquid inoculum B falls below a predetermined amount in one of the inoculum storage containers 1, the on-off valves 5 and 6 are controlled via the control unit 50 based on the signal from the remaining amount detection sensor 7A. As a result, the switching operation can be automatically performed, thereby simplifying the replacement work and increasing the work efficiency. That is, when the amount of the liquid inoculum B in the inoculum storage container 1 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the operation of injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum B by the liquid inoculation mechanism 20 based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor 7 is controlled. By stopping by the section, it is possible to prevent the inside of the inoculum supply pipe 3 connected to the inoculum storage container 1 from being empty, whereby the inoculum storage container 1 prepared next can be inoculated. By connecting to the supply line 3, the inoculation operation can be continued.
[0078]
In addition, there is provided a notifying means for calling an operator that the amount of the liquid inoculum B in the inoculum storage container 1 has reached a predetermined value or less via the control unit 50 based on the detection signals of the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B. As a result, the effect of minimizing the waiting time can be expected.
[0079]
Further, since the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B are provided on the outer side of the inoculum storage container 1, the operation can be easily performed when sterilizing the inside of the inoculum storage container 1 or performing an internal cleaning operation or the like. At this time, there is an effect that it is possible to solve the problem that the sensor fixedly provided inside is damaged due to high temperature treatment such as steam sterilization.
[0080]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the cultivation containers 15 in a unit of one row are set as one set. The inoculation machine in which the container 16 is intermittently fed while the container 16 is intermittently sent out by the transport mechanism 9 in order to inoculate sequentially has been described. However, the cultivation container 15 in the container 16 is simultaneously inoculated by the liquid seed injecting mechanism 20. Although the cultivation bottle may be employed as the cultivation container 15 for storing the culture medium C in the embodiment, the cultivation bottle can be similarly used by using a packaging bag as the container. Although the liquid inoculum B was inoculated while being transported in a state where the container 15 was housed, the cultivation container 15 was placed on the transport mechanism 9 and transported, and the cultivation container 15 was transported. It may be inoculated by injection mechanism 20.
[0081]
In the embodiment, the example in which the two inoculum storage containers 1 are switched to supply the liquid inoculum B is described. However, the number of the inoculum B in the plurality (3 or more) inoculum storage containers 1 is not limited to two. Even in the case of running out of the inoculum, the replacement of the inoculum storage container 1 can be performed well by switching and connecting a tube or a pipe to another inoculum storage container 1 filled with the liquid inoculum B. When the liquid inoculum B in the storage container 1 is exhausted, it can be easily performed by switching a valve, and when a new inoculum storage container 1 is newly rearranged, the connection portion 4 and the inoculum supply line By disinfecting, disinfecting, cleaning, etc., alcoholic disinfecting, heat disinfecting treatment with alcohol, etc., it is possible to prevent invasion of various bacteria into the inside.
[0082]
In the embodiment, the solenoid valve is used as the switching operation means of the on-off valves 5 and 6 provided in the connection part 4. However, the switching means of the valve by pneumatic control may be used. The operation is switched by pneumatic control, but may be switched by electromagnetic control, hydraulic control, or reciprocation by a cam mechanism.
[0083]
Further, in the embodiment, the ultrasonic sensors are used as the remaining amount detection sensors 7A and 7B. However, although not shown, for example, a cylindrical body which can be seen through in the vertical direction is provided in the inoculum storage container 1, and the liquid inoculum is provided in the cylindrical body. It is also possible to use a transmission type non-contact sensor that detects the liquid level of the liquid inoculum B by flowing in B. In this case, a sensor that can be attached and detached outside the inoculum storage container 1 is used. Preferably, there is.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the liquid inoculum inoculation method and the inoculation device thereof according to the present invention, when the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container becomes a predetermined amount or less, the liquid inoculum is detected based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. By stopping the operation of injecting and inoculating liquid inoculum by the liquid inoculum injection mechanism by the control unit, it is possible to prevent the inside of the inoculum supply line connected to the inoculum storage container from being empty Thus, the inoculation operation can be continuously performed by connecting the next prepared seed storage container to the seed supply line. In addition, there is an effect that the operator can be notified in advance by a notification means that the liquid inoculum is disappearing. In addition, since the remaining amount detection sensor is provided outside the inoculum storage container, it can be easily operated when sterilizing the inside of the inoculum storage container or performing an internal cleaning operation. It is possible to solve the problem of damaging a sensor fixedly provided on the inner side for processing at a high temperature such as sterilization, thereby achieving the initial purpose. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus including a liquid inoculum inoculator and a seed inoculation storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the entire configuration showing a supply state of a liquid inoculum at the time of inoculation of a liquid inoculation apparatus in the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the liquid inoculum inoculator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the entire configuration of the liquid inoculum inoculation apparatus including the sterilization apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing a main part of the liquid inoculum inoculator of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front view of a main part showing an operation state of a lid opening / closing mechanism and a liquid seed injecting mechanism of the liquid seed inoculator of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a front view of a main part showing a state where the liquid inoculum is ejected from an injection nozzle after the liquid inoculum ejection mechanism is moved toward the cultivation container side.
FIG. 8 is a right side view showing a main part of the liquid seed injecting mechanism when the lid is closed corresponding to FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a left side view showing a main part of the liquid seed injecting mechanism when the lid is closed, corresponding to FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a left side view of a main part showing a state in which an injection nozzle of the liquid inoculum injection mechanism is moved closer to the cultivation container side.
FIG. 11 is a left side view of a main part showing a state of spraying liquid bacteria by a spray nozzle of the liquid seed machine supply mechanism corresponding to FIG. 7;
FIG. 12 is a left side view showing a main part of a lid opening / closing mechanism corresponding to FIG. 5;
FIG. 13 is a left side view showing an operating state (lid holding state) of a movable holding member in the lid opening / closing mechanism of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part showing a state in which a lid of the cultivation container is removed from a state in which the lid is held in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a front view of a main part showing a state in which the injection nozzle of the liquid inoculum injection mechanism corresponding to FIG. 10 is moved closer to the cultivation container side.
FIG. 16 is a front view of a main part showing a state of injecting liquid seed bacteria by an injection nozzle of the liquid seed apparatus injection mechanism corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 11;
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an inoculation process showing a state in which a liquid inoculum is inoculated on the basis of the cultivation containers in the front row.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an inoculation step showing a state in which a liquid inoculum is inoculated based on the cultivation containers in the second row.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a container transport state after the completion of the inoculation step of all the cultivation containers in the container.
[Explanation of symbols]
B liquid inoculum
C culture medium
C1 inoculation hole
S high temperature steam
1 Seed storage container
2 Liquid inoculum inoculator
3 Seed supply line
3A Seed supply main line
3B Seed supply branch line
4 Connection
5 On-off valve
6 On-off valve
7A Remaining amount detection sensor
7B Remaining amount detection sensor
8 Body frame
9 Transport mechanism
10 Operation panel
10A Valve opening / closing drive control means
11 Sprocket wheel
12 chains
13 Motor
14 Lid
15 Cultivation container
16 containers
17 Stopper mechanism
17A Stopper pin
17B Air cylinder
18 Container positioning mechanism
19 Lid opening and closing mechanism
20 Liquid Seed Injection Mechanism
21 Branch
22 Liquid seed pressurizing means (compressor)
23 Filter
24 Injection on-off valve
24A valve body
24B piston shaft
24C piston spring
24D diaphragm
25 Gas pressurizing means (compressor)
26 Filter
27 Gas supply line
28 Solenoid valve
29 Injection nozzle
29A nozzle tip
29B injection port
30 Liquid Seed Injection Cylinder Body
30A Seed supply port
30B hollow fluid passage
30C valve seat
30D gas supply port
31 Nozzle fixing member
32 Nozzle mounting member (mounting member)
33 Support plate
34 air cylinder
35 Cylinder support plate
36 Komabe
37 Guide rod
38 Fixed clamping member
39 Movable clamping member (clamping shaft)
40 Air cylinder (clamping member opening / closing means)
41 Cylinder holding plate
42 Link arm member (transmission moving means)
43 spindle
44 drive cylinder (lid open / close drive means, inoculum supply drive means)
45 Drive rod
46 Connecting rod
50 control unit
51 Notification means

Claims (7)

Supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the liquid inoculum to the outside through the inoculum supply line to the outside, and the inoculum supply line Injecting the liquid inoculum by injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum into a culture medium in a cultivation container via a liquid inoculation mechanism provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine, wherein the inoculation of the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is performed. A step of detecting the amount by the remaining amount detection sensor and stopping the supply operation of the liquid inoculum by the liquid inoculum ejection mechanism by a control unit provided in the liquid inoculum inoculator based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. A method for inoculating a liquid inoculum, comprising: Supplying the liquid inoculum stored in the inoculum storage container from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the liquid inoculum to the outside through the inoculum supply line to the outside, and the inoculum supply line Injecting the liquid inoculum by injecting and inoculating the liquid inoculum into a culture medium in a cultivation container via a liquid inoculum injection mechanism provided in the liquid inoculum inoculating machine. Along with, the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is less than or equal to a predetermined amount is provided in each inoculum storage container, based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor A step of switching the inoculum storage container in accordance with the opening / closing switching operation of the on-off valve via the control unit and supplying the inoculum to the inoculum injection mechanism. The inoculation of the liquid inoculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the informing means informs that the driving means has stopped via the control unit based on the detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. Method. Inoculum storage container that stores the liquid inoculum, and an inoculum supply line that is connected to the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container and supplies the liquid inoculum from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside, A liquid inoculum injecting mechanism, which is connected to the inoculum supply line and injects the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation vessel to inoculate the liquid inoculum inoculation machine; In the apparatus, a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is provided, and the supply operation of the liquid inoculum by the liquid inoculum ejection mechanism is stopped based on a detection signal of the remaining amount detection sensor. A liquid inoculum inoculation device comprising a control unit. Inoculum storage container that stores the liquid inoculum, and an inoculum supply line that is connected to the outlet provided in the inoculum storage container and supplies the liquid inoculum from the inside of the inoculum storage container to the outside, A liquid inoculum injecting mechanism, which is connected to the inoculum supply line and injects the liquid inoculum supplied by the inoculum supply line into the culture medium in the cultivation vessel to inoculate the liquid inoculum inoculation machine; In the apparatus, a plurality of the inoculum storage containers are juxtaposed, a connecting portion is connected between the carry-out ports of the various inoculum storage containers via on-off valves, respectively, and the inoculum supply pipe is connected to a supply port provided in the connecting portion. The inoculum is connected so that the liquid inoculum can be supplied, and the remaining amount detection sensor for detecting whether or not the liquid inoculum in the inoculum storage container is a predetermined amount or less is provided in each inoculum storage container. Battery level detection Sa of based on the detection signal the control unit liquid inoculum inoculum apparatus characterized by comprising providing to switch the inoculum reservoir with the opening and closing switching operation of the on-off valve through. 6. A liquid inoculum inoculation according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a notification means for calling out that said driving means has stopped via said control unit based on a detection signal of said remaining amount detection sensor. apparatus. 7. The liquid inoculum inoculation device according to claim 4, wherein the remaining amount detection sensor is provided outside the inoculum storage container.

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