JP2004222615A - Nursery box-feeding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To treat many nursery boxes without using an exclusive operator for feeding nursery boxes. <P>SOLUTION: The subject apparatus 2 for feeding nursery boxes is equipped with a nursery box-storing part 3 for storing empty nursery boxes B in a state stacked as steps and a nursery box-taking out part 4 for scraping off and taking out nursery boxes B in the lowest stage one by one from the nursery box-storing part 3, and the apparatus is further equipped with a conveyer part 5 for successively conveying stacked plurality of pairs of nursery boxes B for supply to the nursery box-storing part 3, nursery box-storing part state-detecting sensors 55 and 56 for detecting that the nursery boxes B are kept in a state not larger than prescribed numbers, and a nursery box-supply part 6 for taking out a pair of nursery boxes B for supply from the end on downstream side of the conveyer part 5 and supplying the boxes B onto the nursery boxes B in uppermost stage in the nursery box-storing part 3 when the above state is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seedling box supply device that takes out and supplies empty seedling boxes housed in a stacked state one by one.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional seedling box supply device, a seedling box 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 is exemplified. As shown in FIG. 9, the seedling box supply device 91 scrapes the seedling box housing section 92 for housing empty seedling boxes in a stacked state, and the lowermost seedling box from the seedling box housing section 92 one by one. And a seedling box extracting section 93 for taking out the seedlings. The empty seedling boxes are supplied to the seeding section 94 one by one.
[0003]
The seedling box take-out portion 93 is provided with a pair of hooking claws 95 provided opposite to each other so as to reciprocate between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the lowermost seedling box and a retreating position not receiving the same. A pair of receiving claws 96 provided so as to alternately reciprocate with the hooking claws 95 between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the seedling box and a retreating position not receiving, and the hooking claws 95 are retracted. And a scraping nail 97 for scraping off the lowermost seedling box when the receiving nail 96 is at the projecting position.
[0004]
The operation of the seedling box supply device 91 will be described step by step with reference to FIG. Initially, it is assumed that a large number of seedling boxes B are stacked on the hooking claws 95 as shown in FIG.
[0005]
First, the receiving claws 96 project from the bottom so as to be hooked on the side edges of the second seedling box B, and the hooking claws 95 are retracted in accordance with the projection of the receiving claws 96 (FIG. 9B). reference). Next, the second-stage seedling box B from below is supported by the receiving claws 96, and the lowermost seedling box B is released from the hooks 95 (see FIG. 3C). At this time, the scraping nail 97 rotates downward so as to push down the side edge of the lowermost seedling box B, and scrapes the seedling box B to take out one seedling box B. Next, the receiving claw 96 retreats, and the latching claw 95 protrudes in response to the retraction of the receiving claw 96 (see FIG. 4D). Thereafter, the seedling box B supported on the receiving claw 96 is dropped onto the hanging claw 95 by the retreat of the receiving claw 96, and both side edges are supported by the hanging claw 95 (FIG. 9A). reference). By repeating the above, the seedling boxes B are taken out one by one and supplied.
[0006]
The replenishment of the seedling box B into the seedling box storage part 92 is appropriately performed manually according to the degree of reduction of the seedling boxes B in the seedling box storage part 92, and the double hooking claws shown in FIG. The replenishing seedling box B is placed on the seedling box B in the seedling box housing part 92 at a timing when the 95 is in the most protruding state, that is, when both side edges of the lowermost seedling box B are securely hooked. Is placed.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-58-138307
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the seedling box housing portion 92 is configured to hook and support the side edge of the seedling box B with the hooking claws 95 or the receiving claws 96, the weight that the side edge can support, that is, The number (for example, about 20) of seedling boxes B that can be accommodated in the seedling box accommodation section 92 is limited by the strength of the side edge. For this reason, when it is necessary to process a large number of seedling boxes B that greatly exceeds the number that can be accommodated in the seedling box storing section 92, the seedling boxes B are stored so that the seedling boxes B in the seedling box storing section 92 do not run out. There is a problem that it is necessary to replenish regularly, and one full-time worker is required for this work.
[0009]
In addition, since the replenishment of the seedling box B is performed manually, the timing for placing the seedling box B may be shifted if the worker is not accustomed to the replenishing operation or the worker is distracted. is there. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10B or FIG. 10D, a state in which the tip positions of the hooking claws 95 and the receiving claws 96 are substantially coincident in plan view (the hooking claws 95 and the receiving claws 96 project respectively When the seedling box B is replenished in the position between the retracted position and the retracted position), the side edges are hooked by the hooking claws 95 and the receiving claws 96 shallowly. , The seedling box B in the seedling box storage unit 92 falls, and there is a problem that the operation is interrupted and the efficiency is reduced.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a seedling box supply device capable of handling a large number of seedling boxes without leaving a dedicated worker for supplying seedling boxes.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a seedling box supply device of the present invention includes a seedling box storage section that stores empty seedling boxes in a stacked state, and scrapes a lowermost seedling box from the seedling box storage section one by one. A seedling box supply device comprising: a seedling box removal unit for dropping and removing the seedling box; a conveyor unit for sequentially transporting a plurality of sets of supply seedling boxes stacked one another to the seedling box storage unit; A seedling box storage unit state detecting unit that detects that the number of seedling boxes in the unit is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and when detecting the state, removes a set of supply seedling boxes from the downstream end of the conveyor unit. A seedling box replenishing section for replenishing the seedling box in the seedling box housing section above the uppermost seedling box.
[0012]
According to this configuration, when a large number of replenishing seedling boxes are prepared at once on the conveyor unit, the replenishing seedling boxes are configured to be automatically replenished to the seedling box storage unit. In addition, the time interval for the worker to replenish the seedling box supply device to the seedling box supply device can be greatly extended, and unlike the related art, a dedicated worker for supplying the seedling box can be omitted. .
[0013]
The seedling box take-out section includes a pair of hooking claws provided so as to reciprocate between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the lowermost seedling box and a retreating position for not receiving, and a second step from the bottom. A pair of receiving claws provided so as to alternately reciprocate with the hooking claw between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the seedling box and a retreating position for not receiving, and the hooking claw is in the retreating position. And a scraping claw that scrapes the lowermost seedling box when the receiving nail is at the protruding position, and a hooking claw state for detecting a state where the hooking claw is at the protruding position. A detection unit is provided, and the seedling box supply unit exemplifies a mode in which the seedling box supply unit is placed on the top seedling box in the seedling box storage unit when the state is detected. I do.
[0014]
According to this configuration, the replenishing seedling box can be automatically placed in the seedling box storage when the hooking claw is in the protruding position. Therefore, unlike the case where the seedling box is replenished manually, the seedling box can be reliably replenished at a time when the seedling box can be replenished.
[0015]
The seedling box supply section reciprocates between a base provided between the seedling box storage section and the conveyor section and a downstream end of the conveyor section and above the seedling box storage section via a parallel link to the base. An example is shown that includes a seedling box gripper that is supported so as to be able to grip a supply seedling box, and a drive unit that reciprocates the seedling box gripper.
[0016]
The seedling box replenishing unit is configured separately from the seedling box housing unit, and exemplifies an aspect including first fixing means for fixing a relative position with respect to the seedling box housing unit.
[0017]
According to this configuration, when the seedling box supply unit is configured separately from the seedling box storage unit, the two can be fixed in a state where the relative positions of the two are accurately positioned.
[0018]
The seedling box supply unit is configured separately from the conveyor unit, and includes an example in which a second fixing unit for fixing a relative position with respect to the conveyor unit is provided.
[0019]
According to this configuration, when the seedling box supply unit is configured separately from the conveyor unit, the seedling box supply unit can be fixed in a state where the relative positions of the two are accurately positioned.
[0020]
The conveyor unit is exemplified by an embodiment having an alignment unit for aligning the supply seedling boxes along the transport direction.
[0021]
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent displacement of the supply seedling box on the conveyor, and to ensure that the supply seedling box can be taken out by the seedling box supply unit.
[0022]
A mode in which a regulating portion for regulating the position of the tip of the replenishing seedling box above the seedling box housing part is provided will be exemplified.
[0023]
According to this configuration, the tip position of the seedling box can be regulated so that the supply seedling box does not go too far to a position where the seedling box cannot be accommodated in the seedling box housing section. It can be securely accommodated.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
1 to 8 show an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a seedling box supply device 2 in a sowing machine 1. FIG. The seedling box supply device 2 includes a seedling box storage unit 3 that stores empty seedling boxes B in a stacked state, and a seedling box that scrapes and removes the lowest seedling box B one by one from the seedling box storage unit 3. A conveyer unit 5 having a take-out unit 4 for sequentially transporting a plurality of sets of replenishing seedling boxes B stacked to the seedling box storage unit 3; and a predetermined number of seedling boxes B in the seedling box storage unit 3. When the following conditions are detected, a set of replenishing seedling boxes B is taken out from the downstream end of the conveyor section 5 and replenished onto the uppermost seedling box B in the seedling box housing section 3. And a box supply unit 6. The seedling box B scraped off by the seedling box take-out unit 4 is placed on the seedling carrier 10 of the seeding machine 1, floor soil is put in the soil placement unit 11 arranged on the transport path, and Seeds are sown on the floor soil, and are covered on the seeds by the covering part 13. In this document, the upstream side and the downstream side in the seedling box transport direction are simply referred to as “upstream side” and “downstream side”, respectively.
[0025]
The seedling box storage unit 3 is formed in a rectangular frame shape in plan view above the upstream end of the seedling transfer table 10, and stores the seedling boxes B inserted from above in a stacked state and transports the seedlings. A guide is provided on the table 10. On the downstream side of the seedling box storage unit 3, above the seedling box storage unit 3, there is provided a regulating plate 15 as a regulating unit for regulating the tip position of the stacked seedling boxes B.
[0026]
The seedling box take-out section 4 is configured in the same manner as that of the conventional example, and is provided facing each other so as to reciprocate between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the lowermost seedling box B and a retreating position for not receiving. And a pair of hooking claws 21 are provided so as to alternately reciprocate with the hooking claws 21 between a protruding position for receiving the side edges of the second seedling box B from the bottom and a retreating position not receiving the same. A pair of receiving claws 22 and a scraping claw 23 for scraping off the lowermost seedling box B when the hooking claws 21 are in the retracted position and the receiving claws 22 are in the protruding position. The operation of the seedling box removal unit 4 is the same as that of the conventional example described with reference to FIG.
[0027]
The conveyor unit 5 includes a conveying path 25 formed of an endless track for conveying the stacked seedling boxes B, a drive motor 26 for driving the conveying path 25, and the stacked seedling boxes B along the conveying direction. And an aligning section 27 for aligning them. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the alignment section 27 includes a guide frame 27 a provided on one side of the transport path 25 and extending in the seedling box transport direction, and a seedling box transport direction on the other side of the transport path 25. , And guide rollers 27b rotatable about a vertical axis.
[0028]
The seedling box supply section 6 is configured separately from the seedling box storage section 3 and the conveyor section 5 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6. The seedling box supply unit 6 includes a base 31 installed between the seedling box storage unit 3 and the conveyor unit 5, and a downstream end of the conveyor unit 5 and a seedling box storage unit 3 via a parallel link 32 to the base 31. A seedling box gripping portion 33 which is supported so as to be able to reciprocate between the upper portions and is capable of gripping the replenishing seedling box B, a drive motor 45 connected to an upstream link 48 of the parallel link 32 via a crank mechanism 46, And a control unit 35 for controlling each of these units based on the result detected by the detection unit described later. The lower fulcrums 32a of the downstream links 47 of the two parallel links 32 and the lower fulcrums 32a of the upstream link 48 are connected to each other, and the two parallel links 32 swing back and forth with the rotation of the rotation shaft of the drive motor 45. It works.
[0029]
The base 31 has a fixing member 37 as a first fixing means for fixing a relative position with respect to the conveyor unit 5 on the upstream side thereof, and a second fixing unit 37 for fixing a relative position with respect to the seedling box storage unit 3 on the downstream side. A fixing bracket 38 is provided as fixing means. A lower fulcrum 32a of the parallel link 32 is supported on the downstream side of the base 31 and on both sides of the seedling box transport path.
[0030]
The seedling box gripping portion 33 includes a pair of frames 41 supported on upper fulcrums 32b of the parallel links 32 on both sides, respectively, and a seedling box conveying direction supported by each frame 41 so as to protrude and retreat in the seedling box conveying path direction. The seedling box support 42 is extended, and a solenoid 43 is provided as driving means for driving each seedling box support 42. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when both seedling box supports 42 project at the downstream end of the conveyor section 5, they receive both side edges of the lowermost one of the stacked seedling boxes B (see FIG. a)), the seedling box B is released when retracted above the seedling box storage section 3 (see FIG. 3B).
[0031]
As a detecting means, a conveyor section seedling box fixed position sensor 51 for detecting that the most downstream seedling box B placed on the transport path 25 of the conveyor section 5 is at a fixed position for holding the seedling box holding section 33. A link upstream dead center sensor 52 for detecting that the downstream link 47 of the parallel link 32 is at the link upstream dead center; and a link downstream side for detecting that the downstream link 47 is at the link downstream dead center. A dead center sensor 53, a seedling box support position sensor 54 for detecting that the seedling box support 42 is in a retracted position where the seedling box B is not gripped, and a seedling box on the upstream side and the downstream side of the seedling box housing 3, respectively. The upstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 55 and the downstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 56 for detecting that the seedling box B in the housing part 3 is in a state of a predetermined number or less, and the hook 21 protrude. Hang the side edge of seedling box B sufficiently And a seedling box release timing sensor 57 which detects that it is a state. In addition, the seedling box release timing sensor 57 of this example detects the position of the scraping claw 23 (see FIG. 10A) corresponding to a state in which the hook 21 protrudes and the side edge of the seedling box B is sufficiently hooked. It is configured to detect (the position of the hook 21 may be directly detected).
[0032]
The control unit 35 receives a detection signal from each sensor of the detection means as shown in FIG. 6 and sends a control signal to the drive motor 45 of the parallel link, the drive motor 26 of the conveyor, and the solenoid 43 of the seedling box holding unit 33. Connected to output.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the control unit 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the control unit 35 initializes to a state in which the parallel link 32 is initially at the upstream dead center and the seedling box support 42 of the seedling box holding unit 33 is retracted as the operation preparation.
[0034]
First, the control unit 35 controls the drive motor 26 of the conveyor until the seedling box B on the conveyor unit detects the seedling box B so that the seedling box B on the most downstream side of the transport path 25 comes to the home position. It is operated (step S70). At this time, if the seedling box B is not detected even after the elapse of a certain time, the drive motor 26 of the conveyor is stopped, and an alarm requesting that the seedling box B be placed on the transport path 25 is issued.
[0035]
Next, the control unit 35 causes the seedling box support 42 of the seedling box holding unit 33 to protrude so that the seedling box B on the most downstream side of the transport path 25 is held by the seedling box holding unit 33 (step S71, FIG. 8A). ). At this time, if the seedling box support position sensor 54 detects that the seedling box support 42 is in the retracted state, the operation is stopped and an alarm is issued, assuming that the seedling box B has not been properly grasped.
[0036]
Next, when the downstream-side seedling box housing section state sensor 56 (or the upstream-side seedling box housing section state sensor 55) stops detecting the seedling box B, the seedling box holding section 33 holding the seedling box B is moved to the seedling box housing section 3. To move the parallel link 32 upward, the drive motor 45 of the parallel link 32 is operated until the link downstream dead center sensor 53 detects the downstream link (step S72, FIG. 8B). At this time, although the downstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 56 (or the upstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 55) does not detect the seedling box B, the upstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 55 (or the downstream-side seedling box housing part state sensor 55). When the seedling box housing state sensor 56) detects the seedling box B, the operation is stopped and an alarm is issued, assuming that the seedling box B is in an abnormal posture such as a tilted posture.
[0037]
Next, when the seedling box release timing sensor 57 detects that the hook 21 is in the protruding position, the control unit 35 retreats the seedling box support 42 of the seedling box gripping unit 33 to release the seedling box B and release the seedling box B. It is placed in the box housing 3 (step S73, FIG. 8C). At this time, if the seedling box support position sensor 54 does not detect that the seedling box support 42 is retracted, the operation is stopped and an alarm is issued, assuming that the seedling box B has not been successfully released.
[0038]
Next, in order to move the seedling box holding portion 33 to the most downstream side of the transport path 25, the drive motor 45 of the parallel link 32 is operated until the link upstream dead center sensor 52 detects the downstream link (step S74). It returns to step S70.
[0039]
According to the seedling box supply device 2 of the present invention configured as described above, if a large number of replenishing seedling boxes B are prepared on the conveyor unit 5 at once, the seedling box storage unit state sensors 55 and 56 Detecting that the number of seedling boxes B in the seedling box storage unit 3 is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the seedling box supply unit 6 automatically supplies the seedling box supply unit 6 with the seedling box supply unit 6. With this configuration, the time interval at which the worker replenishes the seedling box supply device 2 with the replenishing seedling box B can be greatly extended, and, unlike the related art, a dedicated staff for supplying the seedling box B is provided. Workers can be omitted.
[0040]
In addition, a seedling box release timing sensor 57 is provided as a hooking claw state detecting unit for detecting a state in which the hooking claw 21 is in the protruding position. Since the replenishing seedling box B is configured to be placed on the uppermost seedling box B in the box housing part 3, unlike the case where the replenishing seedling box B is replenished manually, the timing at which the seedling box B can be replenished is set. The seedling box B can be automatically and reliably supplied.
[0041]
The seedling box replenishing section 6 is formed separately from the seedling box housing section 3 and includes a fixing bracket 38 for fixing a relative position with respect to the seedling box housing section 3. Can be fixed in a state where it is accurately positioned.
[0042]
The seedling box replenishing section 6 is formed separately from the conveyor section 5 and includes a fixing bracket 37 for fixing the relative position with respect to the conveyor section 5, so that the relative positions of the two can be accurately positioned. It can be fixed in the state where it was done.
[0043]
In addition, since the conveyor unit 5 includes the alignment unit 27 for aligning the stacked seedling boxes B in the transport direction, the position of the supply seedling box B on the conveyor unit 5 is prevented from shifting. The seedling box replenishing section 6 can ensure that the replenishing seedling box B can be taken out.
[0044]
In addition, since the regulating plate 15 for regulating the tip of the stacked seedling boxes B is provided above the seedling box storing section 3, the supply seedling box B cannot be stored in the seedling box storing section 3. The tip position of the seedling box B can be regulated so as not to go too far, so that the seedling box B can be securely accommodated in the seedling box accommodation section 3.
[0045]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be embodied with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention, for example, as described below.
(1) The transport path of the seedling box B for supply is configured by cascading two or more conveyor units.
(2) To be configured as a supply device for a seedling box of another form such as a receiving box-shaped seedling box.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the seedling box supply apparatus which concerns on this invention, the outstanding effect that a large number of seedling boxes can be handled is produced, without leaving a dedicated worker for a seedling box supply.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a seedling box supply device in a seeder according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the seedling box supply device.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a seedling box supply section of the seedling box supply device.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing an operation state of a seedling box gripping portion of the seedling box supply section.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an alignment section in a conveyor section of the seedling box supply device.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the seedling box supply device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process of a control unit of the seedling box supply unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a series of operating states of the seedling box supply device.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a seeding machine provided with a conventional seedling box supply device.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a series of operating states of the seedling box supply device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Seeding machine 2 Seedling box supply device 3 Seedling box storage part 4 Seedling box take-out part 5 Conveyor part 6 Seedling box replenishing part 15 Regulatory plate 21 Latching claw 22 Receiving claw 23 Scratching claw 25 Transport path 26 Drive motor 27 Alignment part 27a Guide Frame 27b Guide roller 31 Base 32 Parallel link 33 Seedling box holding unit 34 Drive unit 35 Control unit 37 Fixing bracket 38 Fixing bracket 51 Conveyor unit seedling box fixed position sensor 52 Link upstream dead center sensor 53 Link downstream dead center sensor 54 Seedling Box support member position sensor 55 Upstream side seedling box storage unit status sensor 56 Downstream side seedling box storage unit status sensor 57 Seedling box release timing sensor B Seedling box

Claims (3)

A seedling box supply device comprising: a seedling box storage section that stores empty seedling boxes in a stacked state; and a seedling box removal section that scrapes and removes the lowermost seedling boxes one by one from the seedling box storage section. hand,
A conveyor unit for sequentially transporting a plurality of stacked supply seedling boxes to the seedling box storage unit,
Seedling box storage unit state detection unit that detects that the seedling boxes in the seedling box storage unit are in a state of a predetermined number or less,
A seedling box provided with a seedling box supply section for taking out a set of supply seedling boxes from the downstream end of the conveyor section when detecting the state and supplying the set to a top seedling box in the seedling box storage section; Feeding device. The seedling box take-out section includes a pair of hooking claws provided so as to reciprocate between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the lowermost seedling box and a retreating position for not receiving, and a second step from the bottom. A pair of receiving claws provided so as to alternately reciprocate with the hooking claw between a protruding position for receiving both side edges of the seedling box and a retreating position for not receiving, and the hooking claw is in the retreating position. And, provided that the receiving claws scrape the lowermost seedling box when the protruding position is at the protruding position,
In addition to providing a hook claw state detecting unit for detecting a state in which the hook claw is at the protruding position, the seedling box replenishment unit detects the state, and detects a topmost seedling in the seedling box housing unit when detecting the state. 2. The seedling box supply device according to claim 1, wherein the seedling box for supply is placed on the box. The seedling box supply section reciprocates between a base provided between the seedling box storage section and the conveyor section and a downstream end of the conveyor section and above the seedling box storage section via a parallel link to the base. The seedling box supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a seedling box holding portion that is supported so as to be able to hold the supply seedling box, and a drive portion that reciprocates the seedling box holding portion.

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