JP4575545B2

JP4575545B2 - Cleaning device for plant growth container

Info

Publication number: JP4575545B2
Application number: JP2000109444A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 恒旺荻原; 時夫内田
Original assignee: オギハラ工業株式会社; 時夫内田
Priority date: 1999-07-27
Filing date: 2000-04-11
Publication date: 2010-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-11
Also published as: JP2001095390A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、植物成育用容体の洗浄装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及び発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来から、例えばキャベツやレタスやトマトなどの野菜の種子を発芽させて苗になるまで成育させる場合には、土を入れて種子を配設し得る成育部を複数並設して構成された植物成育用容体（通称セルトレー）が一般的に使用されており、この植物成育用容体は成育部で発芽した苗を畑に移植した後、付着した土や泥などの汚れを洗浄し再利用される。
【０００３】
ところで、この植物成育用容体を洗浄する作業を手作業で行っていたのでは極めて作業能率が悪く、よって、この植物成育用容体の洗浄を機械作業で行えるようにした洗浄装置はこれまで種々提案されているが、未だ植物成育用容体を良好に搬送し且つ洗浄できるものはなく、よって、ユーザーが満足できる洗浄装置は提案されていないのが現状である。
【０００４】
本発明は、上述の問題点を解決する植物成育用容体の洗浄装置を提供するものである。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
添付図面を参照して本発明の要旨を説明する。
【０００６】
基板１ａに凹状の成育部１ｂを複数並設して構成される植物成育用容体１を洗浄する為の洗浄装置であって、装置本体６に駆動回転自在に設けられた軸２に前記植物成育用容体１を洗浄するブラシ体３を放射状に突設した回転ブラシ４と、この回転ブラシ４若しくは該回転ブラシ４の近傍に設けられる散水体11と、前記装置本体６の容体導入部６ａから前記成育部１ｂが下方を向く状態で導入された前記植物成育用容体１を支持する容体支持体８とを有し、前記回転ブラシ４は前記容体支持体８の下方に設けられており、また、前記回転ブラシ４は前記植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けられ、また、前記容体支持体８は、前記植物成育用容体１を支持する支持部材５を該植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けた構成であり、前記支持部材５夫々は所定長さにして所定巾の板材であり、前記支持部材５夫々には前記回転ブラシ４の前記ブラシ体３を突出せしめる窓孔５ａが形成されており、前記回転ブラシ４は、駆動回転して前記ブラシ体３が前記容体支持体８で支持された前記植物成育用容体１の前記成育部１ｂの内部に係止し前記植物成育用容体１を押圧して該植物成育容体１を搬送するように構成されており、上流側の前記支持部材５の前記窓孔５ａを構成する側縁の延長線Ｌ１と、下流側の前記支持部材５の前記窓孔５ａを構成する側縁の延長線Ｌ２とは同一直線状とならない位置関係に設定され、上流側に位置する一の回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった部位を、この一の回転ブラシ４の下流側に位置する他の回転ブラシ４で洗浄し得るように構成されていることを特徴とする植物成育用容体の洗浄装置に係るものである。
【０００７】
また、基板１ａに凹状の成育部１ｂを複数並設して構成される植物成育用容体１を洗浄する為の洗浄装置であって、装置本体６に駆動回転自在に設けられた軸２に前記植物成育用容体１を洗浄するブラシ体３を放射状に突設した上下一対の回転ブラシ４と、この回転ブラシ４若しくは該回転ブラシ４の近傍に設けられる散水体11と、前記装置本体６の容体導入部６ａから前記上下一対の回転ブラシ４同士間に前記成育部１ｂが下方を向く状態で導入された前記植物成育用容体１を支持する容体支持体８とを有し、前記下部回転ブラシ４は前記容体支持体８の下方に設けられており、前記上下一対の回転ブラシ４は前記植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けられ、また、前記容体支持体８は、前記植物成育用容体１を支持する支持部材５を該植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けた構成であり、前記支持部材５夫々は所定長さにして所定巾の板材であり、前記支持部材５夫々には前記下部回転ブラシ４の前記ブラシ体３を突出せしめる窓孔５ａが形成されており、前記上下一対の回転ブラシ４のうちの下部回転ブラシ４は、駆動回転して該ブラシ体３が前記容体支持体８で支持された前記植物成育用容体１の前記成育部１ｂの内部に係止し前記植物成育用容体１を押圧して該植物成育用容体１を搬送するように構成され、更に、前記上下一対の回転ブラシ４のうちの上部回転ブラシ４は、駆動回転して該ブラシ体３が前記容体支持体８で支持された前記植物成育用容体１の前記成育部１ｂに係止し前記植物成育用容体１を押圧して該植物成育用容体１を搬送するように構成されており、上流側の前記支持部材５の前記窓孔５ａを構成する側縁の延長線Ｌ１と、下流側の前記支持部材５の前記窓孔５ａを構成する側縁の延長線Ｌ２とは同一直線状とならない位置関係に設定され、上流側に位置する一の下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった部位を、この一の下部回転ブラシ４の下流側に位置する他の下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄し得るように構成されていることを特徴とする植物成育用容体の洗浄装置に係るものである。
【０００８】
また、請求項１，２いずれか１項に記載の植物成育用容体の洗浄装置において、前記支持部材５は金属製であることを特徴とする植物成育用容体の洗浄装置に係るものである。
【０００９】
また、請求項１〜３いずれか１項に記載の洗浄装置において、前記回転ブラシ４は正逆回転自在に設けられていることを特徴とする洗浄装置に係るものである。
【００１０】
また、請求項１〜４いずれか１項に記載の洗浄装置において、前記装置本体６には移動用車輪15が設けられていることを特徴とする洗浄装置に係るものである。
【００１１】
【発明の作用及び効果】
請求項１記載の発明は、回転ブラシ４の回転により植物成育用容体１は搬送されるとともに、回転ブラシ４は植物成育用容体１に当接し、且つ、この回転ブラシ４若しくは該回転ブラシ４の近傍に設けられた散水体11により散水が行われることで洗浄が行われることになる。
【００１２】
この回転ブラシ４に係るブラシ体３は、少なくとも前記凹状の成育部１ｂ内に届く長さであるから、良好な洗浄が行われ、そして、このブラシ体３は、該凹状の成育部１ｂに係止した際該植物成育用容体１を搬送し得る硬さを有しているから、このブラシ体３が植物成育用容体１を良好に搬送し得る搬送機構にもなり、よって、別途搬送機構を設けなくて済み、それだけコンパクトになり且つ低コストになる。
【００１３】
従って、請求項１記載の発明によれば、植物成育用容体１の搬送は回転ブラシ４の回転により行われることになるため、ブラシ体３が係止される成育部１ｂがあれば確実に搬送が行われ、よって、植物成育用容体１を搬送すること及び奇麗に洗浄することが確実且つ効率良く行えることになる従来にない画期的な植物成育用容体の洗浄装置となる。
【００１４】
また、本発明は、上下一対の回転ブラシ４は植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けられているから、より一層植物成育用容体１を迅速且つ奇麗に洗浄し得ることになる。
【００１５】
また、本発明は、植物成育用容体１の基板１ａを支持する支持部材５を設けることにより、例えば柔らかい材質の植物成育用容体１であっても回転ブラシ４の回転により変形してしまうようなことはなく良好に（安定的に）その搬送及び洗浄が行われることになり、しかも、各支持部材５の位置関係は、植物成育用容体１が支持部材５により支持されることにより、一の回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった部位を該一の回転ブラシ４の下流側に位置する他の回転ブラシ４で洗浄し得るように設定されているから、より一層植物成育用容体１を丁寧且つ奇麗に洗浄し得ることになる。
【００１６】
また、本発明は、植物成育用容体１を支持する支持部材５として所定長さにして所定巾の板材から成る支持部材５を採用したから、植物成育用容体１を確実に支持して回転ブラシ４の回転にも変形させてしまう事なくより一層良好に（安定的に）支持することができ、しかも、支持部材５に係る板材の所定の箇所には回転ブラシ４が露出する窓孔５ａを形成することで、洗浄不能となる部位をそれだけ減らして回転ブラシ４の洗浄機能を良好に発揮せしめられ、植物成育用容体１を確実に支持した状態で回転ブラシ４による搬送及び洗浄が良好に行われることになる。
【００１７】
また、請求項２記載の発明においては、請求項１記載の作用効果に加え、単に植物成育用容体１の一方の面側だけに回転ブラシ４を設けて植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄を行うものではなく、所定の間隔をおいて対設される上下一対の回転ブラシ４により植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄を行構成であり、即ち、上側の回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は主に植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能を発揮するとともに該植物成育用容体１の基板１ａの裏面及び成育部１ｂの裏面を洗浄する機能をも発揮し、一方、下側の回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は植物成育用容体１の基板１ａの表面及び成育部１ｂの内部を洗浄する機能を発揮するとともに、植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能をも発揮し、よって、植物成育用容体１の表裏面の基板１ａ並びに成育部１ｂの内部及びその裏面を洗浄し且つ該植物成育用容体１を効率良く搬送し得る従来にない画期的な植物成育用容体の洗浄装置となる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１〜３は本発明の第一実施例、図４は第二実施例を図示したものであり、以下に説明する。
【００１９】
符号１は基板１ａに凹状の成育部１ｂが縦横に区画並設される合成樹脂製の植物成育用容体（通称セルトレイ）、１ｂ’は成育部１ｂの開口部である。
【００２０】
第一実施例について説明する。
【００２１】
第一実施例は、両端に容体導入部６ａ及び容体導出部６ｂを備えた装置本体６内に、植物成育用容体１を搬送し、且つ、この植物成育用容体１を洗浄する容体搬送洗浄部７を内装した植物成育用容体１の洗浄装置である。
【００２２】
以下、本実施例に係る構成各部について詳細な説明をする。
【００２３】
容体搬送洗浄部７は、装置本体６の内部に架設される回転ブラシ４と、装置本体６内に容体導入部６ａから導入された植物成育用容体１を支持する容体支持体８とで構成されている。
【００２４】
回転ブラシ４は、図１〜３に図示したように軸２の周面にブラシ体３を放射状に突設して構成されており、装置本体６の上方位置に互いに水平となるように４本の上部回転ブラシ４が並設状態に架設され、この上部回転ブラシ４のうち中央２本の上部回転ブラシ４夫々の下方位置に所定間隔をおいて１本づつ下部回転ブラシ４が架設されている。
【００２５】
この４本の上部回転ブラシ４は、夫々駆動モーター９に駆動チェーン10を介して回動自在に接続されており、この上部回転ブラシ４は低速回転を行うことで、主に上下の回転ブラシ４の間に導入された植物成育用容体１をブラシ体３の先端部を成育部１ｂに係止して搬送を行うことを目的として構成され、一方、２本の下部回転ブラシ４は、夫々駆動モーター16に駆動ベルト17を介して正逆回動自在に接続されており、この下部回転ブラシ４は高速回転を行うことで、主に上下の回転ブラシ４の間に導入された植物成育用容体１の成育部１ｂ内をブラシ体３の先端部を成育部１ｂ内に配して洗浄することを目的として構成されている。
【００２６】
また、上部回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は該凹状の成育部１ｂに係止される長さであって、且つ、該凹状の成育部１ｂに係止した際該植物成育用容体１を搬送し得る硬さを有しており、よって、主に植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能を発揮し且つ植物成育用容体１の裏面の基板１ａ及び成育部１ｂの裏面を洗浄する機能をも発揮するように構成され、一方、下部回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は前記凹状の成育部１ｂ内に届く長さに設定されており（成育部１ｂの底に届くようにするとより一層良好な洗浄効果が得られる。）、主に植物成育用容体１の表面の基板１ａ及び成育部１ｂの内部を洗浄する機能を発揮し且つ植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能をも発揮するように構成されている。尚、上部回転ブラシ４及び下部回転ブラシ４の回転速度、ブラシ体３の硬さ及び長さは、植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄を両立し得る硬さに適宜設定するものである。
【００２７】
また、装置本体６の容体導入部６ａ側（上流部側）にして回転ブラシ４の近傍位置には、水道20に直に配水管21を介して接続される計２個の散水体11としての水供給ノズル19が設けられ、装置本体６の中央位置、及び装置本体６の容体導出部６ｂ側（下流部側）にして回転ブラシ４の近傍位置には、ポンプ装置14に配水管14ａを介して接続される計４個の散水体11としての高圧噴射ノズル18が設けられている。散水体11としては、回転ブラシ４を構成する軸２に散水機能を持たせるなど、直接回転ブラシ４に散水体11（散水機能）を具備せしめても良い。
【００２８】
容体支持体８は、装置本体６内の容体導入部６ａ側及び容体導出部６ｂ側夫々に配設される左右一組（計４枚）の板状の支持部材５と、この支持部材５夫々の左右垂下片５ｂ間に貫通状態に設けられ、端部を装置本体６に並設状態で架設される６本のローラー体12とで構成されている。
【００２９】
この支持部材５は、図１〜３に図示したように夫々適宜な金属製の部材を所定長さ且つ所定巾となる断面コ字形状に形成して成るものであり、この支持部材５の所定位置には、窓孔５ａが穿設されており、この窓孔５ａは、一対の支持部材５を並設状態で装置本体６内に架設させた際、下部回転ブラシ４の一部を該支持部材５の上面に突出状態にせしめるものである。
【００３０】
また、本実施例では、この容体搬送洗浄部７に係る上流部側の支持部材５の窓孔５ａを構成する左右の桟５ａ’の延長線Ｌ１と、下流部側の支持部材５の窓孔５ａを構成する左右の桟５ａ’の延長線Ｌ２とが容体搬送部の長さ方向の同一直線上とならない異なる位置関係となるように設定されている。従って、支持部材５の桟５ａ’により支持されることで、上流部側の下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった部位を、下流部側の下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄し得ることになる。
【００３１】
以上の構成からなる容体搬送洗浄部７は、回転ブラシ４間に植物成育用容体１を成育部１ｂの開口部を下方に向けて導入せしめた際、回転する回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３が植物成育用容体１に係る成育部１ｂの表裏面に当接して植物成育用容体１を搬送し、該植物成育用容体１の表裏面の基板１ａ並びに成育部１ｂの内部及びその裏面は支持部材５及びローラー体12で支持された状態で搬送されながら洗浄されることになる。
【００３２】
符号13は排水口、15は装置本体６の移動用車輪である。
【００３３】
以下、本装置を使用しての植物成育用容体１の洗浄方法について説明する。
【００３４】
まず、装置本体６内に容体導入部６ａから植物成育用容体１を成育部１ｂの開口部を下方へ向けて導入すると、容体搬送洗浄部７に係る上流部側の上下の回転ブラシ４の回転により植物成育用容体１は搬送されるとともに、水供給ノズル19から水を散水しながら上下の回転ブラシ４で植物成育用容体１に当接することで洗浄が行われ、続いて、植物成育用容体１は装置本体６の中央位置で高圧噴射ノズル18により高圧水で洗い流されながら容体搬送洗浄部７に係る下流部側へ搬送され、そして、この容体搬送洗浄部７に係る下流部側にて高圧噴射ノズル18から水を高圧噴射しながら上下の回転ブラシ４で植物成育用容体１に当接することで洗浄が行われる。この際、上流部側にて植物成育用容体１を支持していた支持部材５の桟５ａ’により下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった植物成育用容体１の未洗浄部位は、下流部側の下部回転ブラシ４で洗浄されることになる（尚、必要に応じて回転ブラシ４を逆回転させて植物成育用容体１を奇麗に洗浄するものである。）。
【００３５】
その後、洗浄された植物成育用容体１は装置本体６の容体導出部６ｂから導出されることになる。
【００３６】
本実施例は上述のように構成したから、植物成育用容体１の搬送は回転ブラシ４の回転により行われることになるため、ブラシ体３が係止される成育部１ｂがあれば確実に搬送が行われ、よって、植物成育用容体１を搬送すること及び奇麗に洗浄することが確実且つ効率良く行えることになる。
【００３７】
また、本実施例は、単に植物成育用容体１の一方の面側だけに回転ブラシ４を設けて植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄を行うものではなく、所定の間隔をおいて対設される上下一対の回転ブラシ４により植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄を行い、更に、上側の回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は該凹状の成育部１ｂに係止される長さであって、且つ、該凹状の成育部１ｂに係止した際該植物成育用容体１を搬送し得る硬さを有している為、主に植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能を発揮するとともに該植物成育用容体１の裏面の基板１ａ及び成育部１ｂの裏面を洗浄する機能をも発揮し、一方、下側の回転ブラシ４のブラシ体３は前記凹状の成育部１ｂ内に届く長さである為、主に植物成育用容体１の表面の基板１ａ及び成育部１ｂの内部を洗浄する機能を発揮するとともに、植物成育用容体１を搬送する機能をも発揮し、よって、植物成育用容体１の表裏面の基板１ａ並びに成育部１ｂの内部及びその裏面を洗浄し且つ該植物成育用容体１を効率良く搬送し得ることになる。
【００３８】
また、本実施例は、上下一対の回転ブラシ４を植物成育用容体１の搬送方向に複数設けたから、より一層植物成育用容体１を迅速且つ奇麗に洗浄し得ることになる。
【００３９】
また、本実施例は、植物成育用容体１の基板１ａを支持する支持部材５を設けることにより、例えば柔らかい材質の植物成育用容体１であっても回転ブラシ４の回転により変形してしまうようなことはなく良好に（安定的に）その搬送及び洗浄が行われることになり、しかも、各支持部材５の位置関係は、植物成育用容体１が支持部材５により支持されることにより、一の回転ブラシ４で洗浄不能となった部位を該一の回転ブラシ４の下流側に位置する他の回転ブラシ４で洗浄し得るように設定されているから、より一層植物成育用容体１を丁寧且つ奇麗に洗浄し得ることになる。
【００４０】
また、本実施例は、植物成育用容体１を支持する支持部材５として所定長さにして所定巾の板材から成る支持部材５を採用したから、植物成育用容体１を確実に支持して回転ブラシ４の回転にも変形させてしまう事なくより一層良好に（安定的に）支持することができ、しかも、支持部材５に係る板材の所定の箇所には回転ブラシ４が露出する窓孔５ａを形成することで、洗浄不能となる部位をそれだけ減らして回転ブラシ４の洗浄機能を良好に発揮せしめられ、植物成育用容体１を確実に支持した状態で回転ブラシ４による搬送及び洗浄が良好に行われることになる。
【００４１】
次に、第二実施例について説明する。
【００４２】
第二実施例は、図４に図示したように回転ブラシ４を全て上下一対の構成としたものである（第一実施例と比べると図４中最も右側及び最も左側の下側にも下部回転ブラシ４が設けられている。）。
【００４３】
従って、装置本体６の中央部だけでなく容体導入部６ａ側及び容体導出部６ｂ側においても植物成育用容体１は上下の回転ブラシ４により挟持状態となる為、バタついたりするなどの挙動が防止され、植物成育用容体１の搬送及び洗浄がより一層良好に行われることになる。
【００４４】
その余は第一実施例と同様である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第一実施例を示す概略動作説明図である。
【図２】第一実施例を示す概略動作説明図である。
【図３】第一実施例に係る要部を説明する平断面図である。
【図４】第二実施例を示す概略動作説明図である。
【符号の説明】
Ｌ１延長線
Ｌ２延長線
１植物成育用容体
１ａ基板
１ｂ成育部
１ｂ’開口部
２軸
３ブラシ体
５ａ窓孔
４回転ブラシ
５支持部材
６装置本体
６ａ容体導入部
８容体支持体
11 散水体
15 移動用車輪[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a plant growth container.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, for example, when seeds of vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce and tomato are germinated and grown until they become seedlings, a plant constructed by arranging a plurality of growing parts in which soil can be placed to arrange seeds Growing containers (commonly known as cell trays) are commonly used, and after planting seedlings that have sprouted in the growing section, the plant growing containers are washed and reused by removing dirt such as dirt and mud. .
[0003]
By the way, if the operation for cleaning the plant growth container is performed manually, the work efficiency is extremely poor. Therefore, various cleaning apparatuses that can perform the cleaning of the plant growth container by mechanical work have been proposed so far. However, there is still no device that can transport and clean the plant growth container well, and therefore no cleaning device that can satisfy the user has been proposed.
[0004]
The present invention provides a cleaning apparatus for a plant growth container that solves the above-mentioned problems.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0006]
A cleaning device for cleaning a plant growth container 1 configured by arranging a plurality of concave growth portions 1b on a substrate 1a, and the plant growth on a shaft 2 provided rotatably on a device main body 6 a rotating brush 4 which projects radially brush body 3 for cleaning the use condition 1, the watering body 11 provided in the vicinity of the rotating brush 4 or the rotary brush 4, wherein the container body inlet portion 6a of the apparatus body 6 A support body 8 for supporting the plant growth container 1 introduced in a state in which the growth part 1b faces downward, and the rotating brush 4 is provided below the support body 8, A plurality of the rotating brushes 4 are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container 1, and the container support 8 has a support member 5 that supports the plant growth container 1 in the conveyance direction of the plant growth container 1. And a plurality of the support Each of the materials 5 is a plate material having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, and each supporting member 5 is formed with a window hole 5a for projecting the brush body 3 of the rotating brush 4, and the rotating brush 4 The plant growth container 1 is driven and rotated to lock the brush body 3 inside the growing part 1b of the plant growth container 1 supported by the container support 8 and press the plant growth container 1 to press the plant growth container 1. And an extension line L1 of the side edge constituting the window hole 5a of the support member 5 on the upstream side, and the side edge constituting the window hole 5a of the support member 5 on the downstream side. The extension line L2 is set to a positional relationship that does not become the same straight line, and the portion that cannot be cleaned by the one rotating brush 4 located on the upstream side is placed on the other downstream side of the one rotating brush 4. It is configured so that it can be cleaned with the rotating brush 4. The present invention relates to a cleaning device for plant growth containers.
[0007]
Moreover, it is a washing | cleaning apparatus for washing | cleaning the plant growth container 1 comprised by arranging in parallel several concave growth parts 1b on the board | substrate 1a, Comprising: The axis | shaft 2 provided in the apparatus main body 6 so that drive rotation was possible said A pair of upper and lower rotating brushes 4 projecting radially from a brush body 3 for cleaning the plant growth container 1, a sprinkling body 11 provided near the rotating brush 4 or the rotating brush 4, and the container body 6 A container support 8 that supports the plant growth container 1 introduced in a state where the growing section 1b faces downward between the pair of upper and lower rotary brushes 4 from the introduction section 6a, and the lower rotating brush 4 Is provided below the container support 8, and a plurality of the upper and lower pair of rotating brushes 4 are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container 1, and the container support 8 is the plant growth container. 1 for supporting member 5 supporting 1 A plurality of support members 5 are provided in the transport direction of the physical growth container 1, each of the support members 5 is a plate member having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, and each of the support members 5 has the brush body of the lower rotary brush 4. 3 is formed, and the lower rotating brush 4 of the pair of upper and lower rotating brushes 4 is driven to rotate so that the brush body 3 is supported by the body support 8. The container 1 is configured to be engaged with the inside of the growing portion 1b of the container 1 and press the plant growing container 1 to convey the plant growing container 1, and further, of the pair of upper and lower rotary brushes 4 The upper rotating brush 4 is driven to rotate, and the brush body 3 is locked to the growing portion 1b of the plant growing container 1 supported by the container supporting body 8 to press the plant growing container 1 and press the plant growing container 1 It is configured to transport the plant growth container 1 Thus, the extension line L1 of the side edge constituting the window hole 5a of the support member 5 on the upstream side and the extension line L2 of the side edge constituting the window hole 5a of the support member 5 on the downstream side are collinear. The portion that is set in a positional relationship that does not become a shape and cannot be cleaned by one lower rotary brush 4 positioned upstream is cleaned by another lower rotary brush 4 positioned downstream of this one lower rotary brush 4 The present invention relates to a washing apparatus for a plant growth container, characterized in that it is configured to be able to do so.
[0008]
The plant growth container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the support member 5 is made of metal .
[0009]
The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the rotary brush 4 is provided so as to be rotatable forward and backward.
[0010]
The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the apparatus main body 6 is provided with a moving wheel 15.
[0011]
[Action and effect of the invention]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plant growth container 1 is conveyed by the rotation of the rotary brush 4, the rotary brush 4 abuts on the plant growth container 1, and the rotary brush 4 or the rotary brush 4 Cleaning is performed by watering with the watering body 11 provided in the vicinity.
[0012]
Since the brush body 3 related to the rotating brush 4 is at least long enough to reach the concave growing portion 1b, the brush body 3 is engaged with the concave growing portion 1b. Since it has the hardness which can convey this plant growth container 1 when it stops, this brush body 3 also becomes a conveyance mechanism which can convey the plant growth container 1 satisfactorily. There is no need to provide it, and the size and cost are reduced accordingly.
[0013]
Therefore, according to invention of Claim 1, since the conveyance of the plant growth container 1 is performed by rotation of the rotating brush 4, if there is the growth part 1b to which the brush body 3 is latched, it will convey reliably. is performed, therefore, the cleaning apparatus unprecedented breakthrough condition for plant growth, which can be cleaned and that the finely conveys the plant growth for receptor 1 will be performed reliably and efficiently.
[0014]
In the present invention, a plurality of upper and lower rotary brushes 4 are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container 1, so that the plant growth container 1 can be cleaned more quickly and neatly.
[0015]
Further, according to the present invention, by providing the support member 5 that supports the substrate 1a of the plant growth container 1, for example, even a soft material plant growth container 1 is deformed by the rotation of the rotary brush 4. In this case, the transport and cleaning of the support member 5 are performed well (stable), and the positional relationship between the support members 5 is the same as that of the plant growth container 1 supported by the support member 5. Since the part that cannot be cleaned by the rotary brush 4 is set so that it can be cleaned by another rotary brush 4 located downstream of the one rotary brush 4, the plant growth container 1 can be further carefully and You will be able to clean cleanly.
[0016]
In addition, the present invention employs the support member 5 made of a plate material having a predetermined length and a predetermined width as the support member 5 for supporting the plant growth container 1, so that the plant growth container 1 is reliably supported and the rotating brush is used. The window hole 5a through which the rotating brush 4 is exposed can be supported at a predetermined position of the plate member related to the support member 5 without being deformed by the rotation of the plate 4. By forming it, the number of parts that cannot be washed is reduced so that the washing function of the rotating brush 4 can be exhibited well, and the conveyance and washing by the rotating brush 4 can be performed with the plant growth container 1 securely supported. It will be.
[0017]
In addition, in the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect described in claim 1, the rotating brush 4 is provided only on one surface side of the plant growth container 1 to convey and wash the plant growth container 1. not carried out, a line constituting a conveying and cleaning condition for plant growth 1 by a pair of upper and lower rotary brushes 4 which are oppositely arranged at predetermined intervals, i.e., the brush body 3 of the rotary brush 4 above side mainly also serves the function of cleaning the back surface of the plant back surface of the base plate 1 a of growth for condition 1 and growing portion 1b as well as exhibits a function for conveying the receptor 1 for plant growth, whereas, the lower rotary brush with the brush body 3 of 4 serves the function of cleaning the interior surfaces及 beauty growing portion 1b of the base plate 1 a of the container body 1 for plant growth, also serves the function of transporting the plant growth for receptor 1, therefore, The substrate 1a on the front and back surfaces of the container growth container 1 and the growth The 1b internal and cleaning apparatus unprecedented breakthrough condition for plant growth, which may carry its back surface was washed and the plant growth for receptor 1 efficiently in.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment, which will be described below.
[0019]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a synthetic resin plant growth container (commonly referred to as a cell tray) in which concave growth parts 1b are arranged side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions on a substrate 1a, and 1b 'denotes an opening of the growth part 1b.
[0020]
A first embodiment will be described.
[0021]
The first embodiment transports the plant growth container 1 into the apparatus main body 6 provided with the container introduction part 6a and the container lead-out part 6b at both ends, and cleans the plant growth container 1 7 is a cleaning apparatus for a plant growth container 1 with a 7 inside.
[0022]
Hereinafter, each component according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0023]
The container transport cleaning unit 7 includes a rotating brush 4 installed inside the apparatus main body 6 and a container support 8 that supports the plant growth container 1 introduced from the container introduction unit 6a into the apparatus main body 6. ing.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rotating brush 4 is configured by radially projecting the brush body 3 on the peripheral surface of the shaft 2, and the four rotating brushes 4 are horizontally positioned above the apparatus body 6. The upper rotary brushes 4 are laid in parallel, and the lower rotary brushes 4 are installed one by one at a predetermined interval below the two upper rotary brushes 4 at the center of the upper rotary brushes 4. .
[0025]
The four upper rotary brushes 4 are connected to a drive motor 9 via a drive chain 10 so as to be rotatable, and the upper rotary brush 4 is rotated at a low speed so that the upper and lower rotary brushes 4 are mainly used. The plant growth container 1 introduced between the two is configured for the purpose of transporting the brush body 3 with the tip of the brush body 3 locked to the growth part 1b, while the two lower rotary brushes 4 are each driven. The lower rotating brush 4 is connected to a motor 16 via a driving belt 17 so as to freely rotate in the forward and reverse directions. By rotating at a high speed, the lower rotating brush 4 is mainly introduced between the upper and lower rotating brushes 4. The inside of 1 growing part 1b is comprised for the purpose of arranging the front-end | tip part of the brush body 3 in the growing part 1b, and washing | cleaning.
[0026]
Further, the brush body 3 of the upper rotating brush 4 has a length to be locked to the concave growing portion 1b, and conveys the plant growing container 1 when locked to the concave growing portion 1b. Therefore, it mainly exhibits the function of conveying the plant growth container 1 and also exhibits the function of cleaning the substrate 1a on the back surface of the plant growth container 1 and the back surface of the growth part 1b. On the other hand, the brush body 3 of the lower rotary brush 4 is set to have a length that can reach into the concave growing portion 1b (if the bottom rotating brush 1 reaches the bottom of the growing portion 1b, a better cleaning effect can be obtained). ), Which is mainly configured to exhibit the function of cleaning the inside of the substrate 1a and the growing part 1b on the surface of the plant growth container 1 and also to convey the plant growth container 1 . In addition, the rotational speed of the upper rotating brush 4 and the lower rotating brush 4, and the hardness and length of the brush body 3 are appropriately set to a hardness capable of achieving both transportation and cleaning of the plant growth container 1.
[0027]
Further, a total of two sprinkling bodies 11 connected directly to the water supply 20 via the water distribution pipes 21 in the vicinity of the rotary brush 4 on the container introduction part 6a side (upstream part side) of the apparatus main body 6 are provided. A water supply nozzle 19 is provided, and at the central position of the apparatus main body 6 and at a position near the rotary brush 4 on the container outlet 6b side (downstream side) of the apparatus main body 6, a water supply pipe 14a is connected to the pump device 14. A total of four high-pressure spray nozzles 18 serving as watering bodies 11 are provided. As the watering body 11, the watering body 11 (watering function) may be provided directly on the rotating brush 4, for example, the shaft 2 constituting the rotating brush 4 may have a watering function.
[0028]
The container support 8 includes a pair of left and right (a total of four) plate-like support members 5 disposed on the container introduction part 6a side and the container lead-out part 6b side in the apparatus main body 6, respectively. The left and right hanging pieces 5b are provided in a penetrating state, and are composed of six roller bodies 12 whose end portions are laid in parallel to the apparatus main body 6.
[0029]
The support member 5 is formed by forming an appropriate metal member into a U-shaped cross section having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, as shown in FIGS. A window hole 5a is formed at the position, and this window hole 5a supports a part of the lower rotating brush 4 when a pair of support members 5 are installed in the apparatus main body 6 in parallel. The upper surface of the member 5 is projected.
[0030]
Further, in this embodiment, the extension line L1 of the left and right rails 5a ′ constituting the window hole 5a of the upstream support member 5 and the window hole of the support member 5 on the downstream side, which are related to the container transport cleaning unit 7. The extension line L2 of the left and right bars 5a ′ constituting 5a is set to have a different positional relationship that is not on the same straight line in the length direction of the container transport unit. Accordingly, by being supported by the crosspiece 5a 'of the support member 5, the portion that cannot be cleaned by the lower rotary brush 4 on the upstream side can be cleaned by the lower rotary brush 4 on the downstream side.
[0031]
In the container transport washing unit 7 having the above configuration, when the plant growing container 1 is introduced between the rotating brushes 4 with the opening of the growing unit 1b facing downward, the rotating brush body 3 of the rotating brush 4 is a plant. The plant growth container 1 is brought into contact with the front and back surfaces of the growth part 1b according to the growth container 1, and the substrate 1a on the front and back surfaces of the plant growth container 1 and the inside and the back surface of the growth part 1b are support members 5. And it is cleaned while being conveyed while being supported by the roller body 12.
[0032]
Reference numeral 13 is a drain outlet, and 15 is a moving wheel of the apparatus body 6.
[0033]
Hereinafter, the washing | cleaning method of the container 1 for plant growth using this apparatus is demonstrated.
[0034]
First, when the plant growth container 1 is introduced into the apparatus main body 6 from the container introduction part 6 a with the opening of the growth part 1 b facing downward, the rotation of the upper and lower rotary brushes 4 on the upstream side of the container transport cleaning part 7 is rotated. In this way, the plant growth container 1 is transported and washed by being brought into contact with the plant growth container 1 with the upper and lower rotary brushes 4 while sprinkling water from the water supply nozzle 19, and subsequently the plant growth container 1 is transported to the downstream side of the container transport cleaning unit 7 while being washed away with high pressure water by the high pressure spray nozzle 18 at the center position of the apparatus main body 6, and high pressure is generated on the downstream side of the container transport cleaning unit 7. Washing is performed by contacting the plant growth container 1 with the upper and lower rotary brushes 4 while high-pressure jetting water from the jet nozzle 18. Under the present circumstances, the unwashed site | part of the plant growth container 1 which became impossible to wash | clean with the lower rotating brush 4 by the cross 5a 'of the support member 5 which was supporting the plant growth container 1 in the upstream part side is the downstream part side. The lower rotating brush 4 is used to clean the plant growth container 1 cleanly by rotating the rotating brush 4 reversely as necessary.
[0035]
Thereafter, the washed plant growth container 1 is led out from the container lead-out part 6 b of the apparatus main body 6.
[0036]
Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, since the plant growth container 1 is transported by the rotation of the rotating brush 4, if there is a growing portion 1b to which the brush body 3 is locked, it is reliably transported. is performed, therefore, be cleaned and that the finely conveys the plant growth for receptor 1 it will be performed reliably and efficiently.
[0037]
Further, in this embodiment, the rotating brush 4 is not provided only on one surface side of the plant growth container 1, and the plant growth container 1 is transported and washed, but is opposed to each other at a predetermined interval. The plant growth container 1 is transported and washed by a pair of upper and lower rotating brushes 4, and the brush body 3 of the upper rotating brush 4 has a length to be locked to the concave growing portion 1b, and Since it has a hardness capable of transporting the plant growth container 1 when locked to the concave growth section 1b, it mainly exhibits the function of transporting the plant growth container 1 and is used for the plant growth. The substrate 1a on the back surface of the container 1 and the back surface of the growing portion 1b are also cleaned. On the other hand, the brush body 3 of the lower rotating brush 4 is long enough to reach the concave growing portion 1b. Mainly cleaning the inside of the substrate 1a and the growth part 1b on the surface of the plant growth container 1 And also the function of conveying the plant growth container 1, thereby cleaning the substrate 1 a on the front and back surfaces of the plant growth container 1 and the inside and back of the growing part 1 b and The container 1 can be efficiently conveyed.
[0038]
Further, in this embodiment, since a plurality of the upper and lower pair of rotating brushes 4 are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container 1, the plant growth container 1 can be washed more quickly and neatly.
[0039]
Further, in this embodiment, by providing the support member 5 that supports the substrate 1a of the plant growth container 1, for example, even the soft material plant growth container 1 is deformed by the rotation of the rotary brush 4. There is nothing and good (stable) transport and cleaning are performed, and the positional relationship of each support member 5 is such that the plant growth container 1 is supported by the support member 5 so that Since the part which cannot be cleaned with the rotating brush 4 is set so that it can be cleaned with another rotating brush 4 located on the downstream side of the one rotating brush 4, the plant growth container 1 is more carefully treated. And it can be cleaned cleanly.
[0040]
Further, in this embodiment, since the support member 5 made of a plate material having a predetermined length and a predetermined width is used as the support member 5 for supporting the plant growth container 1, the plant growth container 1 is reliably supported and rotated. A window hole 5a through which the rotating brush 4 is exposed at a predetermined position of the plate member related to the support member 5 can be supported even better (stable) without being deformed by the rotation of the brush 4. As a result, the cleaning function of the rotating brush 4 can be exhibited satisfactorily by reducing the number of parts that cannot be cleaned, and the conveyance and cleaning by the rotating brush 4 can be performed with the plant growth container 1 securely supported. Will be done.
[0041]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0042]
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotating brushes 4 are all configured as a pair of upper and lower parts (compared to the first embodiment, the lower right side and the leftmost lower side in FIG. A brush 4 is provided.).
[0043]
Therefore, since the plant growth container 1 is sandwiched by the upper and lower rotary brushes 4 not only in the central part of the apparatus main body 6 but also in the container introduction part 6a side and the container lead-out part 6b side, the behavior such as fluttering occurs. This prevents the container growth container 1 from being transported and cleaned even better.
[0044]
The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic operation explanatory view showing a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic operation explanatory view showing a first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a main part according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic operation explanatory view showing a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
L1 extension line L2 extension line 1 plant growth container 1a substrate 1b growth part 1b 'opening 2 shaft 3 brush body 5a window hole 4 rotating brush 5 support member 6 apparatus body 6a container introduction part 8 container support
11 Sprinkler
15 Moving wheel

Claims

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a plant growth container configured by arranging a plurality of concave growth parts on a substrate, and cleaning the plant growth container on a shaft provided rotatably on the apparatus main body. A rotating brush with a radially projecting brush body, a sprinkling body provided in the vicinity of the rotating brush or the rotating brush, and the plant introduced with the growing part facing downward from a container introduction part of the apparatus body A container support for supporting the growth container , the rotating brush is provided below the container support, and a plurality of the rotating brushes are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growing container. The container support has a structure in which a plurality of support members for supporting the plant growth container are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container, and each of the support members is a plate material having a predetermined width with a predetermined length. , The support member In particular, a window hole for projecting the brush body of the rotating brush is formed, and the rotating brush is driven to rotate and the growth of the plant growth container in which the brush body is supported by the container support body. It is configured to lock the inside of the part and press the plant growth container to convey the plant growth container, and an extension line of a side edge constituting the window hole of the support member on the upstream side, The portion of the support member on the downstream side that is set to a positional relationship that is not collinear with the extended line of the side edge that constitutes the window hole, and the portion that cannot be cleaned with one rotating brush located on the upstream side, A cleaning device for a plant growth container, characterized in that it can be cleaned with another rotating brush located downstream of one rotating brush .

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a plant growth container configured by arranging a plurality of concave growth parts on a substrate, and cleaning the plant growth container on a shaft provided rotatably on the apparatus main body. A pair of upper and lower rotating brushes that project radially from a brush body, a sprinkling body provided near the rotating brush or the rotating brush, and the growth between the pair of upper and lower rotating brushes from a container introduction portion of the apparatus main body. A body support that supports the plant growth container introduced with the portion facing downward, the lower rotary brush is provided below the container support, and the pair of upper and lower rotary brushes are A plurality of the plant growth containers are provided in the conveying direction of the plant growth container, and the container support is a structure in which a plurality of support members for supporting the plant growth container are provided in the conveyance direction of the plant growth container, and the support Member husband Is a plate material having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, and each supporting member is formed with a window hole for projecting the brush body of the lower rotary brush, and the lower rotary brush of the pair of upper and lower rotary brushes. Is driven and rotated, and the brush body is locked to the inside of the growing part of the plant growing container supported by the container supporting body, and presses the plant growing container to convey the plant growing container. Further, the upper rotating brush of the pair of upper and lower rotating brushes is driven and rotated so that the brush body is locked to the growing portion of the plant growing container supported by the container supporting body. The plant growth container is configured to press the plant growth container to convey the plant growth container, and an extension line of a side edge constituting the window hole of the upstream support member, and the downstream support member Of side edges constituting the window hole Is set in a positional relationship that does not become the same straight line, and the part that cannot be cleaned with one lower rotary brush located upstream is replaced with another lower rotary brush located downstream of this one lower rotary brush. An apparatus for cleaning a plant growth container, characterized in that it is configured to be cleaned.

The plant growth container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the support member is made of metal.

The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the rotating brush is provided so as to be rotatable forward and backward.

In the cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, cleaning apparatus characterized by transport wheel is provided in the apparatus main body.