JP3044127B2 - Nursery box stacking device - Google Patents

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、播種後や洗浄後の育苗
箱を自動的に所定段数積重ねる装置の改良技術に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved technique for automatically stacking a predetermined number of seedling boxes after sowing or washing.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、この種の育苗箱積重ね装置として
は、特開昭６１‐２２７７１４号公報で示されたものが
知られている。これは、搬送されたきた育苗箱をエアー
シリンダで押上げることで下方から順次積上げていく手
段であり、押上げられた育苗箱をその押上げ位置におい
て保持する支持機構がコンベヤの上方位置に配設してあ
る。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a seedling box stacking device of this kind, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-227714 is known. This is a means for successively stacking the conveyed seedling raising boxes from below by pushing them up with an air cylinder, and a support mechanism for holding the pushed seedling raising boxes at the pushing up position is arranged above the conveyor. It is set up.

【０００３】[0003]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記の育苗箱積重ね装
置、すなわち、リフト機構の押上げによって下層から育
苗箱を積上げる手段では、積上げられた育苗箱を一旦空
中で受止めて保持するとともに、次に持上げられてきた
育苗箱が積層育苗箱の最下端に接当して全体を押上げる
作動中には育苗箱の保持を解除させ、所定高さまで押上
げ育苗箱が押上げされた時点で再び新たに最下端となっ
た育苗箱を受止めて保持するという動作を繰返すように
なる。ところが、前記従来技術では、育苗箱を把持する
こと、すなわち、育苗箱を掴んで持つ状態で保持するこ
とで支持機構における育苗箱の受止め保持機能を現出さ
せていたため、押上げられてきた育苗箱と積層最下端の
育苗箱とが接当する寸前での該積層最下端の育苗箱の保
持解除作動や、押上げによって所定高さに達した育苗箱
の保持再開作動の設定が難しくなり、育苗箱の掴み及び
掴み解除作動に要する時間設定と相まっての作動タイミ
ングのズレによる種々の不具合が発生するおそれがあ
る。つまり、保持解除作動が設定状態よりも早く行われ
ると積層育苗箱の落下ショックが大となって積層状態が
乱れ、遅く行われると保持状態の育苗箱に無理な押上げ
力が作用して支持機構が損傷するとか、保持再開作動が
設定状態よりも早く行われると保持状態の育苗箱に無理
な押上げ力が作用して支持機構が損傷し、遅く行われる
と積層育苗箱の保持高さが設定高さよりも低くなって次
回の積上げが乱れるといった具合に、連続する積上げ作
動が非常に不安定となり易いものであり、改善の余地が
残されていた。本発明の目的は、下層から積上げる形式
の育苗箱積重ね装置の工夫により、その積上げ作動が安
定して良好に行われるようにさせる点にある。In the above-mentioned seedling box stacking apparatus, that is, means for stacking seedling boxes from the lower layer by pushing up the lift mechanism, the stacked seedling boxes are once received and held in the air, Next, during the operation in which the raised seedling box is brought into contact with the lowermost end of the laminated seedling box and pushes up the whole, the holding of the seedling box is released, and when the seedling box is pushed up to a predetermined height, the seedling box is pushed up. The operation of receiving and holding the seedling box at the lowermost position again is repeated. However, in the prior art, the seedling raising box was grasped, that is, the receiving and holding function of the seedling raising box in the support mechanism was revealed by holding and holding the nursery box in a holding state. It is difficult to set the release operation for holding the seedling box at the lowermost end of the stack or the restarting operation for holding the seedling box that has reached the predetermined height by pushing up just before the seedling box and the seedling box at the lowermost end of the stacking contact. In addition, there is a possibility that various problems may occur due to a shift in the operation timing coupled with the time setting required for the holding and releasing operations of the nursery box. In other words, if the holding release operation is performed earlier than the set state, the falling shock of the stacked seedling box will be large and the stacked state will be disturbed, and if the holding release operation is performed late, an excessive push-up force will act on the held seedling box to support it. If the mechanism is damaged or if the holding restart operation is performed earlier than the set state, an excessive lifting force will act on the nursery box in the holding state and the support mechanism will be damaged, and if it is performed late, the holding height of the laminated seedling box However, when the next stacking operation is disturbed due to being lower than the set height, continuous stacking operation tends to be extremely unstable, and there is room for improvement. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to stably and satisfactorily perform the stacking operation by devising a seedling box stacking device of a type of stacking from the lower layer.

【０００４】[0004]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的の達成のために
本発明は、所定位置に搬送されてきた重積み自在な育苗
箱を一定量上方に押上げるリフト機構と、このリフト機
構によって押上げられた育苗箱をその押上げられた位置
で保持する支持機構とを備え、この支持機構を、育苗箱
の相対向する側壁部分夫々に形成された載置部に対して
出退自在な係合片と、これら係合片を同時に突出及び退
避移動させる駆動手段とから構成し、係合片が突出した
姿勢にあるとこれら突出係合片に載置部を介して育苗箱
を載付け支持可能であり、かつ、係合片が退入した姿勢
にあると育苗箱の下方移動を許容する状態に係合片の出
退移動量を設定し、かつ、リフト機構で押上げられる上
昇育苗箱の上面が、係合片に載付け支持された載置育苗
箱の下面に接当してこの載置育苗箱を若干量上昇させた
第１所定高さ位置に達すると、リフト機構の上昇作動が
停止するとともに係合片を退避移動させ、係合片の退避
移動後にリフト機構を再作動させて第１所定高さ位置に
ある上昇育苗箱を押上げて、基準状態から一定量押上げ
た第２所定高さ位置に達すると、リフト機構の上昇作動
が停止するとともに退避姿勢にある係合片を突出移動し
て該上昇育苗箱が支持機構に載付け支持され、係合片の
突出移動後にリフト機構を下降させて元の基準状態に戻
すように、上昇育苗箱の高さ位置を検出する検出手段と
駆動手段とリフト機構とを連係させる制御手段、及びこ
の制御手段に、リフト機構の下降作動終了近傍での下降
速度を漸減させる漸減手段を夫々備え、リフト機構を、
育苗箱を載置する上下移動自在な昇降台と、この昇降台
に備えた接触部に作用して昇降台を上昇及び下降移動さ
せる回転カムとから構成し、漸減手段を、回転カムの回
転中心と接触部との間隔が回転カムの単位回転角度当た
りに減少する値を漸減させる漸減部分を、回転カムに形
成して構成し、前記育苗箱を前記基準状態から前記第１
所定高さ位置にまで押上げるに要する回転カムの回転角
度範囲内での平均上昇率を、前記第１押上げ高さ位置か
ら前記第２所定高さ位置にまで押上げるに要する回転角
度範囲内での平均上昇率よりも大きく設定してあること
を特徴とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a lift mechanism for lifting a stackable seedling box, which has been transported to a predetermined position, upward by a predetermined amount, and a lift mechanism for lifting the seedling box by a certain amount. And a support mechanism for holding the raised seedling box in its pushed-up position. The support mechanism is configured to engage with the mounting portions formed on each of the opposed side wall portions of the seedling box so as to be able to move back and forth. And a driving means for simultaneously projecting and retreating the engaging pieces. When the engaging pieces are in the protruding position, the seedling raising box can be placed and supported on the projecting engaging pieces via the mounting portion. And, when the engaging piece is in the retracted position, the moving amount of the engaging piece is set so as to allow downward movement of the seedling box, and the raising seedling box is pushed up by the lift mechanism. The upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the placement seedling raising box placed and supported on the engagement piece. When the placement nursery box reaches a first predetermined height position slightly raised, the lifting operation of the lift mechanism is stopped and the engaging piece is retracted, and after the engaging piece is retracted, the lift mechanism is reactivated. When the raised seedling box at the first predetermined height position is pushed up and reaches the second predetermined height position which is pushed up by a certain amount from the reference state, the lifting operation of the lift mechanism is stopped and the worker in the evacuation position is stopped. The raised seedling box is protruded and moved, and the raised seedling box is placed and supported on the support mechanism. After the engaging piece is protruded and moved, the height of the raised seedling box is lowered so that the lift mechanism is lowered to return to the original reference state. Control means for linking the detecting means, the driving means, and the lift mechanism for detecting, and the control means, each provided with a gradually decreasing means for gradually decreasing the descent speed near the end of the descent operation of the lift mechanism, respectively,
It comprises a vertically movable platform on which a seedling box is placed, and a rotary cam that acts on a contact portion provided on the vertical platform to raise and lower the vertical platform, and gradually reduces the rotation center of the rotary cam. A gradually decreasing portion for gradually decreasing a value of the distance between the contact portion and the rotation angle per unit rotation angle of the rotating cam is formed on the rotating cam, and the seedling raising box is moved from the reference state to the first position.
The average rise rate in the rotation angle range of the rotary cam required to push up to the predetermined height position is within the rotation angle range required to push up from the first push height position to the second predetermined height position. It is characterized in that it is set to be larger than the average rate of rise in.

【０００５】[0005]

【作用】本発明では、支持機構を、育苗箱の相対向する
側壁部分夫々に形成された載置部に対して出退自在な係
合片と、これら係合片を同時に突出及び退避移動させる
駆動手段とから構成、すなわち、単に育苗箱を係合片に
載せ付ける手段によって育苗箱の受止め保持機能を現出
させてあるので、従来の把持手段に比べて次のような作
動上の利点がある。 押上げ育苗箱が積層育苗箱最下
端のものに接当する時点で係合片が突出したままであっ
ても、突出係合片と積層育苗箱最下端のものとに無理な
力が作用すること、及び干渉することなく育苗箱全体の
若干の押上げ移動が可能である。 の作用により、
係合片と育苗箱の載置作動時期が設定の状態より多少ズ
レても正常な積重ね作動が行われることにより、積層育
苗箱の落下ショックが大となることが防止される。
押上げ育苗箱が積層育苗箱最下端のものに接当した直後
の係合片の退避移動時期が多少ズレても、又、押上げ育
苗箱が新たな積層育苗箱最下端のものになった後に係合
片を退避移動させる時期が多少遅れても、載置手段故に
掴み損ねによって育苗箱が落下するとか支持機構が破損
する等の不都合なく良好に作動するようになる。 係
合片は単に出退移動する単純な動きで良いから、育苗箱
との干渉を避けながら掴み作動させる複雑な動きが要求
される従来技術に比べて、より正確な作動状態や構造の
簡略化が実現できるようになる。 リフト機構の下降
作動終了近傍での下降速度を漸減させる漸減機能を制御
手段に備えてあるので、リフト機構が元の位置に戻る手
前で減速されることになり、一定の速度で下降してきて
停止する場合に比べて慣性が抑えられた状態で停止する
ようになる。これにより、所定段数積まれた育苗箱の下
降時における停止ショックの発生が抑制され、育苗箱の
積層状態が乱れたり箱内の土や種が所定以外の所に移動
するといったことなく、良好な播種状態を維持しながら
育苗箱の積重ねを行うことが可能になる。 回転カム
の回転によって昇降台を昇降移動させる構造のリフト機
構として、その回転カムに漸減部分を形成する比較的構
造簡単な機械的手段により、作用による良好な育苗箱
群の下降挙動が得られるようになる。 育苗箱が、基
準状態から第１所定高さ位置にまで押上げるに要する回
転カムの回転角度範囲内での平均上昇率を、前記第１押
上げ高さ位置から前記第２所定高さ位置にまで押上げる
に要する回転角度範囲内での平均上昇率よりも大きく設
定してあるので、搬送されてきた１個の育苗箱を押上げ
る状態が上昇の大部分を占めるときには、重さが軽いの
で迅速に上昇させるのが能率上好ましいことと、積重ね
られた全育苗箱が上昇するときには、重さが重くなるこ
と、及びバランスを崩すことなく押上げる必要があるこ
とから緩速で上昇させるのが好都合であることとの双方
に適合した状態を現出することができる。According to the present invention, the support mechanism is provided with engaging pieces that can move out and retreat from the mounting portions formed on the opposing side wall portions of the seedling raising box, and these engaging pieces are simultaneously projected and retracted. Since the function of receiving and holding the seedling box is made to appear by means of simply putting the seedling box on the engagement piece, the following operational advantages as compared with the conventional gripping means. There is. Even if the engaging piece remains protruding when the push-up raising seedling box contacts the lowermost one of the stacked seedling raising box, an excessive force acts on the projecting engaging piece and the lowermost one of the stacked seedling raising box. In addition, it is possible to slightly move up the seedling box without interference. By the action of
Even if the mounting operation timing of the engagement piece and the seedling raising box is slightly shifted from the set state, the normal stacking operation is performed, thereby preventing a large drop shock of the laminated seedling raising box.
Even if the retraction movement time of the engaging piece immediately after the push-up raising seedling box came into contact with the lowermost one of the stacked seedling raising box, the push-up raising seedling box became a new bottommost raising seedling box. Even if the timing for retracting and moving the engaging piece later is somewhat delayed, the operation can be performed satisfactorily without inconvenience such as the seedling box dropping or the support mechanism being damaged due to failure to grasp due to the mounting means. Since the engaging piece simply needs to move in and out, it is more accurate than in the prior art, which requires a complicated movement of grasping and operating while avoiding interference with the nursery box. Can be realized. The control means has a gradual decrease function to gradually decrease the descent speed near the end of the descent operation of the lift mechanism, so that the lift mechanism is decelerated before returning to the original position, descends at a constant speed and stops As a result, the vehicle stops in a state where the inertia is suppressed. Thereby, the occurrence of a stop shock at the time of lowering of the seedling boxes stacked in the predetermined number of stages is suppressed, and the seedling boxes are not disturbed in the stacking state or the soil or seeds in the box are moved to a place other than the predetermined, good It is possible to stack seedling boxes while maintaining the sowing state. As a lift mechanism with a structure that moves the elevating table up and down by the rotation of the rotating cam, a relatively simple mechanical means that forms a gradually decreasing portion on the rotating cam can obtain a good descent behavior of the seedling raising group by action. become. The seedling raising box moves the average rise rate within the rotation angle range of the rotating cam required to push up from the reference state to the first predetermined height position from the first push height position to the second predetermined height position. It is set higher than the average rise rate within the rotation angle range required to push up, so when pushing up one conveyed nursery box occupies most of the rise, the weight is light. It is preferable to raise it quickly because efficiency is good, and when all the seedling boxes stacked are raised, it is necessary to raise them slowly because the weight becomes heavy and it is necessary to push up without breaking the balance. A state that is compatible with both convenience and convenience can be revealed.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明の効果】従って、請求項１に記載の育苗箱積重ね
装置では、支持機構での育苗箱の受止め支持機能を、リ
フト機構との正確な連係作動が要求される把持手段か
ら、リフト機構との連係作動に要求される時間的な制約
の緩い載置手段に変更させる改良により、作動不良や機
構類の損傷なく高能率で確実・円滑に積重ね作動でき
て、積重ねられた育苗箱群の良好な播種状態を悪化させ
ることなく積重ね作動を行えるものを、比較的構造簡単
としながら提供することができた。Therefore, in the seedling box stacking device according to the first aspect, the receiving and supporting function of the seedling box in the support mechanism is changed from the gripping means which requires an accurate linkage operation with the lift mechanism to the lift mechanism. With the improvement to change to the mounting means with less time constraints required for the linked operation, the stacking operation can be performed reliably and smoothly with high efficiency without malfunctions and damage to the mechanisms, and the What could perform a stacking operation without deteriorating a good seeding state could be provided with relatively simple structure.

【０００７】[0007]

【実施例】以下に、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説
明する。図１に育苗プラント等で播種処理された後の育
苗箱１を所定段数（３０枚）積層する育苗箱積重ね装置
の全体図が示され、２は育苗箱１の搬送コンベヤ、３は
育苗箱１を押上げて下方から順次積上げる積層装置、４
は積層された育苗箱群１Ａを載せて発芽室等の後工程に
運搬するための台車である。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a seedling box stacking apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of seedling boxes 1 (30 sheets) after sowing in a seedling plant or the like. Stacking device that pushes up and sequentially stacks from below
Is a cart for carrying the stacked seedling box group 1A and transporting it to a post-process such as a germination room.

【０００８】図４、図５に示すように、搬送コンベヤ２
は、育苗箱搬送方向上手側から第１〜第４搬送部２ａ，
２ｂ，２ｃ，２ｄの各搬送部から成り、夫々専用の電動
モータ５及び多数の回転ローラ６から構成されて独立駆
動できるようにしてある。搬送コンベヤ２は、第１〜第
３搬送部２ａ，２ｂ，２ｃが同じ駆動構造を採り、その
構造を第２搬送部２ｂのもので説明すると、図８に示す
ように、３個のコロ６ａを支持軸７に取付けて成るロー
ラユニット６どうしをチェン連動機構８で連動させると
ともに、そのうちの１個の支持軸７のチェン連動機構８
の反対側端に設けた入力スプロケット９と電動モータ５
とをチェン連動させてある。[0008] As shown in FIGS.
Are the first to fourth transport units 2a,
The transport units 2b, 2c, and 2d are each composed of a dedicated electric motor 5 and a large number of rotating rollers 6, and can be driven independently. In the conveyor 2, the first to third conveyors 2a, 2b, and 2c have the same drive structure. The structure of the conveyor 2 will be described with reference to the second conveyor 2b. Are linked to each other by a chain interlocking mechanism 8, and the chain interlocking mechanism 8 of one of the support shafts 7 is attached to the roller unit 6.
Input sprocket 9 and electric motor 5
Is linked to the chain.

【０００９】図５、図６に示すように、第４搬送部２ｄ
は、一対のレール３４，３４で搬送方向に直交する方向
に移動自在なスライド台３６に、電動モータ５とローラ
ユニット６とで成る第１〜第３搬送部と同構造の駆動部
分を備えて構成され、スライド台自身の前後移動及びロ
ーラユニット６による左右への移動によって台車４に育
苗箱群１Ａを積み込むように機能する。台車４は、３０
段に積層された育苗箱群１Ａを前後左右に計４組積載し
て運搬するものであり、第４搬送部２ｄの積み込み作用
によって育苗箱搬送方向下手側の奥から順に育苗箱群１
Ａを詰め込み、それから発芽室へ運搬して行く。As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fourth transport unit 2d
Is provided with a drive unit having the same structure as the first to third transfer units including the electric motor 5 and the roller unit 6 on a slide base 36 movable in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction by a pair of rails 34, 34. It functions so as to load the nursery box group 1A on the cart 4 by moving the slide table itself back and forth and moving the roller unit 6 right and left. The cart 4 is 30
A total of four sets of seedling box groups 1A stacked in a row are transported in the front-rear and left-right directions, and are transported by the loading operation of the fourth transport unit 2d.
A is packed and then transported to the germination chamber.

【００１０】図１３に示すように、育苗箱１は樹脂成形
品であり、底面１ａが搬送コンベヤ２のローラユニット
６に載る移送面になるとともに、複数の補強リブ１ｂが
施された持ち運び用の載置部１ｃが側壁の前後端夫々に
形成してある。側壁の補強リブ１ｂの下端縁を底面１ａ
よりも若干上方に位置させてある構造により、上下の重
合部分を有した状態で育苗箱１を積層自在な形状に形成
してある。As shown in FIG. 13, the seedling raising box 1 is a resin molded product, the bottom surface 1a of which serves as a transfer surface on which the roller unit 6 of the conveyor 2 is placed, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 1b for carrying. A mounting portion 1c is formed at each of the front and rear ends of the side wall. The bottom edge of the reinforcing rib 1b on the side wall is
The seedling raising box 1 is formed in a freely stackable shape with the upper and lower overlapping portions by a structure positioned slightly above the seedling raising box.

【００１１】次に、積層装置３の構造について説明す
る。図３、図４、及び図７に示すように、積層装置３
は、所定位置に搬送されてきた育苗箱１を一定量上方に
押上げるリフト機構１０と、このリフト機構１０によっ
て押上げられた育苗箱１をその押上げられた位置で保持
する支持機構１１とから構成されている。Next, the structure of the laminating apparatus 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG.
A lift mechanism 10 for pushing up the seedling box 1 conveyed to a predetermined position upward by a predetermined amount, and a support mechanism 11 for holding the seedling box 1 pushed up by the lift mechanism 10 at the pushed up position. It is composed of

【００１２】支持機構１１は、電動シリンダ（駆動手段
に相当）１３による水平方向のスライド移動により育苗
箱１の左右側壁の載置部１ｃに対して同時に出退自在な
一対の長尺形状の係合片１２（図１３参照）で構成（揺
動移動により出退自在な係合片１２でも良い）され、係
合片１２が育苗箱１側に突出した受止め姿勢（図７の状
態）にあるとこれら突出係合片１２に載置部１ｃを載せ
付けるることで育苗箱１を載付け支持可能であり、か
つ、係合片１２が外方に移動して退入した非作用姿勢に
あると育苗箱１の上下方向の移動を許容する状態に係合
片１２の出退移動量を設定してある。電動モータ１４と
ネジ送り機構１５とで構成される電動シリンダ１３に代
えて油圧シリンダやソレノイドを用いるものでも良い。The support mechanism 11 has a pair of elongated members which can simultaneously move back and forth with respect to the mounting portions 1c on the left and right side walls of the seedling raising box 1 by horizontal sliding movement by an electric cylinder (corresponding to a driving means) 13. The engaging piece 12 (see FIG. 13) may be configured (the engaging piece 12 may be retractable by swinging movement), and the engaging piece 12 is brought into the receiving posture (the state of FIG. 7) protruding toward the seedling raising box 1 side. If so, the placement section 1c is placed on these protruding engagement pieces 12 so that the seedling raising box 1 can be placed and supported, and the engagement pieces 12 move outward and retreat to a non-operation position. If so, the amount of movement of the engagement piece 12 is set so as to allow the raising and lowering of the seedling box 1 in the vertical direction. Instead of the electric cylinder 13 composed of the electric motor 14 and the screw feed mechanism 15, a hydraulic cylinder or a solenoid may be used.

【００１３】リフト機構１０は、３個の作用突起１７
（図３中における最右端のものは次の育苗箱の進行を阻
止するストッパである）を取付けた昇降台１８とこの昇
降台１８を昇降操作する回転カム１９とギヤードモータ
２０とで構成されている。作用突起１７はローラユニッ
ト６間に配置され、昇降台１８の中央部分に回転カム１
９に追従接触するベアリング２１が支承されるととも
に、昇降台１８の前後には昇降移動軌跡を決定するガイ
ド機構２２が備えてある。The lift mechanism 10 has three working projections 17.
(The rightmost one in FIG. 3 is a stopper that prevents the next seedling raising box from moving forward.) It is composed of an elevating table 18, a rotating cam 19 for elevating the elevating table 18, and a geared motor 20. I have. The operation projection 17 is disposed between the roller units 6, and the rotation cam 1
A bearing 21 that follows and contacts the bearing 9 is supported, and a guide mechanism 22 that determines an elevating movement locus is provided before and after the elevating table 18.

【００１４】ガイド機構２２は、図９に示すように、コ
ンベヤフレーム２３に支持される筒軸２４に昇降台１８
に取付けられたガイド軸２５を内嵌し、ガイド軸２５下
端の受け板２５ａとコンベヤフレーム２３側との間に圧
縮バネ２６を介装して構成されている。つまり、昇降台
１８は前後のバネ２６，２６によって下降付勢されるこ
とでベアリング２１が回転カム１９に追従するようにし
てある。尚、１８ａはローラ６との干渉を避ける逃げ孔
である。As shown in FIG. 9, a guide mechanism 22 is provided on a cylindrical shaft 24 supported by a conveyor frame 23.
, And a compression spring 26 is interposed between the receiving plate 25a at the lower end of the guide shaft 25 and the conveyor frame 23 side. That is, the lifting table 18 is urged downward by the front and rear springs 26, 26 so that the bearing 21 follows the rotating cam 19. Reference numeral 18a denotes an escape hole for avoiding interference with the roller 6.

【００１５】回転カム１９には、複数の検出片Ｋ１〜Ｋ
５がボルト止めしてあるとともに、コンベヤフレーム２
３には前記検出片Ｋ１〜Ｋ５の通過によって作動するセ
ンサ（光学式センサ等）２７が取付けてあり、その検出
センサ２７とギヤードモータ２０と第１乃至第３搬送部
２ａ，２ｂ，２ｃの計３個の電動モータ５と一対の電動
シリンダ１３と後述する感知センサ２９、ソレノイド３
０、リミットスイッチ３１、及び接触スイッチ３３とを
制御装置２８に接続して図２に示す自動積層制御回路Ａ
が構成してある。The rotating cam 19 has a plurality of detecting pieces K1 to K
5 is bolted and the conveyor frame 2
A sensor (optical sensor or the like) 27 that is activated by the passage of the detection pieces K1 to K5 is attached to 3, and the detection sensor 27, the geared motor 20, and the total of the first to third transport units 2a, 2b, 2c. Three electric motors 5, a pair of electric cylinders 13, a sensing sensor 29 described later, and a solenoid 3
0, the limit switch 31, and the contact switch 33 to the control device 28 to connect the automatic lamination control circuit A shown in FIG.
Is configured.

【００１６】又、図１４に示すように、検出センサ２７
が第２検出片Ｋ２と第３検出片Ｋ３との間に存在すると
きには回転中心Ｘに対して回転カム１９の半径が等しく
なる第１等半径部Ｒ１と、検出センサ２７が第４検出片
Ｋ４と第５検出片Ｋ５との間に存在するときには回転中
心Ｘに対して回転カム１９の半径が等しくなる第２等半
径部Ｒ２と、回転中心Ｘとベアリング２１との間隔の回
転カム１９の単位回転角度当たりの減少値が漸減する漸
減部分（漸減手段の一例）Ｒｄとを、回転カム１９に形
成してある。Further, as shown in FIG.
Is present between the second detection piece K2 and the third detection piece K3, the first constant radius portion R1 where the radius of the rotary cam 19 is equal to the rotation center X, and the detection sensor 27 is connected to the fourth detection piece K4. A second equal radius portion R2 in which the radius of the rotary cam 19 is equal to the rotational center X when the rotary cam 19 is present between the rotational center X and the fifth detecting piece K5; A gradually decreasing portion (an example of a gradually decreasing means) Rd in which the decreasing value per rotation angle gradually decreases is formed in the rotating cam 19.

【００１７】次に、積層装置３の作用を説明する。図９
に示すように、第２搬送部２ｂの終端にはソレノイド３
０の伸縮によって左右軸心Ｐ周りで揺動移動自在なアー
ム３５の先端に接触式の育苗箱感知センサ２９が設けて
あり、搬送育苗箱１が感知センサ２９に接当すると第２
搬送部１ｂの電動モータ５が停止するとともに、ギヤー
ドモータ２０が起動されて回転カム１９が回転し始め
る。Next, the operation of the laminating apparatus 3 will be described. FIG.
As shown in the figure, a solenoid 3 is provided at the end of the second transport section 2b.
A contact-type nursery box detection sensor 29 is provided at the tip of an arm 35 that can freely swing around the left and right axis P by expansion and contraction of 0.
The electric motor 5 of the transport unit 1b stops, and the geared motor 20 is started, and the rotating cam 19 starts rotating.

【００１８】そして、育苗箱１がローラユニット６上に
位置している状態（昇降台１８は最も下降した状態）で
ある基準状態から、0.14秒かかって育苗箱１が第１所定
高さ位置Ｈ１に上昇すると第２検出片Ｋ２によって検出
センサ２７が作動し（図１０の状態）、それによって電
動シリンダ１３が作動して左右の係合片１２が受止め姿
勢から非作用姿勢に0.12秒かかって移動するとともに、
第２検出片Ｋ２の４検出から第３検出片Ｋ３を検出する
までの0.17秒間はベアリング２１が回転カム１９の接触
半径一定の第１等半径部Ｒ１上にあり、育苗箱１は第１
所定高さ位置Ｈ１で暫くの間維持される。第１所定高さ
は押上げ育苗箱１が上側の育苗箱１の下端に接当する高
さ（12.5mm）よりも少し高い値（14.5mm）に設定してあ
る。Then, it takes 0.14 seconds from the reference state in which the seedling raising box 1 is located on the roller unit 6 (the lifting table 18 is at the lowest position), and the seedling raising box 1 is moved to the first predetermined height position H1. 10, the detection sensor 27 is activated by the second detection piece K2 (the state shown in FIG. 10), whereby the electric cylinder 13 is activated and the left and right engagement pieces 12 take 0.12 seconds from the receiving position to the non-operation position. As you move,
For 0.17 seconds from the 4th detection of the second detection piece K2 to the detection of the third detection piece K3, the bearing 21 is on the first constant radius portion R1 having a constant contact radius of the rotating cam 19, and the seedling raising box 1 is in the first position.
It is maintained at the predetermined height position H1 for a while. The first predetermined height is set to a value (14.5 mm) slightly higher than the height (12.5 mm) at which the push-up seedling raising box 1 contacts the lower end of the upper seedling raising box 1.

【００１９】第３検出片Ｋ３によって検出センサ２７が
作動すると、電動シリンダ１３が停止されるとともに回
転カム１９によって再び昇降台１８の上昇が始まり、0.
42秒かかって第４検出片Ｋ４が検出センサ２７に到達す
る（図１１の状態）と昇降台１８が上昇して上限である
第２所定高さ（50mm）位置Ｈ２に達するとともに電動シ
リンダ１３が作動して係合片１２が非作用姿勢から受止
め姿勢に0.12秒かかって移動し、更に、第５検出片Ｋ５
を検出するまでの0.16秒間はベアリング２１が回転カム
１９の接触半径一定の第２等半径部Ｒ２上にあり、育苗
箱１は第２所定高さ位置Ｈ２で暫くの維持される。When the detection sensor 27 is actuated by the third detection piece K3, the electric cylinder 13 is stopped and the lift 18 is started to move up again by the rotary cam 19, and the rotation of the electric cylinder 13 is started.
When it takes 42 seconds for the fourth detection piece K4 to reach the detection sensor 27 (the state shown in FIG. 11), the lift 18 rises to reach the second predetermined height (50 mm) position H2, which is the upper limit, and the electric cylinder 13 is moved. When actuated, the engaging piece 12 moves from the non-operating position to the receiving position in 0.12 seconds, and further, the fifth detecting piece K5
The bearing 21 is on the second constant-radius portion R2 having a constant contact radius of the rotating cam 19 for 0.16 seconds until the detection is made, and the seedling raising box 1 is maintained at the second predetermined height position H2 for a while.

【００２０】第５検出片Ｋ５によって検出センサ２７が
作動すると、電動シリンダ１３が停止されるとともに回
転カム１９によって昇降台１８の下降が始まる状態にな
る。そして、0.71秒かかって第１検出片Ｋ１が検出セン
サ２７部位に達する元の状態（図９の状態）に戻ると昇
降台１８も元の高さである基準位置に下降し、かつ、ギ
ヤードモータ２０が停止し、次に来る育苗箱１によって
感知センサ２９が作動するまでギヤードモータ２０の停
止状態が維持される。When the detection sensor 27 is actuated by the fifth detection piece K5, the electric cylinder 13 is stopped, and the rotating cam 19 causes the elevating table 18 to start lowering. When the first detection piece K1 returns to the original state (the state shown in FIG. 9) reaching the detection sensor 27 in 0.71 seconds, the lift 18 also lowers to the reference position at the original height, and the geared motor 20 stops, and the stopped state of the geared motor 20 is maintained until the sensing sensor 29 is activated by the next nursery box 1.

【００２１】そして、昇降台１８が元の高さ位置である
基準状態に戻る手前では、回転カム１９に形成された漸
減部分Ｒｄによる漸減機能により、昇降台１８の下降作
動終了近傍での下降速度が漸減するようになり、慣性に
よるショックを伴うことなく停止できるようになる。
又、第２搬送部２ｂの電動モータ５は感知センサ２９が
作動してから第５検出片Ｋ５が検出センサ２７部位に達
するまでは停止され、それ以外の間は駆動されるのであ
る。Before the platform 18 returns to the reference state at the original height position, the descending function by the gradually decreasing portion Rd formed on the rotary cam 19 causes the descending speed near the end of the descending operation of the platform 18 to be completed. Gradually decreases, and the vehicle can be stopped without a shock due to inertia.
The electric motor 5 of the second transport section 2b is stopped until the fifth detection piece K5 reaches the detection sensor 27 after the detection sensor 29 is activated, and is driven during other times.

【００２２】以上の１サイクル1.60秒の積上げ作動が繰
返されることで３０段積重ねられると、最上段の育苗箱
１によって積層フレーム３２に装備した接触スイッチ３
３（図３参照）が操作され、ギヤードモータ２０を駆動
して昇降台１８が第１所定高さに上昇し、係合片１２が
非作用姿勢に操作され、かつ、ソレノイド３０が縮小移
動してアーム３５が下降移動し、一旦育苗箱群１Ａが昇
降台１８に載せられ、次いで、昇降台１８が下降して育
苗箱群１Ａは第２〜第４搬送部２ｂ，２ｃ，２ｄによっ
て台車４に搬送されて行くのである。When the stacking operation for one cycle of 1.60 seconds is repeated to stack 30 stages, the contact switch 3 mounted on the stacking frame 32 by the seedling raising box 1 at the uppermost stage.
3 (see FIG. 3) is operated, the geared motor 20 is driven to raise the elevator 18 to the first predetermined height, the engaging piece 12 is operated to the non-operating posture, and the solenoid 30 is reduced and moved. The arm 35 is moved downward, and the seedling box group 1A is once placed on the elevating platform 18, and then the elevating platform 18 is lowered, and the nursery box group 1A is moved by the second to fourth transport units 2b, 2c, 2d. It is transported to.

【００２３】図３、図４に示すように、第３搬送部２ｃ
部位には育苗箱１の通過を検出するリミットスイッチ３
１が設けてあり、育苗箱群１Ａの通過に伴うリミットス
イッチ３１の作動によってソイレノイド３０が伸長作動
し、育苗箱１の搬送を阻止する状態に戻る。参考に、上
記１サイクルの作動順序系統グラフを図１５に、かつ、
リフト機構１０の昇降軌跡グラフを図１６に表してお
く。尚、図１６において、第１及び第２所定高さ位置Ｈ
１，Ｈ２夫々の直前及び直後と下降作動終了間際での曲
線は、慣性によるショックを和らげるべくリフト機構１
０の昇降速度を漸減又は漸増制御することに因るもので
ある。As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the third transport section 2c
A limit switch 3 that detects passage of the nursery box 1
1, the solenoid 30 is extended by the operation of the limit switch 31 accompanying the passage of the seedling box group 1A, and the state returns to the state in which the conveyance of the seedling box 1 is prevented. For reference, FIG. 15 is a graph showing the operation sequence of one cycle, and
FIG. 16 shows a vertical trajectory graph of the lift mechanism 10. In FIG. 16, the first and second predetermined height positions H
The curves immediately before and after each of H1 and H2 and immediately before the end of the lowering operation are shown by the lift mechanism 1 in order to reduce the shock due to inertia.
This is due to the gradual decrease or gradual increase control of the ascending and descending speed of 0.

【００２４】図１５のグラフから分かるように、育苗箱
１が、基準状態から前記第１所定高さ位置Ｈ１にまで押
上げるに要する回転カム１９の回転角度範囲内での平均
上昇率を、前記第１押上げ高さ位置Ｈ１から前記第２所
定高さ位置Ｈ２にまで押上げるに要する回転角度範囲内
での平均上昇率よりも大きく設定してある。これは、上
昇作動の殆どが１個の育苗箱１の上昇に費やされる第１
所定高さ位置Ｈ１への上昇速度は速くすることで作動能
率を高めるとともに、最高３０枚の育苗箱１群を押上げ
ることになる第２所定高さ位置Ｈ２への上昇時は遅くし
て、大なる持上げ力を発揮でき、かつ、高く積層された
育苗箱１群が前後左右に揺れ難いようにして確実・円滑
な押上げ作動を得るようにしてある。As can be seen from the graph of FIG. 15, the average rate of rise of the seedling raising box 1 within the rotation angle range of the rotating cam 19 required to push up the seedling box 1 from the reference state to the first predetermined height position H1 is calculated as follows. It is set to be larger than the average rate of rise in the rotation angle range required to push up from the first push-up height position H1 to the second predetermined height position H2. This means that most of the raising operation is spent on raising one nursery box 1.
The operating efficiency is increased by increasing the ascending speed to the predetermined height position H1, and at the time of ascending to the second predetermined height position H2, which pushes up a group of up to 30 nursery boxes, A large lifting force can be exhibited, and a group of highly stacked seedling raising boxes is hardly shaken back and forth and right and left so as to obtain a reliable and smooth lifting operation.

【００２５】以上により、リフト機構１０で押上げられ
る上昇育苗箱１の上面が、係合片１２に載付け支持され
た載置育苗箱１の下面に接当してこの載置育苗箱１を若
干量上昇させるに相当する高さに達すると、リフト機構
１０の上昇作動が停止するとともに係合片１２を退避移
動させ、係合片１２の退避移動後にリフト機構１０を再
作動させて上昇育苗箱１を一定量押上げると退避姿勢に
ある係合片１２を突出移動して上昇育苗箱１が支持機構
１１に載付け支持される状態に、上昇育苗箱１の高さ位
置を検出する検出手段Ｂ（検出センサ２７と第１〜第５
検出片Ｋ１〜Ｋ５で構成される）と駆動手段である電動
シリンダ１３とリフト機構１０とを制御手段である制御
装置２８に連係させてある。As described above, the upper surface of the raising seedling box 1 pushed up by the lift mechanism 10 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the mounting seedling box 1 mounted on and supported by the engaging piece 12 and the mounting seedling box 1 is moved. When the height reaches a height corresponding to a slight increase, the lifting operation of the lift mechanism 10 is stopped, and the engaging piece 12 is retracted. After the retracting movement of the engaging piece 12, the lift mechanism 10 is operated again to raise the seedling. When the box 1 is pushed up by a certain amount, the engaging piece 12 in the evacuation position is protruded and moved to detect the height position of the raising seedling box 1 in a state where the raising seedling box 1 is mounted on and supported by the support mechanism 11. Means B (detection sensor 27 and first to fifth
The detection cylinders K1 to K5), the electric cylinder 13 as a driving unit, and the lift mechanism 10 are linked to a control device 28 as a control unit.

【００２６】〔別実施例〕 回転カム１９のベアリング２１との接触半径を一定比率
で減少するように形成し、ギヤードモータ２０の回転数
自体を徐々に減速させる電気式制御によって、昇降台１
８を下降終了間際で減速させる手段でも良い。[Another Embodiment] The rotary cam 19 is formed so as to reduce the contact radius with the bearing 21 at a fixed ratio, and the electric control for gradually reducing the rotation speed of the geared motor 20 itself is performed by the electric control.
Means for decelerating 8 just before the end of descent may be used.

【００２７】尚、特許請求の範囲の項に図面との対照を
便利にするために符号を記すが、該記入により本発明は
添付図面の構成に限定されるものではない。In the claims, reference numerals are provided for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the attached drawings.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】積層装置の全体構造を示す平面図FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of a stacking apparatus.

【図２】自動積層制御回路を示す系統図FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing an automatic lamination control circuit.

【図３】第１〜第３搬送部の構造を示す側面図FIG. 3 is a side view showing a structure of first to third transport units.

【図４】第１〜第３搬送部の構造を示す平面図FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of first to third transport units.

【図５】第４搬送部の構造を示す平面図FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of a fourth transport unit.

【図６】第４搬送部の構造を示す側面図FIG. 6 is a side view showing the structure of a fourth transport unit.

【図７】積層装置の構造を示す横断面図FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the stacking device.

【図８】第１〜第３搬送部の駆動構造を示す平面図FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a driving structure of first to third transport units.

【図９】積層装置での昇降作動状態を示す作用図FIG. 9 is an operation diagram showing an elevating operation state in the laminating apparatus.

【図１０】積層装置での昇降作動状態を示す作用図FIG. 10 is an operation diagram showing an elevating operation state in the laminating apparatus.

【図１１】積層装置での昇降作動状態を示す作用図FIG. 11 is an operation diagram showing an elevating operation state in the laminating apparatus.

【図１２】積層装置での昇降作動状態を示す作用図FIG. 12 is an operation diagram showing a lifting operation state in the laminating apparatus.

【図１３】育苗箱の斜視図FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a nursery box.

【図１４】回転カムの形状と検出片の関係を示す拡大図FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the shape of the rotating cam and the detection piece.

【図１５】積層装置の作動系統グラフを示す図FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation system graph of the laminating apparatus.

【図１６】リフト機構の昇降軌跡グラフを示す図FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an elevating locus graph of a lift mechanism.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 育苗箱 １ｃ 載置部 １０ リフト機構 １１ 支持機構 １２ 係合片 １３ 駆動手段 １８ 昇降台 １９ 回転カム ２１ 接触部 ２８ 制御手段 Ｂ 検出手段 Ｘ 回転中心 Ｒｄ 漸減部分 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Nursery box 1c Mounting part 10 Lift mechanism 11 Support mechanism 12 Engagement piece 13 Driving means 18 Elevating table 19 Rotating cam 21 Contact part 28 Control means B Detection means X Rotation center Rd Decreasing part

フロントページの続き (56)参考文献 実開 昭53−82989（ＪＰ，Ｕ) 実開 平２−46731（ＪＰ，Ｕ) 実開 平３−58904（ＪＰ，Ｕ) 実公 昭46−12660（ＪＰ，Ｙ１) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.⁷，ＤＢ名) B65G 57/00 - 61/00 F16H 25/14 Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-53-82989 (JP, U) JP-A-2-46731 (JP, U) JP-A-3-58904 (JP, U) JP-A-46-12660 (JP) , Y1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B65G 57/00-61/00 F16H 25/14

Claims (1)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項１】 所定位置に搬送されてきた重積み自在な
育苗箱（１）を一定量上方に押上げるリフト機構（１
０）と、このリフト機構（１０）によって押上げられた
育苗箱（１）をその押上げられた位置で保持する支持機
構（１１）とを備え、この支持機構（１１）を、前記育
苗箱（１）の相対向する側壁部分夫々に形成された載置
部（１ｃ），（１ｃ）に対して出退自在な係合片（１
２），（１２）と、これら係合片（１２），（１２）を
同時に突出及び退避移動させる駆動手段（１３）とから
構成し、 前記係合片（１２），（１２）が突出した姿勢にあると
これら突出係合片（１２），（１２）に前記載置部（１
ｃ），（１ｃ）を介して前記育苗箱（１）を載付け支持
可能であり、かつ、前記係合片（１２），（１２）が退
入した姿勢にあると前記育苗箱（１）の下方移動を許容
する状態に前記係合片（１２），（１２）の出退移動量
を設定し、かつ、前記リフト機構（１０）で押上げられ
る上昇育苗箱（１）の上面が、前記係合片（１２），
（１２）に載付け支持された載置育苗箱（１）の下面に
接当してこの載置育苗箱（１）を若干量押上げた第１所
定高さ位置に達すると、前記リフト機構（１０）の上昇
作動が停止するとともに前記係合片（１２），（１２）
を退避移動させ、 該係合片（１２），（１２）の退避移動後に前記リフト
機構（１０）を再作動させて前記第１所定高さ位置にあ
る前記上昇育苗箱（１）を押上げて、前記基準状態から
前記一定量押上げた第２所定高さ位置に達すると、前記
リフト機構（１０）の上昇作動が停止するとともに退避
姿勢にある前記係合片（１２），（１２）を突出移動し
て該上昇育苗箱（１）が前記支持機構（１１）に載付け
支持され、 前記係合片（１２），（１２）の突出移動後に前記リフ
ト機構（１０）を下降させて元の基準状態に戻すよう
に、前記上昇育苗箱（１）の高さ位置を検出する検出手
段（Ｂ）と前記駆動手段（１３）と前記リフト機構（１
０）とを連係させる制御手段（２８）、及びこの制御手
段（２８）に、前記リフト機構（１０）の下降作動終了
近傍での下降速度を漸減させる漸減手段を夫々備え、 前記リフト機構（１０）を、前記育苗箱（１）を載置す
る上下移動自在な昇降台（１８）と、この昇降台（１
８）に備えた接触部（２１）に作用して該昇降台（１
８）を上昇及び下降移動させる回転カム（１９）とから
構成し、 前記漸減手段を、前記回転カム（１９）の回転中心
（Ｘ）と前記接触部（２１）との間隔が前記回転カム
（１９）の単位回転角度当たりに減少する値を漸減させ
る漸減部分（Ｒｄ）を、前記回転カム（１９）に形成す
ることで構成し、 前記育苗箱（１）を前記基準状態から前記第１所定高さ
位置にまで押上げるに要する回転カム（１９）の回転角
度範囲内での平均上昇率を、前記第１押上げ高さ位置か
ら前記第２所定高さ位置にまで押上げるに要する回転角
度範囲内での平均上昇率よりも大きく設定してある育苗
箱積重ね装置。A lift mechanism (1) for pushing up a stackable seedling raising box (1) conveyed to a predetermined position upward by a predetermined amount.
0) and a support mechanism (11) for holding the seedling box (1) pushed up by the lift mechanism (10) at the pushed position. The support mechanism (11) is attached to the seedling box. The engaging pieces (1) that can move back and forth with respect to the mounting portions (1c) and (1c) formed on the opposing side wall portions of (1).
2) and (12), and drive means (13) for simultaneously projecting and retracting the engaging pieces (12) and (12), and the engaging pieces (12) and (12) project. In the posture, these protruding engagement pieces (12), (12) are attached to the mounting portion (1).
c) The seedling box (1) can be placed and supported via (1c), and when the engaging pieces (12), (12) are in the retracted position, the seedling box (1) The amount of movement of the engaging pieces (12), (12) is set so as to allow downward movement of the lifting seedling box (1). The engagement piece (12),
When it reaches the first predetermined height position where it abuts against the lower surface of the placed seedling raising box (1) placed on and supported by (12) and pushes up the placed seedling raising box (1) a little, the lift mechanism The lifting operation of (10) is stopped and the engagement pieces (12), (12)
After the engagement pieces (12), (12) are retracted, the lift mechanism (10) is reactivated to push up the raising seedling box (1) at the first predetermined height position. Then, when reaching the second predetermined height position pushed up by the fixed amount from the reference state, the lifting operation of the lift mechanism (10) is stopped and the engagement pieces (12), (12) in the retracted posture are stopped. The raising seedling box (1) is mounted on and supported by the support mechanism (11), and the lift mechanism (10) is lowered after the engagement pieces (12) and (12) protrude and move. The detecting means (B) for detecting the height position of the raising seedling box (1), the driving means (13), and the lift mechanism (1) so as to return to the original reference state.
0) and a gradual decrease means for gradually decreasing the descending speed near the end of the descending operation of the lift mechanism (10). ), A vertically movable platform (18) on which the seedling raising box (1) is placed, and the vertically movable platform (1).
8) to act on the contact portion (21) provided in the elevator (1).
8) and a rotating cam (19) for moving up and down. A gradually decreasing portion (Rd) for gradually decreasing a value decreasing per unit rotation angle of (19) is formed in the rotating cam (19), and the seedling raising box (1) is moved from the reference state to the first predetermined state. The rotation angle required to push up from the first push-up height position to the second predetermined height position, the average rise rate within the rotation angle range of the rotation cam (19) required to push up to the height position. A seedling box stacking device that is set to be higher than the average rise rate within the range.