Baffle opening and closing device

Abstract

In the shutter opening and closing device (1), a pair of side panels (11), a shutter (20) provided between the pair of side panels (11), a pair of shutter support mechanisms (30) for mounting the shutter (20) on the pair of side panels (11), and a wire-like body (40) for moving the shutter (20) are provided. The shutter support mechanism (30) includes an elongated hole (31) that penetrates the side panel (11) and is longer in the up-down direction, a movable shaft (32) that is rotatable and slidably inserted into the elongated hole (31) and rotates integrally with the shutter (20), an arm (33) that extends from the movable shaft (32) and has a wire-like body mounting portion (33a) at the tip end, and a coil spring (34) that is mounted at the upper end to a portion of the arm (33) other than the movable shaft (32), is mounted at the lower end to the side panel (11), exerts a force downward on the movable shaft (32) via the arm (33), and mounts the wire-like body (40) from above to the wire-like body mounting portion (33a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a baffle opening and closing device for opening and closing the space above the conveying path at an opening in the wall through which a rod conveyor passes. Background Technology

[0002] In many chicken farms, lever conveyors are used for transporting eggs. Lever conveyors have openings that penetrate the walls of the facility. When eggs are not being transported by the lever conveyor, these openings should ideally be closed. In particular, when the openings are located on walls separating the interior and exterior of a building, it is highly necessary to close them, as dust, small animals, and other foreign objects can potentially enter the building through these openings.

[0003] Therefore, the applicant of this application has raised the following: Figure 7 A baffle opening and closing device 100, as shown, is capable of easily closing the space above the conveying path of the rod conveyor 120 (see Patent Document 1). The structure of Patent Document 1 will be described in detail, wherein a pair of baffle supports 103 supporting baffles 102 are provided on a pair of side panels 101 respectively. Each baffle support 103 comprises: a first arm 105, the base end of which is supported on the side panel 101 by a first fixed shaft 104; a coil spring 106, the upper end of which is fixed to the end of the first arm 105, and the lower end of which is fixed to the side panel 101 at a position lower than the first fixed shaft 104; a second arm 108, located near the center of the first arm 105, the upper end of which is supported by a first pin 107, and having an elongated hole 108h in the longitudinal direction; a third arm 110, located between the first fixed shaft 104 and the first pin 107 of the first arm 105, the upper end of which is supported by a second pin 109; and a fourth arm 114, one end of which is supported on the lower end of the third arm 110 by a third pin 111, and the other end of which is supported by a fourth pin 112 so as to be able to slide within the elongated hole 108h, and the middle part of which is supported on the side panel 101 by a second fixed shaft 113. Furthermore, a baffle 102 is mounted on the second arm 108.

[0004] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), in the closed state (closed state) when the baffle 102 closes the space above the conveying path, the baffle opening and closing device 100 of Patent Document 1 interferes with the rod 121, which is stopped at the lower end of the baffle 102 and mounted on the second arm 108. Furthermore, the end of the first arm 105 is subjected to downward force by the coil spring 106. Therefore, the baffle 102 is pressed against the rod 121 from above via the second arm 108 by the force of the coil spring 106, stably maintaining the closed state.

[0005] When the rod conveyor 120 operates, causing the rod 121 to move downstream, the lower end of the baffle 102 is pushed downstream by the rod 121. Consequently, the second arm 108, on which the baffle 102 is mounted, rotates about the first pin 107 (clockwise in the attached diagram). Furthermore, as the rod 121 moves downstream, when the lower end of the baffle 102 leaves the rod 121, it can no longer press the baffle 102 against the rod 121. Therefore, by the force of the coil spring 106, the first arm 105 rotates once about the first fixed axis 104, with its end moving downwards.

[0006] As the second pin 109 mounted on the first arm 105 descends, the third arm 110 descends, and the fourth arm 114 rotates about the second fixed axis 113 via the third pin 111. Consequently, the second arm 108 rotates upward about the first pin 107 while sliding the fourth pin 112 along the elongated hole 108h in a direction close to the first pin 107. Therefore, the baffle 102 rotates together with the second arm 108 about the first pin 107, resulting in an open state (see reference) of the space above the conveying path. Figure 7 (b)).

[0007] In addition, the baffle opening and closing device 100 of Patent Document 1 includes (see reference) Figure 7 (a) A pair of support members 115, each with its lower end mounted on a pair of side panels 101, extending upwards from the side panels 101; a beam member 116 connecting the upper ends of the pair of support members 115; a pulley 117 mounted at the center and one end of the beam member 116; a connecting arm (not shown), connecting the ends of the pair of first arms 105; and a wire rope 118 fixed at the center of the connecting arm. Furthermore, the wire rope 118 extends upwards from the connecting arm and winds around the pulley 117 at the center of the beam member 116, then winds around the pulley at the end of the beam member 116 and extends downwards, with a handle (not shown) mounted at its lower end.

[0008] Furthermore, when changing from the open state to the closed state, if the handle attached to the lower end of the wire rope 118 is grasped and pulled downwards, the first arm 105 rotates around the first fixed axis 104, causing its end to move upwards via the wire rope 118 and the connecting arm. This, in turn, reverses the above action, resulting in a closed state where the lower end of the baffle 102 is inserted between adjacent rods 121. Thus, according to the technology of Patent Document 1, the space above the conveying path of the rod conveyor 120 can be easily closed.

[0009] Furthermore, in the technology of Patent Document 1, a first pin 107 is provided near the center between the end of the first arm 105 and the first fixed shaft 104, and a second pin 109 is provided between the first pin 107 and the first fixed shaft 104. A coil spring 106 is fixed to the end of the first arm 105. Therefore, according to the lever principle, a force more than twice the force of the coil spring 106 acts on the first pin 107 and the second pin 109, and this force is used to keep the baffle 102 in the open state. In addition, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the baffle 102 is rotated using a linkage mechanism composed of the first arm 105, the second arm 108, the third arm 110, and the fourth arm 114. Therefore, to change the baffle 102 from the open state to the closed state, a force much stronger than the force of the coil spring 106 is required, and depending on the operator, it may not be possible to achieve the closed state.

[0010] Prior art literature

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6472542 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the objective of the present invention is to provide a baffle opening and closing device that can be easily closed with relatively weak force.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the baffle opening and closing device of the present invention is characterized in that...

[0017] The baffle opening and closing device includes:

[0018] A pair of side panels;

[0019] A baffle is disposed between a pair of these side panels;

[0020] A pair of baffle support mechanisms, wherein the baffles are respectively mounted on a pair of said side panels; and

[0021] A linear body for making the baffle movable via a pair of baffle support mechanisms.

[0022] The baffle support mechanism includes:

[0023] An elongated hole, penetrating the side panel and extending relatively long in the vertical direction;

[0024] A movable shaft, capable of rotation and sliding, is inserted into the elongated hole and fixed to the side of the baffle, rotating integrally with the baffle.

[0025] An arm, extending from the movable axis along the side panel, has a linear mounting portion at its end away from the movable axis; and

[0026] A helical spring, with its upper end mounted between the movable shaft of the arm and the linear mounting portion, and its lower end mounted on the side panel below the elongated hole, applies downward force to the movable shaft via the arm.

[0027] The linear bodies are respectively mounted from above on a pair of linear body mounting portions.

[0028] The state in which the lower end of the baffle is inserted between two adjacent rods in the rod conveyor, i.e., the lower end of the baffle interferes with the rods and the space above the conveying path is closed by the baffle, is called the "closed state". The state in which the baffle is removed from the rods and the space above the conveying path is released is called the "open state".

[0029] In this structure, when the baffle is in the closed state, the movable shaft is located at the lower end of the elongated hole due to the force of the helical spring on the arm. Furthermore, since the upper end of the helical spring is installed between the end of the arm and the movable shaft, it exerts a force that aims to rotate the movable shaft downwards towards the end of the arm. At this time, because the lower end of the baffle, which rotates integrally with the movable shaft, is inserted between the two rods, even if the baffle attempts to rotate around the movable shaft, it abuts against the rod on the downstream side in the conveying direction, preventing rotation. Thus, the closed state is stably maintained.

[0030] On the other hand, during the change from the closed state to the open state, when the rod in the conveyor path moves downstream due to the operation of the rod conveyor, the baffle rotates around the movable shaft due to the force of the helical spring acting on it via the arm, causing the lower end to move downstream with the rod. Furthermore, when the rod moves further downstream and the lower end of the baffle leaves the rod, the arm rotates downwards at its end due to the force of the helical spring, and the baffle rotates around the movable shaft with the lower end facing upwards, thus entering the open state.

[0031] When the cable is pulled from the open to the closed position, the cable is pulled. Specifically, the cable is mounted above the cable mounting section of the arm. Therefore, when the cable is pulled against the force of the coil spring, the movable shaft rotates upwards towards the end of the arm. A baffle, rotating integrally with this movable shaft, rotates with its lower end facing downwards. Then, if the lower end of the baffle abuts against the rod, the rotation of the baffle is stopped. When the cable is pulled further in this state, the movable shaft slides upwards through the elongated hole via the arm. With this upward sliding, the portion of the lower end of the baffle that abuts against the rod moves, and with this movement, the baffle rotates about the movable shaft. Furthermore, when the movable shaft slides further upwards and the lower end of the baffle leaves the rod, the baffle rotates further and stabilizes in a roughly vertical position.

[0032] When the linear body is returned to its original position in this state, the movable shaft slides downward within the elongated hole due to the force of the helical spring, and the baffle moves downward together with the movable shaft. Thus, the lower end of the baffle inserts between the two rods. Furthermore, when the lower end of the baffle is pressed against the rod, or when the movable shaft slides to the lower end of the elongated hole, although it cannot slide further downward, the movable shaft can rotate. Therefore, the movable shaft rotates due to the force of the helical spring, causing the end of the arm to move downward. Through the rotation of this movable shaft, the baffle rotates, causing its lower end to move upward, abutting against the rod on the downstream side. The rotation of the baffle is restricted, resulting in a closed state.

[0033] Thus, according to this structure, since the upper end of the coil spring is mounted on the arm fixed to the baffle via a movable shaft, the baffle applies force to the open state with approximately the same force as the coil spring. Furthermore, when the baffle is in the closed state, since the linear element mounted on the linear element mounting part of the arm is pulled up, it can be pulled up with only a force slightly stronger than the coil spring's force. That is, it is not necessary to apply a force much stronger than the coil spring's force as in the past. Therefore, it can be easily closed with a relatively weak force, allowing even operators with limited strength to reliably close it.

[0034] The effects of the invention

[0035] As described above, according to the present invention, a baffle opening and closing device that can be easily closed with relatively weak force can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 (a) is a perspective view showing the closed state of the baffle opening and closing device as an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view showing the open state of the baffle opening and closing device in (a).

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the state.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the state.

[0039] Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the baffle as it rotates from the open state to the closed state. (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the baffle as it rotates further from the state in (a) and rises. (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the baffle as it falls from the state in (b) to the closed state.

[0040] Figure 5 The cross-section represents the ability to make Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the range of motion of the lever in the closed state of the baffle opening and closing device.

[0041] Figure 6 It means in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the baffle opening and closing device with an electric closing mechanism installed.

[0042] Figure 7 (a) is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the closed state of a conventional baffle opening and closing device, and (b) is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the open state of the conventional baffle opening and closing device in (a). Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following uses Figures 1-5 The baffle opening and closing device 1, as a specific embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The baffle opening and closing device 1 is a device for opening and closing the space 66 above the conveying path 64 in the rod conveyor 60 with the opening 71 through the wall 70. Here, the example shown is the installation of the baffle opening and closing device 1 on the rod conveyor 60 used in a chicken farming facility, based on the case where the conveyed object of the rod conveyor 60 is eggs E, but the application location is not limited to chicken farming facilities, and the conveyed object is not limited to eggs E.

[0044] First, the rod conveyor 60 will be described. The rod conveyor 60 includes: a pair of conveyor frames 61, longer in the conveying direction; a pair of annular chains 62 wound between the pair of conveyor frames 61 and onto a pair of sprockets (not shown); and a plurality of rods 63, spaced apart between the pair of annular chains 62. The plurality of rods 63 move in the same direction and at the same speed as the pair of annular chains 62 move. Furthermore, in the circulating rod conveyor 60, a conveying path 64 for loading and conveying eggs E is formed by the plurality of rods 63 moving from the sprocket rotating upwards from the rod 63 toward the sprocket rotating downwards from the rod 63 (in the direction of arrow A in the illustration). On the other hand, a return path 65 is formed by the plurality of rods 63 moving in the opposite direction (in the direction of arrow B in the illustration). The rod conveyor 60 shown in this embodiment is a horizontally arranged type. Additionally, in Figure 1 The diagram shows only a portion of the long rod conveyor 60 near wall 70. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "upstream" or "downstream" refers to the upstream and downstream of the conveying path 64, respectively.

[0045] The baffle opening and closing device 1 includes: a device body 10 mounted on a rod conveyor 60; a baffle 20 disposed inside the device body 10; a baffle support mechanism 30 for mounting the baffle 20 on the device body 10; and a linear body 40 for making the baffle 20 movable by means of the baffle support mechanism 30.

[0046] The device body 10 includes: a pair of side panels 11; a top plate 12 connecting the upper edges of the pair of side panels 11 to each other; a lower wall plate 13 connecting the lower parts of the pair of side panels 11 to each other; and a middle wall plate 14 disposed between the top plate 12 and the lower wall plate 13 in a manner that connects the pair of side panels 11.

[0047] In addition, the device body 10 also includes: a pair of mounting members 15 mounted on the top plate 12; a pair of upper guide members 16 respectively mounted on the pair of mounting members 15; a pair of lower guide members 17 respectively mounted on the lower part of the pair of side panels 11; a pair of horizontal plates 18 respectively mounted on the pair of side panels 11; and an upper plate 19 mounted on the top plate 12.

[0048] The vertical dimensions of each of the pair of side panels 11 are longer than the vertical dimensions of the conveyor frame 61. The pair of side panels 11 are respectively mounted on the outer surfaces of the pair of conveyor frames 61 with their upper edges protruding above the conveyor frame 61 and their lower edges protruding below the conveyor frame 61.

[0049] The top plate 12 is a rectangular flat plate with a longer length along the direction separating the pair of side panels 11. The two long sides of the top plate 12 are bent downwards. An upper wall plate 12a with a crank-shaped cross-section is installed on the lower surface of the top plate 12.

[0050] The lower wall panel 13 is formed as a C-channel shape with its cross-section opening downwards. This lower wall panel 13 passes beneath the rod conveyor 60 and is mounted on a pair of side panels 11, with a portion of its upper surface protruding from below between a pair of conveyor frames 61. In this embodiment, the lower wall panel 13 is configured to split into two in the center of the conveying direction.

[0051] The middle wall panel 14 has an inverted L-shaped cross-section and is mounted on the side panel 11 in a manner that clamps the conveyor frame 61. The middle wall panel 14 is mounted such that the horizontally extending portion of the L-shape is located within the closable range L of the baffle 20, which will be described later.

[0052] A pair of mounting members 15 correspond to the portion of the side panel 11 that extends upward near the upstream end edge of the top plate 12 in the conveying direction. The upper guide member 16 has an annular portion 16a. The upper guide member 16 is mounted on the mounting member 15 such that the central axis of the annular portion 16a is oriented vertically and overlaps with the arm 33 described later. The lower guide member 17 has an annular portion 17a. The lower guide member 17 is mounted on the lower corner of the side panel 11 (here, the lower corner downstream in the conveying direction) with the central axis of the annular portion 17a oriented vertically. The annular portions 16a and 17a are the heads of so-called eye bolts.

[0053] A pair of horizontal plates 18 are flat plates extending outward at a right angle relative to the side panel 11, and also extending upward above the side panel 11. The pair of horizontal plates 18 are installed such that their ends align with the upstream side of the side panel 11 in the conveying direction. The upper plate 19 is installed on the top plate 12 and the pair of horizontal plates 18 by connecting the portions of the pair of horizontal plates 18 that extend upward above the side panel 11.

[0054] The baffle 20 is flat. The lower end of the baffle 20 is bent into a U-shape towards the downstream side of the conveying direction. The diameter of the U-shape (semi-circular arc) at the lower end of the baffle 20 is larger than the interval between two adjacent rods 63. Therefore, the lower end of the baffle 20 will not fall downwards from above through the rods 63. In this embodiment, the lower end of the U-shape of the baffle 20 is shown as a polygon, but it could also be a smooth semi-circular shape. Furthermore, the upper end of the baffle 20 is bent at a right angle towards the downstream side of the conveying direction. The baffle 20 has a pair of shaft fixing plates 20a extending from near the upper ends of both sides in the opposite direction to the downward bending direction (upstream side of the conveying direction). A movable shaft 32, described later, is fixed to these shaft fixing plates 20a.

[0055] The baffle support mechanism 30 is respectively provided on a pair of side panels 11. That is, there is a pair of baffle support mechanisms 30. The baffle support mechanism 30 includes: an elongated hole 31 that passes through the side panel 11 and is longer in the vertical direction; a movable shaft 32 that is rotatable and slidably inserted through the elongated hole 31; an arm 33 that extends from the movable shaft 32 along the side panel 11; and a helical spring 34 that applies force downward to the movable shaft 32 via the arm 33.

[0056] An elongated hole 31 is formed at a position near the center of the conveying direction relative to the upper end of the side panel 11, close to the upstream side. One end of the movable shaft 32 is fixed to a shaft fixing piece 20a provided on the side of the baffle 20 without relative rotation on the inner side of the pair of side panels 11, while the opposite end protrudes outward from the side panel 11 through the elongated hole 31. That is, the baffle 20 and the movable shaft 32 rotate integrally around the axis of the movable shaft 32. In addition, a disc-shaped sealing plate 35 is inserted through the movable shaft 32, abutting against the outer surface of the side panel 11 and capable of sealing the elongated hole 31. When the elongated hole 31 is sealed, the sealing plate 35 slides up and down together with the movable shaft 32 to prevent foreign objects, small animals, etc. from entering the building through the elongated hole 31.

[0057] The arm 33 is fixed so that it rotates integrally with the portion of the movable shaft 32 that protrudes outward from the side panel 11. The arm 33 extends upstream of the movable shaft 32 in the conveying direction and has a linear mounting portion 33a at its end away from the movable shaft 32. With the baffle 20 vertical, the arm 33 is fixed such that a line extending obliquely upward at an angle of approximately 30 degrees relative to the horizontal from the movable shaft 32 side toward its end.

[0058] The upper end of the helical spring 34 is installed between the movable shaft 32 of the arm 33 and the linear body mounting portion 33a, and the lower end is installed in the side panel 11 below the elongated hole 31. In addition to applying downward force to the movable shaft 32 via the arm 33, the upper end of the helical spring 34 is also installed on the upper side of the arm 33 upstream of the movable shaft 32 in the conveying direction. Therefore, in the closed state, in the direction in which the baffle 20 moves upward towards the lower end of the baffle 20 downstream of the movable shaft 32 in the conveying direction (in... Figure 2 The force is applied by rotating in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, the length of the helical spring 34 is set such that, in the open state, its lower end is located between the conveying path 64 and the return path 65 of the rod conveyor 60. Alternatively, if a stop is provided to prevent the baffle 20 from rotating upwards in the open state, the length of the helical spring 34 can be shorter than described above, and this force can be used to keep the baffle 20 in the open state by abutting against the stop.

[0059] One end of the linear body 40 is mounted from above to the linear body mounting portion 33a of the lower arm 33 via annular portions 16a of one of a pair of upper guide members 16, and the other end is mounted from above to the linear body mounting portion 33a of the lower arm 33 via annular portions 16a of the other upper guide member 16. That is, a pair of arms 33 are connected by a linear body 40 passing above the top plate 12. Therefore, when the center of the linear body 40 is pulled, the pair of arms 33 can be pulled upwards. Furthermore, examples of the linear body 40 include thin ropes, thick ropes, and steel wire ropes.

[0060] Furthermore, when the rod conveyor 60 is positioned at a high level, it becomes difficult to pull the linear body 40 if it passes above the top plate 12. Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown by the double-dotted line in (b), the linear body 40 can also pass under the lower wall panel 13. In this example, the linear body 40 extends upward from below through the annular portion 17a of the lower guide member 17, and is then mounted on the linear body mounting portion 33a of the arm 33 from above through the annular portion 16a of the upper guide member 16. Furthermore, a handle 41 for pulling the linear body 40 is provided in the center of the linear body 40. Thus, by grasping the handle 41 and pulling, the pair of arms 33 can be pulled upward via the lower guide member 17 and the upper guide member 16. Therefore, when applied to a lever conveyor 60 positioned at a high location, the handle 41 for pulling the linear body 40 is located below the lever conveyor 60, making it easy to pull the linear body 40.

[0061] The baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on the rod conveyor 60 by mounting a pair of side panels 11 on the outer sides of a pair of conveyor frames 61. The baffle opening and closing device 1 is mounted on the rod conveyor 60 with the lower wall panel 13, a pair of horizontal plates 18, and upper plate 19 of the device body 10 abutting against the wall 70, thus closing the area around the rod conveyor 60 in the opening 71. Alternatively, the pair of horizontal plates 18 and upper plate 19 can be fixed to the wall 70 with screws after abutting against it.

[0062] With the baffle opening and closing device 1 installed on the rod conveyor 60, the space 66 above the conveying path 64 is surrounded by a pair of side panels 11 and a top plate 12, and the space 66 can be opened and closed using the baffle 20. Furthermore, with the baffle opening and closing device 1 installed on the rod conveyor 60, the space below the return path 65 is closed by the lower wall panel 13, and the space between the conveying path 64 and the return path 65 is closed by the middle wall panel 14.

[0063] Next, the opening and closing operation of the baffle 20 in the baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the baffle 20 is in the closed state, as... Figure 2 As shown, due to the force of the helical spring 34 via the arm 33, the movable shaft 32 is located near the lower end of the elongated hole 31. Furthermore, since the upper end of the helical spring 34 is installed between the end of the arm 33 and the movable shaft 32, it exerts a force that intends to rotate the movable shaft 32 downwards towards the end of the arm 33. At this time, since the lower end of the baffle 20, which rotates integrally with the movable shaft 32, is inserted between the two rods 63, even if the baffle 20 attempts to rotate around the movable shaft 32, it abuts against the rod 63 on the downstream side of the conveying direction, preventing rotation. Thus, the closed state is stably maintained.

[0064] On the other hand, during the change from the closed state to the open state, when the rod 63 located on the conveying path 64 moves downstream due to the operation of the rod conveyor 60, a force is exerted on the baffle 20 via the arm 33 under the action of the helical spring 34, causing it to rotate around the movable shaft 32. Therefore, the baffle 20 rotates around the movable shaft 32, so that its lower end moves downstream as the rod 63 moves. Furthermore, when the rod 63 moves further downstream and the lower end of the baffle 20 moves away from the rod 63, the arm 33 rotates with its end moving downwards using the force of the helical spring 64, and the lower end of the baffle 20 rotates upwards around the movable shaft 32, thus entering the open state (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0065] When changing from the open to the closed state, the operator pulls the wire 40 by hand. Specifically, the two ends of the wire 40 are mounted from above to the wire mounting portions 33a of the arms 33, which are respectively located on the outer sides of a pair of side panels 11. Therefore, when the center of the wire 40 is pulled against the force of the coil spring 34, the movable shaft 32 rotates in the direction that the ends of each arm 33 move upwards. The baffle 20, which rotates integrally with the movable shaft 32, rotates with its lower end facing downwards (see reference). Figure 4 (a)).

[0066] Subsequently, if the lower end of the baffle 20 abuts against the rod 63, the rotation of the baffle 20 is prevented. When the linear body 40 is further pulled in this state, the movable shaft 32 slides upwards within the elongated hole 31 via the arm 33 (see reference). Figure 4 (b)). As it slides upward, the lower end of the baffle 20 that abuts against the rod 63 moves, and with this movement, the baffle 20 rotates about the movable shaft 32. Moreover, when the movable shaft 32 slides further upward and the lower end of the baffle 20 leaves the rod 63, the baffle 20 rotates further and stabilizes in a substantially vertical state.

[0067] When the linear body 40 is returned (released) in this state, the movable shaft 32 slides downward within the elongated hole 31 under the force of the coil spring 34, and the baffle 20 moves downward together with the movable shaft 32. Thus, the lower end of the baffle 20 inserts between the two rods 63 (see reference). Figure 4 (c) Furthermore, when the lower end of the baffle 20 is pressed against the rod 63, or when the movable shaft 32 slides to the lower end of the elongated hole 31, although it cannot slide further downward, the movable shaft 32 can rotate. Therefore, the movable shaft 32 rotates under the force of the coil spring 34, causing the end of the arm 33 to move downward. The baffle 20 rotates by the rotation of the movable shaft 32, causing the lower end to move upward, and the lower end abuts against the rod 63 on the downstream side, restricting the rotation of the baffle 20, thus entering a closed state.

[0068] As described above, the baffle 20 is forced by the helical spring 34 to rotate in the open direction, but rotation to the open state is restricted while the lower end of the baffle 20, inserted between the two rods 63, abuts against the downstream rod 63. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the closing range L of the lower end of the baffle 20 abutting against the rod 63 is set to be more than twice the distance between adjacent rods 63. Therefore, the baffle 20 can be kept closed regardless of when the rod conveyor 60 is stopped. In other words, to close the space 66 above the conveyor path 64, it is not necessary to adjust the time when the rod conveyor 60 is stopped; it can be reliably closed.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a structure is shown in which a baffle opening and closing device 1 is installed on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the wall 70 in the rod conveyor 60 that penetrates the wall 70. However, the baffle opening and closing device 1 can also be installed on the upstream side of the conveying direction relative to the wall 70. In this case, a pair of horizontal plates 18 and an upper plate 19 are installed so that their ends align with the downstream side edges of the side panels 11 and the top plate 12 in the conveying direction. In addition, a lower guide member 17 is installed at the lower corner of the upstream side of the side panels 11 in the conveying direction. Thus, for example, in the case where the rod conveyor 60 penetrates a building of a chicken farm, both the baffle opening and closing devices 1 provided on the entrance and exit sides of the building in the rod conveyor 60 can be provided inside the building.

[0070] Thus, according to the baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment, since the upper end of the coil spring 34 is mounted on the arm 33 of the baffle 20 via the movable shaft 32, the baffle 20 is forced into the open state with a force approximately the same as the force of the coil spring 34. Furthermore, when the baffle 20 is in the closed state, since the linear body 40 mounted on the linear body mounting portion 33a of the arm 33 is pulled up, it can be pulled up with only a force slightly stronger than the force of the coil spring 34. That is, it is not necessary to apply a force much stronger than the force of the coil spring 34 as in the past. Therefore, it can be easily closed with a relatively weak force, and even operators with limited strength can reliably close it.

[0071] Furthermore, since the upper end of the helical spring 34 is installed on the arm 33 fixed to the baffle 20 to rotate the baffle 20, the number of components is less than that of the baffle opening and closing device 100, which requires multiple arms from the first arm 105 to the fourth arm 114 to rotate the baffle 102 as in the past. Therefore, the cost of the baffle opening and closing device 1 can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, conventional baffle opening and closing devices 100 open and close the baffle 102 via a linkage mechanism based on multiple arms from the first arm 105 to the fourth arm 114. Therefore, if it is to be used with a rod conveyor 120 with different tilt angles, the length of each arm needs to be changed according to the tilt angle, and components cannot be reused. In contrast, the baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment opens and closes the baffle 20 via an elongated hole 31 and an arm 33 fixed to a movable shaft 32. Therefore, it can be used with rod conveyors 60 with different tilt angles even without changing the arm 33, etc. That is, it can be used with both horizontally installed rod conveyors 60 and tilted rod conveyors 60, and can flexibly adapt to changes in the construction environment.

[0073] Furthermore, conventional baffle opening and closing devices 100 have two pulleys 117 mounted on a beam member 116 positioned above the pair of side panels 101. The baffle 102 is rotated to the closed state by a steel wire rope 118 wound around these pulleys 117. Therefore, the baffle opening and closing device 100 is large and requires a large installation space. Additionally, conventional baffle opening and closing devices 100 are installed on the walls of chicken farming facilities. Therefore, conventional baffle opening and closing devices 100 sometimes interfere with the ceiling, beams, etc., of the chicken farming facility, making installation impossible. In contrast, the baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment is smaller than the conventional baffle opening and closing device 100 because it does not have a support member 115 extending above the side panel 101, a beam member 116 positioned above the side panel 101, and pulleys 117. Furthermore, since the baffle opening and closing device 1 of this embodiment is installed on the rod conveyor 60, it can also be installed in a narrow space without selecting the installation position.

[0074] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various improvements and design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiment, a structure is shown in which the operator pulls the linear body 40 by hand to close it, but it is not limited to this. Figure 6As shown, an electrically operated closing mechanism 50 for pulling the linear body 40 may also be included. The electrically operated closing mechanism 50 includes: a rotating plate 51 disposed above a top plate 12 with its rotation axis facing a direction separating a pair of side panels 11; a motor 52 for rotating the rotating plate 51; a bracket 53 supporting the rotating plate 51 and the motor 52 and mounted on the device body 10; a first rotating shaft 54 ​​mounted on the bracket 53 above the rotating plate 51; a first arm 55 supported by the first rotating shaft 54 ​​near its base end and extending upstream in the conveying direction at its end; a second rotating shaft 56 mounted at the end of the first arm 55; a second arm 57 supported by the second rotating shaft 56; a spring 58 applying force to the base end of the second arm 57 near the second rotating shaft 56 in the direction of the first rotating shaft 54; and a third arm 59 connecting the base end of the first arm 55 on the opposite side from the end of the first rotating shaft 54 ​​to an eccentric shaft 51a eccentric from the rotation center of the rotating plate 51. In the electric closing mechanism 50, the central portion of the linear body 40 is mounted at the end of the second arm 57.

[0076] When the baffle 20 is in the open state, the eccentric shaft 51a is located near the top dead center of the rotating plate 51. In this state, via the third arm 59 mounted on the eccentric shaft 51a, the base of the first arm 55 is positioned above the first rotating shaft 54, while the opposite end is positioned below the first rotating shaft 54, close to the top plate 12. Additionally, due to the force of the spring 58, the end of the second arm 57 is positioned above the extension of the first arm 55. In this closed state, the end of the second arm 57 does not pull on the linear body 40, and the linear body 40 is relaxed.

[0077] When the rotating plate 51 is rotated by the motor 52 from the open state to the closed state, the eccentric shaft 51a near the top dead center moves downward toward the bottom dead center as it rotates. The base end of the first arm 55 moves downward via the third arm 59 mounted on the eccentric shaft 51a. As a result, the first arm 55 rotates about the first rotation axis 54 in the direction of upward movement of its end, and the second arm 57 also moves upward together with the end of the first arm 55. As the second arm 57 moves upward, the slack of the linear body 40 decreases, and soon the linear body 40 becomes taut, being pulled upward (in...). Figure 6 (Used as a double-dotted line in Chinese).

[0078] The second arm 57 moves upward, pulling the linear body 40. The baffle 20, overcoming the force of the coil spring 34, rotates from the open state to the closed state, and then slides upward along the elongated hole 31. Furthermore, when the eccentric shaft 51a passes the lower dead center and approaches the upper dead center via the rotation of the rotating plate 51, the second arm 57 moves downward through the opposite action, and the linear body 40 returns. Thus, after the baffle 20 slides downward using the force of the coil spring 34, it rotates around the movable shaft 32, and the lower end of the baffle 20 abuts against the downstream rod 63, entering the closed state. Then, when the eccentric shaft 51a reaches near the upper dead center, the rotation of the rotating plate 51 based on the motor 52 stops. Alternatively, sensors that detect the rotational position of the rotating plate 51, the rotational position of the first arm 55, etc., can be provided to stop the rotation of the motor 52.

[0079] Furthermore, when the linear body 40 is installed at the end of the first arm 55, if the movable shaft 32 abuts against the upper end of the elongated hole 31 during the upward movement of the end of the first arm 55, resulting in the linear body 40 being in a tensioned state, the linear body 40 may obstruct the upward movement of the end of the first arm 55, potentially causing damage to the first arm 55. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the linear body 40 is installed at the end of the second arm 57, when the end of the first arm 55 is further raised while the linear body 40 is tensioned, the second arm 57 overcomes the force of the spring 58 and rotates around the second rotation axis 56. Therefore, the upward movement of the end of the first arm 55 is allowed, and the first arm 55 will not break.

[0080] Furthermore, the electric closing mechanism 50 can also be installed below the lower wall panel 13 in a reversed vertical position. Therefore, even when the linear body 40 passes below the lower wall panel 13, the electric closing mechanism 50 can pull the linear body 40.

[0081] Thus, by incorporating the electric closing mechanism 50, the baffle 20 can be closed in conjunction with the stopping of the rod conveyor 60, thereby automating the equipment. Furthermore, even if the electric closing mechanism 50 fails to operate due to a malfunction or power outage, as described above, pulling the linear body 40 by the operator can close the baffle, thus addressing emergencies. Additionally, as mentioned above, since the closing force is reduced compared to previous methods, even a small motor like motor 52 can be used, minimizing cost increases.

[0082] In addition, the above embodiment shows a structure in which the two ends of a linear body 40 are respectively installed on the linear body mounting portion 33a of a pair of arms 33, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to install the ends of two different linear bodies 40 on the linear body mounting portion 33a of a pair of arms 33, and tie the two linear bodies 40 together and pull them together.

Claims

1. A baffle opening and closing device, characterized in that, The baffle opening and closing device includes: A pair of side panels; A baffle is disposed between a pair of these side panels; A pair of baffle support mechanisms, wherein the baffles are respectively mounted on a pair of said side panels; and A linear body for making the baffle movable via a pair of baffle support mechanisms. The baffle support mechanism includes: An elongated hole, penetrating the side panel and extending relatively long in the vertical direction; A movable shaft, capable of rotation and sliding, is inserted into the elongated hole and fixed to the side of the baffle, rotating integrally with the baffle. An arm, extending from the movable axis along the side panel, has a linear mounting portion at its end away from the movable axis; and A helical spring, with its upper end mounted between the movable shaft of the arm and the linear mounting portion, and its lower end mounted on the side panel below the elongated hole, applies downward force to the movable shaft via the arm. The linear bodies are respectively installed from above on a pair of linear body mounting portions.

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