Log loading, rotation and transfer apparatus for automatic log inoculation machine

Abstract

Disclosed is a log loading, rotation and transfer apparatus for an automatic log inoculation machine, which can automate log inoculation work. The transfer apparatus for an automatic log inoculation machine, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a pair of clamp disks for pressing and fixing both ends of a log member; a rotation unit for rotating at least one of the pair of clamp disks; a pressing unit for moving the at least one of the pair of clamp disks in the longitudinal direction; a clamp body which supports the pair of clamp disks, the rotating unit and the pressing unit so that a space for the log member is ensured between the pair of clamp disks, and which is movably coupled to a transfer rail extending in the longitudinal direction; and a transfer unit for moving the clamp body along the transfer rail.

Description

Log loading, rotation and transport device of log automatic inoculator

[0001] The present invention relates to log inoculation for mushroom cultivation, and more particularly, to a log loading, rotation and transport device of an automatic log inoculation machine capable of automating log inoculation work.

[0002] Log inoculation is a mushroom cultivation technique. It involves drilling holes at regular intervals into untreated logs (i.e., logs) and then inserting mushroom spawn into the holes, allowing mushrooms to grow on the logs. While various mushroom cultivation techniques have been developed, log inoculation, a method dating back hundreds of years, remains widely used. This is because log inoculation is environmentally friendly and the logs used provide a suitable culture environment for certain mushroom mycelia, which require relatively stringent conditions.

[0003] There is a great demand for automation because the work of drilling holes in logs and inserting spawn for log inoculation is repeated countless times, but the shape of logs makes it difficult to automate the inoculation work.

[0004] For example, a log member must have insertion holes formed along the circumference of its side surface. To achieve this, the log member must first be stably fixed to the processing section, and then the log member must be rotated relative to the processing section. However, since the log member is a naturally grown piece of log and does not form a strictly straight line, it is not easy to stably fix it, and it is especially difficult to stably fix it while the log member is rotating.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has been derived to solve the above-described problem, and one aspect of the present invention is to provide a transport device capable of performing log loading, rotation, and transport for a log automatic inoculation machine capable of automating log inoculation work.

[0006] Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent through the embodiments described below.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a transport device for a log automatic inoculator may include a pair of clamp discs configured to pressurize and fix both ends of a log member; a rotating portion configured to rotate at least one of the pair of clamp discs; a pressing portion configured to move at least one of the pair of clamp discs along a longitudinal direction; a clamp body that supports the pair of clamp discs, the rotating portion, and the pressing portion so that a space for the log member is secured between the pair of clamp discs and is movably connected to a transport rail extending along the longitudinal direction; and a transport portion that moves the clamp body along the transport rail.

[0008] A transport device for a log automatic inoculator according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the transport unit may include a connector key having an upper portion coupled to the clamp body; a transport chain having a lower portion of the connector coupled to the lower portion; a pair of rotary shafts having gear cogs that mesh with the transport chains; and a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain. In this case, the clamp body may include a coupling piece movably coupled to the transport rail, and the connector key may be coupled to the clamp body on both sides of the coupling piece.

[0009] The transport device for the automatic log inoculator may further include a loader configured to place the log member between the clamps. The loader may include a lower support that raises the log member to a position between the clamps while the log member is secured thereon; and an upper support that descends from the upper portion of the log member and contacts the upper portion of the log member. The transport device for the automatic log inoculator may further include a control unit that controls the operation of the rotation unit, wherein the control unit can estimate a diameter of the log member from positions of the lower support and the upper support that support the log member therebetween, and set a rotation angle of the rotation unit based on the estimated diameter of the log member.

[0010] The loader may further include a lifter for raising the lower support; and an actuator for lowering the upper support, wherein the pneumatic pressure of the actuator may be released after the upper support is lowered to a set position. In this case, the pneumatic pressure of the actuator may be released after the upper support is lowered to a height corresponding to the center of the clamp disc.

[0011] A transport device for a log automatic inoculator may further include a conveyor configured to supply the log material, the conveyor comprising: a side frame inclined so that the rear side is higher than the front side; a pair of rotary shafts arranged laterally on the rear and front sides of the side frame and having gear cogs on their outer surfaces; a transport chain having a closed curve shape and having the pair of rotary shafts coupled to both ends so as to mesh with the gear cogs; at least one lift bar coupled to the transport chain at a predetermined interval and extending in a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the transport chain; a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain; and a cover plate arranged laterally at at least one of the front and rear sides of the side frame and having a clearance hole formed therein, the clearance hole having a size through which the lift bar can pass.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a transport device for an automatic log inoculator may include a lower support that raises a log member to a processing preparation position while the log member is secured thereon; a lifter that raises the lower support; an upper support that descends from the upper portion of the log member and contacts the upper portion of the log member; and an actuator that lowers the upper support, and may be configured such that the pneumatic pressure of the actuator is released after the upper support is lowered to a set position.

[0013] A transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the transport device for an automatic log inoculator may further include: a pair of clamp discs configured to pressurize and fix both ends of a log member arranged at the processing preparation position; a rotating unit configured to rotate at least one of the pair of clamp discs by a predetermined angle under the control of a control unit; a pressing unit configured to move at least one of the pair of clamp discs along a longitudinal direction; a clamp body that supports the pair of clamp discs, the rotating unit, and the pressing unit so that a space for the log member is secured between the pair of clamp discs, and is movably connected to a transport rail extending along the longitudinal direction; and a transport unit that moves the clamp body along the transport rail.

[0014] As discussed above, the problem-solving means of the present invention can be expected to produce various effects, including the following. However, the present invention is not established unless all of the following effects are achieved.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unwanted scratches and the like from forming on the surface of a raw wood member to be processed.

[0016] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the surface of the log member has different heights at different locations, the log member can be stably fixed and transported in an arrangement as close to a straight line as possible. This enables the formation of insertion holes at each location at a depth suitable for mushroom mycelial cultivation, enabling the automation of the process of inoculating mushroom spawn onto the log member, and offers the advantage of significantly reducing the defect rate while dramatically increasing production volume.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic log inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a conveyor of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a loader and clamp of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a side view showing an example of a processing section of an automatic log inoculator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] For convenience of explanation, the following expressions are used in this specification: “front,” “rear,” “upper,” and “lower.” In the following description, “front” refers to the direction in which the log automatic inoculator (1000) faces, that is, the direction in which the loader (100) and the unloader (600) are located with respect to the processing section (400), and “rear” refers to the opposite direction. “Upper” or “top” refers to the direction in which the log automatic inoculator (1000) is depicted in the drawing. Of course, when the log automatic inoculator (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention is actually used, the front, rear, upper, and lower directions mentioned in the specification may not match the actual front, rear, upper, and lower directions.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic log inoculator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, in a log automatic inoculation machine (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor (100) and a loader (200) supply log materials (10) under the control of a control unit (900), a clamp (300) fixes and moves the log materials (10), a processing unit (400) processes the side of the log materials (10) for log inoculation, and then an unloader (600) unloads the processed log materials (10) to a separate loading mechanism.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a transport device for an automatic inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a conveyor (100), a loader (200), and a clamp (300). FIG. 2 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a conveyor (100) of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a loader (200) and a clamp (300) of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 exemplarily show a part of a transport device for an automatic log inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and mainly show a part related to the operation of the clamp (300). For reference, some components are omitted in all of FIGS. 1 to 5 to help understanding of the present invention.

[0031] The conveyor (100) serves to supply the log material (10) to a position close to the log automatic inoculator (1000). Referring to FIG. 2, the conveyor (100) may include a horizontal conveyor (110) and an elevation conveyor (150). The horizontal conveyor (110) can move the log material (10) in a horizontal direction, and the elevation conveyor (150) can raise the log material (10) from a position close to the log automatic inoculator (1000) and supply it to a position above the lower support (220) of the loader (200) or a processing preparation position (50; see FIG. 5) between the clamp disks (330) of the clamp (300).

[0032] A horizontal conveyor (110) may include a side frame (112), a top plate (114), a rotating shaft (120), a transport chain (130), and a motor (140).

[0033] The side frame (112) may form both sides of the horizontal conveyor (110) and may serve to support the rotary shaft (120) and other components. The horizontal conveyor (110) may be supported on the floor by the side frame (112) itself or by casters or supports provided at the bottom of the side frame (112). In a preferred embodiment, the side frame (112) may be configured so that the rear side of the horizontal conveyor (110) is higher than the front side of the lifting conveyor (150).

[0034] The top plate (114) can connect the two side frames (112) to each other in the area between the front and rear rotary shafts (120). The top plate (114) can be provided with a support rail (115), which can be formed at the bottom of the transport chain (130) to help the transport chain (130) transport the log member (10).

[0035] The rotating shaft (120) may be arranged laterally on the rear and front sides of the side frame (112), and may have a gear cog provided on its outer surface. For example, a cog wheel (122) may be provided at a predetermined position of the rotating shaft (120), and the gear cog may be formed on the outer surface of the cog wheel (122).

[0036] The transport chain (130) may correspond to a portion that contacts and transports the log member (10). The transport chain (130) may be configured in a closed curve shape, and front and rear rotary shafts (120) may be coupled to both ends of the transport chain (130). For reference, most of the transport chain (130) is omitted in FIG. 2.

[0037] The transport chain (130) is configured to mesh with the gear cog of the rotary shaft (120), so that when the rotary shaft (120) rotates, the transport chain (130) can rotate accordingly. That is, when the rotary shaft (120) rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the transport chain (130) by the gear cog of the cog wheel (122), so that the portion of the transport chain (130) above the upper plate (114) can move toward the front, and the portion below the upper plate (114) can move toward the rear.

[0038] The motor (140) may be configured to rotate at least one of a pair of rotary shafts (120) and a transport chain (130). For example, the motor (140) may rotate a drive wheel (144), which may be connected to a driven wheel (124) of the rotary shaft (120) by a belt or a chain, etc. As the motor (140) rotates, the drive wheel (144) may rotate the driven wheel (124) in a desired direction, and as the rotary shaft (120) rotates, the transport chain (130) may move as described above.

[0039] When a log member (10) is supplied on a transport chain (130), the log member (10) can move backward along the transport chain (130). Even if the transport chain (130) is lowered due to the weight of the log member (10), the support rail (115) under the transport chain (130) supports it, allowing the log member (10) to continue to be transported smoothly.

[0040] The elevator conveyor (150) may have a structure similar to that of the horizontal conveyor (110) and may include a side frame (152), a top plate (154), a rotating shaft (160), a transport chain (170), and a motor (190). However, the elevator conveyor (150) may further include at least one lift bar (180).

[0041] The side frame (152) may have an inclined structure so that the rear side is higher than the front side, forming both sides of the elevator conveyor (150). The side frame (152) may also serve to support the rotating shaft (160) and other components.

[0042] The top plate (154) can connect the two side frames (152) to each other in the area between the front and rear rotary shafts (160). The top plate (154) can be provided with a support rail (155), which can be formed at the bottom of the transport chain (170) to help the transport chain (170) maintain a flat state.

[0043] The rotating shaft (160) and the transport chain (170) may have a structure similar to that of the rotating shaft (120) and the transport chain (130) of the horizontal conveyor (110). The rotating shaft (160) may have a gear cog provided on its outer surface by a cog wheel (162) or the like, which may be engaged with a transport chain (170) having a closed curve shape, both ends of which are connected to the rotating shaft (160), to transmit power to the transport chain (170) and the lift bar (180). Since the side frame (152) of the lifting conveyor (150) has an incline so that the rear side is higher than the front side, the transport chain (170) faces upward while proceeding to the rear side along substantially the same incline.

[0044] At least one lift bar (180) may be coupled to the transport chain (170). The lift bar (180) supports the log member (10) on a surface facing the direction of travel to move the log member (10) to a higher position. The lift bars (180) may be coupled to the transport chain (170) at predetermined intervals and may extend in a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the transport chain (170). That is, the lift bar (180) may extend in a direction intersecting the direction of travel of the transport chain (170). When the lift bar (180) rises along the incline of the side frame (152) toward the rear of the elevator conveyor (150), the surface of the lift bar (180) facing the direction of travel may be formed with unevenness to enable the log member (10) to be stably supported without slipping.

[0045] Meanwhile, the elevator conveyor (150) may further include a cover plate (156, 157) positioned at at least one of the front and rear sides. The cover plate (156, 157) may be positioned horizontally, and the rear side may have a bent shape compared to the front side, and a clearance hole (158) may be formed that is large enough for the lift bar (180) to pass through.

[0046] The cover plate (156) located on the front side of the lifting conveyor (150) can be located between the horizontal conveyor (110) and the lifting conveyor (150), and the front side of the cover plate (156) can be parallel to an imaginary plane connecting the upper part of the transport chain (130) to the horizontal conveyor (110). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the front side of the cover plate (156) is arranged on the upper part of the horizontal conveyor (110), and a clearance hole for the transport chain (130) to pass through is also formed on the front side of the cover plate (156).

[0047] The rear side of the cover plate (156) can be bent at a downward angle from the front side. Thus, the log member (10) transported by the horizontal conveyor (110) and reaching the cover plate (156) can be placed on the front side of the lifting conveyor (150) along the incline of the rear side of the cover plate (156). The length and angle in the front-back direction of the rear side of the cover plate (156) and the length and angle of the lift bar (180) can be designed so that the log member (10) does not rotate.

[0048] A cover plate (157) located at the rear side of the lifting conveyor (150) can be located between the lifting conveyor (150) and the loader (200), and the front side of the cover plate (157) can be parallel to an imaginary plane connecting the upper part of the transport chain (170) in the lifting conveyor (150). A clearance hole (158) formed at the front side of the cover plate (157) can extend to the rear side of the cover plate (157).

[0049] The rear side of the cover plate (157) can be bent at a downward angle from the front side. Thus, the log member (10) transported by the lifting conveyor (150) and reaching the cover plate (157) can be placed on the lower support (220) of the loader (200) along the slope of the rear side of the cover plate (157). As in the example illustrated in Fig. 1, the lower support (220) in the standby position is configured so as not to have a large height difference with the cover plate (157), thereby preventing damage to the log member (10) due to dropping.

[0050] The loader (200) serves to lift the supplied raw wood material (10) and place it in a processing preparation position. Here, the processing preparation position corresponds to a position between the clamp discs (330), which are part of the clamp (300). The loader (100) can be implemented in various structures, but in the example shown in the drawing, the loader (200) includes a lifter (210), a lower support (220), an actuator (230), and an upper support (240).

[0051] The lifter (210) may be configured to move the lower support (220) up and down. The lifter (210) may utilize, for example, one of various electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical mechanisms.

[0052] The lower support (220) can serve to support the wooden member (10) from below. The lower support (220) can form a kind of frame including a plurality of linear members that are connected to each other. In particular, two linear members can extend upwardly in opposite directions and form a “Y” shape that spreads upward, and such a “Y” frame can be formed at two or more points on the upper side of the lower support (220). When the wooden member (10) is supplied to the lower support (220), the cylindrical wooden member (10) can be positioned in the center of each “Y” frame due to the upward inclinations that extend in opposite directions.

[0053] The actuator (230) may be configured to move the upper support (240) up and down. The actuator (230) may utilize one of various electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical mechanisms, but in a preferred embodiment, it may be implemented in the form of a pneumatic cylinder.

[0054] The upper support (240) can serve to support the wooden member (10) from above. The upper support (240) can be a generally linear member extending in the front-back direction, and on the lower surface, both ends can extend downward to a lower position so that the center can be formed concave. The purpose of the upper support (240) is to fix the wooden member (10) so that it does not shake, and therefore, a large force is not required for the actuator (230) for driving the upper support (240).

[0055] In the example shown in the drawing, the upper support (240) is coupled to a separate movable frame (232), and the movable frame (232) is configured to be movably coupled to the fixed frame (234) so ​​that the upper support (240) is supported in a more stable structure and maintained in an aligned state.

[0056] When a log member (10) is supplied from a conveyor (100) to a loader (200), the lifter (210) can lower the lower support (220) to a designated position (standby position), and the supplied log member (10) can be placed on the upper portion of the lower support (220). At this time, the log member (10) can be naturally aligned in the center of the "Y" frame of the lower support (220).

[0057] Next, the lifter (210) of the loader (200) can raise the lower support (220) to move the log member (10) to the processing preparation position. However, before the log member (10) reaches the designated height, the actuator (230) can first lower the upper support (240) to the designated position. The designated position of the upper support (240) may be a height corresponding to the processing preparation position or a height slightly lower than that. After the upper support (240) reaches the designated position, the actuator (230) can release the air pressure and wait without applying any more downward force.

[0058] As the lower support (220) is raised by the lifter (210), the upper portion of the log member (10) comes into contact with the upper support (240) at a height close to the processing preparation position. Since the actuator (230) is in a pneumatically released state, it does not provide significant resistance to the force of the lifter (210), and as air is extruded from the pneumatic cylinder, a slight buffering effect is generated, acting as a weak brake.

[0059] When the log member (10) reaches a designated height corresponding to the processing preparation position, the lower support (220) supports the log member (10) from below and the upper support (240) supports the log member (10) from above, so that the log member (10) can be fixed so that it does not shake.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit (900) can estimate the approximate diameter of the log member (10) from the positions of the lower support (220) and the upper support (240), and can adjust the position of the lower support (220) so that the center of the log member (10) corresponds to the clamp discs (330). Of course, in some other embodiments of the present invention, it is assumed that the log member (10) is supplied with substantially the same diameter, and the lower support (220) can be moved to a set height.

[0061] The clamp (300) serves to secure a raw wood member (10) between a pair of clamp discs (330) and then direct a specific position of the raw wood member (10) toward the processing section (400). Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the clamp (300) may largely include a clamp body (310), a clamp disc (330), a rotating section (350), a pressing section (360), and a transport section.

[0062] The clamp body (310) can connect the clamp disks (330) to each other at a position that is retracted rearward so that a space for the raw material (10) is secured between the clamp disks (330), that is, so that there are no obstacles that impede the entry of the raw material (10) and so that there are no obstacles that impede the processing and supply of the raw material (10) above and below the space. The clamp body (310) can be movably coupled to a transport rail (322, 324, 326) that extends along the longitudinal direction. Here, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which a plurality of processing equipments included in the processing section (400) are displayed, and the direction in which the clamp body (310) extends, the direction in which the transport rails (322, 324, 326) extend, and the direction in which the raw material (10) extends may all be regarded as the longitudinal direction.

[0063] Since the clamp body (310) is in a state of being retracted to the rear and supports the wooden member (10) with the clamp disc (330) located in front of it, it may be desirable for the clamp body (310) to be supported not only from the lower side but also from the rear side. To this end, the clamp body (310) may be movably coupled to a plurality of transport rails (322, 324, 326), and some of the transport rails (322) may be located at the rear side of the clamp body (310) to support the clamp body (310) from the rear side. The clamp body (310) may include at least one engaging piece (318) that is movably engaged with these transport rails (322, 324, 326).

[0064] The clamp disc (330) may be configured to pressurize and fix both ends of the wooden member (10). For example, a pair of clamp discs (330) may be provided on a support plate (312) protruding forward from the clamp body (310) with a space for the wooden member (10) therebetween. The clamp discs (330) may be installed so as to be rotatable, and their rotational axes may be configured to be parallel to the longitudinal direction. A plurality of spikes may be provided on the inner surface of each of the two clamp discs (330) facing the wooden member (10). Therefore, when a pair of clamp discs (330) pressurize both ends of the wooden member (10) from both sides, the wooden member (10) may be firmly fixed between the clamp discs (330).

[0065] The rotating unit (350) may be configured to rotate at least one of a pair of clamp discs (330) under the control of the control unit (900). The rotating unit (350) may be implemented in the form of a motor configured to rotate at a specified angle unit according to the control of the control unit (900), for example. A driving wheel (342) provided on a driving shaft of the motor and a driven wheel (334) provided on a driven shaft (332) of the clamp disc (330) may be connected by a belt or chain, etc., which may transmit the rotational force of the motor to the driven shaft (332) of the clamp disc (330) to rotate the clamp disc (330) at a required angle. When the control unit (900) estimates the diameter of the log member (10) from the positions of the lower support (220) and the upper support (240) of the loader (200), the control unit (900) can also set the angle at which the clamp disc (330) is to be rotated based on this.

[0066] The pressurizing unit (360) may be configured to move at least one of a pair of clamp discs (330) along the longitudinal direction under the control of the control unit (900). That is, the pressurizing unit (360) may reduce the gap between the clamp discs (330) on both sides when the processing of the log member (10) begins so that the clamp discs (330) press and fix both ends of the log member (10), and may increase the gap between the clamp discs (330) on both sides after the processing of the log member (10) is completed so that the log member (10) is separated from the clamp discs (330). The pressurizing unit (360) may be implemented in the form of an actuator configured to move the clamp discs (330) by a specified distance under the control of the control unit (900), for example, and may be mounted on one or both clamp discs (330).

[0067] In order for the pressurizing portion (360) to move the clamp disc (330), the clamp disc (330), the rotating portion (350), and the pressurizing portion (360) may be mounted on a separate mounting plate (316) that is movably installed with respect to the support plate (312). For example, the support plate (312) may be provided with a movable rail (346), and the mounting plate (316) may be movably installed along the movable rail (346). Meanwhile, a fixed plate (314) extending in a orthogonal direction may be formed on the support plate (312) opposite to the clamp disc (330). A portion of the pressurizing portion (360) may be coupled to the fixed plate (314), and another portion may be coupled to the mounting plate (316). When the pressurizing unit (360) operates under the control of the control unit (900), the pressurizing unit (360) can move the mounting plate (316) relative to the fixed plate (314), and during the process, can move the clamp disc (330) and the rotating unit (350) mounted on the mounting plate (316).

[0068] The transport section can move the clamp body (310) along the transport rails (322, 324, 326) so that the raw material (10) is processed by the processing section (400) while the raw material (10) is fixed between the clamp discs (330) by the pressurizing section (360). The transport section can be implemented in various structures, but in the example shown in FIG. 5, the transport section includes a rotating shaft (370), a transport chain (380), a connector key (382), and a motor (390). For reference, FIG. 5 omits a number of components that are not related to the transport of the clamp (300).

[0069] The rotating shaft (370) can be arranged in the front-back direction on the left and right sides inside the log automatic inoculator (1000), and a gear cog can be provided on its outer surface. For example, a cog wheel (372) can be provided at a predetermined position of the rotating shaft (370), and a gear cog can be formed on the outer surface of the cog wheel (372).

[0070] The transport chain (380) may correspond to a part that transmits the driving force of the motor (390). The transport chain (380) may be configured in a closed curve shape, and the right-hand rotation shaft (370) may be coupled to both ends of the transport chain (380). The transport chain (380) is configured to mesh with the gear cog of the rotation shaft (370), so that when the rotation shaft (370) rotates, the transport chain (380) can rotate accordingly. That is, when the rotation shaft (370) rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the transport chain (380) by the gear cog of the cog wheel (372), so that the transport chain (380) can move to the left or right in response to the direction of machining progress.

[0071] The connector key (382) can be coupled to the clamp body (310) at the top and to the transport chain (380) at the bottom so that the clamp body (310) can move along the transport chain (380). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper portion (383) of the connector key (382) can be split into two sides to have a shape similar to the letter “Y”, and one of the coupling pieces (318) of the clamp body (310) can be coupled so as to be positioned between the split portions of the upper portion (383) of the connector key (382). Meanwhile, the lower portion (384) of the connector key (382) can be extended to a height corresponding to the upper portion of the transport chain (370) and can be coupled to the transport chain (370) at multiple points.

[0072] The motor (390) may be configured to rotate at least one of a pair of rotary shafts (370) and a transport chain (380). For example, the motor (390) may rotate a drive wheel (394), which may be connected to a driven wheel (374) of the rotary shaft (370) by a belt or a chain, etc. As the motor (390) rotates under the control of the control unit (900), the drive wheel (394) may rotate the driven wheel (374) in a required direction, and as the rotary shaft (370) rotates, the transport chain (380) may move in a required direction. Since the upper portion (383) of the connector key (382) may push the coupling piece (318) from both sides, the movement of the transport chain (380) may effectively move the clamp body (310) and the clamp disc (330), the rotary part (350), the coupling part (360), etc. coupled thereto.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a processing section (400) of an automatic log inoculator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The processing section (400) corresponds to a section that directly processes the raw wood member (10). The processing section (400) may basically be equipped with a processing tip (480), and the processing tip (480) can process the surface of the raw wood member (10) while penetrating the surface of the raw wood member (10) or while moving close to the surface of the raw wood member (10). In the present specification, the processing tip (480) penetrating the surface of the raw wood member (10) includes not only the case where the processing tip actually enters below the surface of the raw wood member (10) but also the case where the processing tip is positioned close to the surface of the raw wood member (10) to the extent that a specific processing operation can be performed on the raw wood member (10).

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit (400) may include a plurality of unit processing equipment, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the processing unit (400) may include at least one of a first unit processing equipment configured to perforate an insertion hole in a log member (10), a second unit processing equipment configured to insert a seed material into the perforated insertion hole, and a third unit processing equipment configured to inject a sealing material into the insertion hole into which the seed material has been inserted. The processing tip (280) of the first unit processing equipment may be implemented in the form of, for example, a drill bit, the processing tip (280) of the second unit processing equipment may be implemented in the form of, for example, an insertion sleeve for inserting a seed material, and the processing tip (280) of the third unit processing equipment may be implemented in the form of, for example, an injection nozzle for injecting a molten sealing material.

[0076] Fig. 6 illustrates one example of a processing unit (400). The processing unit (400) illustrated in Fig. 6 corresponds to processing equipment configured to drill an insertion hole in a raw wood member (10), but the description presented below may be similarly applied to other types of processing units. Referring to Fig. 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit (400) may include a first frame (410), a second frame (420), a guide support (440), a driving unit (450), and a processing tip (480).

[0077] The first frame (410) is a portion to which the processing tip (480) is fixed. The driving unit (450) of the processing unit (400) can move the processing tip (480) by moving the first frame (410). To move the first frame (410), a slide rail may be formed on the main body frame (1010) of the log automatic inoculator (1000), and the first frame (410) may be provided with a coupling portion configured to slide along the slide rail.

[0078] The second frame (420) is a portion to which the guide support (440) is fixed. The second frame (420) is coupled to the first frame (410) and can be coupled to be relatively movable with respect to the first frame (410) within a predetermined range. For example, a slide rail (412) may be formed on the first frame (410), and a coupling portion (422) configured to slide along the slide rail (412) may be provided on the second frame (420). Within the movable ranges of the first frame (410) and the second frame (420), even if the first frame (410) is moved by the driving portion (450), the second frame (420) can remain stationary.

[0079] The guide support (440) can extend downwardly on both sides of the processing tip (480). That is, a pair of guide supports (440) can be positioned on both sides of the processing tip (480), and they can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance at a position corresponding to the processing tip (480). The guide support (440) is fixed to the second frame (420), the processing tip (480) is fixed to the first frame (410), and the first frame (410) is relatively movable with respect to the second frame (420). Therefore, when the first frame (410) is moved by the driving unit (450), the processing tip (480) can pass through the gap between the stationary pair of guide supports (440) to approach the raw wood member (10).

[0080] The driving unit (450) applies power to move the processing tip (480) in the up-and-down direction. As described above, the driving unit (450) can move the processing tip (480) by moving the first frame (410).

[0081] The processing tip (480) is a part that contacts the surface of the raw wood member (10) and actually performs processing. As described above, the processing tip (480) may be implemented in the form of a drill bit that bores an insertion hole in the raw wood member (10), an insertion sleeve that inserts a seed material into the insertion hole, an injection nozzle that injects a molten sealing material into the insertion hole into which the seed material has been inserted, or other forms, and other components for the operation of the processing tip (480) may be included in the processing section (400). In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the processing tip (480) is implemented as a drill bit and is connected to a shaft (470) for transmitting rotational force from a separate motor (not shown).

[0082] Meanwhile, the log automatic inoculator (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a detection unit (500) and one or more marking units (510, 520). The detection unit (500) may be configured to detect the marking units (510, 520), and the detection unit (500) may be mounted on the second frame (420), and the marking units (510, 520) may be mounted on the first frame (410). The detection unit (500) communicates with the control unit (900) so that the control unit (900) can obtain information regarding the positional relationship between the first frame (410) and the second frame (420). Above, the case where the detection unit (500) is mounted on the second frame (420) and the marking unit (510, 520) is mounted on the first frame (410) has been described, but it is obvious that their positions can be changed.

[0083] The log member (10) can be viewed as being divided into n regions (n ​​is a natural number) along the longitudinal direction, and insertion holes can be processed at m points (m is a natural number greater than 1) along the circumferential direction in each region. In a state where the log member (10) is fixed between clamp disks (330), the control unit (900) of the log automatic inoculator (1000) can control the transport unit to move the ith region below the processing unit (400) by starting the counter i as 1, and when the processing of the ith region is completed, control the transport unit to move the next region below the processing unit (400), thereby processing the entire log member (10).

[0084] When the processing unit (400) of the log automatic inoculator (1000) includes a plurality of unit processing equipment, one of the areas processed by the unit processing equipment at the first position can be placed under the unit processing equipment at the second position. To this end, the interval between the plurality of unit processing equipments can be designed as a multiple of the interval of insertion holes required for the log member (10) in the longitudinal direction. In this case, when the log member (10) is moved so that the second area, the third area, etc. of the log member (10) is placed under the unit processing equipment at the first position after the first area is completely processed by the unit processing equipment at the first position, the first area already processed by the unit processing equipment at the first position can be placed under the unit processing equipment at the second position.

[0085] In a state where a specific area of ​​the raw material (10) is placed under the processing unit (400), the driving unit (450) can first lower the processing unit (400) until the guide support (440) of the processing unit (400) is secured to the raw material (10). The driving unit (450) can move the entire processing unit (400), i.e., the first frame (410) and the second frame (420), from a standby position to a starting position. The starting position may correspond to a predetermined height close to the raw material (10) and lower than the standby position.

[0086] As described above, the guide support (440) may be formed in a shape having a downward slope as shown in Fig. 6, with a space formed in the center through which the processing tip (480) can pass. The guide support (440) may be fixed to a second frame (420) that is relatively movable with respect to the first frame (410).

[0087] The driving unit (450) of the processing unit (400) can lower the first frame (410) to the starting position, and the second frame (420) that is relatively movable with respect to the first frame (410) can be positioned at the lowest point within the range of movement by gravity and can be lowered together as the first frame (410) is lowered. As in the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the guide support (440) positioned at the lowest point comes into contact with the raw wood member (10) first.

[0088] The log member (10) is not always formed in a straight line as an unprocessed log and may include significant bends. If the log member (10) includes a significant bend in the area positioned below the processing section (400) and the surface of the log member (10) is excessively close to the processing tip (480), the processing tip (480) may be damaged or the proper operation of the processing tip (480) may be hindered.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first marking unit (510) mounted on the first frame (410) and the detection unit (500) mounted on the second frame (420) can be used to prevent the distance between the surface of the raw wood member (10) and the processing tip (480) from becoming excessively small at the starting position.

[0090] When the driving unit (450) of the processing unit (400) lowers the first frame (410) to the starting position and the second frame (420) is lowered together by gravity, the guide support (440) first comes into contact with the wooden member (10). After that, the guide support (440) and the second frame (420) no longer descend, but the first frame (410) is not restricted by this and continues to descend to the starting position. During this process, the detection unit (500) is coupled to the second frame (420) that has stopped moving and the first marking unit (510) is coupled to the first frame (410) that is moving, so that the detection unit (500) rises relatively to the first marking unit (510). The positions of the detection unit (500) and the first marking unit (510) can be designed so that the first marking unit (510) is within the detectable range of the detection unit (500) while the second frame (420) is within the allowable range.

[0091] When the corresponding area of ​​the log member (10) is at an excessively high position, the second frame (420) on which the guide support (440) is formed rises to a correspondingly higher position with respect to the first frame (410), and as the relative position of the second frame (420) goes out of the allowable range, the first marking portion (510) may also go out of the detectable range of the detection portion (500). The control portion (900) can detect this and stop the lowering operation of the driving portion (450) and control the driving portion (450) to adjust the designated position (i.e., the starting position) with respect to the first frame (510) to a higher position. In this way, if the control unit (900) determines that the distance from the raw material (10) to the processing tip (480) is less than or equal to a threshold value based on the detection result of the detection unit (500) for the first marking unit (510), the driving unit (450) can move at least one of the processing tip (480) and the first frame (410) away from the raw material (10). This can prevent unintended contact from occurring between the processing tip (480) and the raw material (10) even if the raw material (10) has a severely bent shape at the corresponding position.

[0092] Next, the driving unit (450) can lower the first frame (410) further from the starting position so that the processing tip (480) reaches a position where it has penetrated the surface of the raw wood member (10) or a position close to it, thereby processing the surface of the raw wood member (10). For example, when the driving unit (450) extends the moving shaft downward, the first frame (410) coupled to the lower end of the moving shaft can descend along the slide rail of the main body frame (1010).

[0093] Here, the distance that the processing tip (480) descends to penetrate the raw wood member (10) can be determined based on the guide support (440).

[0094] As an example, a second marking unit (520) mounted on a first frame (410) and a detection unit (500) mounted on a second frame (420) can provide detection results that can be used as a basis for controlling the descending distance of a machining tip (480).

[0095] As described above, when the guide support (440) is secured to the wooden member (10) and the second frame (420) is in a fixed state, the first frame (410) and the processing tip (480) can move independently in the up-and-down direction. When the driving unit (450) lowers the processing tip (480) and the first frame (410) from the starting position while the second frame (420) is fixed, the detection unit (500) coupled to the second frame (420) is raised relative to the second marking unit (520) coupled to the first frame (410).

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the process of the driving unit (450) lowering the first frame (410) so that the processing tip (480) can process the raw wood member (10), the second marking unit (520) may go out of the detectable range of the detection unit (500), and the control unit (900) may control the driving unit (450) to continue lowering the first frame (410) until a predetermined time has elapsed from this point in time. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit (900) may control the driving unit (450) to raise the first frame (410) again, and the driving unit (450) may raise the first frame (410) to the starting position. Of course, depending on how large the detectable range of the detection unit (500) is, the predetermined time may be set to 0 seconds so that the driving direction of the driving unit (450) can be changed immediately when the second marker unit (520) goes out of the detectable range of the detection unit (500).

[0097] In another embodiment of the present invention, two detection units (500) may be provided on the second frame (420) and mounted at positions corresponding to the upper and lower limits of a preferred range of the machining tip (480) based on the guide support (440). For example, when the upper detection unit (500) detects the second marking unit (520), the control unit (900) can determine that the machining tip (480) is at the upper limit of the preferred range (i.e., the height corresponding to the starting position), and when the lower detection unit (500) detects the second marking unit (520), the control unit (900) can determine that the machining tip (480) is at the lower limit of the preferred range (i.e., the height corresponding to the machining position). When the machining tip (480) is at the machining position, the control unit (900) can drive other components of the machining unit (400).

[0098] When processing is completed at a point in the ith region, the control unit (900) can perform a task of determining whether processing of the entire ith region is completed. For example, the control unit (900) can count the number of times the processing tip (480) penetrates the log member (10) in the ith region and determine whether processing of the ith region is completed based on whether the number of penetrations in the ith region has already reached a preset number (m). If it is determined that processing of the ith region is not completed, the log member (10) can be rotated by a specified angle. This can be performed by causing the rotation unit (350) of the clamp (300) to rotate the clamp disk (330) under the control of the control unit (900).

[0099] The control unit (900) can set the number of insertion holes to be processed in each area of ​​the log member (10), which can be calculated or input by considering the desired spacing between insertion holes based on the circumferential direction and the approximate diameter of the log member (10). Based on this, the rotation unit (350) can rotate the clamp disc (330) and the log member (10) fixed therebetween by the angle set by the control unit (900).

[0100] When the rotating part (350) rotates the clamp disc (330) and the wooden member (10), the guide support (440) can remain seated on the wooden member (10). Here, depending on the shape of the wooden member (10), a slight change in height may occur in the guide support (440).

[0101] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the processing of the i-th area is complete, for example, if it is determined that the processing has been performed m times in the i-th area, the control unit (900) can determine whether the processing of the entire raw wood member (10) is complete.

[0102] The control unit (900) can determine whether the processing of the raw wood member (10) is complete, for example, based on whether the number of processed areas in the raw wood member (10) has reached a preset number (n).

[0103] If it is determined that the processing of the entire log member (10) is not completed, the counter i can be increased by 1, and the transport unit of the clamp (300) can be controlled so that the next area of ​​the last processed area is made the i-th area and the i-th area is moved under the processing unit (400). Then, the processes of rotating and processing the log member (10) targeting a new area can be repeated. As described above, when the processing unit (400) includes a plurality of unit processing equipment, when a new area is placed under the unit processing equipment at the first position, the previously processed area can be placed under the unit processing equipment at the second position.

[0104] When it is determined that the entire processing of the raw wood member (10) is completed, the control unit (900) can unload the processed raw wood member (10) at a designated location. This can be accomplished by having the transport unit of the clamp (300) move the raw wood member (10) above the unloader (600) and then having the pressure unit (360) move the clamping disc (330) so that the raw wood member (10) that was fixed therebetween is separated. The unloader (600) can transport the processed raw wood member (10) while maintaining it in a fixed state without rolling it.

[0105] According to some embodiments of the present invention presented above, a plurality of log members (10) are supplied using a conveyor (100), but the log members (10) are prevented from rolling and the area where the surface of the log member (10) comes into contact with another member is minimized, thereby preventing unwanted scratches from forming on the surface of the log member (10) to be processed. This can help the insertion groove processed on the surface of the log member (10) maintain the correct shape according to the design and the mycelia included in the inserted fungus spores to be cultured as intended.

[0106] According to some embodiments of the present invention presented above, a log member (10) can be placed in a processing preparation position using a loader (200), and the log member (10) can be placed in a position as close to a straight line as possible by being seated on a “Y”-shaped lower support (220). In addition, the approximate diameter of the log member (10) can be estimated and the height can be adjusted accordingly, so that the log member (10) can be firmly fixed between the clamp discs (330). This can help improve the processing quality of the processing section (400) for the log member (10).

[0107] The structure of the clamp (300) and the processing unit (400) enables processing of insertion holes of the same depth at each position even if the log member (10) does not follow a precise straight line and has an irregular surface. That is, the guide support (440) is first secured to the log member (10), and the lowering distance and / or lowering time of the processing tip (480) are determined based on the second frame (420) on which the guide support (440) is mounted, so that even if the surface of the log member (10) has different heights at each position, an insertion hole can be formed at a depth suitable for mushroom mycelia cultivation at each position of the log member (10). Consequently, it becomes possible to automate the task of inoculating mushroom spawn onto the log member (10) using one embodiment of the present invention. This provides the advantage of dramatically increasing production volume while significantly reducing the defect rate.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A pair of clamp discs configured to pressurize and fix both ends of a wooden member; A rotating member configured to rotate at least one of the pair of clamp disks; A pressurizing member configured to move at least one of the pair of clamp disks along the longitudinal direction; A clamp body that supports the pair of clamp discs, the rotating part and the pressing part so that a space for the wooden member is secured between the pair of clamp discs and is movably connected to a transport rail extending along the longitudinal direction; and Including a transfer unit that moves the above clamp body along the transfer rail, The above transport unit, A connector key having the upper part joined to the clamp body; A transport chain connected to the lower part of the above connector key; A pair of rotating shafts having gear cogs meshing with the above-mentioned transport chain; and A transport device for a log automatic inoculator, characterized in that it includes a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotating shafts and the transport chain.

2. In paragraph 1, A transport device for a log automatic inoculator, characterized in that the clamp body includes a connecting piece movably connected to the transport rail, and the connector key is connected to the clamp body on both sides of the connecting piece.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a loader configured to place the above wooden member between the above clamp discs, The above loader, A lower support that raises the wooden member to a position between the clamp discs while the wooden member is secured thereon; and A transport device for an automatic log inoculator, characterized in that it includes an upper support that descends from the upper part of the log member and contacts the upper part of the log member.

4. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the above rotating unit, A transport device for an automatic log inoculator, characterized in that the control unit estimates the diameter of the log member from the positions of the lower support and the upper support that support the log member therebetween, and sets the rotation angle of the rotating unit based on the estimated diameter of the log member.

5. In paragraph 3, The above loader, A lifter that raises the above lower support; and Further comprising an actuator for lowering the upper support, A transport device for a log automatic inoculator, characterized in that the pneumatic pressure of the actuator is released after the upper support is lowered to the set position.

6. In paragraph 5, A transport device for an automatic log inoculator, characterized in that the pneumatic pressure of the actuator is released after the upper support is lowered to a height corresponding to the center of the clamp disc.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a conveyor configured to supply the above raw wood material, The above conveyor, Slanted side frames so that the rear is higher than the front; A pair of rotating shafts arranged transversely on the rear and front sides of the above side frame and having gear cogs on the outer surface; A closed-curve shaped transmission chain having a pair of rotating shafts connected at both ends so as to mesh with the gear cog; At least one lift bar connected to the above transport chain at a predetermined interval and extending in a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the above transport chain; A motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain; and A transport device for an automatic log inoculator, characterized in that it includes a cover plate that is arranged laterally at at least one of the front and rear sides of the side frame and has a clearance hole formed therein that is large enough for the lift bar to pass through.

8. A lower support that raises the wooden member to a processing preparation position while the wooden member is secured on top of it; A lifter that raises the above lower support; An upper support that descends from the upper part of the above wooden member and contacts the upper part of the above wooden member; Including an actuator for lowering the upper support, A transport device for a log automatic inoculator, characterized in that the pneumatic pressure of the actuator is released after the upper support is lowered to the set position.

9. In paragraph 8, A pair of clamp discs configured to pressurize and fix both ends of a raw wood member placed in the above processing preparation position; A rotating unit configured to rotate at least one of the pair of clamp disks by a predetermined angle under the control of the control unit; A pressurizing member configured to move at least one of the pair of clamp disks along the longitudinal direction; A clamp body that supports the pair of clamp discs, the rotating part and the pressing part so that a space for the wooden member is secured between the pair of clamp discs and is movably connected to a transport rail extending along the longitudinal direction; and A transport device for an automatic log inoculator further comprising a transport section for moving the clamp body along the transport rail.

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