Apparatus for unloading and loading log

Abstract

Disclosed is a log unloading and loading apparatus for automation of a log inoculation process. A log unloading and loading apparatus, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a pair of rotary shafts arranged in a transverse direction at the rear side and the front side, respectively, each having gear cogs on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a closed loop-shaped transfer chain of which both ends are coupled to the pair of rotary shafts so as to be engaged with the gear cogs; holder cups coupled to the transfer chain at predetermined intervals, each having a front support inclined upward toward the front direction, and a rear support inclined upward toward the rear direction, thereby forming a concave shape in the middle; and a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transfer chain, wherein the relative inclination of the upper portion of the transfer chain with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the relative inclination of the front and rear supports of the holder cup with respect to the transfer chain, so that a log member placed on the holder cup is prevented from rolling. The log unloading and loading apparatus can prevent falling and rolling of log members, thereby maintaining the quality of inoculated log members at a high level.

Description

Log unloading and loading device

[0001] The present invention relates to log inoculation for mushroom cultivation, and more particularly, to a log unloading and loading 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, spawn is inserted into insertion holes formed along the circumference of the side of a log member, and the log member inoculated in this way must be handled with care. During transportation, the log member may fall from a considerable height or roll around, which may cause scratches and damage to the surface of the log member, and there is a risk that the spawn inserted into the insertion hole or the sealing material injected to secure the spawn may dislodge from the designated location. This phenomenon may make it difficult for the log member to provide an optimal environment for mycelial cultivation, thereby reducing production.

[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 device that can unload logs from a log automatic inoculation machine capable of automating log inoculation work and load them onto a separate cart, etc.

[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 log unloading and loading device may include: a pair of rotary shafts arranged horizontally at the rear and front sides and having gear cogs on their outer surfaces; a closed-curve shaped transport chain having the pair of rotary shafts coupled to both ends so as to mesh with the gear cogs; a holder cup coupled to the transport chain at a predetermined interval, the front support thereof having an upward slope toward the front and the rear support thereof having an upward slope toward the rear and a concave shape in the middle; and a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain, wherein a relative inclination of an upper portion of the transport chain with respect to a horizontal plane may be configured to be smaller than a relative inclination of a front support and a rear support of the holder cup with respect to the transport chain so as to prevent a log member placed on the holder cup from rolling.

[0008] The log unloading and loading device according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the log unloading and loading device may further include a control plate having a through slit formed therein; and a slide member movably coupled to the control plate and coupled with the rotating shaft. The control plate may include a protruding support member having a fastening hole formed therein, and the slide member may include a fastening bolt configured to be inserted into the fastening hole.

[0009] The log unloading and loading device may further include an unloader provided at a position adjacent to the front side of the transport chain, wherein the unloader may include a support configured to allow the log member to be seated; and a lift configured to lower the support, and when the lift lowers the support, the log member seated on the support may be configured to be seated on the holder cup at the front side of the transport chain. The unloader may further include an intermediate member coupled to an upper portion of the lift; and an elastic member interposed between the intermediate member and the support to elastically support the support with respect to the intermediate member, in which case the lift may lower the support by lowering the intermediate member.

[0010] The log unloading and loading device may further include a stacker configured to move a log member placed on the holder cup at the rear side of the transport chain. The stacker may include a horizontal frame extending in a horizontal direction; a vertical frame extending vertically from the horizontal frame; at least one track roller rotatably connected to at least one of the horizontal frame and the vertical frame; a first driving unit configured to rotate the track roller to move the horizontal frame and the vertical frame in a forward-backward direction; a clamp base movably connected to the vertical frame in a vertical direction; a second driving unit configured to move the clamp base in a vertical direction; a clamp disc movably connected to the clamp base in a horizontal direction; and a pressing unit configured to move the clamp disc in a horizontal direction, wherein a range of movement of the vertical frame in the forward-backward direction by the track roller may include a position adjacent to the rear side of the transport chain.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a log unloading and loading device may include: a horizontal frame extending in a horizontal direction; a vertical frame extending in a vertical direction from the horizontal frame; at least one track roller rotatably connected to at least one of the horizontal frame and the vertical frame; a first driving unit configured to rotate the track roller to move the horizontal frame and the vertical frame in a forward-backward direction; a clamp base movably connected to the vertical frame in a vertical direction; a second driving unit configured to move the clamp base in a vertical direction; a clamp disc movably connected to the clamp base in a horizontal direction; and a pressure unit configured to move the clamp disc in a horizontal direction.

[0012] The log unloading and loading device according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the log unloading and loading device may further include a housing frame having a track rail with which the track rollers engage. The housing frame may also include a guide rail configured to align a portion of a cart for loading the log member.

[0013] The logging defect loading device may further include a sensor that detects whether the logging member is placed in a designated area of ​​the cart for loading the logging member.

[0014] The logging defect loading device may further include a conveyor that transports the log material within a range of forward and backward movement of the vertical frame by the track roller. The conveyor may include: a pair of rotary shafts arranged horizontally at the rear and front sides and having gear cogs on their outer surfaces; a closed-curve transport chain having the pair of rotary shafts coupled to both ends so as to mesh with the gear cogs; a holder cup coupled to the transport chain at a predetermined interval, the front support thereof having an upward slope toward the front and the rear support thereof having an upward slope toward the rear and a concave shape in the center; and a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain.

[0015] The logging defect loading device may further include an unloader for supplying the logging member. The unloader may include a support configured to secure the logging member; and a lift for lowering the support.

[0016] 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.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a log unloading and loading device is provided that can automatically unload and load processed logs onto a cart. In particular, the log unloading and loading device prevents the logs from falling or rolling, thereby maintaining a high level of quality in the grafted logs.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic log inoculator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an unloader of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a conveyor of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a stacker of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a stacker of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a stacker of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a cart that can be used with a stacker of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] For convenience of explanation, the following expressions are used in this specification: “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “front-back direction,” “horizontal direction,” and “vertical direction.” In the following description, “front” refers to the side closer to the automatic log inoculator (1000), and “rear” refers to the side further away from the automatic log inoculator (1000). “Upper” or “top” refers to the direction in which the automatic log inoculator (1000) is depicted in the drawing. The “front-back direction” refers to the direction of the straight line connecting the front and rear described above, the “horizontal direction” refers to the direction of the straight line connecting the left and right, and the “vertical direction” refers to the direction of the straight line connecting the upper and lower sides. Of course, when the log automatic inoculator (1000) according to one 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an automatic log inoculator (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the automatic log inoculator (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, under the control of a control unit (900), a conveyor (100) and a loader (200) supply a log member (10), and a clamp (300) rotates and moves the log member (10) while fixing the log member (10) so that the processing unit (400) can process and inoculate the side of the log member (10) for log inoculation. The log member (30) on which the inoculation is completed can then be loaded onto a cart (50) by a log unloading and loading device that may include an unloader (500), a conveyor (600), and a stacker (700).

[0033] The clamp (300) of the automatic log inoculator (1000) places a log member (10) between a pair of clamp disks and then presses and fixes both ends of the log member (10) by moving the clamp disks toward each other. The clamp (300) of the automatic log inoculator (1000) can rotate and move the fixed log member (10) under the processing unit (400) under the control of the control unit (900), and the processing unit (400) can perform processing such as drilling an insertion hole in the log member (10), inserting a fungus, and injecting a sealing material thereon. When processing is completed along the circumferential direction in all designated areas of the raw wood member (10), the clamp (300) moves the processed raw wood member (30) to a designated position, and then the clamp disks of the clamp (300) are moved away from each other, thereby releasing the fixation of the raw wood member (30).

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a log unloading and loading device for an automatic log inoculator may be configured to receive the separated log member (30), move it to another location, and then load it onto a separate cart (50). That is, the log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that unloads the log member (30) from the clamp (300) of the automatic log inoculator (1000) and loads it onto the cart (50). The log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a part of the automatic log inoculator (1000) or may be implemented as an independent device from the automatic log inoculator (1000). Although the drawing depicts a control unit (900) that controls various components of the automatic log inoculator (1000) as being a part of the automatic log inoculator (1000), this is merely one example, and the control unit (900) may be configured to control only the automatic log inoculator.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a part of a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a part of a conveyor (600) is omitted to help understanding the invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view exemplarily showing an unloader (500) of a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a part of a conveyor (600) of a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a stacker (700) of a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views exemplarily showing a part of a stacker (700) of a log unloading and loading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a cart (50) that can be used with a stacker (700) of a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more of an unloader (500), a conveyor (600), and a stacker (700), but a greater effect may be obtained when these are used together.

[0037] The unloader (500) lowers the log member (30) separated from the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculator (1000) to a required position. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, the unloader (500) may be positioned below the movement path of the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculator (1000) and between a pair of conveyor modules (601, 602) constituting the conveyor (600). Referring to FIG. 4, the unloader (500) may largely include an unloader frame (510), a support (520), a lift (530), an intermediate member (540), and an elastic member (550).

[0038] The unloader frame (510) is a frame that forms the main body of the unloader (500) and can support other components of the unloader (500). A through hole for the movement shaft (542) of the lift (530) to pass through and a through hole for the guide rod (524) coupled to the lower part of the support (520) to pass through may be formed on the upper part of the unloader frame (510). A guide sleeve (514) that helps to maintain the guide rod (524) in an aligned state may be provided on the lower part of the through hole for the guide rod (524) to pass through. Meanwhile, a coupling member (512) for coupling to the main body of the log automatic inoculator (1000) and / or the conveyor frame (610) of the conveyor (600) may be provided on the lower part of the unloader frame (510).

[0039] The support (520) corresponds to a portion where a log member (30) separated from a clamp (300) of an automatic log inoculator (1000) is seated. The front support (521) of the support (520) may have an upward slope toward the front, and the rear support (522) of the support (520) may have an upward slope toward the rear. The support (520) may thus have a concave shape in the middle, and may have a shape similar to or identical to the holder cup (640) of a conveyor (600) described below. This shape can prevent the log member (30) seated thereon from rolling.

[0040] One or more guide rods (524) may extend downward from the lower portion of the support (520). In a preferred embodiment, a pair of guide rods (524) may be provided on both sides of the support (520) to help the support (520) maintain a stable posture.

[0041] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the support (520) is positioned between a pair of conveyor modules (601, 602) constituting the conveyor (600), but may be formed at another location so that the support (520) can move the log member (30) secured on the support (520) to the holder cup (640) of the conveyor (600) as it descends. For example, in some embodiments not shown, a pair of supports (520) may be provided on both the left and right sides of the conveyor (600).

[0042] The lift (530) can serve to raise and lower the support (520). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the lift (530) raises and lowers the intermediate member (540) to raise and lower the support (520).

[0043] If the log member (30) is not yet fixed on the support (520), the lift (530) can raise the support (520) and move it below the log member (30) that the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculation device (1000) is holding. The lift (530) can raise the support (520) until the support (520) contacts the log member (30) between the clamps (300) of the log automatic inoculation device (1000), or can raise the support (520) to a position where the distance from the log member (30) is small enough that the log member (30) does not cause damage even if it is separated and falls, although it does not contact the log member (30). In some embodiments, when a raw material (10) before processing is loaded into a raw material automatic inoculator (1000), the control unit (900) can estimate the approximate diameter of the raw material (10), and the lift (530) can determine the elevation height of the support (520) based on the estimated diameter of the raw material (30) at this time.

[0044] After the log member (30) separated from the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculator (1000) is placed on the support (520), the lift (530) can lower the support (520) so that the log member (30) can be placed on the holder cup (640) of the conveyor (600). In the case where the log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention does not include the conveyor (600), the lift (530) can lower the support (520) to a height at which the log member (30) can be fixed to the clamp disk (870) of the stacker (700).

[0045] The intermediate member (540) may be coupled to the upper portion of the lift (530), for example, the moving shaft (542) of the lift (530) may be coupled to the lower portion of the intermediate member (540). The support (520) may be supported on the intermediate member (540). In some embodiments, the intermediate member (540) may be omitted and the support (520) may be directly coupled to the moving shaft (542) of the lift (530). However, when the intermediate member (540) is included as in the present embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the elastic member (550) can be more easily placed between the support (520) and the lift (530).

[0046] An elastic member (550) can be interposed between the support (520) and the intermediate member (540), and can elastically support the support (520) with respect to the intermediate member (540). In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a guide rod (524) extending downward from the lower portion of the support (520) passes through a through hole and a guide sleeve (514) formed in the unloader frame (510), and an elastic member (550) in the form of a coil spring is arranged on the outer surface of the guide rod (524) in the section between the support (520) and the intermediate member (540). Due to this structure, even if a relatively heavy wooden member (30) is placed on the support (520), the support (520) does not strongly resist it, and the elastic member (550) acts as a kind of shock absorber and absorbs the impact caused by the weight of the wooden member (30) through elastic deformation. This ultimately prevents the occurrence of scratches or damage on the surface of the wooden member (30) or the separation of the seed and / or sealant.

[0047] The conveyor (600) serves to move the log material (30) to the stacker (700). As illustrated in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the conveyor (600) may be positioned below the movement path of the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculator (1000), and an unloader (500) may be arranged at the front side of the conveyor (600). Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the conveyor (600) may largely include a conveyor frame (610), a rotating shaft (620), a transport chain (630), a holder cup (640), a control plate (650), a slide piece (660), and a motor (670). In addition, in the example illustrated in the drawing, the conveyor (600) includes a pair of conveyor modules (601, 602).

[0048] The conveyor frame (610) is a frame that forms the main body of the conveyor (600) and can support other components of the conveyor (600). When the conveyor (600) is composed of a pair of conveyor modules (601, 602), the conveyor frame (610) can form the outer shape of each conveyor module (601, 602) and can also include a frame (612) that supports each conveyor module (601, 602) and the motor (670) from below.

[0049] The rotary shaft (620) may be arranged horizontally at the rear and front sides of each conveyor module (601, 602), and may have a gear cog provided on its outer surface. For example, a cog wheel (622) may be provided at a predetermined position of the rotary shaft (620), and the gear cog may be formed on the outer surface of the cog wheel (622). As illustrated in FIG. 3, two conveyor modules (601, 602) at the rear side of the conveyor (600) may share one rotary shaft (620). A driven wheel (624) connected to a driving wheel of a motor (670) by a power transmission chain (676) may be formed on the shared rotary shaft (620). Since the two conveyor modules (601, 602) share one rotary shaft (620), their respective transport chains (630) may move at the same speed. Meanwhile, both ends of the rear rotary shaft (620) in each conveyor module (601, 602) can be connected to the slide piece (660).

[0050] The transport chain (630) may correspond to a portion that transports the holder cup (640) and the wooden member (30) mounted thereon. The transport chain (630) may be configured in a closed curve shape, and front and rear rotary shafts (620) may be coupled to both ends of the transport chain (630). When the conveyor (600) includes two conveyor modules (601, 602), each conveyor module (601, 602) may include one or more transport chains (630), and the transport chains (630) of each conveyor module (601, 602) may move a plurality of holder cups (640). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, each of two conveyor modules (601, 602) includes two transfer chains (630), and each holder cup (640) is supported by two transfer chains (630). The transfer chains (630) can be mounted so that the positions of the holder cups (640) are parallel in the two conveyor modules (601, 602).

[0051] The transport chain (630) is configured to mesh with the gear cog of the rotary shaft (620), so that when the rotary shaft (620) rotates, the transport chain (630) can rotate accordingly. That is, when the rotary shaft (620) rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the transport chain (630) by the gear cog of the cog wheel (622), so that the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) can move toward the rear, and the lower part (632) can move toward the front.

[0052] The holder cup (640) corresponds to a portion that actually contacts the wooden member (30). The holder cup (640) can be coupled to the conveying chain (630) at a predetermined interval, and as described above, the positions of the holder cups (640) in the two conveyor modules (601, 602) can be configured to be parallel. The front support (641) of the holder cup (640) can have an upward slope toward the front, and the rear support (642) can have an upward slope toward the rear, so that the holder cup (640) can have a shape with a concave center.

[0053] A log member (30) is placed and transported on a holder cup (640) that moves along the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) in each conveyor module (601, 602). Depending on the configuration of the log unloading and loading device, the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) may have a downward slope or an upward slope as it faces the rear, or may be horizontal. In the example shown in the drawing, the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) has a downward slope as it faces the rear. Here, the holder cup (640) may be configured so that the relative inclination of the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the relative inclination of the front support (641) and the rear support (642) of the holder cup (640) with respect to the transport chain (630), so that the wooden member (30) placed on the holder cup (640) does not roll.

[0054] The control plate (650) is provided on the front, rear, or both sides of the rotary shaft (620) to control the position of the rotary shaft (620) and to control the tension of the transport chain (630). The control plate (650) can be fixed to the conveyor frame (610). In the example shown in the drawing, a through slit (655) extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the control plate (650), and the through slit (655) of the control plate (650) is aligned with the through slit (615) formed in the conveyor frame (610). The control plate (650) includes a slide rail (652), which allows the slide piece (660) to move relatively to the control plate (650). A protruding support portion (654) protruding in the horizontal direction can be formed in the control plate (650), and a fastening hole (665) can be formed in the protruding support portion (654).

[0055] The slide piece (660) is a portion where the end of the rotary shaft (620) is connected and is movably connected to the control plate (650) in the forward and backward directions. As illustrated in the drawing, the rotary shaft (620) can be connected to the slide piece (660) by passing through a through slit (615) formed in the conveyor frame (610) and a through slit (655) formed in the control plate (650). Of course, in some embodiments, such as when the control plate (650) is arranged on the outside of the slide piece (660) or when both the control plate (650) and the slide piece (660) are arranged on the inside of the conveyor frame (610), at least one of the through slit (615) of the conveyor frame (610) and the through slit (655) of the control plate (650) may be omitted.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, in a conveyor (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a rotary shaft (620) is rotatably coupled to a shaft portion (662) to which a cog wheel (622) is fixed, and thus the shaft portion (662) is configured not to rotate. The shaft portion (662) configured not to rotate is fixedly coupled to a slide piece (660). Of course, the cog wheel (622) may be fixed to the shaft portion (662) and the shaft portion (662) may be rotatably coupled to the slide piece (660).

[0057] The slide piece (660) may include a fastening bolt (664). The fastening bolt (664) may extend in the forward and backward directions and may be formed to have a sufficient length to be inserted into the fastening hole (665) of the protruding support member (654). The fastening bolt (664) may be fixed to the protruding support member (654) in one or two directions by one or more nuts. This structure of the adjustment plate (650) and the slide piece (660) allows for fine adjustment of the position of the shaft (620), thereby allowing for adjustment of the tension of the transport chain (630) as needed.

[0058] In some embodiments, an elastic member (not shown) may be provided on the outer surface of the fastening bolt (664) on the side facing the slide piece (660) with respect to the protruding support portion (654). For example, in FIG. 5, a nut is fastened to the outer surface of the fastening bolt (664) on the opposite side of the slide piece (660) with respect to the protruding support portion (654) to limit the range of forward movement of the slide piece (660) and the rotary shaft (620) coupled thereto, and an elastic member (not shown) on the side closer to the slide piece (660) with respect to the protruding support portion (654) may press the slide piece (660) toward the front end of the conveyor module (601, 602). Such an elastic member (not shown) may serve to absorb shock when an impact is applied, such as when the wooden member (30) is seated on the holder cup (640), while allowing the transport chain (630) to maintain the necessary tension.

[0059] The motor (670) may be configured to rotate at least one of the rotary shaft (620) and the transport chain (630). As illustrated in the drawing, when a plurality of conveyor modules (601, 602) share one rotary shaft (620), the motor (670) may rotate the drive wheel, which may be connected to the driven wheel (624) of the rotary shaft (620) by a power transmission chain (676), etc. As the motor (670) rotates, the drive wheel may rotate the driven wheel (624) in a required direction, and as the rotary shaft (620) shared by both conveyor modules (601, 602) rotates, the transport chains (630) of both conveyor modules (601, 602) may rotate at the same speed.

[0060] When the wooden member (30) is supplied on the holder cup (640), the holder cup (640) and the wooden member (30) can be moved backward by the transport chain (630). As described above, the relative inclination of the upper part (631) of the transport chain (630) with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the relative inclination of the front support (641) and the rear support (642) of the holder cup (640) with respect to the transport chain (630), so that the wooden member (30) placed on the holder cup (640) does not roll down. The control plate (650) and the slide piece (660) can limit the degree to which the transport chain (630) sways downward due to the weight of the wooden member (30).

[0061] The stacker (700) serves to load the log material (30) onto the cart (50). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, the rear side of the conveyor (600) may be included within the space occupied by the stacker (700). Specifically, the movable range of the vertical frame (740) of the stacker (700) may include a position adjacent to the rear side of the transport chain (630) of the conveyor (600). In the example illustrated in the drawing, a groove is formed in the outer cover of the first driving unit (760) so that the first driving unit (760) does not interfere with the operation of the power transmission chain (676) of the conveyor (600).

[0062] When the log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention does not include a conveyor (600), the movable range of the vertical frame (740) of the stacker (700) may include a position where the unloader (500) is installed. Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the stacker (700) may include a housing frame (710), horizontal frames (730, 732), a vertical frame (740), a track roller (750), a first driving unit (760), a clamp base (770), a second driving unit (780), a clamp disc (870), and a pressurizing unit (880). For convenience of explanation, the moving part of the stacker (700) will be referred to as a moving unit (702).

[0063] The housing frame (710) corresponds to a frame that fixes and supports the non-moving portion of the stacker (700). The housing frame (710) may include various vertical portions (712) and horizontal portions (714) to surround the movable portion (702) and define its range of movement. The housing frame (710) may also include a guide rail (716) and a track rail (720). In some embodiments, the stacker (700) may be implemented without the housing frame (710).

[0064] The guide rail (716) may be configured to align a portion of the bogie (50). For example, the guide rail (716) may have a shape corresponding to a portion of the bogie (50) at a height corresponding to that portion. An operator or an automated device may align the bogie (50) to a required position by placing the bogie (50) so that it contacts the guide rail (716).

[0065] The track rail (720) corresponds to a part where the track roller (750) of the stacker (700) engages and moves. The track rail (720) can extend a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and can define a range in which the moving part of the stacker (700) can move by the track roller (750). In some embodiments, the track roller (750) of the stacker (700) may be formed to roll on the ground rather than move along the track rail (720). In this case, the track rail (720) may be omitted. However, by providing the track rail (720), each part of the moving part (702) and the carriage (50) can be aligned with higher accuracy, and wear and tear of the track roller (750) can be prevented, thereby increasing durability.

[0066] The horizontal frames (730, 732) correspond to portions of the moving part (702) that extend in the horizontal direction. In the example illustrated in the drawing, the moving part (702) is depicted as including a horizontal frame (730) provided on the lower side and a horizontal frame (732) provided on the upper side, but an embodiment in which the moving part (702) includes a horizontal frame (730, 732) on only one of the upper and lower sides is also possible. Of course, it goes without saying that providing the horizontal frame (730) on the lower side and providing the horizontal frames (730, 732) on the upper and lower sides will increase the structural stability of the moving part (702).

[0067] The vertical frame (740) may extend vertically from the horizontal frames (730, 732). The vertical frame (740) may serve to support the vertical movement of the clamp base (770). The vertical frame (740) may include, for example, a guide shaft (742) extending along the vertical direction, and the clamp base (770) may be movably coupled to the guide shaft (742). In a preferred embodiment, the vertical frame (740) may be provided on both left and right sides.

[0068] The track roller (750) can be rotatably coupled to at least one of the horizontal frame (730) and the vertical frame (740) or to other positions of the moving part (702). The track roller (750) allows the moving part (702) to move in the forward and backward directions. In the example shown in the drawing, some of the track rollers (750) are connected to the end of the rotary shaft (850), and when the motor (830) of the first driving part (760) rotates under the control of the control part (900), the rotational force is transmitted to the rotary shaft (850), causing the track roller (750) to rotate.

[0069] The first driving unit (760) rotates the track roller (750) under the control of the control unit (900). In Fig. 8, the outer cover of the first driving unit (760) is omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the motor (830) of the first driving unit (760) rotates the driving wheel (832) under the control of the control unit (900), and the rotational power of the motor (830) is transmitted to the transmission shaft (840) by a belt or chain (not shown) connecting the driving wheel (832) and the driven wheel (842). The cog wheels (844) of the plurality of transmission shafts (840) are connected to each other by a belt or chain (not shown) or the like, so that the plurality of transmission shafts (840) rotate in the same direction. The rotational power of the transmission shaft (840) is transmitted to the rotary shaft (850) by a belt (856) connecting the driving wheel (846) and the driven wheel (856), and the track rollers (750) coupled to the ends of each rotary shaft (850) can all rotate in the same direction. Of course, various structures can be used for the first driving unit (760) to rotate the track rollers (750).

[0070] The clamp base (770) corresponds to a part that supports a clamp disk (870) that holds a wooden member (30). The clamp base (770) is coupled to a vertical frame (740) and can be coupled so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0071] The second driving unit (780) serves to move the clamp base (770) in the vertical direction under the control of the control unit (900). In Fig. 7, the outer cover (734) around the second driving unit (780) is omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the second driving unit (780) is implemented in the form of a motor, and a primary transmission shaft (790) and a secondary transmission shaft (800) are provided on the left and right sides thereof, respectively. The driving wheel (782) of the second driving unit (780) is directly engaged with the primary transmission shaft (790) on one side and is engaged with the primary transmission shaft (790) on the other side via a different cog wheel (784), so that the primary transmission shafts (790) on both sides rotate in different directions.

[0072] The rotational power of the primary transmission shaft (790) is transmitted to the secondary transmission shaft (800) by a belt or chain (not shown) connecting the driving wheel (796) and the driven wheel (806), and the rotational power of the secondary transmission shaft (800) causes the clamp base (770) to move upward or downward by a chain (not shown) that is connected to the clamp base (770) and meshed with the gear cog of the driving wheel (808). Although the chain (not shown) that transmits the rotational power of the secondary transmission shaft (800) to the clamp base (770) is omitted in FIG. 7, it can be understood that the upper part of the chain is spanned by the roller (818) and the lower part of the chain is spanned by the roller (828) and extends downward through the through hole (825) to be connected to the clamp base (770). Of course, various structures can be used for the second driving unit (780) to move the clamp base (770) in the vertical direction.

[0073] The clamp disc (870) serves to lift the wooden member (30) provided to the stacker (700) by applying pressure from both ends. To this end, the clamp disc (870) may be movably coupled to the clamp base (770) in the horizontal direction. A plurality of spikes may be provided on the surface facing inward of each clamp disc (870), and a mechanism connected to the clamp base (770) may be provided on the outer surface corresponding to the opposite side.

[0074] The pressurizing portion (880) corresponds to a portion that moves the clamp disc (870) in the horizontal direction. The pressurizing portion (880) may be implemented in the form of, for example, a pneumatic actuator, but may also utilize one of various electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical structures.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 8, the clamp base (770) may include an inner member (772) and an outer member (774) that include overlapping portions, and these may be coupled to be relatively movable with respect to each other in the horizontal direction. For example, a slide rail may be provided on the outer surface of the side of the inner member (772), a coupling member (773) that is movably coupled to the slide rail may be provided on the inner surface of the side of the outer member (774), and a clamp disc (870) may be coupled to the outer member (774). When the pressurizing member (880) operates, the moving shaft of the pressurizing member (880) may move the outer member (774), thereby moving the clamp disc (870) coupled thereto.

[0076] In this way, the moving part (702) of the stacker (700) can move the clamp disc (870) at a position corresponding to the supplied log member (30) to pressurize both ends of the log member (30) to fix the log member (30) between the clamp discs (870), and then move the log member (30) to a designated position of the cart (50) or other position. In a state where the log member (30) is gripped, the first driving part (760) can rotate the track roller (750) to move the log member (30) in the forward and backward direction as much as necessary, and the second driving part (780) can move the clamp base (770) to move the log member (30) in the vertical direction as much as necessary. The control unit (900) can move the wooden member (30) to a set position and then control the pressure unit (880) to cause the clamp bases (770) to separate from each other, so that the wooden member (30) can be separated from the clamp base (770) and settled at the corresponding position.

[0077] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 depicts a cart (50) that can be used with a stacker (700). The cart (50) can include shelves (51, 52) formed of one or more layers, and each shelf (51, 52) can support one or more wooden members (30). As illustrated, a groove formed concavely downward can be formed at a designated position on each shelf (51, 52) where the wooden member (30) is to be seated. This prevents the wooden member (30) from rolling when the cart (50) moves when the wooden member (30) is seated at the corresponding position.

[0078] A support frame (54) may be provided at the bottom of the bogie (50), and a catch (56) may be provided on the support frame (56). In the example shown in the drawing, the guide rail (716) of the housing frame (710) is formed in a shape corresponding to the support frame (54) of the bogie (50). When the bogie (50) is placed at a designated position of the housing frame (710) so that the left and rear sides of the support frame (54) come into contact with the guide rail (716), the catch (56) of the bogie (50) may be hung over a part of the housing frame (710), so that the bogie (50) may be temporarily fixed at that position.

[0079] A log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sensor, and when the cart (50) is placed at a designated location of the housing frame (710), the sensor of the log unloading and loading device may detect whether a log member (30) is already placed in a designated area of ​​the cart (50). Based on the detection result of the sensor, the control unit (900) of the log unloading and loading device may place the log member (30) being gripped by the clamp disc (870) of the stacker (700) in an empty space of the cart (50).

[0080] Hereinafter, the operation of the log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0081] When the processing of the log member (30) is completed in the log automatic inoculation machine (1000) and the clamp (300) of the log automatic inoculation machine (1000) moves the log member (30) to a position above the unloader (500), the control unit (900) can control the lift (530) of the unloader (500) to cause the support (520) to rise to a predetermined position below the log member (30). In some embodiments, the lift (530) can cause the support (520) to rise until it comes into contact with the log member (30), and the unloader (500) can be equipped with a separate sensor (not shown) that can detect whether the support (520) is supporting the log member (30).

[0082] Meanwhile, the control unit (900) can also control the motor (670) of the conveyor (600) to cause the holder cup (640) of the conveyor module (601, 602) to be placed at a position below the log member (30). The time at which the holder cup (640) is placed at a designated position may be the same as the time at which the support (520) is placed at a designated height, but a slight time difference is also possible.

[0083] When the support (520) and holder cup (640) reach the designated positions, the clamp (300) can release the grip of the wooden member (30), and the wooden member (30) can be supported on the upper part of the support (520). The elastic member (550) of the unloader (500) can absorb shock that may occur when the wooden member (30) is moved to the support (520).

[0084] The control unit (900) can control the lift (530) of the unloader (500) to lower the support (520). As the support (520) supporting the log member (30) is lowered, the log member (30) is settled on the holder cup (640) of the conveyor (600).

[0085] Next, the control unit (900) can control the motor (670) of the conveyor (600) to transport the holder cup (640) supporting the log member (30) toward the stacker (700). As described above, the front support (641) and the rear support (642) of the holder cup (640) have angles that prevent the log member (30) from rolling, so the log member (30) can be transported without being separated from the holder cup (640).

[0086] When the holder cup (640) supporting the log member (30) reaches the movable range of the moving part (702) of the stacker (700), the control unit (900) can control the stacker (700) to move the clamp disc (870) to both sides of the log member (30) of the holder cup (640). As described above, when the control unit (900) estimates the diameter of the log member (10) during the process of loading or transporting the log member (10) before processing onto the log automatic inoculator (1000), the control unit (900) can determine the appropriate height of the clamp disc (870) based on the estimated diameter.

[0087] Under the control of the control unit (900), the pressurizing unit (880) can move the clamp disks (870) on both sides of the log member (30) toward each other, so that the log member (30) can be fixed between the clamp disks (870). The control unit (900) can designate a position where the log member (30) is to be loaded according to a set rule or a detection value of a sensor regarding the position of an empty space in the cart (50), and can control the first driving unit (760) and the second driving unit (780) to move the clamp disks (870) and the log member (30) fixed therebetween to a designated position in the cart (50). If there are multiple locations where the wooden member (30) can be loaded on each shelf (51, 52) of the cart (50), it is natural that the control unit (900) will determine the loading location of the wooden member (30) to be a location that does not interfere with loading to another location.

[0088] When the wooden member (30) fixed between the clamp discs (870) reaches a designated position, the control unit (900) can control the pressurizing unit (880) to move the clamp discs (870) away from each other, so that the grip on the wooden member (30) between the clamp discs (870) can be released. The wooden member (30) can be loaded onto the cart (50) in this way, and when the wooden member (30) is loaded into all the positions of the cart (50), a worker or an automated device can move the cart (50) to another location and place a new, empty cart (50) in that position.

[0089] According to some embodiments of the present invention presented above, the processed log member (30) can be automatically unloaded and loaded onto a cart (50). In particular, the log unloading and loading device according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the log member (30) from falling or rolling during the transport process of the log member (30), thereby maintaining the quality of the inoculated log member (30) at a high level.

[0090] 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 rotating shafts arranged transversely at the rear and front sides 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; A holder cup having a concave shape in the middle, the front support being inclined upward toward the front and the rear support being inclined upward toward the rear, and being connected to the above-mentioned transport chain at a predetermined interval; and A motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotary shafts and the transport chain, Further comprising an unloader provided at a position adjacent to the front side of the above transport chain, The above unloader, A support configured to allow the above wooden member to be fixed; and Including a lift for lowering the above support, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that when the lift lowers the support, the log member mounted on the support is mounted on the holder cup at the front side of the transport chain.

2. In paragraph 1, control panel; and A log unloading and loading device further comprising a slide piece movably coupled to the above control plate and coupled to the above rotary shaft.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control plate includes a protruding support portion having a fastening hole formed therein, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that the above slide piece includes a fastening bolt configured to be inserted into the above fastening hole.

4. In paragraph 1, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that the relative inclination of the upper part of the above-mentioned transport chain with respect to the horizontal plane is configured to be smaller than the relative inclination of the front and rear supports of the above-mentioned holder cup with respect to the above-mentioned transport chain so that the log member placed on the above-mentioned holder cup does not roll.

5. In paragraph 1, The above unloader, An intermediate member coupled to the upper portion of the above lift; and It further includes an elastic member interposed between the intermediate member and the support to elastically support the support with respect to the intermediate member, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that the lift lowers the support by lowering the intermediate member.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a stacker configured to move a wooden member placed on the holder cup at the rear side of the above transport chain, The above stacker, A horizontal frame extending horizontally; A vertical frame extending vertically from the above horizontal frame; At least one track roller rotatably coupled to at least one of the horizontal frame and the vertical frame; A first driving unit configured to rotate the track roller to move the horizontal frame and the vertical frame in the forward and backward direction; A clamp base movably connected to the vertical frame in the vertical direction; A second driving unit configured to move the clamp base in a vertical direction; A clamp disc movably coupled to the clamp base in the horizontal direction; and It includes a pressurizing part configured to move the clamp disc in the horizontal direction, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that the range of movement in the forward and backward direction of the vertical frame by the track roller includes a position adjacent to the rear side of the transport chain.

7. A horizontal frame extending horizontally; A vertical frame extending vertically from the above horizontal frame; At least one track roller rotatably coupled to at least one of the horizontal frame and the vertical frame; A first driving unit configured to rotate the track roller to move the horizontal frame and the vertical frame in the forward and backward direction; A clamp base movably connected to the vertical frame in the vertical direction; A second driving unit configured to move the clamp base in a vertical direction; A clamp disc movably coupled to the clamp base in the horizontal direction; and It includes a pressurizing part configured to move the clamp disc in the horizontal direction, Further comprising a conveyor for transporting a log member within the movable range in the forward and backward direction of the vertical frame by the track roller, The above conveyor, A pair of rotating shafts arranged transversely at the rear and front sides and having gear cogs on their outer surfaces; A closed-curve shaped transmission chain having a pair of rotating shafts connected at both ends so as to mesh with the gear cog; A holder cup having a concave shape in the middle, the front support being inclined upward toward the front and the rear support being inclined upward toward the rear, and being connected to the above-mentioned transport chain at a predetermined interval; and A log unloading and loading device characterized by including a motor configured to rotate at least one of the pair of rotating shafts and the transport chain.

8. In paragraph 7, A log unloading and loading device further comprising a housing frame having a track rail with which the above track rollers engage.

9. In paragraph 8, A log unloading and loading device characterized in that the housing frame includes a guide rail configured to align a portion of a cart for loading the log member.

10. In paragraph 7, A logging defect loading device further comprising a sensor that detects whether a logging member is placed in a designated area of ​​a cart for loading the logging member.

11. A horizontal frame extending horizontally; A vertical frame extending vertically from the above horizontal frame; At least one track roller rotatably coupled to at least one of the horizontal frame and the vertical frame; A first driving unit configured to rotate the track roller to move the horizontal frame and the vertical frame in the forward and backward direction; A clamp base movably connected to the vertical frame in the vertical direction; A second driving unit configured to move the clamp base in a vertical direction; A clamp disc movably coupled to the clamp base in the horizontal direction; and It includes a pressurizing part configured to move the clamp disc in the horizontal direction, Including an unloader that supplies raw materials, The above unloader, A support configured to allow the above wooden member to be fixed; and A log unloading and loading device characterized by including a lift for lowering the above support.

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