• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The drilling device (3) is provided with drill heads for drilling holes in articles, such as plant bottoms. The drill heads are each provided with a polygonal cross-section when projected on an upper surface of a plant base over at least a first longitudinally extending portion of the drill head. The drill heads are provided at their ends with a cutting edge which is suitable for cutting through a package, the cutting edge forming the top line of a chisel-shaped portion with obliquely outwardly extending side surfaces.
    公开号:NL2018315A
    申请号:NL2018315
    申请日:2017-02-06
    公开日:2017-02-28
    发明作者:Gijsbert De Graaff Jan；Van Den Berg Jeroen
    申请人:Tuinbouw Technisch Atelier (Tta) B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Layout, system and method
    Field of the invention
    The invention relates to a device for transferring, in particular uniform, articles from a storage unit to one or more containers at a discharge location, comprising a plurality of pick-up devices, and a means for moving at least one pick-up device from the storage unit to the release location and back.
    The invention further relates to a system for preparing plant bottoms for planting legs.
    The invention also relates to a method for transferring, in particular uniform, articles from a storage unit to one or more containers at a discharge location.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    Transferring articles from a first to a second position is an action that is in itself suitable for mechanization, in order to reduce the costs of labor. Such a mechanization thereby increases efficiency, because the desired operation is always carried out in an identical manner. This is relevant, for example, for transplanting young plants, where careless handling quickly leads to damage or destruction of a plant. Automatic transplanting devices are therefore commercially available.
    There has recently been an interest in transferring articles from a storage unit. An example of such a storage unit is a box, such as a box made of cardboard. Other examples include bins and crates. In such storage units, the articles are generally next to each other in layers, and with a number of layers above each other. The techniques known in horticulture for transferring plants are not suitable for this application. Because of its location next to each other, it is not possible to grasp the articles properly. As far as possible at all, the arrangement in the box or other storage unit is thereby canceled, and there is no opportunity to pick up several articles simultaneously. This impedes efficiency to a less than commercially acceptable level. It is furthermore undesirable to remove part of the article, in particular with the roots of the plant, while the rest remains behind. After all, this destroys the article.
    In particular, it is desirable and the invention is directed to transfer articles that are (slightly) porous, and that may further have a fibrous structure. Dried and / or pressed plant soils, as known from, among others, DE2439616, are an example thereof. Such products are for example commercially supplied by Jiffy Products International B.V. A specific example of this is the Growblock ™, which is a pressed substrate from coconut material. However, substrates from other materials and mixtures are not excluded. For example, materials such as peat and fibrous materials. For application of the invention as explained below, it is favorable that the articles have a shape in which the length and the width are greater than the thickness of the article. More preferably, an article picked up according to the invention is thus substantially plate-shaped. Good results were found for items that were packed.
    Summary of the invention
    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method with which the above-mentioned articles can be transferred from a storage unit to one or more containers at a discharge location.
    It is furthermore an object to provide a system and method for preparing plant soils for planting plants.
    According to the invention this object is achieved in a device for transferring, in particular one shaped, items from a storage unit to one or more holders at a discharge location, comprising: a plurality of pick-up devices, each of which is provided with an arm with an end thereof has a head in which a puncturing means is attached, which puncturing means is suitable for puncturing and thus holding the article, which arm is extendable in a first direction; at least one body with an abutment surface against which an article can abut, a means for moving at least one pick-up device between the storage unit and the unloading location, wherein the first direction extends substantially normally on the abutment surface and wherein the arm can be retracted to such an extent that the article is released by retracting the arm when applying or during contact of the article on the abutment surface, whereby the piercing means leaves the article.
    This object is also achieved in a method for transferring, in particular uniform, articles from a storage unit to one or more holders at a discharge location, comprising the steps of: puncturing and thus holding a first article with the aid of puncturing means which is part of a pick-up device, further comprising an arm and, at one end thereof, a head, the puncturing means being mounted in the head, and wherein the arm is extendable in a first device; retracting the extendable arm so that the article comes to abut against an abutment surface of a body, the first direction extending essentially normally on the abutment surface; moving the pickup device and body in such a way that the first article is transferred from the storage unit to a holder; releasing the first article into the holder by sliding in the extendable arm, the arm being pushed in so far that the piercing means leaves the article.
    The invention is based on the insight that inserting one or more piercing means such as needles provides a sufficiently strong adhesion to the material within the article, which makes it possible to pick up the article on the needle. It has been found that virtually no breakage of the article occurs. Moreover, it appears to be possible to pick up the articles from different layers in the storage unit. This is done in particular by extending the extendable arm, and optionally additionally by moving the pick-up device in its entirety. Picking up items from a different depth within the storage unit is not only important when the storage unit gradually becomes empty. It has been found that the storage unit with the articles exhibits a resilient counter force when a force is exerted on the articles. Partly because of this, the location of the articles even within one layer is not flat. It has thus been found in experiments that have led to the invention that the use of underpressure or vacuum to pick up the articles does not in itself give a good result.
    It is furthermore an advantage of the device according to the invention with the head provided with the needle at the end of the extendable arm that it can be adjusted to different types of materials. First of all it is possible to adjust the type of needle and the number of needles. Thin needles provided with sharp points are preferably used. For example, the needles have a thickness of at most 2 mm, or even less than 1 mm. It is furthermore possible to adjust the speed at which a needle is inserted into a material. With brittle materials, it is desirable to insert a needle into the material quickly. With slightly tougher materials, slightly lower speed is preferred. The pick-up device can be provided with a single needle, but also with more than one needle. The use of more than one needle is advantageous, for example, with articles with a relatively large size (upper surface) and / or with articles which are provided with an opening, so that the needle cannot be inserted into a central part of the article.
    In a further embodiment, the needle is replaced by another piercing means. Examples of other piercing agents are a fork and a spatula. Such an embodiment appears to be little suitable for a pressed and fairly brittle article. However, it is suitable for tougher materials, thanks to their larger surface. Such embodiments also seem suitable for non-pressed materials that are packaged in an enclosure or a net. An alternative embodiment such as a number of needles is not excluded in combination with these materials.
    In a favorable embodiment, the extendable arm comprises an air cylinder, in particular a compressed air cylinder. This is a suitable way to extend the arm sufficiently quickly.
    In addition, an air cylinder can be moved between different positions without being limited to predefined positions. This makes the arm, based on an air cylinder, suitable for adapting itself to height differences. It is therefore an additional advantage of the invention according to this embodiment that a visual inspection system is not required to assess whether picking up from the storage unit is going well. The omission of such an inspection system benefits both the price of the device and its speed.
    Compressed air cylinders come in various versions. In a first embodiment, the compressed air cylinder is a single-acting cylinder which is provided with a mechanical spring. Hereby the resilience must be overcome for the movement of the needle entering the article. However, it is an advantage that the head with the needle in the article will move upward, with sufficient force to pick up the article. In a second embodiment, use is made of a double-acting cylinder, wherein the movement in both directions is achieved with compressed air. Use is preferably made of a buffered double-acting cylinder, because a higher speed can thereby be achieved. This is desirable for, among other things, inserting the needle into articles made from brittle material. The high speed is also advantageous for the removal of the needle from the article during the release of the article.
    In a further embodiment, the means for moving the pick-up device comprises a drive arm, to which a first group of pick-up devices is coupled, so that the articles picked up by the pick-up devices of the first group are simultaneously movable. The simultaneous movement of a first group of pick-up devices has the advantage of greater efficiency. The number of pick-up devices per group is, for example, 2-36, preferably 4-16. It seems beneficial to define a group as a square (2x2, 3x3.4x4), but that is not technically necessary. In an embodiment with great practical value, the pick-up devices are arranged side by side within a group. In particular, the heads are all at the same height in a rest position.
    The device preferably comprises a plurality of groups of pick-up devices, each coupled to a drive arm, so as to be moved per group from the storage unit to one or more holders. Here, the device and / or the control thereof is further preferably adjusted such that the process of picking up and moving the first group of pick-up devices takes place in a different phase, for example a counter-phase, relative to this process for a second group of pick-up devices. In this way the speed of the device can be increased. Moreover, it appears that in this way the required amount of underpressure can remain limited; discharging the air for retracting the extendable arm in the first group (and creating underpressure) can be supplied to air cylinders of the second group.
    When moving the pick-up devices with the articles, it is favorable that the articles rest against the abutment surface. This increases stability. In an alternative embodiment, the articles are only laid against the abutment surface immediately prior to unloading. In a further embodiment, in particular of the method, the extendible arms are retracted during release over a path such that the article collides with a predetermined speed against the abutment surface. The impact force is set in such a way that the article is released from the needle. The needle is thus released from the article when the article is applied to the abutment surface.
    Furthermore, it is favorable when the distance between them is adjusted when moving a group of pick-up devices. The articles in a storage unit are generally closer to each other than when they are placed in holders. To that end, the device preferably comprises a spreading means between the driving arm and the pick-up device. Increasing the mutual distance between neighboring plants during transplanting is known per se, for example from the Dutch patent NL1008823 in the name of the current applicant.
    The body with the abutment surface is preferably a part of a single pick-up device. In this way it is possible to shift the pick-up devices relative to each other to increase the mutual distance between the articles. At the moment this happens, the articles are retained. However, it is not excluded that the body is a continuous plate. The body is then not connected to or part of an individual pick-up direction, but is for example mechanically connected to a drive arm. Such a construction with a continuous plate provided with openings is also possible if the openings are sufficiently large, so that during spreading the needle is shifted from one side to the opposite side within the opening. Furthermore, it is possible that the body is substantially a grid of a number of, for example, tubular or rod-shaped elements. The mutual distance between those elements must in that case be smaller than the size of the article, since the article must after all be abut and retained by the body for proper operation of the device according to the invention.
    The head of the pick-up device in particular forms a part provided with means for attaching a needle. More specifically, the needle is attached such that it extends in the first direction. Structures for stably securing a needle in a head are known per se. The head may have a larger diameter than the extension arm, but that is not necessary. If desired, the head can further be provided with a sensor, such as an optical sensor.
    In yet a further embodiment the pick-up device is provided with a sensor means that is suitable for determining whether an article has been picked up. Examples of the sensor means are an optical sensor in the head and a sensor that determines the pressure and / or the force on the extension arm. Optionally, the method according to the invention comprises a detection step for determining whether a pick-up device, and in particular each pick-up device in a group, has actually picked up an article. If the result of the detection step is negative, the control can be adjusted such that a different mode is started. This may be an error mode, but may also include a step in which the head of a pick-up device without an article is guided again into the storage unit (by extending the arm and / or any, for example horizontal, displacement of the group of pick-up devices). This repetition of puncturing and picking up has the advantage that a full number of articles is delivered to one or more holders. This prevents empty spots.
    The device is preferably adapted to box-shaped storage units, for which there are means for keeping it open. In particular, the means comprise bodies which are intended to press down flaps of the box-shaped storage unit. These means are preferably movable separately from the groups of pick-up devices, so that the box is held up, also when a number or even substantially all pick-up devices are located not at the box but at the holders or on the way.
    Furthermore, it is advantageous if means are present for holding the storage unit, in particular box-shaped, in a predetermined position. Such means may be supports which are arranged on either side of the storage unit. In a favorable development, these retaining means are combined with the means for holding the box open. A stabilization of a storage unit in a certain position is particularly desirable when that storage unit is on a movable carrier, such as a conveyor belt. The presence of such a movable carrier is favorable because it prevents an operator from having to place the box within a housing of the device and an earlier box is removed. Alternatives for a moving carrier, such as push and / or gripping elements, are otherwise not excluded in principle, although they are considered to be less efficient.
    It is also advantageous if the one or more holders are on a movable carrier. With this, the filled containers can be discharged when they are filled with the articles. In a very favorable embodiment, the carrier is constantly moved, and the articles are unloaded while the carrier is moving. Favorable results have been achieved with a carrier comprising means for securing the container relative to the carrier. The container may, for example, comprise a protrusion on a lower side which is inserted into a corresponding opening in the carrier. A movable carrier with a grid-shaped blade appears to be advantageous for this.
    The object of the invention is further achieved in a system for preparing plant bottoms for planting plants, comprising tl) a device for transferring articles from a storage unit to containers according to the invention, wherein the articles are dried and / or pressed plant soils, and (2) a device for moistening the dried and / or pressed plant soil.
    Preferably, the system further comprises (3) a drilling device for drilling holes in the wetted plant soils, and optionally (4) a planting device for planting or transplanting plants into holes in the wetted plant soils.
    Further added value is generated when a line is assembled with additional devices. It is thereby favorable but not necessary for the third and fourth device to be present or offered together. The system can be set up in combination with an existing leg device. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the articles stored in the box contain holes. A further option is that the wetted plant soils are used for growing plants from seeds, so that a drilling device and a planting device are not necessary, but are replaced, for example, by a sowing device. Furthermore, it is not excluded that the system further comprises a fertilizing device, for example to enrich the plant soil with desired fertilization in the form of granules, powder, a solution, etc. Such a fertilizer device can for instance be placed in a line between the drilling device and the leg device, so that the fertilizer is immediately distributed and also ends up in the hole.
    The line can furthermore comprise a station, wherein holders are placed on the movable carrier. The containers are hereby taken from a stack and then placed on the carrier. In a favorable embodiment, gripping elements are used. In a further embodiment, the stack of containers is located on a resilient surface which is adjusted such that the stack rises as the number of containers in the stack decreases. The placement with the aid of a means, such as a robot arm, can thus be limited to a substantially horizontal displacement.
    In a favorable embodiment, the humidifying device is designed for swelling the dried and / or pressed plant soil. The swelling causes an increase in the volume of the plant soil by, for example, at least 50%, at least 100%, or even 200% or more. This swelling thereby ensures that the plant soil becomes more processable, for example for making one or more holes. The plant floor is herein preferably guided through a water bath, wherein the water reaches the plant floor via openings in the container. It is advantageous here that the line with the movable carrier moves through the water bath. The movable carrier can thereby be guided along sloping surfaces. In this context it is in particular desirable that the movable carrier is provided with means for holding the container, so that the container does not become detached from the carrier when wading through the water bath. Furthermore, spray heads can be provided for moistening the plant soil from an upper side. The spray nozzles are moreover preferably arranged relative to the water bath, in which excess water is discharged to the water bath.
    In another favorable embodiment, the drilling device is provided with drill heads which are provided with a polygonal, in particular square cross-section, when projected on an upper surface of the plant floor, over at least a first longitudinally extending part of the drill head. It has been found that this drilling device with a polygonal cross section produces a round hole. In this case - unlike a conventional drill - the material from the hole is not removed backwards, but is moved to the sides. So no plant soil is lost, but the plant soil is compacted. The polygonal cross section preferably heals 3-6 angles. Good results have been obtained with four corners, which is also a relatively easy-to-manufacture shape. The quadrangle, for example, is a square, although a rhombus in itself is not excluded. A rectangular cross-section is also an option.
    In a further embodiment, the drilling device is further provided with drill heads, which at their ends are provided with a cutting tooth, which is suitable for cutting through a package. The incisor is preferably the top line of two obliquely different faces. The end of the drill bit then has the shape of a gable roof, a hipped roof or a chisel. The angle, the cutting edge of which forms the corner line, is further preferably an acute angle. The angle between the two obliquely different faces is, for example, smaller than 60 degrees or even smaller than 45 degrees, and preferably also larger than 15 degrees. This shape appears to be favorable for drilling the wetted and preferably swollen plant soil.
    Moreover, the cutting edge appears to be suitable for cutting a package of the article. The package is in particular an enclosure. An example of a package is a paper envelope. Plastic enclosures are not excluded. When the plant floor needs to be moistened, it is desirable that the plastic be water permeable, for example thanks to perforation openings. A favorable example of a plastic material is a biodegradable plastic. The use of a package is advantageous because a wetted (and swollen) plant soil will quickly fall apart. When a plant then has to be transferred from the plant floor again, there is a risk that the plant floor with roots in it will be pulled apart. However, this wrapping is not strictly necessary and there are also alternatives. The container can for instance be made of paper or, more preferably, biodegradable plastic. In this way, a frame is created around the plant that simplifies transplanting, while avoiding an enclosure.
    It has been found in experiments that have led to the invention that the use of a drill head provided with a cutting edge and a polygonal shape works. However, other options, such as a two-step process in which the package was first removed and then a hole was made with a round drill, were found not to work.
    In view of the desired efficiency of a line, it is desirable if a drilling device comprises a large number of drill heads. The number of drill heads is, for example, of the order of 20-200, for example 50-150, or 60-120. It is furthermore advantageous if the leg device has a capacity that is geared to this. Replanting devices are per se known and commercially offered by the applicant under the branding of TTA and under the product names of Midi, Flexplanter, Packplanter.
    The invention further relates to a drilling device provided with drill heads, which drill heads are provided at their ends with a cutting edge which is suitable for cutting through a package, the cutting edge forming the top line of a chisel-shaped part with obliquely outwardly extending side surfaces and wherein the drill heads are provided in a second portion with a polygonal, in particular square, cross-section.
    The invention also relates to a method for making a hole in a packaged material, characterized in that use is made of the drilling device according to the invention. In a favorable embodiment, the hole is a cylindrical hole, which is particularly suitable and intended for planting a plant. This concerns, for example, a young plant or a bulb. Favorable results have been achieved for applications in which the depth of the hole was greater than the diameter of the hole. However, the method is not limited to providing holes with such a shape.
    Unexpectedly good results have been achieved with a drilling device according to the invention. It has been found that this drilling device cannot only be used with good results in combination with a preceding wetting device. The drilling device can also be used for conventional plant soils, for example plant soils based on natural soil materials (clay, peat, sand, etc.) and on synthetic soil materials (e.g. rock wool).
    In a further embodiment, the drilling device according to the invention is used in combination with and / or as part of a planting device, for example a transplanting device, which is known per se. The drilling device is very suitable for this purpose, in particular because of the following features of the favorable embodiment: firstly, the presence of a large number of drill heads next to each other, for example in a field with a number of rows arranged in parallel; secondly, the design in which containers with plant bottoms can be transported under the heads. Consequently, virtually nothing has to be changed at the supply of the containers (in a transplanting device). For proper operation, the drilling device is preferably provided with means for displacing the drill heads in - at least substantially - vertical direction, so that the drill heads come into contact with the articles. These displacement means are further preferably controlled for obtaining a hole with a predetermined depth,
    Furthermore, the drilling device is provided with means for rotating the drill heads. The displacement and rotation of the drill heads can be further adjusted, for example in groups (in mutually different phases), in order to further increase the speed and adjustment of the device. A system with a drilling device and a transfer device can further comprise a further device for applying a substance. This further device is preferably located downstream of the drilling device and upstream of the transplanting device. The substance to be applied is, for example, selected from the group consisting of a fertilizer, a soil substance, a liquid for wetting, a nutrient (for example in the form of a liquid).
    Brief description of the drawings
    These and other aspects of the method, the devices and the system according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the following drawings, in which:
    Figure 1 shows a device for transferring articles in a first stage, wherein the articles are presented;
    Figure 2 shows an assembly that is part of the transfer device of Figure 1;
    Figure 3 shows the transfer device in a second stage, wherein the pick-up device punctures a layer of articles;
    Figure 4 shows the assembly in this second stage;
    Figure 5 shows the transfer device in a third stage, with a layer of articles being picked up by the pick-up devices;
    Figure 6 shows the assembly in this third stage.
    Figure 7 shows a side view of a humidifying device according to the invention;
    Figure 8 shows a detail of the humidifying device, and
    Figures 9A and 9B pay for a drilling device in which a number of plant bottoms are arranged.
    The figures will now be described in more detail, with identical numbers indicating identical or similar elements. It will be clear that dimensions, numbers, ratios and the like have only been chosen as examples, and that the scope of the invention is by no means limited thereto. Ideally, these parameters will be adjusted to the items to be processed.
    FIG. 1, 3 and 5 show a device 1 for transferring articles according to the invention in schematic side views. The transfer device 1 comprises an assembly 101 and a carrier device 102. Figures 2, 4 and 6 show the assembly 101.
    More particularly, FIG. 1 and 2 the transfer device 1 and the assembly 101 in a first phase. FIG. 3 and 4 show the transfer device 1 and the assembly 101 in a second phase. FIG. 5 and 6 show the transfer device 1 and the assembly 101 in a third phase. In Figures 1, 3 and 5, the carrier device 102 is provided with a number of storage units 20, which in this example are designed as cardboard boxes.
    Articles 10 are presented in box-shaped storage units (hereinafter: boxes), with several layers of articles being present in a single box 20. The articles 10 are arranged per layer 30 in several rows and several columns. The articles 10 lie against each other in these rows and columns, which makes picking up with grippers and the like awkward and in some situations even impossible, and can lead to damage to neighboring articles. The articles 10 are generally uniform. In a specific embodiment, the articles are plant bottoms, each of which is packaged in an enclosure, for example of paper, (biodegradable) plastic or another suitable material. In a favorable variant, the plant soil is swellable when placed in or immersed in or sprayed with water and / or an aqueous solution. Although the transfer device was developed for use in horticulture, an alternative application is not excluded.
    The carrier device 102 comprises a carrier 61, which in this embodiment is designed as a movable carrier and more particularly a conveyor belt. The carrier device is further provided with a motor for the movable carrier. Furthermore, an operating system is preferably present. In this way the boxes 20 can be automatically positioned under the pick-up devices 45. In a particularly favorable embodiment, use is made for this purpose of means 11 for keeping the boxes 20 open, as will be explained in more detail below.
    Incidentally, it is not excluded that an optical sensor is used for such an automatic positioning. In a further variant, the optical sensor can be part of the assembly 101, while the carrier device is provided with one or more marks. In this way the control system can ensure a suitable placement of a box 20 relative to the assembly. A mark is, for example, a reflective element on the movable carrier 61 which makes clear where the box 20 is located on the carrier 61.
    Incidentally, it is not excluded that the positioning of the box 20 under the assembly 101 is only very coarse, and occurs without a control system. It is also not excluded that the positioning of the box is done manually. Furthermore, it is possible and also favorable if the pick-up devices 45 in the assembly are (also) movable in the lateral direction relative to the carrier device 102 and in particular a box 20 thereon. Partly for this purpose, the assembly in the embodiment shown comprises a driving arm 42.
    In a most favorable variant, the desired position in the direction of movement of the movable carrier 61 is achieved by adjusting the movable carrier, controlled by the control system. The desired position in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement and a possible rotation are achieved by displacement of the pick-up devices in the assembly 101. Thus, the complexity of the positioning in the assembly 101 is limited because there is essentially only movement in one direction need to take place.
    The boxes 20 are preferably offered open, but there may also be means for opening the boxes.
    In the embodiment shown, the carrier device 102 further comprises means 60 for raising the storage unit 20. This has the advantage that the upper layer of articles is each time offered to the pick-up devices 45 at the same height. However, it is not excluded that the assembly 101 whether a group of pick-up devices or the pick-up device 45 itself is adapted to adjust the height of the exposed layer of articles 10 in the storage unit 20. For example, the extendable arm 41 could be extended further, or the group of pick-up devices could be moved in its entirety to a lower position (closer to the carrier device 102).
    The assembly 101 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. Hell has a frame that provides stability. A number of pick-up devices 45 are attached to the frame. More specifically, the pick-up devices per group are connected to a drive arm 47. This is not only favorable from a mechanical point of view, but allows the distance between a first group 51 and a second group 52 pick-up devices 45 to be adjusted, as further shown in FIG. 5 and 6. Means are provided for moving individual pick-up devices in the vertical direction, hereinafter (and in the claims) also the first direction. It goes without saying that the first direction does not necessarily have to be a pure vertical direction. These means comprise an arm 41, part of a pick-up device which is extendable in the first direction. There are also means for holding the articles. In particular, these are heads 46 which are each provided with a needle (or puncture means) 40, which is suitable for puncturing and thus holding the article 10. The type of needle 40 (thickness, sharpness and other features) can be further be chosen on the basis of the properties of article 10.
    The assembly 101 is designed in various ways for the best possible cooperation with the storage unit 20 and the articles 10. To that end, the shown embodiment of the assembly firstly comprises means 11 for keeping the box-shaped storage unit 20 open. These means 11 are otherwise not strict necessary, because the transfer device 1 can also be used with favorable results for other storage units, such as a crate, a box or a box from which side flaps have been removed earlier. In the embodiment shown, the means are adapted to both be able to keep the box open and to be able to keep the box in place.
    Moreover, the embodiment shown comprises a body with an abutment surface 43 against which an article 10 can abut. According to the invention, the abutment surface 43 extends essentially perpendicularly to the first direction along which the arm 41 is extendable. In other words, the first direction forms the normal on the abutment surface 43. In this case, the arm 41 can be retracted to such an extent that the article is released by sliding in the arm 41 during the abutment of the article 10 on the abutment surface 43. This retraction has as a consequence, the needle 40 leaves the article. In the embodiment shown, a needle-shaped piercing means 40 has been chosen, with each article 10 being punctured by a single needle. This needle 40 is attached to a head 46. The dimensions of this needle are selected to be suitable for picking up specific articles, in particular their size, weight, and the material properties such as porosity. It is possible to arrange the pick-up devices in such a way that the piercing means can be exchanged, in order to make one and the same pick-up device suitable for picking up different types of articles. In a further embodiment, more than one needle is present per pick-up device 45. This is considered to be favorable for articles with a relatively large size (upper top roof) and / or for articles which are provided with an opening, so that the needle cannot be inserted into a central part of the article.
    Other needle-shaped piercing means are, for example, in the form of a fork or spatula - these piercing means are particularly suitable for picking up articles that consist of a tougher material and / or that are packaged in an enclosure or a net.
    The puncturing means 40 are (releasable or not) attached to an extendable arm 41, for example an air cylinder. Also, all piercing means 40 can be moved simultaneously by the movement of a common arm 42 to which the extendable arms are attached. In the embodiment shown, a group of pick-up means 45 is attached to the common arm 42 via an arm 47.
    In the first stage illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the pick-up devices 45 are at a certain distance from the articles, and the puncturing means 40 are retracted by the associated arms 41, so that they are in a retracted position with respect to of the abutment surface 43. The arms 41 in particular each comprise an air cylinder. At the stage illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the abutment surface 43 may be positioned so that the piercing means 40 do not protrude relative to the abutment surface 43. However, this is not necessary.
    Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a next stage of the picking process, in which an upper layer 30 of articles 10 of a box of articles 20 is punctured by the puncturing means 40. Compared to the situation shown in Figure 1, the common driving arm is 42 moved down. Furthermore, the extendable arms 41 are extended. The combination of these two movements is arranged such that the piercing means 40 puncture the articles 10 of the upper layer 30, without they puncture articles 10 below.
    The extension of the extension arms 41 further ensures that the piercing means 40 now protrude below the abutment surface 43, if this was not yet the case. This allows the puncturing means 40 to pierce the articles 10 to a certain depth. Preferably, this depth is less than or equal to the thickness of the articles. The puncturing means, which in this case are designed as a single needle 40 per article, can be able to move through the abutment surface, for example through one or more holes in the usually plate-shaped body of the abutment surface. In Figures 1 and 2, the puncturing means 40 are located above the abutment surface 43. In Figures 3 and 4, the puncturing means 40 are located below the abutting surface 43, whereby the articles can be punctured. In a particularly favorable embodiment, the one or more plate-shaped bodies (usually one per group of pick-up devices) are designed such that, when moving into the box-shaped storage unit 20, they slide along an inside of such a storage unit 20. This prevents the articles from touching the inside of the box and thereby falling off the needles 40 during the vertical movement of the head 46 from the box 20 to the transport condition (as shown in Figures 5 and 6).
    Figure 3 and Figure 4 furthermore show, apart from the extended state of the extendable arms 41, that the means 11 for keeping the box-shaped units 20 open are actuated. These means 11 are preferably attached to the frame of the assembly 101. In a favorable embodiment there are at least two means, each intended and arranged for a corner point of a box-shaped unit 20. Four means for a conventional, rectangular box are preferred. Variations on this are of course conceivable; one could, for example, use two means extending along a side of a box. It is not strictly necessary for a means to operate at a corner of a box 20. Each of the means preferably includes a body 21 intended and adapted to press down one or more flaps of the box-shaped storage unit 20, in particular against the sides of the box. This ensures that the opened box is easily accessible from the top. The body 21 preferably has a shape that is complementary to the box. For a body 21 intended for a corner point of a box with flaps, a suitable shape is, for example, an L-shape, wherein tapered outward parts are present on the underside. The latter parts are aimed at pressing the flaps but also giving these flaps some space. Furthermore, such a part can be used as a mounting surface on an extendable arm 22. This arm 22 is extended, so that the body 21 attached thereto will press against the box 20. This extension takes place, for example, for puncturing the articles 10 in the box.
    The movement of the means for keeping the box 11 open is preferably an oblique movement, with both a horizontal component and a vertical component. The horizontal component ensures that the box 20 can be centered and that the box can be kept open. The vertical component of the movement ensures that when the means are withdrawn, as is the case in Figures 1 and 2, boxes 20 can be moved under the means 11, for example on a conveyor belt. The vertical distance is preferably sufficiently large that also a box 20 with upwardly facing side surfaces under the means 11 can be moved in the retracted state.
    An additional role of the means 11 for keeping the box 20 open is to provide a counterforce against movement of the box. Particularly when lifting the articles 10 from the box 20, an upward force is exerted on the box. By properly holding the box 20, it is prevented that the box would move with it or possibly fall over.
    Figures 5 and 6 show the next stage, in which the articles 10 have actually been picked up. The means 11 for keeping the box open preferably remain in place at this stage, the box 20 being held in the same place while the articles 10 are picked up. The extendable arms 41 can retract slightly at this stage, although this is not necessarily the case. In the embodiment shown, the upward movement is largely achieved by the upward movement of the drive arm 42. The drive arm 42, or parts thereof such as arms 47 and 48, can then (or possibly simultaneously at the same time) also perform a horizontal movement around the move items to the next place, for example to a place where holders are present to collect the items.
    Moreover, in the embodiment shown, a first group 51 of the pick-up devices 45 is spaced apart from the second group 52. To this end, the first group 51 pick-up devices is attached to a first arm 47 and the second group 52 pick-up devices is attached to a second arm 48. Normally more than two groups 51, 52 will be present, for example 2 x 2, 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 groups. In the specific application for horticulture, it is provided that the plant soils per group (for example, a group of 3 x 3) are placed in a container, or possibly in a container with a grid of upright intermediate walls for stable placement. To this end, it is favorable that the groups are mutually removed from each other. Also in the case where each of the articles is transplanted separately, it is favorable to increase the mutual distance. With the help of the groups, this can be done in stages.
    In Figures 5 and 6, the articles 10 do not lie against the abutment surface 43. However, this may be desirable, since this is a way to increase stability. After the articles 10 have been picked up, they can be moved to one or more holders 12 (shown in Figs. 7 and 8).
    This movement is not shown in the figures. These holders 12 will generally be placed on another means of transport such as a conveyor belt. By withdrawing the piercing means 40 from the abutment surface 43, the articles 10 can be pushed away from the piercing means 40, whereby they are released and can be received / received in the holder 12.
    Figures 7 and 8 show a humidifying device 2 in a schematic side view. Figure 8 here shows an enlarged part of the humidifying device 2 of Figure 7. The humidifying device 2 is intended for swelling of the articles 10, more particularly the plant bottoms. The humidifying device 2 is provided with a table 201 with a number of legs 202. A fixed table 201 is favorable in this case. It is noted that the term "table" does not necessarily require the presence of a top. In this case a water bath 17 is provided, with a basin or basin intended for this purpose. Furthermore, supply means 16 are present, with which water or optionally an aqueous solution can be supplied to the basin 17. In this example, the feed means are designed as spray nozzles. That is favorable, but not necessary. Other known solutions for water supply are not excluded. Means for draining water from the basin 17 are also provided. These means can be designed as a continuous drain, for example in the form of one or more holes in the bottom or a side wall, as a closable drain, and in the form of an overflow.
    According to the invention, the device is arranged such that containers 12 with the articles 10 are guided through the water bath, in particular from a first side to an opposite second side, in the drawing from left to right. To ensure this, the holder is provided with fastening means with which it can be secured in a surface of a moving means 18, such as a conveyor belt, and more particularly a link conveyor belt. The tape is in this case in particular designed as a water-resistant plastic. The fastening means comprises, for example, one or more protrusions which can be fastened in corresponding openings in the moving means 18. Of course, variations on this are conceivable and not excluded. The movement means is further connected to a motor for the drive, as is known to those skilled in the art.
    In the favorable embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the basin 17 is provided with sloping bottom portions 19. This ensures that a holder 12 is gradually submerged in the basin 17 and subsequently led out of the basin again. . It is favorable here that the holder 12 is provided with one or more openings in the bottom or side, so that the water will also gradually flow into the holder. In addition, the articles 10 are not only moistened from below, but also from above. As indicated above, the feed means are designed as spray nozzles 15. Preferably, the articles are already sprayed before they are introduced into the water bath 17 along the sloping bottom part 19. It is preferable to only further moisten the containers after a first wetting by, for example, a spray nozzle by transport through a water bath: it has been found that some dry articles 10, in particular plant bottoms, are so light and porous that they float on water . An initial spraying step not only makes the plant soil more moist and the article heavier, but pores in the plant soil are also filled with water. This simplifies the immersion. When using other articles, such as, for example, young plants in a unit of potting compost or glass wool, the resistance to immersion is less, but the spraying step is nevertheless regarded as favorable.
    In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, further spray nozzles 16 are arranged spread over the length of the water bath 17. This makes it possible to only partially submerge containers 12 in the water bath 17, wherein the bottom of the articles 10 is moistened by the water bath 17 and the top of the articles 10 is moistened by the spray heads 15/16.
    The holders 12 with the wetted articles 10 can then be moved to a drilling device 3, which is arranged, for example, in line with the humidifying device 2 or is connected thereto by means of a movable carrier.
    Figures 9A and 9B show the drilling device 3 in a schematic side view, in a first and a second state. The side view in FIG. 9A shows the drilling device in a rest position, the drill heads 13 hanging above the holders 12 with articles 10. For effective drilling, the drill heads 13 are moved toward the holders 12 or vice versa. FIG. 9B shows the drilling device in a second state, wherein the drill heads 13 are located inside the holders 12 and are active for drilling a hole. The holders 12 preferably stand on a movable carrier, such as a conveyor belt. The number of holders 12 is preferably smaller than the number of articles 10. In particular, the number of articles 10 per holder 12 is equal to the number of pick-up devices 45 per group 51, 52 in the transfer device shown in Figures 1-6.
    The holders 12 are aligned such that each article is under one of the drill heads 13. Sensors may be present which, for moving down and drilling through the drill heads, detect whether the holders with the articles are well positioned under the drill heads. Because a number of drill heads 13 are present, several articles can be provided with a hole at the same time.
    The drill heads 13 preferably have a polygonal, specifically square cross-section: it has been found that the use of such drill heads produces a round hole. No material is hereby removed from the holder: the material is placed to the sides, which is well possible thanks to the wetting step in the wetting device 2. A motor is provided for rotating the drill bits 13.
    In the shown favorable embodiment, the drill heads 13 are provided at each end with a cutting edge which is suitable for cutting through a package. This is desirable because, in a favorable embodiment, the plant bottoms are packaged in an enclosure which must first be opened for the drilling step. The cutting edge in particular forms the top line of a chisel-shaped portion with obliquely outwardly extending side surfaces.
    The transfer device 1, the wetting device 2 and the drilling device 3 are preferably used in combination in a system for preparing plant bottoms for planting plants. Such a system is preferably used in combination with a device for planting or transplanting young plants. The planting device can of course also form part of the system. The devices are in particular stations, and the system is provided with one or more transport lines for transport of the container between the devices.
    权利要求:
    Claims (24)
    [1]
    Drilling device (3) provided with drill heads for drilling holes in articles, such as plant bottoms, which drill heads are each provided with a polygonal cross-section when projected on an upper surface of a plan bottom over at least a first extending in the longitudinal direction part of the drill bit.
    [2]
    The drilling device (3) according to claim 1, wherein the polygonal cross section has 3-4 angles.
    [3]
    Drilling device (3) according to claim 2, wherein the polygonal cross-section has 4 corners.
    [4]
    Drilling device (3) according to claim 3, wherein the quadrangular cross-section is a square.
    [5]
    5. Drilling device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the drill heads are provided at their ends with a cutting edge which is suitable for cutting through a package, the cutting edge forming the top line of a chisel-shaped part with obliquely outwardly extending side surfaces, and wherein the drill heads are provided in a second part with the polygonal, in particular square, section.
    [6]
    Drilling device according to claim 5. wherein the ends of the drill heads are in the form of a gable roof, a hipped roof or a chisel.
    [7]
    Drilling device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the obliquely outwardly extending side surfaces enclose an acute angle.
    [8]
    The drilling device of claim 7, wherein the sharp angle is less than 60 degrees and greater than 15 degrees.
    [9]
    Drilling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of drill heads in the drilling device is in the range of 20-200.
    [10]
    10. Drilling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the number of drill heads is 60-120.
    [11]
    11. Drilling device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the drilling device is arranged such that holders with articles can be transported under the drill heads.
    [12]
    12. Drilling device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the drilling device is provided with means for displacing the drill heads in vertical direction, at least substantially, so that the drill heads come into contact with the articles.
    [13]
    13. Drilling device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the displacement means are controlled for obtaining a hole with a predetermined depth.
    [14]
    14. Drilling device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the drilling device is provided with means for rotating the drill heads.
    [15]
    Method for making a cylindrical hole in an article, characterized in that use is made of the drilling device according to one of the preceding claims.
    [16]
    The method of claim 15, wherein the article is a plant soil.
    [17]
    The method of claim 16, wherein a cylindrical hole is made with a depth greater than a diameter of the hole.
    [18]
    A method according to claims 16-17, wherein when forming the hole the material is moved out of the hole to the sides, whereby the plant soil is compacted.
    [19]
    A method according to claims 15-18, wherein the article is packaged material and wherein the cutting edge is used for cutting a package of the article.
    [20]
    A method according to claims 16-19, wherein the plant soil is selected from plant soils based on natural soil materials, plant soils based on synthetic soil materials and dried and / or pressed plant soils that are swollen by contact with water.
    [21]
    A combination of a drilling device as claimed in any one of claims 1-14 with a planting device, in particular a transplanting device.
    [22]
    The combination of claim 21, wherein further a device is provided for applying a substance.
    [23]
    The combination of claim 22, wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of a fertilizer, a soil substance, a liquid for wetting and a nutrient.
    [24]
    The combination of claims 21-23, wherein the further device is located downstream of the drilling device and upstream of the transplanting device.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    NL2015867B1|2017-03-20|
    NL2018315B1|2018-05-23|
    NL2015867A|2016-09-20|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US4947579A|1988-10-19|1990-08-14|Weirton Steel Corporation|Computer operated automatic seedling plant transplanting machine|
    US5254140A|1991-03-11|1993-10-19|Huang Barney K|Plant transferring and transplanting system|
    JPH0837938A|1994-08-02|1996-02-13|Takeda Kogyo Kk|Device for boring hole through soil in pot|
    CN2500076Y|2001-08-27|2002-07-17|林华彬|Suspension type earth boring machine for planting tree|
    GB2416472A|2002-07-05|2006-02-01|Robert Errington|Plant container|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP14004088|2014-12-03|
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