JPS5932107B2 - Barn for curing loose tobacco leaves - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a loose tobacco curing barn that is comprised of individual barn sections, and more particularly serves as a generally fully exteriorized transverse section and is generally fully enclosed in a barn style. The present invention relates to a portable barn section that serves as a container for supporting loose tobacco leaves.

It is currently considered advantageous to cure tobacco in bulk by flue curing.

This is because the curing itself is more economical and more uniform than the method of curing the ball by hand.

This curing in bulk is particularly advantageous compared to the mechanized cutting-type rank conveyance system already employed.

In the conventional bulk curing process, the harvesting operation from the plants is performed by a mechanized cutting device that loads the cut tobacco leaves into an open trailer.

The trailer is moved from the field to a ranking area where the tobacco leaves are manually transferred to individual racks which are permanently supported in a full barn. In order to carry out curing, the tobacco leaves are broken into pieces and then put together again.

Conventionally sized racks typically have two long rows, each extending between one side wall of the barn and a centrally located support for supported deployment. Become(・ru)

Each row is filled with cigarettes and arranged in three tiers, with racks adjoining each other in the length direction and ranks adjoining each other in the vertical direction. From the bottom space inside the barn located at the bottom of the
The curing air is made to pass through the tobacco and uniformly circulate in the longitudinal space above and above the tobacco.

Temperature-controlled air is circulated through the barn from a furnace section at one end.

An example of this type of barn and rack is the 1972 5
No. 3,664,034, issued December 23, 1975, and US Pat. No. 3,927,683, issued December 23, 1975.

This conventional two-row, three-tier rank deployment Q'! , instead of requiring six racks to fill the cross-section of the barn, each of these ranks is handled individually as it is transferred from the racking area to the barn and placed in the barn at the appropriate location. Considerable manpower, essentially human labor, is also required at this point in the process.

However, it is true that such a process is far less labor-intensive than the old-fashioned pole hanging method.

Various attempts have been made to reduce the labor involved in ranking and transporting racks, and to reduce the amount and cost of barn structures and ranks required for individual barn stacks. It is done in order to

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,517, issued April 2, 1963, provides for racking tobacco leaves directly on the harvester in a full-width, half-height barn rack. However, the rank in Komata is (
It is installed independently in a portable barn carried by a harvester and transferred from the harvester to a component with a similar storage section, forming a composite barn structure.

The dimensions of such barn sections are limited to allow transport operations on the harvester, and no simplifications have been made in the construction of any barn/rack arrangement.

This is because the individual barn sections are simply sections in a conventional barn, and independent racks are not yet required.

U.S. Patent No. 31, issued May 26, 1964.
No. 34,583 describes a special rack structure which is configured to form a composite barn side extension and which is constructed in a vertically and horizontally nested configuration. The roof structure is constructed on top of the ranks and then joined together to form a composite barn.

However, because the individual ranks are of the same general pin-support type as conventional ranks with limited height, the number of ranks required to assemble a full-size barn is not sufficient. , This clearly reveals the complexity of transportation and assembly.

There are improvements in terms of structure and handling, such as utilizing traditional permanent barn structures and simply increasing the rank dimensions (thus reducing the number of racks required for each barn). Various attempts have been made to obtain economic effects.

See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,137, issued September 1974, IQ, U.S. Pat.

Each of these patents involves a single rank occupying a barn section and slidably supported between permanent barn walls.

However, such large dimensions are difficult to handle and require special handling and effort, especially during assembly operations in the barn.

Consequently, there are dimensional limitations that limit the size of the barn and require reinforced supports to support and slide the rack along the barn wall.

In contrast to all of the foregoing attempts, the portable barn section structure of the present invention provides a +-3 length-long transverse barn section, which section has an extended tobacco support space; It has an integrally formed structure within which the section wall is adapted to serve both as a barn exterior wall and as a tobacco storage wall due to its economy and light weight.

Thus, a single, integrated, lightweight, and structurally simple tobacco storage, barn-forming section is provided that traverses the length, making extensive use of units for individual transverse sections and separate racks. There is no need to move or slide the rack support.

In addition, despite being a section that crosses lengthwise, it can be installed, combined with other sections to form a composite shed for curing operations, and continuously disassembled to remove the installed state. It is easy and economical to do so.

Further, in each of the conventional constructions as described above, the rank includes a frame having tobacco input pins which are securely fixed in the rack and in sufficient number to support the tobacco in the rack. It contained.

Ranks of relatively large dimensions require a particularly straight deployment and care during insertion, in order to avoid such deployment of pin frames+4 inconvenient mounting, and in addition require cumbersome and manual handling. It requires insertion force that is difficult to perform manually.

In contrast, the present invention provides individual U
providing a shaped fork which is supported for easy positioning, spaced support and for proper positioning;
The amount of insertion should be limited.

The above-mentioned U.S. Pat. A perforated section or separation mechanism in the center of the wide container has also been announced, which could prevent leaves from falling and escaping through the aerodynamic gutter during curing. It is purposeful.

The announced part states that while the curing operation is performed,
It generally takes the form of a partition wall with chain links supported along the upper edge.

During loading, the partition wall section formed by the chain links is pivoted into position within the container in order to top up the initial amount of leaves loaded into the container.

If the above-mentioned part is positioned in this way, the initial input amount of leaves will become dense due to the walking movement of one or more appendages in this participating part, and eventually the lower leaves will be squeezed. reach.

After this, a second or final dose of leaves is loaded into the participating part.

The applicant has proposed that rather than providing a flexible structure in the middle of the width of the container (for example, a sundrag (5 an
d IUgs) is cured), the mid-width structure of the container itself limits the degree of compression that can be imparted to the initially loaded leaves and to subsequent loaded leaves. It was discovered that there is a need to provide a rigid structure in the middle of the width of the container.

Sundrugs and borium, such as those collected near the roots of stems
The natural compaction characteristics with one leaf are clearly different from those obtained near the top of the stem.

Sandrakes are usually larger than the upper leaves and tend to be dense.

Regarding compressibility, sandrak tends to lack elasticity and lightness in the upper leaves.

As a result, when sundrugs are filled to a reasonable depth in large containers, they are susceptible to excessive compaction due to the weight of the leaf insects and overlying leaves at the bottom of the container.

Once the top leaves are loaded into the holding container, the leaves that accumulate at the bottom will no longer exhibit the same tendency to become overly compacted.

This is because the weight of the overlying leaves is small, and the upper leaves have greater natural elasticity to resist such compression.

During curing of sand racks and the like, the activity of the compression-limiting structure in the center of the container is therefore quite significant in order to maintain uniformity in the bulk density of the loaded leaves. It is desirable.

The relevant portion of the prior art patent, as mentioned above, does not provide a compression limiting function (rather, the function is that the weight of the overlying leaves plus the weight of the overlying leaves within the container during loading is The weight of the +4 involved part must be supported by the lower leaves.

Briefly, the portable section of the tobacco curing barn of the present invention includes a pair of spaced apart perforated side walls for providing the exterior wall components of a composite tobacco curing barn. be.

This side wall portion Q'! , generally spanning the full height of the composite barn to constitute an essentially complete wall of a section that traverses the length of the composite barn.

In addition, when the sections are generally flat at one end, the side walls themselves define an open space between them for storing loose cigarettes, and the sections when it assumes an upright position,
To retain the tobacco within the space, mechanisms interact with the loose tobacco loaded within the space.

Along the exposed edge portions of the sidewalls, the partitioning edges of the walls of adjacent similar transverse barn sections are connected for multiple section parts to form a composite bulk tobacco curing barn. It also has mechanisms for separating and sealingly mating.

or a separate tobacco loading position for combination with other similar sections to form a composite tobacco curing barn for curing the tobacco loaded and supported therein. This allows the user to move from the position to an upright position.

Rather, the barn sections themselves are also connected between the side walls to provide a component that spans the length of the exterior roof of the composite tobacco curing barn, essentially spanning the entire width of the composite tobacco curing barn. It contains a perforated upper wall.

The foregoing features of loose tobacco leaves extend between the sidewalls and across at least a portion of one end of the barn section, thereby including a tobacco support mechanism that defines an open space between the sidewalls. The section may include a tobacco support mechanism for receiving and supporting a loose stack of tobacco within the space when the section is deployed in a flattened loading position at its ends. desirable.

Such tobacco support mechanisms may be perforated to allow air circulation and, for similar reasons, may be spaced apart from the top wall to provide curing space between the support mechanisms.

When sand racks and the like are used, the Q-Mu is superimposed on the initial charge of leaves filled into the curing space to limit the degree of compression imparted to the initial charge filled into the curing space. A pair of open frames are provided which are pivotally and slidably mounted between the side walls for movement from the open loading position to the mating position.

The attachment of an open frame further improves this attachment so that as the leaves fill onto the open frame, its additional weight causes the open frame to move downwards, squeezing or compacting the initial load of leaves. This in itself causes the Q-momentum downwardly of the open frame to be limited, and therefore also to limit the amount of squeezing that can be applied to the initial charge.

The sealing mechanism extends along the edge of one end of each sidewall and includes a stepped flange projecting from the sidewall for overlapping the opposing terminal edges of the sidewall of an adjacent barn section; ,
extending along one edge of the top wall with a flange extending along an opposite distal edge of the top wall and extending longitudinally from the top wall; It projects through an upright flange and fits into the upper wall edge of an adjacent barn section.

To obtain a sufficient sealing effect, a resilient gasket material is secured along at least one end edge of the section to form a sealing fit with the opposing end edges of an adjacent barn section. Let's talk about N.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cigarette loading mechanism includes a set of transverse frames that can be deployed across the space, the frames having an opening to allow the loading of cigarettes into the space. position and a closed position located above said space in which the cigarettes are to be left loaded within the space by means of mechanisms for separably securing the transverse frame in the closed position. In order to turn the space, it is secured to the side wall adjacent to the edge on the opposite side of the space so as to be able to turn.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the mechanisms associated with the loose tobacco are oriented in a generally end-to-end direction with respect to the section so as to leave the tobacco in the void when the section is placed straight. It contains a separate part in the form of a U-shaped fork that can be inserted into the cigarette within the cavity.

These U-shaped forks have legs that can be inserted into loose tobacco, providing space for the legs, and a retaining part for the legs that limits how far the legs can be inserted into the tobacco. Possess.

The free end of the fork extends through the tobacco to the tobacco support mechanism described above. , in the form of a screen material into which the legs extend for supporting action.

The base portion Qi of the fork can also be supported by the crossbar of the transverse frame, with at least some of the forks straddling the crossbar.

The tobacco support mechanism described above includes transverse supports, which themselves are designed to prevent internal vertical voids between sections of the assembly shed, and to prevent the formation of internal vertical voids between the sections of the assembly shed. They are arranged in a staggered manner to correspond to the crossbar of the transverse frame for inserting cigarettes, which extends from the space.

Operations for transporting, assembling, and separating the barn sections are facilitated by a set of channels secured externally in the opposing side walls to receive a forklift when the sections are deployed upright. It is possible.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on illustrated embodiments.

In FIG. 1, a barn 20 for curing loose tobacco is constructed of concrete with low concrete block walls 23 along both sides of the floor 22 and along one edge to support a barn section 21. It is shown as a composite structure assembled from a plurality of independent laterally aligned barn sections 21 attached to a floor 22.

Attached to the end of the barn 20 from which concrete block walls 23 extend is a furnace section 24, which is shown in more detail in Figure 3 and has been removed here to illustrate its internal arrangement. It has a rear door 25 (Fig. 4).

The furnace section 24 may be provided with conventional equipment for circulating temperature and humidity controlled air through the barn 20.
Ru.

A detailed description of this device can be found in the aforementioned U.S. Pat.
No. 664034 and No. 3927683.

As shown in FIGS. 5-12, each barn section 21 has a pair of opposing side walls 26 that are spaced apart substantially the entire width of the barn 20 and extend from the block wall 23 of the barn. extends vertically the full height of the barn section 21 to the top of the barn section 21.

These side walls are fitted with vertical end posts 27 for strength and solidity.
and a cross frame member 28, each covered by a panel 29 containing an insulating material and providing a non-porous portion extending to the side wall 26.

A top wall 30 extending between and fixedly connected to the side walls 26 has end frame members 31 and cross frame members 32 and, like the side walls 26, a non-porous insulating panel 3.
3 (Fig. 2).

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the top wall 30 is divided vertically in half along its centerline, with each hand section having a
Pre-assembled to its associated side walls for combination with other similar sub-assemblies for convenient and economical storage and unloading prior to assembly of the complete barn section.

These hand parts are attached to the top wall 3 like a slightly pointed roof.
In the final assembly with connection and placement of parts to create the 0, the parts are connected by bolts or welding.

In this arrangement, the side walls 26 provide the exterior walls of the barn section 21 and the top wall 30 provides the exterior roof of the barn section 21.

Because the side walls span substantially the entire height of the barn complex, and the top walls span substantially the entire width of the barn complex, these side walls and top wall are essentially one complete side-by-side. form the complete walls and roof of the barn section 21.

For convenience in handling the barn section 21, a pair of external channels 34 are mounted symmetrically along opposite side walls 26 in positions for engagement with forklift equipment 35 of a tractor 36.

These channels 34 are narrower as the wide opening at the front end of the side wall 26 of the barn section runs rearward for convenient reception and guidance of forklift equipment 35.

A pair of outwardly projecting guide bars 37 are provided on the underside of the aforementioned channels 34 to facilitate assembly of the barn sections 210 by guiding them into the correct position during the final assembly operation. It is attached and extends forwardly so that the side walls 26 of the adjacent barn sections engage with the side walls 26 of adjacent barn sections to adjoin each section in the correct mating position.

For the same purpose, guide grates 38 converging are positioned so that each hand portion of the top wall 30 is brought together.
It is attached to the underside of the top wall 30 along the vertical centerline.

These guide plates 38 project outwardly from their forwardly projecting ends towards the centerline below the top wall 30 and are neatly attached to the aft end of the corresponding grate 38 of the adjacent barn section with which it is mated. Engagement μ helps align correctly.

The guide plate 38 and the top wall 30 have a guide plate 38 located midway between both ends of the top wall 30, and a straddle bar 39 connecting the top wall 30 and the reinforcing column 40 for reinforcement of both sections. The central inner end of the top wall 30 is also reinforced by a diagonal straddle bar 39 attached to a lowered vertical reinforcing column 40.

Besides serving as the outer side wall of the Mffl section 21, the aforementioned side wall 26 also serves for storing loose tobacco leaves within the barn section 21.

In this regard, the side walls 26 are designed to hold loosely loaded tobacco leaves when the barn section 21 is placed with its inner end 42 flat (relative to its placement in assembly). The scope of the open space 41 for receiving tobacco leaves is limited, and the tobacco leaves are stored within the open space while being cured in the cultivation complex barn 20.

In addition to the side walls 26, tobacco leaves are stored within the space 41 in such a way that they interlock with loose tobacco leaves that are loaded into the space when the barn section is vertically positioned.

This method includes a tobacco leaf support device in the form of a metal screen 43 extending across the barn section 21 at its inner end 42 and attached to each end of the separate side walls 26.

The metal screen 43 has an upper cavity 44 from the bottom of the side wall 26 for air circulation during curing.
It extends vertically to a location sufficiently spaced below the top wall 30 to provide a.

This metal screen 43 also helps to allow the air to pass horizontally when it is circulating vertically between the tobacco leaves, and since it is a metal material, it is elastic and To accommodate compression against the tobacco leaves swelling from the barn section, thereby ensuring that vertical voids do not disrupt the uniform air circulation passing between the tobacco leaves within the barn. .

The metal screen 43 is reinforced by the aforementioned vertical reinforcing columns 40 and horizontal loss-the-ports 45 mounted at vertical gaps in the side walls 26 connecting the metal screen 43.

When the barn section 21 is arranged with said inner end 42 flat, the cross supports 45 and the metal screen 43 are provided for receiving loose tobacco to be loaded into the space 41 of the barn section. It serves as a floor and also to store tobacco leaves within the space when the barn section 21 is erected vertically in the combined barn condition for curing.

Tobacco leaves are secured to the outer end 4 of the barn section 21 by a pair of vertically spaced cross frames 47 and 48.
6, each cross frame thereof extends across the outer end 46 and at each end thereof pivot pin 4
9 to the opposite side walls 26 (FIG. 12).

Each cross frame 47 and 48 has a pair of spaced cross spars 50 attached to a connecting bar 51 connected to a pivot pin 49 and extending parallel to and adjacent to the side wall 26.
has.

The lower cross frame 47 has side walls 26 adjacent to its bottom.
Barn Section 2
1 is laid flat (no. ), allowing the cross frame 47 to pivot to a vertical position.

Similarly, the upper cross frame 48
It is rotatably attached to the side wall 2G at the upper limit of the open space 41 so as to be almost in line with the upper limit of the open space 41.

During loading, the cross frames 47 and 48 are placed in the open position as shown in FIG. 4γ and 48 are
It is rotated closed across the outer end 46 of the barn section 21 towards the tobacco leaves therein.

The cross frames 47 and 48 are held closed by having a device including a latch arm 52 mounted for rotation to the farthest cross spar 50 position from the pivot pin 49.

There are four latch arms 52, which are pivotally attached to each end of the two outer crossbars 50,
Each has an end with a latch finger 53 projecting outwardly therefrom and is attached to the outer end of an adjacent side wall 26 and extends into a slightly open space 41 for receiving a launch finger 53. It is designed to engage under a U-shaped bracket 54 that is attached.

The opposite end 55 of each latch arm 52 is adapted to engage under a retaining finger 56 attached to and projecting from the cross spar 50 such that the latch finger 53 is retained by a bracket 54 and the arm When the opposite ends 55 of the cross frames 47 and 48 are held by the fingers 56, the cross frames 47 and 48 are fixed against movement from the closed state.

To allow for separation of the latch arm 52, the pivot connection is sufficient to allow the end 55 of the latch arm 52 to move away from the retaining finger 56 so that the latch arm rotates out of engagement with the bracket. Keep it loose.

However, when the barn section 21 is loaded with tobacco leaves, it is filled and filled to such an extent that when the cross frames 47 and 48 are moved into the closed position, a significant compression of the tobacco leaves takes place. , the resulting pressure against the cross frame of the tobacco leaf serves to hold the latch finger 53 in the tightened condition, and manual action is required to disengage the end 55 of the arm from the retaining finger 56 in order to open the latch. Is required.

The side walls 26, metal screens 43, and cross frames 47.48 prevent the tobacco leaves loaded into the open space 41 when the barn section 21 is placed with its inner end 42 flat during loading. These components support and hold the tobacco leaves loaded in the space 41 when the barn section 21 is vertically positioned during curing.

However, these components do not directly impede the downward movement of tobacco leaves when the barn section is vertical, and for this latter purpose they The engaging device has a separate member which can be inserted into the tobacco leaf in the space 41 in an end-to-end direction with respect to this element.

In the preferred embodiment, these members in order 1 are U-shaped forks 57 having legs 59 connected by a base 59 whose length is equal to or greater than the y-barn section 21. equal to the depth of the open space 41
They are spaced apart by a base 59 to provide space for inserting the tobacco leaves inside, and the base 59 also serves to limit the insertion of the legs 58 into the loose tobacco leaves in the space 41. .

These forks 57 are inserted from the outer end 46 of the barn section through the tobacco leaves to the inner end 42, the legs of which have distal ends or tips 60 that extend through the tobacco leaves and into the metal screen 43; The metal screen engages and supports the forks and pierced tobacco leaves when the barn section 21 is vertical.

, the use of the metal screen 43 eliminates the need for special provision of the fork legs on the support structure;
0 simplifies the use of the individual fork 57 as it easily protrudes into any screen hole that it approaches when inserted.

The fork 57 is configured such that when the barn section 21 is vertical,
At least one leg 58 or base 59 of each fork 57 is inserted adjacent to the cross spar 50 of the cross frame 47.48 with the fork 57 supported by the cross spar 50.

In this regard, some of the forks 57 are arranged with their bases 59 parallel to and resting on the cross spar 50, while other forks 57
A zero base 59 extends across the outer surface of the associated cross spar 50 and is positioned to straddle the associated cross spar 50 .

The use of these individual forks 57 allows for manual insertion of the forks into the desired location and eliminates the need for any mechanical pin-laying device.

Also, due to the size of the barn section 21, a pin frame with a certain type of cross structure and protruding pins that engage the tobacco leaves may be too large, creating problems in handling, alignment and alignment during insertion. It has a cumbersome construction and probably requires a mechanical device for insertion.

The construction of a preferred embodiment of the fork 57 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13, and the placement of the fork within a tobacco leaf is shown in FIGS. 4, 9 and 10.

The spacing of the forks 570 is such that most of the tobacco leaves in the space 41 are pierced by one or more forks 5γ to disperse and support the loose tobacco leaf mass in the space. It is desirable to do so.

When the individual barn sections 21 are combined, the adjacent barn sections are hermetically sealed to create an airtight barn with controlled air circulating within the barn to control the curing process. They are engaged to ensure that.

To this end, the present invention provides a device for sealably and releasably engaging the contact edges of adjacent side-by-side barn sections 21.

In the preferred embodiment, the device has an offset 7 flange 61 extending along the edge of each sidewall 26 from its inner end 42.

This offset flange 61 (FIG. 12) has a portion 62 that projects laterally from the outer edge of a portion 63 that projects longitudinally from the end of the barn section 21 so as to overlap the outer edge 46 of the adjacent barn section 21. have.

Resilient gasket material in the form of a piece of foamed plastic 64 is also adhered to the surface of the offset flange 61 that contacts and overlaps the adjacent barn section to provide a hermetic seal.

The aforementioned overhanging guide bars 37 and guide plates 38 provide for proper alignment of adjacent barn sections 21 and offset flanges 61 to ensure proper sealing and overlapping mutual engagement. bring.

The sealing engagement between the barn sections along the top wall 30 includes a vertically standing flange 65 along the edge of the top wall 30 at the outer edge 46; A flange 6 extending downward at the inner end 42
6, this sealing engagement device is achieved.

This downward flange is generally U-shaped and includes an upwardly extending portion 67, a longitudinally extending portion 68 that projects above the upright flange 65 of the adjacent barn section 21, and It has portions 69 that overlap and extend downward.

Gasket material 64 similar to that used along sidewall flange 61 is also used on downwardly facing flange 66 of top wall 30 for the same sealing.

When using the barn sections 21 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, they are individually placed in a loading or loading position with cross frames 47, 48 open and inner ends 42 flat.

Tobacco leaves can be loaded in the open space 41 in bulk by hand, but this method is disclosed in Patent Application No. 629974 "Tobacco Leaf Processing Apparatus" filed by the inventor on November 7, 1975. It is preferable to use mechanical dispensing devices such as

Other types of loading mechanisms may also be used, and it is contemplated that the barn section may be transported to the reaper for loading directly in the field during the harvesting operation.

In either case, the barn section 21 is loaded to a height well above the edges of the side walls 26 so that the loose tobacco leaves are compressed when the cross frames 47, 48 are brought into a closed position. Do it like this.

This provides a compact mass for even and unobtrusive circulation of conditioned air during curing, and also avoids creating vertical voids that would disrupt the circulation of conditioned air. To provide sufficient swelling of tobacco leaves from both ends of a barn section to compress the tobacco leaves in an adjacent barn section to seal the tobacco leaf mass.

After the cross-frames 47, 48 are brought into the closed position towards the loose tobacco mass, the latch arm 52 engages the latch finger 53 under the U-shaped bracket 54 and retains the retaining finger 56. is operated to engage opposite ends 55 of the lower latch arms 52, thereby causing the cross frames 47, 49
is fixed in the closed position.

Next, the fork 51 is attached to the cross frame 4 in the manner described above.
7,48 After being inserted manually into the tobacco leaves in association with the black spar 50, the loaded barn section 21 is raised upright by means of a hoisting device or a suitably constructed support mechanism or frame. be taken to the state.

The i-rafter 36 can then raise the upright barn section 21 by inserting the forklift 35 into the tapered channel 34.

Next, the tractor 36 is operated to transport the loaded barn section 21 to the barn foundation (FIG. 2), which has the furnace section 24 at the inner end.

As the tractor approaches the already mated barn sections, it aligns the barn section 21 with the already mated barn sections in a normal alignment.

During the final approach phase, the tractor is moved so that the downwardly directed flange 66 along the top wall 30 of the barn section being moved passes over the upwardly directed seven flange 65 of the already assembled barn section 210 top wall 30. While lifting the barn section slightly upward, the guide bar 31 and guide plate 38 guide the moving barn section 21 to a predetermined position.

The tractor continues to move the barn section 21 until the offset flange 61 along the side wall 26 of the barn section 21 being moved contacts the side wall 260 surface of the barn section 21 that has already been assembled.

The tractor then lowers the barn section 21 with the downward flange 66 already assembled.
It overlaps with the upward flange 65 of the flange 65 and is engaged in a sealed state.

In this position, the bottom of the side wall 26 rests on the concrete block wall 23 and lowers the forklift 35 slightly to remove it from the support of the barn section 21 and allow the forklift 35 and tractor 36 to remove it. .

When the barn sections are combined as shown in Figure 4,
The structure of the metal screen 43 in combination with the bulge of the compressed mass of tobacco leaves and the cross supports 45 interleaved with the cross pars 50 of adjacent cross frames 47, 48 allows for controlled air circulation during curing. Provide sufficient contact between the open tobacco and the structure of the adjacent barn section to effectively prevent the creation of disturbing vertical voids.

Also, to prevent the creation of vertical voids, a panful plate 70 runs across the barn under the inner edge 42 of the first barn section and at the outer edge 42 of the last barn section.
6, which prevents free vertical flow of air between the first barn section and the furnace section 24 and between the last barn section and the final exterior wall 71.

This final outer wall 71 (FIGS. 1 and 4) surrounds the outer end of the last barn section 21 and has a rotating pan full plate γ2 on top of it to allow pressure regulation of the air inside the barn. , and has a sliding door 73 for entry and exit so that the curing state of tobacco leaves in the barn 20 can be monitored.

As shown in FIG. 4, beneath the tobacco leaves in the space 21 and above the barn floor 22, there is a bottom dense chamber 14 extending the entire length of the barn 20, in which temperature and humidity controlled conditions are provided. Air is circulated from the furnace section 24.

This air moves upward through the retained tobacco leaves to the dense chamber 75 at the top.

This top chamber 75 extends the entire length of the barn 20 and is created by the combination of the aforementioned top cavities 44 of each barn section 21.

Air entering this top chamber 75 may be transferred to the furnace section 75 for recirculation as described in the aforementioned patents, for example.
It will be set back to 4.

After the curing adjustment operation has been completed within the composite barn 20, the individual barn sections 21F are separated in the reverse order of the combination and unloaded individually at the unloading area, either by hand or by suitable mechanical devices. It can be unloaded, after which the barn section 21 is again ready for loading.

14 to 24, there is particularly shown a barn section, generally designated 100, which employs the principles of the present invention and has been slightly modified compared to barn section 21 previously described. It embodies the structure that was applied,
Barn section 21 has optional features not described.

Each barn section 100 D2 - similar to the previously described barn section 21, with a pair of side walls 102 corresponding to the previously described side walls 26 and a top wall 10 corresponding to the previously described top wall 30.
It has 4.

As in the case described above, an open space 106 for curing is provided between the side walls 1020, which corresponds to the open space 41 described above.

When the curing space is to be loaded with tobacco leaves, the barn section 100 is placed in a horizontal loading position, and the bottom of the curing space is fitted with the aforementioned structure including a metal screen 43 and a horizontal loss support 45. A bottom structure 108 having a similar structure is provided.

The barn section 100 is also equipped with a top closure for the curing space, which closure is in the form of a gate and cross-framed at 47°4.
It has a pair of cross frames 110° and 112 similar to 8.

cross frame io. 112 and its associated structures are constructed in the same manner as cross frames 47, 48 and have a cross spar 114 similar to cross spar 50.

The cross frame has a pivot pin 1 similar to pivot pin 51.
16, and each cross frame includes a latch arm 52, a latch finger 53, and a U-shaped bracket 54.
and a retaining device similar to retaining fingers 56 is provided.

However, the retaining device has been removed from FIGS. 14-24 to more clearly show the remaining structure.

One of the desirable improvements embodied in the barn section 100 is when the barn section 100 is placed in the curing position.

This downwardly extending side wall section of the curating open space 106 has a vertical section equal to the vertical section previously embodied in the side wall 26 of the barn section 21 plus the vertical section of the block 23.

This allows the barn section 100 to be attached to the plate 124, as shown in FIG. 14, thus eliminating the need to prepare the blocks 23 as described above.

Another improvement illustrated in the barn section 100 is in the fundamental connection of the top wall 104 to the side walls 102.

That is, instead of a composite top wall and side wall along the line of junction at the center apical edge of the top wall portion as described above, in the present device the top wall 104 is a single unit separated from each side wall. Created separately as component parts.

This allows the barn sections to be transported in a disassembled state, with one side wall stacked on top of the other, and the top wall as well.

This device simplifies the manufacture of individual walls and the assembly of walls into barn sections.

Next, with particular reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, the side wall 1
It can be seen that each of 02 is made of the outer surface of the metal plate 126.

As best shown in FIG. 17, the opposing edge portions of the metal plate 126 are located at opposite ends of the horizontally spaced side walls 102 when the barn section 100 is in the curing position. It is bent into a U-shape so as to define edges 128 and 130 of.

5K, barn section 1 is clearly shown in Figure 16.
Edge G' of each side wall 102 that engages plate 124 when 00 is in the curing position. , a channel 132 welded to the outer surface 126.

As shown in FIG. 15, the opposite end edge connecting the top wall 104 includes an elongated reinforcing channel providing a hook-shaped portion extending outwardly along the upper edge. 134.

Each sidewall 102 also has an interior plywood layer 136 secured to the legs of the channels brought along the edges as described above.

In this way, the outer metal surface 126 is similar to the inner plywood layer 13.
6 and are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, and if necessary, suitable reinforcing channels are provided (not shown in the drawings).

Between the outer metal surface 126 and the inner plywood layer 136,
An intermediate layer of insulating material 138 is provided, consisting of ordinary insulating asbestos or foamed plastic.

The top wall 104 is gable-shaped with an outer central dorsal edge that flares outward and downwardly and an outer flat surface.

The outer surface of top wall 104 is provided by the outer surface of metal plate 140.

As shown in FIG. 18, the edge portion of the outer metal plate surface 140 of the top wall 104
When the 0 is in the curing position, it is bent to provide an end edge in the form of an elongated convex line 142 extending upwardly.

The edge portion of the top wall opposite the metal surface 1400 is bent to provide an edge in the shape of an elongated groove 144 that opens downward when the barn section 100 is placed in the curing position.

As shown in FIG. 18, elongated channel portion 144
is preferably reinforced by square iron beams 146 suitably welded at the locations shown.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, each top wall 10
4 includes an inner layer 1 of plywood similar to the inner layer 136 of the side walls.
48 has been harvested.

However, in the illustrated configuration, the inner layer 148 is
It is attached directly to the inside of the outer metal plate surface.

This arrangement can be thought of as similar to that provided on the side walls, with the inner layer separated from the outer metal surface with suitable insulation in between.

A metal plate 140 extending between the convex line 142 and the grooved portion 144
The edge portions of the ends thereof are directed downwardly to also provide hooked portions 150 that cooperate with the hooked portions provided by channels 134 of each sidewall 102, as best shown in FIG. and bent inwards of the inwardly extending channels.

With this configuration, each channel 134 of each sidewall 102 extends at an angle greater than the final assembled angle of the sidewall 102.
02 is adapted to be coupled to the associated hooked portion 150 of the top wall 104 by first engaging the hooked portion.

The bottom structure 108 serves to secure the two side walls 102 in their final assembled position parallel to each other.

In this regard, it can be seen from FIG.
It can be seen that it has a number of parallel cross supports 152 similar to 5.

The ends of the cross supports 152 are secured together by vertically extending iron squares 154 when the barn section 100 is in the curing position.

The bottom structure 108 also has a screen 156 made of a mesh metal plate similar to the screen 43 described above.

In addition to the rigid support provided by the bottom structure 108, the side walls 102 and top wall 104 have corner struts between each side wall and adjacent portions of the top wall and a central L-shape, as shown. It is held in the assembled condition by other suitable bracing devices including strut structures 160.

The support structure 160 has a first leg 162 having a forked end 164 extending outwardly at a location below the inside back edge of the top wall when the barn section 100 is in the curing position. have

The legs 162 extend rearwardly along the inside of the central back edge of the top wall 104 .

The L-shaped strut structure 160 has a second leg 166 spaced inwardly from the top wall to extend along the central inner surface of the screen 156 of the bottom structure 108. It extends downwardly from a leg 162 which is secured to the top wall in the relevant position.

In this manner, the aft portion of the horizontal first leg 162 and the adjacent portion of the vertical second leg 166 are connected when the barn sections are assembled in a line, as shown in FIG. Additionally, it is an effective cooperating element for inserting the forked end 164 into an adjacent barn section.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, a desirable improvement to the sealing system for the foamed plastic piece 64 described above is shown.

As best shown in FIG. 1γ, the end edges 128 and 130 of the sidewall 102 are sealed by a sealing piece 168 formed by a tubular sealing portion and a flap-like inset portion extending therefrom. .

The portion of the sealing piece 168 that extends with the bottom structure 108 is connected to each side wall 102 by means of a fixation between the corner beam 154 of the bottom structure 108 and the adjacent surface of the plywood layer 136.
mounted on top.

The remainder of each sealing piece 168 is secured to the plywood layer 136 by a suitable iron square (not shown) that functions in the same manner as the iron square 154.

The tubular portion of the sealing piece 168 attaches to each barn section 10 in line with the already installed barn sections.
When 0 is installed, the adjacent barn section 100
extending from edge 128 into position to engage end edge 130 of.

End edges 128 have iron squares 170 that provide overlapping flaps extending outwardly to close the outer gap between end edges 128 and 130.

As best shown in FIG. 16, along the edge of each side wall 102 formed by the channel 132 there is provided a sealing piece 172 of similar construction to the previously described sealing piece 168; The plywood layer 1 is attached by suitable iron squares 174.
360 along the surface.

As best shown in FIG. 15, the interface between each side wall 102 and top wall 104 includes a seal attached along the interior of the plywood layer 136 by a steel square bar 178, similar to seal strip 168. It is sealed by piece 176.

A sealing arrangement for the joint between adjacent top walls 1040 is shown in FIG.

In this case, flat sealing pieces 180 and 182 made of elastic material
are attached along each of the opposing end edges of plywood layer 148.

The sealing pieces are each held in place by suitable iron squares 184 and 186.

The sealing piece 182 may be considered to be provided in two off-center portions to accommodate the strut structure 160.

The manner in which the arrangement of these sealing pieces cooperates with respect to adjacent raised line and channel portions 142 and 144 is clearly illustrated in FIG.

Although the particular closure shown is preferred, it should be understood that other suitable closures may be used.

Each of the barn sections 100 has end edges 128 and 1
It has on its outer surface a channel 188 extending horizontally between the channels 30, which channel is similar to the channel 34 described above.

A tapered guide bar 189, similar to guide bar 37 previously described, is secured to the underside of each channel 188.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 24, the whole number is 1.
90 is shown, which is particularly effective when the leaves being cured are sundrugs or other leaves taken from near the base of the stem. Configure desirable characteristics.

As indicated earlier, the sandrak is larger than the top leaf, and its specific gravity is usually greater than that of the top leaf.

The large sandrack-shaped leaves are less elastic than the smaller apical leaves.

Thus, when a sand rack is loaded into a curing space 106 in a container such as that provided by the barn section 100, the leaves initially filling this space and supported directly on the bottom structure 108 are , becomes more and more compressed as this space is filled, until finally all the leaves are loaded into this space.

As a result, leaves contacting the bottom structure 108, which has become dense under the weight of the leaves above it during loading, are exposed to this extreme pressure when the container 100 is moved to a curing position in line with other barn section containers. It may remain compressed.

Thus, within the space 106 there is a vertical lamina of lobes adjacent to the bottom structure 108 that is considerably denser than the lobes along the closure device at the top of this space.

Therefore, during the curing period, air passes freely through the less dense leaf layer to which it is more likely to travel;
And as curing progresses and leaf moisture is taken up by the curing air, the density difference between the leaf layers increases, and therefore the leaf layer in contact with the bottom structure increases as needed to ensure proper curing. It becomes impossible to reduce the amount of curing air sufficiently.

The compression limiter 190 is provided to prevent the weight of the upper leaves from over-compressing the leaves in contact with the bottom structure 108 during loading operations, and is intended to prevent the weight of the upper leaves from exerting excessive compression on the leaves in contact with the bottom structure 108. It ensures that the density of all layers of the leaf is uniform, thus preventing the situations described above.

To this end, the compression limiter 190 has a pair of porous or open frame structures 192 and 194 mounted for sliding rotation between the sidewalls 1020 for movement from an open condition; As shown in the figure, the frame structure has a curing space 1
06 and extends upwardly and outwardly from the end of the bottom structure 10 to a loading position extending between the side walls.
8 and overlays the first leaf loaded into the curing space, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, open frame structures 192 and 194 each include a channel-shaped frame member 196 with an elongated flange.

The legs of frame member 196 are provided with a series of holes for receiving the free ends of the legs of a series of U-shaped rods 198.

As shown, there is a series of spaced U-shaped rods 198 extending from opposite sides of frame member 1960.

Each end of the frame member 196 is mounted and secured to a central portion of the iron square that forms the arm 200.

Each arm 20 has a bar 202 having a right-angled cross section.
It extends laterally from one end of the 0.

A cross bar 204 is fixed to the outer end of each bar 202.

As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, each bar 202 is slidably and rotationally mounted within an adjacent interior of the associated side wall 102 by mounting bracket assembly 206. As best seen in FIGS.

Each mounting bracket assembly has a U-shaped rond at its central portion, indicated at 208, which portion is braced by a cross strap 210.

The free end of the rond is tapered as indicated at 212.

The intermediate portion between the U-shaped central portion 208 of the rond and the tapered free end portion 212 is oriented outwardly toward the viewer as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. two parallel centers that are spaced outwardly from the surface of the plywood and from the mating surface when the central portion 208 and the free end portion 212 are placed in contact with the inner surface of the plywood layer 136; This becomes the rondo portion 214.

A stop play 1-216 is secured across the rond portion 214 adjacent to the tapered portion 212.

A triangular support block 218 is fixed to one of the rond portions 214 at an intermediate position between the cross strap 210 and the plate 216.

The size of each crossbar 204 is such that the associated mounting fits between the stop grating 216 and the block 218 of the bracket assembly 206.

Each open frame structure 192 and 194 is mounted between side walls 1020 by a pair of mirror-image bracket assemblies 206 of the type shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

Cross spar 20 on each frame structure, if installed
4 is the adjacent surface of the plywood layer 136 and the associated rond portion 2
140 with a bar 202 extending therebetween.

The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the bar 202 has a long side that is connected to the block 2.
It is dimensioned so that it does not pass downwardly between the rond portions 2140 at position 18, while the short sides do.

As shown in FIG. 21, the orientation of the cross-section of each bar 202 changes when the bar is moved over its associated block 218 and rotated so that its long side extends between the rond portions 2140. , the associated mounting is such that the arm 200 extends upwardly as shown in phantom in FIG.

In this manner, block 218, through engagement with bar 202, serves to support the end of arm 200, as shown in solid lines in FIG.

This position of open frame structures 192 and 194
This corresponds to the open state shown in FIG.

In this regard, the pair of retention structures 220 are attached to the upwardly extending ends of the arms 200 as well as to the top closure assembly in order to maintain the open condition as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the mounting shown is arranged to cooperate with the upwardly extending end of the arm.

After an initial amount of leaves, equal to y for half of the total number of leaves to be loaded, has been loaded into the curing space 106, the holding structure 220 is removed and the open frame structure 194 is first moved upwards. space for curing 1
It is rotated towards the center of 06.

This movement aligns the short side of the cross-section of bar 202 with block 218 while leaving it passing downwardly through the block, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.

The open frame structure 194 is then lowered until it engages the surface of the leaf, such that the bar 202 is positioned above the stop plate 216 and reaches the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. .

The open frame structure 192 has an extension 222 at the end of the arm 200 attached opposite the bars 202 and 204.

The length of the extension is such that the extension 222 overlaps the adjacent end of the mounting arm of the open frame structure 194 when the open frame structure 192 is moved to its intermediate state. It is.

Each attachment of open frame structure 194 has a stop pin 224 secured in each side wall at a height corresponding to the height of stop plate 216 at the location engaged by the free end of arm 200 .

In this device, the frame structures 192 and 194 are brought up to the dotted line position as shown in FIG. After being moved, the subsequent (loading) of tobacco leaves into the spaces 106 at the top of the open frame structures 192 and 194
The frame structure moves downward due to the added weight.

When the bar 202 engages the stop plate 1-216 and the attachment occurs when the arm 200 engages the stop pin 224,
Further downward movement of the open frame structures 192 and 194 is stopped and the additional weight brought about by the leaves that are eventually loaded into the space 106 above them is carried by the frame structures 192 and 194 and I can't tell the leaves.

In this way, the amount of compression thereby transmitted to the lower leaf by the weight of the upper leaf is limited by the compression limiter 190.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved.

However, it is understood that the preferred embodiments described above are shown and described to illustrate the functional and structural principles of the invention, and that changes may be made thereto without departing from those principles. Should.

Accordingly, the invention includes any extensions and improvements made within the scope of the appended claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a perspective view of a composite tobacco curing barn constructed by combining a plurality of transportable tobacco curing barn sections in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a partially assembled barn and one barn section in the process of being assembled; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the furnace section of the barn in Figure 1 with the rear door removed; Fourth
A central longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the barn in Figure 1 with a portion removed;
Figure 5 Qζ Figure 6 is a rear front view of one of the barn sections of the barn in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a right side view of the barn section in Figure 1 with side wall panels removed; Figure 1 is the same as Figure 5; Figure 8 is a plan view of the barn section in Figure 5 with the top wall panel removed; Figure 9 is a loading position with the cross frame opened for loading. Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, but with the cross frame closed and the U-shaped fork attached to the tobacco leaf. 9 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a U-shaped fork according to the present invention; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a U-shaped fork according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barn section according to the present invention with modified desirable and optional features; FIG. Enlarged cross-sectional view, 1st
6 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the line 16-16 in FIG. 14, FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the line IL-17 in FIG. 14, and FIG. , a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 14, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a compression-limiting open frame structure, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the compression-limiting open frame structure. Figures 21 and 22 are partially enlarged detailed views showing different installations of the compression-limiting open frame structure; Figure 23 is a view of the first tobacco leaf; 14 is a perspective view of a barn section of the type shown in FIG. Figure 24 is a perspective view similar to Figure 23, showing the condition of the barn section after the open frame structure has been moved to its initial loading condition; 20...Kuring barn, 2L10(]・
...Barn section, 24...Furnace section, 26°102...Side wall, 2γ...
・End pillar, 30,104...Top wall, 33...
...Non-porous insulation panel, 35...Forklift equipment, 36...User, 38...
Guide gunt, 39...Scaze stick, 40.
...Reinforcement column, 41...Open space, 43...Metal screen, 44...
Upper space, 45...black, <v saw +-14
7, 48...Cross frame, 50...
・Cross bar 152... Latch arm, 56.
...holding finger, 51...fork,
64... Foamed plastic piece, 106...
...Open space, 108...Bottom structure, 112...Cross frame, 114...
・・Cross bar 1160 ・・L-shaped column structure, 190 ・・Compression restriction device, 192.194・
...Frame structure, 200...Mounting is done by arm, 206......Mounting is done by bracket assembly,
220...Holding structure.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. The first curing air space is configured to circulate vertically through a curing space that communicates between the first curing air space and the second curing air space. It has a mechanism for moving curing air from a horizontally expanding curing air space to a second horizontally expanding curing air space, and the first curing air space and the second curing air space are connected to each other. In a loose tobacco curing barn structure of the type containing a furnace section that includes a mechanism for controlling the temperature of curing air moving to and from an air space and circulating through said curing space, Cure song portions of the barn structure defining the curing space and upper portions of the first and second curing air spaces are disposed in the same direction of curing position and are arranged in line with each other. a composite part consisting of a number of similarly constructed portable tobacco curing barn sections, where each of said barn sections is connected to an external wall of the composite curing part of the barn structure; a pair of spaced apart porous opposed side walls, and a porous top connected to and extending between the side walls to provide an external roof element of the composite curing section of the barn structure. The side walls of each barn section extend approximately the entire height of the composite curing section of the barn structure when deployed in the curing position described above, and the upper wall of each barn section extends from the curing position described above. When deployed in position, it extends approximately the entire width of the composite curing section of the barn structure, and the major upright portions within the side walls of the barn section are shaped in rows as described above. If the curing air space is defined by the sides of the curing air space, the interior of the upper wall located above the main upright portion and the interior of the adjacent side wall define the upper curing air space. and when the barn sections are placed in their curing position, the side walls and top walls for each of said barn sections have opposing sets of horizontally spaced terminal edges and When mounted in a row configuration such as the each of said barn sections is interconnected in a sealing manner to prevent the passage of air between the terminal edges during the curing process, and each of said barn sections is connected externally to said barn section from said curing position to a sidewall and said barn section, said barn section having a mechanism for enabling one set of terminal edges of said upper wall to be transferred by a moving means into a horizontal loading position disposed below another set of said terminal edges; each has a bottom structure extending horizontally between the sidewalls adjacent its set of terminal edges to define a lower end of the curing space when the barn section is in the loading position. The upper end of the curing space is open so that the tobacco itself can be filled downwardly to be supported against the bottom structure and evenly loaded into the curing space above it. and after the curing space of each barn section has been filled, when said barn sections are in their curing position and installed in the row configuration described above, A barn for curing loose tobacco leaves, characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a device connected to the tobacco to support the tobacco loaded therein. 2. Opening of the curing space after tobacco has been filled into the curing space so that the tobacco-related equipment for each barn section comprises a tobacco peripheral partition with the bottom structure and side walls as described above. a top closure mechanism for securing between the side walls across the top end and extending vertically past the tobacco in the curing space and for curing operation when the barn section is deployed in the loading position; Claim 1 comprising a fork-like mechanism extending horizontally when the barn section is moved into the curing position for providing internal support to peripherally trapped tobacco within the curing space during the curing process. Barn as described. 3. The fork-like mechanism for each barn section consists of a number of independent U-shaped forks,
Each of the forks is comprised of a curved section and a set of substantially parallel legs extending from the curved section and of sufficient length to extend from the top closure mechanism to the bottom structure; such that the free ends of the U-shaped fork legs are positioned adjacent to the bottom structure when the associated curved portion is positioned adjacent to the top closure mechanism;
The curing space is configured to pass through tobacco circumferentially confined within the curing space, thereby allowing the curing space to pass through the curing space, thereby allowing the curing space to pass through the curing space, thereby allowing the curing space to pass through the curing space, thereby allowing the curing space to pass through the curing space. 3. A barn as claimed in claim 2, in which the U-shaped forks of are supported and positioned to provide support from the inside against peripherally confined tobacco in the curing space while the curing operation is being carried out. 4. After each of said barn sections has been filled such that an initial charge of tobacco is supported against said bottom structure between said side walls, in a tobacco input position extending horizontally across said curing space. a tobacco compression and restriction mechanism operable to be mounted above an initial dosage of tobacco; and a tobacco compression and restriction mechanism operable in the tobacco input position to prevent downward movement of the tobacco compression and restriction mechanism beyond the fixed position toward the bottom structure. When attached to the
The tobacco compression limiting mechanism is connected to the side wall portion, and the tobacco is subsequently filled downwardly so as to be supported against the tobacco compression limiting mechanism and finally compressed into the curing space. 4. A barn according to claim 3, further comprising a mechanism for compressing the initial input of tobacco under said mechanism.