Reversing guide device and tofu manufacturing device

Abstract

Provided is a reversal guide device that makes it possible to smoothly reverse tofu, and a tofu manufacturing device using the same. The reversal guide device (20) guides tofu that is conveyed by a conveying conveyor (10) and is reversed at a turnaround (13) at one end (120) of the conveying conveyor. The reversal guide device (20) includes a loop-shaped conveyor (24) that reverses and guides the tofu while supporting the tofu so that the tofu follows the track of the turnaround (13).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an inversion guide device that guides inversion of tofu while inverting the tofu, and a tofu manufacturing device using the inversion guide device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in the manufacturing process of soft tofu, soy milk as a raw material is coagulated and matured in a non-porous frame by adding a coagulant, and in the manufacturing process of hard tofu, soy milk is coagulated and matured in a suitable container (e.g., a basin, a tub, a frame, etc.) in the same manner. Next, the coagulated and matured product is poured into a porous mold on which a filter cloth is laid to be compacted and formed. After that, the tofu is taken out of the mold, cut into a predetermined size, and packaged, thereby manufacturing tofu.

[0003] Generally, a conveying conveyor of tofu covered with a package is a loop conveyor in which the tofu covered with the package is inverted while being guided from the upper side to the lower side at a turnaround portion at one end, and the tofu is stored in the package and sent to the next step. In the related art device, a plate-shaped guide plate is provided to correspond to the turnaround portion of the conveying conveyor, and the guide plate guides the tofu (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0004] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-203516

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-219850

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-006759 SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] Although the guide plate of the related art guides the tofu, since the guide plate is a fixed curved plate, the guide plate guides the tofu based on the gravity acting on the tofu at the turnaround portion of the conveying conveyor. Therefore, the momentum of the tofu falling is too large, and soft tofu is often broken or fragmented by the impact. In addition, since the falling is natural, the falling time of each piece of tofu is slightly different, and the tofu is congested, so that the processing capacity is limited.

[0011] To address these issues, increasing the amount of coagulant added to the soy milk could be considered to harden the tofu. However, this approach has drawbacks: heat sterilization after packaging leads to significant water separation and loss of flavor. Furthermore, due to the variety of tofu types and packaging materials used for them, changes in the size of the tofu or packaging necessitate replacing the guide plate and adjusting its position, which degrades work efficiency.

[0012] The present invention provides a reversing guide device capable of smoothly reversing tofu and a tofu manufacturing apparatus using the reversing guide device.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a reversing guide device is configured to guide tofu conveyed by a conveyor and reversed by a turnaround section at one end of the conveyor. The reversing guide device includes an annular conveyor configured to support the tofu along a track of the turnaround section and guide the tofu while being driven in a cyclic manner.

[0015] In a reversing guide device, for example, the distance between the reversing section and the annular conveyor is adjustable, or the reversing section and the annular conveyor are attachable to and detachable from each other.

[0016] For example, the reversing guide device also includes a support platform configured to support the annular conveyor. The support platform includes a position adjustment unit configured to adjust the position of the annular conveyor relative to the reversing section in the horizontal direction, or configured to attach and detach the reversing section and the annular conveyor from each other.

[0017] For example, the reversing guide device further includes a guide member disposed between the reversing section and the annular conveyor and configured to guide the annular conveyor. The guide member is movable to adjust its distance relative to the reversing section.

[0018] For example, the reversing guide device further includes a rotating shaft support member configured to rotatably support the rotating shaft of the annular conveyor. The rotating shaft is supported by the rotating shaft support member in a horizontally movable state (which may be in the front-back or up-down direction).

[0019] In a reversing guide device, for example, a ring conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive tofu moving at the reversing section.

[0020] In a reversing guide device, for example, a stop member is attached to the annular conveyor at an angle inclined relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, a tofu manufacturing apparatus includes: a conveyor, the aforementioned reversing guide device, and a tofu receiving device (e.g., a chute) configured to receive tofu reversed by the reversing guide device and transfer the tofu to the next step.

[0022] In a tofu manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the tofu receiving device includes a discarding device configured to discard defective tofu downwards.

[0023] In a tofu-making apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the discarding device is a movable chute configured to open and close or a fixed chute having an opening.

[0024] In a tofu manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, an annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive tofu moving at a reversing section, the distal end of the stop member having a comb-like shape in the width direction, and the distal end of a tofu receiving device (e.g., a chute, a movable chute, or a fixed chute) having a comb-like shape that does not interfere with the distal end of the stop member.

[0025] In a tofu-making apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the discarding device is a movable slide that opens and closes, and the operation type of the movable slide is at least one of passive operation using a spring or damper, manual operation, and active operation using a cylinder or motor. For example, the discarding device may be a fixed slide having an opening for discarding tofu, etc., by crushing it and causing it to fall downwards, the tofu, etc., being uncovered and broken or cracked by its own weight.

[0026] In a tofu-making apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the annular conveyor of the reversing guide device is configured to be synchronized with the conveying conveyor.

[0027] In a tofu manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive individual tofu blocks moving at a reversing section, wherein Va is the speed of the annular conveyor, Vb is the speed of the conveying conveyor, a is the stop pitch as the pitch of the stop member, and b is the front-to-back pitch of the tofu blocks on the conveying conveyor, satisfying a = b and the circulating speed Va of the annular conveyor and the circulating speed Vb of the reversing section of the conveying conveyor are the same (Va = Vb).

[0028] In a tofu manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, the annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive individual tofu blocks moving at a reversing section, and wherein Va is the speed of the annular conveyor, Vb is the speed of the conveying conveyor, a is the stop pitch as the pitch of the stop member, and b is the front-to-back pitch of the tofu blocks on the conveying conveyor, and when the speed Va of the annular conveyor is greater than the speed Vb of the reversing section of the conveying conveyor (Va>Vb), n·a / Va=b / Vb (n: a natural number) is satisfied.

[0029] In a tofu-making apparatus according to one aspect of the invention, for example, a reversing guide is surrounded by a cover, the reversing guide including a cleaning nozzle configured to spray cleaning liquid or a steam nozzle configured to spray high-temperature steam for sterilization inside the cover.

[0030] Technical effect

[0031] According to the present invention, while the tofu is guided by the ring conveyor, a large number of aligned tofu blocks can be smoothly reversed at the same time, and the falling speed of the tofu at the turning point can be suppressed, thereby improving the processing capacity without damaging the tofu. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 (a) and (b) are side views of a tofu making apparatus including a reversing guide device according to the first embodiment, wherein (a) is a side view during use and (b) is a side view during cleaning, etc.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a side view of a tofu-making apparatus.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a top view of a tofu-making apparatus.

[0035] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are side views showing the operation of the reversing guide device according to the first embodiment, wherein (a) is a side view of the reversing guide device approaching the conveyor, and (b) is a side view of the reversing guide device separated from the conveyor.

[0036] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are side views showing the operation of the reversing guide device according to the second embodiment, wherein (a) is a side view of the reversing guide device approaching the conveyor, and (b) is a side view of the reversing guide device separated from the conveyor.

[0037] Figure 6(a) and (b) are side views showing the operation of the reversing guide device according to the third embodiment, wherein (a) is a side view of the reversing guide device approaching the conveyor, and (b) is a side view of the reversing guide device separated from the conveyor.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a top view of the stop members facing each other and the movable slide that throws tofu downwards.

[0039] Figure 8 (a) to (c) are side views of the stop members facing each other and the movable slide for dropping tofu downwards, wherein (a) shows an example of the form in which the elongated protrusion of the stop member is bent at one position, (b) shows an example of the form in which the elongated protrusion of the stop member is bent, and (c) shows an example of the form in which the elongated protrusion of the stop member is bent at two positions.

[0040] Figure 9 (a) to (d) are side views of various variations of the overall construction of the stop member, wherein (a) shows an example of a stop member having a mountain shape in the side view, (b) shows an example of a stop member having a bent shape in the side view, (c) shows an example of a stop member having a curved shape in the side view, and (d) shows a contrasting example of a stop member having a straight shape in the side view.

[0041] Figure 10 Is using Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the reversal process of the stop member in (a).

[0042] Figure 11 Is using Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the reversal process of the stop member in (b).

[0043] Figure 12 Is using Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the reversal process of the stop member in (c).

[0044] Figure 13 Is using Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the reversal process of the stop member in (d).

[0045] Figure 14 Figures (a) to (c) are illustrations of various variations of the movable slide, wherein (a) shows a manually operated movable slide, (b) shows a cylinder-operated movable slide, and (c) shows a motor-operated movable slide.

[0046] Figure 15This is a side view of a tofu-making apparatus, showing the speed Va of the annular conveyor, the speed Vb of the conveying conveyor, the stop pitch a (which serves as a stop member), and the front-to-back pitch b of the tofu on the conveying conveyor.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a side view of a tofu-making apparatus with a lid.

[0048] Figure 17 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the state of the tofu (package) entering the second gap at the corner of the bottom surface, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (b).

[0049] Figure 18 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the state in which the corner of the bottom surface of the tofu (package) enters the first gap, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in (b).

[0050] Figure 19 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a third guide is provided in a movable slide, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in (b).

[0051] Figure 20 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a first guide portion is provided in the stop member, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in (b).

[0052] Figure 21 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a fourth guide portion is provided in a movable slide, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in (b).

[0053] Figure 22 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a second guide portion is provided in the stop member, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in (b).

[0054] Figure 23 Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a third guide and a fourth guide are provided in a movable slide, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the center line GG of (b).

[0055] Figure 24Figures (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an embodiment in which a third guide and a fourth guide are provided in a movable slide, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in (b).

[0056] Figure 25 Figures (a) and (b) are illustrations of an embodiment in which a first guide portion and a second guide portion are provided in the stop member, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in (b).

[0057] Figure 26 Figures (a) and (b) are illustrations of an embodiment in which a first guide portion and a second guide portion are provided in the stop member, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view. Note that (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in (b).

[0058] Figure 27 Figures (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the process of conveying tofu from a movable chute to a conveyor (comparative example), wherein (a) shows the tofu supported by the movable chute, (b) shows the tofu tilted on the conveyor, and (c) shows the tofu flipped on the conveyor.

[0059] Figure 28 Figures (a) and (b) are illustrations of an embodiment in which an anti-fall component is provided in a movable slide, wherein (a) shows the state in which the tofu is supported by the movable slide, and (b) shows the state in which the tofu is normally supported on the conveyor.

[0060] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the installation angle of the anti-sudden fall component.

[0061] exist Figure 30 In the image, (a) is a side view of the fixed slide viewed from the width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed slide, and (c) is a front view of the fixed slide viewed from the direction the tofu is traveling.

[0062] exist Figure 31 In the image, (a) is a side view of the fixed slide viewed from the width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed slide, and (c) is a front view of the fixed slide viewed from the direction the tofu is traveling.

[0063] exist Figure 32 In the image, (a) is a side view of the fixed slide viewed from the width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed slide, and (c) is a front view of the fixed slide viewed from the direction the tofu is traveling.

[0064] exist Figure 33In the image, (a) is a side view of the fixed slide viewed from the width direction, (b) is a top view of the fixed slide, and (c) is a front view of the fixed slide viewed from the direction the tofu is traveling. Detailed Implementation

[0065] In the following, embodiments of the reverse guiding device and tofu making apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 (a) and (b) show a tofu manufacturing apparatus 1 including a reversing guide device 20 according to the first embodiment. The tofu manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a conveyor 10 for conveying tofu covered with a packaging P, a reversing guide device 20 for reversing the tofu (packaging P), and a tofu receiving device 30 for receiving the tofu (packaging P) reversed by the reversing guide device 20 and sending the tofu to the next step.

[0067] Figure 1 (a) is a side view of the tofu-making apparatus 1 during use, while Figure 1 (b) is a side view of the tofu-making apparatus 1 during cleaning, etc. Figure 1 As shown in (b), the conveyor 10, the reversing guide 20 and the tofu receiving device 30 can be separated from each other during cleaning, maintenance, etc., and are easy to install and remove for maintenance of the tofu making device 1.

[0068] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Figures (a) and (b) show enlarged views of the conveyor 10 and the reversing guide 20 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the conveyor 10 includes components arranged in the conveying direction (…). Figure 1 (a) A pair of first rollers 12a and second rollers 12b at both ends in the left-right direction, and an annular belt 11 suspended around the first rollers 12a and second rollers 12b.

[0069] In the following text, the conveyor 10 is in the conveying direction ( Figure 1 The first roller 12a side in the left-right direction of (a) Figure 1 The end portion on the left side of (a) is referred to as "one end of conveyor 10". The one end of conveyor 10 is provided with a reversal section 13, at which the belt 11 is reversed by the first roller 12a.

[0070] The surface of belt 11 forms a conveying surface 11a, which conveys the package P (tofu covered by package P) covering the tofu with its open side facing down. The conveyor 10 is, for example, a belt conveyor for food and is driven continuously or intermittently, but its construction, driving method, etc. are not particularly limited.

[0071] The reversing guide device 20 reverses the package P, causing the opening of the package P to face upwards at the fold-back section 13 at one end of the conveyor 10. In this specification, tofu covered from above by the package P as a container is used, but the construction of "tofu" is not limited to tofu covered by the package P, tofu contained in the package P, or naked tofu not covered by the package P. Specifically, the tofu during the reversal at the fold-back section 13 can be naked tofu. In this specification, they are collectively referred to as "tofu".

[0072] The tofu receiving device 30 will be described in detail later. The tofu receiving device 30 is a typical ring conveyor, and its direction of transport is the same as that of the conveyor 10. Figure 2 (the left and right directions in the middle) perpendicular to the direction (and) Figure 2 The tofu is drawn out (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface). The tofu receiving device 30 can be along the conveying direction of the conveyor 10 (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface). Figure 2 It can be a conveyor (in the left-right direction) or a device that moves and transports tofu through an extrusion mechanism, but there are no particular restrictions.

[0073] The reversing guide device 20 guides the tofu that has been conveyed by the conveying surface 11a of the conveyor 10 and reversed by the reversing portion 13 at one end of the conveyor 10. The reversing guide device 20 includes a main body 21, a support platform 22 supporting the main body 21 from below, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) rotating shafts 23 provided on the main body 21, an annular conveyor 24 supported and driven by the plurality of rotating shafts 23, and a guide member 26 that guides the annular conveyor 24 in the portion facing the reversing portion 13 of the conveyor 10.

[0074] The main body 21 has a box shape and houses the rotating shaft 23 and the annular conveyor 24. The main body 21 has an appearance comprising multiple walls. One pair of side walls (a pair of surfaces on the front and rear sides in the figure) of the main body 21 serve as rotating shaft support members 25 that rotatably support the multiple rotating shafts 23.

[0075] Multiple rotating shafts 23 are supported by rotating shaft support members 25, and for example, at least one rotating shaft 23 is used as a drive shaft driven by a motor or the like, while the other rotating shafts 23 are used as driven shafts driven by the drive shaft.

[0076] The annular conveyor 24 driven by the rotating shaft 23 includes, for example, a chain conveyor, a braided belt, a resin belt, a rubber belt slat conveyor, etc., and its type is not particularly limited. In the case of a chain conveyor, at least both ends are chains, and the chain conveyor includes multiple attachments attached between the two ends, such as round bars, tubes, square members, plates, and wire mesh. These members are made of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or resin members (including coating processes such as fluorine coating). In this embodiment, an annular conveyor 24 in which multiple plates 24a are arranged in the longitudinal direction will be described as an example.

[0077] Tofu making apparatus 1 may include a cleaning device ( Figure 16 The cleaning device properly cleans the interior of the reversing guide device 20, including the annular conveyor 24, the rotating shaft 23, etc., so as to automatically clean the interior of the reversing guide device 20 by cleaning in place (CIP).

[0078] The annular conveyor 24 supports the tofu (package P) along the track of the turnaround section 13 of the conveyor 10 and guides the tofu in a cyclic manner as indicated by the arrow, synchronized with the movement of the conveyor 10. Specifically, the shape of the portion of the annular conveyor 24 facing the turnaround section 13 (first roller 12a) is substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 12a due to the guide member 26 that guides the annular conveyor 24.

[0079] The guide member 26 is formed of a plate material that bends along the path of movement of the tofu (package P) and is disposed in the width direction of the annular conveyor 24. Figure 2 At each of the two ends (in the depth direction of the paper).

[0080] The guide member 26 can guide near the center of each of the plurality of plates 24a. The guide member 26 can be a curved plate, an angular member, or a small sprocket arranged in a curved shape. Although a portion of the guide member 26 is not shown in the following embodiments, the guide member 26 is arranged in the same manner.

[0081] Therefore, in the area where the annular conveyor 24 and the first roller 12a face each other, the distance between the annular conveyor 24 and the first roller 12a is substantially constant. This distance is substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the package P (the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface). Thus, while keeping the tofu (package P) along the curved surface of the first roller 12a of the folding section 13 or pressing the tofu (package P) to contact the curved surface of the first roller 12a, the annular conveyor 24 guides and reverses the tofu (package P) while clamping the tofu with the first roller 12a of the conveyor 10.

[0082] Figure 3The upper surface of the tofu manufacturing apparatus 1, including the aforementioned steps shown in boxes, is shown. Packages P (tofu covered by package P) filled with tofu formed by the operation of a coagulator, a forming machine, and a cutting and aligning machine are arranged at intervals on the conveyor 10 and continuously fed. Normal products, excluding defective products, from the packages P (tofu) reversed by the reversing guide device 20 are sent to the packaging machine.

[0083] There are various types and sizes of tofu or packaging materials P that are to be filled with tofu. In related technologies, when the type and size of the tofu or packaging material P change, it is necessary to replace the guide plate itself arranged on the reversing section 13 in the tofu making device, adjust the position of the guide plate, etc., which leads to a deterioration in work efficiency.

[0084] The reversing guide device 20 according to this embodiment is configured such that the distance between the reversing portion 13 of the conveyor 10 and the annular conveyor 24 can be adjusted. Therefore, the gap between the reversing guide device 20 and the reversing portion 13 can be adjusted according to factors such as the size of the packaging P, the size (height) of the tofu, the softness of the tofu, and the gripability of the tofu, and it can easily handle various types of products with different packaging P types, tofu sizes, etc. The reversing portion 13 of the conveyor 10 and the annular conveyor 24 can be configured to be both installable and detachable. Specific examples will be described below.

[0085] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are shown Figure 1 (a) and (b) and Figure 2 The diagram shows the operation of the reversing guide device 20 according to the first embodiment. The support platform 22 supporting the annular conveyor 24 includes wheels (carts with rollers, casters) on its bottom surface, allowing easy movement of the reversing guide device in the forward / backward direction (or left / right direction, not shown). Additionally, the support platform 22 includes a position adjustment unit 40, which adjusts the position of the annular conveyor 24 relative to the reversing portion 13 in the horizontal direction. The position adjustment unit 40 is configured to be combined with the support body 31 of the tofu receiving device 30. The position adjustment unit 40 can be constructed using a combination of sliding holes and sliding pins, for example, as in the example shown, implementing… Figure 4 In (a), the reversing guide device 20 and the conveyor 10 correspond to the state where the thin tofu (package P) products are close to each other, and achieve... Figure 4In (b), the reversing guide device 20 and the conveyor 10 are separated from each other in relation to the thick tofu (package P) product. This allows adjustment of the distance between the reversing section 13 of the conveyor 10 and the annular conveyor 24, and easily accommodates changes in the size of the tofu (package P). Furthermore, the position adjustment unit 40 can install and remove the reversing section 13 and the annular conveyor 24 of the conveyor 10. However, the specific construction of the position adjustment unit 40 is not particularly limited.

[0086] Figure 5 (a) and (b) illustrate the operation of the reversing guide device 20 according to the second embodiment. The reversing guide device 20 also includes a guide member 26 disposed between the folding section 13 and the annular conveyor 24, and guiding the annular conveyor 24. The guide member 26 is formed of a plate material bent along the path of the tofu (package P) and is disposed on the annular conveyor 24 in the width direction (…). Figure 5 At each of the two ends in the depth direction of the paper surface (a) and (b) in the figures. Furthermore, a distance adjustment member 27 is attached to the guide member 26 to adjust the distance between the annular conveyor 24 and the return section 13 and the track. By driving the distance adjustment member 27, the position of the guide member 26 is changed, and the distance between the guide member 26 and the return section 13 and the track is changed, making it possible to adjust the distance between the return section 13 and the annular conveyor 24. The distance adjustment member 27 may, for example, include a cylinder, piston, etc., attached to a pair of sidewalls of the rotation axis support member 25. However, the specific construction of the distance adjustment member 27 is not particularly limited. The guide member 26 may include multiple separate members.

[0087] Figure 6 Figures (a) and (b) show the operation of the reversing guide device 20 according to the third embodiment. In the reversing guide device 20, the rotating shaft 23 of the annular conveyor 24 is supported by the rotating shaft support member 25 in a rotatable and horizontally movable state. In this embodiment, of the five rotating shafts 23, two rotating shafts 23 (the upper left rotating shaft 23 and the lower left rotating shaft 23 in the figures) are fixed drive shafts 23a, while three rotating shafts 23 (the left rotating shaft 23, the upper right rotating shaft 23, and the lower right rotating shaft 23 in the figures) are driven shafts 23b. The driven shafts 23b can be appropriately moved in the horizontal direction through sliding holes formed in the rotating shaft support member 25. As a result, the distance between the reversing portion 13 of the conveyor 10 and the annular conveyor 24 can be adjusted, and changes in the size of the tofu (package P) can be easily accommodated. There are no particular limitations on the number and arrangement of the drive shafts 23a and the driven shafts 23b. If the rotating shaft 23, which is located at least near the turning section 13, is movable in the horizontal direction, the distance between the turning section 13 and the annular conveyor 24 can be adjusted.

[0088] exist Figure 4 (a) to Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in (b), the position of the reversing guide 20 or the annular conveyor 24 can be adjusted manually or automatically. The power source for automatic operation can be a linear power source such as an air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder, a crank type combined with a linear power source, or a power source that changes the rotation angle such as a direct-rotation rotary encoder or servo motor, and there are no particular limitations.

[0089] Unlike the plate-shaped guide plates of related technologies, the reversing guide device 20 according to this embodiment includes a modified annular conveyor 24, and the position of the annular conveyor 24 relative to the reversing section 13 can be adjusted appropriately according to the type, size, etc. of the tofu (package P). Therefore, the gravity acting on the tofu (package P) in the reversing section 13 can be reduced to prevent the tofu (package P) from falling off.

[0090] However, in order to further reduce the possibility of falling, a stop member 28 for receiving tofu (package P) can be provided in the reversing guide device 20 at the turning section 13. Figure 7 A specific example of the stop member 28 is shown. Figure 7 The stop member 28 and the movable slide 35 of the tofu receiving device 30 are shown facing each other.

[0091] The stop member 28 is attached to, for example, an annular conveyor 24 (see...). Figure 8 (a) to Figure 12 ). Figure 8 (a) to Figure 9 (d) shows the construction of the stop member 28 attached to the plate 24a of the annular conveyor 24, but in Figure 10 to Figure 12 In the accompanying drawings, the diagram is simplified and plate 24a is not shown.

[0092] Figure 7 The up and down directions in the middle correspond to Figure 4 The direction perpendicular to the paper in (a) and (b). The distal end of the stop member 28 in the width direction ( Figure 7 It has a comb-like shape in the vertical direction. That is, the stop member 28 has a first main body 28a and a plurality of first protrusions 29 formed at the distal end (right end in the figure) of the first main body 28a and arranged side by side at a certain interval in the width direction.

[0093] The distal end of the movable slide 35 facing the stop member 28 has a comb-like shape in the width direction. That is, the movable slide 35 includes a second main body 35a and a plurality of second protrusions 36 formed at a certain interval in the width direction at the distal end (left end in the figure) of the second main body 35a.

[0094] Multiple first protrusions 29 and multiple second protrusions 36 in the width direction ( Figure 7 The first protrusions 29 and second protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction. Adjacent to each other, the first protrusions 29 and second protrusions 36 are arranged at intervals in the width direction and do not interfere with each other. A gap exists between the distal end (right end in the figure) of the first protrusion 29 and the second main body 35a of the movable slide 35, and they do not interfere with each other. A gap exists between the distal end (left end in the figure) of the second protrusion 36 and the first main body 28a of the stop member 28, and they do not interfere with each other. The invention is not limited to this configuration, and the following configuration may also be adopted: wherein the distal end of the flat stop member 28 and the distal end (rear end) of the flat movable slide 35 are positioned very close to each other and do not interfere with each other.

[0095] Figure 8 (a) to (c) are side views of the stop member 28 disposed on the plate 24a of the annular conveyor 24 and the movable slide 35 facing the stop member 28. Figure 8 (a) shows an example of the stop member 28 being bent at one location. Figure 8 (b) shows an example of the bent form of the stop member 28, while Figure 8 (c) shows an example of the stop member 28 being bent in two locations. The bent or curved portion of the stop member 28 can be one or both of the first body portion 28a and the first protrusion 29. That is, the first body portion 28a can be formed as bent or curved, or the first protrusion 29 can be formed as bent or curved.

[0096] For the stop member 28, Figure 13 A space (cavity) is created in the latter half of the tofu (package P) in the k region during the reversal. That is, the tofu (package P) tilts upwards from the horizontal direction during reversal (angles θ and θ0, described later, are acute angles less than 90° relative to the horizontal reference), and the tofu (package P) is easily jammed by the stop member 28, which is not preferable. In the cavity, the bottom corners of the tofu (package P) fit deeply and tightly, and are easily jammed, which can cause problems. For example, as described later... Figure 9 In the states shown in (a) to (c), angles θ and θ0 are greater than 90°, and no cavity is formed between the annular conveyor 24 and the stop member 28, which is preferred. On the other hand, in Figure 9 In the state shown in (d), the angle θ is less than 90° and a cavity is formed, which is not preferred.

[0097] Therefore, it is preferable to set the attachment angle θ of the base (first main body 28a) of the stop member 28 relative to the circular track of the annular conveyor 24 of the reversing guide device 20 to an obtuse angle of 90° < θ < 180° (preferably 100° ≤ θ ≤ 170°, more preferably 110° ≤ θ ≤ 150°), so that a gap is formed near the contact between the corner of the tofu (package P) and the stop member 28 during the reversal of the tofu (package P) (so that the tofu (package P) and the stop member 28 do not come into close contact with each other).

[0098] Depend on Figure 8 The angle θ formed by the base (first main body 28a) of the stop member 28 shown in (a) to (c) relative to the plate 24a of the annular conveyor 24 satisfies the above conditions. The main body of the stop member 28 extends from the annular conveyor 24 (plate 24a) to form a substantially obtuse angle, and this angle can be referred to as the angle θ0 of the entire stop member 28 relative to the annular conveyor 24, including the bending angle of the first protrusion 29. That is, the stop member 28 is preferably attached to the surface of the annular conveyor 24 at the attachment position of the stop member 28 with an angle θ, θ0 inclined relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor 24. The attachment angle θ0 is also preferably set to an obtuse angle of 90° < θ0 < 180° (preferably 100° ≤ θ0 ≤ 170°, more preferably 110° ≤ θ0 ≤ 150°).

[0099] The stop member 28 preferably has a width (e.g., 20 mm to 3000 mm) capable of supporting one to several dozen pieces of tofu. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a) to (c), the cross-section of the stop member 28 has a bent or curved shape at one or more locations. The material of the stop member 28 can be metal (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, etc.), resin, rubber, etc., and the material in terms of shape can be sheet metal, square bar, round bar, cut material, molded material, etc. Depending on the type of tofu and the number of pieces in a row, multiple stop members 28 can be provided at predetermined positions on the annular conveyor 24. Figure 1 (a) et al. disclosed a construction in which a plurality of stop members 28 are arranged at substantially equal intervals on a ring conveyor.

[0100] Next, the tofu receiving device 30 will be described. The tofu receiving device 30 receives the tofu (package P) reversed by the reversing guide device 20 and sends the tofu to the next step (e.g., Figure 3(The packaging machine in the example). The tofu receiving device 30 according to this embodiment includes a discarding device that does not send all the tofu (package P) to the next step, but determines whether the tofu is a defect-free product or a defective product by visual inspection by the operator or by using a predetermined image inspection system, and discards the defective tofu. Tofu that is accidentally generated and is non-standard in quality, size, etc., is removed as a defective product. However, in the case of a continuous production line, a very small number of non-standard products always appear at the beginning or end of manufacturing, so it is necessary to remove non-standard products every day.

[0101] Specifically, the disposal device includes a drop-type movable slide 35 that can be easily opened and closed for downward disposal. During normal manufacturing, the movable slide 35 is located in... Figure 2 The solid line indicates the normal position, and the tofu (package P) is moved to the next step. Conversely, when a defective product arrives, the movable slide 35 opens downwards as indicated by the double-dotted line, and the defective tofu (package P) falls downwards and is removed. The power source for the movable slide 35 can be a linear power source such as an air cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder; a crank type combined with a linear power source; or a power source that changes the rotation angle, such as a direct-rotation rotary encoder or servo motor, and there are no particular limitations.

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, the distal end of the movable slide 35 has a comb-like shape that does not interfere with the first protrusion 29 located at the distal end of the stop member 28. That is, the comb-like recessed protrusions formed by the plurality of second protrusions 36 of the movable slide 35 and the comb-like recessed protrusions formed by the plurality of first protrusions 29 of the stop member 28 do not interfere with each other (they are arranged alternately). Therefore, the stop member 28, having moved to the position of the movable slide 35, can smoothly deliver the tofu (package P) to the tofu receiving device 30 without interfering with the movable slide 35. A discarding spiral conveyor, belt conveyor, etc., can be arranged below the movable slide 35.

[0103] like Figure 17 (a) and (b) and Figure 18As shown in (a) and (b), when the tofu (package P) is conveyed from the stop member 28 to the movable slide 35, the tofu (package P) can be tilted and lifted. In this case, depending on the size of the tofu (package P), the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) can be caught by a first gap S1 and a second gap S2 between the concave protrusion at the distal end of the stop member 28 and the concave protrusion at the distal end of the movable slide 35. It is reasonable that when the stop member 28 and the first protrusion 29 stop, the positions of the stop member 28 and the first protrusion 29 are at the same height as or higher than the positions of the movable slide 35 and the second protrusion 36, and Figure 17 (a) to Figure 18 (b) shows the position where the stop member 28 is slightly advanced downward from its original stop position. That is, for ease of understanding, an extreme position is shown. Figure 17 (a) to Figure 18 (b) and in Figure 17 (a) to Figure 23 (b) and Figure 25 (a) to Figure 26 A similar example is given in (b).

[0104] Here, the first gap S1 is the gap between the first recess 28b between a pair of adjacent first protrusions 29, 29 of the stop member 28 and the second protrusion 36 of the movable slide 35 that enters the first recess 28b. The second gap S2 is the gap between the second recess 35b between a pair of adjacent second protrusions 36, 36 of the movable slide 35 and the first protrusion 29 of the stop member 28 that enters the second recess 35b.

[0105] like Figure 17 As shown in (a) and (b), a second gap S2 is created immediately after the first protrusion 29 of the stop member 28 passes through the second recess 35b of the movable slide 35. When the tofu (package P) passes through at an angle, the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) enters the second gap S2 and is stuck by the second recess 35b of the movable slide 35, which may cause congestion and trouble for the tofu (package P).

[0106] Similarly, such as Figure 18 As shown in (a) and (b), a first gap S1 is created immediately after the first recess 28b of the stop member 28 passes through the second protrusion 36 of the movable slide 35. When the tofu (package P) passes through at an angle, the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) enters the first gap S1 and is stuck by the second protrusion 36 of the movable slide 35, which may cause congestion and trouble for the tofu (package P).

[0107] To prevent the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) from entering...Figure 17 As shown in (a) and (b), the second gap S2, the movable slide 35 may include a third guide 35c, which protrudes downward (in the rotational direction of the stop member 28) from the second recess 35b and bends, as... Figure 19 As shown in (a) and (b), the third guide portion 35c has a flat plate shape that extends to fill at least a portion of the second gap S2. However, the shape of the third guide portion 35c is not particularly limited, as long as the third guide portion 35c can guide the tofu (package P) that has entered the second gap S2, and the third guide portion 35c can have a curved shape, etc.

[0108] Similarly, to prevent the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) from entering... Figure 17 As shown in (a) and (b), the second gap S2, the stop member 28 may include a first guide portion 28c that protrudes upward (in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the stop member 28) and bends from the distal end of the first protrusion 29, as... Figure 20 As shown in (a) and (b), the first guide portion 28c has a flat plate shape that extends to fill at least a portion of the second gap S2. However, the shape of the first guide portion 28c is not particularly limited, as long as the first guide portion 28c can guide the tofu (package P) into the second gap S2, and the first guide portion 28c can have a curved shape, etc.

[0109] By setting the third guide section 35c ( Figure 19 (a) and (b)) and the first guide section 28c Figure 20 In (a) and (b)), when the tofu (package P) is conveyed from the first protrusion 29 of the stop member 28 to the movable slide 35, the tofu (package P) is easily and smoothly conveyed without entering the second gap S2. Even if the corner P1 of the tofu (package P) falls slightly into the second gap S2, the corner P1 is guided by the third guide 35c and the first guide 28c, so that the corner P1 will not be stuck by the second recess 35b of the movable slide 35, thus avoiding trouble.

[0110] The following configuration can be adopted: wherein a third guide 35c is provided in the movable slide 35. Figure 19 (a) and (b) and a first guide portion 28c is provided in the stop member 28 (not shown). Figure 20 (a) and (b)).

[0111] To prevent such Figure 18In (a) and (b), the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) enters the first gap S1. The movable slide 35 may include a fourth guide 35d, which protrudes downward (in the rotational direction of the stop member 28) and bends from the distal end of the second protrusion 36, as shown. Figure 21 As shown in (a) and (b), the fourth guide portion 35d has a flat plate shape that extends to fill at least a portion of the first gap S1. However, the shape of the fourth guide portion 35d is not particularly limited, as long as the fourth guide portion 35d can guide the tofu (package P) into the first gap S1, and the fourth guide portion 35d can have a curved shape, etc.

[0112] Similarly, in order to prevent Figure 18 In (a) and (b), the corner P1 of the bottom surface of the tofu (package P) enters the first gap S1. The stop member 28 may include a second guide 28d, which protrudes upward (in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the stop member 28) and bends from the first recess 28b, as shown. Figure 22 As shown in (a) and (b), the second guide portion 28d has a flat plate shape that extends to fill at least a portion of the first gap S1. However, the shape of the second guide portion 28d is not particularly limited, as long as the second guide portion 28d can guide the tofu (package P) into the first gap S1, and the second guide portion 28d can have a curved shape, etc.

[0113] The following configuration can be adopted: wherein a fourth guide section 35d is provided in the movable slide 35. Figure 21 (a) and (b)), and a second guide portion 28d is provided in the stop member 28 (not shown). Figure 22 (a) and (b)).

[0114] By setting the fourth guide section 35d ( Figure 21 (a) and (b)) and the second guide section 28d Figure 22 In (a) and (b)), when the tofu (package P) is conveyed from the stop member 28 to the second protrusion 36 of the movable slide 35, the tofu (package P) is easily and smoothly conveyed without entering the first gap S1. Even if the corner P1 of the tofu (package P) falls slightly into the first gap S1, the corner P1 is guided by the fourth guide 35d and the second guide 28d, so that the corner P1 will not be stuck by the second protrusion 36 of the movable slide 35, thus avoiding trouble.

[0115] like Figure 23 As shown in (a) and (b), the movable slide 35 may include both a third guide 35c and a fourth guide 35d.

[0116] In this case, such as Figure 24 As shown in (a) and (b), the imaginary plane obtained by extending the second main body portion 35a of the movable slide 35 in the length direction (the direction in which the second protrusion 36 extends toward the stop member 28) is called the first reference plane V1. The angle formed by the third guide portion 35c downward relative to the first reference plane V1 is called β1, and the angle formed by the fourth guide portion 35d downward relative to the first reference plane V1 is called β2.

[0117] At this time, angle β1 preferably satisfies -60°≤β1≤0°, and more preferably -30°≤β1≤0°. Angle β2 preferably satisfies -60°≤β2≤0°, and more preferably -30°≤β2≤0°. When angles β1 and β2 satisfy the above relationship, the distal end of the movable slide 35 of the tofu receiving device 30 facing the stop member 28 has an angle of inclination relative to the traveling direction of the annular conveyor 24 (arrow direction in the figure, downward), thus more reliably preventing the tofu (package P) from being stuck in the first gap S1 and the second gap S2. When angles β1 and β2 are less than -60° or less than -30°, the third guide portion 35c and the fourth guide portion 35d are configured to face upward from the horizontal plane and be received by the protrusion relative to the package P (bottom corner portion) sliding downward along the first reference plane V1, thus the package P is easily stuck. When angles β1 and β2 are greater than 0°, the third guide portion 35c and the fourth guide portion 35d are configured to fold upward relative to the first reference plane V1, and are provided with protrusions for the bottom corner of the tofu packaging P to slide downward along the first reference plane V1, making it easy for the tofu packaging P to be stuck. In this way, the third guide portion 35c and the fourth guide portion 35d are preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or downward from the horizontal plane.

[0118] like Figure 25 As shown in (a) and (b), the stop member 28 may include both a first guide portion 28c and a second guide portion 28d.

[0119] In this case, such as Figure 26 As shown in (a) and (b), the angle formed by the first guide portion 28c relative to the first reference plane V1 of the movable slide 35 upward is called α1, and the angle formed by the second guide portion 28d relative to the first reference plane V1 upward is called α2.

[0120] At this time, angle α1 preferably satisfies 0°≤α1≤60°, more preferably 0°≤α1≤30°. Angle α2 preferably satisfies 0°≤α2≤60°, more preferably 0°≤α2≤30°. When angles α1 and α2 satisfy the above relationship, the distal end of the stop member 28 has an angle of inclination relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor 24 (the direction of the arrow in the figure) (upward), and can more reliably prevent the tofu (package P) from being stuck by the first gap S1 and the second gap S2. When angles α1 and α2 are greater than 60° or greater than 30°, the first guide portion 28c and the second guide portion 28d are from the horizontal plane upward relative to the package P (bottom corner portion) sliding downward along the first reference plane V1, and the package P is likely to be thrown upward. When angles α1 and α2 are less than 0°, the first guide portion 28c and the second guide portion 28d are configured to fold downward relative to the first reference plane V1, and the first guide portion 28c and the second guide portion 28d have no effect on the bottom corner of the tofu packaging P (slid downward along the first reference plane V1). In this way, the first guide portion 28c and the second guide portion 28d are preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or downward from the horizontal plane.

[0121] Any one of the first to fourth guide parts 28c, 28d, 35c, and 35d can be set, only one of the first to fourth guide parts 28c, 28d, 35c, and 35d can be set, or all of the first to fourth guide parts 28c, 28d, 35c, and 35d can be set.

[0122] The invention can be configured such that the distal end of the stop member 28 and the distal end of the movable slide 35 are close to each other without interfering with each other, and in this case, the angles α1, α2, β1, β2 preferably satisfy the above relationship.

[0123] Figure 9 Figures (a) to (d) show the stop member 28 from the side (and) Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 (a) to (c) are different, and the first protrusion 29 is not shown, regardless of its presence or absence. Side views of various variations of the overall structure of the stop member 28 are shown. Figure 9 (a) shows an example of a stop member 28 with a mountain shape in a side view. Figure 9 (b) shows an example of a stop member 28 having a bent shape in a side view. Figure 9 (c) shows an example of a stop member 28 having a curved shape in a side view, and Figure 9 (d) shows an example of a stop member 28 with a linear shape in a side view. Figure 9In (a) to (c), the attachment angles θ and θ0 of the stop member 28 relative to the annular conveyor 24 (plate 24a) are obtuse angles satisfying 90° < θ < 180°, but... Figure 9 In (d), the attachment angle θ is an acute angle less than 90°, and the tofu (packaging P) is easy to get stuck.

[0124] Figure 10 to Figure 13 Is using Figure 9 The diagrams (a) to (d) show a conceptual illustration of the process of the stopper 28 reversing the tofu. That is to say, Figure 10 It shows the use of Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the process of the stop member 28 in (a). Figure 11 It shows the use of Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the process of the stop member 28 in (b). Figure 12 It shows the use of Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the process of the stop member 28 in (c), and Figure 13 It shows the use of Figure 9 A conceptual diagram of the process of the stop member 28 in (d).

[0125] exist Figure 10 to Figure 12 During the process, it is hoped that the tofu will flip smoothly. On the other hand, in Figure 13 During the process, as mentioned above, since the attachment angle θ is an acute angle of less than 90°, a cavity formed by the annular conveyor 24 and the stop member 28 may appear in the part indicated by region k in the latter half of the reversal, and the corner of the tofu may come into close contact with the cavity and the tofu may get stuck, which may cause the tofu to become congested.

[0126] Figure 14 Figures (a) to (c) are illustrations showing various variations of the movable slide 35. The movable slide 35 according to this embodiment is a plate-shaped member and serves as a discarding unit for removing defective tofu (package P) and discarding the tofu without it flowing to the next step (packaging machine, etc.). Figure 14 (a) to Figure 14 Each of (c) shows the state of the movable chute 35 on the left when the tofu (package P) is carried to the next step, and on the right when the movable chute 35 is discarded as a defective product.

[0127] Figure 14 The movable slide 35 in (a) is of the manual operation type, in which the operator operates levers or the like (not shown) on the outside of the spring 35b to move the spring 35b at any time. Figure 14 The movable slide 35 in (b) is a cylinder-operated type operated by a cylinder component such as an air cylinder 35c. Figure 14The movable slide 35 of (c) is a motor-operated type operated by motor 35d.

[0128] exist Figure 14 In the case shown in (a), a passive operation can be used, where the tofu is opened and closed by the weight of the double-layered tofu, etc., via a spring. A passive operation can be performed using a damper (air damper), etc., instead of a spring, and similar to a spring, the effect of temporarily receiving the falling tofu via a cushioning pad can also be achieved.

[0129] exist Figure 14 (b) and Figure 14 In the case of type (c), it is preferable to perform so-called active operation, in which the operator intentionally manipulates the tofu by switching it on a switch, uses a timer setting to manipulate the tofu to discharge it for a certain period of time at the beginning or end of tofu production, or automatically manipulates the tofu by detecting congestion with a sensor. "Defective tofu" refers to tofu of poor quality, tofu that is not of standard size and weight, tofu that is not properly covered with packaging, etc.

[0130] The tofu receiving device 30 with a discard function may include, for example: Figure 30 (a) to Figure 32 The fixed slide 50 (disposal unit) with opening 53 shown in (c) replaces the plate-shaped movable slide 35 (disposal unit). That is, the fixed slide 50 is a discharge member formed of a plate with holes, or a discharge member in which multiple round bars, square bars or plates are fixedly arranged at certain intervals.

[0131] Figure 30 The fixed slide 50 shown in (a) to (c) includes a plate-shaped member 51 and a plurality of (twelve in this embodiment) openings 53 formed at intervals in the plate-shaped member 51 in the width direction of the fixed slide 50 (the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tofu). The openings 53 have an elongated hole shape extending in the direction of travel of the tofu. The width 53L of the openings 53 is smaller than the width of the tofu (package P) and is about 1 mm to 50 mm. Connecting members 55 are provided between adjacent openings 53, connecting the plate-shaped member 51 on both sides in the direction of travel of the tofu. The plate-shaped member 51 and the connecting members 55 are integrally formed.

[0132] Figure 30 (a) shows the state of tofu covered with packaging P being conveyed on a fixed slide 50. In this way, since the tofu is protected by being covered with packaging P, it will not collapse due to its own weight and will not be discarded even when passing through the opening 53 while being supported by multiple connecting members 55.

[0133] On the other hand, such as Figure 31 (a) andFigure 32 As shown in (a), the tofu to be discarded at the beginning or end of continuous manufacturing is not covered with packaging P, and when the tofu is supported by multiple connecting members 55, the tofu collapses due to the falling force and its own weight, and is discharged downward from multiple openings 53. Therefore, no special operation is required for removing the tofu, which is very simple.

[0134] exist Figure 31 (a) to (c) and Figure 32 In the fixed slide 50 of (a) to (c), the plate-shaped member 51 and the connecting member 55 are separate. That is, the connecting member 55 is a thin round bar, multiple thin round bars, or square bar, each being a component separate from the plate-shaped member 51. Multiple connecting members 55 can be fixed to the plate-shaped member 51 by any means such as adhesive or welding. According to such a fixed slide 50, when the unpackaged tofu is supported by the multiple connecting members 55, the tofu collapses due to its own weight and is discharged downwards from the multiple openings 53. Figure 32 In the case of the connecting member 55 shown in (a) to (c), when the tofu has the most prominent shape in the vertical direction at the center of the tofu's travel direction, the tofu can be crushed smoothly. The shape of the connecting member 55 is not particularly limited, as long as it is a shape that is effective in crushing tofu, such as a saw blade shape, a concave-convex shape, a thin pointed blade shape, or a fine pointed needle shape.

[0135] When the fixed slide 50 does not require the discard function, it can also be used as follows: Figure 33 As shown in (a) to (c), the plate member 51 does not have a fixed slide 50 with an opening 53.

[0136] like Figure 27 As shown in (a) to (c), the tofu receiving device 30 includes a movable chute 35 (fixed chute 50) and a conveying device 37 that conveys the tofu (package P) conveyed by the movable chute 35 to the next step.

[0137] The conveying device 37 can be a device that moves and conveys tofu via a conveyor, extrusion mechanism, etc., and there are no particular limitations.

[0138] The conveying device 37 has a bottom surface 38, and a first surface 39a and a second surface 39b extending upward from both sides of the bottom surface 38 in the direction of travel of the tofu (package P). The first surface 39a is the surface close to the movable slide 35, while the second surface 39b is the surface away from the movable slide 35.

[0139] The upper ends of the bottom surface 38 and the first surface 39a are located below the movable slide 35 and are able to deliver tofu (package P) from the movable slide 35. The upper end of the second surface 39b is located above the upper end of the first surface 39a and prevents the tofu (package P) delivered from the movable slide 35 from separating from the conveying device 37 due to the delivery force.

[0140] like Figure 27 As shown in (a) to (c), when the tofu (package P) is large in size and heavy in weight, the tofu gains momentum as it is conveyed from the movable chute 35 to the conveyor 37, and the tofu may tilt at an angle on the conveyor 37. Figure 27 (b) or tumbling Figure 27 (c) When tofu is transported in this state, it may cause problems such as congestion in subsequent steps.

[0141] Therefore, preferably, the tofu receiving device 30 (movable slide 35) includes an anti-fall member 57 disposed on the outlet side of the tofu receiving device 30 (movable slide 35) and bent or curved upward relative to the downward slope of the tofu receiving device 30 (movable slide 35). That is, as Figure 28 As shown in (a) and (b), it is preferable to provide an anti-fall member 57 between the movable slide 35 and the conveying device 37. The anti-fall member 57 according to this embodiment is a plate-shaped member provided on the second main body 35a of the movable slide 35, but it may also be a member provided on the first surface 39a of the conveying device 37, or it may be a member supported by a support member (not shown) other than the movable slide 35 and the conveying device 37.

[0142] By incorporating such an anti-fall component 57, even large and heavy pieces of tofu (package P) can have their conveying speed from the movable chute 35 to the conveyor 37 reduced, preventing the tofu from tilting on the conveyor. Figure 27 (b) or tumbling Figure 27 (c) and to prevent problems in subsequent steps.

[0143] like Figure 29As shown, preferably, the anti-fall member 57 has a gentler slope than the downward slope of the movable slide 35, and the distal end of the anti-fall member 57 bends upward. The imaginary plane obtained by extending the movable slide 35 in the length direction (the direction of travel of the tofu (package P)) is called the second reference plane V2, the imaginary plane obtained by extending the bottom surface 38 of the conveying device 37 is called the third reference plane V3 (horizontal plane), the angle formed by the anti-fall member 57 relative to the second reference plane V2 upward is called γ1, and the angle formed by the anti-fall member 57 relative to the third reference plane V3 downward or upward is called γ2.

[0144] In this case, angle γ1 preferably satisfies 0 < γ1 ≤ 60°, more preferably 0 < γ1 ≤ 30°. Angle γ2 preferably satisfies -60° ≤ γ2 ≤ 60°, more preferably -30° ≤ γ2 ≤ 30°. When angle γ1 is greater than 60°, the package P (bottom corner) sliding down along the second reference plane V2 may jump upwards significantly, and the tofu may break. Even if angle γ1 is less than 0°, the anti-fall member 57 is configured to fold downwards relative to the second reference plane V2 and has no effect on the bottom corner of the tofu package P sliding down along the second reference plane V2. When angle γ2 is greater than 60°, the bottom corner of the package P sliding down along the second reference plane V2 is blocked by the anti-fall member 57, and the tofu package P may become congested. When the angle γ2 is less than -60° or less than -30°, the anti-fall member 57 is configured to have almost no anti-fall effect relative to the second reference plane V2, and has no effect on the bottom corner of the package P that slides down the second reference plane V2.

[0145] By providing the anti-fall member 57 as described above, the vector of the downward inertial force acting on the tofu is corrected to a near-horizontal downward gradient, or horizontal direction, or slightly upward from the horizontal direction, thereby allowing the tofu (package P) to softly land on the conveyor 37. The drop between the movable chute 35 and the bottom surface 38 of the conveyor 37 is preferably small. If the anti-fall member 57 folds back excessively upward (0° < γ2 < 90°), the tofu (package P) may get stuck when being conveyed from the movable chute 35 to the conveyor 37, or the tofu (package P) may bounce and fall when being conveyed to the next step, which is not preferred.

[0146] like Figure 15 As shown, preferably, the annular conveyor 24 is synchronized with the conveyor 10. Basically, for example, when the speed of the annular conveyor 24 is Va, the speed of the conveyor 10 is Vb, the stop pitch of the stop member 28 is a, and the front-to-back pitch of the tofu on the conveyor 10 is b, an adjustment is performed such that a = b and Va = Vb.

[0147] Typically, even if a≠b, the speed Va of the annular conveyor 24 can be greater than the conveyor speed Vb of the reversing section 13 of the conveyor 10 (Va>Vb). In this case, adjustments are made to satisfy n·a / Va=b / Vb (n is a natural number). When Va increases (the speed of the annular conveyor 24 is high), the centrifugal force can increase accordingly, causing the force that sticks the tofu to the side of the annular conveyor 24 to take effect, and the floating posture of the tofu during reversal can become more stable and smoother in some cases.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the following configuration can also be adopted: the reversing guide device 20 is surrounded by a cover (chamber) 150, and a cleaning nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid or a steam nozzle 151 for spraying high-temperature steam for sterilization is provided inside it. CIP cleaning can also be automatically performed while the annular conveyor 24 is moving, for example by spraying alkaline detergents, acidic detergents, hot water, etc., to clean or rinse the interior. During manufacturing, the interior of the container can be maintained at 60°C to 100°C by blowing steam, or hot water at 60°C to 100°C can be applied to the lower receiving tray and passed through the annular conveyor while circulating, thereby preventing the growth of various bacteria and preventing secondary contamination by various bacteria.

[0149] In the tofu manufacturing apparatus including the reversing section 13, the reversing guide device according to this embodiment can handle various types of tofu with minimal trouble and waste, and can operate efficiently and stably. Therefore, tofu can be manufactured or packaged efficiently, achieving high throughput. Tofu transported by the conveyor in a multi-row, multi-column arrangement can be reversed one row at a time, enabling mass production. In related art's natural fall reversal method, the fall times of individually transported tofu are inconsistent, potentially causing problems. Because the conveyor and reversing guide device have a linear layout and are relatively wide, the reversal speed is relatively slow, and the collapse of soft tofu is prevented.

[0150] The reversing guide device and the conveyor used in the previous step are configured to be easily separated from each other, and the interior of the reversing guide device can be easily maintained and cleaned. Furthermore, by driving the movable slide of the discarding device that constitutes the tofu receiving device used in subsequent steps, tofu or packaging can be easily discharged, and defective tofu or packaging that is discarded due to some reason (e.g., a small amount of non-standard tofu or packaging that always appears at the beginning or end of a continuous line) can be easily removed.

[0151] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and improved. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, sizes, values, forms, quantities, and arrangement positions of the components in the above embodiments are optional and not limited, as long as the present invention can be realized.

[0152] This application is based on Japanese patent applications filed on February 25, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-029789) and February 3, 2021 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-015922), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0153] List of reference numerals

[0154] 1. Tofu manufacturing equipment

[0155] 10 Conveyor

[0156] 11 belts

[0157] 11a Transport Surface

[0158] Rollers 12a and 12b

[0159] 13 Turnaround Section

[0160] 20 Reversing Guide Device

[0161] 21 Main Body

[0162] 22 Support platform

[0163] 23 Rotation axis

[0164] 24 Circular Conveyor

[0165] 24a board

[0166] 25 Rotary shaft support components

[0167] 26. Guiding components

[0168] 27 Distance Adjustment Components

[0169] 28. Stopping components

[0170] 28a First Main Body

[0171] 28b first recess

[0172] 28c First Guiding Section

[0173] 28d Second Guiding Section

[0174] 29 First protrusion

[0175] 30 Tofu Receiving Device

[0176] 31 Support

[0177] 35 Movable slide (disposal unit)

[0178] 35a Second Main Body

[0179] 35b second recess

[0180] 35c Third Guiding Section

[0181] 35d Fourth Guiding Section

[0182] 36 Second protrusion

[0183] 37 Conveying device

[0184] 38 Bottom

[0185] 39a First Surface

[0186] 39b Second Surface

[0187] 40 Position Adjustment Units

[0188] 50 Fixed slide rails (disposal units)

[0189] 51 Plate-shaped members

[0190] 53 Opening

[0191] 53L width

[0192] 55 Connecting components

[0193] 57. Anti-sudden fall components

[0194] P Packaging material (tofu)

[0195] P1 Corner

[0196] S1 First Gap

[0197] S2 Second Gap

[0198] V1 First Reference Plane

[0199] V2 Second Reference Plane

[0200] V3 Third Reference Surface

[0201] θ, α1, α2, β1, β2, γ1, γ2 angle

Claims

1. A reversing guide device configured to guide tofu conveyed by a conveyor and reversed by a foldback at one end of the conveyor, the reversing guide device comprising: A ring conveyor is configured to support the tofu along the track of the reversing section and guide the tofu while being driven in a cyclic manner. as well as A guiding member is disposed between the retraction section and the annular conveyor and is configured to guide the annular conveyor. The guide member is movable to adjust the distance relative to the folding section.

2. The reversing guide device according to claim 1, in, The distance between the reversing section and the annular conveyor is adjustable, or the reversing section and the annular conveyor are both attachable and detachable.

3. The reversing guide device according to claim 2, further comprising: A support platform, configured to support the annular conveyor. The support platform includes a position adjustment unit configured to adjust the position of the annular conveyor relative to the reversing portion in the horizontal direction, or to attach and detach the reversing portion and the annular conveyor from each other.

4. The reversing guide device according to claim 2, further comprising: A rotating shaft support member is configured to rotatably support the rotating shaft of the annular conveyor. The rotating shaft is supported by the rotating shaft support member in a state where it can move in the horizontal direction.

5. The reversing guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive tofu moving at the reversing section.

6. The reversing guide device according to claim 5, in, The base of the stop member is attached to the annular conveyor at an angle inclined relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor.

7. The reversing guide device according to claim 6, in, The distal end of the stop member has an angle of inclination relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor.

8. A tofu manufacturing apparatus, the tofu manufacturing apparatus comprising: Conveyor; The reversing guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as A tofu receiving device configured to receive tofu reversed by the reversing guide device and transfer the tofu to the next step.

9. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, in, The annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive tofu moving at the reversing section. The distal end of the stop member has a comb-like shape in the width direction, and The distal end of the tofu receiving device has a comb-like shape that does not interfere with the distal end of the stop member.

10. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, in, The distal end of the tofu receiving device facing the stop member has an angle of inclination relative to the direction of travel of the annular conveyor.

11. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising: An anti-fall component is provided on the outlet side of the tofu receiving device and is bent or flexed upward relative to the downward slope of the tofu receiving device.

12. The tofu making apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The tofu receiving device includes a discarding device configured to discard defective tofu downwards.

13. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, in, The discarding device is configured as a movable slide that can be opened and closed or a fixed slide with an opening.

14. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, in, The discarding device is configured as a movable slide that can be opened and closed, and The movable slide can be operated in at least one of the following ways: passive operation using a spring or damper, manual operation, and active operation using a cylinder or motor.

15. The tofu manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, in, The discarding device is a fixed chute with an opening, and The fixed slide is a discharge component formed from a plate with holes, or a discharge component in which multiple round bars, square bars or plates are fixedly arranged at certain intervals.

16. The tofu making apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The ring conveyor is configured to synchronize with the transport conveyor.

17. The tofu making apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive the individual tofu blocks moving at the reversing section, and Where Va is the speed of the annular conveyor, Vb is the speed of the conveying conveyor, a is the stop pitch of the stop member, and b is the front and rear pitch of the block on the conveying conveyor, satisfying a = b and the speed Va of the annular conveyor and the speed Vb of the turning part of the conveying conveyor are the same, Va = Vb.

18. The tofu making apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The annular conveyor includes a stop member configured to receive the individual tofu blocks moving at the reversing section, and Where Va is the speed of the annular conveyor, Vb is the speed of the conveyor, a is the stop pitch of the stop member, and b is the front and rear pitch of the block on the conveyor. When the speed Va of the annular conveyor is greater than the speed Vb of the reversing part of the conveyor, that is, Va>Vb, n·a / Va=b / Vb is satisfied, where n is a natural number.

19. The tofu making apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The reversing guide device is surrounded by a cover, which includes a cleaning nozzle configured to spray cleaning fluid or a steam nozzle configured to spray high-temperature steam for sterilization inside the cover.

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