Method for aligning and transferring an object to be transferred

Abstract

The sorting conveyor system (20) has multiple columns of outlet-side conveyors (20a), multiple columns of intermediate conveyors (20b), and multiple columns of conveying and discharging conveyors (20c). When the time elapsed since the last handover does not exceed the handover interval and a specified congestion condition is met in a specific column, the conveyed item (F23) at the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor (20c) is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of aligning a plurality of conveyed objects, which are formed in multiple columns in the traveling direction and are supplied without being aligned in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction, in the lateral direction by a sorting conveyor system and then performing handover. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method is known in which a plurality of dough sheets, which are formed in multiple columns in the traveling direction and are supplied without being aligned in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction, are aligned in the lateral direction by a sorting conveyor system and then handed over (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). Specifically, sorting conveyors are provided in each of the multiple columns, and when the dough sheets reach the stop positions of the sorting conveyors, the sorting conveyors are stopped. When the dough sheets in all the columns of the multiple columns reach the stop positions of the sorting conveyors, the dough sheets in the multiple columns are aligned in the lateral direction. Then, by driving the sorting conveyors in all the columns of the multiple columns, the dough sheets in the multiple columns that are aligned in the lateral direction are handed over from the sorting conveyors.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-278166

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-82649 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The amount per unit time (receiving amount) of the supplied dough sheets is not always constant and may vary. When the receiving amount of the dough sheets increases, the amount per unit time (handover amount) of the dough sheets handed over from the sorting conveyor after alignment also increases. As a result, the time interval for performing the handover becomes shorter, that is, the spacing between the handed-over dough sheets becomes shorter. In this case, when the handover amount exceeds the processing capacity of the device (bread machine, oven, etc.) on the downstream side of the sorting conveyor, congestion of the dough sheets sometimes occurs on the downstream side of the sorting conveyor (hereinafter referred to as "downstream congestion").

[0009] In addition, sometimes, while causing the dough sheets in a specific column among multiple columns to stop at the stop position of the sorting conveyor, subsequent dough sheets of the specific column are supplied (hereinafter referred to as "congestion on the upstream side"). In this case, when the dough sheets in at least one of the multiple columns have not reached the stop position of the sorting conveyor, the dough sheets are transferred from the sorting conveyor. As a result, the number of dough sheets transferred while being aligned horizontally becomes smaller, creating gaps. Thereby, the operation of the devices (bread machines, ovens, etc.) on the downstream side of the sorting conveyor becomes inefficient. In addition, when baking dough sheets in an oven, uneven baking may occur.

[0010] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for aligning horizontally and transferring multiple conveyed objects that are formed in multiple columns in the traveling direction and are not supplied while being aligned horizontally with respect to the traveling direction, through a sorting conveyor system, without causing congestion on the downstream side and reducing the frequency of a decrease in the number of conveyed objects such as dough sheets transferred while being aligned horizontally.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] To achieve the above object, a method of the present invention is used to align horizontally and transfer multiple conveyed objects that are formed in multiple columns in the traveling direction and are not supplied while being aligned horizontally with respect to the traveling direction, through a sorting conveyor system. The method is characterized in that the sorting conveyor system includes an outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns, at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns on the upstream side of the outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns, and a conveying and discharging conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns on the upstream side of the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns. The method includes the following steps: in each of the multiple columns, causing the conveyed object to stop at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor to align the conveyed object horizontally; determining the transfer interval for transferring the conveyed objects of the multiple columns that are aligned horizontally from the outlet-side conveyor as a specified value; confirming whether the transfer interval has been exceeded since the last transfer; when the transfer interval has been exceeded since the last transfer and the conveyed objects in all of the multiple columns are at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor, transferring the conveyed objects of the multiple columns from the outlet-side conveyor to the downstream side; and when the transfer interval has not been exceeded since the last transfer and a specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific column among the multiple columns, discharging the conveyed object at the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor for the specific column out of the sorting conveyor system.

[0013] In the method configured in this way, the transfer interval for transferring the conveyed items in multiple columns aligned laterally at the handover from the outlet-side conveyor is determined as a specified value. By determining the transfer interval as a specified value that does not cause congestion on the downstream side, it is possible to avoid congestion on the downstream side. In addition, when the specified congestion condition is met within a specific column among the multiple columns and the transfer interval from the previous handover has not been exceeded, that is, when congestion occurs on the upstream side, the conveyed item at the stop position of the transfer discharge conveyor in the specific column is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system. That is, the conveyed items aligned laterally at the position of the outlet-side conveyor are not handed over from the outlet-side conveyor but remain on standby as they are. As a result, the frequency of a decrease in the number of conveyed items handed over while aligned laterally can be reduced.

[0014] In the above method, preferably, the specified congestion condition is: when the conveyed item is at the stop positions of all the conveyors including the outlet-side conveyor, one or more intermediate conveyors, and the transfer discharge conveyor, and the next conveyed item approaches the transfer discharge conveyor in the specific column; or when the conveyed item is at the stop positions of all the conveyors including the outlet-side conveyor and one or more intermediate conveyors, and the next conveyed item reaches the stop position of the transfer discharge conveyor in the specific column.

[0015] In the above method, preferably, when transferring the conveyed items in the multiple columns from the outlet-side conveyor to the downstream side, the number of conveyed items at the stop positions of the intermediate conveyors in the multiple columns is confirmed. When the number is less than the specified range or is equal to or less than the first specified number, the specified value is updated in a way that increases the transfer interval. When the number is greater than the specified range or is equal to or greater than the second specified number, the specified value is updated in a way that decreases the transfer interval.

[0016] In the method configured in this way, when transferring the conveyed items in multiple columns from the outlet conveyor, when the number of conveyed items at the stop positions of the intermediate conveyors is less than the specified range or is equal to or less than the first specified number, since the received amount of the conveyed items is less than the handed-over amount, the specified value is updated in a way that increases the transfer interval. In addition, when transferring the conveyed items in multiple columns from the outlet conveyor, when the number of conveyed items at the stop positions of the intermediate conveyors is greater than the specified range or is equal to or greater than the second specified number, since the received amount of the conveyed items is more than the handed-over amount, the specified value is updated in a way that decreases the transfer interval. As a result, the transfer interval is adjusted so that the received amount of the conveyed items is close to the handed-over amount, in order to avoid congestion on the upstream side. As a result, the frequency of a decrease in the number of conveyed items handed over while aligned laterally can be reduced.

[0017] In the above method, when the transfer interval has elapsed since the last handover, the conveyed object is not at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor in at least one of the multiple columns, and the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific one of the multiple columns, the conveyed object at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor in the multiple columns can be handed over downstream from the outlet-side conveyor, or the conveyed object at the stop position of the discharge conveyor for the specific column can be discharged outside the sorting conveyor system.

[0018] When handing over the conveyed object at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor in multiple columns downstream from the outlet-side conveyor, the number of conveyed objects handed over aligned horizontally decreases, but the handover volume can be increased. Thus, congestion on the upstream side can be alleviated. Further, in the case of discharging the conveyed object at the stop position of the discharge conveyor for the specific column outside the sorting conveyor system, the conveyed object after alignment at the position of the outlet-side conveyor is not handed over from the outlet-side conveyor but waits in its original state. Thus, the frequency of decrease in the number of conveyed objects handed over aligned horizontally can be reduced.

[0019] Further, to achieve the above object, another method of the present invention is for aligning horizontally and handing over multiple conveyed objects that form multiple columns in the traveling direction and are not supplied aligned horizontally with respect to the traveling direction through a sorting conveyor system. The method is characterized in that the sorting conveyor system includes an outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns, at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns on the upstream side of the outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns, and a discharge conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns on the upstream side of the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns. The method includes the following steps: in each of the multiple columns, stopping the conveyed object at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor to align the conveyed object horizontally; determining the handover interval for handing over the conveyed objects in the multiple columns aligned horizontally from the outlet-side conveyor as a specified value; confirming whether the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover; when the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover and handing over the conveyed objects in at least one column of the multiple columns downstream from the outlet-side conveyor, confirming the number of conveyed objects at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns; and when the number is less than a specified range or the number is equal to or less than a first specified number, updating the specified value so as to increase the handover interval, and when the number is greater than the specified range or the number is equal to or greater than a second specified number, updating the specified value so as to decrease the handover interval.

[0020] In the method configured in this way, the transfer interval for transferring the conveyed items in multiple columns aligned laterally at the handover from the outlet-side conveyor is determined as a specified value. By determining the transfer interval as a specified value that does not cause congestion on the downstream side, it is possible to avoid congestion on the downstream side. In addition, when transferring the conveyed items in at least one column out of the multiple columns from the outlet conveyor, when the number of conveyed items at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor is less than the specified range or is equal to or less than the first specified number, since the amount of received conveyed items is less than the transferred amount, the specified value is updated in a way that increases the transfer interval. In addition, when transferring the conveyed items in at least one column out of the multiple columns from the outlet conveyor, when the number of conveyed items at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor is greater than the specified range or is equal to or greater than the second specified number, since the amount of received conveyed items is more than the transferred amount, the specified value is updated in a way that decreases the transfer interval. Thus, the transfer interval is adjusted so that the amount of received conveyed items is close to the transferred amount, in order to avoid congestion on the upstream side. As a result, it is possible to reduce the frequency of a decrease in the number of conveyed items transferred while being aligned laterally.

[0021] In the above method, preferably, the conveyed item is a dough sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a top view of a dough sheet supply system.

[0023] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a standby routine.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dough sheets.

[0025] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dough sheets.

[0026] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dough sheets.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a handover routine.

[0028] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a handover routine.

[0029] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a handover routine.

[0030] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a handover routine.

[0031] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dough sheets.

[0032] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the arrangement of dough sheets.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the discharge of a dough sheet.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet.

[0038] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet.

[0039] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a dough sheet. Detailed Description

[0040] Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a dough sheet supply system 100, which has: a supply unit 10 that supplies four columns of dough sheets F2 in the traveling direction A; a sorting conveyor system 20 for aligning the four columns of dough sheets F2 in the lateral direction B with respect to the traveling direction A; and a transfer conveyor 30.

[0041] The supply unit 10 has: a dough discharging device (not shown) that discharges and conveys a strip-shaped dough F0 formed into a specified width and thickness; three circular knives 11 that divide the discharged dough F0 into four columns in the width direction; a conveying conveyor 12 that conveys the divided dough F1; four separating conveyors 13 that are arranged on the conveying conveyor 12 so as to separate the divided dough F1 in the lateral direction B; and weighing conveyors 14, 15 and guillotine knives 16 for cutting each column of dough F1 into dough sheets F2 of a desired weight. The dough sheets F2 obtained by cutting with the knife 16 are conveyed in a state where they are not aligned in the lateral direction B. The dough F0 is, for example, bread dough. Each column is referred to as column 1, column 2, column 3, and column 4 from the left side in the traveling direction.

[0042] The sorting conveyor system 20 has, in each column, an outlet-side conveyor 20a, an intermediate conveyor 20b disposed adjacent to the outlet-side conveyor 20a on the upstream side thereof, and a conveying and discharging conveyor 20c disposed adjacent to the intermediate conveyor 20b on the upstream side thereof. The conveying and discharging conveyor 20c is disposed adjacent to the weighing conveyor 15 on the downstream side thereof. The conveyors 20a, 20b, and 20c each have respective sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c for detecting the dough sheet F2. The positions of the sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c in the traveling direction A are arbitrary positions on the conveyors 20a, 20b, and 20c at which the dough sheet F2 can be detected. The conveyors 20a, 20b, and 20c can be independently driven or stopped by a controller (not shown). Preferably, the conveyors 20a, 20b, and 20c have the same speed. The conveying and discharging conveyor 20c can be switched between conveying and discharging the dough sheet F2. For example, at the time of discharging, the downstream end portion of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c can be shaken downward. At the time of conveying, the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c conveys the dough sheet F2 to the intermediate conveyor 20b, and at the time of discharging, the downstream end portion is shaken downward, and the dough sheet F2 can be discharged outside the sorting conveyor system 20.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figure 2 an example of a flowchart of a standby routine for making the dough sheet F2 standby at the stop positions of the outlet-side conveyor 20a, the intermediate conveyor 20b, and the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c in each column of the sorting conveyor system 20 will be described. The description will be made by taking column 1 as a representative, but the same applies to columns 2, 3, and 4. At the start, the conveyors 20a, 20b, and 20c are driven.

[0044] First, in S10, the first dough sheet F21 is stopped at the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor 20a. Specifically, in S12, it is confirmed whether ("yes") or not ("no") the first dough sheet F21 has reached the stop position of the outlet-side conveyor 20a. This is confirmed, for example, based on whether the dough sheet F21 has reached the position of the sensor 22a of the outlet-side conveyor 20a. In the case of "yes", the process proceeds to S13, and the outlet-side conveyor 20a is stopped (see Figure 3 ). In the case of "no", the process returns to S12.

[0045] Next, in S20, the second dough sheet F22 is stopped at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b. Specifically, when the outlet-side conveyor 20a has stopped, in S22, it is confirmed whether the second dough sheet F22 has ("Yes") or has not ("No") reached the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b. This is confirmed, for example, based on whether the second dough sheet F22 has reached the position of the sensor 22b of the intermediate conveyor 20b. In the case of "Yes", proceed to S23 to stop the intermediate conveyor 20b (refer to Figure 4 ). In the case of "No", return to S22.

[0046] Next, in S30, the third dough sheet F23 is stopped at the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c. Specifically, when the intermediate conveyor 20b has stopped, in S32, it is confirmed whether the third dough sheet F23 has ("Yes") or has not ("No") reached the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c. This is confirmed, for example, based on whether the third dough sheet F23 has reached the position of the sensor 22c of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c. In the case of "Yes", proceed to S33 to stop the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c (refer to Figure 5 ). In the case of "No", return to S32.

[0047] At the stop positions of the dough sheets F21, F22, and F23, the sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c may or may not sense the dough sheets F21, F22, and F23, respectively. Additionally, preferably, the distance between the sensor 22a and the sensor 22b is shorter than the distance between the sensor 22b and the sensor 22c.

[0048] Next, an example of a flowchart of a handover routine for handing over the first dough sheet F21 from the outlet-side conveyor 20a to the handover conveyor 30 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9 . The standby routine is performed simultaneously with the handover routine. For example, during the standby routine, the handover of the first dough sheet F21 (the end of the handover routine) is appropriately performed through the handover routine in the middle, and in this case, the standby routine is restarted from the beginning. Additionally, before the start of the handover routine, a specified value of the handover interval is set in advance. The handover interval is set so that congestion on the downstream side does not occur. Additionally, when the handover interval is updated as described later ( Figure 11 ), preferably, the updated handover interval is used. The specified value of the handover interval can be, for example, 1 second (the value of the time interval), 60 rpm (the value of the number of revolutions obtained by converting the time interval), or 120 mm (the value of the distance or pitch). The specified value of the handover interval can also be determined between an upper limit value and a lower limit value.

[0049] Figure 6Shows the process S40 of the dough sheet F21 after alignment in the lateral direction B at the handover when the handover interval has been exceeded since the last handover. Specifically, in S41, it is confirmed whether ("Yes") or not ("No") the handover interval has been exceeded since the last handover. In the case of "Yes", it proceeds to S42. In the case of "No", it proceeds to S51( Figure 7 ).

[0050] When the handover interval has been exceeded since the last handover, in S42, it is confirmed whether ("Yes") or not ("No") the first dough sheet F21 in all columns 1, 2, 3, 4 is at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor 20a. This is confirmed, for example, based on whether the outlet side conveyor 20a has stopped in each column. In the case of "Yes"( Figure 10 ), the 4 first dough sheets F21 are aligned in the lateral direction B, and it proceeds to S43. In the case of "No", it proceeds to S71( Figure 9 ).

[0051] When the first dough sheet F21 in all columns 1, 2, 3, 4 is at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor 20a, that is, when the outlet side conveyor 20 has stopped, in S43, by driving all the conveyors 20a, 20b, 20c in all columns 1, 2, 3, 4, the (4) first dough sheets F21 in all columns aligned in the lateral direction are handed over from the outlet side conveyor 20a to the handover conveyor 30( Figure 11 ). This handover is a normal handover without gaps in the lateral direction. After that, it proceeds to S61 described later( Figure 8 ).

[0052] In this way, since the normal handover is carried out after the handover interval has been exceeded since the last handover, it is possible to avoid congestion on the downstream side of the sorting conveyor system 20.

[0053] Figure 7 Shows the process S50 when upstream congestion occurs before the handover interval has been exceeded since the last handover. Specifically, when the handover interval has not been exceeded since the last handover, in S51, it is confirmed whether ("Yes") or not ("No") the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific column. In the case of "Yes", upstream congestion has occurred, and it proceeds to S53. In the case of "No", it returns to S41( Figure 6 ).

[0054] The specified congestion conditions are, for example: when the first to third dough pieces F21, F22, F23 are present at the stop positions of all the conveyors in the conveyors 20a, 20b, 20c of a specific column and the fourth dough piece F24 approaches the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging in the specific column; or when the first to second dough pieces F21, F22 are present at the stop positions of all the conveyors in the conveyors 20a, 20b of a specific column and the third dough piece F23 reaches the stop position of the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging in the specific column (both refer to Figure 12 ). The approach of the fourth dough piece F24 to the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging in the specific column is detected, for example, based on the presence of the dough piece F24 on the weighing conveyor 15. The arrival of the third dough piece F23 at the stop position of the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging in the specific column is detected, for example, based on the arrival of the third dough piece F23 at the position of the sensor 22c of the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging.

[0055] When the specified congestion conditions are met in a specific column, in S53, the third dough piece F23 in the specific column is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system 20. For example, by setting the downstream end of the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging in the specific column to a lower position and driving the conveyor 20c for conveying and discharging, the third dough piece F23 is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system 20 ( Figure 13 ). After that, the fourth dough piece F24 is treated as the third dough piece F23. Next, return to S41 ( Figure 6 ).

[0056] In this way, when congestion occurs on the upstream side, the dough piece F21 aligned at the position of the outlet side conveyor 20a is not transferred from the outlet side conveyor 20a but waits in its original state. Thereby, the frequency of the decrease in the number of dough pieces F21 transferred while being aligned in the lateral direction B can be reduced.

[0057] Figure 8 The process S60 for adjusting the transfer interval after normal transfer is shown. Specifically, in S61, after normal transfer, the number n of the second dough pieces F22 at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b is confirmed. When the number n is less than the specified range (n < N1) or is less than or equal to the first specified number, go to S62 to increase the transfer interval. For example, if N1 = N2 = 2, then when n = 0 (not shown) or n = 1 ( Figure 10) When n is less than the first specified number 1, increase the handover interval. For example, the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 1 second to 1.01 seconds (value of the time interval), or the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 60 rpm to 59.5 rpm (value of the number of revolutions obtained by transforming the time interval), or the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 120 mm to 121.2 mm (value of the distance or spacing).

[0058] When the number n is within the specified range (N1 ≤ n ≤ N2), enter S63 and maintain the handover interval. For example, if N1 = N2 = 2, then when n = 2 ( Figure 14 ), maintain the handover interval without updating.

[0059] When the number n is greater than the specified range (N2 < n) or is greater than or equal to the second specified number, enter S64 and decrease the handover interval. For example, if N1 = N2 = 2, then when n = 3 ( Figure 15 ) or n = 4 ( Figure 16 ), when n is greater than or equal to the second specified number 3, decrease the handover interval. For example, the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 1 second to 0.991 seconds (value of the time interval), or the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 60 rpm to 60.5 rpm (value of the number of revolutions obtained by transforming the time interval), or the specified value of the handover interval can be updated from 120 mm to 118.8 mm (value of the distance or spacing).

[0060] When a plurality of columns of dough pieces F21 are handed over from the outlet conveyor 20a, when the number of dough pieces F22 at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b is less than the specified range or less than or equal to the first specified number, since the receiving amount of the dough pieces F2 is less than the handover amount, the specified value is updated by increasing the handover interval. In addition, when a plurality of columns of dough pieces F21 are handed over from the outlet conveyor 20a, when the number of dough pieces F22 at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b is greater than the specified range or greater than or equal to the second specified number, since the receiving amount of the dough pieces F2 is more than the handover amount, the specified value is updated by decreasing the handover interval. Thus, the handover interval is adjusted so that the receiving amount of the dough pieces F2 is close to the handover amount, to avoid congestion on the upstream side. As a result, the frequency of the number of dough pieces F21 handed over aligned in the lateral direction B becoming small can be reduced.

[0061] Figure 9The process S70 is shown when there is congestion on the upstream side after the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover. When the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover and the first dough sheet F21 is not at the stop position of the outlet conveyor 20a in at least one of the multiple columns, in S71, it is confirmed whether ("Yes") or not ("No") the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific column. In the case of "Yes", there is congestion on the upstream side, and the process proceeds to S72. In the case of "No", the process returns to S42( Figure 6 ).

[0062] The specified congestion condition is the same as the congestion condition in Figure 7 S51, for example: when the fourth dough sheet F24 approaches the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c of a specific column while the first to third dough sheets F21, F22, F23 are present at the stop positions of all the conveyors in the conveyors 20a, 20b, 20c of a specific column; or when the third dough sheet F23 reaches the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c of a specific column while the first to second dough sheets F21, F22 are present at the stop positions of all the conveyors in the conveyors 20a, 20b of a specific column (both refer to Figure 17 ).

[0063] When the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific column, in S72, it is confirmed whether the operation is in the extrusion mode or the alignment mode. Whether the operation is in the extrusion mode or the alignment mode is preset in advance.

[0064] When operating in the extrusion mode, the process proceeds to S73, and the first dough sheet F21 is handed over from the outlet conveyor 20a to the handover conveyor 30 by driving all the conveyors 20a, 20b, 20c in all the columns 1, 2, 3, 4( Figure 18 ). This handover is a handover with a gap in the lateral direction B. Next, the handover routine ends.

[0065] In the extrusion mode, the number of dough sheets F21 handed over in alignment in the lateral direction B is reduced, but the handover amount can be increased, thereby alleviating the congestion on the upstream side.

[0066] When operating in the alignment mode, the process proceeds to S75, and the third dough sheet F23 of a specific column is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system 20. For example, by setting the downstream end of the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c of a specific column to a lower position and driving the conveying and discharging conveyor 20c, the third dough sheet F23 is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system 20( Figure 13 ). After that, the fourth dough sheet F24 is treated as the third dough sheet F23. Next, the process returns to S42( Figure 6 ).

[0067] In the alignment mode, the dough sheet F21 aligned at the position of the outlet side conveyor 20a is not transferred from the outlet side conveyor 20a, but waits in its original state. Thus, the frequency of the decrease in the number of dough sheets F21 transferred while being aligned in the lateral direction B can be reduced.

[0068] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various updates can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. It goes without saying that these updated embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0069] As an example of the conveyed object, bread dough has been described, but the conveyed object is not limited thereto.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the processes S60 and / or S70 may also be omitted.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an intermediate conveyor 20b of a sorting conveyor system 20 is provided in the traveling direction. However, a plurality of intermediate conveyors may also be provided in the traveling direction, and each intermediate conveyor has the same function as the intermediate conveyor 20b of the above embodiment. When a plurality of intermediate conveyors are provided in the traveling direction, the number n of the second dough sheets F22 at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b confirmed in S61 may be the number of the second dough sheets F22 at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor 20b adjacent to the outlet side conveyor 20a, or may be the number of the second dough sheet and the subsequent dough sheets at the stop positions of the plurality of intermediate conveyors provided in the traveling direction.

[0072] Based on the above embodiment, the process of S60 may also be added after S73, and the alignment mode of the process of S70 may also be omitted. In this case, when the first dough sheet F21 of at least one column (including all columns) among a plurality of columns is transferred downstream from the outlet side conveyor after exceeding the transfer interval since the last transfer, the number of conveyed objects at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor of the above plurality of columns is confirmed.

[0073] In the above embodiment, at the time of discharge, the downstream end of the transfer discharge conveyor 20c can be shaken downward, but it may be other ways. For example, the downstream end of the transfer discharge conveyor 20c can be telescoped in the flow direction A, and at the time of discharge, it is pulled toward the upstream side in the flow direction A to drop and discharge the third dough sheet F23. In addition, the transfer discharge conveyor 20c can also discharge the third dough sheet F23 through an extrusion device that extrudes the third dough sheet F23 in the lateral direction.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the dough sheet supply system 100 supplies four columns of dough sheets F2 in the traveling direction A and aligns them in the lateral direction B. However, it is also possible to supply any number of columns (even or odd) of dough sheets F2 in the traveling direction A and align them in the lateral direction B.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the number n is divided into three cases (the case where the number n is within a specified range (N1 ≤ n ≤ N2), the case where the number n is less than the specified range (n < N1) or the number n is less than or equal to a first specified number, and the case where the number n is greater than the specified range (N2 < n) or the number n is greater than or equal to a second specified number). However, it is also possible not to set the case of the specified range and omit Figure 8 S63 for maintaining the handover interval in. For example, when the number of columns of the dough sheets F2 is three, the number n can also be divided into the case where the number n is less than or equal to a specified first number 1 (n = 0 or n = 1) and the case where the number n is greater than or equal to a specified second number 2 (n = 2 or n = 3), and S63 can be omitted.

[0076] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is also possible that when the number n is less than the specified range (n < N1) or the number n is less than or equal to a specified first value, in S62, the smaller the value of n, the larger the handover interval. For example, it can be that if N1 = N2 = 2, the handover interval for n = 0 (not shown) is increased from 1 second to 1.02 seconds, and when n = 1 ( Figure 10 ), the handover interval is increased from 1 second to 1.01 seconds. Similarly, it is also possible that when the number n is greater than the specified range (N2 < n) or the number n is greater than or equal to a specified second value, in S64, the larger the value of n, the smaller the handover interval. For example, it can be that if N1 = N2 = 2, the handover interval for n = 3 ( Figure 15 ) is decreased from 1 second to 0.99 seconds, and when n = 4 ( Figure 16 ), the handover interval is decreased from 1 second to 0.98 seconds. In this way, by increasing or decreasing the handover interval according to the value of n, more precise control can be performed.

[0077] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] 20: Sorting conveyor system; 20a: Outlet side conveyor; 20b: Intermediate conveyor; 20c: Conveyor for conveying and discharging; F2: Dough sheet; F21: First dough sheet; F22: Second dough sheet; F23: Third dough sheet.

Claims

1. A method for aligning and transferring conveyed objects, which is used to align and transfer multiple conveyed objects that are formed in multiple columns in the traveling direction and are supplied without being aligned in the lateral direction relative to the traveling direction through a sorting conveyor system. The method is characterized in that the sorting conveyor system has an outlet-side conveyor for the multiple columns, at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the outlet-side conveyor of the multiple columns on the upstream side of the outlet-side conveyor of the multiple columns, and a conveying and discharging conveyor for the multiple columns disposed adjacent to the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns on the upstream side of the at least one intermediate conveyor for the multiple columns. The method includes the following steps: In each of the multiple columns, the conveyed objects are stopped at the stop positions of the outlet-side conveyor to align the conveyed objects in the lateral direction; The transfer interval for transferring the multiple columns of conveyed objects that are aligned in the lateral direction from the outlet-side conveyor is determined to be a specified value; It is confirmed whether the transfer interval has been exceeded since the last transfer; When the transfer interval has been exceeded since the last transfer and the conveyed objects in all columns of the multiple columns are at the stop positions of the outlet-side conveyor, the multiple columns of conveyed objects are transferred downstream from the outlet-side conveyor; And When the transfer interval has not been exceeded since the last transfer and a specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific column of the multiple columns, the conveyed objects at the stop positions of the conveying and discharging conveyor of the specific column are discharged outside the sorting conveyor system.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified congestion condition is: when the conveyed object is in a state of being at the stop positions of all conveyors among the outlet-side conveyor, one or more intermediate conveyors, and the conveying and discharging conveyor, and the next conveyed object approaches the conveying and discharging conveyor of the specific column; or when the conveyed object is at the stop positions of all conveyors among the outlet-side conveyor and one or more intermediate conveyors, and the next conveyed object reaches the stop position of the conveying and discharging conveyor of the specific column.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It further includes the following steps: When transferring the multiple columns of conveyed objects downstream from the outlet-side conveyor, the number of conveyed objects at the stop positions of the intermediate conveyors of the multiple columns is confirmed; And When the number is less than a specified range or the number is less than or equal to a first specified number, the specified value is updated in a way that increases the transfer interval, and when the number is greater than the specified range or the number is greater than or equal to a second specified number, the specified value is updated in a way that decreases the transfer interval.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein It further includes the following steps: When the number is less than the specified range or the number is less than or equal to the first specified number, the smaller the value of the number, the larger the transfer interval, and when the number is greater than the specified range or the number is greater than or equal to the second specified number, the larger the number, the smaller the transfer interval.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It further includes the following steps: When the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover, the conveyed object in at least one of the plurality of columns is not at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor, and the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific one of the plurality of columns, the conveyed object at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor of the plurality of columns is handed over downstream from the outlet side conveyor.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It further includes the following steps: When the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover, the conveyed object in at least one of the plurality of columns is not at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor, and the specified congestion condition is satisfied in a specific one of the plurality of columns, the conveyed object at the stop position of the conveyor for discharging the conveyed object in the specific column is discharged outside the sorting conveyor system.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The conveyed object is a dough sheet.

8. A method for aligning and handing over conveyed objects, which is used to hand over a plurality of conveyed objects that form a plurality of columns in the traveling direction and are not supplied in alignment in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction after aligning them in the lateral direction through a sorting conveyor system. The method is characterized in that The sorting conveyor system has an outlet side conveyor for the plurality of columns, at least one intermediate conveyor for the plurality of columns disposed adjacent to the outlet side conveyor of the plurality of columns on the upstream side of the outlet side conveyor of the plurality of columns, and a conveyor for discharging the conveyed object for the plurality of columns disposed adjacent to the at least one intermediate conveyor for the plurality of columns on the upstream side of the at least one intermediate conveyor for the plurality of columns. The method includes the following steps: In each of the plurality of columns, the conveyed object is stopped at the stop position of the outlet side conveyor to align the conveyed objects in the lateral direction; The handover interval for handing over the conveyed objects in the plurality of columns aligned in the lateral direction from the outlet side conveyor is determined as a specified value; It is confirmed whether the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover; When the handover interval has elapsed since the last handover and the conveyed objects in at least one column of the plurality of columns are handed over downstream from the outlet side conveyor, the number of conveyed objects at the stop position of the intermediate conveyor of the plurality of columns is confirmed; And When the number is less than the specified range or the number is less than or equal to the first specified number, the specified value is updated in a manner that increases the handover interval. When the number is greater than the specified range or the number is greater than or equal to the second specified number, the specified value is updated in a manner that decreases the handover interval.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein It further includes the following steps: When the number is less than the specified range or the number is less than or equal to the first specified number, the smaller the value of the number, the larger the handover interval. When the number is greater than the specified range or the number is greater than or equal to the second specified number, the larger the number, the smaller the handover interval.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The conveyed object is a dough sheet.

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