Device for folding and laminating raw material sheet

Abstract

Provided is a folding and stacking device in which a conveyance direction in which a raw material sheet is conveyed and a discharge direction in which a stacked raw material sheet is discharged are perpendicular to each other, and in which creases of the raw material sheet are easily arranged parallel to the discharge direction. In this folding and stacking device (1), when a downstream end (24a) of a stacking conveyor (20) is moved in a direction (A) and reaches a first turn-back position (P1), a guide unit (50) is configured so as to move a pair of guide members (56) in the direction (A) in order to move a downstream-side edge section (SD) of a continuous raw material sheet (S) in a position closer to the direction (A) than the first turn-back position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding and stacking device for stacking raw material sheets such as bread raw materials by folding them. Background Art

[0002] A folding and stacking device is known, which has a stacking conveyor for conveying raw material sheets such as bread raw materials in a conveying direction and a discharge conveyor arranged below the stacking conveyor, so that the position of the raw material sheets when the raw material sheets are handed over to the discharge conveyor reciprocates in the conveying direction and the direction opposite to the conveying direction, thereby folding the raw material sheets on the discharge conveyor to form stacked raw material sheets, and the discharge conveyor discharges the stacked raw material sheets in a discharge direction different from the conveying direction (for example, refer to patent document 1). Since the discharge conveyor is used to move the stacked raw material sheets in the discharge direction, the raw material sheets are stacked while being staggered in the discharge direction (refer to Fig. 9 ).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-213216

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-094082 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the folding and stacking device described in Patent Document 1, the conveying direction of the raw material sheet and the discharging direction of the stacked raw material sheet are perpendicular to each other. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the raw material sheets S are stacked on the discharge conveyor 70, there is a tendency that the fold SF of the raw material sheets S is not parallel to the discharge direction C. Specifically, there is a tendency that the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheets S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheets SL. As a result, the overlapping of the raw materials on both sides of the stacked raw material sheets SL in the discharge direction C is sometimes uneven.

[0009] In the folding and stacking device described in Patent Document 2, the conveying direction of the conveying raw material sheet and the discharging direction of the discharged stacked raw material sheet are inclined to each other. Therefore, it is easy to make the fold SF of the raw material sheet parallel to the discharging direction. However, when changing the number of stacked layers of the stacked raw material sheets, it is necessary to change the inclination angle of the introduction conveyor relative to the discharge conveyor, so the structure and operation of the folding and stacking device are relatively complicated. In addition, since the introduction conveyor is arranged obliquely relative to the discharge conveyor, a relatively large installation space for the folding and stacking device is required.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a folding and stacking device in which a conveying direction of a raw material sheet and a discharge direction of a stacked raw material sheet are perpendicular to each other and a fold of the raw material sheet can be easily arranged parallel to the discharge direction.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] The stacking device of the present invention is characterized in that it can stack the raw materials by folding them, and has a stacking conveyor for conveying continuous raw materials in a conveying direction, the stacking conveyor including a downstream end, and the folding conveyor also has a discharge conveyor arranged below the stacking conveyor, the discharge conveyor receives the continuous raw materials from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor and discharges the stacked raw materials in a discharge direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the downstream end of the stacking conveyor is configured to reciprocate between a first turning position and a second turning position in the conveying direction and in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, thereby folding the continuous raw materials on the discharge conveyor to form stacked raw materials on the discharge conveyor, and the folding and stacking device also has a guiding unit including a pair of guiding members, which moves together with the downstream end of the stacking conveyor The stacked conveyor belt conveyor is configured to move the downstream edge of the continuous material sheet to the discharge conveyor belt from the downstream end of the stacked conveyor to the discharge conveyor belt, and the pair of guide members are configured to allow the downstream side edge of the continuous material sheet to pass between them. When the downstream end of the stacked conveyor is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction and reaches the first turning position, that is, in the arrived state, in order to move the downstream side edge of the continuous material sheet to a position closer to the conveying direction than the first turning position in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the guide unit is configured to move the pair of guide members in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. When the downstream end of the stacked conveyor is moved in the conveying direction and reaches the second turning position, in order to move the downstream side edge of the continuous material sheet to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second turning position, the guide unit is configured to move the pair of guide members in the conveying direction.

[0013] In the folding and stacking device thus constructed, the conveying direction of the continuous raw material sheet and the discharging direction of the stacked raw material sheet are perpendicular to each other. In addition, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the first turning position, the guide unit moves a pair of guide members in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, so that the downstream side edge of the raw material sheet moves to a position closer to the conveying direction than the first turning position. In addition, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the second turning position, the guide unit moves a pair of guide members in the conveying direction, so that the downstream side edge of the raw material sheet moves to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second turning position. Thereby, it is easy to arrange the fold of the raw material sheet parallel to the discharging direction after the downstream side edge of the raw material sheet is moved back and forth toward the center of the width of the stacked raw material sheet.

[0014] In the folding and stacking device constructed in this way, it is preferred that the stacking conveyor is configured to increase the speed of the conveyor belt of the stacking conveyor when the pair of guide members are moved in order to move the downstream side edge of the continuous raw material sheet to a position in the direction opposite to the conveying direction relative to the first turning position and to move the downstream side edge of the continuous raw material sheet to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second turning position.

[0015] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention, it is preferred that the folding and stacking device further comprises an introduction conveyor, which is arranged above the stacking conveyor, and the introduction conveyor conveys the continuous raw material sheet in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, and the introduction conveyor has a downstream end, and is configured to deliver the continuous raw material sheet from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor. It is more preferred that the folding and stacking device further comprises a sensor, which detects the position of the continuous raw material sheet in the conveying direction when the continuous raw material sheet is delivered from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor.

[0016] In the folding and stacking device configured in this manner, the raw material sheets can be supplied onto the stacking conveyor in a stable state.

[0017] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention, it is preferred that a roller is provided between the downstream end of the introduction conveyor and the stacking conveyor, which maintains the position of the continuous material sheet in the conveying direction when the continuous material sheet is handed over from the downstream end of the introduction conveyor to the stacking conveyor.

[0018] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention, preferably, the folding and stacking device further includes a sensor that detects a position of the continuous material sheet in the conveying direction when the continuous material sheet is handed over from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor to the discharge conveyor.

[0019] In the embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention, the pair of guide members may include a pair of guide rollers, may include a pair of guide plates, or may include both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic top view of the folding and stacking device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic front view of multiple conveyors of a folding and stacking device.

[0022] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic front view of a roller moving unit and a conveyor moving unit of a folding and laminating device.

[0023] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic front view of multiple conveyors of a folding and stacking device.

[0024] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic front view of a roller moving unit and a conveyor moving unit of a folding and laminating device.

[0025] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic top view of a guide unit of a folding and stacking device.

[0026] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic top view of a guide unit of a folding and stacking device.

[0027] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 1 A schematic right side view of the guide unit of the folding and stacking device.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing stacked raw material sheets in a folding and stacking device of the prior art.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a schematic right side view showing a guide unit of the folding and stacking device according to a modified example.

[0030] Fig.11 It is a schematic front view showing a plurality of conveyors of a folding and stacking device according to a modified example.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a schematic plan view showing a guide unit of a folding and stacking device according to a modified example.

[0032] Fig.13 It is a schematic front view showing a plurality of conveyors of a folding and stacking device according to a modified example.

[0033] Fig.14 It is a schematic plan view showing a guide unit of a folding and stacking device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 8 , describing an embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the folding and stacking device 1 has three belt conveyors, namely, an introduction conveyor 10, a stacking conveyor 20, and a discharge conveyor 30. The introduction conveyor 10 is located at the upper layer, and is configured to receive the continuously supplied raw material sheet S and convey it in the first direction A. The stacking conveyor 20 is located at the middle layer, and is configured to receive the raw material sheet S from the introduction conveyor 10 and convey it in the second direction B opposite to the first direction A. The discharge conveyor 30 is located at the lower layer, and is configured to receive the raw material sheet S from the stacking conveyor 20 and convey it in the third direction C perpendicular to the first direction A. The first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C are substantially horizontal directions.

[0036] In this embodiment, a supply conveyor 60 for continuously supplying the raw material sheet S and a conveyor 62 for sweeping off the excess powder attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the raw material sheet S with a brush are arranged on the upstream side of the introduction conveyor 10. In addition, in order to prevent the shrinkage of both ends of the raw material sheet S, it is preferable to arrange an extension device (not shown) for extending both ends of the raw material sheet S on the supply conveyor 60. The extension device is, for example, an extension roller.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the inlet conveyor 10 includes frames 12 on both sides, a driving roller 14a, a front roller 14b, a return roller 14c, a counter roller 14d, a conveyor belt 14e wound around these rollers, and a driving unit 14f (see Figure 1 The front roller 14 b is configured to deliver the raw material sheet S to the downstream end of the stacking conveyor 20 .

[0038] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front roller 14b and the counter roller 14d are configured to move in the first direction A and the second direction B in opposite directions relative to the frame 12. Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the introduction conveyor 10 includes a roller moving unit 16, and the roller moving unit 16 includes a driving pulley 16a, a driven pulley 16b, a belt 16c wound around these pulleys, an upper slider 16d fixed to the upper running portion of the belt 16c, a lower slider 16e fixed to the lower running portion of the belt 16c, and a driving unit 16f that drives the driving pulley 16a. The upper slider 16d is connected to a roller 18b that can run on an upper rail 18a and a front roller 14b. The lower slider 16e is connected to a roller 18d that can run on a lower rail 18c and a counter roller 14d.

[0039] Furthermore, a sensor 40 for detecting the position of the front roller 14b and a sensor 42 for detecting the position of the raw sheet S delivered from the inlet conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20 are mounted on the frame 12. These sensors 40 and 42 are used to detect whether the raw sheet is stretched by the stacking conveyor or has slack based on the difference in detected positions.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the stacking conveyor 20 includes frames 22 on both sides, a driving roller 24a, a driven roller 24b, a conveyor belt 24c wound around these rollers, and a driving unit (in this embodiment, built into the driving roller 24a) that drives the driving roller 24a. In this embodiment, the driving roller 24a constitutes the downstream end that delivers the raw material sheet S to the discharge conveyor 30.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to be movable in the first direction A and the second direction B relative to the frame 12 of the introduction conveyor 10. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the stacked conveyor 20 includes a conveyor moving unit 26, and the conveyor moving unit 26 includes a driving pulley 26a, a driven pulley 26b, a belt 26c wound around these pulleys, a slider 26d fixed to the upper travel portion of the belt 26c, and a driving unit 26f that drives the driving pulley 26a. The slider 26d is connected to a roller 28b that can move along a rail 28a and a frame 22 of the stacked conveyor 20. The driving unit 16f of the roller moving unit 16 and the driving unit 26f of the conveyor moving unit 26 are linked, and the two driving pulleys 16a and 26a are configured to rotate in the same direction.

[0042] The frame 12 of the inlet conveyor 10 is provided with a sensor 44, which detects whether the downstream end (driving roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 is at a position corresponding to the center SLC of the folding width SLW of the stacked raw sheet SL. Figure 6) is generally the center in the width direction of the discharge conveyor 30. In addition, the drive unit 26f of the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to detect the moving distance of the stacking conveyor 20. Thus, the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to reciprocate between the first turning position P1 and the second turning position P2 according to the preset (input) folding width SLW. The first turning position P1 is a position moved from the center SLC of the folding width SLW to the first direction A by a distance of half the folding width SLW. The second turning position P2 is a position moved from the center SLC of the folding width SLW to the second direction B by a distance of half the folding width SLW.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the discharge conveyor 30 includes frames 32 on both sides, a conveyor belt 34e including a conveying surface moving in the third direction C, and a driving unit (not shown) for driving the conveyor belt 34e. Preferably, the discharge conveyor 30 is inclined downward as it moves toward the third direction. The inclination angle is preferably in the range of about 5 degrees to 25 degrees, for example, 15 degrees. The discharge conveyor 30 is a known conveyor, and therefore, its detailed description is omitted.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the folding and stacking device 1 further includes a guide unit 50 for guiding the raw material sheet when the raw material sheet S is transferred from the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30. The guide unit 50 is located below the downstream end (driving roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 and is fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20. Therefore, the guide unit 50 is configured to reciprocate together with the stacking conveyor 20.

[0045] like Figure 6 to Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the guide unit 50 includes an upstream support portion 52, a downstream support portion 54, and a pair of guide members 56 extending between the upstream support portion 52 and the downstream support portion 54 and facing each other when viewed in the third direction C which is the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor 30. The pair of guide members 56 is configured to allow the raw material sheet S to pass therebetween. In the present embodiment, the guide member 56 is composed of an upper guide plate 56a and a lower guide roller 56b.

[0046] The guide member 56 is configured to swing around the pivot 52a of the upstream support portion 52. Specifically, the upstream support portion 52 includes a bracket 52b fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20 and a bracket 52c pivoted around the pivot 52a fixed to the bracket 52b, and the upstream end of the guide member 56 is attached to the bracket 52c. The pivot 52a is preferably disposed at the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20.

[0047] The downstream support portion 54 includes a linear motor 54a fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20 and a bracket 54c of a slider 54b slidably mounted on the linear motor 54a, and the downstream end of the guide member 56 is mounted on the bracket 54c. Thus, the guide member 56 can swing at a predetermined angle α in the first direction A and the second direction B with the center position GC extending in the third direction as the center. The predetermined angle α can be changed according to the number of stacking layers of the stacked raw material sheets SL. For example, preferably, when the number of stacking layers is increased, the angle α is reduced, and when the number of stacking layers is reduced, the angle α is increased. Thus, it is easy to set the folding stacking device when changing the number of stacking layers. The predetermined angle α is, for example, 15 degrees.

[0048] Next, the operation of the folding and stacking device will be described.

[0049] The continuous raw material sheet S is introduced to the introduction conveyor 10 via the conveyor 62 for sweeping the powder off from the supply conveyor 60, and is conveyed in the first direction A by the introduction conveyor 10. Next, the continuous raw material sheet S is handed over downward from the front roller 14b (downstream end) of the introduction conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and is conveyed in the second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous raw material sheet S is handed over downward from the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A, and the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first turning position P1. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved in advance from the center position GC to the first direction A. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is arranged on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P1a moved in the first direction A from the first turning position P1.

[0051] Next, after the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the first turning position P1 for a predetermined time, the front end roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form the fold SF of the raw material sheet S and fold the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. Thereafter, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B, and the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the second turning position P2. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved in advance from the center position GC in the second direction B. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is arranged on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P2a moved in the second direction B from the second turning position P2.

[0053] Next, after the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the second turning position P2 for a predetermined time, the front end roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A to form the fold SF of the raw material sheet S and fold the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. Thereafter, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0054] By repeating this operation, the stacked green sheet SL is formed. The stacked green sheet SL is discharged in the third direction C by the discharge conveyor 30 .

[0055] It is preferable that the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is increased when the guide member 56 is moved as described above. This prevents the raw material sheet S delivered from the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 from being excessively stretched by the guide member 56, thereby preventing the folding of the raw material sheet S from becoming unstable. In addition, it is preferable that the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is restored when the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first turning position P1 and the second turning position P2.

[0056] In addition, it is preferable to detect the position of the raw material sheet S with respect to the front roller 14b detected by the sensors 40 and 42, thereby estimating the degree of stretching (bending) of the raw material sheet S, and adjust the speed of the conveyor belt 14e introduced into the conveyor 10 so that the position of the raw material sheet S is located within a predetermined range where the stretching of the raw material sheet S is weak (bending is large). For example, when the stretching of the raw material sheet S is strong, the speed of the conveyor belt 14e is increased, and when the position of the raw material sheet S is returned to the predetermined range, the speed of the conveyor belt 14e introduced into the conveyor 10 is restored.

[0057] Although the embodiment of the folding and stacking device of the present invention has been described above, various modifications are conceivable and are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the guide member 56 includes a pair of guide plates 56a and a pair of guide rollers 56b, but any other configuration is possible as long as the downstream edge portion SD of the raw sheet S can be moved. For example, the pair of guide plates 56a may be omitted, and the pair of guide rollers 56b may be omitted. The pair of guide rollers 56b may be driven rollers or freely rotating rollers. The outer diameter of the guide roller 56b may be constant (cylindrical shape (refer to Fig.10 )), the outer diameter can also vary (for example, a thin shape in the middle (see Figure 8 )). In addition, the length of the guide roller may be the length of the entire receiving raw material sheet S, or may be the length of a part of the receiving raw material sheet S (for example, the downstream side edge portion SD).

[0059] As a modified example, a guide roller 14g for guiding the raw material sheet may be provided below the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 (at the bottom of the guide roller 14g). Figure 2 and Figure 4 For example, when the raw sheet S delivered from the downstream end (driving roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30 slides down from the stacking conveyor 20 due to its own weight, the raw sheet S is not substantially supported by the stacking conveyor 20, and the folding of the raw sheet S cannot be controlled. In this case, the guide roller 14g can be provided so that the raw sheet S is reliably supported on the stacking conveyor 20. In this way, the raw sheet S can be maintained in a bent (relaxed) state.

[0060] As a modified example, a sensor 46 for detecting the degree of bending (slack) of the raw sheet S may be provided integrally with the stacking conveyor 20 at a position below the stacking conveyor 20 (at a position below the stacking conveyor 20). Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), the speed of the stacking conveyor 20 is controlled. For example, if the raw material sheet S is too loose, unevenness will be generated in the stacked raw material sheet SL, so it is preferable to reduce the speed of the conveyor belt 24e of the stacking conveyor 20.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the front roller 14b (downstream end) is moved in the introduction conveyor 10, but the introduction conveyor 10 itself may be moved if the introduction conveyor 10 can receive the raw material sheet S. In addition, in the above embodiment, the stacking conveyor 20 itself is moved, but it may be configured so that only the downstream end of the stacking conveyor 20 is moved.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the pair of guide members 56 is configured to swing around the pivot 52a of the upstream support portion 52, but any structure may be adopted as long as the downstream edge portion SD of the raw sheet S can be moved. For example, the upstream support portion 52 has a linear motor fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20, similarly to the downstream support portion 54, and may be configured to move the pivot 52a of the upstream support portion 52 in the first direction A or the second direction B.

[0063] The action of the pair of guide members 56 is preferably changed according to the properties (behavior) of the raw material sheet S. For example, the start time of movement of the guide member 56 from the center position GC during the reciprocating motion of the stacking conveyor 20, the stop time after the guide member 56 is moved, the start time of return of the guide member 56 to the center position GC, and the moving speed of the guide member 56 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0064] Then, in Figure 10 to Figure 14 A preferred modified example of a folding and stacking device is shown in FIG. The preferred modified example of a folding and stacking device is formed by partially changing the above-mentioned embodiment. Specifically, the guide member 56 is formed only by the guide roller 56b, that is, the guide plate 56a is omitted. In addition, the outer diameter of the guide roller 56b is constant, that is, the guide roller 56b is cylindrical (refer to FIG. Fig.10 ). The guide roller 56b is a driven roller (a roller with a driving mechanism). In addition, the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is constant. In addition, a guide roller 14g for guiding the raw material sheet is provided below the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10. In addition, the start time of movement of the guide member 56 from the center position GC during the reciprocating motion of the stacking conveyor 20 is changed.

[0065] Next, the operation of the folding and stacking device according to a preferred modified example will be described.

[0066] Similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the continuous raw material sheet S is introduced to the introduction conveyor 10 via the conveyor 62 for sweeping the powder off from the supply conveyor 60, and is conveyed in the first direction A by the introduction conveyor 10. Next, the continuous raw material sheet S is handed over downward from the front roller 14b (downstream end) of the introduction conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and is conveyed in the second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous raw material sheet S is handed over downward from the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.

[0067] like Fig.11 As shown, the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A, and the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped when it reaches the first return position P1. After a predetermined time has passed since the driving roller 24a was stopped, as shown in FIG. Fig.12As shown, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC to the first direction A. As a result, the downstream edge portion SD of the raw sheet S is arranged at a position P1a moved in the first direction A from the first return position P1 on the discharge conveyor 30 .

[0068] Next, similarly to the above-described embodiment, after the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the first turning position P1 for a predetermined time, the front end roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form the fold SF of the raw material sheet S and fold the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is pulled back toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. Thereafter, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0069] In addition, if Fig.13 As shown, the front roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B, and the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped when it reaches the second return position P2. After a predetermined time has passed since the driving roller 24a was stopped, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC to the second direction B. As a result, the downstream edge portion SD of the raw sheet S is arranged on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P2a moved in the second direction B from the second return position P2.

[0070] Next, similarly to the above-described embodiment, after the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 is stopped at the second turning position P2 for a predetermined time, the front end roller 14b of the introduction conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A to form the fold SF of the raw material sheet S and fold the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is moved back and forth toward the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the fold SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. Thereafter, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0071] By repeating this operation, the stacked green sheet SL is formed. The stacked green sheet SL is discharged in the third direction C by the discharge conveyor 30 .

[0072] In a preferred modification, the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 has a constant speed. In this case, it is also possible to prevent the raw material sheet S delivered from the driving roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 from being excessively stretched by the guide member 56, thereby preventing the folding of the raw material sheet S from becoming unstable.

[0073] Description of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1. Folding and stacking device; 10. Inlet conveyor; 14a. Front roller (downstream end); 14g. Roller; 20. Stacking conveyor; 24a. Driving roller (downstream end); 24c. Conveyor belt; 30. Discharge conveyor; 50. Guide unit; 56. A pair of guide members; 40, 42. Sensors; 46. Sensors; A. 1st direction (direction opposite to conveying direction); B. 2nd direction (conveying direction); C. 3rd direction (discharging direction); S. Raw material sheet; SD. Downstream side edge; SL. Stacked raw material sheet; P1. 1st turning position; P2. 2nd turning position.

Claims

1. A folding and stacking device (1), wherein: The folding and stacking device (1) stacks raw material sheets (S) by folding them. The folding and stacking device (1) has a stacking conveyor (20) for conveying a continuous raw material sheet (S) in a conveying direction (B), wherein the stacking conveyor (20) includes a downstream end (24a), The folding and stacking device (1) further comprises a discharge conveyor (30), which is arranged below the stacking conveyor (20), and receives continuous raw material sheets (S) from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20), and discharges the stacked raw material sheets (SL) in a discharge direction (C) perpendicular to the conveying direction (B). The downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) is configured to reciprocate between a first turning position (P1) and a second turning position (P2) in the conveying direction (B) and in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B), thereby folding a continuous raw material sheet (S) on the discharge conveyor (30) to form a stacked raw material sheet (SL) on the discharge conveyor (30). The folding and stacking device (1) further comprises a guide unit (50) including a pair of guide members (56), the guide unit (50) reciprocating together with the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to guide the continuous raw material sheet (S) from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to the discharge conveyor (30), the pair of guide members (56) being configured to allow the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to pass between them, In a state where the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) is moved in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) and reaches the first turning position (P1), in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position closer to the direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) than the first turning position (P1), the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B). When the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) is moved toward the conveying direction (B) and reaches the second turning position (P2), in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position closer to the conveying direction (B) than the second turning position (P2), the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) toward the conveying direction (B).

2. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in the direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) after the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) moves in the direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) and reaches the first return position (P1) and stops, The guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in the conveying direction (B) after the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) moves in the conveying direction (B) and reaches the second return position (P2) and stops.

3. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The stacked conveyor (20) is constructed such that when the pair of guide members (56) are moved in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position in the direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) relative to the first turning position (P1) and to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position in the direction (B) relative to the second turning position (P2), the speed of the conveyor belt (24c) of the stacked conveyor (20) is kept constant.

4. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The stacked conveyor (20) is configured to increase the speed of the conveyor belt (24c) of the stacked conveyor (20) when the pair of guide members (56) are moved in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position in the direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B) relative to the first return position (P1) and to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position in the direction of the conveying direction (B) relative to the second return position (P2).

5. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The folding and stacking device (1) also has an introduction conveyor (10), which is arranged above the stacking conveyor (20). The introduction conveyor (10) conveys the continuous raw material sheet (S) in a direction (A) opposite to the conveying direction (B). The introduction conveyor (10) has a downstream end (14a) and is configured to transfer the continuous raw material sheet (S) from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).

6. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The folding and stacking device (1) also has a sensor (42) which detects the position of the continuous raw material sheet (S) in the conveying direction (B) when the continuous raw material sheet (S) is handed over from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).

7. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: There is also a roller (14g) between the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) and the stacking conveyor (20), and the roller (14g) maintains the position of the continuous raw material sheet (S) in the conveying direction (B) when the continuous raw material sheet (S) is handed over from the downstream end (14a) of the introduction conveyor (10) to the stacking conveyor (20).

8. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The folding and stacking device (1) also has a sensor (46) which detects the position of the continuous raw material sheet (S) in the conveying direction (B) when the continuous raw material sheet (S) is handed over from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to the discharge conveyor (30).

9. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of guide members (56) includes a pair of guide rollers (56b).

10. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The pair of guide rollers (56b) are respectively driven rollers.

11. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of guide members (56) includes a pair of guide plates (56a).

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