Folded stacker for raw material sheets

Abstract

Provided is a folding and stacking device in which a conveying direction in which raw material sheets are conveyed and a discharging direction in which the raw material sheets are discharged are perpendicular to each other and in which a crease of the raw material sheets is easily arranged in parallel with the discharging direction. In the folding and stacking device (1) of the present application, when the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) is moved in the direction (A) and reaches the first turning position (P1), in order to move the downstream side edge portion (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position further in the direction (A) than the first turning position, the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in the direction (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a folding and stacking device that stacks bread dough or other raw material sheets by folding them. Background Technology

[0002] A known folding and stacking device includes a stacking conveyor for conveying bread dough or other raw material sheets in a conveying direction and a discharge conveyor disposed below the stacking conveyor. The device causes the raw material sheets to reciprocate in both the conveying direction and the opposite direction when they are transferred to the discharge conveyor, thereby folding the raw material sheets on the discharge conveyor to form stacked raw material sheets. The stacked raw material sheets are then discharged in a discharge direction different from the conveying direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Because the stacked raw material sheets are moved in the discharge direction by the discharge conveyor, the raw material sheets are stacked while being offset in the discharge direction (see...). Figure 9 ).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

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

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

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the folding and stacking apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the conveying direction of the raw material sheet and the discharge direction of the stacked raw material sheet are perpendicular to each other. In this folding and stacking apparatus, as... Figure 9 As shown, when raw material sheets S are stacked on the discharge conveyor 70, there is a tendency for the creases SF of the raw material sheets S to be non-parallel to the discharge direction C. Specifically, there is a tendency for the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheets S to be pulled back towards the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheets SL. Consequently, the overlap of raw material on both sides of the stacked raw material sheets SL is sometimes uneven in the discharge direction C.

[0009] In the folding and stacking apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the conveying direction of the raw material sheet and the discharge direction of the stacked raw material sheet are inclined to each other. Therefore, it is easy to make the crease SF of the raw material sheet parallel to the discharge direction. However, when changing the number of stacked raw material sheets, the inclination angle of the inlet conveyor relative to the outlet conveyor needs to be changed, thus making the structure and operation of the folding and stacking apparatus relatively complex. Furthermore, since the inlet conveyor is arranged at an inclination relative to the outlet conveyor, a relatively large installation space is required for the folding and stacking apparatus.

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

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To achieve this objective, the folding and stacking apparatus of the present invention, which stacks raw material sheets by folding them, includes a stacking conveyor that conveys continuous raw material sheets in a conveying direction. The stacking conveyor includes a downstream end. The folding and stacking apparatus also includes a discharge conveyor disposed below the stacking conveyor. The discharge conveyor receives continuous raw material sheets from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor and discharges the stacked raw material sheets in a discharge direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The downstream end of the stacking conveyor is configured to reciprocate between a first reversal position and a second reversal position in the conveying direction and in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. Thus, continuous raw material sheets are folded over the discharge conveyor, forming stacked raw material sheets over the discharge conveyor. The folding and stacking apparatus also includes a guide unit comprising a pair of guide members, which proceeds together with the downstream end of the stacking conveyor. The conveyor reciprocates, guiding a continuous sheet of raw material from the downstream end of the stacking conveyor to the discharge conveyor. The pair of guiding members are configured to allow the downstream side edge of the continuous sheet of raw material to pass between them. When the downstream end of the stacking conveyor moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction and reaches the first reversal position, i.e., in the reached state, in order to move the downstream side edge of the continuous sheet of raw material to a position closer to the opposite direction to the conveying direction than the first reversal position, the guiding unit is configured to move the pair of guiding members in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. When the downstream end of the stacking conveyor moves in the conveying direction and reaches the second reversal position, in order to move the downstream side edge of the continuous sheet of raw material to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second reversal position, the guiding unit is configured to move the pair of guiding members in the conveying direction.

[0013] In this folding and stacking device, the conveying direction of the continuously conveying raw material sheets and the discharge direction of the stacked raw material sheets are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the first reversal position, the guiding unit moves a pair of guiding members in the opposite direction to the conveying direction, causing the downstream edge of the raw material sheet to move to a position closer to the opposite direction to the conveying direction than the first reversal position. Furthermore, when the downstream end of the stacking conveyor reaches the second reversal position, the guiding unit moves the pair of guiding members in the conveying direction, causing the downstream edge of the raw material sheet to move to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second reversal position. This facilitates the arrangement of the downstream edge of the raw material sheet so that the crease of the raw material sheet after moving back and forth towards the center of the width of the stacked raw material sheet is parallel to the discharge direction.

[0014] In such a folding and stacking device, it is preferable that the stacking conveyor mechanism increases the speed of the conveyor belt of the stacking conveyor when the pair of guide members are moved, in order to move the downstream edge of the continuous raw material sheet to a position opposite to the conveying direction than the first folding position and to move the downstream edge of the continuous raw material sheet to a position closer to the conveying direction than the second folding position.

[0015] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the folding and stacking apparatus further includes an inlet conveyor disposed above the stacking conveyor, the inlet conveyor conveying continuous raw material sheets in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, the inlet conveyor having a downstream end configured to transfer continuous raw material sheets from the downstream end of the inlet conveyor to the stacking conveyor. More preferably, the folding and stacking apparatus further includes a sensor that detects the position of the continuous raw material sheets in the conveying direction when they are transferred from the downstream end of the inlet conveyor to the stacking conveyor.

[0016] In this type of folding and stacking device, raw material sheets can be supplied to the stacking conveyor in a stable state.

[0017] In an embodiment of the folding and stacking apparatus of the present invention, preferably, a roller is provided between the downstream end of the inlet conveyor and the stacking conveyor, the roller maintaining the position of the continuous raw material sheets in the conveying direction when the continuous raw material sheets are transferred from the downstream end of the inlet conveyor to the stacking conveyor.

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

[0019] In embodiments of the folding and stacking device of the present invention, a pair of guide members may include a pair of guide rollers, a pair of guide plates, or both. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0022] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A schematic front view of the roller moving unit and conveyor moving unit of the folding and stacking device.

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

[0024] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A schematic front view of the roller moving unit and conveyor moving unit of the folding and stacking device.

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

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

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

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the stacking of raw material sheets using a conventional folding and stacking device.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic right view of the guide unit of a modified folding and stacking device.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic front view of multiple conveyors of a modified folding and stacking device.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic top view of the guide unit of a modified folding and stacking device.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic front view of multiple conveyors of a modified folding and stacking device.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic top view of the guide unit of a modified folding and stacking device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Reference Figures 1-8 This section describes 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 conveyors: an inlet conveyor 10, a stacking conveyor 20, and an outlet conveyor 30. The inlet conveyor 10 is located on the upper layer and is configured to receive a continuously supplied raw material sheet S and convey it in a first direction A. The stacking conveyor 20 is located on the middle layer and is configured to receive the raw material sheet S from the inlet conveyor 10 and convey it in a second direction B, opposite to the first direction A. The outlet conveyor 30 is located on the lower layer and is configured to receive the raw material sheet S from the stacking conveyor 20 and convey it in a third direction C, perpendicular to the first direction A. The first direction A, the second direction B, and the third direction C are approximately horizontal.

[0036] In this embodiment, a supply conveyor 60 for continuously supplying raw material sheet S and a conveyor 62 for sweeping off excess powder adhering to the upper and lower surfaces of the raw material sheet S using a brush are arranged upstream of the feed conveyor 10. Furthermore, to prevent shrinkage at both ends of the raw material sheet S, it is preferable to arrange an stretching device (not shown) above the supply conveyor 60 to stretch both ends of the raw material sheet S. The stretching device is, for example, a stretching roller.

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

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the front roller 14b and the counting roller 14d are configured to move relative to the frame 12 in opposite directions, namely, a first direction A and a second direction B. More specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the feed conveyor 10 includes a roller moving unit 16, which includes a drive pulley 16a, a driven pulley 16b, a belt 16c wound around these pulleys, an upper sliding member 16d fixed to the upper traveling portion of the belt 16c, a lower sliding member 16e fixed to the lower traveling portion of the belt 16c, and a drive unit 16f that drives the drive pulley 16a. The upper sliding member 16d is connected to the roller 18b and the front end roller 14b, which can travel on the upper track 18a. The lower sliding member 16e is connected to the roller 18d and the counting roller 14d, which can travel on the lower track 18c.

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

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

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the stacked conveyor 20 is configured to move relative to the frame 12 of the inlet conveyor 10 in a first direction A and a second direction B. More specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the stacking conveyor 20 includes a conveyor moving unit 26, which includes a drive pulley 26a, a driven pulley 26b, a belt 26c wound around these pulleys, a slider 26d fixed to the upper traveling portion of the belt 26c, and a drive unit 26f that drives the drive pulley 26a. The slider 26d is connected to a roller 28b that can move along a track 28a and the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20. The drive unit 16f of the roller moving unit 16 and the drive unit 26f of the conveyor moving unit 26 are linked, and the two drive pulleys 16a and 26a are configured to rotate in the same direction.

[0042] A sensor 44 is provided on the frame 12 of the inlet conveyor 10. This sensor 44 detects whether the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 is at a position corresponding to the center SLC of the fold width SLW of the stacked raw material sheet SL. The center SLC of the fold width SLW (refer to...) Figure 6This is typically the center of the discharge conveyor 30 in the width direction. Furthermore, the drive unit 26f of the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to detect the travel distance of the stacking conveyor 20. Therefore, the stacking conveyor 20 is configured to reciprocate between a first reversing position P1 and a second reversing position P2 according to a preset (input) folding width SLW. The first reversing position P1 is a position where the folding width SLW has moved halfway from the center SLC of the folding width SLW in the first direction A. The second reversing position P2 is a position where the folding width SLW has moved halfway from the center SLC of the folding width SLW in the second direction B.

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

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

[0045] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the guiding unit 50, when viewed in the third direction C, which is the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor 30, has an upstream support portion 52, a downstream support portion 54, and a pair of guiding members 56 extending between and opposite to each other from the upstream support portion 52 and the downstream support portion 54. The pair of guiding members 56 are configured to allow the raw material sheet S to pass between them. In this embodiment, the guiding member 56 is composed of an upper guiding plate 56a and a lower guiding roller 56b.

[0046] The guide member 56 is configured to pivot about a 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 that pivots about a pivot 52a fixed to the bracket 52b. The upstream end of the guide member 56 is mounted to the bracket 52c. The pivot 52a is preferably positioned at the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20.

[0047] The downstream support 54 includes a linear motor 54a fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20 and a bracket 54c for a slider 54b slidably mounted on the linear motor 54a. 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, centered on a central position GC extending in the third direction. The predetermined angle α can be varied according to the number of layers of the stacked raw material sheet SL. For example, preferably, the angle α is decreased when the number of layers is increased, and increased when the number of layers is decreased. This facilitates the setting of the folding stacking device when changing the number of layers. The predetermined angle α is, for example, 15 degrees.

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

[0049] Continuous raw material sheets S are fed into the inlet conveyor 10 via the conveyor 62, which sweeps powder off the supply conveyor 60, and are conveyed in the first direction A by the inlet conveyor 10. Next, the continuous raw material sheets S are transferred downward from the front roller 14b (downstream end) of the inlet conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and are conveyed in the second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous raw material sheets S are transferred downward from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the front roller 14b of the infeed conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A, causing the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to reach the first reversal position P1. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC in advance in the first direction A. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P1a that has been moved in the first direction A from the first reversal position P1.

[0051] Next, after the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 stops at the first folding position P1 for a predetermined time, the front roller 14b of the inlet conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form a crease SF on the raw material sheet S, folding the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is pulled back towards the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL. Finally, the crease SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. Afterward, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the front roller 14b of the infeed conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B, causing the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to reach the second reversal position P2. At this time, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC in advance in the second direction B. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P2a that has been moved in the second direction B from the second reversal position P2.

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

[0054] By repeating this action, a stacked raw material sheet SL is formed. The stacked raw material sheet SL is then discharged in the third direction C using the discharge conveyor 30.

[0055] Preferably, when the guide member 56 is moved as described above, the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is increased. This prevents the raw material sheet S, which is being transferred from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20, from being overstretched by the guide member 56, thus preventing instability in the folding of the raw material sheet S. Furthermore, it is preferable that the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is restored when the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first reversal position P1 and the second reversal position P2.

[0056] Furthermore, preferably, the degree of stretching (bending) of the raw material sheet S is inferred by detecting the position of the raw material sheet S relative to the front roller 14b detected by sensors 40 and 42, and the speed of the conveyor belt 14e of the feed conveyor 10 is adjusted so that the position of the raw material sheet S is within a specified 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 returns to the specified range, the speed of the conveyor belt 14e of the feed conveyor 10 is restored.

[0057] While embodiments of the folding and stacking apparatus of the present invention have been described above, various modifications are conceived and are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the guide member 56 has a pair of guide plates 56a and a pair of guide rollers 56b, but any combination is acceptable as long as it allows the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S to move. For example, the pair of guide plates 56a and the pair of guide rollers 56b can be omitted. The pair of guide rollers 56b can be driven rollers or freely rotating rollers. The outer diameter of the guide rollers 56b can be fixed (cylindrical shape (refer to...)). Figure 10 The outer diameter can also vary (for example, a shape that is thinner in the middle (see reference)). Figure 8 In addition, the length of the guide roller can be the overall length of the receiving raw material sheet S, or it can be the length of a portion of the receiving raw material sheet S (e.g., the downstream side edge SD).

[0059] As a variation, a guide roller 14g for guiding the raw material sheet can be provided below the front roller 14b of the inlet conveyor 10. Figure 2 and Figure 4 (Shown as a virtual line). For example, if the raw material sheet S, which is being transferred from the downstream end (drive roller 24a) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30, slips off the stacking conveyor 20 due to its own weight, the raw material sheet S is not substantially supported by the stacking conveyor 20, and the folding of the raw material sheet S cannot be controlled. In this case, the raw material sheet S can be reliably supported on the stacking conveyor 20 by providing the guide roller 14g. As a result, the bent (relaxed) state of the raw material sheet S can be maintained.

[0060] As a variation, a sensor 46 for detecting the degree of bending (relaxation) of the raw material sheet S can be integrally installed with the stacking conveyor 20 at a position lower than the stacking conveyor 20. Figure 2 and Figure 4 (shown as a virtual line in the image) controls the speed of the stacking conveyor 20. For example, if the raw material sheet S is too loose, unevenness will occur in the stacked raw material sheet SL. Therefore, 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 feed conveyor 10, but if the feed conveyor 10 can receive the raw material sheet S, the feed conveyor 10 itself may also be moved. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stacking conveyor 20 itself is moved, but it may also be configured such that only the downstream end of the stacking conveyor 20 is moved.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the pair of guide members 56 are configured to swing about the pivot 52a of the upstream support portion 52. However, any structure can be adopted if the downstream edge portion SD of the raw material sheet S can be moved. For example, the upstream support portion 52, like the downstream support portion 54, has a linear motor fixed to the frame 22 of the stacking conveyor 20, and can also 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 movement of a pair of guide members 56 can be modified according to the properties (behavior) of the raw material sheet S. For example, the starting time of the movement of the guide members 56 from the center position GC in the reciprocating motion of the stacking conveyor 20, the stopping time after the guide members 56 have moved, the starting time of the return of the guide members 56 to the center position GC, and the moving speed of the guide members 56 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0064] Next, in Figures 10-14 The preferred modified example of the folding and stacking device is shown. The preferred modified example of the folding and stacking device is constructed by partially modifying the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the guide member 56 is composed only of the guide roller 56b, that is, the guide plate 56a is omitted. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the guide roller 56b is constant, that is, the guide roller 56b is cylindrical (see reference...). Figure 10 The guide roller 56b is a driven roller (a roller with a drive mechanism). Furthermore, the speed of the conveyor belt 24c of the stacking conveyor 20 is constant. Additionally, a guide roller 14g for guiding the raw material sheets is provided below the front roller 14b of the inlet conveyor 10. Furthermore, 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 preferred modified example of the folding and stacking device will be explained.

[0066] Similar to the above embodiment, continuous raw material sheets S are fed into the inlet conveyor 10 via a conveyor 62 for sweeping powder off the supply conveyor 60, and then conveyed in the first direction A by the inlet conveyor 10. Next, the continuous raw material sheets S are transferred downward from the front roller 14b (downstream end) of the inlet conveyor 10 to the stacking conveyor 20, and then conveyed in the second direction B by the stacking conveyor 20. Next, the continuous raw material sheets S are transferred downward from the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 to the discharge conveyor 30.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, the front roller 14b of the infeed conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A. If the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the first reversal position P1, it is stopped. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive roller 24a was stopped, as... Figure 12As shown, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC towards the first direction A. As a result, the downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P1a that has been moved towards the first direction A from the first reversal position P1.

[0068] Next, similar to the above embodiment, after the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 stops at the first folding position P1 for a predetermined time, the front roller 14b of the inlet conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B to form a crease SF on the raw material sheet S, folding the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is pulled back towards the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the crease SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the front roller 14b of the infeed conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the second direction B. If the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 reaches the second reversal position P2, it is stopped. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive roller 24a was stopped, as... Figure 14 As shown, the guide member 56 is moved from the center position GC towards the second direction B. This causes the downstream edge portion SD of the raw material sheet S to be positioned on the discharge conveyor 30 at a position P2a that has moved towards the second direction B from the second reversal position P2.

[0070] Next, similar to the above embodiment, after the drive roller 24a (downstream end) of the stacking conveyor 20 stops at the second folding position P2 for a predetermined time, the front roller 14b of the inlet conveyor 10 and the stacking conveyor 20 are moved in the first direction A to form a crease SF on the raw material sheet S, folding the raw material sheet S. The downstream side edge SD of the raw material sheet S is moved back and forth towards the center SLC of the width of the stacked raw material sheet SL, and finally, the crease SF is aligned in the third direction (discharge direction) C and arranged parallel to the third direction (discharge direction) C. After that, the guide member 56 is returned to the center position GC.

[0071] By repeating this action, a stacked raw material sheet SL is formed. The stacked raw material sheet SL is then discharged in the third direction C using the discharge conveyor 30.

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

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 1. Folding and stacking device; 10. Inlet conveyor; 14b. Front roller (downstream end); 14g. Roller; 20. Stacking conveyor; 24a. Drive roller (downstream end); 24c. Conveyor belt; 30. Discharge conveyor; 50. Guide unit; 56. A pair of guide members; 40, 42. Sensors; 46. Sensor; A. First direction (opposite to the conveying direction); B. Second direction (conveying direction); C. Third direction (discharge direction); S. Raw material sheet; SD. Downstream side edge; SL. Stacked raw material sheet; P1. First fold-back position; P2. Second fold-back position.

Claims

1. A folding and stacking device (1), wherein, The folding and stacking device (1) stacks the raw material sheets (S) by folding them. The folding and stacking device (1) has a stacking conveyor (20) that conveys a continuous sheet of raw material (S) in the conveying direction (B), the stacking conveyor (20) including a downstream end (24a). The folding and stacking device (1) also has a discharge conveyor (30) disposed below the stacking conveyor (20), which 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 the first reversing position (P1) and the second reversing position (P2) in the conveying direction (B) and in the opposite direction (A) to the conveying direction (B), thereby folding continuous raw material sheets (S) on the discharge conveyor (30) and forming stacked raw material sheets (SL) on the discharge conveyor (30). The folding and stacking device (1) also has a guide unit (50) including a pair of guide members (56), which reciprocates together with the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to guide continuous raw material sheets (S) from the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) to the discharge conveyor (30). The pair of guide members (56) are configured to allow the downstream side edges (SD) of the continuous raw material sheets (S) to pass between them. With the downstream end (24a) of the stacked conveyor (20) moved in the opposite direction (A) to the conveying direction (B) and reached the first reversal position (P1), in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) to a position closer to the opposite direction (A) to the conveying direction (B) than the first reversal position (P1), the guide unit (50) is configured to move the pair of guide members (56) in the opposite direction (A) 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 reversal position (P2), in order to move the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) toward a position closer to the conveying direction (B) than the second reversal 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 guiding unit (50) is configured such that, after the downstream end (24a) of the stacking conveyor (20) moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (B) (A) and stops at the first reversal position (P1), the pair of guiding members (56) move in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (B) (A). 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 stops at the second reversal position (P2).

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

4. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The stacked conveyor (20) is configured such that when the pair of guide members (56) are moved, the speed of the conveyor belt (24c) of the stacked conveyor (20) is increased, so that the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) is moved to a position opposite to the conveying direction (B) than the first reversal position (P1) and the downstream side edge (SD) of the continuous raw material sheet (S) is moved to a position closer to the conveying direction (B) than the second reversal position (P2).

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

7. The folding and stacking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein, A roller (14g) is also provided between the downstream end (14b) of the inlet conveyor (10) and the stacking conveyor (20), which maintains the position of the continuous raw material sheets (S) in the conveying direction (B) when the continuous raw material sheets (S) are transferred from the downstream end (14b) of the inlet 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) that detects the position of the continuous raw material sheets (S) in the conveying direction (B) when the continuous raw material sheets (S) are 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 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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