Automatic folding equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to automatic folding equipment. The automatic folding equipment comprises a conveyor and a folding machine. The conveyor forms a channel extending along a preset path, the conveyor is used for conveying articles clamped in the channel along the preset path, the extending direction of the channel is changed at the first position of the preset path so that the channel can be bent, and at the first position, the articles are bent with the preset surface as the inner side face. The folding machine is arranged corresponding to a second position of the preset path, the second position is located on the downstream side of the first position, and the folding machine is used for folding the article with the preset surface as the inner side face. According to the automatic folding equipment, the acting force on the product during folding can be reduced, and the probability of product damage during folding is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated equipment technology, and in particular to an automated folding device. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese patent CN212099639U discloses a folding system for folding disposable hygiene products (such as mattresses, tissues, sanitary napkins, diapers, etc.) in half or thirds to reduce their volume and facilitate packaging according to different specifications.

[0003] In the prior art, folding devices require a large force to fold products, causing them to deform and bend. This large force may damage the product surface. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an automated folding device that reduces the force applied to the product during folding, thereby lowering the probability of product breakage during folding.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides an automated folding device, which includes a conveyor and a folding machine. The conveyor forms a channel extending along a predetermined path, and is used to transport an article clamped within the channel along the predetermined path. At a first position on the predetermined path, the extension direction of the channel changes so that the channel is bent, and at the first position, the article is bent with a predetermined surface as its inner side. The folding machine is positioned at a second position on the predetermined path, downstream of the first position, and is used to fold the article with the predetermined surface as its inner side.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the channel has a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite to each other. The first wall is attached to a predetermined surface of an article, and the second wall is attached to the back side of the predetermined surface of the article. At a first position, the first wall and the second wall are respectively bent so that the channel is bent.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the conveyor includes a reversing wheel, a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, and a third conveyor belt. The reversing wheel is located at a first position. The first conveyor belt is wound around the reversing wheel, and the first conveyor belt forms a first wall surface on the side of the reversing wheel facing away from the reversing wheel in the radial direction. The second and third conveyor belts are arranged sequentially in the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt, and are respectively opposite to and spaced apart from the first conveyor belt. The second and third conveyor belts, respectively, together form a second wall surface on the side of the first conveyor belt facing away from it.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, at a first location, an opening is formed between the second conveyor belt and the first conveyor belt to allow articles to be conveyed to the downstream side through the opening, and a portion of the third conveyor belt is disposed opposite to the opening.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the channel extends in the same direction upstream of the first position, and the channel extends in the same direction within the interval between the first position and the second position.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the channel extends in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane on the upstream side of the first location.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the second position is higher than the first position in the vertical direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the channel is at an obtuse angle at the first position.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, at the first position, the included angle of the channel is 105°-130°.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, at the second position, the channel is interrupted and the direction of extension is changed. The folding machine includes a movable member that can be selectively inserted into the channel downstream of the second position to push against a predetermined surface of the article and insert the article into the channel downstream of the second position after a predetermined portion of the article has emerged from the channel upstream of the second position, thereby causing the predetermined portion of the article to fold over the rest of the article.

[0015] The technical solution described in this application has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0016] A conveyor is used to transport items clamped within a channel along a predetermined path. Because the items are clamped within the channel, their shape will conform to the shape of the channel at their location. At a first position on the predetermined path, the channel's extension direction changes, causing the channel to bend. Therefore, at the first position, the items are bent with a predetermined surface as their inner side. That is, at the first position, the shape of the channel forces the items to pre-bend. A folding machine is positioned at a second position on the predetermined path, downstream of the first position. The folding machine is used to fold the items with the predetermined surface as their inner side. In this application, before folding the items, the items are pre-bent and then restored to their original shape. The folding machine can use a relatively small force when folding the items, thereby reducing the probability of breakage during folding. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an automated folding device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the extension path of the channel of the automated folding device shown.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the changes in the shape of an item during the folding process using an automated folding device.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first position of the item within the passageway in the automated folding device shown.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 In the E1-E1 sectional view, the item is in the first shape;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 In the E1-E1 sectional view, the item is in the second shape;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the first position in the automated folding device shown;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the second position in the automated folding device shown.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings:

[0027] 10-Conveyor; 111-First reversing wheel; 112-Second reversing wheel; 113-Third reversing wheel; 114-Fourth reversing wheel; 115-Fifth reversing wheel; 116-Sixth reversing wheel; 117-Seventh reversing wheel; 121-First conveyor belt; 122-Second conveyor belt; 123-Third conveyor belt; 131-First opening; 132-Second opening; 133-Third opening; 20-Passageway; 210-First wall; 220-Second wall; 231-First sub-segment; 232-Second sub-segment; 30-First Folding mechanism; 310-Moving part; 320-Driver; 330-Guide; 40-Second folding mechanism; 50-Item; 510-First surface; 520-Second surface; 530-First part; 540-Second part; P1-First position; P2-Second position; P3-Third position; P4-Fourth position; D1-First direction; D2-Second direction; D3-Third direction; D4-Fourth direction; D5-Fifth direction; S-Predetermined path; L1-First crease; L2-Second crease; L3-Third crease. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of an automated folding device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the extension path of channel 20 of the automated folding device shown.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, there are two folding machines, which are named the first folding machine 30 and the second folding machine 40 for easy distinction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the automated folding device includes a conveyor 10, a first folding machine 30, and a second folding machine 40.

[0032] The conveyor 10 forms a channel 20 extending along a predetermined path S, and the conveyor 10 is used to transport an article 50 clamped within the channel 20 along the predetermined path S. At a first position P1 on the predetermined path S, the extension direction of the channel 20 changes so that the channel 20 is bent. At the first position P1, the article 50 is bent with a predetermined surface as its inner side.

[0033] The first folding machine 30 is set at a second position P2 corresponding to the predetermined path S. The second position P2 is located downstream of the first position P1. The first folding machine 30 is used to fold the item 50 with the predetermined surface as the inner side.

[0034] The second folding machine 40 is set at the third position P3 corresponding to the predetermined path S. The third position P3 is located downstream of the second position P2. The second folding machine 40 is used to fold the item 50 with the predetermined surface as the inner side.

[0035] The aforementioned item 50 can be a mattress, tissues, sanitary napkins, diapers, etc. The bending action of the conveyor 10 on the item 50 at the first position P1, through the shape of its channel 20, is called pre-bending. The folding action of the first folding machine 30 on the item 50 is called a first fold. The folding action of the second folding machine 40 on the item 50 is called a second fold.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 . Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the shape change of item 50 during folding by the automated folding device. Item 50 is generally flat, and the view shown is a side view. Item 50 has a first surface 510 and a second surface 520 facing away from each other.

[0037] Part a shows the original form of item 50 upstream of the first position P1; part b shows the form of item 50 at the first position P1, which is the form of item 50 during pre-bending; part c shows the form of item 50 downstream of the first position P1 and upstream of the second position P2, restoring the original form of item 50; part d shows the form of item 50 at the second position P2, which is the form of item 50 after one fold; part e shows the form of item 50 at the third position P3, which is the form of item 50 after a second fold.

[0038] On the upstream side of the first position P1, item 50 is generally flat.

[0039] At the first position P1, due to the shape constraint of the channel 20, the item 50 maintains a shape consistent with the channel 20, thereby causing the item 50 to bend with the first surface 510 as the inner surface, the second surface 520 as the outer surface, and the first crease L1 as the center. The first crease L1 is located on the first surface 510. At the first position P1, the bending angle of the item 50 is consistent with the bending angle of the channel 20. As the item 50 moves, the position of the first crease L1 continuously changes. Specifically, in the conveying direction, the first crease L1 continuously moves from front to back.

[0040] After item 50 passes through the first position P1, item 50 returns to its flat shape due to the shape limitation of channel 20.

[0041] At the second position P2, the first folding machine 30 folds the item 50 once, with the first surface 510 as the inner surface, the second surface 520 as the outer surface, and the second crease L2 as the center. The first part 530 of the item 50 is stacked on top of the rest.

[0042] At the third position P3, the second folding machine 40 folds the item 50 a second time. At this time, the item 50 is folded with the first surface 510 as the inner surface, the second surface 520 as the outer surface, and the third crease L3 as the center. The second part 540 of the item 50 is stacked on the first part 530.

[0043] In this embodiment, the article 50 is pre-bent at the first position P1. The first crease L1 of the pre-bending passes through the first surface 510 sequentially from front to back, so that the article 50 is pre-bent at any position from front to back. Before the first folding machine 30 folds the article 50, the article 50 has already been pre-bent at the second crease L2 and then returns to its original shape. Similarly, before the second folding machine 40 folds the article 50, the article 50 has already been pre-bent at the third crease L3 and then returns to its original shape.

[0044] When item 50 is pre-bent, internal stress is generated in the material. After maintaining the bent state for a period of time, stress relaxation occurs, meaning the internal stress gradually decreases. When item 50 is then returned to its original shape, although the material appears to have returned to its initial shape, its internal crystal structure and microstructure have undergone some changes, and some areas may have experienced slight yielding. This change in microstructure allows the material to respond to external forces more "softly" when subjected to stress again, reducing its resistance to deformation. This reduces the force required for subsequent folding, lowering the probability of damage to item 50.

[0045] Please see Figure 4 . Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first position P1 of the automated folding device, where item 50 is located within channel 20.

[0046] In some embodiments, the channel 20 has a first wall 210 and a second wall 220 disposed opposite to each other, the first wall 210 conforming to a predetermined surface of the article 50, and the second wall 220 conforming to the back side of the predetermined surface of the article 50. At a first position P1, the first wall 210 and the second wall 220 are respectively bent, so that the channel 20 is bent.

[0047] Specifically, the first wall surface 210 is attached to the first surface 510 of the article 50, and the second wall surface 220 is attached to the second surface 520 of the article 50. The shape of the first wall surface 210 matches the shape of the first surface 510, and the shape of the second wall surface 220 matches the shape of the second surface 520.

[0048] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 yes Figure 4 In the cross-sectional view of E1-E1, item 50 has a first shape. In an application scenario, in its original state, item 50 has a first surface 510 and a second surface 520 that are flat surfaces. Correspondingly, in the non-bending area, the first wall 210 and the second wall 220 are both flat surfaces.

[0049] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 yes Figure 4 In the E1-E1 sectional view, item 50 has the second shape. In another application scenario, in the original state, the first surface 510 and the second surface 520 of item 50 are curved surfaces. Correspondingly, in the non-bending area, the first wall 210 and the second wall 220 are both curved surfaces.

[0050] Of course, the item 50 can also be other shapes, and the shapes of the first surface 510 and the second surface 520 can also be different. The first wall 210 and the second wall 220 of the channel 20 can be set accordingly.

[0051] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 1 In the automated folding device shown, the channel 20 is generally slit-shaped. The conveyor 10 holds the item 50 through the first wall 210 and the second wall 220. The first wall 210 and the second wall 220 are movable and drive the item 50 to move.

[0052] In other embodiments, the channel 20 may also take other structural forms. For example, the channel 20 may be a closed cavity, and the article 50 may be placed inside the channel 20. The article 50 is moved within the channel 20 by airflow.

[0053] Please see Figure 7 . Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the first position P1 in the automated folding device shown.

[0054] Figure 1 In the automated folding device shown, a first wall 210 and a second wall 220 are formed by a conveyor belt. Details are as follows.

[0055] In some embodiments, the conveyor 10 includes a reversing wheel, a first conveyor belt 121, a second conveyor belt 122, and a third conveyor belt 123. The reversing wheel is located at a first position P1. The first conveyor belt 121 is wound around the reversing wheel, and the first conveyor belt 121 forms a first wall surface 210 on the side of the reversing wheel facing away from the reversing wheel in the radial direction. The second conveyor belt 122 and the third conveyor belt 123 are arranged sequentially in the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt 121, and are respectively opposite to and spaced apart from the first conveyor belt 121. The second conveyor belt 122 and the third conveyor belt 123 together form a second wall surface 220 on the side of the first conveyor belt 121.

[0056] The reversing wheel can rotate around its own axis.

[0057] The first conveyor belt 121 is wound around multiple reversing wheels and moves in a closed loop. The second conveyor belt 122 is wound around multiple reversing wheels and moves in a closed loop. The third conveyor belt 123 is wound around multiple reversing wheels and moves in a closed loop.

[0058] A first conveyor belt 121 is sequentially wound around a first reversing pulley 111, a second reversing pulley 112, and a third reversing pulley 113. The area of ​​the first conveyor belt 121 between the first reversing pulley 111 and the second reversing pulley 112 is defined as a first region. The second reversing pulley 112 is located at a first position P1. The area of ​​the first conveyor belt 121 between the second reversing pulley 112 and the third reversing pulley 113 is defined as a second region. The first conveyor belt 121 moves along a first direction D1 in the first region. The first conveyor belt 121 moves along a second direction D2 in the second region.

[0059] The second conveyor belt 122 is sequentially wound around the fourth reversing wheel 114 and the fifth reversing wheel 115. The area of ​​the second conveyor belt 122 between the fourth reversing wheel 114 and the fifth reversing wheel 115 is defined as the third region. The second conveyor belt 122 moves in the third region along the first direction D1.

[0060] The third conveyor belt 123 is sequentially wound around the sixth reversing wheel 116 and the seventh reversing wheel 117. The area of ​​the third conveyor belt 123 between the sixth reversing wheel 116 and the seventh reversing wheel 117 is defined as the fourth region. The third conveyor belt 123 moves in the fourth region along the second direction D2.

[0061] The portion of the second conveyor belt 122 located in the third region is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the portion of the first conveyor belt 121 located in the first region, forming a portion of the channel 20 upstream of the first position P1. The portion of the third conveyor belt 123 located in the fourth region is positioned opposite and spaced apart from the portion of the first conveyor belt 121 located in the second region, forming a portion of the channel 20 downstream of the first position P1 and upstream of the second position P2. A first wall 210 is formed on the surface of the portions of the first conveyor belt 121 located in the first and second regions. A second wall 220 is formed on the surface of the portion of the second conveyor belt 122 located in the third region. A second wall 220 is formed on the surface of the portion of the third conveyor belt 123 located in the fourth region.

[0062] Upstream of the first position P1, the first conveyor belt 121 and the second conveyor belt 122 respectively clamp the item 50 and drive the item 50 to move along the first direction D1. Downstream of the first position P1, the first conveyor belt 121 and the third conveyor belt 123 respectively clamp the item 50 and drive the item 50 to move along the second direction D2. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are set at an angle. At the first position P1, a first opening 131 is formed between the second conveyor belt 122 and the first conveyor belt 121 so that the item 50 is conveyed to the downstream side through the first opening 131. At the first position P1, after a part of the item 50 extends out of the first opening 131 along the first direction D1, it enters between the third conveyor belt 123 and the first conveyor belt 121 and is driven to move along the second direction D2. At this time, the remaining part of the item 50 located between the second conveyor belt 122 and the first conveyor belt 121 still moves along the first direction D1, and the item 50 is bent.

[0063] Furthermore, a portion of the third conveyor belt 123 is positioned opposite the first opening 131. This arrangement ensures that once a portion of the article 50 extends out of the first opening 131 in the first direction D1, it can immediately be driven by the third conveyor belt 123 and enter the space between the third conveyor belt 123 and the first conveyor belt 121.

[0064] Please see Figure 8 . Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the second position P2 in the automated folding device shown.

[0065] In some embodiments, at the second position P2, the channel 20 is interrupted and its extension direction is changed. The folding machine includes a movable element 310 that can be selectively inserted into the channel 20 downstream of the second position P2 to push against a predetermined surface of the article 50 and insert the article 50 into the channel 20 downstream of the second position P2 after a predetermined portion of the article 50 has emerged from the channel 20 upstream of the second position P2, thereby folding the predetermined portion of the article 50 over the rest of the article 50.

[0066] Specifically, for ease of description, the following definitions are made: the portion of channel 20 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is defined as the first sub-segment 231, and the portion of channel 20 between the second position P2 and the third position P3 is defined as the second sub-segment 232.

[0067] The first segment 231 extends from the first position P1 along the second direction D2 to the second position P2. The end of the first segment 231 at the second position P2 is open along the second direction D2, forming a second opening 132.

[0068] The second sub-segment 232 extends from the second position P2 along the third direction D3. The end of the second sub-segment 232 at the second position P2 is open in the opposite direction of the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is set at an angle to the second direction D2.

[0069] The first folding mechanism 30 includes a movable member 310, a driver 320, and a guide 330. The guide 330 is disposed on one side of the second sub-segment 232 in the second direction D2 and is disposed opposite to the second opening 132. The movable member 310 is connected to the driver 320, which drives the movable member to selectively insert into the second sub-segment 232 through the third opening 133.

[0070] At the second position P2, guided by the guide 330, the first part 530 of the article 50 extends from the second opening 132 into the first segment 231 and continues to move along the second direction D2. The actuator 320 drives the movable member 310 to move, causing the movable member 310 to push against the second crease L2 from one side of the first surface 510 of the article 50, inserting the article 50 into the second segment 232 through the third opening 133. During this process, the article 50 folds at the second crease L2, such that the first part 530 of the article 50 overlaps the rest. Then, the actuator 320 drives the movable member 310 to exit the second segment 232. After one fold, the article 50 continues to move along the third direction D3 within the second segment 232.

[0071] At the third position P3, the second folding machine 40 performs a second folding operation on the item 50, which is similar to the first folding machine 30 performing a first folding operation on the item 50. It will not be described again here.

[0072] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the channel 20 extends in the same direction upstream of the first position P1, and the channel 20 extends in the same direction within the interval from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0073] Specifically, channel 20 extends along the first direction D1 upstream of the first position P1 in a straight path; channel 20 extends along the second direction D2 in the region from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in a straight path; channel 20 extends along the third direction D3 in the region from the second position P2 to the third position P3 in a straight path; channel 20 extends along the fourth direction D4 in the region between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 in a straight path; and channel 20 extends along the fifth direction D5 downstream of the fourth position P4 in a straight path.

[0074] The channel 20 extends in the same direction between each turning point, which helps to maintain low transport resistance and allows the item 50 to be transported smoothly.

[0075] In some embodiments, the channel 20 extends parallel to the horizontal plane on the upstream side of the first position P1. Specifically, the first direction D1, the third direction D3, and the fifth direction D5 are the same and are all horizontal. This arrangement minimizes the impact of the weight of the item 50 on the transport process.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second position P2 is higher than the first position P1 in the vertical direction. This arrangement positions the first folding machine 30 at a relatively high position, facilitating operations such as inspecting the first folding machine 30 and troubleshooting abnormalities at the second position P2. Similarly, in some embodiments, the third position P3 is higher than the first position P1, achieving the same effect.

[0077] In some embodiments, at the first position P1, the channel 20 is at an obtuse angle. Specifically, the included angle θ of the channel 20 is 105°-130°, for example, 105°, 110°, 115°, 125°, or 130°. If the included angle θ of the channel 20 is too large, the pre-bending effect is not obvious; if the included angle θ of the channel 20 is too small, the item 50 is easily blocked at the first position P1. An included angle θ of 105°-130° for the channel 20 on the conveyor can achieve a better pre-bending effect, while the probability of the item 50 being blocked at the first position P1 is relatively low.

[0078] Note that the above are merely preferred embodiments and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of this application, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated folding apparatus, characterized by, include: A conveyor (10) forms a channel (20) extending along a predetermined path (S). The conveyor (10) is used to transport an article (50) clamped in the channel (20) along the predetermined path (S). At a first position (P1) of the predetermined path (S), the extension direction of the channel (20) changes so that the channel (20) is bent. At the first position (P1), the article (50) is bent with a predetermined surface as its inner side. A folding machine is provided at a second position (P2) corresponding to the predetermined path (S), the second position (P2) being located downstream of the first position (P1), the folding machine being used to fold the article (50) with the predetermined surface as the inner side.

2. The automated folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The channel (20) has a first wall (210) and a second wall (220) disposed opposite to each other. The first wall (210) is attached to the predetermined surface of the article (50), and the second wall (220) is attached to the back side of the predetermined surface of the article (50). At the first position (P1), the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) are respectively bent so that the channel (20) is bent.

3. The automated folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The conveyor (10) includes: A reversing wheel, which is located at the first position (P1); A first conveyor belt (121) is wound around the reversing wheel, and the first conveyor belt (121) forms the first wall surface (210) on the side of the reversing wheel that is radially away from the reversing wheel. The second conveyor belt (122) and the third conveyor belt (123) are arranged sequentially in the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt (121) and are respectively opposite to and spaced apart from the first conveyor belt (121). The second conveyor belt (122) and the third conveyor belt (123) together form the second wall surface (220) on the side surface facing the first conveyor belt (121).

4. The automated folding apparatus of claim 3, wherein, At the first position (P1), an opening is formed between the second conveyor belt (122) and the first conveyor belt (121) so that the article (50) is conveyed to the downstream side through the opening, and a portion of the third conveyor belt (123) is disposed opposite to the opening.

5. The automated folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The channel (20) extends in the same direction upstream of the first position (P1) and extends in the same direction within the interval from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2).

6. The automated folding apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The channel (20) extends parallel to the horizontal plane on the upstream side of the first position (P1).

7. The automated folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Vertically, the second position (P2) is higher than the first position (P1).

8. The automated folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, At the first position (P1), the channel (20) is at an obtuse angle.

9. The automated folding apparatus of claim 8, wherein, At the first position (P1), the included angle of the channel (20) is 105°-130°.

10. The automated folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the second position (P2), the channel (20) is interrupted and its direction of extension is changed; The folding mechanism includes a movable element (310) that can be selectively inserted into the channel (20) downstream of the second position (P2) to push against the predetermined surface of the article (50) and insert the article (50) into the channel (20) downstream of the second position (P2) after a predetermined portion of the article (50) has protruded from the channel (20) upstream of the second position (P2), thereby causing the predetermined portion of the article (50) to fold over the rest of the article (50).

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