Cloth reversing device

Abstract

To provide a cloth reversing device capable of reversing front and rear sides of cloth.SOLUTION: A cloth reversing device has a first conveyor 30 for conveying cloth and a second conveyor 40 for receiving the cloth C suspended from a downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30. When the cloth C is an object to be reversed, the second conveyor 40 conveys the cloth C in reverse direction while receiving the cloth C and conveys the cloth C in normal direction after receiving the cloth C. Consequently, front and rear sides of the cloth C can be reversed. The second conveyor 40 conveys the cloth C in the normal direction when the cloth C is not the object to be reversed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric inverting device, and more particularly to a device for inverting fabrics. [Background technology]

[0002] Hotels, hospitals, etc. use a large amount of cloth such as towels and sheets. Used cloth is collected and washed, dried, and folded at a laundry factory, and then transported to the hotel or hospital for reuse. In the laundry factory, the washed and dried cloth is folded using a folding machine.

[0003] Some fabrics have logos on them. These types of fabrics need to be folded so that the logos are visible on the outside. Conventionally, workers would check the front and back of the fabrics and insert them into the folding machine with the fabric facing the correct direction. However, this work places a heavy burden on workers, so there is a demand for automated processing using a machine.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a posture determination device that determines whether the top side of a piece of fabric being conveyed on a conveyor is the front or back side. When the posture determination device determines that the back side of the fabric is the top side, it is necessary to turn the fabric over so that the front side is the top side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-69204 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a fabric inverting device capable of inverting fabrics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first embodiment of the fabric inversion device comprises a first conveyor that transports fabric having a front end located downstream and a rear end located upstream, and a second conveyor that has a receiving area located below the downstream end of the first conveyor and receives the fabric hanging down from the downstream end, wherein the second conveyor transports the fabric in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the first conveyor while receiving the entire fabric from the front end to the rear end if the fabric is to be inverted, and after receiving the rear end of the fabric, transports the fabric in the forward direction, the same as the transport direction of the first conveyor, and when the fabric is not to be inverted, transports the fabric in the forward direction. The second aspect of the cloth inverting device is characterized in that, in the first aspect, it is provided with a switching mechanism that switches between a close state in which the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are close to each other, and a separated state in which the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are separated from each other. The cloth inverting device of the third aspect is the second aspect, characterized in that the switching mechanism is a flap mechanism that rotates a flap portion including the downstream end of the first conveyor up and down. The cloth inverting device of a fourth aspect is the second aspect, characterized in that the switching mechanism is a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor. The fabric inversion device of the fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth aspects, it is provided with an air blower that blows air onto the fabric hanging down from the downstream end of the first conveyor and guides the fabric between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The cloth inverting device of a sixth aspect is the cloth inverting device of any of the second to fourth aspects, characterized in that the switching mechanism is in the approach state when the cloth is not to be inverted. The seventh aspect of the fabric inversion device is characterized in that, in any of the second to fourth aspects, when the fabric is to be inverted, the switching mechanism is in the separated state while the second conveyor receives the front part of the fabric including the front end. The eighth aspect of the fabric inversion device is characterized in that, in any of the second to fourth aspects, when the fabric is to be inverted, the switching mechanism is in the approach state while the second conveyor receives the rear part of the fabric including the rear end. The ninth aspect of the fabric inversion device is characterized in that, in any of the second to fourth aspects, the switching mechanism is in the separated state while the fabric on the second conveyor passes in the forward direction between the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor when the fabric is to be inverted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the first aspect, the cloth hanging down from the first conveyor is conveyed in the reverse direction by the second conveyor and then conveyed in the forward direction, whereby the cloth can be turned over. According to the second aspect, by bringing the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor closer to each other, the transfer of fabrics from the first conveyor to the second conveyor is smooth, and the occurrence of wrinkles, curling, etc. in the fabrics can be suppressed. In addition, by separating the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor, it is possible to suppress interference of the first conveyor with the fabrics when the fabrics pass between them. According to the third aspect, the flap portion is rotated up and down to switch between the approach state and the separation state. According to the fourth aspect, the receiving area is raised and lowered to switch between the close state and the distant state. According to the fifth aspect, by blowing air onto the cloth, the cloth can be reliably guided between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. According to the sixth aspect, the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are close to each other, which allows the cloth to be transferred smoothly from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, thereby preventing the cloth from becoming wrinkled or curled. According to the seventh aspect, the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are separated from each other, so that a sufficient gap can be secured between them for the fabric to pass through, and the fabric can be reliably guided between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. According to the eighth aspect, the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are close to each other, which allows the rear of the fabric to be transferred smoothly from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, thereby preventing the fabric from becoming wrinkled or curled. According to the ninth aspect, since the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are separated from each other, a sufficient gap can be secured between them for fabrics to pass through, and interference of the first conveyor with the fabrics can be prevented when the second conveyor transports the fabrics in the forward direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a linen facility according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a cloth inverting device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first conveyor. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when the fabric is not to be inverted. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when fabric is to be inverted. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of the flap mechanism. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when the fabric is not to be inverted. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when fabric is to be inverted. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when the fabric is not to be inverted. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the fabric inverting device when fabric is to be inverted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] (Linen facilities) As shown in Fig. 1, the fabric inverting device AA according to the first embodiment of the present invention constitutes a part of a linen facility LF that processes fabrics C. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the linen facility LF is configured by connecting an inspection device IM, a fabric inverting device AA, and a folding device FD in this order.

[0011] However, the linen facility LF only needs to have the fabric inverting device AA, and other devices can be selected arbitrarily. The number of devices placed upstream of the fabric inverting device AA may be one or more. Any of the devices placed upstream of the fabric inverting device AA must have the function of determining the front and back orientation of the fabric C. The number of devices placed downstream of the fabric inverting device AA may be one or more. Furthermore, the fabric inverting device AA may be incorporated into other devices, for example, the inspection device IM or the folding device FD.

[0012] (cloth) Examples of fabrics C that are processed in the linen facility LF include towels, sheets, duvet covers, wraps, pillowcases, etc. Fabrics C are typically rectangular, square, or other shapes, but may also be other shapes.

[0013] Some fabrics C have logos affixed to them by jacquard weaving, embroidery, printing, etc. Some fabrics C also have folded edges. This type of fabric C has a front and back side. For example, the side on which the logo appears as a normal image (the image that is normally seen) corresponds to the front side, and the side on which the logo appears as a mirror image or the side on which the logo does not appear corresponds to the back side. Also, the side on which the folded fabric does not appear corresponds to the front side, and the side on which the folded fabric appears corresponds to the back side.

[0014] However, in the following, the surface that should be the top surface when the fabric C is supplied to the device in the next process after the fabric inverting device AA, for example, the folding device FD, will be referred to as the "top surface," and the surface that should be the bottom surface will be referred to as the "bottom surface." Here, the "top surface" refers to the surface of the fabric C facing upward in the conveying state, and the "bottom surface" refers to the surface of the fabric C facing downward in the conveying state. Therefore, in the following description, the "top surface" and "bottom surface" may be the opposite of the top surface and bottom surface specific to the fabric C determined from the position of the logo mark, etc. The top surface and bottom surface will be collectively referred to as the top and bottom surfaces.

[0015] (Inspection equipment) In this embodiment, the inspection device IM has a function of determining the orientation of the front and back surfaces of the fabric C. The configuration for realizing this function is not particularly limited, but an example will be described below.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the inspection device IM has a conveying device 10 that conveys cloth items C. The conveying device 10 consists of an input conveyor 11, an intermediate conveyor 12, and a discharge conveyor 13. The input conveyor 11 is a conveyor onto which an operator inputs washed and dried cloth items C. The upstream end of the intermediate conveyor 12 is connected to the downstream end of the input conveyor 11. The discharge conveyor 13 is located downstream of the intermediate conveyor 12.

[0017] An inspection table 20 having a light-transmitting portion is provided between the downstream end of the intermediate conveyor 12 and the upstream end of the discharge conveyor 13. The inspection device IM has two cameras 21, 22. The first camera 21 is arranged at the top of the device, and its optical axis is set to the inspection table 20. The first camera 21 photographs the top surface of the cloth item C being transported by the conveying device 10. The second camera 22 is arranged at the bottom of the device, and its optical axis is set to the light-transmitting portion of the inspection table 20. The second camera 22 photographs the bottom surface of the cloth item C being transported by the conveying device 10.

[0018] For example, a line camera that captures an image of the cloth C in a straight line along its lateral direction is used as the first and second cameras 21 and 22. The inspection device IM may be configured to include either one of the first and second cameras 21 and 22.

[0019] The inspection device IM has an image processing device (not shown). The image processing device is a computer composed of a CPU, memory, etc. Images of the fabric C taken by the first and second cameras 21 and 22 are input to the image processing device.

[0020] The image processing device determines whether there are any defects such as holes or stains based on the image of the fabric C. The image processing device also determines the orientation of the front and back sides of the fabric C based on the image of the fabric C. That is, the image processing device determines whether the top side of the fabric C being transported by the transport device 10 is the front side or the back side. Alternatively, the image processing device determines whether the bottom side of the fabric C being transported by the transport device 10 is the front side or the back side.

[0021] The worker spreads out the washed and dried cloth items C and places them on the feeding conveyor 11. Here, the worker does not need to be aware of the front and back sides of the cloth items C. In other words, when the cloth items C are placed on the feeding conveyor 11, the top side may be the front or the back. This simplifies the work and improves productivity.

[0022] While the fabric C is being conveyed by the conveying device 10, images of the fabric C are taken by the first and second cameras 21 and 22, and the images are input to an image processing device. The image processing device determines the orientation of the front and back sides of the fabric C.

[0023] The determination result of the inspection device IM (the front and back directions of the fabric C) is input to the fabric inverting device AA. The fabric inverting device AA inverts the front and back of the fabric C as needed. That is, the fabric inverting device AA leaves the fabric C as it is if the top side is the front, and inverts the fabric C if the top side is the back.

[0024] The fabric C discharged from the fabric inverting device AA is supplied to the folding device FD and folded. When the fabric C is supplied to the folding device FD, the front and back sides are facing in the correct direction. Therefore, the folding device FD can fold the fabric C appropriately. For example, the fabric C can be folded so that the logo appears on the outside.

[0025] (Fabric turning device) Next, the configuration of the cloth inverting device AA according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the fabric inverting device AA has a first conveyor 30. The first conveyor 30 receives fabric C from a device in a previous process, such as an inspection device IM. The conveying surface of the first conveyor 30 is approximately horizontal. The first conveyor 30 conveys the fabric C from left to right in Fig. 3.

[0026] 4, based on the conveying state of the first conveyor 30, the end of the cloth C located downstream will be referred to as the front end Cf, and the end located upstream will be referred to as the rear end Cr. Furthermore, of the cloth C, a region of a predetermined width in the conveying direction that includes the front end Cf will be referred to as the front section CF, and a region of a predetermined width in the conveying direction that includes the rear end Cr will be referred to as the rear section CR.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the fabric inverting device AA further includes a second conveyor 40. The second conveyor 40 receives the fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and supplies the fabric C to a device for the next process, such as a folding device FD. The conveying surface of the second conveyor 40 is substantially horizontal or slightly inclined so as to rise toward the device for the next process. With respect to the conveying direction of the first conveyor 30 as a reference, a portion of the second conveyor 40 on the upstream side is located below the first conveyor 30, and the remaining portion is located downstream of the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30.

[0028] The second conveyor 40 can transport the fabric C in both the forward and reverse directions. Here, the forward direction refers to the same direction as the transport direction of the first conveyor 30 (from left to right in FIG. 3). The reverse direction refers to the opposite direction to the transport direction of the first conveyor 30 (from right to left in FIG. 3).

[0029] The area of ​​the conveying surface of the second conveyor 40 that is located below the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is referred to as the receiving area 41. The receiving area 41 is a virtual area and is not a specific area of ​​the conveyor belt that constitutes the second conveyor 40. Therefore, regardless of whether the second conveyor 40 is operating, the receiving area 41 is always located below the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30.

[0030] The fabric inverting device AA has a first sensor 51 and a second sensor 52. The first and second sensors 51, 52 are both sensors that detect the presence or absence of fabric C at the detection position. Non-contact sensors such as photoelectric sensors and ultrasonic sensors are preferably used as the first and second sensors 51, 52.

[0031] The detection position of the first sensor 51 is on the conveying surface of the first conveyor 30, at a position a predetermined distance upstream from the downstream end 31. The detection position of the second sensor 52 is on the conveying surface of the second conveyor 40, at a position near the end located below the first conveyor 30.

[0032] The fabric inverting device AA has an air blower 53. Strictly speaking, the member designated by the reference symbol 53 in FIG. 3 is an air blowing nozzle. The air blower 53 is disposed downstream of the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30, based on the conveying direction of the first conveyor 30. The air blowing direction of the air blower 53 is a direction in which air is blown between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40. Therefore, when air is blown against the fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30, the fabric C is guided between the first conveyor 30 and the second conveyor 40.

[0033] The fabric inverting device AA has a control device (not shown). The control device is a computer consisting of a CPU, memory, etc. The determination results of the inspection device IM (the orientation of the front and back sides of the fabric C) are input to the control device of the fabric inverting device AA. The detection results of the first and second sensors 51, 52 are also input to the control device. The control device controls the operation of the first conveyor 30 and the second conveyor 40 based on this information.

[0034] Next, the operation of the cloth inverting device AA will be described. The fabric inverting device AA operates differently depending on whether the fabric C supplied to the first conveyor 30 is to be inverted. Whether the fabric C is to be inverted is determined based on information input from an external device such as the inspection device IM. For example, if the inspection device IM determines that the top surface of the fabric C is the front side, the fabric C is not to be inverted. If the inspection device IM determines that the top surface of the fabric C is the back side, the fabric C is to be inverted. Below, the operation of the fabric inverting device AA when the fabric C is not to be inverted and when it is to be inverted will be described in order.

[0035] (A) When fabric C is not subject to inversion As shown in Figure 5, the second conveyor 40 continues to operate in the forward direction. Therefore, the fabric C transported by the first conveyor 30 is transferred from its downstream end 31 onto the second conveyor 40 and is transported in the forward direction as is. The fabric C is then supplied to the next process device in that state.

[0036] (B) When fabric C is the object of inversion (1) As shown in Figure 6, when the first sensor 51 detects the entrance of the fabric C to be inverted, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 switches from the forward direction to the reverse direction. The fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is received by the second conveyor 40 and conveyed in the reverse direction.

[0037] Here, while the front part CF of the fabric C hangs down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30, it is preferable to blow air onto the fabric C from the air blower 53. This allows the fabric C to be reliably guided between the first conveyor 30 and the second conveyor 40.

[0038] (2) The second conveyor 40 conveys the fabric C in the reverse direction while receiving at least the entire fabric C from the front end Cf to the rear end Cr. This turns the fabric C inside out.

[0039] (3) After the second conveyor 40 receives the rear end Cr of the cloth C, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 switches from the reverse direction to the forward direction. The second conveyor 40 conveys the inverted cloth C in the forward direction and supplies it to the device for the next process.

[0040] As described above, the cloth C hanging down from the first conveyor 30 is conveyed in the reverse direction by the second conveyor 40 and then conveyed in the forward direction, whereby the cloth C can be turned over.

[0041] (C) When fabric C is subject to disposal The fabric inverting device AA may have a function of discharging fabrics C having defects such as holes or stains. The presence or absence of defects in the fabrics C is determined by an inspection device IM, and the information is input to the control device of the fabric inverting device AA.

[0042] When the first sensor 51 detects the entrance of the fabric C to be discharged, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 switches from the forward direction to the reverse direction. The fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is received by the second conveyor 40 and conveyed in the reverse direction. The second conveyor 40 continues conveying in the reverse direction until the second sensor 52 detects that the entire fabric C has passed. This causes the fabric C to be discharged from the second conveyor 40.

[0043] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a cloth inverting device BB according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fabric inverting device BB of this embodiment is the fabric inverting device AA of the first embodiment, to which a switching mechanism for moving the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 closer to or farther away from the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 is added. The configuration of the switching mechanism is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the switching mechanism is a flap mechanism 60 described below.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the first conveyor 30 has a flap portion 61. The flap portion 61 is a downstream region of the first conveyor 30 including the downstream end 31. The first conveyor 30 has a first roll 62 and a second roll 63 as rollers around which the conveyor belt is wound. The first roll 62 is disposed at the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30. The second roll 63 is disposed a predetermined distance upstream from the downstream end 31. The first roll 62 and the second roll 63 are connected by a first arm 64. The first arm 64 can rotate around the second roll 63. The first roll 62 moves up and down as the first arm 64 rotates. The flap portion 61 rotates up and down due to the up and down movement of the first roll 62.

[0045] The pivot shaft of the first arm 64 is connected to the base end of the second arm 65. The second arm 65 can pivot together with the first arm 64 around the second roll 63. The tip end of the rod of an air cylinder 66 is connected to the tip end of the second arm 65. The base end of the cylinder tube of the air cylinder 66 is pivotally supported on the frame of the fabric inverting device BB.

[0046] When the air cylinder 66 is extended, the second arm 65 rotates and the flap portion 61 rotates upward. As a result, the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 are separated (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 7). This state of the flap mechanism 60 is called the separated state. When the air cylinder 66 is retracted, the second arm 65 rotates and the flap portion 61 rotates downward. As a result, the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 are brought closer to each other (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7). This state of the flap mechanism 60 is called the approach state. In this way, the flap mechanism 60 switches between the approach state and the separated state by rotating the flap portion 61 up and down. The switching of the flap mechanism 60 is controlled by the control device of the fabric inverting device BB.

[0047] Next, the operation of the cloth inverting device BB will be described. (A) When fabric C is not subject to inversion 8, the second conveyor 40 continues to operate in the forward direction, and the flap mechanism 60 brings the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 closer to each other.

[0048] The fabric C transported by the first conveyor 30 is transferred from its downstream end 31 onto the second conveyor 40. Here, the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 are close to each other, and the step between them is low. This allows the fabric C to be transferred smoothly from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40, and prevents the fabric C from wrinkling or curling.

[0049] The cloth C transferred onto the second conveyor 40 is conveyed in the forward direction and supplied to the device for the next process.

[0050] (B) When fabric C is the object of inversion (1) As shown in Figure 9, when the first sensor 51 detects the entry of fabric C to be inverted, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 switches from the forward direction to the reverse direction. In addition, the flap mechanism 60 enters a separation state in which the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is separated from the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40. The fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is received by the second conveyor 40 and conveyed in the reverse direction. At this time, it is preferable that air is blown onto the fabric C from the air blower 53.

[0051] The flap mechanism 60 is in a separated state at least while the second conveyor 40 receives the front part CF of the fabric C. This ensures a sufficient gap between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 for the fabric C to pass through, and the fabric C can be reliably guided between the first conveyor 30 and the second conveyor 40.

[0052] (2) The flap mechanism 60 switches from the distant state to the close state while the fabric C is being transferred from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40. The flap mechanism 60 is in the close state at least while the second conveyor 40 receives the rear part CR of the fabric C. This reduces the step between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40, making it possible to smoothly transfer the rear part CR of the fabric C from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40 and preventing the fabric C from wrinkling or curling.

[0053] (3) After the second conveyor 40 receives the rear end Cr of the cloth C, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 is switched from the reverse direction to the forward direction. The second conveyor 40 conveys the inverted cloth C in the forward direction.

[0054] In addition, the flap mechanism 60 switches from the close state to the distant state. The flap mechanism 60 is in the distant state at least while the fabric C on the second conveyor 40 passes between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 in the forward direction. This ensures a gap sufficient for the fabric C to pass between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40, and prevents the first conveyor 30 from interfering with the fabric C when the second conveyor 40 transports the fabric C in the forward direction.

[0055] (C) When fabric C is subject to disposal The fabric inverting device BB may have a function of discharging defective fabrics C. When fabrics C are to be discharged, the operation of the first and second conveyors 30, 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. The flap mechanism 60 may be in a separated or close state, as in the case when fabrics C are to be inverted. Alternatively, since there is no problem even if the discharged fabrics C are wrinkled or curled, the flap mechanism 60 may be maintained in a separated state.

[0056] Third Embodiment Next, the configuration of a cloth inverting device CC according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cloth inverting device CC of this embodiment employs a lifting mechanism 70, which will be described below, as a switching mechanism.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, a third arm 71 is disposed below the conveying surface of the second conveyor 40. The base end of the third arm 71 is journaled on the frame of the cloth inverting device CC. A third roll 72 is rotatably provided at the tip of the third arm 71. The third arm 71 is rotatable around the base end. As the third arm 71 rotates, the third roll 72 moves up and down. When the third roll 72 rises, it comes into contact with the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40, and the receiving area 41 is pushed up.

[0058] The pivot shaft of the third arm 71 is connected to the base end of the fourth arm 73. The fourth arm 73 can rotate together with the third arm 71. The tip end of the fourth arm 73 is connected to the rod tip end of an air cylinder 74. The base end of the cylinder tube of the air cylinder 74 is pivotally supported on the frame of the fabric inverting device CC.

[0059] When the air cylinder 74 contracts, the third and fourth arms 71 and 73 pivot, and the third roll 72 descends. This separates the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 from the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 10). This state of the lifting mechanism 70 is called the separated state. When the air cylinder 74 extends, the third and fourth arms 71 and 73 pivot, and the third roll 72 ascends. This separates the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 from the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 (the state indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10). This state of the lifting mechanism 70 is called the approach state. In this way, the lifting mechanism 70 switches between the approach state and the separated state by raising and lowering the receiving area 41 with the third roll 72. The switching of the lifting mechanism 70 is controlled by the control device of the fabric inverting device CC.

[0060] Next, the operation of the cloth inverting device CC will be described. (A) When fabric C is not subject to inversion 11, the second conveyor 40 continues to operate in the forward direction. The lifting mechanism 70 brings the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 close to each other.

[0061] The fabric C transported by the first conveyor 30 is transferred from its downstream end 31 onto the second conveyor 40. Here, the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 are close to each other, and the step between them is low. This allows the fabric C to be transferred smoothly from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40, and prevents the fabric C from wrinkling or curling.

[0062] The cloth C transferred onto the second conveyor 40 is conveyed in the forward direction and supplied to the device for the next process.

[0063] (B) When fabric C is the object of inversion (1) As shown in Figure 12, when the first sensor 51 detects the entry of fabric C to be inverted, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 switches from the forward direction to the reverse direction. In addition, the lifting mechanism 70 enters a separation state in which the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is separated from the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40. The fabric C hanging down from the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 is received by the second conveyor 40 and conveyed in the reverse direction. At this time, it is preferable that air is blown onto the fabric C from the air blower 53.

[0064] The lifting mechanism 70 is in a separated state at least while the second conveyor 40 receives the front part CF of the fabric C. This ensures a sufficient gap between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 for the fabric C to pass through, and the fabric C can be reliably guided between the first conveyor 30 and the second conveyor 40.

[0065] (2) The lifting mechanism 70 switches from the distant state to the close state while the fabric C is being transferred from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40. The lifting mechanism 70 is in the close state at least while the second conveyor 40 receives the rear part CR of the fabric C. This lowers the step between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40, which allows the rear part CR of the fabric C to be transferred smoothly from the first conveyor 30 to the second conveyor 40, and prevents the fabric C from wrinkling or curling.

[0066] (3) After the second conveyor 40 receives the rear end Cr of the cloth C, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 40 is switched from the reverse direction to the forward direction. The second conveyor 40 conveys the inverted cloth C in the forward direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 70 switches from the close state to the distant state. The lifting mechanism 70 is in the distant state at least while the fabric C on the second conveyor 40 passes between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40 in the forward direction. This ensures a gap sufficient for the fabric C to pass between the downstream end 31 of the first conveyor 30 and the receiving area 41 of the second conveyor 40, and prevents the first conveyor 30 from interfering with the fabric C when the second conveyor 40 transports the fabric C in the forward direction.

[0068] (C) When fabric C is subject to disposal The fabric inverting device CC may have a function of discharging defective fabrics C. When fabrics C are to be discharged, the operation of the first and second conveyors 30, 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. The lifting mechanism 70 may be in a separate or close state, as in the case when fabrics C are to be inverted. Alternatively, since there is no problem even if the discharged fabrics C are wrinkled or curled, the lifting mechanism 70 may be maintained in a separate state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] AA, BB, CC Fabric turning device 30 First Conveyor 31 Downstream end 40 Second Conveyor 41 Receiving Area 60 Flap mechanism 70 Lifting mechanism

Claims

1. a first conveyor for conveying a cloth having a front end disposed downstream and a rear end disposed upstream; a second conveyor having a receiving area located below the downstream end of the first conveyor and configured to receive the cloth hanging down from the downstream end, The second conveyor is When the cloth is to be turned over, the cloth is conveyed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the first conveyor while receiving the entire cloth from the front end to the rear end, and after receiving the rear end of the cloth, the cloth is conveyed in a forward direction which is the same as the conveying direction of the first conveyor; If the fabric is not to be turned over, the fabric is conveyed in the forward direction. A cloth inverting device characterized by the above.

2. a switching mechanism that switches between a close state in which the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are close to each other and a separated state in which the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor are separated from each other; 2. The fabric inverting device according to claim 1.

3. The switching mechanism is a flap mechanism that rotates a flap portion including the downstream end of the first conveyor up and down.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

4. The switching mechanism is a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

5. an air blower that blows air onto the fabric hanging down from the downstream end of the first conveyor and guides the fabric between the first conveyor and the second conveyor; 2. The fabric inverting device according to claim 1.

6. When the fabric is not to be turned over, the switching mechanism is in the close state.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

7. When the fabric is to be inverted, the switching mechanism is in the separated state while the second conveyor receives a front portion including the front end of the fabric.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

8. When the fabric is to be inverted, the switching mechanism is in the approach state while the second conveyor receives a rear portion including the rear end of the fabric.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

9. When the fabric is to be inverted, the switching mechanism is in the separated state while the fabric on the second conveyor passes between the downstream end of the first conveyor and the receiving area of ​​the second conveyor in the forward direction.

3. The cloth inverting device according to claim 2.

Images