Dehydrated cake transport system

Abstract

To provide a dewatered cake transport system suitable for adjusting the order or transport time of laundry. [Solution] The dewatered cake ordering control device is configured by providing a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift, a stocker 40, and a relay conveyor 52 on the transport path between the dewatering machine and the dryer. The stocker 20 has a plurality of stock conveyors 22 for stocking dewatered cakes and a relay conveyor 24 for transporting dewatered cakes to a pallet conveyor 32. The lift has a pallet conveyor 32 for transporting dewatered cakes between the relay conveyors 24, 44 and the stock conveyors 22, 42, and a moving mechanism 34 for moving the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction. The stocker 40 has a plurality of stock conveyors 42 for stocking dewatered cakes and a relay conveyor 44 for transporting dewatered cakes from the pallet conveyor 32 to the relay conveyor 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for transporting a dehydrated cake between a dehydrator and a dryer, and more particularly to a dehydrated cake transport system suitable for adjusting the transport order or transport time of laundry.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technique for transporting a dehydrated cake between a dehydrator and a dryer, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, laundry is sorted batch by batch and put into a washing machine, and is washed in the washing machine. The washed laundry is dehydrated by a dehydrator batch by batch and becomes a lump of laundry (hereinafter referred to as "dehydrated cake") batch by batch. The dehydrated cake is transported to a dryer by a conveyor and put into the dryer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When receiving laundry from multiple companies, batches are formed for each company, and the washing process, dehydration process, and drying process are performed in batch units. Then, the ironed and folded laundry is sorted manually. In the sorting process, it is necessary to adjust the sorting order and working time due to circumstances such as human resources. In this case, it is conceivable that the operator in the sorting process communicates with the operator in the washing process to adjust the transport order and transport time of the laundry. However, since the content to be adjusted varies depending on the situation such as the amount of the laundry, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform appropriate adjustment.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the unresolved problems of the conventional technology, and aims to provide a dewatered cake conveying system suitable for adjusting the conveying order or conveying time of laundry. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [Invention 1] To achieve the above objective, the dewatered cake transport system of Invention 1 is a system for transporting dewatered cakes, which are lumpy laundry items dewatered by a dewatering machine, between the dewatering machine and a dryer, comprising a stocker for storing one or more of the dewatered cakes, and an loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dewatered cakes to and from the stocker, and provided with a first transport path for transporting the dewatered cakes from the dewatering machine to the stocker, and a second transport path for transporting the dewatered cakes from the stocker to the dryer.

[0008] In this configuration, the dehydrated cakes are transported through the first transport path, loaded into the stocker by the loading / unloading mechanism, and stored in the stocker. Then, the dehydrated cakes are unloaded from the stocker by the loading / unloading mechanism and transported through the second transport path.

[0009] For example, the transport time can be adjusted by having the dehydrated cakes wait in a storage unit. Additionally, the transport order can be adjusted by changing the order in which the dehydrated cakes are transported using the storage unit.

[0010] Here, conveying between the dewatering machine and the dryer includes, for example, conveying along the entire route between the dewatering machine and the dryer, or conveying along a portion of the route between the dewatering machine and the dryer. The same applies hereafter to the dewatered cake conveying system of Invention 2.

[0011] Furthermore, the storage unit only needs to be able to store at least one dehydrated cake. Even with a storage unit that stores only one dehydrated cake, the transport time of the dehydrated cake can be adjusted.

[0012] Furthermore, the first transport path can be configured, for example, as a path connected to the dewatering machine and the storage unit, a path connected to the path leading to the dewatering machine (partial path), or a path connected to the path leading to the storage unit (partial path). The first transport path does not need to be connected to the dewatering machine or the storage unit. The same applies hereafter to the dewatered cake transport system of Invention 2.

[0013] Furthermore, the second transport path can be configured, for example, as a path connected to the stocker and the dryer, a path connected to the path leading to the stocker (partial path), or a path connected to the path leading to the dryer (partial path). The second transport path does not need to be connected to the stocker or the dryer. The same applies hereafter to the dewatered cake transport system of Invention 2.

[0014] [Invention 2] Furthermore, the dewatered cake transport system of Invention 2 is a system for transporting dewatered cakes, which are lumpy laundry items dewatered by a dewatering machine, between the dewatering machine and a dryer, and comprises a stocker for stocking one or more of the dewatered cakes, and an loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dewatered cakes to and from the stocker, and is provided with a first transport path for transporting the dewatered cakes from the dewatering machine to the stocker, a second transport path for transporting the dewatered cakes from the stocker to the dryer, and a third transport path for transporting the dewatered cakes from the dewatering machine to the dryer.

[0015] In this configuration, the dehydrated cakes are transported through the first transport path, loaded into a stocker by the loading / unloading mechanism, and stored in the stocker. Then, the dehydrated cakes are unloaded from the stocker by the loading / unloading mechanism and transported through the second transport path. Alternatively, the dehydrated cakes can also be transported through a third transport path.

[0016] For example, the transport time can be adjusted by having the dehydrated cakes wait in a storage unit. Additionally, the transport order can be adjusted by changing the order in which the dehydrated cakes are transported using the storage unit.

[0017] Here, the stocker only needs to be able to store at least one dehydrated cake. Even with a stocker that stores only one dehydrated cake, the transport time of the dehydrated cakes can be adjusted. Furthermore, the transport order of the dehydrated cakes can be adjusted, for example, by stocking the first dehydrated cake in the stocker, transporting the subsequent dehydrated cake on the third transport path, and then transporting the first dehydrated cake on the second transport path.

[0018] Furthermore, the third transport path can be configured, for example, as a path connected to the dewatering machine and the dryer, a path connected to the path leading to the dewatering machine (partial path), or a path connected to the path leading to the dryer (partial path). The third transport path does not need to be connected to the dewatering machine or the dryer.

[0019] [Invention 3] Furthermore, the dewatered cake conveying system of Invention 3 is the dewatered cake conveying system of Invention 2, wherein the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dewatering machine and the dryer, the stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dewatered cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism and a first conveying device for conveying the dewatered cakes received from the side of the dewatering machine to the loading / unloading mechanism, the loading / unloading mechanism has a second conveying device for conveying the dewatered cakes between the first conveying device and the shelves and the dryer and a moving mechanism for moving the second conveying device in the direction of the shelves.

[0020] In this configuration, the first conveying device transports the dewatered cakes received from the dewatering machine to the loading / unloading mechanism, and the second conveying device loads the dewatered cakes onto the shelves. Then, the second conveying device transports the dewatered cakes from the shelves to the dryer. At this time, the second conveying device moves using a moving mechanism according to its positional relationship, etc.

[0021] Here, as for conveying between the first conveying device, the shelf, and the dryer, for example, it includes conveying all paths between the first conveying device, the shelf, and the dryer, and conveying some paths between the first conveying device, the shelf, and the dryer. In the latter case, a second stocker, a second loading / unloading mechanism, and other equipment can be provided downstream of the loading / unloading mechanism.

[0022] 〔Invention 4〕 Further, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 4, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 2, the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator and the dryer. The stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and a first conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the dryer side. The loading / unloading mechanism has a second conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cake between the dehydrator, the first conveying device, and the shelf, and a moving mechanism for moving the second conveying device in the step direction of the shelf.

[0023] With such a configuration, the dehydrated cake received from the dehydrator side is carried into the shelf by the second conveying device. Then, the dehydrated cake on the shelf is conveyed to the first conveying device by the second conveying device, and the dehydrated cake is conveyed to the dryer side by the first conveying device. At this time, the second conveying device moves by the moving mechanism according to the positional relationship and the like.

[0024] Here, as for conveying between the dehydrator, the first conveying device, and the shelf, for example, it includes conveying all paths between the dehydrator, the first conveying device, and the shelf, and conveying some paths between the dehydrator, the first conveying device, and the shelf. In the latter case, a second stocker, a second loading / unloading mechanism, and other equipment can be provided upstream of the loading / unloading mechanism. The same applies to the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 6 below.

[0025] [[Invention 5]] Further, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 5, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of any one of Inventions 3 and 4, a conveying mechanism for conveying the dehydrated cake to each of a plurality of the dryers installed in parallel is provided, and the conveying mechanism includes a third conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cake received from a stock mechanism including the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism to the dryer side, and a second moving mechanism for moving the third conveying device in the arrangement direction of the dryers.

[0026] With such a configuration, the dehydrated cake received from the stock mechanism is conveyed to the dryer side by the third conveying device. At this time, the third conveying device moves by the second moving mechanism in order to convey the dehydrated cake to the target dryer.

[0027] [[Invention 6]] Further, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 6, in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 2, the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator and the dryer, and a first conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the dryer side is provided. The stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and the loading / unloading mechanism includes a second conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cake between the dehydrator, the first conveying device, and the shelves, and a moving mechanism for moving the second conveying device in the step direction of the shelves.

[0028] With such a configuration, the dehydrated cake received from the dehydrator side is carried into the shelf by the second conveying device. Then, the dehydrated cake on the shelf is conveyed to the first conveying device by the second conveying device, and the dehydrated cake is conveyed to the dryer side by the first conveying device. At this time, the second conveying device moves by the moving mechanism according to the positional relationship and the like.

[0029] [[Invention 7]] Further, the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 7 includes a second moving mechanism for moving the first conveying device in the arrangement direction of a plurality of the dryers installed in parallel in the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 6.

[0030] In this configuration, the first conveying device transports the dewatered cakes to the dryer. At this time, the first conveying device moves via the second moving mechanism to transport the dewatered cakes to the target dryer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] As described above, the dewatered cake conveying system of invention 1 or 2 allows for adjustment of the conveying order or conveying time of the dewatered cakes between the dewatering machine and the dryer.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the dewatered cake conveying system of Invention 3, since a stocker and an loading / unloading mechanism are provided on the conveying path between the dewatering machine and the dryer, space can be saved compared to when the equipment is mounted alongside the conveying path.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the dewatered cake conveying system of invention 4 or 6, since the loading / unloading mechanism and stocker are provided on the conveying path between the dewatering machine and the dryer, space can be saved compared to when they are mounted sideways on the conveying path.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the dehydrated cake conveying system of invention 5 or 7, the conveying order or conveying time of dehydrated cakes can be adjusted for multiple dryers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the overall structure and process. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the dehydrated cake ordering control device 100. [Figure 4] This is a control block diagram of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the dehydrated cake ordering control device 100. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the dehydrated cake ordering control device 100. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figures 1 to 4 show this embodiment.

[0037] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall structure and process.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the laundry washing process in a laundry factory includes a washing process in which laundry is washed in washing machine 1, and a dewatering process in which the washed laundry is dewatered in spin dryer 2. Laundry is sorted into batches and washed in washing machine 1. When receiving laundry from multiple companies, each company is assigned a batch. The washed laundry is dewatered in spin dryer 2 for each batch, resulting in dewatered cakes for each batch.

[0039] The process of washing laundry further includes a sequence control step in which the order and time of transporting the dehydrated cakes from the dehydration step are controlled by a dehydrated cake sequence control device 100, and a drying step in which the dehydrated cakes from the sequence control step are dried by a plurality of dryers 3.

[0040] The laundry washing process further includes a spreading process in which the laundry dried in the drying process is spread out by a spreading machine 4, an ironing process in which the laundry spread out in the spreading process is ironed by an ironer 5, and a folding process in which the laundry ironed in the ironing process is folded by a folding machine 6. The folded laundry is sorted by hand.

[0041] The washing machine 1, spin dryer 2, dryer 3, unfolding machine 4, ironer 5, and folding machine 6 can employ known technologies, such as the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the dehydrated cake ordering control device 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a front view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100.

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 is configured by providing a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift 30, a stocker 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0044] The relay conveyor 10 transports the dewatered cakes 12 received from the dewatering machine 2 to the stocker 20. The dewatered cakes 12 are, for example, flattened cylindrical in shape. The relay conveyor 10 can be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The same applies to other conveyors below.

[0045] The stocker 20 is configured with multiple stock conveyors 22 for storing dehydrated cakes 12, and an intermediate conveyor 24 located below the lowest stock conveyor 22. The stock conveyors 22 are arranged in multiple vertical stages.

[0046] The lift 30 is configured to include a pallet conveyor 32 that transports the dewatered cakes 12 between the stockers 20 and 40 and the mobile relay conveyor 50, and a moving mechanism 34 that moves the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction. The lift 30 can employ known technologies such as vertical conveyors.

[0047] The stocker 40 is configured with multiple stock conveyors 42 for storing dehydrated cakes 12, and an intermediate conveyor 44 located above the uppermost stock conveyor 42. The stock conveyors 42 are arranged in multiple vertical stages.

[0048] Multiple dryers 3 are installed in parallel on a frame 3a. Two rails 3b are formed on the top plate of the frame 3a in front of the dryers 3. Each rail 3b is formed parallel to the direction in which the dryers 3 are arranged.

[0049] The mobile relay conveyor 50 includes a relay conveyor 52 that transports the dewatered cakes 12 to the dryers 3, and a moving mechanism 54 that moves the relay conveyor 52 along each rail 3b in the direction of the dryers 3, thereby transporting the dewatered cakes 12 to each dryer 3. The moving mechanism 54 can employ known technologies such as linear guides, for example.

[0050] The relay conveyor 24 is connected to the relay conveyor 10 and the pallet conveyor 32, and transports the dewatered cakes 12 received from the relay conveyor 10 to the pallet conveyor 32. The stock conveyor 22 stores the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32.

[0051] The pallet conveyor 32 transports the dewatered cakes 12 received from the intermediate conveyor 24 to either the stock conveyor 22 or 42. It also unloads the dewatered cakes 12 from the stock conveyors 22 and 42 and transports the unloaded cakes 12 to the intermediate conveyor 44. At this time, the pallet conveyor 32 moves vertically by the moving mechanism 34 to perform loading, unloading, and transport.

[0052] The relay conveyor 44 is connected to the pallet conveyor 32 and the relay conveyor 52, and transports the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32 to the relay conveyor 52. The stock conveyor 42 stores the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32.

[0053] Next, the control mechanism of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 is configured to have a control unit 60 that controls the relay conveyors 10, 24, 44, 52, stock conveyors 22, 42, pallet conveyor 32, and moving mechanisms 34, 54.

[0055] The control unit 60 controls the relay conveyors 10, 24, 44, 52, stock conveyors 22, 42, pallet conveyor 32, and moving mechanisms 34, 54 to perform the above operations. In addition, it controls the transport order and transport time of the dewatered cakes 12 by stocking the dewatered cakes 12 in the stockers 20, 40 or by changing the transport order of the dewatered cakes 12 using the stockers 20, 40, according to instructions from the operator.

[0056] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dewatered cakes 12 are transported from the dewatering machine 2, they are transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the intermediate conveyors 10 and 24. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried by the pallet conveyor 32 to the stock conveyors 22 and 42 and stocked on the stock conveyors 22 and 42. The stocked dewatered cakes 12 are then transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the stock conveyors 22 and 42. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried out by the pallet conveyor 32 to the intermediate conveyor 44 and transported to the dryer 3 by the intermediate conveyors 44 and 52.

[0057] The transport routes for the dewatered cakes 12 include a first transport route that transports the dewatered cakes 12 from the dewatering machine 2 to the stockers 20 and 40, a second transport route that transports the dewatered cakes 12 from the stockers 20 and 40 to the dryer 3, and a third transport route that transports the dewatered cakes 12 from the dewatering machine 2 to the dryer 3 without passing through the stock conveyors 22 and 42. The transport order of the dewatered cakes 12 is changed by transporting them through any of these transport routes.

[0058] In the sorting process, it is necessary to adjust the sorting order and working time due to factors such as human resources. For example, if a worker in the sorting process instructs to sort company A's laundry in one hour, the control unit 60 controls the transport order and transport time of the dewatered cakes 12 according to that instruction. As a result, company A's laundry is unloaded from the folding machine 6 after one hour, allowing the workers in the sorting process to perform their work according to the circumstances of the site. Furthermore, workers in the laundry process can perform their work independently of the circumstances of the sorting process.

[0059] Let's explain another example. Three batches A-C are prepared for the laundry of company A, and three batches D-F are prepared for the laundry of company B. These batches are loaded into washing machine 1 in the order of A, D, B, E, C, F. At loading time, batches A-F are identified by the control unit 60. In the sorting process, we want to sort laundry A-C first, and then laundry D-F. In this case, the transport order of the dewatered cakes 12 is controlled as follows.

[0060] Dehydrated cake A: Conveyed to dryer 3 via the third conveyor path. Dehydrated cake D: Stocked in stockers 20 and 40 via the first transport path. Dehydrated cake B: Conveyed to dryer 3 via the third conveyor path. Dehydrated cake E: Stocked in stockers 20 and 40 via the first transport path. Dehydrated cake C: is transported to dryer 3 via the third transport path. Dehydrated cake F: Stocked in storage units 20 and 40 via the first transport path. Dehydrated cake D: Conveyed to dryer 3 via the second conveyor path. Dehydrated cake E: Conveyed to dryer 3 via the second conveyor path. Dehydrated cake F: Conveyed to dryer 3 via the second conveyor path. In the drying process, dehydrated cakes A to C may be dried in parallel in three dryers 3. After that, dehydrated cakes D to F may be dried in parallel in three dryers 3.

[0061] As a result, the laundry is discharged from the folding machine 6 in the order of A to F, allowing the sorting process workers to perform their tasks according to the circumstances of the site. Furthermore, the laundry process workers can perform their tasks independently of the circumstances of the sorting process.

[0062] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the system includes stockers 20 and 40 for storing the dewatered cakes 12, and a lift 30 for loading and unloading the dewatered cakes 12 to and from the stockers 20 and 40. A first transport path is provided for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 from the dewatering machine 2 to the stockers 20 and 40, a second transport path is provided for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 from the stockers 20 and 40 to the dryer 3, and a third transport path is provided for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 from the dewatering machine 2 to the dryer 3 without passing through the stock conveyors 22 and 42.

[0063] This allows for adjustment of the transport order or transport time of the dehydrated cakes 12 between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stocker 20 and a lift 30 are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3. The stocker 20 has a plurality of stock conveyors 22 for stocking the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32, and an intermediate conveyor 24 for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 received from the dewatering machine 2 to the pallet conveyor 32. The lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 between the intermediate conveyors 24, 44 and the stock conveyor 22, and a moving mechanism 34 for moving the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction.

[0065] As a result, the stocker 20 and lift 30 are installed on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3, which allows for space savings compared to when they are mounted sideways on the transport path.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lift 30 and a stocker 40 are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3. The stocker 40 has a plurality of stock conveyors 42 for stocking the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32, and a relay conveyor 44 for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32 to a relay conveyor 52. The lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 for transporting the dewatered cakes 12 between the stock conveyor 42 and the relay conveyor 44, and a moving mechanism 34 for moving the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction.

[0067] As a result, the lift 30 and stocker 40 are installed on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3, which allows for space savings compared to when they are mounted sideways on the transport path.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple dryers 3 installed in parallel is provided with a mobile relay conveyor 50 for transporting dewatered cakes 12. The mobile relay conveyor 50 includes a relay conveyor 52 for transporting dewatered cakes 12 received from the stocker 40 to the dryers 3, and a moving mechanism 54 for moving the relay conveyor 52 in the direction of the arrangement of the dryers 3.

[0069] This allows for adjustment of the conveying order or conveying time of the dewatered cakes 12 to multiple dryers 3.

[0070] In this embodiment, the relay conveyors 24 and 44 correspond to the first conveying device of Invention 3 or 4, the lift 30 corresponds to the loading / unloading mechanism of Inventions 1 to 5, the pallet conveyor 32 corresponds to the second conveying device of Invention 3 or 4, and the moving mechanism 34 corresponds to the moving mechanism of Invention 3 or 4. Furthermore, the mobile relay conveyor 50 corresponds to the conveying mechanism of Invention 5, the relay conveyor 52 corresponds to the third conveying device of Invention 5, and the moving mechanism 54 corresponds to the second moving mechanism of Invention 5.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 shows this embodiment. In the following description, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for overlapping parts, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 is configured by arranging a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift 30, multiple stockers 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0074] Multiple storage units 40 are installed in the direction of the arrangement of the dryers 3. The lift 30 has a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the lift 30 in the direction of the arrangement of the stockers 40, and transports the dewatered cakes 12 to each stocker 40. This moving mechanism can be configured, for example, in the same way as a mobile relay conveyor 50.

[0075] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dewatered cakes 12 are transported from the dewatering machine 2, they are transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the relay conveyors 10 and 24. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried by the pallet conveyor 32 to the stock conveyors 22 and 42 and stocked on the stock conveyors 22 and 42. At this time, the lift 30 moves by its moving mechanism to transport the dewatered cakes 12 to the target stocker 40. When the dewatered cakes 12 are to be unloaded, the lift 30 moves while the process is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

[0076] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a lift 30 and a plurality of stockers 40 are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3. The lift 30 includes a pallet conveyor 32 that transports the dewatered cakes 12 between a stock conveyor 42 and an intermediate conveyor 44, a moving mechanism 34 that moves the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction, and a moving mechanism that moves the lift 30 in the direction of the arrangement of the stockers 40.

[0077] This allows for the storage of a larger number of dehydrated cakes 12 compared to the first embodiment described above.

[0078] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 shows this embodiment. In the following description, only the parts that differ from the second embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for overlapping parts, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0079] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100.

[0080] Multiple dehydrators 2 are installed in parallel. As shown in Figure 6, the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 is configured by providing a relay conveyor 10, multiple stockers 20, a lift 30, multiple stockers 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0081] Multiple storage units 20 are installed in the direction of the arrangement of the dehydrators 2. The lift 30 has a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the lift 30 in the direction of the arrangement of the stockers 20 and 40, and transports the dewatered cakes 12 to each stocker 20 and 40. This moving mechanism can be configured, for example, in the same way as a mobile relay conveyor 50.

[0082] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dewatered cakes 12 are transported from the dewatering machine 2, they are transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the relay conveyors 10 and 24. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried by the pallet conveyor 32 to the stock conveyors 22 and 42 and stocked on the stock conveyors 22 and 42. At this time, the lift 30 moves by its moving mechanism to transport the dewatered cakes 12 to the target stockers 20 and 40. When the dewatered cakes 12 are to be unloaded, the lift 30 moves while the process is carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

[0083] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of stockers 20 and lifts 30 are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3. The lift 30 includes a pallet conveyor 32 that transports the dewatered cakes 12 between the stock conveyor 22 and the intermediate conveyor 44, a moving mechanism 34 that moves the pallet conveyor 32 in the vertical direction, and a moving mechanism that moves the lift 30 in the direction of the arrangement of the stockers 20.

[0084] This allows for the storage of a larger number of dehydrated cakes 12 compared to the second embodiment described above.

[0085] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 shows this embodiment. In the following description, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for overlapping parts, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0086] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a front view of the dewatered cake ordering control device 100.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the dewatered cake ordering control device 100 is configured by providing a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift 30, a stocker 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0088] The stocker 40 is installed under the frame 3a and is configured to have multiple stock conveyors 42.

[0089] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dewatered cakes 12 are transported from the dewatering machine 2, they are transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the intermediate conveyors 10 and 24. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried by the pallet conveyor 32 to the stock conveyors 22 and 42 and stocked on the stock conveyors 22 and 42. The stocked dewatered cakes 12 are then transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the stock conveyors 22 and 42. The dewatered cakes 12 are then carried out by the pallet conveyor 32 to the intermediate conveyor 52 and transported to the dryer 3 by the intermediate conveyor 52.

[0090] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the storage unit 40 is installed under the frame 3a.

[0091] This makes it possible to shorten the length of the conveying path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3 compared to the first embodiment described above.

[0092] In this embodiment, the lift 30 corresponds to the loading / unloading mechanism of Invention 6, the pallet conveyor 32 corresponds to the second transport device of Invention 6, the moving mechanism 34 corresponds to the moving mechanism of Invention 6, the relay conveyor 52 corresponds to the first transport device of Invention 6 or 7, and the moving mechanism 54 corresponds to the second moving mechanism of Invention 7.

[0093] [Variation] In the second and third embodiments and their modifications described above, three storage units 40 are provided. However, the system is not limited to these configurations. Configurations with one storage unit 40, two storage units 40, or four or more storage units 40 can also be adopted. The number of storage units 40 can be set arbitrarily.

[0094] Furthermore, although two storage units 20 are provided in the third embodiment and its modified form described above, the system is not limited to this, and configurations with one storage unit 20 or three or more storage units 20 can also be adopted. The number of storage units 20 can be set arbitrarily.

[0095] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments and their variations described above, the stocker 40 is installed in front of the frame 3a, but it is not limited to this, and can be installed below the frame 3a, as in the fourth embodiment described above. In this case, the relay conveyor 44 functions as a stock conveyor 42.

[0096] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and their variations described above, the relay conveyor 24 is provided on the stocker 20, but the invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the relay conveyor 24 is provided separately from the stocker 20 can also be adopted. In this case, for example, as in the third embodiment, the dewatering machine 2 is installed on a stand and the stocker 20 is installed below the stand. The relay conveyor 24 is installed on the top plate of the stand behind the dewatering machine 2.

[0097] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications described above, one dewatered cake sequence control device 100 is provided. However, the system is not limited to this, and a configuration in which multiple dewatered cake sequence control devices 100 are provided on the transport path between the dewatering machine 2 and the dryer 3 can be adopted. The number of dewatered cake sequence control devices 100 can be set arbitrarily.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and their variations described above, the stocker 20 is configured to have multiple stock conveyors 22, but it is not limited to this, and can be configured to have only one stock conveyor 22. The number of stock conveyors 22 can be set arbitrarily.

[0099] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and their variations described above, the stocker 40 is configured to have multiple stock conveyors 42, but it is not limited to this configuration and can be configured to have only one stock conveyor 42. The number of stock conveyors 22 can be set arbitrarily.

[0100] Furthermore, while the first to fourth embodiments and their variations are provided with a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, and a stocker 40, the system is not limited to these, and configurations without the relay conveyor 10, stocker 20, or stocker 40 can also be adopted.

[0101] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and their variations described above, a third transport path is provided to transport the dewatered cakes 12 from the dewatering machine 2 to the dryer 3 without using the stock conveyors 22 and 42. However, the system is not limited to these, and a configuration without the third transport path can also be adopted.

[0102] Furthermore, the first to fourth embodiments and their variations (including their respective constituent technologies) are mutually applicable.

[0103] Furthermore, while the present invention was applied in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications described above to control the transport order and transport time of the dehydrated cakes 12, it is not limited to these cases and can be applied to other cases without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1...Washing machine, 2...Dehydrator, 3...Dryer, 3a...Stand, 3b...Rail, 4...Unfolding machine, 5...Ironer, 6...Folding machine, 100...Dehydrated cake ordering control device, 10, 24, 44, 52...Intermediate conveyor, 12...Dehydrated cake, 20, 40...Stocker, 22, 42...Stock conveyor, 30...Lift, 32...Pallet conveyor, 34, 54...Moving mechanism, 50...Mobile intermediate conveyor, 60...Control unit

Claims

1. A system for transporting a dewatered cake, which is a block of laundry that has been dewatered in a dewatering machine, between the dewatering machine and a dryer, A storage container for storing one or more of the dehydrated cakes, The storage unit is equipped with a loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dewatered cakes, A dehydrated cake conveying system characterized by having a first conveying path for conveying the dehydrated cake from the dehydrator to the stocker, and a second conveying path for conveying the dehydrated cake from the stocker to the dryer.

2. A system for transporting a dewatered cake, which is a block of laundry that has been dewatered in a dewatering machine, between the dewatering machine and a dryer, A storage container for storing one or more of the dehydrated cakes, The storage unit is equipped with a loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dewatered cakes, A dehydrated cake conveying system characterized by having a first conveying path for conveying the dehydrated cake from the dehydrator to the stocker, a second conveying path for conveying the dehydrated cake from the stocker to the dryer, and a third conveying path for conveying the dehydrated cake from the dehydrator to the dryer.

3. In claim 2, The storage unit and the loading / unloading mechanism are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine and the dryer. The stocker has a plurality of shelves for storing the dewatered cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and a first conveying device for transporting the dewatered cakes received from the dewatering machine to the loading / unloading mechanism. The loading and unloading mechanism is characterized by comprising a second transport device for transporting the dewatered cakes between the first transport device, the shelves, and the dryer, and a moving mechanism for moving the second transport device in the direction of the shelves.

4. In claim 2, The loading / unloading mechanism and the storage unit are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine and the dryer. The stocker has a plurality of shelves for storing the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and a first conveying device for transporting the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the side of the dryer. The loading and unloading mechanism is characterized by comprising a second conveying device for transporting the dewatered cakes between the dewatering machine, the first conveying device, and the shelves, and a moving mechanism for moving the second conveying device in the direction of the shelves.

5. In any one of claims 3 and 4, Each of the multiple dryers installed in parallel is equipped with a conveying mechanism for transporting the dewatered cakes. The conveying mechanism is characterized by comprising a third conveying device that conveys the dewatered cake received from the stock mechanism, which consists of the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism, to the side of the dryer, and a second moving mechanism that moves the third conveying device in the direction of the dryer's arrangement.

6. In claim 2, The loading / unloading mechanism and the storage unit are provided in that order on the transport path between the dewatering machine and the dryer. The system includes a first conveying device that transports the dewatered cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the side of the dryer, The storage unit has a plurality of shelves for storing the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism, The loading and unloading mechanism is characterized by comprising a second conveying device for transporting the dewatered cakes between the dewatering machine, the first conveying device, and the shelves, and a moving mechanism for moving the second conveying device in the direction of the shelves.

7. In claim 6, A dewatered cake conveying system characterized by comprising a second moving mechanism that moves the first conveying device in the direction of the arrangement of a plurality of dryers installed in parallel.

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