Dehydrated cake transport system

Abstract

To provide a dehydrated cake transport system suitable for adjusting the laundry transport order or transport time. SOLUTION: The dehydrated cake sequence control device is configured by providing a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift, a stocker 40, and a relay conveyor 52 on a transport path between a dehydrator and a dryer. The stocker 20 has a plurality of stock conveyors 22 for stocking dehydrated cakes, and a relay conveyor 24 for transporting the dehydrated cakes to a pallet conveyor 32. The lift has a pallet conveyor 32 for transporting dehydrated 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 dehydrated cakes, and a relay conveyor 44 for transporting dehydrated cakes from the pallet conveyor 32 to the relay conveyor 52.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for transporting dehydrated cakes 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 technology]

[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 technology described in Patent Document 1, laundry is sorted into batches and loaded into a washing machine, where it is washed. The washed laundry is dehydrated in a dehydrator for each batch, and becomes a lump of laundry for each batch (hereinafter referred to as a "dehydrated cake"). The dehydrated cake is transported to a dryer by a conveyer and loaded into the dryer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2024-136708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When accepting laundry from multiple companies, a batch is organized for each company, and the washing, spin-drying, and drying processes are carried out on a batch-by-batch basis. The ironed and folded laundry is then sorted by hand. In the sorting process, the order of sorting and work time must be adjusted depending on factors such as human resources. In this case, it is conceivable that workers in the sorting process would communicate with workers in the washing process to adjust the order and time of transporting the laundry, but because the adjustments that need to be made differ depending on the situation, such as the amount of laundry, it is difficult to make appropriate adjustments.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made with a focus on the unresolved problems of the conventional technology, and aims to provide a dehydrated cake transporting system that is suitable for adjusting the laundry transport order or transport time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [Invention 1] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 1 is a system for transporting dehydrated cakes, which are clumps of laundry dehydrated in a dehydrator, between the dehydrator and a dryer, and is provided with a stocker for stocking one or more dehydrated cakes, and a loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dehydrated cakes into and from the stocker, and is provided with a first transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes from the dehydrator to the stocker, and a second transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes from the stocker to the dryer.

[0008] With this configuration, the dehydrated cake is transported through the first transport path, the carry-in / out mechanism carries the dehydrated cake into the stocker, and the carry-in / out mechanism stores the dehydrated cake. Then, the carry-in / out mechanism carries the dehydrated cake out of the stocker, and the dehydrated cake is transported through the second transport path.

[0009] For example, the transport time can be adjusted by storing the dehydrated cakes in a stocker, and the transport order can be adjusted by changing the transport order of the dehydrated cakes using the stocker.

[0010] Here, the conveying between the dehydrator and the dryer includes, for example, conveying the cake over the entire path between the dehydrator and the dryer, and conveying the cake over a part of the path between the dehydrator and the dryer. The same applies to the dehydrated cake conveying system of the second invention.

[0011] Furthermore, the stocker may be one that stocks at least one dehydrated cake. Even if the stocker stocks one dehydrated cake, the transport time of the dehydrated cake can be adjusted.

[0012] The first transport path can be configured as, for example, a path connected to each of the dehydrator and the stocker, a path (part of the path) connected to a path leading to the dehydrator, or a path (part of the path) connected to a path leading to the stocker. The first transport path does not need to be connected to the dehydrator or the stocker. The same applies to the dehydrated cake transport system of the second invention.

[0013] The second conveying path can be configured as, for example, a path connected to each of the stocker and the dryer, a path (part of the path) connected to the path leading to the stocker, or a path (part of the path) connected to the path leading to the dryer. The second conveying path does not need to be connected to the stocker or the dryer. The same applies to the dehydrated cake conveying system of the second invention.

[0014] [Invention 2] Furthermore, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 2 is a system for transporting dehydrated cakes, which are clumps of laundry dehydrated in a dehydrator, between the dehydrator and a dryer, and is provided with a stocker for stocking one or more dehydrated cakes, and a loading / unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the dehydrated cakes into and from the stocker, and is provided with a first transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes from the dehydrator to the stocker, a second transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes from the stocker to the dryer, and a third transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes from the dehydrator to the dryer.

[0015] In this configuration, the dehydrated cake is transported through the first transport path, the carry-in / out mechanism carries the dehydrated cake into the stocker, and the stocker stores the dehydrated cake. The carry-in / out mechanism then carries the dehydrated cake out of the stocker, and the dehydrated cake is transported through the second transport path. Meanwhile, the dehydrated cake can also be transported through the third transport path.

[0016] For example, the transport time can be adjusted by storing the dehydrated cakes in a stocker, and the transport order can be adjusted by changing the transport order of the dehydrated cakes using the stocker.

[0017] Here, the stocker may be one that stocks at least one dehydrated cake. Even if the stocker stocks one dehydrated cake, the transport time of the dehydrated cake can be adjusted. In addition, for example, the transport order of the dehydrated cakes can be adjusted by storing the preceding dehydrated cake in the stocker, transporting the succeeding dehydrated cake on the third transport path, and then transporting the preceding dehydrated cake on the second transport path.

[0018] The third conveying path can be configured as, for example, a path connected to each of the dehydrator and the dryer, a path (part of the path) connected to a path leading to the dehydrator, or a path (part of the path) connected to a path leading to the dryer. The third conveying path does not need to be connected to the dehydrator or the dryer.

[0019] [Invention 3] Furthermore, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 3 is the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 2, wherein the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism are provided in that order on a transport path between the dehydrator and the dryer, the stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and a first transporting device for transporting the dehydrated cakes received from the dehydrator to the loading / unloading mechanism, and the load-unloading mechanism has a second transporting device for transporting the dehydrated cakes between the first transporting device and the shelf and the dryer, and a moving mechanism for moving the second transporting device in the direction of the shelf levels.

[0020] In this configuration, the first conveying device conveys the dehydrated cake received from the dehydrator to the carry-in / out mechanism, and the second conveying device carries the dehydrated cake onto the shelf. The second conveying device then conveys the dehydrated cake from the shelf to the dryer. At this time, the second conveying device is moved by the moving mechanism according to the positional relationship, etc.

[0021] Here, the conveyance between the first conveying device and the shelf and the dryer includes, for example, conveyance over the entire path between the first conveying device and the shelf and the dryer, and conveyance over a part of the path between the first conveying device and the shelf and the dryer. In the latter case, a second stocker, a second conveying mechanism, and other facilities can be provided downstream of the conveying mechanism.

[0022] [Invention 4] Furthermore, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 4 is the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 2, wherein the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in that order on a transport path between the dehydrator and the dryer, the stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism and a first transport device for transporting the dehydrated cakes received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the dryer side, and the loading / unloading mechanism has a second transport device for transporting the dehydrated cakes between the dehydrator and the first transport device and the shelves, and a moving mechanism for moving the second transport device in the direction of the shelf levels.

[0023] In this configuration, the second conveying device carries the dehydrated cake received from the dehydrator side onto the shelf. The second conveying device then conveys the dehydrated cake from the shelf to the first conveying device, which then conveys the dehydrated cake to the dryer side. At this time, the second conveying device is moved by the moving mechanism according to the positional relationship, etc.

[0024] Here, transporting between the dehydrator and the first conveying device and the shelves includes, for example, transporting the entire path between the dehydrator and the first conveying device and the shelves, and transporting a part of the path between the dehydrator and the first conveying device and the shelves. In the latter case, a second stocker, a second conveying mechanism, and other equipment may be provided upstream of the conveying mechanism. The same applies below to the dehydrated cake conveying system of Invention 6.

[0025] [Invention 5] Furthermore, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 5, in the dehydrated cake transporting system of any one of Inventions 3 and 4, further comprises a transport mechanism for transporting the dehydrated cake to each of a plurality of the dryers installed in parallel, and the transport mechanism has a third transport device for transporting the dehydrated cake received from a stock mechanism consisting of the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism to the side of the dryers, and a second moving mechanism for moving the third transport device in the arrangement direction of the dryers.

[0026] In this configuration, the third conveying device conveys the dehydrated cake received from the storage mechanism to the dryer side. At this time, the third conveying device is moved by the second moving mechanism to convey the dehydrated cake to the destination dryer.

[0027] [Invention 6] Furthermore, the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 6 is the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 2, wherein the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in that order on a transport path between the dehydrator and the dryer, and further comprises a first transporting device which transports the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism to the dryer side, the stocker having a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cake received from the loading / unloading mechanism, and the loading / unloading mechanism has a second transporting device which transports the dehydrated cake between the dehydrator and the first transporting device and the shelves, and a moving mechanism which moves the second transporting device in the direction of the shelves.

[0028] In this configuration, the second conveying device carries the dehydrated cake received from the dehydrator side onto the shelf. The second conveying device then conveys the dehydrated cake from the shelf to the first conveying device, which then conveys the dehydrated cake to the dryer side. At this time, the second conveying device is moved by the moving mechanism according to the positional relationship, etc.

[0029] [Invention 7] The dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 7 further comprises, in the dehydrated cake transporting system of Invention 6, a second moving mechanism which moves the first transporting device in the arrangement direction of the plurality of dryers installed in parallel.

[0030] With this configuration, the first conveying device conveys the dehydrated cake to the dryer side. At this time, the first conveying device is moved by the second moving mechanism to convey the dehydrated cake to the destination dryer. Effect of the Invention

[0031] As described above, according to the dehydrated cake transport system of the first or second aspect, the transport order or transport time of the dehydrated cakes between the dehydrator and the dryer can be adjusted.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the dehydrated cake transport system of Invention 3, the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism are provided on the transport path between the dehydrator and the dryer, thereby making it possible to save space compared to the case where they are installed alongside the transport path.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the dehydrated cake transport system of Invention 4 or 6, since the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided on the transport path between the dehydrator and the dryer, it is possible to save space compared to the case where they are installed next to the transport path.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the dehydrated cake transport system of the fifth or seventh aspect, the transport order or transport time of the dehydrated cakes to the multiple dryers can be adjusted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration and steps. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figures 1 to 4 are diagrams showing this embodiment.

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

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the process of washing laundry in a laundry factory includes a washing process in which laundry is washed by a washing machine 1, and a dehydrating process in which the laundry washed in the washing process is dehydrated by a dehydrator 2. The laundry is sorted into batches and washed by the washing machine 1. When laundry is received from multiple companies, a batch is organized for each company. The washed laundry is dehydrated in the dehydrator 2 for each batch, and becomes a dehydrated cake for each batch.

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

[0040] The process of washing laundry further includes an unfolding process in which the laundry dried in the drying process is unfolded by a unfolding machine 4, an ironing process in which the laundry unfolded in the unfolding 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, the spin-dryer 2, the dryer 3, the unfolder 4, the ironer 5 and the folding machine 6 may employ known techniques such as those described in Patent Document 1.

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

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dewatered cake sequence control device 100. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dehydrated cake sequence control device 100 is configured by arranging a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift 30, a stocker 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3.

[0044] The relay conveyor 10 transports the dehydrated cake 12 received from the dehydrator 2 to the stocker 20. The dehydrated cake 12 has, for example, a flat cylindrical shape. The relay conveyor 10 can be configured, for example, by a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The same applies to the other conveyors below.

[0045] The stocker 20 includes a plurality of stock conveyors 22 for stocking the dewatered cakes 12, and a relay conveyor 24 provided below the lowest-level stock conveyor 22. The stock conveyors 22 are provided in multiple levels in the vertical direction.

[0046] The lift 30 includes a pallet conveyor 32 that transports the dewatered cakes 12 between the stockers 20, 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 technology such as a vertical conveyor.

[0047] The stocker 40 includes a plurality of stock conveyors 42 for stocking the dewatered cakes 12, and a relay conveyor 44 provided above the uppermost stock conveyor 42. The stock conveyors 42 are provided in multiple stages in the vertical direction.

[0048] A plurality of dryers 3 are installed in parallel on a stand 3a. Two rails 3b are formed on the top plate of the stand 3a in front of the dryers 3. The rails 3b are formed in parallel along the arrangement direction of the dryers 3.

[0049] The movable relay conveyor 50 has a relay conveyor 52 that transports the dehydrated cakes 12 to the dryers 3, and a moving mechanism 54 that moves the relay conveyor 52 along each rail 3b in the arrangement direction of the dryers 3, and transports the dehydrated cakes 12 to each dryer 3. The moving mechanism 54 can employ known technology such as a linear guide.

[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 stocks the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32.

[0051] The pallet conveyor 32 carries the dehydrated cakes 12 received from the relay conveyor 24 into either one of the stock conveyors 22, 42. It also carries the dehydrated cakes 12 out of the stock conveyors 22, 42, and transports the carried-out dehydrated cakes 12 to the relay conveyor 44. At this time, the pallet conveyor 32 moves vertically by the moving mechanism 34 to carry in, carry out and transport.

[0052] The relay conveyor 44 connects 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 stocks the dewatered cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32.

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

[0054] The dewatered cake sequence control device 100 is configured to include a control unit 60 that controls the relay conveyors 10, 24, 44, 52, the stock conveyors 22, 42, the pallet conveyor 32 and the moving mechanisms 34, 54, as shown in FIG.

[0055] The control unit 60 controls the relay conveyors 10, 24, 44, 52, the stock conveyors 22, 42, the pallet conveyor 32, and the moving mechanisms 34, 54 so that they perform the above-mentioned operations. Also, in response to instructions from an operator, the control unit 60 controls the transport sequence and transport time of the dehydrated cakes 12 by stocking the dehydrated cakes 12 in the stockers 20, 40 and changing the transport sequence of the dehydrated cakes 12 using the stockers 20, 40.

[0056] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dehydrated cake 12 is transported from the dehydrator 2, the dehydrated cake 12 is transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the relay conveyors 10, 24. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried into the stock conveyors 22, 42 by the pallet conveyor 32 and stored in the stock conveyors 22, 42. The stored dehydrated cake 12 is then transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the stock conveyors 22, 42. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried out to the relay conveyor 44 by the pallet conveyor 32 and transported to the dryer 3 by the relay conveyors 44, 52.

[0057] The transport paths for the dehydrated cakes 12 include a first transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the dehydrator 2 to the stockers 20, 40, a second transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the stockers 20, 40 to the dryer 3, and a third transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the dehydrator 2 to the dryer 3 without using the stock conveyors 22, 42. The transport order of the dehydrated cakes 12 is changed by transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 through any of these transport paths.

[0058] In the sorting process, the order of sorting and the work time need to be adjusted depending on the circumstances of human resources, etc. Therefore, when the worker in the sorting process instructs, for example, to sort the laundry of company A after one hour, the control unit 60 controls the transport order and transport time of the dehydrated cakes 12 according to the contents of the instruction. As a result, the laundry of company A is transported from the folding machine 6 after one hour, so that the worker in the sorting process can perform the work according to the circumstances of the site. Also, the worker in the laundry process can perform the work independently of the circumstances of the sorting process.

[0059] Another example will be described. Three batches A to C of laundry for company A and three batches D to F of laundry for company B are assembled, and the laundry is loaded into washing machine 1 in the order of batches A, D, B, E, C, and F. When loading, batches A to F are identified by control unit 60. In the sorting process, it is desired to sort laundry A to C, and then sort laundry D to F. In this case, the conveying order of dehydrated cakes 12 is controlled as follows.

[0060] Dehydrated cake A: transported to dryer 3 via the third transport path Dehydrated cake D: Stocked in stockers 20 and 40 via the first conveying path Dehydrated cake B: Transported to dryer 3 via the third transport path Dehydrated cake E: Stocked in stockers 20 and 40 via the first conveying path Dehydrated cake C: transported to the dryer 3 through the third transport path, Dehydrated cake F: Stocked in stockers 20 and 40 via the first conveying path Dehydrated cake D: transported to the dryer 3 via the second transport path Dehydrated cake E: Transported to dryer 3 via the second transport path Dehydrated cake F: transported to dryer 3 via the second transport path In the drying step, the dewatered cakes A to C may be dried in parallel in three dryers 3. Thereafter, the dewatered cakes D to F may be dried in parallel in three dryers 3.

[0061] As a result, the laundry is conveyed out of the folding machine 6 in the order of A to F, allowing the workers in the sorting process to perform their work according to the circumstances of the site. Also, the workers in the washing process can perform their work independently of the circumstances of the sorting process.

[0062] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the system is equipped with stockers 20, 40 for stocking dehydrated cakes 12, and a lift 30 for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 into and out of the stockers 20, 40, and is also provided with a first transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the dehydrator 2 to the stockers 20, 40, a second transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the stockers 20, 40 to the dryer 3, and a third transport path for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 from the dehydrator 2 to the dryer 3 without passing through the stock conveyors 22, 42.

[0063] This makes it possible to adjust the conveying order or conveying time of the dehydrated cake 12 between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a storage unit 20 and a lift 30 are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, and the storage unit 20 has a plurality of stock conveyors 22 for stocking the dehydrated cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32, and an intermediate conveyor 24 for conveying the dehydrated cakes 12 received from the dehydrator 2 to the pallet conveyor 32, and the lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 for conveying the dehydrated cakes 12 between the intermediate conveyors 24, 44 and the stock conveyor 22, and a moving mechanism 34 for moving vertically on the pallet conveyor 32.

[0065] As a result, since the stocker 20 and the lift 30 are provided on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, it is possible to save space compared to the case where they are installed alongside the conveying path.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lift 30 and a storage unit 40 are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, and the storage unit 40 has a plurality of stock conveyors 42 for stocking the dehydrated cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32, and an relay conveyor 44 for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 received from the pallet conveyor 32 to the relay conveyor 52, and the lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 for transporting the dehydrated cakes 12 between the stock conveyor 42 and the relay conveyor 44, and a moving mechanism 34 for moving vertically on the pallet conveyor 32.

[0067] As a result, the lift 30 and the stocker 40 are provided on the transport path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, making it possible to save space compared to the case where they are installed alongside the transport path.

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

[0069] This makes it possible to adjust the transport order or transport time of the dewatered cakes 12 to the multiple dryers 3.

[0070] In this embodiment, the relay conveyors 24, 44 correspond to the first transport 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 transport device of invention 3 or 4, and the moving mechanism 34 corresponds to the moving mechanism of invention 3 or 4. In addition, the moving relay conveyor 50 corresponds to the transport mechanism of invention 5, the relay conveyor 52 corresponds to the third transport 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. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing this embodiment. Note that only parts different from the first embodiment will be described below, and the same reference numerals will be used for the overlapping parts, and the description will be omitted.

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

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

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

[0075] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dehydrated cake 12 is transported from the dehydrator 2, the relay conveyors 10, 24 transport the dehydrated cake 12 to the pallet conveyor 32. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried into the stock conveyors 22, 42 by the pallet conveyor 32 and stored on the stock conveyors 22, 42. At this time, the lift 30 moves by the moving mechanism to transport the dehydrated cake 12 to the destination stocker 40. When the dehydrated cake 12 is to be transported out, the same process as in the first embodiment is carried out while the lift 30 is moving.

[0076] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a lift 30 and multiple stockers 40 are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, and the lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 that transports dehydrated cakes 12 between the stock conveyor 42 and the relay conveyor 44, a moving mechanism 34 that moves the pallet conveyor 32 vertically, and a moving mechanism that moves the lift 30 in the arrangement direction of the stockers 40.

[0077] This makes it possible to stock a larger number of dewatered cakes 12 than in the first embodiment.

[0078] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing this embodiment. Note that only the parts different from the second embodiment will be described below, and the same reference numerals will be used for the overlapping parts, and the description will be omitted.

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

[0080] A plurality of dehydrators 2 are installed in parallel. As shown in Figure 6, the dehydrated cake sequence control device 100 is configured by arranging, in that order, a relay conveyor 10, multiple stockers 20, a lift 30, multiple stockers 40, and a mobile relay conveyor 50 on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3.

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

[0082] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dehydrated cake 12 is transported from the dehydrator 2, the relay conveyors 10, 24 transport the dehydrated cake 12 to the pallet conveyor 32. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried into the stock conveyors 22, 42 by the pallet conveyor 32 and stored in the stock conveyors 22, 42. At this time, the lift 30 moves by the moving mechanism to transport the dehydrated cake 12 to the destination stocker 20, 40. When the dehydrated cake 12 is to be transported out, the same process as in the first embodiment is carried out while the lift 30 is moving.

[0083] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of stockers 20 and a lift 30 are provided in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3, and the lift 30 has a pallet conveyor 32 that transports dehydrated cakes 12 between the stock conveyor 22 and the relay conveyor 44, a moving mechanism 34 that moves the pallet conveyor 32 vertically, and a moving mechanism that moves the lift 30 in the arrangement direction of the stockers 20.

[0084] This allows a larger number of dewatered cakes 12 to be stocked than in the second embodiment.

[0085] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing this embodiment. Note that only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below, and the same reference numerals will be used for the overlapping parts, and the description will be omitted.

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

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the dehydrated cake sequence control device 100 is configured by arranging a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, a lift 30, a stocker 40 and a mobile relay conveyor 50 in that order on the conveying path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3.

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

[0089] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the dehydrated cake 12 is transported from the dehydrator 2, the dehydrated cake 12 is transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the relay conveyors 10, 24. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried into the stock conveyors 22, 42 by the pallet conveyor 32 and stored in the stock conveyors 22, 42. The stored dehydrated cake 12 is then transported to the pallet conveyor 32 by the stock conveyors 22, 42. The dehydrated cake 12 is carried out to the relay conveyor 52 by the pallet conveyor 32 and transported to the dryer 3 by the relay conveyor 52.

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

[0091] As a result, the length of the transport path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3 can be made shorter than in the first embodiment.

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

[0093] [Modifications] Although three stockers 40 are provided in the second and third embodiments and their modified examples, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one stocker 40 is provided, a configuration in which two stockers 40 are provided, or a configuration in which four or more stockers 40 are provided. The number of stockers 40 can be set as desired.

[0094] In addition, in the third embodiment and its modified example, two stockers 20 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one stocker 20 is provided, or a configuration in which three or more stockers 20 are provided. The number of stockers 20 can be set as desired.

[0095] In the second and third embodiments and their modifications, the stocker 40 is installed in front of the stand 3a, but this is not limiting and the stocker 40 may be installed under the stand 3a as in the fourth embodiment. In this case, the relay conveyor 44 functions as the stock conveyor 42.

[0096] In the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications, relay conveyor 24 is provided in stocker 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and relay conveyor 24 may be provided separately from stocker 20. In this case, for example, as in the third embodiment, dehydrator 2 is installed on a stand, and stocker 20 is installed below the stand. Relay conveyor 24 is installed behind dehydrator 2 on the top plate of the stand.

[0097] Further, in the above first to fourth embodiments and their modifications, one dehydrated cake sequence control device 100 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a plurality of dehydrated cake sequence control devices 100 are provided on the transport path between the dehydrator 2 and the dryer 3 can be adopted. The number of dehydrated cake sequence control devices 100 can be set arbitrarily.

[0098] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications, the stocker 20 is configured to have a plurality of stock conveyors 22, but this is not limiting and the stocker 20 may be configured to have one stock conveyor 22. The number of stock conveyors 22 may be set arbitrarily.

[0099] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications, the stocker 40 is configured to have a plurality of stock conveyors 42, but this is not limiting, and the stocker 40 may be configured to have one stock conveyor 42. The number of stock conveyors 22 may be set arbitrarily.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above first to fourth embodiments and their variations, a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, and a stocker 40 are provided, but this is not limited to the above, and a configuration may be adopted in which a relay conveyor 10, a stocker 20, or a stocker 40 is not provided.

[0101] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments and their modified examples, a third conveying path is provided to convey the dehydrated cake 12 from the dehydrator 2 to the dryer 3 without passing through the stock conveyors 22, 42, but this is not limited to the above, and a configuration that does not provide a third conveying path can be adopted.

[0102] Moreover, the above first to fourth embodiments and their modifications (including their respective constituent technologies) can be applied to each other.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above first to fourth embodiments and their modified examples, the present invention has been applied to cases such as controlling the transport order and transport time of the dewatered cake 12, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other cases without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...washing machine, 2...spinner, 3...dryer, 3a...frame, 3b...rail, 4...unfolder, 5...ironer, 6...folder, 100...deswatered cake sequence control device, 10, 24, 44, 52...relay conveyor, 12...deswatered cake, 20, 40...storage unit, 22, 42...stock conveyor, 30...lift, 32...pallet conveyor, 34, 54...moving mechanism, 50...movable relay conveyor, 60...control unit

Claims

1. A system for transporting dehydrated cakes, which are clumps of laundry dehydrated by a dehydrator, between the dehydrator and a dryer, comprising: A stocker for stocking one or more of the dehydrated cakes; a carry-in / out mechanism for carrying the dehydrated cake into and out of the stocker, A dehydrated cake transport system comprising: a first transport path for transporting the dehydrated cake from the dehydrator to the stocker; a second transport path for transporting the dehydrated cake from the stocker to the dryer; and a third transport path for transporting the dehydrated cake from the dehydrator to the dryer.

2. In claim 1, the storage unit and the loading / unloading mechanism are provided in this order on a conveying path between the dehydrator and the dryer; the stocker includes a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cakes received from the carry-in / out mechanism, and a first conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cakes received from the dehydrator to the carry-in / out mechanism, The dehydrated cake transport system is characterized in that the loading / unloading mechanism includes the first transport device, a second transport device which transports the dehydrated cake between the shelf and the dryer, and a moving mechanism which moves the second transport device in the direction of the shelf level.

3. In claim 1, the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in this order on a conveying path between the dehydrator and the dryer; the stocker includes a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cakes received from the carry-in / out mechanism, and a first conveying device for conveying the dehydrated cakes received from the carry-in / out mechanism to a side of the dryer, The dehydrated cake transport system is characterized in that the loading / unloading mechanism includes a second transport device that transports the dehydrated cake between the dehydrator and the first transport device and the shelf, and a moving mechanism that moves the second transport device in the direction of the shelf levels.

4. In any one of claims 2 and 3, a conveying mechanism for conveying the dehydrated cake to each of the plurality of dryers installed in parallel; The dehydrated cake transport system is characterized in that the transport mechanism includes a third transport device that transports the dehydrated cake received from the stock mechanism consisting of the stocker and the loading / unloading mechanism to the side of the dryer, and a second moving mechanism that moves the third transport device in the arrangement direction of the dryers.

5. In claim 1, the loading / unloading mechanism and the stocker are provided in this order on a conveying path between the dehydrator and the dryer; a first conveying device that conveys the dehydrated cake received from the carry-in / out mechanism to a side of the dryer, the stocker has a plurality of shelves for stocking the dehydrated cakes received from the carry-in / out mechanism, The dehydrated cake transport system is characterized in that the loading / unloading mechanism includes a second transport device that transports the dehydrated cake between the dehydrator and the first transport device and the shelf, and a moving mechanism that moves the second transport device in the direction of the shelf levels.

6. In claim 5, a second moving mechanism which moves the first conveying device in an arrangement direction of the plurality of dryers installed in parallel.

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