Nori bundle alignment, conveying device, and alignment, conveying method

Abstract

To provide an alignment / conveying apparatus and an alignment / conveying method of laver bundle, firstly capable of treating multiple bundles, secondly excellent in aspects of cost and space, and thirdly able to realize them stably.SOLUTION: An alignment / conveying apparatus 8 receives a laver bundle N unloaded from a count accumulation device 3, and aligns and conveys the bundle to a binding device 5. The alignment / conveying apparatus can perform: processing of receiving and aligning one laver bundle N, and conveying out a bundle of laver sheets by one bundle portion; and also processing of receiving, aligning and stacking a plurality of laver bundles N consecutively, and conveying out the bundles as a bundle consisting of aggregated laver sheets. An elevating plate 9 of the alignment / conveying apparatus receives the laver bundle N unloaded from the count accumulation device 3, loads the bundle thereon, and descends the same. An alignment plate 10 aligns the laver bundle N loaded and descended by the elevating plate 9. A conveyor 11 transfers the laver bundle N thereon from the elevating plate 9 descended and conveys out the bundle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning and conveying bundles of laver, and an aligning and conveying method. That is, it relates to an apparatus for aligning and conveying bundles of laver, and an aligning and conveying method of bundles of laver, which are disposed between a counting and accumulating device and a bundling device in a laver production line.

Background Art

[0002] 《Technical Background》 In the production line of dried laver (hereinafter simply referred to as laver), after the pre-processes such as raw laver harvesting, washing, spreading, dehydration, and drying, the laver is produced through the post-processes such as inspection, counting and accumulation, (bending), and bundling. That is, in the post-process, the flat laver inspected after drying is → counted and accumulated as a bundle of laver with, for example, 10 laver sheets per bundle, → aligned, → folded in half, → bundled, and → shipped. On the other hand, the conventional example of bundling and shipping the flat laver as it is without bending and bundling the laver bundles is also increasing according to recent market needs.

[0003] 《Prior Art》 Figures (3) and (4) of Fig. 8 are process step diagrams and configuration block diagrams of such a conventional example. That is, it shows a production line of a conventional example in which the flat laver spread without being bent is bundled and shipped. As also shown in the figure, in the laver production line, the flat laver carried out one by one from the drying device 1 in the drying process is → inspected and sorted by the inspection device 2 in the inspection process, → counted and accumulated as a bundle of laver N with, for example, 10 laver sheets per bundle by the counting and accumulating device 3 in the counting and accumulating process, and then → aligned and conveyed by the aligning and conveying device 4 in the aligning and conveying process. → Then, in this type of conventional example, in many cases, a plurality of bundles of laver N are stacked by the stacking device 6 in the stacking process. That is, a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N were stacked to form a bundle of the total number of laver sheets obtained by combining the plurality of bundles, that is, a laver bundle N' (see Fig. 7(2)). For example, a laver bundle N' was formed by stacking 5 bundles of 10 laver sheets each and combining them to get 50 sheets, or by stacking 10 bundles and combining them to get 100 laver sheets. → And such a laver bundle N' was bundled with a bundling tape T by a bundling device 5 in the bundling process (see Fig. 7(3)), packed in a packing section 7 in the packing process, and shipped.

[0004] In this way, in the conventional example where the laver is not bent, it was often shipped in a bundle obtained by combining a plurality of bundles rather than in a single bundle. That is, a laver bundle N with 10 laver sheets or the like in a single bundle was more often bundled and shipped in a bundle of the total number of laver sheets obtained by stacking and combining a plurality of bundles rather than being directly bundled and shipped as a single-bundle laver sheet after being counted, accumulated, aligned, and conveyed. Therefore, the bundle stacking process and the bundle stacking device 6 for a plurality of bundles were frequently used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] As such an alignment and conveyance device 4 for a conventional production line, for example, those disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 can be mentioned. Also, for cases where it is bundled and shipped without being bent, for example, those disclosed in the following Patent Document 2 can be mentioned.

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, regarding such a conventional example, problems have been pointed out in terms of cost and space. That is, regarding the seaweed production line where seaweed bundles N' with 50 or 100 sheets of seaweed are bundled and shipped as flat seaweed without being bent, problems have been pointed out in terms of cost and space regarding the stacking process of multiple bundles. For the bundling process of bundling a seaweed bundle N with, for example, 10 sheets of seaweed into multiple stacks to form a seaweed bundle N' with 50 or 100 sheets of seaweed, a bundling device 6 for the bundling process has often been required separately. As shown in FIGS. 8(3) and 8(4), a bundling device 6 for the bundling process has conventionally been essentially provided between the aligning and conveying device 4 in the aligning and conveying process and the bundling device 5 in the bundling process. Consequently, it has been pointed out that the mechanical cost of the device increases accordingly, and it takes up space, location, and area, making the production line longer and larger. In view of the limited cost and space situation in the production factory, this has become a major issue for consideration. As a countermeasure against such problems, regarding the counting and accumulating device 3 that conventionally counted and accumulated and dropped seaweed bundles N with 10 sheets per bundle, it was also considered to count and accumulate and drop seaweed bundles N' with 50 or 100 sheets of seaweed without providing the bundling process and the bundling device 6. However, in view of the capacity and space of the counting and accumulating device 3, etc., the accumulation, storage, and dropping of about 20 sheets are limited, and the accumulation, storage, and dropping of about 50 or 100 sheets by the counting and accumulating device 3 are considered difficult.

[0007] <<Regarding the present invention>> In view of such circumstances, the seaweed bundle aligning and conveying device and the aligning and conveying method of the present invention have been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art. The present invention aims to propose, first, a seaweed bundle aligning and conveying device and an aligning and conveying method that can process multiple bundles, second, are excellent in terms of cost and space, and third, can stably achieve this.

Means for solving the problems

[0008] <<Regarding each claim>> The technical means of the present invention for solving such problems are as follows, as described in the claims. Regarding Claim 1, it is as follows. The nori bundle alignment and conveyance device of Claim 1 is disposed between the nori count and accumulation device and the bundling device in the nori production line. , having a lifting plate, an aligning plate, and a conveyor It is an alignment and conveyance device, The alignment and conveyance device receives the nori bundles dropped from the count and accumulation device, aligns them, and conveys them out to the bundling device. Thus, the alignment and conveyance device can perform the process of receiving a single bundle of nori bundles, aligning them, and conveying them out as a bundle with the number of nori sheets in a single bundle, and the process of sequentially receiving multiple bundles of nori bundles, aligning them, stacking them, and conveying them out as a bundle with the total number of nori sheets from multiple bundles. and the lifting plate receives, loads, and descends the laver bundles that are counted, accumulated, and dropped by the above counting and accumulating device for each number of laver sheets in a bundle the aligning plate stands up, pushes, and aligns the laver bundles loaded and descended by the lifting plate from all sides, and the conveyor transfers the aligned laver bundles from the descended lifting plate and carries them out to the above binding device when the aligning and conveying device processes a plurality of bundles of laver bundles, the receiving and loading of the laver bundles by the lifting plate and the alignment of the laver bundles by the aligning plate are sequentially repeated, and each laver bundle that has been aligned on the lifting plate is stacked It is characterized by the above.

[0009] Regarding Claim 2, it is as follows. The nori bundle alignment and conveyance device of Claim 2 In claim 1, when the lifting plate processes a plurality of bundles of laver bundles, it descends at a constant descent distance corresponding to the thickness of the laver bundle for each reception and loading of the laver bundle It is characterized in that the drop distance of the laver bundle from the above counting and accumulating device is maintained at a required constant value by repeating the stepwise descent of such a lifting plate

[0010] Regarding Claim 3, it is as follows. The nori bundle alignment and conveyance device of Claim 3 In claim 1, the number of laver sheets in a bundle is set to 10, and when processing a plurality of bundles of laver bundles, the number of laver sheets in the bundle obtained by summing up a plurality of bundles carried out is 50 or 100, etc., which is characterized

[0011] Regarding claim 4, as follows The method for aligning and conveying laver bundles according to claim 4 is arranged between the counting and accumulating device and the binding device of the laver bundle in the laver production line, having a lifting plate, an aligning plate, and a conveyor. The lifting plate receives, loads, and descends the laver bundles that are counted, accumulated, and dropped by the above counting and accumulating device for each number of laver sheets in a bundle. The aligning plate stands up, pushes, and aligns the laver bundles loaded and descended by the lifting plate from all sides. The conveyor transfers the aligned laver bundles from the descended lifting plate and carries them out to the above binding device. When the aligning and conveying device processes a plurality of bundles of laver bundles, the receiving and loading of the laver bundles by the lifting plate and the alignment of the laver bundles by the aligning plate are sequentially repeated, and each laver bundle that has been aligned on the lifting plate is stacked. Using the aligning and conveying device for laver bundles characterized by this the above laver bundle production line has a laver bundle counting and accumulating process, an aligning and conveying process, and a binding process, and follows them in order In the alignment and conveyance process, as a method for aligning and conveying laver bundles, with respect to the laver bundles from the above-mentioned counting and accumulating process, it is characterized in that it is possible to perform a process of receiving one bundle, aligning it, and discharging it to the above-mentioned bundling process, and a process of receiving a plurality of bundles, aligning them, stacking them, and discharging them to the above-mentioned bundling process.

[0012] 《Regarding the operation, etc.》 Since the present invention is composed of such means, it is as follows. (1) The seaweed bundle alignment, conveying device and method of the present invention are applicable to a production line that bundles and ships seaweed as flat seaweed. And not only can a single bundle of seaweed be processed, but multiple bundles can also be processed. (2) When processing multiple bundles of seaweed bundles, the receiving and stacking of the seaweed bundles by the lifting plate and the alignment by the alignment plate are sequentially repeated. (3) Thus, multiple bundles of seaweed bundles that have been aligned on the lifting plate are stacked, and a seaweed bundle with the number of seaweed sheets obtained by combining multiple bundles is carried out by a conveyor. (4) As described above, in the alignment and conveying device and method of the present invention, not only can a single bundle be processed, but multiple bundles can also be processed. Since multiple bundles are processed, there is no need for a separate process and device for stacking multiple bundles. (5) And such multiple-bundle processing can be achieved by using the conventional alignment, conveying device and method for single-bundle processing, without particularly requiring cost or space. (6) By the way, when processing multiple bundles, the lifting plate descends by a descending distance corresponding to the thickness of a single bundle of seaweed every time it receives and stacks the seaweed bundles. Thus, the falling distance of the seaweed bundle from the count accumulation device to the lifting plate is maintained at a required constant value. (7) On the other hand, if the falling distance of the seaweed bundle is increased and becomes longer by adding more than the required constant value, there is a risk that the seaweed bundle will be displaced, disturbed, and scattered during the fall, but these are prevented. (8) The descent of such a lifting plate is performed by controlling the driving time of the motor of its drive mechanism with a sensor or a timer. (9) Typically, a single bundle of seaweed has 10 sheets, and a bundle obtained by combining multiple bundles has 50 or 100 sheets of seaweed. However, other numbers of seaweed sheets are also possible. For example, if the number of seaweed sheets in a single bundle is increased, there is an advantage that the processing capacity of the device is improved. (10) Now, the present invention exhibits the following effects.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] 《The First Effect》 First, it is possible to process multiple bundles. In the nori bundle alignment and conveyance device and the alignment and conveyance method of the present invention, it is possible to process multiple bundles of nori bundles. It is possible to sequentially receive, align, stack multiple bundles of nori bundles, and carry them out as a bundle of the total number of nori sheets obtained by combining the multiple bundles. In a production line for tying and shipping nori without bending the flat nori, not only can a single bundle of nori be processed, but it is also possible to process multiple bundles in this way.

[0014] <<Second Effect>> Second, it is excellent in terms of cost and space. In the nori bundle alignment and conveyance device and the alignment and conveyance method of the present invention, for a production line that ties and ships nori while keeping it flat, not only can a single bundle of nori be processed, but it is also possible to process multiple bundles of nori. It is possible to process them as a bundle of the total number of nori sheets obtained by combining multiple bundles. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide a bundle stacking process and a bundle stacking device as in the conventional example described above, and it is possible to use the conventional processes and devices for processing. Therefore, it is excellent in terms of the cost and space of the production line, and can contribute to the realization of a production line that matches the limited cost and space conditions of the production factory, such as avoiding the elongation and enlargement of the production line. That is, in the case of a total number of nori sheets obtained by combining multiple bundles as in the conventional example, it is not necessary to prepare the nori bundles carried out one by one from the alignment and conveyance device in the alignment and conveyance process with a bundle stacking device in the bundle stacking process before supplying them to the bundling device in the bundling process. Therefore, it is excellent in terms of the mechanical cost, space, location, area, etc. of the device, and can contribute to the realization of a production line that matches the limited cost and space conditions of the production factory, such as avoiding the elongation and enlargement of the production line.

[0015] <<Third Effect>> Third, moreover, this is stably realized. In the nori bundle alignment and conveyance device of the present invention, when processing multiple bundles of nori bundles, the lifting plate descends by a certain distance corresponding to the thickness of the nori bundle every time it receives, stacks, and loads each nori bundle. With such a stepwise descent, the falling distance of the laver bundles from the counting and accumulating device is maintained at a necessary constant value. If the falling distance becomes longer, there is a risk that the unbundled laver bundles will be displaced and scattered during the fall, but such a risk is prevented. Thus, the effects exerted by the present invention, such as all the problems existing in this type of conventional technology being solved, are remarkable and great.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 《Summary of the Present Invention》 The summary of the present invention is as follows. First, regarding the alignment and conveyance device 8 for the laver bundle N of the present invention, it is as follows. This device 8 receives the laver bundle N dropped from the count accumulation device 3, aligns it, and unloads it to the bundling device 5. Of course, the process of receiving a single laver bundle N, aligning it, and unloading it as a bundle of the number of laver sheets in one bundle, and the process of sequentially receiving a plurality of laver bundles N, aligning them, stacking them, and unloading them as a bundle of the total number of laver sheets combined are possible. The elevating plate 9 receives and loads the laver bundles N dropped from the count integrating device 3, and then descends. The aligning plate 10 aligns the laver bundles N loaded and descended by the elevating plate 9, and the conveyor 11 transfers the laver bundles N from the elevating plate 9 that has descended and conveys them out. When processing a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N, the receiving and loading of the laver bundles N by the elevating plate 9 and the alignment by the aligning plate 10 are sequentially repeated, and each laver bundle N is stacked on the elevating plate 9.

[0018] Next, the method for aligning and conveying the laver bundles N of the present invention is as follows. The production line of the laver bundles N sequentially follows a count integration step, an alignment and conveyance step, and a bundling step. In the alignment and conveyance step, for the laver bundles N, it is possible to perform a process of receiving, aligning, and conveying out one bundle, and a process of receiving, aligning, stacking, and conveying out a plurality of bundles. The outline of the present invention is as described above. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0019] 《Regarding the Drawings》 First, the drawings will be described. As described above, the alignment and conveyance device 8 of the present invention can perform the processing operation B for one bundle of laver bundles N and the processing operation A for a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N. And FIGS. 1, 2, 3, FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and FIGS. 9, 10(1), etc. are used for explaining the processing operation A for a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N. FIG. 11 is used for explaining the processing operation B for one bundle of laver bundles N. FIG. 8 is used for explaining the production line of laver. It should be noted that FIGS. 1(1), (2), FIGS. 4(1), (2), and FIGS. 9(2), (3) show the same first step (falling step) and second step (aligning step) for the processing operation A, respectively. Similarly, FIGS. 2(1), (2), FIGS. 5(1), (2), and FIGS. 9(5), (6) show the same third step (falling step) and fourth step (aligning step) for the processing operation A, respectively. Similarly, (1), (2), and (3) of FIG. 3 and (1), (2), and (3) of FIG. 6 each show the same repetitive processes (final drop process), repetitive process (final alignment process), and unloading process (final process) for processing operation A. Regarding the drawings, it is as described above.

[0020] 《Method for Aligning and Conveying Nori Bundles》 First, with reference to (1) and (2) of FIG. 8, the method for aligning and conveying the nori bundles N of the present invention will be described. The production line for these nori bundles N has a count accumulation process, an alignment and conveyance process, and a bundling process, and these are followed in order. And in the alignment and conveyance process, two processes are possible as the method for aligning and conveying the nori bundles N. That is, regarding the nori bundles N from the count accumulation process, it is of course possible to perform a processing operation B of receiving one bundle, aligning it, and unloading it to the bundling process, and also a processing operation A of receiving a plurality of bundles, aligning them, stacking them, and unloading them as a nori bundle N' with a number of nori sheets such as 50 or 100 obtained by adding up the plurality of bundles.

[0021] Regarding such an alignment and conveyance method, it will be described in more detail. First, in the nori production line targeted by the present invention, the nori is bundled and shipped as flat nori spread out without being bent. And in that production line, the flat nori unloaded one by one from the drying device 1 in the drying process is → quality inspected and sorted by the inspection device 2 in the inspection process, → count accumulated as a nori bundle N with, for example, 10 nori sheets by the count accumulation device 3 in the count accumulation process. → Then, in the production line of the present invention, in the alignment and conveyance device 8 in the alignment and conveyance process, processing of one nori bundle N (processing operation B) and processing of a plurality of nori bundles N (processing operation A) are performed. That is, in the alignment and conveyance process of the present invention, as the method for aligning and conveying the nori bundles N, for the nori bundles N with, for example, 10 nori sheets from the count accumulation process, a processing operation B of receiving one bundle, aligning it, and unloading it, and a processing operation A of receiving a plurality of bundles, aligning them, stacking them, and unloading them as a nori bundle N' with a number of nori sheets such as 50 or 100 obtained by adding up the plurality of bundles are possible. →In the processing operation A, after that, such a bundle N' of flat laver with the number of laver sheets being 50, 100, etc. (refer to Fig. (2) of Fig. 7) is bundled with a bundling tape T by a bundling device 5 in the next bundling step (refer to Fig. (3) of Fig. 7), packed in a packing section 7 in the boxing step, and then shipped out. In the processing operation B, after that, a bundle N of flat laver with the number of laver sheets being 10, etc. is bundled, boxed, and shipped out. Regarding the alignment and conveyance method of the laver bundle N, it is as described above.

[0022] 《Regarding the Alignment and Conveyance Device 8 for the Laver Bundle N》 Hereinafter, the alignment and conveyance device 8 for the laver bundle N of the present invention will be described. This alignment and conveyance device 8 is disposed between a count accumulation device 3 and a bundling device 5 in a laver production line, receives the laver bundle N dropped from the count accumulation device 3, aligns it, and carries it out to the bundling device 5 (refer to Fig. (2) of Fig. 8). And the alignment and conveyance device 8 can, of course, perform the processing operation B (refer to Fig. 11) of receiving a bundle of laver bundles N, aligning them, and carrying them out as a bundle with the number of laver sheets for one bundle. Moreover, it can perform the processing operation A (refer to Figs. 1 to 3, Figs. 4 to 6, Fig. 9, Fig. 10(1), etc.) of sequentially receiving a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N, aligning them, stacking them, and carrying them out as a laver bundle N' with the number of laver sheets obtained by adding up the plurality of bundles. That is, this alignment and conveyance device 8 can first perform the processing operation B of receiving a bundle (typically 10 laver sheets) of laver bundles N, aligning them, and then carrying them out as a bundle with the number of laver sheets for one bundle as they are. And it can perform the processing operation A of sequentially receiving a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N (typically 10 laver sheets), sequentially aligning them, sequentially stacking them, and then carrying them out as a laver bundle N' (typically 50 or 100 laver sheets) with the number of laver sheets obtained by adding up each plurality of bundles N. Incidentally, one laver sheet (flat laver) is in the shape of a substantially rectangular thin sheet with a length of 210 mm (~230 mm), a width of 190 mm (~200 mm), and a thickness (thickness of the sheet) of about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. Regarding the alignment and conveyance device 8 for the laver bundle N, it is as described above.

[0023] About the elevating plate 9, the aligning plate 10, and the conveyor 11 The aligning and conveying device 8 has an elevating plate 9, an aligning plate 10, and a conveyor 11. The elevating plate 9 receives and loads the laver bundles N that are counted, accumulated, and dropped by the count accumulating device 3 for each number of laver sheets in a bundle, and then descends. The aligning plate 10 stands up, pushes, and aligns the laver bundles N loaded and descended on the elevating plate 9 from all four sides. The conveyor 11 transfers the aligned laver bundles N from the descended elevating plate 9 and carries them out to the bundling device 5. When processing a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N in the processing operation A, the receiving and loading of the laver bundles N by the elevating plate 9 and the alignment of the laver bundles N by the aligning plate 10 are sequentially repeated, so that each laver bundle N is stacked on the elevating plate 9.

[0024] The elevating plate 9 is in the shape of a flat plate and can be elevated and lowered by a drive mechanism 12. The drive mechanism 12 includes a motor 13, the motor shaft 14 is connected to a drive shaft 15 via a transmission mechanism, and the drive shaft 15 that moves up and down is fixed under the elevating plate 9. Reference numeral 16 in the figure is a frame (see FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 7(1), FIG. 11, etc.). Thus, the elevating plate 9 can move up and down between the uppermost position C (see FIG. 1(1), FIG. 4(1), etc.) and the lowermost position D (see FIG. 3(3), FIG. 6(3), FIG. 11(2), etc.).

[0025] The conveyor 11 can carry out the aligned laver bundles N from the elevating plate 9 that descends to the lowermost position D directly below the left - right interval thereof to the bundling device 5 after transferring them during the descent (see FIG. 3(3), FIG. 6(3), FIG. 11(2), etc.). The conveyor 11 typically uses a V - belt 17, and its drive part 18 includes a motor 19 and a roller 20. In the illustrated conveyor 11, two left - right V - belts 17 are arranged at an interval, and a passage interval for the elevating plate 9 that descends and ascends between the uppermost position C and the lowermost position D is formed between the left - right V - belts 17. Thus, the lifting plate 9 is configured to transfer the loaded laver bundles N to the conveyor 11 at a position where the passing interval during descent is (at the final stage of descent immediately before the lowest position D). The passing interval between the left and right V-belts 17 of the conveyor 11 is set wider than the width of the lifting plate 9 and narrower than the width of the laver bundle N.

[0026] The alignment plate 10 is capable of aligning operations of standing up, pushing, and aligning the laver bundles N loaded on the lifting plate 9 from all directions. At the standing position E, the four sides of the laver bundle N loaded on the lifting plate 9 during descent are intermittently tapped and pushed respectively, so as to align and arrange the laver bundle N. In the figure, 21 is the drive mechanism of the alignment plate 10. That is, the alignment plate 10 is arranged inside and outside the V-belts 17 of the conveyor 11, and thus is located in front of, behind, to the left, and to the right of the laver bundle N to be aligned. And it can open and close and undulate between the standing position E (refer to Fig. (2) of Fig. 1, Fig. (2) of Fig. 2, Fig. (2) of Fig. 3, Fig. (2) of Fig. 4, Fig. (2) of Fig. 5, Fig. (2) of Fig. 6, Fig. (1) of Fig. 11, etc.) and the retracted position F (refer to Fig. (1) of Fig. 1, Fig. (1) of Fig. 2, Fig. (1) and Fig. (3) of Fig. 3, Fig. (1) of Fig. 4, Fig. (1) of Fig. 5, Fig. (1) and Fig. (3) of Fig. 6, Fig. (2) of Fig. 11, etc.). Regarding the lifting plate 9, the alignment plate 10, and the conveyor 11, it is as described above.

[0027] 《Processing Operation A for Multiple Bundles》 Next, the processing operation A for multiple laver bundles N by the alignment and conveying device 8 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3, Figs. 4 to 6, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, etc. · First Step (Falling Step) (refer to Fig. (1) of Fig. 1, Fig. (1) of Fig. 4, Fig. (1) and Fig. (2) of Fig. 9, etc.): First, the lifting plate 9 is at the uppermost position C, and receives and loads a single laver bundle N (for example, 10 laver sheets) that has fallen from the count and accumulation device 3. When a predetermined number of laver sheets have accumulated, the count and accumulation device 3 rotates the left and right blade parts and drops them as a single laver bundle N. The count and accumulation device 3 may be directly attached to the inspection device 2, or may be attached via a conveyor.

[0028] · Second step (alignment step) (refer to Fig. (2) of Fig. 1, Fig. (2) of Fig. 4, Fig. (3) and (4) of Fig. 9, etc.): Then, in processing operation A, the lifting plate 9 loaded with a bundle of laver bundles N descends by a certain descending distance L (refer to Fig. (1) of Fig. 10) and stops. During this period, a bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the descending lifting plate 9 is pushed from all four sides by the alignment plate 10 that has risen from the retracted position F to the standing position E to perform an alignment operation, and then descends and retracts to the original retracted position F.

[0029] · Third step (falling step) (refer to Fig. (1) of Fig. 2, Fig. (1) of Fig. 5, Fig. (4) and (5) of Fig. 9, etc.): After that, the next bundle of laver bundles N falls onto a bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the stationary lifting plate 9. That is, the second bundle of laver bundles N falls from the count accumulation device 3 onto the first bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the lifting plate 9 that had descended by a certain descending distance L and was waiting, and is received and stacked.

[0030] · Fourth step (alignment step) (refer to Fig. (2) of Fig. 2, Fig. (2) of Fig. 5, Fig. (6) and (7) of Fig. 9, etc.): Next, the lifting plate 9 on which the first and second bundles of laver bundles N are stacked and loaded descends by a further certain descending distance L (refer to Fig. (1) of Fig. 10) and stops. During this period, the second bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the descending lifting plate 9 is aligned by the alignment plate 10. That is, the second bundle of laver bundles N on the first bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the lifting plate 9 is aligned by the alignment plate 10 that has risen from the retracted position F to the standing position E. After that, the alignment plate 10 descends and retracts to the original retracted position F.

[0031] · Repeating step (falling step and alignment step) (refer to the final falling step and final alignment step in Fig. (1) and (2) of Fig. 3, Fig. (1) and (2) of Fig. 6): After that, in processing operation A, the receiving and loading of laver bundles N by the lifting plate 9 and the alignment of laver bundles N by the alignment plate 10 as described above are sequentially repeated. That is, including the above-described first to fourth steps, the receiving, loading, and alignment operations are repeated the number of times corresponding to the number of bundles of laver bundles N dropped. The drawings show the final dropping step and the final alignment step. For example, when carrying out a bundle of laver N' with 50 laver sheets from 10 bundles of laver N, the number of repetitions is 5 times. When carrying out a bundle of laver N' with 100 laver sheets, the number of repetitions is 10 times. Thus, on the lifting plate 9 that has repeatedly descended step by step, bundles of laver with the number of sheets obtained by summing up a plurality of bundles, that is, laver bundles N', are stacked.

[0032] Unloading process (final process) (see (3) of Fig. 3, (3) of Fig. 6, etc.): The lifting plate 9 on which the laver bundles N' are stacked and loaded then descends toward the lowermost position D. Then, the conveyor 11 that is stopped transfers the laver bundles N' that are stacked, loaded, and have completed alignment from the lifting plate 9 that is descending toward the lowermost position D directly below the left - right interval of its V - belt 17 during the descent. Thus, the conveyor 11 starts to unload the laver bundles N in alignment and convey them outside the alignment and conveyance device 8 and toward the bundling device 5. The lifting plate 9 waits at the lowermost position D until the laver bundles N' are completely unloaded from directly above by the conveyor 11, and then ascends to the uppermost position C below the count and accumulation device 3. Regarding the processing operation A for a plurality of bundles, it is as described above.

[0033] 《Processing operation B for a single bundle》 Next, the processing operation B for a single laver bundle N by the alignment and conveyance device 8 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Incidentally, the processing operation B of this alignment and conveyance device 8 conforms to the processing operation of the alignment and conveyance device 4 in the above - described conventional example. · First step (dropping step) (omitted from illustration as it is common to (1) of Fig. 1 and (1) of Fig. 4 described above): The lifting plate 9 is waiting at the upper position and receives and loads a single laver bundle N (for example, 10 laver sheets) dropped from the count and accumulation device 3. · Second step (alignment step) (see (1) of Fig. 11): In the processing operation A, the lifting plate 9 loaded with a bundle of laver bundles N then descends toward the lowest position D. During this time, the alignment plate 10 that stands up from the retracted position F to the standing position E performs an alignment operation on the bundle of laver bundles N loaded on the descending lifting plate 9, and then descends and retracts to the original retracted position F. ·Unloading process (final process) (see Fig. 11(2)): The lifting plate 9 loaded with a bundle of laver bundles N descends. Then, the conveyor 11 that is stopped transfers the laver bundle N that is loaded and has completed alignment from the lifting plate 9 descending toward the lowest position D directly below the left - right interval of its V - belt 17 while the lifting plate 9 is descending. Thus, the conveyor 11 unloads the laver bundle N toward the bundling device 5. After that, the lifting plate 9 ascends from the lowest position D to the original upper position. Regarding the processing operation B for one bundle, it is as described above.

[0034] 《Function, etc.》 The present invention is configured as described above. Therefore, the following effects are obtained. (1) The laver bundle N alignment and conveying device 8 and the alignment and conveying method of the present invention are applicable to a production line that bundles and ships laver without bending the laver while it is flat. And the processing operation B of receiving, aligning, and unloading one bundle, of course (see Fig. 11), and the processing operation A of receiving, aligning, and unloading multiple bundles are possible (see also Figs. 1 - 3, Figs. 4 - 6, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10(1)). For example, such processing operation B and processing operation A can be switched and implemented.

[0035] (2) When processing multiple bundles of laver bundles N, in this alignment and conveying device 8, the receiving and loading of the laver bundles N by the lifting plate 9 and the alignment of the laver bundles N by the alignment plate 10 are sequentially repeated.

[0036] (3) When processing multiple bundles, multiple bundles of laver bundles N that are loaded and have completed alignment are stacked on the lifting plate 9, and a laver bundle N' obtained by aggregating multiple bundles, that is, a laver bundle N' with the number of laver sheets obtained by aggregating multiple bundles, is unloaded by the conveyor 11.

[0037] (4) In the aligning and conveying device 8 and the aligning and conveying method of the present invention, as described above, not only the processing of a bundle of laver bundles N but also the processing of a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N are possible. Since a plurality of bundles can be processed, when processing a plurality of bundles, as a prior preparation for the bundling step and the bundling device 5, a bundle stacking step of stacking a plurality of bundles and a bundle stacking device (refer to the conventional examples in FIGS. 8(3) and 8(4)) are no longer required separately.

[0038] (5) And such processing of a plurality of bundles can utilize the aligning and conveying device 4 dedicated to processing a single bundle that has been conventionally used (for example, Patent Document 1 of the above-described conventional example), and it is possible by the aligning and conveying device 8 and the aligning and conveying method having a configuration according to the conventional example, particularly without requiring cost or space. It becomes possible by using configurations such as the lifting plate 9, the aligning plate 10, and the conveyor 11 used in the conventional example.

[0039] (6) By the way, in this aligning and conveying device 8, when processing a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N, the lifting plate 9 is set to descend by a certain descent distance L corresponding to the thickness of a single bundle of laver bundles N every time it receives and loads the laver bundles N. By repeating such stepwise descent of the lifting plate 9, the falling distance H from the count accumulation device 3 of the laver bundles N onto the lifting plate 9 is maintained at a required constant value, the minimum value (refer to FIG. 10(1)).

[0040] (7) On the other hand, when processing a plurality of bundles of laver bundles N, a plan (a reference example not belonging to the present invention) was also considered in which each laver bundle N is directly dropped onto the conveyor 11 in sequence and aligned and stacked without using the lifting plate 9 that repeats stepwise descent as in the present invention (refer to FIG. 10(2)). However, for this plan, the following problem occurs. That is, a further addition distance α (maximum α4) as shown in the figure is required for the required constant falling distance H (for example, about 70 mm) of the laver bundles N from the count accumulation device 3. As a result, the seaweed bundle N that is still not united will be displaced, disturbed, and scattered during the long-distance fall by (H + α), which is the increase in distance. In the present invention, since the falling distance H is maintained at a necessary constant value, such a problem does not occur.

[0041] (8) Now, the descent of the lifting plate 9 at a constant descent distance L is performed by controlling the driving time of the motor 13 of the drive mechanism 12. For example, a combined control of a light transmission type photoelectric switch S that detects the fall of the seaweed bundle N shown in the figure, or a fall signal of the count integrating device 3, and an on-timer or off-timer that turns on or off the timer switch after a certain period of time can be considered. Also, control based only on the photoelectric switch S is possible.

[0042] (9) In a representative example, the number of seaweed sheets in one bundle of the seaweed bundle N dropped from the count integrating device 3 is set to 10. Also, when processing a plurality of seaweed bundles N, the number of seaweed sheets in the combined seaweed bundle N' carried out is composed of 50 or 100. However, in addition to such examples, various settings of the number of seaweed sheets are possible. For example, if the number of seaweed sheets in one bundle is set to a large number of 10 or more, for example, 20, there is an advantage that the processing capacity of the alignment and conveying device 8 is improved accordingly. It becomes possible to reduce the rising time of the lifting plate 9, shorten the processing time, and average it. The operation of the present invention is as described above.

Explanation of Signs

[0043] A Processing operation (processing of multiple bundles) B Processing operation (processing of one bundle) C Topmost position D Lowest position E Standing position F Retracted position H Falling distance L Descent distance N Seaweed bundle (number of seaweed sheets: 10) N' Seaweed bundle (number of seaweed sheets: 50 or 100) S Photoelectric switch T end tape α addition distance 1 drying device 2 inspection device 3 count integration device 4 alignment and conveying device (conventional example) 5 tying device 6 bundle stacking device 7 boxing section 8 alignment and conveying device (the present invention) 9 lifting plate 10 alignment plate 11 conveyor 12 drive mechanism 13 motor 14 motor shaft 15 drive shaft 16 frame 17 V-belt 18 drive mechanism 19 motor 20 roller 21 drive mechanism

Claims

1. An alignment and conveying device having a lifting plate, an alignment plate, and a conveyor, disposed between a seaweed bundle counting and accumulating device and a bundling device in a seaweed production line, the alignment and conveying device receives the seaweed bundles dropped from the counting and accumulating device, aligns them, and conveys them out to the bundling device. Thus, the alignment and conveying device can perform a process of receiving a single bundle of seaweed bundles, aligning them, and conveying them out as a bundle of the number of seaweed sheets corresponding to one bundle, and a process of sequentially receiving, aligning, stacking, and conveying out multiple bundles of seaweed bundles as a bundle of the total number of seaweed sheets obtained by combining multiple bundles. The lifting plate receives, loads, and descends the seaweed bundles that are counted, accumulated, and dropped by the counting and accumulating device for each number of seaweed sheets corresponding to one bundle. The alignment plate stands up, pushes, and aligns the seaweed bundles loaded and descended by the lifting plate from all four sides. The conveyor transfers the aligned seaweed bundles from the descended lifting plate and conveys them out to the bundling device. When processing multiple bundles of seaweed bundles, the alignment and conveying device sequentially repeats the receiving and loading of seaweed bundles by the lifting plate and the alignment of seaweed bundles by the alignment plate, and the aligned seaweed bundles on the lifting plate are stacked on top of each other. The alignment and conveying device for seaweed bundles is characterized by this.

2. In Claim 1, when processing multiple bundles of seaweed bundles, the lifting plate descends at a fixed descent distance corresponding to the thickness of the seaweed bundle for each receiving and loading of the seaweed bundle. The alignment and conveying device for seaweed bundles is characterized in that by repeatedly performing such stepwise descents of the lifting plate, the dropping distance of the seaweed bundles from the counting and accumulating device is maintained at a required fixed value.

3. In Claim 1, the number of seaweed sheets in one bundle of seaweed bundles is set to 10, and when processing multiple bundles of seaweed bundles, the number of seaweed sheets in the bundle obtained by combining multiple bundles, which is conveyed out, is composed of 50 or 100. The alignment and conveying device for seaweed bundles is characterized by this.

4. Arranged between the seaweed bundle counting and accumulating device and the bundling device in the seaweed production line, it has a lifting plate, an alignment plate, and a conveyor. The lifting plate receives, loads, and then descends the seaweed bundles that are counted, accumulated, and dropped by the counting and accumulating device for each bundle of seaweed sheets. The alignment plate stands up, pushes, and aligns the seaweed bundles that are loaded and descended by the lifting plate from all four sides. The conveyor transfers the seaweed bundles that have been aligned from the descending lifting plate and transports them to the above-mentioned bundling device. When processing multiple bundles of seaweed bundles, the alignment and conveying device sequentially repeats the receiving and loading of seaweed bundles by the lifting plate and the alignment of seaweed bundles by the alignment plate, and the seaweed bundles that have been aligned on the lifting plate are stacked on top of each other. It is characterized by using the alignment and conveying device for seaweed bundles. The above-mentioned seaweed bundle production line has a seaweed bundle counting and accumulating process, an alignment and conveying process, and a bundling process, and follows them in order. In the alignment and conveying process, as a method for aligning and conveying seaweed bundles, for the seaweed bundles from the above-mentioned counting and accumulating process, it is possible to perform a process of receiving one bundle, aligning it, and transporting it to the above-mentioned bundling process, and a process of receiving multiple bundles, aligning them, stacking them, and transporting them to the above-mentioned bundling process. It is characterized by the alignment and conveying method for seaweed bundles.

Images